Come and join in these friendly sessions rain or shine.
Bring sketch books, camera, paints, pencils, something to sit on, and if you prefer an easel.
Work in any medium, on your own or in a group. The venues are chosen for their convenience re. refreshments, shelter, car parks and toilets.
Tuesday 19 June – 2.00pm Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton TA2 8LQ for satnav
A Grade II listed building which features an Edwardian garden created by Luytens and Jekyll within the 50-acre landscape garden created by C.W. Bampfylde. Woodlands and lakes feature.
Directions: Gardens are 5.9 miles from J25 of M5. From the motorway to Cheddon Fitzpaine the route is marked with brown daisy signs. Use TA2 8LQ on satnav. The gardens are open from 10am to 5pm. If you decide to enter before we meet at the Ticket Office at 2.00pm the fee for non-members will be £10.70. If you meet Sandy at the Ticket Office for the 2pm entry, the fee will be £5.90 pp. Parking is free. WC and café available.
Monday 2 July – 2.00pm Topsham Quay EX3 0JB
Meet near Quay Antiques Centre where some parking is available nearby. Parking (payable until 5pm) is £3 for 2 hours, £4 for 3 hours. Cafes with WC nearby. Meet to car share at St Peter’s Church, Tiverton at around 1.00pm.
Tuesday 24 July – 2.00pm Cruwys Morchard EX16 8LD
This village has Holy Cross Church (a mixture of medieval & 18th century architecture), a pond and a Manor House with garden to which we are invited for sketching. The manor has been the home of the Cruwys family since the reign of King John.
Directions: From Tiverton take the B3137 towards Witheridge. In 6 miles at Pages Cross turn left off the main road. Follow the road until you reach the parish hall where Hilary will meet us to give further directions for the Manor House.
After sketching Hilary has kindly offered to provide access to a WC and a cuppa in the village hall. The Cruwys Arms pub opens at 5.30pm!
Thursday 16 August – 2.00pm Bickleigh Castle EX16 8RP
A fortified manor with courtyard, a Norman chapel and gardens. Former home to the Courtenay and Carew families.
Directions: From Tiverton take the A396 to Bickleigh. At Bickleigh keep right following the A3072 signed to Crediton. After a short distance take a left signed for the Castle. Parking is on the right hand side in a clearing before you reach the main buildings. Meet in front of the Castle at 2.00pm. WC available & we will make a donation for our visit.
Thursday 23 August – 2.30pm Tiverton Castle EX16 6RP
Originally built in 1106 by order of Henry I and enlarged in the 13th & 14th centuries. A lovely place for sketching with castle, ruins and walled garden. Parking is on site & free. Meet inside the gardens at 2.30pm when it opens. WC available and owner, Alison, usually makes us a cuppa towards the end of the afternoon. £2 for entrance to the gardens only (£7 if you also wish to go inside the Castle).
We are planning a couple of sketching afternoons in September and will advise details later. If you wish to have a lift to a venue or would like to offer space in your car to others, please drop an email to sandymawer@ymail.com.