Passport to Your Future open day

This Monday, as well as hosting the successful volunteer update session, we also held an open day for those wanting to apply for our Passport to Your Future scheme. This scheme provides an entry into the heritage industry for those who may not otherwise be in a position to pursue this career. This can include traineeships in managing historic gardens, parkland conservation or house and collections management, while the scheme soon to welcome a new trainee here at Beningbrough will provide a first step on a career within Visitor Experience roles at the National Trust.

The work will include training in many different skills and tasks throughout the year long placement, from interacting with visitors in the house and gardens to working with staff in the office to produce promotional material for the property.  Applications will still be accepted until the 1^st October. If you are interested in applying you can find out more information here: http://yourfutureyourhands.org.uk/

On the open day the prospective candidates had the opportunity to visit the hall, see the costumes worn by the costumed interpreters, discover the stories behind the portraits and try out the interactive galleries.

There was also a practical session with the retail department focusing on merchandising, and finally a session with Jo, our Events and Marketing Coordinator, discussing the marketing of the property and use of social media, including this blog.  The potential candidates were given the task of finding an area of the property which stood out for them, and commenting on it. Here are their responses…

Group 1

Bethany’s first impressions of Beningbrough took in the impressive pear arch. In her words, “the view as you enter the walled garden immediately makes you feel relaxed".

Kenneth and Aimee (looking deep in thought!)

 Clare observed that “the sneak preview into the function of the walls allows you to find out the hidden secrets.”

Sarah agreed, “you then realise there’s more to it than meets the eye.” They're refering to the hidden fire pits and flues in the wall, historically used to keep the blossom and fruit safe from frost. To find out more you might like to ask one of the garden team or join a garden guided tour on your next visit. 

 

Kenneth chose the dipping pond pump because he was “interested in the irrigation of the walled garden and how this was once used to keep the plants healthy – to keep the show going. He has always been interested in the development of human technology through the ages, from the efficient and intelligent to the wasteful and the stupid! It gives an insight into a part of humanity, to see technology and nature mix together and show how both can cooperate.”

Oksana and Alex thought that it was “very impressive to see the fruits growing in such a climate, including the grapes.”

Group 2

Nicola chose the insect hotel because “it was a great idea that people could do a version at home. Brilliant for children on so many levels, helping them to learn about bugs, conservation and the environment all at the same time.”

Nicola also discovered what this crop was….

Can you guess what it is? The only clue we will give you is that it is grown in Pontefract. (The answer is at the end of this blog!)

Jimmy selected the teapot outside the Walled Garden Restaurant. Positioned just inside the entrance, this gets a lot of attention from our visitors. In his words, “it stands out because it’s a teapot in the middle of a garden.  It’s made out of lots of different parts rather than one whole so to me it's very unusual. Plus it’s very large – so it gets your attention! I like that its near to the place where you can get yourself a real cup of tea.”

Jess took this image of some of the games which are popular with children in the walled garden.  She said “this area is great for all the family – little children could enjoy having something to play with but in an open green space so you are also free to create your own fun. Big kids can enjoy it too!”

Diane captured some of the wildlife, including this red admiral on a Buddleja .  

She also took this image of a bench on the south border, saying “what a wonderful place to sit and relax. I think the walled garden is just amazing”. 

Lesley chose the pears from the iconic pear arch including the aluminium sign. She commented that “these make a beautiful addition to the garden when you’re having a wander around …and they’re great in the restaurant’s cakes and puddings!”

Victoria took both side of the pear arch to allow you to pick your favourite. She said “do you want to go through the gates or through the archway? Will you find the ha-ha through the orchard or the giant teapot the other way?”

Group 3

Beccy asked about this sculpture “why is it here? I spotted it from a window on the hall and wondered what that was all about?”

The answer to this question is that, whilst Lady Chesterfield (the last resident of the house) was passionate about horses, her husband Lord Chesterfield was far more interested in the black Labradors which were bred here. This wooden dog is sitting right where they would have lived, in the kennels.

Heather picked this view saying “I liked the way it looked. The roller and water pump, the old acorns and the potting shed”.

Liz chose this image of the grapes. She said “I was so impressed to see grapes growing in Yorkshire and to realise the restaurant use the produce.”

Isobel and Hannah found this pumpkin, Hannah said “we saw it on the floor in the glasshouse and thought that perhaps the Halloween preparations had begun”.

Alice picked this window on the clock tower “the blocked out window interested me, it makes me want to know what’s behind it. I suppose it means there is one less to clean!”

Many visitors don’t notice the fact that these windows are blacked out, and the answer to what is (or rather WAS) behind it, is accommodation for the servants who lived and worked at Beningbrough Hall. However, the windows facing onto the courtyard were blacked out because it was considered inappropriate for the servants to be literally ‘looking down’ on the residents of the house who might be walking in the grounds below.

 And the answer to the crop question? It was liquorice! The root is dried and then used for its strong flavour.