Out & About January 2018

OA feature

“We arrived at our hotel in Windsor, James had two uniforms, I had three day suits, three evening outfits and hats. The hotel took one look at us and said we needed a bigger room. “When I saw the barriers on Windsor High Street it only dawned on me how big an occasion it was. “On the first morning James set off early. I had to get myself to Victoria Park to be the first to be presented when the Queen arrived. “It was very special. I was with the High Sheriff and his wife. I was also presented to the Duke of Edinburgh and walked with him as he talked to the school children and then onto a dais for the school performance. “I sat behind the Duke, James sat behind the Queen. The most memorable thing was that the children stood to sing the national anthem and the Queen was absolutely thrilled. As a famous TV star, Welford Park is now in demand as a location for shoots and appeared in the recent Christmas edition of Harpers Bazaar magazine. Deborah was the location manager and was helped by the estate manager’s 14-year-old daughter, Fleur. Every other year, in July, the house is transformed into a backdrop for a community- theatre, open-air musical romp by the Boxford Masques. A stage is built in front of the house with full lighting rigs and there is a cast of about 50, aged from five to an octogenarian. Last summer the house became an ocean liner in All At Sea, with the audience as passengers, many of whom brought picnics for the interval. “As the theatre crew were setting up, the television crew for Bake Off were leaving, which all worked like clockwork.” And when September comes round this year it will be time, once again, to get beating and baking for the next Snowdrop season in 2019.

wired in and the sinks fitted with hot and cold water. Then we’re ready to go.” The grounds were bustling with runners, technicians, presenters, contestants and crew. Deborah worked very closely with the art director, arranging the flowers for the marquee and planting up the now-familiar steps. Last year, she was thrilled to be chosen as a baker in the dress rehearsal for the judges. “So I know the pressure the competitors are under, not only having to produce something that is delicious, but to be cross-examined by any one of four celebrities in front of 10 cameras. “I had absolutely no idea what was under the red and white tablecloth and I’m very thrilled to say that my technical challenge got a Hollywood handshake. “I made a Victoria sponge and we had to also make the jam and buttercream. “It was run on strict Bake Off rules and I’m delighted to say that last year I was Star Baker – but the other three were crew and I make hundreds of scones and cakes for the Tea Rooms, so I’m not sure it was awfully fair.” Deborah says the new Bake Off with Channel 4 is a breath of fresh air. “Of course we missed Mary, Mel and Sue ter- ribly, but the new team bonded quickly and felt honoured to be part of this iconic show. “ I think it’s been beyond everyone’s wildest dreams that so many people watched it.” One of the winners of a previous Bake Off was Nadiya Hussain, who was commissioned to bake a cake for the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016. The year was also a highlight for the Puxleys, as in his role as Lord Lieutenant, James and Deborah were present at Windsor for the three- day celebrations. On the Queen’s actual birthday, says Deborah,

The Boxford Masques is a community event

Welford Park Gardens, open on January 31 until March 3, Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm (free car park closes 5.30pm). The gardens are closed on Monday and Tuesdays. Entrance Adults £ 7, concessions

£6, children £3. Tea Rooms 11am-5pm serving

Dragonfly teas, a company based in Newbury Light lunches based on Welford Park sausages. Gift shop with British-made products. Snowdrop shop is now online. www.welfordpark.co.uk

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