As we head into 2020, we thought it would be nice to have a little look back at some of the highlights of the year.
We welcomed a huge variety of corporate, community and private events to the house including awards ceremonies, anniversary parties, memorial services and of course, weddings. Amongst the weddings were some stunning themed events including a Mad Hatters Tea Party and a Peacock and Fairy theme. We also hosted outdoor ceremonies and were thankful for good weather!
February found the Resolution Run return to Escot, in aid of Stroke Association South West. Visit Exeter held a seminar at the house, to discuss ways of promoting the city and region.
In March, Kathryn Anne Photography borrowed the house for a beautiful, Tuscan-styled wedding shoot which was later featured in Want That Wedding.
Tanks arrived at Escot in May! No army manoeuvres, these are mini-tanks that can be hired for a forest incursion and driven through muddy paths, hills and dips and out the other side.
July was a busy old month – the 373 Group Awards were held at Escot, celebrating an amazing array of talented individuals and businesses from the South West. Working with Tale Valley Trust and our very own Mish Kennaway, local accountants Simpkins Edwards sent a team of volunteers to clear an outflow tunnel enabling an old waterwheel to turn for the first time in 80 years. A huge UX2 youth camp for the National Citizenship Service was set up in the grounds. They had great weather for it!
Beautiful Days took place in August as usual, with acts including Skunk Anansie, Ziggy Marley, the Levellers, The Stranglers, Cast, Steeleye Span, Hothouse Flowers, Fisherman’s Friends; Cara Dillon and Tom Robinson. It was once again a wonderful weekend for all.
In September Archant ran a series of very informative free seminars called ‘Digital Decoded’ for business owners wanting to get ahead of their competitors to boost public awareness and profit, whilst local celebrant company Simply Bespoke Ceremonies made a video in the garden to showcase their services.
October found Escot hosting the second ever Red Squirrel South West (RSSW) Fundraising Dinner, featuring MP Neil Parish, celebrity chef Tim Maddams, and the extraordinary Red Suit Magician.
In November a South West Cyclo Cross was held at Escot. 241 riders took part and there was a LOT of mud! Later in the month, Escot was the venue for a fantastic Artisan Market for the second year running. The first year was very successful but clearly word has spread, as the event was even busier this year, and the stallholders all said it was one of the most successful markets they’d been too. Lucy and her team baked up a storm to provide a delicious range of cakes, cookies, mince pies and savouries including pizza, all appreciated by visitors to the market.
In December we welcomed RIBA to the house for their annual Christmas celebration. The last event of the year was Jolly Runnings Extremely Jolly run, which saw hundreds of Santas, elves and other festively dressed runners enjoying a very muddy course which included an inflatable slide!
Thank you to all our wedding couples, corporate clients, event organisers and suppliers for helping 2019 to be such a successful year. May we wish you all a Happy New Year, we hope that 2020 is as memorable as 2019.
