Welcome to our Summer 2018 Newsletter which we hope you enjoy.

Our newsletters demonstrate the range of our businesses and many readers may be surprised at the diversity of our interests. Extending way beyond traditional activities, our interests now encompass arts, design, wellbeing and a modern approach to our responsibilities as a significant employer and stakeholder within the community.

We are facing interesting times - with the implications of Brexit as not yet fully understood and wider thinking continuing to evolve regarding land uses and the wide range of benefits, potentially beyond primarily commodity production, we aspire to achieve from our countryside. As such, it is vital that Cowdray remains relevant and current in its approach, actively embracing the responsibilities which land stewardship brings. As such, we will continue to evolve as a business, mindful that future policies should be for the benefit of all.

We wish you all an enjoyable summer.

Michael and Marina Cowdray

SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2018

WELCOME

HOLISTIC ESTATE WHICH CARES ABOUT THE L AND

his life and although he sold much of his work, he was not a businessman and found the commercial side of life a challenge, often forgetting to charge for his work! “Whilst in the army and based in India, Alister Maynard was inspired by the intricate designs he discovered there. His finely detailed work is painted in a style often used in Indian miniatures and takes inspiration from all the vibrant colours of India. He wrote a book called ‘The Background to India’ which gave a clear insight into the country and explained the various Indian religions in depth.

“His work clearly demonstrates that he found some of his inspiration in religious symbolism - the Buddhist symbol in the carriage wheels, the Jewish Star of David in the ceiling centres in the Palace in Kathmandu, the Shirivasta in the carpets which appears as an endless knot. The Hindu sun God, Surya, also appears in several of his carpet designs and table inlays. “Alister also loved myths and legends. His paintings were often theatrical. He interpreted perfectly that life is not what it might appear and that we are all actors on the stage of life. “His allegorical paintings also demonstrate that we are connected to everything, animals included. He painted flowers with a sense of lightness and delicateness - the lotus flower depicting peace and wholeness. Many spiritual teachers of that time entertained my grandparents’ minds. Alister painted Rabindranath Tagore and loved his poetry. He listened to the Dalai Lama and was riveted by the story of how he was discovered. He looked at life deeply through the lens of an artist. His colours were vivid at a time when there was so much suffering going on in the world through the First and Second World Wars - his paintings can indeed light up any wall and I hope that many people get to see them.”

HOLISTIC ESTATE WHICH CARES ABOUT THE L AND

E N J O Y I N G T H E W O R K O F A RT I S T A L I S T E R M AY N A R D

Unseen for 40 years were sketches, drawings, allegorical portraits, Trompe l’Oeil paintings and room designs by her grandfather, the talented 20th century artist, Alister Maynard who died in 1976. Lady Cowdray rightly decided that they should be enjoyed by everyone and many fascinating and colourful works are now displayed around Cowdray locations, a large selection being visible at Cowdray Golf and our events venue Capron House in Midhurst. She has since put together a book which will be sold in a special Cowdray Edition and selected prints of Alister Maynard’s pictures will be available in the Living Area of the Cowdray Farm Shop. Marina Cowdray has vivid memories of her grandfather:

“I remember my grandfather as a tall thin man, always elegantly dressed in a suit and tie, living with his wife, Molly, at 12 Victoria Grove, Chelsea. I remember the smell of the oils when I walked into his small but light studio overlooking the garden, the piles of brushes stacked tidily in an old clay pot, the oil paints perfectly

laid out on his palette and the dark wooden easel supporting the canvas. After his death I lived there for a while with my grandmother and I have often walked past the house since. Their bedroom looked out through scalloped lead framed windows which he depicted in many of his paintings.

“My grandfather was fundamentally self-taught although he studied for a brief period at Chelsea School of Art, but he was one of the fortunate few able to use his artistic skills to the full. He had the chance to travel the globe fulfilling commissions from various Heads of State. Works for the Shah of Persia and the King of Nepal are part of the art collection you can view in the bar and dining room at the golf club. He was also a well-respected designer for Asprey and John Lewis. His designs appear in Kensington Palace, Brighton Pavilion, The Dorchester Hotel and The Connaught Hotel. He designed interiors, clocks, jewellery, wallpapers, carpets and fabrics. He had exhibitions throughout

When Lady Cowdray asked a locksmith to break open an old locked trunk which had stood by the front door of Cowdray House for many years, little did she expect to find inside a treasure trove of artwork.

Left: Alister Maynard’s artwork at Capron HouseAbove: Alister Maynard in his studio

Above right: Krishna (Vishnu) on Garuda with LakshmiIndian Princess

Oil painting of Molly MaynardIndra, King of Gods and Ruler of the Heaven

The Royal Summer Party

Cowdray currently employs 180 members of staff with a further 140 seasonal staff joining us during busy times. 80% of our staff, both permanent and seasonal, live within a 10-mile radius of the estate making us one of the largest consistent employers in the area. There are many families who can count up to three generations who have worked on the estate with one family being able to trace their employment back to 1909 when Cowdray was first purchased by the Pearson family.

We invest significantly in our staff. They embody our values and help us to deliver the very best standards across all sectors of an extremely varied business. Investment in our

people through development initiatives, a significant wellbeing programme and close engagement allows us to attract and retain an exceptionally strong team. We give opportunities to both new and existing staff by way of apprenticeships and actively encourage the ability to undertake fur ther qualifications across all our businesses. There are currently three members undertaking professional surveying qualifications and we wish them every success in what is a significant commitment.

