Friday 18 November 2016

Mount Stewart Visit

Charles Villiers has been a great friend and supporter of this blog for a number of years.

He has sent me invaluable information pertaining to the Stewarts, Marquesses of Londonderry, and, in particular, his close relationship with his beloved grandmother, the late Lady Mairi Bury.

Charles is a great-grandson of the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Londonderry.

He recently visited Mount Stewart estate, near Newtownards, County Down (where, incidentally, he and I were both born), with his cousin Theresa (the Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP) and his friend, Jonathan Caine (the Lord Caine).

Charles explains,

"WE all were visiting Mount Stewart together, which was a plan we jointly made a couple of weeks previously.

We walked around the Lake, up to Tir Nan Og which had been left unlocked in order for me to see the recently installed Headstone on my mother's grave for the first time (following her burial at Mount Stewart in 2015).

Then we went up to the Farm because Jonathan wished to see all of the eighteenth century farm buildings which are unchanged since the time of the famous statesman Lord Castlereagh growing up at Mount Stewart.

The farm buildings are currently being re-roofed by the National Trust, after the NT bought the Farm last year from my late grandmother's Trustees.

The oak trees in the demesne which are known to have been planted by Castlereagh himself.

After seeing the Farm, we then walked up to the Temple of the Winds, which neither Jonathan nor Theresa had visited before, and enjoyed the views from the Temple across Strangford Lough towards Scrabo Tower and the site of the swimming pool marked by its lone palm tree.

The two photographs were taken by Theresa's bodyguard from the Close Protection Unit, and afterwards we all lunched at the National Trust's Bay Restaurant.

Theresa and I are cousins because we are each descended from two brothers of the 4th Earl of Clarendon, namely the Hon Thomas Villiers MP (me) and the Hon Edward Villiers (Theresa).

Some people may think the Villiers family is wholly English, though in fact it has long standing Irish connections dating back to Theresa's and my direct ancestor, Sir Edward Villiers MP (1585-1626), who was appointed Lord President of Munster; and who lived, died, and was buried in Youghal, County Cork."

Thursday 10 November 2016

The Ancient DJ


Think I'm alluding to Jimmy Savile? Or the oldest swinger in town?

Try again.

Timothy Belmont alludes to the venerable old dinner jacket, a mere 83 years old.

It's priceless, to me at least. Everything has a price, I suppose.

I wouldn't accept a thousand pounds for my old dinner jacket; nor two thousand pounds.

The eager bidder would be required to pitch considerably higher. It's not for sale anyway.

It was made in August, 1933, consisting of heavy flannel or Barathea wool, with one button fastening at the front; ventless at the back.


It boasts a very wide, ribbed silk lapel and has four, functional buttons on each sleeve; one inside pocket and two outside pockets.

First published in June, 2008.

Friday 4 November 2016

New DL

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY LIEUTENANT

Mrs Joan Christie OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, has been pleased to appoint:

Dr Stephen Peter FITZGERALD CBE
Crumlin
County Antrim

To be a Deputy Lieutenant of the County, her Commission bearing date the 19th October, 2016.
Joan Christie
Lord Lieutenant of the County

Wednesday 2 November 2016

La Scarpetta da Mariò

I've been yearning for some good, fresh pasta lately and there just happens to be a fair selection of Italian restaurants in Corralejo.

Several years ago I dined at a charming little restaurant called La Scarpetta da Mariò, tucked away discreetly in a quiet shopping centre close to the town centre.

Mariò himself was master of ceremonies, to the extent that he personally attended to patrons, spending a few minutes reciting the special meals available.

Quite a rigmarole in fact.

La Scarpetta moved to new premises more than a year ago, at the Plaza, 62, Avenida Nostra Senora del Carmen.

The new restaurant is considerably larger and, as a consequence, less intimate.

I like it, though it has lost a little of the former premises' charm; and Mariò has ceased the rigmarole (which I don't mind, frankly).

The new restaurant was very quiet when I arrived, though I tend to dine early so this was perhaps to be expected.

I was shown to a table at the far end initially.

I have experienced this treatment before, so before I settled there I scanned the room for a preferable table and noticed one I fancied at the window.


Seated at the window table, I perused the Italian menu and ordered the Torta Sfoglia agli Asparagi , fresh asparagus cooked in butter, with Parmesan and ricotta cheese, aromatic truffle, encased in a rich puff pastry.


