Friends of Priory House and Gardens

By Peter Hollick, Contributor.

At a meeting on 26th August Becky Wisbey gave an up-date about the Priory House restoration. Work was progressing well. Archaeological finds have been made at the front of the building. The cafe will have new seating. Work continues on designing the exhibition for when the building reopens in the early part of 2017. The wall paintings will soon be returned to the Jacobean Room.

Recent tours of the Undercroft have proved very popular. It is probable that a book will be available about the restoration work at the end of the project.

The Friary Field Archaeological Exhibition on 10th and 11th July was attended by over 100 people, organised by Historical Dunstable.

The Classic Motor Rally held on Saturday 13th June in Priory Gardens attracted a record crowd with some 200 vehicles on display.

Heritage Open Day on Saturday 12th September drew many people to the nine buildings which opened their doors. Interested people came to see the exhibition at Grove House on the Priory House restoration.

The Friends had a stall at the United Charities Day market on Saturday 19th September.

Wednesday 30th September sees a talk by Sarah Tattersall on the restoration work at Priory House, 2.30, Manchester Place.

A wreath will be laid on behalf of the Friends on Remembrance Sunday.

Bedfordshire Day, Saturday 21st November, sees a talk by Jean Yates on the coaching trade and Kay Kempster will give a talk about the heyday of the Dunstable branch line.

We wait with anticipation the results of Anglia in Bloom and Britain in Bloom.