Butterfly Activities Weekend

Butterfly House Activities Weekend

Sun 1^st & BH Mon 2^nd May 2011

The Berkeley Castle Butterfly House opened last weekend on Good Friday. The first tropical butterflies such as the Blue Morpho (Morpho Peleides) and Owl Butterfly (Caligo Beltrao) had began to hatch throughout April just in time for the opening weekend.

The hard winter, took its toll on some of the specialist plant species grown in the Butterfly House, but due to the generosity of some local supporters, unwanted tropical plants have been donated and the Butterfly House is once again looking stunning, and so are the butterflies.

This weekend Sunday 1st & Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May will be the Butterfly Activities Weekend, with a host of Butterfly inspired activities to enjoy. Visitors can search for the hidden butterflies throughout the Castle Gardens in a Butterfly Trail. Butterfly tales will be told by story tellers in the Rose Garden adjacent to the Butterfly House and visitors can get creative in the Butterfly arts and crafts area – all of which is included within the global ticket.

The Butterfly House is located within the Walled Garden at Berkeley Castle, and it contains up to 25 different species of tropical butterflies which will reproduce throughout the Summer, to maintain and grow the numbers. The team spend many hours every day ensuring that the correct temperature and environment is maintained to ensure the optimum flying, feeding and breeding conditions for the butterflies.

Last year the Butterfly House was featured on ITV West when nine of the world’s largest moths, the Atlas Moth all hatched together in August. Visit the Butterfly House this weekend to see if any of the pupae hatch while you watch!

Visitors can learn about the life cycle of these beautiful creatures, staff are always on hand to answer questions and to explain about the balance of nature created in this Butterfly paradise on the Berkeley Estate.

For more information contact the Castle Office on 01453 810332, or e-mail info@berkeley-castle.com . Browse the website www.berkeley-castle.com.

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Photo captions:

Notes 1:

More Information about the Butterfly House:

Exotic species, from as far afield as Japan and Indonesia, fly freely in a tranquil tropical oasis and it is a wonderful opportunity to see rare species in beautiful surroundings. Species include the South American Blue Morpho, Glasswing, Hecales Longwing, Small Postman and the Owl Butterfly; as well as the Clipper, Mormons, Swallowtails, Lacewing & Tree Nymph all from South Asia.

The house is also home to the worlds largest moth – the Atlas Moth!

Visitors can observe their life cycle up-close through the display of caterpillars and chrysalises.

At the start of the season pupae of the different species is brought in, and butterflies are hatched in the nursery. Once hatched, they are able to breed freely in the idyllic surroundings, which are created by the tropical temperature and their preferred food sources.

Speciality plants are grown on site, some from all over the world.

The team spend many hours every day ensuring that the correct temperature and environment is maintained to ensure the optimum flying, feeding and breeding conditions for the butterflies.

Insects and pests damaging to the plants are kept at bay by the resident Chinese painted quail and diamond doves, who patrol the Butterfly House, organically controlling the bugs.

As the season progresses the numbers of butterflies soars – creating the most spectacular visual experience, as the Butterfly House teems with hundreds of tropical butterflies.

The Butterfly House shop is also open to non-visitors on open days and stocks many butterfly themed collectibles, and children’s gifts, as well ice-creams and various plants.

Note 2.

Berkeley Castle is now open on selected days until 30^th October and the Butterfly House is open, also on selected days until 29^th September 2011. Please check our website for exact opening times. The Global Ticket provides access to the Castle, Ground and the Butterfly House and costs £9.50 for Adults, £7.50 concessions & £5.00 for children (5-16years, under 5’s – free). Family tickets are available (2 adults & 2 children) for £24.00.

Note 3:

Berkeley Castle is a beautiful and historic Castle, begun in 1117 and still remains the home of the Berkeley family. The Castle was the scene of the brutal murder of Edward II in 1327 and besieged by Cromwell’s troops in 1645. The Castle is steeped in history but 27 generations of Berkeley’s have gradually transformed a Norman fortress into the lovely home it is today.

The state apartments contain magnificent collections of furniture, rare paintings by primarily English and Dutch masters, and tapestries. Some of the world famous Berkeley silver is on display and many other rooms including the Great Hall are available to view.

The Castle is surrounded by lovely terraced Elizabethan Gardens with a lily pond, Elizabeth I’s bowling green, sweeping lawns and a walled garden containing the Butterfly House.

For general information contact the Castle Office on 01453 810332, or e-mail info@berkeley-castle.com. Browse the website http://www.berkeley-castle.com/.

For more information:

Vicky Parr, General Manager

T: 01453 810332

E: Vicky.parr@berkeley-castle.com

NADFAS Volunteers help-out at the Castle

Berkeley Castle has been working together with volunteers from the regional National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies group (NADFAS). Members from the West Gloucestershire DFAS Group have been working with staff at the Castle to photograph the entire contents of the public rooms of the Castle.

The project was started in January 2011, and a team of eight volunteers has been visiting the Castle every fortnight since then. Heritage Volunteer Representative of the West Gloucestershire NADFAS Group, Monica Evans approached the Castle back in April 2010, with the offer to undertake a project at the Castle. After meeting with Monica, Sian Rogers (Heritage Volunteer Representative for West Mercia DFAS) and the Castle General Manager in June, it was agreed that the photography project was of great interest to both parties and NADFAS HQ authorisation would be sought. Following that subsequent approval the project team met at the Castle in the autumn and planned the start of the project.

Volunteers are now in the process of completing the project and have now photographed well over 600 items from the Castle’s collection. That is an immense achievement in itself, but it is worth mentioning that the photography coincided with the services installation works at the Castle, which meant that the volunteers were often working around the on-site contractors, stepping over holes in the floors, and circumnavigating scaffold towers!

The NADFAS team has included Julian Berrisford, Joan Bloore, Ray Davies, George Duff, Monica Evans, Margaret Macnair, Chris Manning and Anne Mogie, some of which are pictured here in the Long Drawing Room with Dave Wintle and Vicky Parr from the Castle.

The photographs will be used within a new system called ‘Icollector’ being adopted by Berkeley Castle Charitable Trust from Sotheby’s, which contains all the information in one secure database to help collate and manage the entire collection at the Castle.

As the project has gone so successfully, it is hoped that there may be other projects that the volunteers may be able to help with at the Castle.

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About NADFAS:

NADFAS is an arts-based charity, with over 340 local Decorative and Fine Art Societies in the UK and Mainland Europe. All NADFAS Societies subscribe to the aims and objects of the National Association: the advancement of arts education and appreciation and the preservation of our artistic heritage.

NADFAS promotes these aims through lectures on the fine and decorative arts in their widest sense, through study days, visits and tours and through volunteering activities, such as Church Recorders, Heritage Volunteers and Young Arts and the giving of grants.

NADFAS volunteers learn new skills, while making friends and benefiting the community at large. Young Arts Volunteers provide exciting projects and activities aimed at fostering a love of the arts amongst the young. At national and local level, NADFAS also gives grants to aspiring artists and craftsmen

For further information visit www.nadfas.org.uk.

About Berkeley Castle:

Berkeley Castle is a beautiful and historic Castle, begun in 1117 and still remains the home of the Berkeley family. The Castle was the scene of the brutal murder of Edward II in 1327 and besieged by Cromwell’s troops in 1645. The Castle is steeped in history but 27 generations of Berkeley’s have gradually transformed a Norman fortress into the lovely home it is today.

The state apartments contain magnificent collections of furniture, rare paintings by primarily English and Dutch masters, and tapestries. Some of the world famous Berkeley silver is on display and many other rooms including the Great Hall are available to view.

The Castle is surrounded by lovely terraced Elizabethan Gardens with a lily pond, Elizabeth I’s bowling green, sweeping lawns and a walled garden containing the Tropical Butterfly House (open Easter – September).

The Castle is licensed to hold Civil Wedding Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships, as well as evening receptions and functions.

The Castle is open to visitors on selected days from Sunday 3rd April to Sunday 30th October 2011.

For general information contact the Castle Office on 01453 810332, or e-mail info@berkeley-castle.com. Browse the website www.berkeley-castle.com.

For more information:

Vicky Parr

General Manager, Berkeley Castle

BERKELEY Gloucestershire GL13 9BQ

T: 01453 810332

F: 01453 512995

E: vicky.parr@berkeley-castle.com

W: www.berkeley-castle.com

** STOP PRESS **

Berkeley Castle helps promote

The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

In addition to our Easter activities which are detailed below, Berkeley Castle has been selected to help promote the DVD release of The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader which is out now on Blu-ray Triple Play from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Visitors to the Castle over the Easter Weekend can win copies of the DVD in our Easter activities, as we have 50 copies hot off the press from Twentieth Century Fox. Other Narnia goodies are being shipped to the Castle as we speak and will be available over the Easter weekend.

