Every month we feature two blogs written by volunteers, one describes an object in the Palace and one a plant from the Garden. It is a great way for us all to learn more about the Palace. If you would like to contribute there is no set format so, please do send us your ideas!
This month we hear from Lee, an Events and Front of House volunteer, who has much experience welcoming visitors to the Palace who are enjoying a spot of sun on the Palace’s main lawn.
***
One of the numerous Front of House volunteer duties is to take a stroll around the main lawn from time to time, particularly on the warmer days.
Sunrise over All Saints’ Church
I like to stop for a quick chat, firstly asking if they are enjoying their day, whilst politely reminding, or perhaps if they are not aware, telling them of Fulham Palace’s site expectations as a historic house and botanical garden.
View of the Palace’s main lawn through the 500 year old holm oak
It is wonderful seeing visitors enjoying the beautifully kept gardens, maintained by a very hard working team of gardeners and dedicated volunteers. I like to mention to happy groups sitting on the grass with their picnics, as bare footed children run past in the sunshine, that they are walking on history, because beneath their picnic blankets, and those lovely little bare toes, are many areas of historic interest. One example is the Medieval Chapel, the outline of which is clear when the sun bleaches the grass in front of the cafe terrace.
So, now I can encourage you, to stop, and spare a moment whilst enjoying the main lawn, to ponder those that many years before, may have also walked bare foot on the grass!
Lee Copeland,
Front of House, Tour Guide, Events, Volunteer Representative, Community Champion and Conservation in Action Volunteer (Wow - what an impressive list of roles!)
Please send your ideas for Object / Specimen of the Month blogs to rachel.bagnall-bray@fulhampalace.org. If you would like some help, please let us know.