A MAN who has worked and volunteered at a National Trust site near Pershore for more than six decades has released a book about his experiences.
Malcolm Walford, who celebrates 64 years of working at Croome this August, has written ‘My Life on the Croome Estate’, which is filled with fascinating anecdotes on the popular manor house and its surrounding parklands.
Mr Walford moved to Wadborough from Wolverhampton at 20-years-old to work on the estate as a bricklayer’s labourer, before working at RAF Defford where he was to meet his future wife Mary.
He then joined the team on the Croome estate, where he has worked and volunteered ever since.
“I remember when I started, all the work was carried out by hand, including the digging of the septic tanks, cleaning out the cottage wells and shovelling snow off roofs.
“I now volunteer at the church in Croome’s grounds most Saturdays, so being able to share my memories about the church, the Coventry family and my time on the estate is wonderful.”
Tina King, Croome’s retail manager, said: “We’re really happy to be promoting Malcolm’s book. He has so many memories of working on the Croome estate, so it’s wonderful people can share this experience through his fascinating memoirs.”
A book signing session will take place at Croome’s shop on Sunday, June 18 from 2pm to 4pm.
My Life on the Croome Estate costs £7.99.
Croome’s park and lakeside are open from 10am to 5.30pm and Croome Court is open from 11am to 4.30pm every day.
Call the National Trust site on 01905 371006 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome to apply or for more information.
