WORTHING SYMPHONY SOCIETY

40th Anniversary Celebrations

On Friday 16th June, twenty four WSS members enjoyed an enlightening

and pleasant afternoon at St. Mary’s Historic House, Bramber. 

 

The event was arranged as part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the society’s inception to support the renowned professional Worthing Symphony Orchestra.

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Members were shown around the beautiful timber-framed house by guides and WSS committee members, Eddie and Pamela Hurcombe. Both have been volunteers at St. Mary’s in various guises for ten years having been captivated by the history of the 15th century house and gardens.

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Everyone found a welcoming atmosphere pervaded the house which reflects its diverse habitation from monks and pilgrims to country MPs, farmers, London socialites, young Canadian officers, the saviour of the house from demolition and up to the present day owners. The special interests of the latter, author and composer Peter Thorogood and curator Roger Linton abound within the house, causing some members to say they will return to stay longer in order to fully appreciate all the diverse collections and artefacts on display.

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After enjoying a cream tea in the Orchard Lodge tea rooms, many members took a pleasant stroll through the ‘secret’ part of the estate, hidden for 50 years before being redeveloped and redesigned by Roger Linton. 

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Eddie Hurcombe, a stalwart of the WSO double bass section, has already played in the elegant Victorian music room as part of the St. Mary’s concert events. The WSO sextet will be performing there again in an eagerly awaited ‘Summer Serenade’ on Friday 28th July. Find out more here.

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The anniversary visit coincided with St. Richard’s and Sussex Day, making for a happy celebration all round. 

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Pamela Hurcombe

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