January 2019
On a Saturday afternoon in darkest January – 170 people traveled to Clonard House in Mullingar to enjoy a Victorian Escapade. We were Adults, Teenagers and Children. It was an eclectic gathering.
We were welcomed by Deirdre and Nuala Murphy – and their amazing team of staff. Oh how we all enjoyed ourselves. Upstairs – we are dressed as Lords and Ladies – doing elegant dancing to music and song from the Victorian period. Downstairs – we changed into our maids and butlers gear – did the washing – complete with washboards and mangles. We had to draw water from the well outside. We made butter and what hard work that was. Fed the chickens and played lots of games.
Bizarrely – we also had an Icecream van. Can’t be 100% sure there were IceCream vans in Victorian Times – but it was a lovely surprise for adults and children alike.
This event was a bit of a gamble. Of course I [ Mary ] had done a recci – met the Murphy Sisters and had a general feel for the day – but I had no sense of how our members would engage with the event. I have to say – it was fantastic. The feedback since was so positive – everybody got into the swing of things and by the end of the day – all age groups – from 6 – 66 were having the craic with the costumes, hats and jewelry.
I did a small bit of research with members since – the main focus of which was ‘Would you go again?’ and the resounding response was ‘In a heartbeat’. I’m well aware that this is the sort of event that will only work once or twice -but I’m happy to give it one more outing in Jan 2020 – if you are.
Thanks to those who came – it was great to see so many.
Mary MacCabe
0868167099
Check it out: http://victorianescapade.com/
