DAY OUTING TO FINCHCOCKS MUSIC MUSEUM  on FRIDAY 19th AUGUST 2011

On a fine sunny day we set off by coach just before 10 o'clock to Kent to visit Finchcocks Music Museum. We started the visit with coffee in the vaulted restaurant before an introductory talk by Katrina Burnett. She then showed us round the house and Helen demonstrated the art of playing many of the antique musical instruments. We could even try our hand in playing some of these instruments ourselves.

Finchcocks is a fine Grade 1 Georgian manor set in a beautiful garden surrounded by hop-gardens and farmlands just two miles from the village of Goudhurst. It is well known as a musical museum and the collection of instruments, together with an interesting exhibition of pictures and costumes. After a tour of the house we had time on this lovely day to stroll around the gardens and take in the tranquil views of the Kentish countryside before taking lunch which was all set out for us in the cellar restaurant.

There is a celebrated collection of over 100 historical keyboard instruments at Finchcocks, of which many are in full working order and several were used used to present us with a fascinating recital after lunch. Richard Burnett gave an amusing talk of historical interest along with expert renditions ably assisted by Helen to give us a very pleasant and appealing concert.

It was then time to return home getting back to Crawley at 4.30 pm. A fascinating and interesting day out. Many thanks for Mike Dean in arranging it.