After four intensive years as the West Horsley Place Trust's first Director, I have decided to retire at the end of May. It has been a profoundly difficult decision – what could be more wonderful, fulfilling and absorbing than West Horsley Place, and Bamber and Christina Gascoigne's vision. However by the end of May, West Horsley Place will be prepared and ready to welcome the future; the first, essential, far-reaching phase of works to the house, Place Farm, car parks and landscaping will be complete, or virtually so, and we will be ready to open our arms to visitors, the community, events of all kinds and opportunities for learning.  We are currently planning our future events and activities and I am going to hand that programme, and the care of this precious and magical place, on to my successor to take them forward into the next phase of the trust's existence. Watch this space!

Peter Pearce