at
The Manor House Apethorpe Northampton
on April 23rd 2011
The Manor, Apethorpe
There could be no more suitable title for this article as everything from beginning to end emanated and revolved around Lady Brassey.
From the moment she telephoned me with this most generous offer from her and her husband David, she took command and with blurring speed, everything was in place.
From the designing, printing and personally sending out two hundred and fifty invitations to friends, followed by organising wine and canapé’s as a greeting for guests, she was in complete command and aware at all times as to who was doing what, where and when. This of course left me at the starting gate with little to do – a rare event!
The weather was excellent and the setting stunning – from the Church Walk to the Lake walk, the beauty and tranquillity must have been felt by all who visited.
Part of Lady Brassey's collection
Lady B also added to the event by placing a large selection of glass and porcelain items from her own collection for sale to entice collectors and her army of family and friends made sure that from the moment one stepped through the gate (and paid the minor entrance fee) you were made to feel at ease and most welcome.
My wife and I manned the FFF stand and received many donations in different forms, from funds to fishing plus a pair of well-cared-for Salmon Rods and Reels courtesy of Lt Col (Ret) West for a fortunate vet to use in the future. Andrew Flitcroft (editor of Trout & Salmon) also took time to bring his family, take a few pictures and donated a subscription for a year to this superb magazine for the tombola.
The Fishing for Forces stand
Lady B commented with a disarming smile that if a short note did not appear in the magazine re FFF she would add something of him to her collection. I got the distinct feeling there is a dungeon somewhere on the estate for non-compliant persons but I was not foolish enough to look for it.
Four lads from 16 RA attended the event as stewards, bringing with them a stunning display board with pictures compiled by Cpl Dene Smith of our FFF Ravensthorpe event (Sept 2010 – I have one now to go with our stand) and they did a sterling job discussing with guests the merits of an Army career and the basics of FFF. The assistance by these lads was invaluable and my sincere thanks go to Cpl’s Smith and Docherty and Sgt’s Price and Shepherd.
I cracked up when one corporal asked a sergeant in good humour as Lady B whirled past on yet another task checking progress with daughters Zara and Chloe “is that the Lady RSM in charge” and the reply was “yes and she will add something of yours to her collection if you are not on that gate taking money sharpish” to which the corporal swiftly took off for the gate. A lot of laughter and good will was shared by both guests and hosts throughout the day and we fervently wished that all events could be so well organised.
The estate at Apethorpe
The weather was idyllic with brilliant sunshine and people meandered around the estate admiring the lake and islands totally free of all worldly woes. The tombola stand was a very popular stop with a large number of tickets sold for numerous gifts donated by many of Lady Caroline’s friends and a superb presentation box of wine donated by a chap I had the pleasure to meet just once at a mill, after we chatted about FFF.
My genuine thanks to Trevor Hughes and associates of T&W Wines who delivered the package personally, the lads of 16 RA and to all of the friends of Lady B who donated and also took the time to come and support us throughout the whole day.
Mrs Howells manning the FFF stand
Edward (Son of Lady C) arrived with his family and a small addition to the family who, when introduced to my wife, inspired her to give me one of those “I want one of these” looks (see picture) to which I promptly took a sudden interest in the lake and fish therein.
The generosity of Lord and Lady Brassey and family did not stop there – they have most kindly offered their lake to veterans for a number of days fishing throughout the season and there are stories of 25lb plus Carp cruising just below the surface. I had to stop a couple of the lads jumping in for a closer look when they spotted one!
The day ended brilliantly with an astonishing record for FFF of £1,309.70, raised entirely due to the efforts of Lady Brassey, her family and friends.
Thank you seems such small reward on this occasion so we have to get more vets to the waterside to show our thanks and make sure they know who helped us get them there.
Lady B has asked if she can do something similar next year; there is no stopping this lady and Fishing For Forces is truly privileged to have such a good friend and enthusiastic family patronage.
From all the FFF team our very sincere thanks to Lady B, family and all friends for such a marvellous result to a wonderful event.
