Welcome to our spring newsletter. When you receive this I hope the worst of the cold weather will be over. It says a lot for the determination of the volunteers at Copped Hall that, on one of the coldest snow-bound Sundays, the Racquets Court was full of people.
They could not dig in the garden, as it was frozen solid, but they still came along – regardless. We actually cancelled two of the worst Sunday volunteer days but a number came up to Copped Hall anyway!
We move into another year with much enthusiasm. This year will be the first time the saloon on the first floor will be used for our events. The last time it could have been used was probably in 1775, before it was sub-divided into the library and dressing room. Some of our events will still use the south room, on the ground floor, but the saloon will certainly be used for the study days, piano recitals, the Fitzwilliam Quartet and the 18th century dancing. These particular events are very suitable for the saloon as such entertainment would have taken place there in the 1700s. The Covent Garden Minuet Company will perform in 18th century costume which will assist in recreating the period atmosphere. In my judgement, the view from the saloon down the causeway and over to Hertfordshire is possibly one of the best views from any mansion in Essex.
Although I am rather ancient, I often wander around the house and gardens to see how everything is going. One of the things that never fails to please me is that there is always some new restoration project under way wherever I look – and all is so carefully done.
Copped Hall is truly a wonderful project which encourages people to give of their best. Finally, I would like to thank all those kind people who support our efforts in so many different ways. Since the last newsletter, a number of individuals have also given the Trust donations which are very gratefully received. Each year we move closer to being able to fulfil the community objectives of the long campaign started in 1986.
Denys Favre
Chairman, The Copped Hall Trust