Berkeley Castle raises money for  

Sue Ryder Hospice this Easter

Looking for inspiration on where to take the kids during the Easter holidays – look no further than Berkeley Castle.

Throughout the Easter holidays, the Castle is running lots for families to do. There are prizes for completing the Easter Egg Garden Hunt, the Easter Bunny Trail through the Castle. In addition there is a numbers quiz and an A-Z quiz. These are all included within the admission ticket, so no extra to pay!

During the Easter weekend, in addition to the above trails and quizzes, the Castle is also hosting some fund-raising activities for Gloucestershire’s Sue Ryder Hospice. These include a tombola, second-hand book stall, home-made cake stall, guess the weight of the cake, guess the name of the Easter Bunny, as well as garden games and Easter arts & crafts.

In addition to all of this the Butterfly House opens on Good Friday. The Butterfly House is located within the Walled Garden at Berkeley Castle, and contains up to 25 different species of tropical butterflies which will reproduce throughout the Summer, to maintain and grow the numbers.

Visitors can learn about the life cycle of these beautiful creatures, staff are on hand to answer questions and to explain about the balance of nature created in this Butterfly paradise on the Berkeley Estate.

For more information about the Castle, contact the Castle office on 01453 810332, e-mail info@berkeley-castle.com or visit www.berkeley-castle.com.

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About

Leckhampton Court

Hospice:

Sue Ryder - Leckhampton Court Hospice supports people with cancer and other potentially life limiting conditions across Gloucestershire. Their aim is to meet the needs of the whole person, their family and carers, with the support and expertise of a multi-professional specialist palliative care team. Patients are referred for the following reasons:

• Unresolved symptoms, physical, psychological, social or spiritual issues that cannot be managed adequately in other settings requiring specialist intervention from a multidisciplinary team.
• Complex palliative care needs which require reassessment and rehabilitation
• Complex needs, where the patient requires End of Life Care.

Working in partnership with the primary health care team to support patients to be cared for in their own homes and offer a range of specialist palliative care services.

The Hospice at Home Service is a flexible and responsive service aiming to compliment existing health and social care services and support patients to remain in their own homes for as long as possible

For more information:

Tel:                  01242 230199

Website:           http://www.suerydercare.org/leckhamptoncourthospice

About Berkeley Castle:

Berkeley Castle is a beautiful and historic Castle, begun in 1117 and still remains the home of the Berkeley family. The Castle was the scene of the brutal murder of Edward II in 1327 and besieged by Cromwell’s troops in 1645. The Castle is steeped in history but 27 generations of Berkeley’s have gradually transformed a Norman fortress into the lovely home it is today.

The state apartments contain magnificent collections of furniture, rare paintings by primarily English and Dutch masters, and tapestries. Some of the world famous Berkeley silver is on display and many other rooms including the Great Hall are available to view.

The Castle is surrounded by lovely terraced Elizabethan Gardens with a lily pond, Elizabeth I’s bowling green, sweeping lawns and a walled garden containing the Tropical Butterfly House (open Easter – September).

The Castle is licensed to hold Civil Wedding Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships, as well as evening receptions and functions.

The Castle is open to visitors on selected days from Sunday 3^rd April to Sunday 30^th October 2011.

For general information contact the Castle Office on 01453 810332, or e-mail info@berkeley-castle.com. Browse the website www.berkeley-castle.com.

For more information:

Vicky Parr

General Manager, Berkeley Castle

BERKELEY Gloucestershire GL13 9BQ

T: 01453 810332

D: 01453 512999

F: 01453 512995

E: vicky.parr@berkeley-castle.com

W: www.berkeley-castle.com

Berkeley Castle re-opens after re-wiring

Since November last year, Berkeley Castle has been closed to the public, whilst some major refurbishment works have been carried out. But the Castle is now preparing to re-open for the Summer Season on Sunday 3^rd April 2011.

The aim of the project was to re-wire and re-plumb the entire Castle. The Castle was first fitted with electricity and plumbing by the 8^th Earl of Berkeley in the 1920’s.

The work started on the private side of the Castle in June 2010, and continued until November, when the contractors then moved into the public rooms of the Castle.

The project has taken over ten months to complete, with an average of twenty contractors on site every day – which equates to a total of nearly 32,000 man-hours.

