A REDDITCH woman who was one of the first people to visit Ragley Hall on the first day it opened to the public in Easter 1958 has returned to the historic venue 67 years later.
The visit came about after Barbara Bakewell, who is 103 and lives in Batchley, found a guide book she bought on that day and wanted to give it to the current Lord Hertford, Henry Seymour, who now owns the hall.
It has special family significance for Lord Hertford as it was signed on that day in 1958 by the then Marquess of Hertford, Hugh Seymour – Henry’s father – and the Marchioness.
On her first visit in 1958, Barbara was given a tour of Ragley Hall, personally escorted by the then Lord Hertford and the Marchioness.
And, during her recent visit last month, she was welcomed by the current one who gave her another tour.
On being presented with the signed guidebook, Lord Hertford asked how much it had cost Barbara.
She replied ‘half-a-crown’. Today’s value, taking into account inflationary rises, was worked out to be £5 Lord Hertford then insisted on paying her for the booklet.
As a long-standing helper and supporter of Cramar Cat Rescue and Sanctuary in Hopwood, Barbara was delighted to donate the cash to the cause after a thoroughly enjoyable day.
