In 1930, the place, practically a ruin, was piirchased by 

 Sir Harold Nicholson - a contemporary critic and essayist - and 

 Lady Nicholson, the poetess and authoress Vita Sackville-West 

 a descendant of Thoraas SackvillCo 



The v/ork of restoration has swept away all evil perpetrated 

 by the original biiilder and whether v^ralking through the gardens 

 of the two interior courtyards or beside the moat w^ith its 

 profusion of briars from Persia, nose roses and irises, the 

 visitor is conscious of an atnosphcre of ;;'e.'.ce .-Jid gentleness. 



Fortunately we met Lady Nicholson on her return f3?om opening 

 an exhibition at Biddenden, through which we should pass„ Here 

 a halt was made so that members could viev/ the historical exhibits, 



SMARISEN 



In early September a visit was paid to the Church Farm 

 Vintage Cider Factory, 



We were met by Lt.Col, White, who before starting his 

 interesting talk offered each guest a glass of cider. 



Quantities of ajpples were seen. The Colonel described the 

 many processes through which the apples pass before the juice is 

 bottled as cider, the first being washing to remove all dirt. 



V/e were conducted through many rooms, saw the machinery used 

 in the manufacture of cider until finally it vra.s bottled and 

 corked ready for sale. 



Six bottles of cider, a gift to the Society were presented 

 to holders of lucky number tickets. 



In 1934 we visited one of the 14th century cloth halls, -which 

 was then being modernised by Captain Noel of Everest fame. By 

 accident Miss Day m.et the Captain, who invited members to view the 

 hall now the work v/as completed. The invitation vra.s accepted, two 

 parties formed, one to view the modernised cloth hall, the other 

 to visit the Church of St. Michael, known as the "Bam of Kent" 

 owing to the nature of the roof and the width of the nave. 

 Features of the tv/o last excursions were the unplanned visits 

 to the exhibition and to the cloth hall. 



TVH^^ A.J, Wright, 

 - 15 - 



