Trust Members and their guests enjoyed a fine evening at Blenheim Palace on October 17th. It was a delight to return to our usual practice of a reception and sit-down buffet in the Orangery – this was our first opportunity to see the Orangery after the completion last year of its restoration.
Our Lecture was given by Dame Fiona Reynolds whose career had started in the Council for the National Parks, then she moved to the Council for the Preservation of Rural England (of which she became CEO) and on to the National Trust as Director General. Most relevant to our interests, she now chairs the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England. She spoke on ‘The Fight for Beauty – why beauty matters and should shape our future decisions’. She made an impassioned plea for the value of beauty, whether is be in the built or the natural environment for the enjoyment and wellbeing of all, and she regretted the many attempts that have been made to plan with an eye only to financial return to boost the economy. She referred to the more unfortunate episodes in national planning after the First World War as well as to the more thoughtful long-term planning which crossed the political divide after the Second. Good planning seems to wax and wane, and there can be no doubt that Dame Fiona has made significant contributions towards steering us back on course. Present signs might well be concerning, but she encouraged us to use every opportunity we have to help people see and value beauty, not least the younger generation to whom the care of our heritage will one day fall.
The Trust is, as always, indebted and thankful to His Grace, The Dule of Marlborough, who generously offers us use of the Palace for this event.