Martin Sirot-Smith – Daily Life in Tudor Times

Tue, Mar 27th 2018 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Martin Sirot-Smith – Daily Life in Tudor Times

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Before Sulgrave I was 22 years in teaching, the last 14 as head of a very creative school in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. I left education because the National Curriculum was going to destroy creativity. Happily I became director of Sulgrave Manor to specifically develop its educational possibilities. I developed a Living History approach with costumed presenters. Now over 11,000 schoolchildren have come to Sulgrave to be costumed as Tudors and spend a day living as Tudors would have done in 1560. Interests include cricket still playing at 72, badminton likewise, walking, climbing, classical music and REAL ALE!!

Sulgrave Manor is a Tudor and Georgian house built by direct ancestors of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Discover how Civil War, financial ruin, and a shipwreck led to Washington’s great-grandfather seeking a fresh start in the New World.

Explore Sulgrave Manor, an accredited museum, which comes to life with costumed interpreters, interactive games and engaging displays. Set in a picturesque village some thirty miles from both Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, Sulgrave Manor’s compact size, inviting gardens and café serving hot and cold drinks, light lunches and tasty homemade cakes, make it an ideal family destination.

Visit Sulgrave Manor's website.

Vote of thanks given by Rotarian Richard Gage

Martin Sirot-Smith was thanked as his alter ego Laurence Washington, Lord of the Manors of Sulgrave and Stuchbury, appearing in Tudor dress, for a fascinating and entertaining description of life in Tudor times.

He gave horrific statistics of child mortality rates of 60% in their first year, tales of fundamental religious beliefs, dress being determined by the Sumptry Laws, all at a time when peasants lived primarily on bread and gruel, with very little meat, whereas 85% of the diet of the nobility was meat.

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Bedford Castle Rotary Club put a great deal of effort into raising money for good causes. Over the past few years we have made charitable donations to the following:-

The Rotary Club of Bedford Castle are working together with students and staff from Bedford Academy to raise funds for much needed equipment.

The Kimbolton Country Fayre and Classic Car Show

Club Members supporting The Kimbolton Fayre selling Raffle Tickets for the Grand Draw

Sailability programme

An Annual Competition held in Bedford for Young and aspiring Musicians, sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Bedford

Bedfordshire Opportunities for Learning & Disabilities

Garden Improvement Project

Members of the Rotary Club of Bedford Castle volunteers attend the Bedford Food Bank each week to assist in sorting the food donations ready for delivery

The Rotary Club of Bedford Castle has over many years sponsored many young people to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Courses

Every year the Rotary Club provides opportunities for adults and young people to build confidence and self-esteem by taking part in adventurous outdoor activities at the Calvert Trust's facility in the Lake District

The events and activities that Club Members are supporting leading up to Christmas 2023

BookTastic, Bedford’s Children’s Book Festival, brings the UK’s leading writers and illustrators to Bedford, inspiring children and encouraging them to engage with books and reading in an exciting and accessible way.

The Rotary Club of Bedford Castle providing support to a local Community Garden Project

Martin Sirot-Smith – Daily Life in Tudor Times

Tue, Mar 27th 2018 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm