Jamie's Gardening Conundrum

I've been a volunteer gardener at Fulham Palace for nearly 2 years, if you can believe it, so you would think I would be getting the hang of things by now, but alas no. There are still an awful lot of things I find perplexing. To strike a blow at random:-

Heavy Lifting

Apparently, I need training on how to lift a heavy object (and, indeed, in climbing a ladder). After 60+ years one would have thought I had some experience in such matters, but no. You see - I haven't got a certificate. I am still awaiting an answer from HASP (Health and Safety Police) to my enquiry as to whether there is an additional badge for clasping a heavy object to my person whilst climbing a ladder.

Limbo Dancing

Whilst manning the barrow (and by the way, sales up to 1st October are confidently predicted to be £5,200) I'm sometimes asked by members of the public to cut some kale, chard etc. for them. Always delighted to oblige, but why is the netting over the produce so low? Is it really necessary for me to slither about to cut said produce with the ever present threat of my secateurs snipping something they shouldn't?

Lethal Weapons

Whilst on the subject of secateurs, can someone please explain why we can roam the garden at will armed with secateurs, shears, long handles etc. without HASP (see above) seeming to lose any sleep?

Wisteria and Catherine of Aragon

Why is wisteria so spelled if it is named in honour of Caspar Wistar?

Catherine of Aragon apparently spent some time here after the death of her first husband Prince Arthur and before her marriage to Henry VIII. For how long? The odd day trip, or a more settled visit?

Bindweed, Nettle Roots etc.

As we know, these are real no-nos for the compost. So where do they end up? Is there some mysterious garden limbo maintained by Hammersmith & Fulham Council?

Biscuits

How ever big a packet of biscuits I may bring, how come they have all disappeared by lunch time ? (I suspect the apprentices myself).

Mobile Phone

I know that my phone may be a few years old (a.k.a. out of the ark) but why does it produce howls of derision if I produce it in the Bothy at lunch time?

Regards,

Jamie Atwell

Introducing Kinga

On my very first day as a volunteer communications assistant, I thought I'd say hi to you all and tell you a little bit about myself. So, hello there, my name is Kinga and I have just started volunteering in this beautiful palace. As for my background, learning has always been my passion, hence I have spent the last few years in education, earning a History BA, then a Masters in Early Modern History from King's College London and an MA in Curating and Collections from Chelsea College of Arts. History being my main love in life, I have always looked for an opportunity to be part of a Heritage site. I used to volunteer for Historic Royal Palaces, mainly in the Tower of London, where I currently have a part-time job, and Hampton Court Palace. As a recent graduate, I was happy to come across this opportunity at Fulham Palace, yet another jewel in London, to learn more about its past and be part of its present and future with you. I will be updating the blog on the volunteer portal, and though I have some ideas, it would be lovely to hear what you would be interested to find out more about, so we can explore the History of Fulham Palace together. Please do comment below with any areas you would like to me and the team to research and write blogs about! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Fulham Palace Volunteers' Visit to Hampton Court Palace

Last Tuesday morning, a dozen of our volunteers met with Rachel in the Tiltyard Café and started to make our way around the ornate Palace. It was the start of a beautifully charged day of history learning, musing, art inspiration and wonderment. We began our free tour on the first floor, soaking in our imagination of what it would be like to be invited to one of Henry VIII’s banquets. The high ceilings in the dining room, I thought, made sure that none of his indulged guests felt claustrophobic after a rich night full of food and wine! After immersing ourselves in what seemed to be a pleasant and joyful lifestyle of the King, we made our way to his private quarters, and were hit with the reality that his life was not all that enviable after all. Legend has it that the green hallway leading to the King’s room and his private chapel is the most haunted space in the entire palace, therefore most visitor faints happen there. Luckily we were all unharmed as were the masses of families there! The room is said to be haunted by the ghost of Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s second wife, who was dragged out of the chapel by her husband’s guards as she pleaded for his mercy. Aside from this painful anecdote, we got the chance to see a live reenactment of the announcement of the King’s arrival, wonderfully recreated by actors in costume. It was our lucky day, as it was half-term and these actors enabled us to reimagine life under Henry VIII with an air of fun and entertainment that made more than just the kids happy.

Henry VIII in topiary splendour at Hampton Court Palace

Palace with a View: One of the many glorious gardens at Hampton Court that we were able to explore

Afterwards, we were thrilled to visit the Gallery to dote upon the Palace’s collection of masterpieces by Rembrandt and Caravaggio, to name a few. By the end of the Gallery, we were all running out of mental and physical fuel so we decided to reconvene to the Tiltyard Café for a quick bite. The path to the café was splendid as we made our way through the Rose Garden and the Kitchen Garden, basking in the vast fields of nature’s glory. At lunch, we sat together to share each other’s thoughts and discuss the site. We were all baffled by the sheer size of Hampton Court Palace and were astounded that, three hours in, we’d only seen less than half of it. The good thing about this is we were left curious and were eager to continue as soon as we had something to eat. I set out to visit the Privy Garden and was in complete awe of the scenery. I established there and then that this garden is by far my favourite spot in the entire Palace (sorry Caravaggio). I ended my day with an intriguing look at Real Tennis, the way it was played by Henry VIII and his company. I cannot fathom how those small rackets were efficient but I left thinking how funny and strange life really is: in each century, society enjoyed the same things (like good food, art, entertainment and sport). We just keep evolving.

Thank you to everyone who’s sent us blog posts, we will be posting them on here in the coming weeks.

Discussions at the Volunteer Forum

On Saturday, 15 Oct about 30 people participated in the Volunteers' Forum in the Education Centre at the Palace. Refreshments were in abundance and anticipation was in the air. The presentations were interesting and informative (read more here), but it was the discussion topics that really got volunteers talking.

Rachel put forth the idea of  “Give it a Go Day” which was received with much enthusiasm. Starting in early Spring, volunteers will be given the opportunity to swap roles with other volunteers for one week. So if you are a Tour Guide who likes the idea of gardening at the Palace, Give it a Go Day will be your chance. Or if you are a Visitor Reception Assistant you will be able to help in the Education department for a day. It’s a great opportunity to discover other interests, use different skills, mix with other volunteers, and get to know another aspect of the Palace. 

Arlene’s “How to Approach the Public about Site Rules” also prompted lively discussion.  Ball games, dogs, bicycles, scooters, sun bathing, tree climbing, dropping rubbish and BBQs all came up as forbidden or restricted activities often observed on site. Volunteers were advised to wear their badge and to approach people confidently, positively and consistently. In the Forum's minutes, which have been uploaded onto the Portal, you'll see more related advice too.

The number of Volunteer Representatives, who provide a key two-way channel of communication between the volunteers and staff, are being increased at the Palace. This role offers volunteers the opportunity to support the development of the volunteering programme. For the role description and how to apply, please visit the resources page.

Volunteers were reminded to think about innovative ways to raise money. Any fundraising ideas should be directed to Rachel at rachel.bray@fulhampalace.org. 

Finally as "Ambassadors of the Palace", volunteers were encouraged to spread the word about Fulham Palace and distribute marketing literature about the site in your surrounding communities to reach new audiences. Sue also suggested volunteers could write a short piece about the Palace for your local Parish Magazine.  Everyone agreed this was a fantastic idea!

We'd love to keep the discussion going beyond the Volunteer Forum, so please do comment in the box below with anything you'd like to discuss about volunteering at the Palace, or indeed please comment on any of the blogs you read here. 

- Nancy (Vol Comms Asst)

First Encounter

In the spirit of my first day as a volunteer communications assistant at Fulham Palace, let me introduce myself and explain what got me to volunteer at this enchanting enclave. I have recently graduated from King's College London, where I undertook a master's degree in International Relations - a different choice of study and work, I know. My love for the arts and immersing myself in the rich history of London's architecture prevailed, so here I am!

Fulham Palace is very special, not least because I get to write about myself while overlooking the beautiful green grounds out of tall windows decorated with autumnal leaves from neighbouring trees and shrubs, but because it is at the centre of peace and calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the city - not merely as a sanctuary, but as testament to English history.   

My writing view today

I look forward to learning more about the palace as I go along writing about it, I hope you will enjoy this experience with me!

If you have any ideas, concepts or themes that you would like to discuss on here or if you need help with an article you want to publish, please drop me an email. We're always on the lookout for new blog post ideas, so keep in touch! I look forward to hearing from you! 

Ahou, Volunteer Comms Assistant

606 Club Jazz: The Fontanas

As my friends and I were finding our way home from Fulham Palace I was thinking: ‘Everything looks different when it’s dark and you’ve been drinking.’

Earlier that afternoon tables were spread across the main lawn and small groups of about 300 picnickers covered the area with colourful blankets and folding chairs. A couple of friends and I found a spot on the grass, unpacked the al fresco goodies, popped some bubbly, and later danced under the stars. We were all there to see The Fontanas hosted by the 606 Club.

This high-energy Brazilian funk and soul band made up of keyboards, a base and trumpet, drums, percussions, and two saxophones did not disappoint. Their upbeat, bluesy, Latin jazz tunes got people tapping their feet and swaying to the music regardless of the dark clouds moving threateningly overhead.

The band was led by guitarist/singer Sam Sutton and fronted by Kay Elizabeth, the tamberine-bashing singer in a rainbow-coloured jumpsuit with feathers on her arms. They have played at festivals and high-profile venues including Bestival, Glastonbury, The Secret Garden Party, Edinburgh Festival and Ronnie Scott’s.

As Sam later explained: ‘The band formed at a monthly residency at the since closed Ginglik Club in Shepherds Bush. This allowed us to build our audience organically, playing to a consistently packed-out club crowd for 5 years. This got us super tight and drilled for an up-for-it party crowd. Seeing the great and good of London Jazz scene [at the 606 Club] helped us develop as musicians and allowed us to form a keen sense of good musical taste.’ 

Sam feels that now Fulham Palace offers a superb setting that allows them to make fantastic use of lovely summer days. And I have to agree.

Thanks to the many volunteers and staff who made it all possible. 

-- Nancy Lyons (Vol Comms Assist)

Caught by the River

This past weekend, Fulham Palace served as the venue for the Caught By the River festival. Not only was there an all-star line up of performers, but also a variety of environmental speakers and activists. Caught by the River began as a website, nine years ago, which expressed an appreciation of the more bucolic areas of life. In more recent years, Caught by the River has grown to include a magazine, book publishing label, and record label. They now promote their ideas by hosting live events, which incorporate music, literature, activism and lectures. With its historic charm, lush gardens, and of course its location next to the Thames, Fulham Palace was the perfect venue for this event. 

Guests enjoyed a variety of music, from Super Fury Animal to Llareggub Brass Band.

Friends of the Earth, an organization promoting a different perspective on how we take care of our planet, were at the festival promoting "The Bee Cause". While they had several representatives in attendance, the two that stood out the most, were two young men in bee costumes. They ceratinly seemed to be enjoying the music and were activly promoting their cause! 

Seen here with Fulham Palace's, Rachel Bray, who gave them Fulham Palace stickers, which they gladly placed on one of their 'arms'. 

Canal and River Trust also had some lectures going on that were informative, and well received. Large groups gathered to hear speakers in a tent near the chapel. 

Another group was promoting banning grouse shooting for sport, which affects not only the animals involved but also increases environmental risks. They have a petition for people to sign online, and with 100,000 signatures, they will get the opportunity to speak with parliament about their cause. You can sign the petition, and learn more at www.petition.parliament.uk/petitions/125003. 

A familial affair, a father and his daughter promote a cause dear to their hearts. 

While the event was not put on by Fulham Palace, it was an excellent opportunity to inform visitors what Fulham Palace is, and tell them more about what we do. Majority of those in attendance had not heard or visited the Palace before. Volunteers set up stands near the walled garden, with information on up-comping events, bee keeping, and gardening. They also had a stand with fresh produce and flowers for sale. Tours within the palace and the walled garden were offered for visitors who wanted to learn a little bit more. 

Visitors who hadn't heard of Fulham Palace before getting more information. 

Promoting our own bee cause. The honey was a hit!

The fresh produce and flowers stand was popular with guests. 

Caught by the River was an eclectic festival that benefitted so many different causes, it was a festival for people passionate about the environment, music, and food. The weather was beautiful and warm, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the Palace venue enormously!

-Emily Lawson