Upton St Leonard's WI with speaker Matthew Gacek

A LIFE changing experience gave our speaker Matthew Gacek an inspiring new lease of life as he and his wife decided to sell their house, leave their jobs and begin again teaching history as a schoolmaster for 24 years.

Matthew and his wife answered an advert in the Daily Telegraph for work set in idyllic surroundings, and they were not disappointed.

Set in 60 acres of land Caerhays Castle in Cornwall dates from 1856; designed by John Nash and garden designer J C Williams, this Himalayan hideaway sports 398 magnolias.

In October 2002, the housekeeper resigned and the squire appointed Matthew as fifth butler, after first working in the gardens completely out of his depth.

Living in the castle was an advantage and work was divided into seasons.

For 64 days, the pheasant shoot lasted from October until January 31, when landed gentry and guests arrived to hunt and shoot.

February/March was house cleaning, cutlery and china, polishing, and waxing etc. The castle opened for the summer season for the general public where Matthew delegated duties to staff serving food and drinks.

Laying up tables from 7am to serve family and guests from a large sideboard where they dined seated at a beautiful large highly polished table, which extended to accommodate 30 people kept Matthew and staff very busy as entertainment and dining was a high point in the castle life.

Monastic wine from the cool, dark cellars of the castle kept the gentry in good spirits.

Christmas was always a happy time as the squire always included the staff at the castle church services.

Matthew read the lessons being a lay preacher and is still preaching today.

During his talk Matthew had us in fits of laughter strutting around measuring the size of rooms etc, his charisma shone through as did the kindness of the squire his wife and family.

A round of applause followed this fun filled evening and Marlene gave the vote of thanks.

Business was brief as Diane welcomed all ladies but no visitors.

A new committee is needed in the autumn, all ladies to give this some thought.

Upton St Leonard’s summer show on Saturday, September 9, we have a Shoe Box Class to include dried and tinned food, also socks, all entries donated for the homeless.

Friday, July 14 the luncheon club meet at The House and Tree.

Wednesday, July 19, Gill, Pam, Judy and Glynis our quiz team will meet at Churchdown for the next round.

Monday, February 5, 2018, advanced notice of our 95th WI Anniversary celebrations.

We meet again on Monday, August 7, 7.30pm for a Clarins make up demonstration. Speaker Mandy Osborne, trade table colour – Blue.

All ladies very welcome.