A group of 31 Probus members and partners were privileged to visit Bromesberrow Place, home of The Hon. Gilbert Greenall on June 18th.

They heard a compelling talk by their host on his humanitarian work overseas. A former soldier, Gilbert qualified as a doctor and embarked on the management of humanitarian crises, on behalf of either the British Government or the UN, in such war-torn areas as Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Angola and Bosnia. His fascinating story is shoertly to be published as a book, ‘Combat Civilian’.

The group then enjoyed tours of the house and garden. The former comprises a Regency Greek Revival front added to an original Georgian structure. Among the many fascinating domestic items are a collection of English Sporting Art and portraits of Gilbert’s forebears. Since acquiring the property in the early 1990s Gilbert has initiated a programme of extensive improvements and restoration work.

The house sits within a 1200 acre estate, including 200 acres of parkland and well-tended gardens. Head Gardener David Myers conducted a tour of the latter, including the walled area with its extensive box hedging, fruit trees and vines. The former Camellia House is now used to shelter a collection of tender plants including lemon trees.

The day ended with Gilbert joining the visitors for an excellent buffet lunch during which they had the opportunity of sampling his estate wine.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.