When we made the difficult decision to begin postponing events here at Coombe Trenchard 10 weeks ago, I'm not sure any of us were able to really grasp or appreciate just how much Covid-19 would alter life as we knew it, leaving no stone unturned.
And whilst this virus has given each and every one of us huge personal and professional challenges - with many lives sadly lost and livelihoods seriously compromised - mother nature has been thriving quietly and calmly every day, reminding us that we can and will thrive again too.
The garden wildlife, promising green shoots and beautiful blooms have certainly helped to sooth our sorrows here, as we've been forced to slow down to take each day as it comes… with the vivid blue sky, warm sunshine and family bonds a blessing beyond measure.
This weekend we, like many festival organisers and venues, should have been opening our gates to welcome exhibitors and visitors in their thousands from all corners of the South West for the 9th year of our much loved English Country Garden Festival. And what a time it would have been sharing the most exciting collective of exhibitors we've ever had with our growing audience and show supporters in this glorious sunshine.
If you haven't already done so, we’d love you to save the date for our 2021 Festival, which will take place on the 5th and 6th of June next year. An event for us all to look forward to.
Of course we should also be sharing Coombe Trenchard with wedding couples and their chosen guests, with our popular garden and house tour visitors, and our supper club followers too - and yet for now Coombe Trenchard sits quietly this summer, holding us tight, as we stay safe, well, and positive.
We greatly miss the buzz of welcoming guests and visitors, and we are missing all the celebrations of summer that should be unfolding right now through the unique and special events perfectly placed at Coombe Trenchard.
But we are, and will continue to be patient. And we have, and will continue to work closely with our wedding couples, our festival exhibitors, our supporters, and our greatly valued country house community to get through this.
We cannot wait to open our gates again when it is safe and right to do so. And when we do, the wait will be worth it. Happy times will be savoured again amongst the beauty of our historic walls and gardens, of that we remain hopeful.
Until then, perhaps you might like to enjoy a carefree moment by visiting us virtually via one of my IGTV videos, or by clicking this link to our short film on you tube.
New enquiries and any questions regarding an existing or new Coombe Trenchard event opportunity or visit remain welcome to get in touch with me at any time. It will be my pleasure to hear from you.
Take care,
Sarah x
Images with thanks to Claire Kinchin, Venetia Norrington and My Little Eye.