On 14th July 2016 fifteen members travelled 24 miles north east of Cardigan to Llanerchaeron.

There we were met by volunteer guide Gillian Morgan who gave us an introduction to the National Trust property. It was a small 18th century gentry’s estate with a house designed by John Nash. The farm was the only source of income for the house/estate. It was not built on riches from industry or trade. Ten generations of the Lewis family lived there.

The property extended to 4000 acres at its peak. That number is now down to 750.

The  tour of the farmyard highlighted past methods of cereal crop storage and showed the old saw pit. After lunch, Tim, the head gardener led us through the walled garden where many volunteers have achieved a colourful display, alongside apple trees that may be 150 years old. The theme of self sufficiency on the estate was echoed when we learnt that the assistant gardener is expected to raise the equivalent of her salary through sales of fruit, veg and plants!

We then had time to explore the house, at our own pace, and talk to David Evans, the leatherworker, about his craft.

At the end of the afternoon, the coach took us the short distance to Aberaeron, for a bracing seafront stroll before a warming fish and chips supper.

Thanks go to Tim Sims-Williams, for organising the event.

Report by Andrew Weaver