The plumbers (Keyplan Engineering Ltd from Bristol) have laid two miles of pipework, five new boilers, 100 metres of new gas main, and over 300 metres of support steel work. The electricians (Alpha [Bristol] Ltd) have fitted approximately 8 miles of mineral insulated cabling, 3.5 miles of data cabling and have installed over 400 power sockets, nearly 200 light switches, and have refurbished over 100 light fittings.

Castle staff moved and re-hung in excess of 100 paintings, 15 tapestries; and cleared and re-instated 20 rooms of furniture. Staff offices were combined and re-located into the Gift Shop during the winter, which ended-up being one of the coldest on record!

Due to the complexity of the project, the overall cost was uncertain. However due to savings in some areas, some additional works were able to be included. These included the introduction of lighting along the grove walkway from the car park to the Tea Room, updates to our CCTV system, decorating throughout the private apartments and in some of the public rooms, new toilet facilities for private functions and enhanced lighting in some of the public rooms. Some of the paths and driveways have also been re-laid, as they were disturbed to lay pipes and cables in trenches under the roads.

The first wedding to be held following the works, takes place on Saturday 2^nd April, and then the Castle re-opens to visitors on Mothering Sunday, 3^rd April 2011 at 11.00am, with a special gift for every Mum that visits the Castle that day, subject to availability.

For more information about the Castle, contact the Castle office on 01453 810332, e-mail info@berkeley-castle.com or visit http://www.berkeley-castle.com/.

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More Information about the works:

During the 1920’s, the 8^th Earl of Berkeley and his second wife, The Countess, wanted to make the Castle their main residence, which required extensive renovations to update the Castle and its amenities.

The Countess was from America, and encouraged the Earl to create en-suites for all of the bedrooms, now on the private side. This meant that the contractors had over thirteen bathrooms to plumb-in. During the project eight of those baths required re-enamelling and several 1920’s heated towel rails, had to be connected to the heating system.

The Earl’s renovations also included the purchase of a marble bathroom from the Waldorf Astoria in New York, which he had installed into one of the private en-suites. Having to lift the marble to access existing pipework, caused a few challenges for the plumbing contractors!

Much of the original pipework and cabling remained, and in some areas, where pipe-work ran through concrete, the pipework still remains in use with the new system.

The Castle now operates two plant rooms. One from the original boiler house under the Great Hall, and the other in the out buildings in the Back Courtyard.

The Great Hall now contains a total of three gas-fired boilers, where-as before there was only one. The pressurised system now ensures that even the radiators situated furthest from the boilers still heat-up properly.

New gas pipes had to be laid from the gas meter to the plant rooms, as the gauge of the original pipework was too narrow.

Wherever possible the radiators have been retained, and so very little evidence of the plumbing work is visible to the visitor, although surface-run pipework is visible in some rooms.

The electrical wiring has been largely carried-out using a mineral insulated cable. This is effectively a small copper tube containing the wiring. Whilst expensive, the advantages are that it is rodent proof, has a longer life expectancy and looks more in keeping when being surface mounted than other products. The copper is rather shiny to start with but as it oxidises it dulls and the eventual darker brown colour will be difficult to spot against the roof timbers.

The switching of lights throughout the Castle, had been a curious science, and many switches over-time had ceased to work altogether. Some of the original switches, plug sockets and cabling conduit has been left in situ, and in a few areas has been re-used. The switching of the lights has now been re-designed so that staff have better control of the lighting, and don’t plunge themselves into darkness whilst locking up at night!

The table lamps had been plugged into a separate 5amp circuit, which has now been replaced with a standard 13amp circuit. All of the antique light fittings have also been re-wired and several have been sent away to specialist contractors to be completely renovated.

These include the three Great Hall chandeliers, made of bronze which took four strong men to lift; the silver chandelier in the Small Drawing Room and the chandeliers in the Grand Staircase and Clock Tower Porch.

It was decided not to re-wire the chandelier in the Long Drawing Room, as this had already been extensively damaged following an earlier attempt, and as the chandelier is so valuable it was decided to re-instate it as a candelabra, and to install new, modern lighting instead.

New or enhanced lighting has been installed in other public rooms in the Castle such as the King’s Gallery, Picture Gallery, Buttery, Kitchen, China Room and Housekeeper’s Room. Look out for the state of the art LED strip lighting in the Morning Room and Great Hall!