For my main course I had the Tagiatelle ai Pomodorini Calabresi e Porcini, pasta with sun-dried cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, a bit of chilli pepper, porcini mushrooms and basil.

The asparagus tart was very good: moist, light, full of flavour; with a fine little garnish and sweet balsamic vinegar.

The pasta was good, too: fresh, appropriately cooked, complemented by the sun-dried tomatoes and basil.

The bill, including a soft drink, came to €20.10.

Saturday 22 October 2016

Brackenber Memorabilia



A fellow Old Brackenbrian has kindly conveyed several nostalgic illustrations which, I hope, are of considerable interest to others.

I have sought old photographs of the School for some time, so it gives me great pleasure to share these illustrations with readers.

Brackenber House Preparatory School (above) was located at Cleaver Avenue in Belfast.

The scarlet cap and striped tie are on the right. 

First published in June, 2009.

Thursday 20 October 2016

Post Tardiness


Fret not, dear readers. The posting this morning was later than usual because I'm not using my normal BT connection.

The wifi where I happen to be can be, shall we say, hit or miss.

I shall try to post articles during the evening, when I tend to have a more reliable connection.

I dined at an old favourite earlier: Avenida Restaurant, Corralejo, Fuerteventura.

The food is relatively simple and unpretentious, as is the restaurant.

The standards, however, are first-rate.

My chicken escalope, served with crisp and dry chips, lettuce and tomato slice, was as enjoyable as ever.

Always order a half portion, lest you have the appetite of a hippopotamus.

One is brought a complimentary basket of fresh bread and strong alioli (my preference).

The bill came to a mere €5.90: a bargain.

Wednesday 12 October 2016

Prince Edward In NI

The Earl of Wessex, Trustee, yesterday carried out engagements in Northern Ireland to celebrate the Diamond Anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and was received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim (Mrs. Joan Christie OBE).

His Royal Highness met young people participating in the Grass Roots Challenge, at Hillsborough Castle, County Down.

The Earl of Wessex visited a Probation Board Project at the Book Reserve, 407 Lisburn Road, Belfast.

His Royal Highness afterwards visited Belfast Activity Centre, Barnett's Stable Yard, Barnett's Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast, and was received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast (Mrs Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle CBE).

HRH later visited Strangford Integrated College, Abbey Road, Carrowdore, Newtownards, County Down,and was received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of County Down (Mr. David Lindsay).

His Royal Highness yesterday evening attended a Dinner in County Down.

TODAY His Royal Highness visited Ballyclare High School, Ballyclare, County Antrim.

Wednesday 28 September 2016

Island Taggart Visit

Island Taggart is one of the largest islands on Strangford Lough, County Down.

Today we all mustered at Balloo, Killinchy, and motored the short distance, via Rathcunningham Road, to the quay.

This is a cul-de-sac which terminates at Rathcunningham Quay.

From here, Simmy Island and Ringdufferin are adjacent.


About ten of us boarded the little motor-boat from the quay and made the five-minute trip over to Taggart in two runs.


This island has been a property of the National Trust since 1985, when it was donated by Patrick and Kathleen Mackie.

There is a derelict farmstead in the middle of the island, which was used for the film production of The December Bride (by the Ulster author, Sam Hanna Bell).

Taggart is about 85 acres in extent.

Old orchard at back of farmhouse

Today we were cutting down gorse bushes.

I had my favourite cheese-and-onion sandwiches for lunch.

Sunday 18 September 2016

Glorious North Antrim

I've already said it many times though, for the benefit of new readers, I shall reiterate and reaffirm my great fondness for the village of Bushmills in County Antrim.

I stayed at my aunt's holiday home in Portballintrae for a few days and, driving past the little railway halt, a huge - not to mention grand - marquee came into eyesight in a large field beside the river Bush.

It was directly opposite the Bushmills Inn Hotel.

I should fill you in on a few preliminary details first.

The landlords of Bushmills and the entire area used to be the Macnaghten Baronets, of Dundarave estate (beside the village).

The Macnaghtens owned about 6,700 acres of land during the Victorian era, including the Giant's Causeway.

A few years ago the present Baronet sold his estate, including Dundarave House, to Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE, founder of Randox Healthcare.

Dr FitzGerald's plans for the development of his land (now 1,300 acres) include corporate hospitality, shooting, fishing, and his personal passion, polo.


Still with me? The massive marquee outside the village was erected by Randox for a charity polo tournament in aid of - correct me if I'm wrong - The Prince's Trust.

