Visits planned for 2014 - TrustNews Dec 13
March: Farnborough Abbey.
Built 1883~8 by Empress Eugenie to include a mausoleum for her late husband, Napoleon III, and son. The latter died in the Zulu war in 1879. Style is described in Pevsner as “French Flamboyant”. A morning visit is planned, followed by lunch and, it is hoped, a visit to the site of the former Royal Aircraft Establishment where there is a mixture of very modern styles ( the airport building and the control tower) and the old scientific research buildings and the skeleton of the Airship Hangar, which dates from 1910-11. This may seem an unlikely combination and combining opening times may be difficult. A visit to the Abbey was proposed for the current year but proved impossible to arrange. Total number 24, own transport. Interest has been expressed already by a number of members. Please record interest to the Secretary, PREFERABLY by email.
Later visits: In the planning stage are visits to Chichester, with the assistance of the Chichester Society; Spitalfields, including the magnificent Christ Church, a masterpiece of Hawksmoor; Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight; and, in the autumn Brussels to see the magnificent Art Nouveau buildings. This is an ambitious possibility. Much will depend upon the cost.