What's On at Berkeley Castle in 2011

Berkeley Castle re-opens to the public on Mothering Sunday (3^rd April) and remains open, on selected days, until the end of October. During that time there are many events and activities to enjoy. Below is the full list of events throughout the season with a short description:

APRIL

Mother’s Day

Sunday 3rd April 2011 - 11.00am - 5.30pm

After the re-wiring works that have been undertaken during the Winter, Berkeley Castle re-opens on Sunday 3rd April 2011, Mothering Sunday. To celebrate, every Mum visiting the Castle will be given a free gift (subject to availability). Why not treat Mum or Grandma to a gift voucher presentation pack to the Castle, which includes admission, a guide book, a guided tour and as an optional extra, a cream tea in our Tea Room?

Easter School Holidays at the Castle Sun 10th - Mon 25th April 2011 (on selected days)

Visit Berkeley Castle during the Easter School Holidays and enjoy a range of activities for the kids. In addition to the guided tour around the Castle with one of the fabulous guides, why not take part in one of our quizzes (suitable for most age ranges) - with a prize for correct entries? In addition, follow the Easter Egg Garden trail through the 8 acres of Castle Gardens and win a prize if all are found. Alternatively you can track down the Easter Bunnies in the Easter Bunny Castle Trail, win again if you can name them all. All activities are included within the normal admission charge.

Family Fun Easter Activities

Easter Weekend Fri 22nd - Mon 25th April 2011

Join in the family fun in the Great Hall. Raising funds for the Sue Ryder Hospice at Leckhampton, there will be a home-made cake stall (subject to availability), tombola, second-hand book stall, arts and crafts, garden games and much more.

Visit the Butterfly House in the walled garden as it opens for the year. See pupae hatching in the nursery as the life-cycle of up to 25 tropical species of butterflies starts. The Easter Egg Garden Trail, the Easter Bunny Castle Trail and the Children's Quizzes will also be available throughout the weekend.

MAY

Butterfly Activities Weekend

Bank Holiday Sunday 1st – Monday 2nd May 2011 11.00am - 5.30pm

Visit the Butterfly House, follow the Butterfly Garden Trail, listen to Butterfly Tales from the Castle Storytellers and make Butterfly inspired Arts & Crafts - all of which is included within the Global Admission Ticket to the Castle. Not to mention the tour of the Castle!

Weds 11th^th May (Evg)                                                                     

Archaeology Dig Update Lecture with Dr. Stuart Prior (Friends of Berkeley Castle)

Evening lecture with Dr. Prior from the University of Bristol regarding the annual student archaeology dig at Berkeley; covering the history of the area, the aims of the dig, the finds so far and the hopes for this year.

Sun 22^nd May (Evg)

Spring Evening Concert in the Great Hall

This concert features some of the most beautiful music ever written for combinations of flute, harp and strings.  The composers are Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Debussy, and the programme includes Derek Smith’s highly acclaimed quintet arrangement (for flute, harp and string trio) of Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto K299.  The players, all highly acclaimed and firmly established artists, are:

Sarah Newbold (flute), Katherine Thomas (harp), and three members of the Maggini Quartet:

David Angel (violin), Martin Outram (viola) and Michal Kaznowski (cello).

Tickets are £27 (including wine) from the ESO Box Office (01386 791044). Concert promoted by Espressivo   www.espressivo.org.uk

Mon 30^th May (Meadow)                                                      

Classic Car Show

Visit the Castle Meadow to see the annual Classic Car Show.

JUNE

Half Term 31s May - 2^nd June                                                                      

Teddy Bear’s Picnic Events

Visitors to the Castle can enjoy a Teddy Bear Trail through the Gardens & another throughout the Castle, as well as Teddy inspired arts & crafts and storytelling – all included within the admission price. Bring your teddy with you, and enjoy your own picnic in the Castle grounds (weather permitting), or treat yourself to a picnic from the Tea Room.

Sun 5^th June (Gardens & Evg)                                                          

A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Lord Chamberlain’s Men

Evening, outside performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Bring a picnic, a seat and a jumper. This annual event always proves to be very popular – whatever the weather! Performed on the Lower Lawn adjacent to the Lily Pond.

Weds 8^th June (Evg)                                                              

Tour of the Archaeological Dig (Friends of Berkeley Castle)

Opportunity to view the dig sites from this year’s University of Bristol Archaeological Digs in Berkeley, with guides Dr. Stuart Prior and Professor Mark Horton.

Sunday 12^th June (Evg)

A Summer Night’s Dream – An Unusual Musical Rendezvous of Violin, Baritone & Piano.

Anglo-German Pianist and Conductor Dorian Keilhack presents an evening with friends in the Great Hall at Berkeley Castle.