I had been informed of the cost of the tickets and speculation that a member of the Royal Family might attend.

Belmont, dear reader, was a mere bystander.

I did spot Mrs Joan Christie OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim; and the local constabulary looked exceptionally smart, wearing shirts and ties etc.


Speaking of the Northern Ireland police, they have a very good pipe band.

They marched proudly along the field, entertaining the spectators.

Judging by four flags flying from the marquee, there were four teams, namely, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the Irish Republic, and South Africa (I gather that Dr FitzGerald's sister is a horse-trainer or owner there).

Basement room at Downhill House ca 1930s

EARLIER in the day I motored through Coleraine and over the river Bann to Downhill Demesne, a property of the National Trust.

Downhill House, Castle, or Palace, whichever you prefer, was a seat of none other than the Right Honourable and Right Reverend Frederick Augustus Hervey, Earl of Bristol and Lord Bishop of Derry.

Let's abbreviate that to the Earl-Bishop.

The Bishop's Gate

I parked outside the Bishop's Gate, had a chin-wag with the staff in the lodge, and ventured forth into the glen.


Not, however, before I paid homage to the headless statue of the Earl-Bishop's brother George, 2nd Earl of Bristol.


The Earl-Bishop erected a magnificent mausoleum or monument to his brother (and patron) in the grounds, within eyesight of Downhill House.


The 2nd Earl's statue stood within this monument.

I walked towards the coastline, where the roofless shell of a belvedere or summer-house now stands.


It was built for one of his daughters, the Lady Mary Hervey (who married the 1st Earl of Erne).


Back at the Bishop's Gate, where the stonework is embellished with an earl's coronet, crests, mitres etc, there is a secondary entrance in the form of a tunnel, for the use of servants and tradesmen.

Friday 16 September 2016

Portballintrae Visit

I spent a few hours at the Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae, County Antrim, last night.

I had a Nero Wolfe detective novel and, of course, the iPad.

The Bayview Hotel is well established in the village and, in my experience, the staff are generally very welcoming and friendly.

Earlier in the day I'd been to the seaside resort of Portrush, in the same county.

I sought a full-size wetsuit and tried on one that fitted me like a glove, so decided to buy it.

Back at the hotel I was reliably informed that the healthcare company, Randox, is organising an event in a large field beside Bushmills, beside the river Bush.

An enormous marquee has been erected and I'm wondering if this would be an equestrian event, such as a polo match.

I motored into Coleraine, County Londonderry, this morning.

I'm fond of Coleraine, particularly the Diamond where the town hall is situated.

There's a very strong wind blowing today, so I may not christen the wetsuit (!)

Thursday 15 September 2016

On Gibb's Island


I was at Ballyquintin last week; and yesterday was spent with a dozen National Trust Strangford Lough volunteers at Gibb's Island, a truly beautiful property beside Delamont Country Park, County Down.

The closest village, Killyleagh, is merely a few miles away and is worth a detour itself, with the romantic, turreted Castle (private) and the celebrated Dufferin Inn a stone's throw away.

As many will know, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, is also the Baron Killyleagh.

The term "island" is perhaps a slight misnomer for Gibb's nowadays, given that there's now a permanent causeway and track which lead over to it.


No matter; it's one of the most picturesque places in the county and certainly in Strangford Lough.

Gibb's was formerly part of the Delamont Estate (which I've already written about elsewhere).

It's a very small island, and a large wooded area covers the entire top of Gibb's.

It is particularly popular with local dog-walkers; in fact the grass path round the island is so well trodden that there's no need to mow it.

During certain months of the year Galloway or Angus cattle graze Gibb's; and we do mow it once a year to encourage the wild flower meadow.

Yesterday we were at the top of the island, cutting down sycamore saplings and small trees; thereby encouraging the growth of other flora.

We also collected acorns for future planting.


A group of us lunched on a wooden bench directly opposite the Quoile Yacht Club.

The weather was heavenly: more akin to late summer than early autumn.

Prince Henry of Wales

PRINCE HENRY OF WALES is 32 today.

His Royal Highness Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales, KCVO, is the younger son of the Prince of Wales and is fifth in line to the Throne.

HONOURS

Wednesday 14 September 2016

Brackenber Images

Do any readers possess photographs of Brackenber House School?

There are bound to a few colour ones from the time before the house was demolished.

Could you have a look at an old album, perhaps, and send it to me by email?

