SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY AT THE ‘PICNIC IN MELLS PARK’

Garden lovers, architectural and political historians and Beatles enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to explore the delights of one of the most exclusive country houses in Somerset which is opening its grounds to the public for the first time this century on August 1st this year.

Mells Park, on the edge of the picturesque village of Mells, near Frome, is set in extensive parkland surrounding a large lake. One of the star attractions is the stone temple, newly restored from an ivy clad ruin, fronting an stunning five sided walled formal garden, designed and planted by Martin Lane Fox.

Times: Sat Aug. 1st
5pm: GATES OPEN
7pm: Sgt Pepper’s Only Dartboard Band - first set
8pm: 60s fancy dress competition for U14s
8.30pm: Sgt Pepper’s Only Dartboard Band - second set
11pm: Close

In the late 1980s Mells Park House was the unlikely setting for the drawing up of the blueprint for the end of apartheid in South Africa during a series of secret meetings between the ANC in exile and leading Afrikaners. These events were recreated in April in the Channel 4 film, Endgame, researched at Mells Park but filmed elsewhere.

The 1920s Lutyens designed house and Gertrude Jekyll gardens have been renovated and restored over the past few years and visitors will be free to wander around the parkland, explore the temple and temple garden, and picnic by the lake.

Apart from enjoying the stunning surroundings, picnickers will be able to relax to music from Frome’s very own Beatles tribute band, Sgt Pepper’s Only Dartboard Band at 7.00 and 8.30 p.m.. Frome’s very popular Milk St Brewery will be running the bar tent, and for the under 14s there will be a 60s fancy dress competition at 8.00 p.m. with prizes for all entrants.

Gates open at 5pm on Saturday August 1st and the evening closes at about 11pm. Tickets at £10 (children under 14 free) are now available from the Tourist Information Office in Frome and from Mells Village Shop. All proceeds are for the development of the community-run Mells Village Shop. Ample car parking will be provided.

For further information, please contact Jane Mann on 01373 813681 or jane@oldprospectfarm.co.uk