This year marks 100 years of the Matson Ground Estate Company Limited and what better way to honour this milestone than with a big party - a chance for the whole Matson Ground community to get together and celebrate. What's more, the weather behaved as we were treated to one of the warmest days of the year in the Lake District.
The day began with a selection of tunes from Burneside Brass Band who set the tone beautifully for a quintessentially countryside summer event. They were followed by local choir, South Lakes Acapella.
Food was served by Karen Rhodes Wedding and Event Catering - a delicious BBQ for lunch and pizzas and tacos in the evening. The Little Barn mobile bar provided refreshments, the Milking Parlour provided amazing ice-creams and sorbets and the magical Cumbrian Baker delivered show-stopper cakes.
There were also a number of events taking place on the day including archery and cool crafts from Green Man Survival; impressive feathered displays from Lake District Falconry; a guided wetland walk by conservationist, Matt Staniek; and finally a fantastic sheepdog display from Matson Ground's shepherd, Joanne Brown.
During the course of the afternoon, guests were invited to enter the raffle and with so many amazing prizes on offer, they didn't need much persuasion. The raffle raised over £1000 for Cumbria Community Foundation. We are so grateful to the many local businesses who generously donated prizes - Windermere Lake Cruises, Lakeland Motor Museum, The World of Beatrix Potter, Elsie and Tom Candles, Tibby Olivier, A Days Walk, Shed One Gin, Path to Adventure, Pure Lakes Skincare, Lake District Falconry, Marra_46 in Kendal, the Old Laundry Theatre and the Punchbowl Inn in Crosthwaite.
The event ended with Evie Plumb and her band - a very talented trio who had us dancing from the very first song until the sun began to set.
What a wonderful day. This was a true community event and one that we'll remember for years to come. A huge thank you to everyone involved.
