Vol. 28 No. 4 May 2010 - The Travel Society

Chartwell HouseCanadian Connections inthe "Garden of England"story and photos by Ann WallaceIts outstanding natural beauty, relatively mild climateand a proliferation of gardens, orchards and vineyardsare all factors that have contributed to England'sCounty of Kent bearing the lovely moniker "The Gardenof England."If you have seen the movie The Gathering Stormabout Sir Winston Churchill just prior to and duringWWII, you may remember the scene where he stands atthe window of his country home near Westerham and,looking out at the view over the Weald of Kent, remindshis wife Clementine that "this is what we are fightingfor". That country house was Chartwell, an imposing butrather plain house actually, but one so full of interest andin such a gorgeous setting that a trip there is well worthwhile.Today the house, Churchill's painting studio andthe beautiful gardens and extensive grounds are all opento the public as part of Britain's National Trust.Canadians fought so bravely in WWII that we,together with our allies, can all claim a strong connectionwith Churchill. But if you go to Chartwell, you will finda more personal connection. Painting was one ofChurchill's favourite pastimes throughout his life, and theseparate studio building at Chartwell is shown exactly asit was in his time, with paints, easels, a rather uncomfort-May 20105