THE speaker at the Wyre Forest and District Centre's January meeting at Blakedown parish room was Mike Miles, former advertising and public relations executive, with a talk about "The Baron of Packwood".
Mr Miles extensively researched Graham Baron Ash, who donated Packwood House, Warwickshire, to the trust.
Ash was born in Acocks Green, in 1889, and at the age of 15, when Packwood House came on the market, he persuaded his father to buy it at auction. The property, including 100 acres of land, was purchased for £4,500.
On his father's death in 1925, Ash undertook a programme of building work at Packwood, including the creation of a Tudor dining room. Queen Mary visited the house in 1927.
Mr Miles, a volunteer room steward at Packwood, told of Ash's military service, and how in 1941 he gave the house to the trust.
Details of this group can be obtained from secretary Marjorie Fernihough on 01562 883460.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article