Thank you.

Friday 9 September 2016

New DLs

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY LIEUTENANTS

Mr David Lindsay, Lord-Lieutenant of County Down, has been pleased to appoint:-
  • Mr Peter Campbell CONWAY, Warrenpoint, County Down
  • Professor Neil McCLURE, Holywood, County Down
To be Deputy Lieutenants of the County, his Commission bearing date 2nd September 2016.

David Lindsay
Lord Lieutenant of the County

Monday 5 September 2016

New Belfast DLs

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY LIEUTENANTS

Mrs Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast, has been pleased to appoint the following to be Deputy Lieutenants of the County Borough of Belfast, their Commissions bearing the date, the 31st day of August, 2016:-
  • Professor Alastair Samuel ADAIR, CBE, Newtownards, County Down
  • Mrs Judith Mary EVE, CBE, Newtownbreda, Belfast
Signed: Gary Smyth MBE, Clerk of the Lieutenancy

Friday 2 September 2016

Madame Valerie


I spent some time in central Belfast this morning.

I had hoped to find more heraldic information about the Chearnleys of Salterbridge, though my search in the library proved to be fruitless.


A couple of vintage advertisements in an early 20th century Burke's amused me.

Even the apostrophe is missing on Burberry's name (the founder was a certain Thomas Burberry), so this poor grammatical habit began many decades ago.


I don't suppose too many readers shall recall Hooper & Co of 54, St James's Street.

I did, however, nip into Mark and Spencer's Donegall Place store and made a beeline for the food hall.


On the way home, I passed the new Patisserie Valerie café, located opposite City Hall, at Donegall Square West, where their display of hand-made cakes proved to be irresistible.


I fancied the Mixed Berry Tart.

Incidentally, Patisserie Valerie was established in 1926 by Madame Valerie; and her first café was situated at Frith Street, London.

Monday 29 August 2016

Castle Ward Walk

The Sunken Garden and Castle Ward House

I spent a glorious afternoon on Sunday, 28th August, 2016, at Castle Ward estate, County Down, a property of the National Trust.

I arrived just before noon and, parking the two-seater in the main car-park, stretched the legs on a circuitous route round the outside perimeter of the courtyard.


When I reached the stableyard the shop was open, so I spent some time browsing.

They have a very good selection of books and other National Trust merchandise at this property.

I purchased a small book called How To Read Buildings: A crash course in Architecture, by Carol Davidson Cragoe.


The café had just opened, so I ordered the fresh vegetable soup and a slice of brown bread, and brought it outside to the sunny courtyard which, by the way, has free wifi.

After lunch I tightened up the laces on my walking shoes and ventured forth, along the estate's Downpatrick Avenue, towards Downpatrick gate lodge.


I think this used to be the main entrance, if the rather grand, elaborate gates are anything to go by.

The little lodge boasts the armorial bearings of the Viscounts Bangor on its gable wall.

The crest, a man's head adorned with feathers, is missing. A little hole where it had been attached to is visible.


Thence I passed the gates and continued along the avenue, past the Mallard Plantation, until I came to a gate.

This townland is known as Tullyratty.


I walked along a narrow track or trail, passing many plump, ripe, wild blackberries and, would you believe it, raspberries.


I indulged in several of the juicier ones and advanced along the path.

It leads through woodland and emerges, eventually, in a clearing at the former gamekeeper's cottage, now called The Bunkhouse, I think.

Former gamekeeper's cottage

Revisiting Castle Ward is always nostalgic for me, since we spent twenty-five summers at the caravan park at the edge of the demesne closest to Strangford.

Wednesday 24 August 2016

Horse Island Day


I have spent most of the day working with five other volunteers at land owned by the National Trust beside Horse Island.

Horse Island is about two miles south of Kirkubbin on the Ards Peninsula, County Down.

The townland is called Rowreagh.

Horse Island is almost equidistant from Kircubbin and the Saltwater Brig bar and restaurant.

We spent the day picking two trailer-loads of ragwort.

This weed is relatively easy to uproot manually, though it can be stubborn on dry land.

One needs to persist for a few years and therafter most of it is eradicated.


We basked in the lovely sunshine at lunchtime, and I had cheese-and-onion sandwiches today.

The blackberries are early this year. I helped myself to quite a number of ripe ones.