Fri 17^th – Sun 19^th June (Meadow)                                       

Lister Tyndale Steam Rally

Visit the Castle Meadow to see the annual Steam Rally.

JULY

Sun 17^th July (Evg)

‘A Baronial household of the time of Thomas 3^rd Lord Berkeley, 1326-61’ – Friends of Berkeley Castle Lecture with Henry Phythian-Adams.

Evening lecture in the Great Hall with retired history school-master, Henry Phythian-Adams.

Sun 24^th July (Gardens & Evg)                                                         

Around the World in 80 Days – Jenny Wren Productions

Evening, outside performance of  Around the World in 80 Days by Jenny Wren Productions. Bring a picnic, a seat and a jumper. This annual event always proves to be very popular – whatever the weather! Performed on the Lower Lawn adjacent to the Lily Pond.

Sat 30^th – Sun 31^st July (Meadow & Castle)                         

The Berkeley Skirmish

Visit the ‘rumbustious medieval romp’ that is the annual Berkeley Skirmish. Experience the mediaeval world of jousting, archery, falconry.  Shop at mediaeval market stalls and modern trade stands. Spectate whilst hundreds of costumed re-enactors take centre stage for battles and skirmishes.

AUGUST

Summer Holidays Throughout August (Tues – Thurs)                    

Children’s Activities

In addition to a guided tour of the Castle, visitors can also enjoy jester skills (Tuesdays), ‘come and try’ archery sessions (Wednesdays) and arts & crafts (Thursdays) throughout August – all included within the Castle admission price.

Sun 7^th August (Evg)                                                             

Berkeley and the Civil War with the Sealed Knot

Join the Charles Gerard’s Regiment of the Sealed Knot Society at Berkeley Castle, including a living history camp and display of arms. In addition meet guards from the regiment on garrison duty around the Castle, and understand what happened in Berkeley during the Civil War.

Sun 14^th August (Evg)

Friends of Berkeley Castle Treasure Hunt and Garden Party with Charles Berkeley

Mon 29^th August (Meadow)                                                  

The Berkeley Show

One of the biggest annual events in the area – a must see for the Bank Holiday weekend.

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 11^th September                                                                    

Castle2Castle Cycle Challenge - The Stroke Association

Your chance to raise funds for the Stroke Association by cycling from Berkeley Castle to Chepstow Castle (and back again!)

Wednesday 14^th September (Evg)

Wedding Open Evening

If you are about to get married, or have only just got engaged, why not come along to the Berkeley Castle Wedding Open Evening. There are great prizes to be won, and an opportunity to meet other members of the Cotswold Wedding Guild and all the Castle’s regular wedding suppliers.

Sunday 18^th September (Meadow)

Volkswagen Car Show

A new show for the Berkeley Castle Meadow, organised by the Classic Car Show event organisers.

Mon 26^th September (Evg)                                                     

Lecture with Neil Eddiford (Friends of Berkeley Castle)

Evening lecture by Neil Eddiford on The Long Bow.

OCTOBER

Weds 19^th Oct (Evg)                                                              

Quiz Night (Friends of Berkeley Castle)

Pit your quiz team against the might of the others, in this fund-raising evening.

Half Term Tues 25^th – Thurs 27^th October                          

The Story of King Edward II at Berkeley Castle

Visitors to the Castle will be able to enjoy performances telling the story of King Edward II and his untimely end at Berkeley Castle from historians and re-enactors from Past Pleasures. Meet the characters as they stroll through the Castle – all included within the Castle admission price. (Suitable for children.)

NOVEMBER

Sunday 6^th November (Afternoon)                                                    

Lecture with Castle Archivist David Smith (Friends of Berkeley Castle)

David Smith discusses “The Great Dispute”.

DECEMBER

Weds 7^th December (Evg)

The Castle at Christmas with the University of the West of England Choir

(Friends of Berkley Castle)

Join the Friends for a festive evening concert in the Great Hall.

Sun 11^th December (Evg)

English String Orchestra’s Christmas Concert

Join the ESO for their annual Christmas concert in the Great Hall.

Fri 16th – Sun 18^th December (Evg)

Castle by Candlelight

Back by popular demand, take this magical opportunity to tour the Castle, decorated for Christmas, by candlelight. Santa will be available in his acclaimed Grotto in the Beer Cellar and festive entertainment is included. A festive treat not to be missed.

T:         01453 810332

F:         01453 512995

E:         info@berkeley-castle.com

W:        http://www.berkeley-castle.com/