Simon Avery23/12/03 8:35

Sacha wrote:

Hello Sacha

S His widow has just told us that the National Trust is
S holding an Open Day on 20 February at Greenway, in memory of
S Frank Lavin, long-time gardener to Agatha Christie. Frank
S died this autumn.

Sorry to hear that. I didn't know him, but I worked there for several
years on and off clearing up the devastation caused by the 88
hurricane. Greenaway lost a huge amount of trees, many of them
incredibly rare.

He was a really lovely man - one of the old-fashioned gardeners who really
knew his stuff and was happy to share it and pass it on to others.

snip
when I was there we were
the first people to see some of this stuff for years. Agatha's son-in-
law knew where everything was, but he couldn't get around to check it
so good.

I think both the Hicks are quite frail now.

My boss was working there during the storm itself. He had enough and
wanted to go home, so started back along the road. Had to stop to
clear a tree blocking the road, and while he was clearing that, more
were falling behind and ahead of him. I can imagine it was a bit of a
horrible thing...

Anyway - great place to visit, especially if you can get to walk
around the gardens. They weren't publically accessible back then, but
maybe they've been opened up now?

I think they've done a lot of work. One of the nicer ways of getting there
is by the river Dart. Details are on the Greenway site within the NT site.
Not only does this make a pleasant approach to the property, it does a lot
to relieve congestion in those incredibly narrow lanes.

Here's a reply I got today from the NT, giving details of this Open Day:
"Dear Mrs Hubbard,
Thank you for your recent enquiry. The memorial day you were asking
about is one of our Magnolia Walks. Friday 20th February all profits
from the day will go to Rowcroft in memory of Frank Lavin.
We do need you to book your tickets, please, especially as we have to
book all car parking spaces. The walk starts at 10.30 and is a guided
walk around the early Spring Colour especially Magnolias and Camellias.
There will be a delicious two course lunch in the Cafe afterwards.
Tickets are £9.50 a head. Please do either book via e mail or telephone
01803 842382. The office closes today until Wednesday 7th January.
I attach some information on the garden for your interest."


I've just rung the NT who say that if anyone wants to book, they send a
cheque after Christmas, made payable to the NT. If you want a car parking
space (v. limited) you need to give the car reg. no. The Greenway ferry
will be going from Dittisham, opposite the estate's landing but they don't
think the Dart ferries from Dartmouth or Totnes will be running by then.
--

Sacha
(remove the 'x' to email me)