October 4, 2013

Join The Churchill Centre on 30th November 2013 at Ditchley Park, Oxfordshire

Ditchley Park, OxfordshireDuring the Second World War when the moon was full, the Prime Minister took his weekends not at Chequers (thought too vulnerable to enemy air attack) but at Ditchley Park the country home of Ronald and Nancy Tree north of Oxford.  Further from London than Chequers, Ditchley was also more protected by trees. Furthermore, as Sir Martin Gilbert records, “the broad gravel drives at Chequers looked, from the air, almost like an arrow cut in the lawn and pointing at the house.”  Churchill’s Private Secretary, John Colville, noted that the Prime Minister “does not object to chance, but feels it a mistake to be the victim of design.”

Churchill first stayed at Ditchley in November, 1940 during the height of the Blitz, where he learned of the death of Neville Chamberlain.  Thereafter, Churchill spent many weekends closest to a full moon at Ditchley while the threat of German invasion and aerial attack remained real.  Much important discussion took place there about the war in the Western Desert and the negotiations over Lend-Lease.  The home is not usually open to the public, but The Churchill Centre UK has secured a rare opportunity for members to visit as well as hear a talk by the outstanding Churchill biographer Ashley Jackson.

Programme of Events:
1130  Coffee on arrival
1150  Speaker, Professor Ashley Jackson on “Churchill’s Oxfordshire Links”
1245  Refreshments
1300  Lunch in the Library
1400  Tour of the house
1530  Depart

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The cost for this superb opportunity, for the entire programme above, is only £55 per person, inclusive of VAT.  Places are strictly limited.  If you would like to attend, please contact Robert Courts at [email protected] or 07799 417 291.