Saturday 13 August 2016

Ducal Tribute

REMEMBERING THE VIth DUKE OF WESTMINSTER
22 DECEMBER 1951 - 9 AUGUST 2016

THE GROSVENOR ESTATE PUBLISHED A TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO GERALD, 6TH DUKE OF WESTMINSTER, ON THE 11th AUGUST, 2016

"Gerald Cavendish [Grosvenor], 6th Duke of Westminster KG CB CVO OBE TD CD DL led a full life.

He was a passionate country man, committed soldier, an excellent shot, a true entrepreneur and, importantly, he went out of his way to be courteous and humorous with all people, regardless of status or wealth.

Distinctly down-to-earth, the Duke of Westminster was rarely seen without a Diet Coke and a cigarette (later electric).

Not much of a sleeper, one might expect emails from him at any hour of the night and an average week would see him up and down from home in Chester to London and all over the world to visit soldiers, businesses, charities and rural estates while representing and promoting numerous organisations.

His birth in Northern Ireland in December, 1951, was a celebrated occasion (his father being the last direct male descendant of the 1st Duke of Westminster).

In his own words “his childhood was idyllic” growing up with two sisters Leonora and Jane.

His parents, whilst loving and attentive, had both played their part in the Second World War and like many aristocratic families at that time had little idea of how to bring up children.

However the children were not materially spoiled or over-cosseted by their parents.

They employed a tyrannical nanny, who took any opportunity with Gerald not “to spare the rod”.

Despite this, Gerald and his sisters enjoyed much happiness and freedom playing in the islands of Lough Erne.

It was here that he learned to fish and to shoot at his father’s side.

Gerald’s father served as Member of Parliament for Fermanagh and South Tyrone and spent a good deal of time during Gerald’s early childhood at the House of Commons.

During these frequent absences Gerald was taken under the wing of the estate gamekeeper, Wesley Scott, with whom a deep friendship grew and this countryman’s earthy wisdom and knowledge was imparted to Gerald at an early age.

An empathy with country folk and a deep understanding and love of the natural world shaped his views thereafter.

This idyll was rudely interrupted at the age of eight when he was sent to boarding school for which he was little prepared.

He was schooled at Sunningdale and then Harrow.

It served to teach him that if you are happy and placed in a sympathetic environment you will learn.

Unfortunately, his time at school was not happy.

Speaking with a “broad Irish” accent he did not settle easily and his unhappiness at school was in direct proportion to his lack of achievement in the classroom, where he found little of relevance, other than History and English.

Ironically, and despite the unflattering remarks on his school reports, by the end of his life he had accumulated seven honorary degrees, which reflected the time and patronage he gave to education in the North West of England.

He was a natural sportsman and as a youth excelled on the football pitch with an ability to strike the ball equally well with either foot, but was discouraged to pursue this further by his father.

He was also a good cricketer, but his abiding love was for country sports and he was acknowledged to be one of the finest shots in the country.

When Gerald was 16 a Daily Mail reporter visited his school.

The 4th Duke had died and the title was passed to his brother Robert, Gerald’s father.

This meant that Gerald inherited the courtesy title “Earl Grosvenor”.

It was the first he had heard of it and immediately rang his father asking what it was all about.

The reply was “Ah yes, we need to talk about that!”

It was a double blow for Gerald who adored his uncle, but also realised that his life was to change forever.

On leaving Harrow he went travelling with his good friend Johnny Hesketh.

Gerald’s parents had always kept their children’s feet firmly on the ground.

When Gerald and Johnny were in Iran, Gerald found a carpet he particularly liked.

He sent a telegram to his father “Found exquisite carpet, send money” – his father replied – “Wrap carpet round head, have both examined”.

On his return he started training for his impending role within the Grosvenor Estate, and he threw himself into learning everything he could about the property business and the intricacies of the Grosvenor Estate.

He travelled in Canada, America, New Zealand and Australia, where, in 1975, he bought a 10,500 acre Estate in New South Wales known as Bull’s Run and learnt to manage land and run a farm of his own.

In 1978, Gerald married Natalia Phillips, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Harold Phillips and Gina, grand-daughter of Sir Julius Wernher.

Gerald and ‘Tally’ were married at Tally’s family home, Luton Hoo, and they spent their honeymoon at Bull’s Run in Australia.

Their marriage represented the dawn of a new era in the history of the Grosvenor family – a modern family with Tally at its very heart.

Gerald inherited the dukedom from his father in 1979.

The property crash of the early 1970s and the heavy mortgaging of the London Estate to pay death duties had left the business in dire straits.

Along with the 120 hectare London Estate that came into the Grosvenor family in the 17th century, Gerald inherited the heavy burden of responsibility, which was to breathe life and purpose back into the Grosvenor Estate.

He also inherited two inestimable qualities from his father, a sense of duty and a keen appreciation of what was right and fair.

These two qualities stood him in good stead in his business dealings over the years.

He wisely surrounded himself with excellent people who worked closely together to encourage his involvement in the business and to support him in the role of Chairman, but it was his own youth and enthusiasm that provided the impetus to drive the Grosvenor Estate forward to become one of the largest and most entrepreneurial privately owned international property companies in the world.

His openness coupled with a natural charm endeared him to many.

Laughter was never far away in any conversation and many were the times when a joke relieved the tension at a difficult meeting or in an awkward situation.

Like many of his forebears he was an accomplished soldier.

In April, 1992, he took Command of his regiment the Queen’s Own Yeomanry based in Newcastle.

He thought this to be the pinnacle of his Army career, instead it served to fan the flames of his future ambitions in the Army, not for himself, but for the volunteer soldier and the public’s recognition of their contribution.

In 2004, Gerald was made the Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff for Reserve Forces and Cadets.

This put him in charge of Ministry of Defence policy for the reservists and cadets of all three armed forces.

Having started his military life as a trooper thirty-five years before, he was now promoted to Major-General – making him the first reservist ‘two star’ since the 1930s.

The combination of his rank and his posting within the MoD enabled him to achieve much on behalf of the Reserve Forces during a period that saw a sea-change in their culture: reservists were now expected and wanted to serve on operations.

Not since the Second World War had such numbers been mobilised, firstly to Iraq and then increasingly to Afghanistan.

The first decade of the twenty-first century saw the Territorial Army assume an exceptionally high profile.

It moved from being a force of last resort to become the reserve of choice in support of regular army operations.

Much of this was due to Major-General the Duke of Westminster.

As the role of reservists became more and more critical, so did Gerald’s influence on policy within the MoD.

Never a man to do things by half, he gave evidence to the Public Accounts Committee in June, 2006, worked a five-day week at his desk in Whitehall and utilised almost every weekend in the year to conduct visits to reservists in training or on ceremonial events.

He also maintained a thorough knowledge of what was happening on operations, visiting the Balkans and Iraq many times throughout his tenure and travelling to Kabul and Kandahar during the critical planning phase for the intensification of operations in Helmand.

He also made trips to Bosnia, Albania, Kuwait, Estonia, Malta and Oman. Despite his punishing programme – often visiting several units in a weekend – he would not allow any of his expenses to be a cost to the taxpayer.

When his term as Head of Reserve Forces came to an end in 2007 he re-focussed his attention on the Grosvenor Estate.

No stone was left unturned.

He started his quest to perfect each of his rural estates in terms of conservation and productivity.

He met staff from each of the businesses and estates and asked them for their thoughts.

Collating the information he went about putting in place the systems and procedures to make all staff feel a part of the organisation as a whole.

He promoted the importance of the rural estates and the communities which they supported and gave the non-property businesses the confidence to excel.

This was interrupted in 2011 when he was, once again, “called up”, taking the new appointment of Deputy Commander Land Forces at a crucial time for the Territorial Army as the MoD published the Future Reserves 2020 Commission’s (FR20) Report.

It was a time of huge cultural change for the Army and General Westminster was at the heart of it.

He was able to make a unique contribution as one who had more experience of Reserve forces than anyone else in Defence.

His appointment was key to providing an experienced perspective in generating the appropriate reserve forces, re-establishing commitment, introducing a reinvigorated recruiting campaign and directing staff effort across the whole Army.

His commitment set an example for others to follow.

He more than held his own amongst Generals but was equally at home talking with the most junior trooper on the tank park.

Soldiers, sailors and airmen of all ranks knew how much he was doing for them and appreciated his commitment and support.

When the Duke left the Reserve Army after over 40 years of service he was very moved by what he had seen in Iraq and Afghanistan and particularly by the very heavy price many young people in uniform had paid for serving the nation.

He wanted to do something for them and this quickly turned into the idea of continuing the success of the clinical rehabilitation at Headley Court which was created in 1947 – by simply creating a 21st century version of it on a new site in the middle of England.

