Thanks in part to the generosity of the NT team behind the South Shropshire Portfolio, SSNTV was able to hold its Christmas celebrations in the bunkhouse at the Mose at Dudmaston this year. The bunkhouse has been refurbished and technically is a completely different one on the same plot to that which SSNTV has used for Christmas in previous years and before Covid intervened. As a thank you for all the efforts during the year, it’s a chance to relax and recount some stories of workdays long since past and present day.
So happily last Saturday evening, this year was no different – with a roast turkey Christmas dinner; a chance to catch up and relax; and for the other day visitors to admire the uprated facilities. A few glitches aside, the conclusion was that the overall standard has been raised. It seemed like a few of the evening’s day visitors would also be keen to be back for a longer stay.
There was plenty of space in the dining room and also plenty of food on the plates. Excellent tasting turkey with all the trimmings was followed by exceptionally good home-made Christmas and Sticky Toffee puddings – well done Mags in particular!
Compliments to the chefs Chrissie, Mags and Matthew – who coped with the new kitchen – and even noticed what no other guests had done during the year – pointing out that the oven cooker hob had been fitted back-to-front, even if it did still work!
Oh yes, and for those who weren’t present and party to the discussion – what’s the question? If the answer (as yet subject to official scrutiny) is:
Ron M, Ian T, John W and David B in that order (….answers on a postcard!)
As the last couple of night owls put the world to rights deep after midnight, it wasn’t long before early riser Chris was up and putting out the breakfast stuff ready for another workday amongst the trees!
Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers 