March 2011

Sadly our  first Patron, Lady Maria Coventry, died suddenly in November 2007.  

We are now delighted to be able to announce that George Coventry, the 13th Earl of Coventry, has graciously agreed to be our new Patron.

He has said in a letter accepting the role of Patron, “ .... I am a descendent of the 6th Earl (and the 7th Earl) and I feel a personal attachment to the Court and Park although I have never lived there.” He also hopes to visit Croome frequently in the future and we look forward to meeting him there.

At the Friends A G M held on 24 March 2011 it was announced with much regret that Sir Roy Strong has had to stand down as our Patron. In addition, Dr Eric Jones, a founding Member and Chairman for the last five years also retired. He was presented with a David Birtwhistle print in grateful appreciation of all his work in nurturing the nascent organisation. His loyal wife, Siti, who has been the equivalent of a “golfing widow” was praised also and presented with an Orchid. So as to retain Eric's experience and involvement, he was unanimously elected to the new appointment of Vice-President. We are delighted that he will still give talks on Croome and remain an ambassador and promoter for the Friends.

The Meeting also unanimously approved that John and Joan Willis, as founding members and long serving, now retired Treasurer and Secretary respectively, should receive Honorary Membership of the Friends for their inestimable contribution to the success of the organisation.

The former Vice-Chairman, John Henderson was elected as the new Chairman, Jill Tovey became Vice-Chairman and the Officers and Committee were re-elected. There were two vacancies and the two nominations, Phil Douce and Paul Stanley were elected and welcomed onto the Committee.

Our Speaker, Michael Smith, the National Trust's Croome Park Manager, gave a wonderful and illuminating illustrated talk on all the changes and restoration works, which have occurred in the Park, the surrounding Follies and, of course, in the Court, during his very busy seven years. This was followed by an Appeal update, by Phil Sharpe, the National Trust's Croome Appeal Manager.
 

Our Patron, George Coventry, alongside the well known portrait of his ancestor the 6th Earl.