Along the way, the Secretary of State for Defence asked him if he would at the same time 'do something for the nation' – essentially by sharing Defence's renowned expertise in this field – which Gerald agreed to.

One thing led to another, and by 2011 there was strong support pan-Government for his idea and the concept of the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre was born.

Typically, he made the founding gift of £50 million.

Other major donors have followed his lead so that his creation is now a year into construction and will open in 2018.

This year the rehabilitation opportunities for the nation stemming from the construction of the Defence establishment are being seriously examined with Government – and the Grosvenor legacy here could be even greater than he ever imagined.

It is very poignant that he will not see his remarkable initiative turn into a very significant legacy for those who are seriously injured.

Many in uniform will hope that the earth lies lightly on this soldier's bones.

His military experience was reflected in Gerald’s approach to the Grosvenor Estate, where his loyalty to his staff, whether a senior executive or a young gamekeeper, was unprecedented and all knew that the Duke would be there to support them when the going got tough.

He was a great believer in investing in people; he would present long-service awards, attend retirement parties, speak at staff open days and have lunch with small groups of staff on a regular basis.

Gerald, the countryman, had a natural affinity with the countryside.

In 1992 he published a report entitled “The Problems in Rural Areas” highlighting the difficulties being experienced in remote and isolated rural communities.

In recent years he lobbied to get “Broadband” access for isolated communities, something he knew to be a commercial and educational lifeline.

He was a man of duty.

He was loyal, unforgiving, decisive, stubborn, a fearsome opponent, prejudiced, opinionated and a brilliant strategist.

He was a contradiction.

He was brave, and yet wild horses could not drag him to the dentist.

He was both intolerant and open-minded, a loner and the best company, self-indulgent and hugely generous; he could be boastful about small things and unassuming about magnificent things.

He would not accept weakness of any kind, particularly in himself, even when suffering with depression he refused to see a doctor and decided to “heal himself”.

He hated the tags “environmentalist” and “philanthropist” believing that caring was a better word and particularly hated those who endeavoured to protect his good name and would thwart their efforts at every turn.

Like many who had to grow up too quickly he maintained a childlike quality, a smutty sense of humour, and a great sense of the ridiculous.

He never lost his love of the outdoors – a countryman at heart he was never more content than when he was on the grouse moor with a shotgun in hand.

He is survived by his wife Tally, their four children, Tamara, Edwina, Hugh and Viola; grandchildren, Jake, Louis, Zia, Wolf, Isla and Orla.

He is succeeded by his son Hugh, who becomes the 7th Duke of Westminster and leaves him a well-ordered Grosvenor Estate."

Saturday 6 August 2016

Invitation Concert

Illustration by Marcus Patton OBE

THE ULSTER HALL, Bedford Street, Belfast, was built in 1862 in the Classical style.

The 4th Baron Dunleath (who died ahead of his time in 1993) was a passionate supporter of the Hall and occasionally played the organ there.

I have fond memories of Henry Dunleath.

The Ulster Hall was sold to Belfast City Council in 1902.

In 1959, a new shield was erected, depicting the red hand of Ulster.

Ulster arms prior to present representation

This shield is displayed at the very top of the building.

In 1862 this splendid building was one of the biggest concert halls in the British Isles, with a capacity of 2,000.

The Hall was almost filled to capacity last night for a concert produced by BBC Radio 3.

By the way, if you think the orchestra looks slightly sparse in the photographs, this is because some pieces did not require the full ensemble; so various sections took leave of absence for awhile (!).


The conductor and pianist was Howard Shelley OBE.

We were treated to a selection of absolutely lovely pieces by Bridge, Sterndale Bennett, Sir Hamilton Harty, and Sir Hubert Parry Bt.

I wasn't aware that Hubert Parry had been created a baronet in 1902.

Howard Shelley conducted the Ulster Orchestra and also played the piano in Sterndale Bennett's marvellous Piano Concerto Number One in D Minor, doing it all with great aplomb and authority.

The orchestra's principal oboist - a familiar face to regular patrons - was Christopher Blake, who was the soloist for Parry's Symphony Number Three in C Major.


Incidentally, Christopher is a keen and passionate gardener during his spare time, particularly for subtropical palms, ferns, bamboos and succulents.

The programme lasted for about two hours.

As I left the Hall and walked up Bedford Street I noticed that demolition work has begun on a section of the ground floor of Windsor House, which is being transformed by the Hastings family, hoteliers, into the Grand Central Hotel.