Our role within the community is finely balanced as we wish to both protect this wonderful and special environment for the benefit of all whilst, at the same time, acknowledging the

HOLISTIC ESTATE WHICH CARES ABOUT THE L AND

AT T H E H E A RT O F T H E C O M M U N I T Y

Cowdray is an evolving business embracing diversification and opportunities in the modern-day world,but we are always aware of the role we play within the community

Opposite top left clockwise: Rachel Chesterman, Painter and Decorator, Nick McDonald, Assistant Estate Surveyor, Wesley

Clue, Forester and third generation estate workerStaff Wellbeing Bike Ride

Easebourne Primary School minibusThis page from top: View to Bexley Hill from Heyshott Down

Cowdray’s distinctive yellow doorsPublic footpath in the Severals

Cowdray sponsored Ride in aid of MacmillanWalk for Parkinson’s 2017

need to operate a sustainable business. However, we are delighted to support the community with a wide range of initiatives from providing mini buses for the local Primary School through to the hosting of charitable fundraising events. And, at a time when wellbeing achieved through the benefits of the countryside is in the spotlight, we take great pleasure in ensuring that Cowdray can be a place of relaxation and restoration by the provision of access throughout our woods, heathland and downland.

Our support for the enjoyment of the countryside extends beyond access and we take great pride in a wide range of environmental and habitat improvement works. This includes protection of rare heathland and downland sites together with more targeted conservation projects for species including butterflies, dormice and owls.

We are fortunate to manage a successful and diverse business which allows us to make a truly meaningful contribution to both the community and the surrounding locality. This, together with Lord and Lady Cowdray’s genuine commitment to sustainability and environmental issues, makes us a fascinating organisation of which we are very proud and we take great pleasure in sharing it with visitors and the local community.

HOLISTIC ESTATE WHICH CARES ABOUT THE L AND

Polo puts Cowdray Parkfirmly on the international map

Major improvements and a new membership offering

Annually in midsummer, the eyes of the polo world focus on Cowdray Park Polo Club during the four thrilling weeks of the world famous Gold Cup. The fabulous golden trophy, launched in 1956 by the late John Cowdray, 3rd Viscount, is played to decide the British Open Polo Championship and attracts not just the sport’s wealthy ‘Patrons’ and elite players but also an enthusiastic crowd of spectators keen to watch every one of the 40-plus matches in the tournament. Many of the club’s members nail their support to a particular team and watch its progress right through the Championship.

Midhurst and the surrounding locality comes alive. There is a tangible festive spirit, with hotels, bars and restaurants buzzing, not least the Cowdray Farm Shop & Café, located

Cowdray Golf is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best golfing destinations in southern England. With stunning views to the South Downs over a challenging 6,331 yard course of undulating fairways and superb greens, the 18-hole championship course plays well at any time of the year. Its combination of sandy soils and the latest irrigation and sprinkler systems means its condition can be maintained in all weathers. Tree planting and landscaping over several years has also greatly enhanced this beautiful course.

Under the Directorship of Tim Allen, backed up by teaching professionals Matt Watson and Hannah Ralph, Cowdray Golf offers a broad spectrum of golfing opportunities from beginners to keen competitive players. The club’s practice facilities include a 5-hole Academy course and a much improved driving range. As well as a full seven day a week membership, the new flexible Lifestyle Card is the perfect option for golfers new to the game or with limited time to play. An annual fee of £425 includes 300 credits. There are no restrictions on when to play; the value of each round is simply determined by the time of your game. Credits can be topped up at any time. A CONGU handicap, full

competition calendar and bar food and beverage discount are included for a Lifestyle Card holder.

Cowdray Golf offers great ‘play and stay’ opportunities with delightful accommodation including five stylish en-suite rooms, two premium suites and the separate and very quirky Bothy which offers ‘boutique hotel’ style glamour for the ultimate golfing couple. All rooms can be booked independently of a golfing break.

Spring 2018 saw the unveiling of the newly refurbished clubhouse bar and restaurant with a dedicated dining area, casual seating and relaxed lounge area. The stylish and modern décor has been overseen by Lady Cowdray to create a welcoming and congenial venue. Open for drinks, breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, Cowdray Golf ’s Food and Beverage Manager Tony Dark, Bar Manager Chris Strudwick and Head Chef Jon Lander offer a warm welcome and a tempting new menu.

Clockwise from top left: The 7th greenThe Bothy

The 12th teeRefurbished clubhouse bar

right next to the Lawns competition grounds. Spanish is likely to be heard as often as English as the majority of the world’s finest players hail from Argentina, the sport’s mecca, and frequently travel the international polo circuit with wives and children.

This year the luxury Thai duty-free brand, King Power, has taken on title sponsorship of the Gold Cup for the British Open. In the past three seasons, the King Power polo team has lifted the stunning trophy in a hat-trick of wins, but this year decided to take a break from high goal polo. However, having so much enjoyed the competition of the British Open and the relaxed, laid back attitude of Cowdray Park, the Srivaddhanaprabha family couldn’t imagine a season without the buzz of the Gold Cup and decided to take on the sponsorship role instead.

The Patrons who have entered teams for the 2018 King Power Gold Cup themselves hail from all parts of the world further enhancing the cosmopolitan vibe. Twelve teams are in contention for the 2018 Gold Cup for the British Open opening on 26th June with the high octane Final being played on 22nd July. It’s a gala day for both the club and the sport

of polo with attendance regularly hitting the 14,000 mark with pre-match entertainment, a shopping village, children’s mini-funfair, bars and food outlets all adding to the fun.

Outside of the Gold Cup, Cowdray Park’s busy polo season offers a feast of polo from the beginning of May to the end of September with some 400 matches being played. Polo at all levels is catered for, from beginners starting off in Cowdray Park Polo Club’s Academy, through low, medium and high goal handicap levels. Sited in such glorious countryside, an afternoon at polo rarely disappoints. Around 30 tournaments are played during the course of a season so there is a Final with prize presentations just about every weekend. The club employs several entertaining commentators who will guide you through all the moves, so pack your picnic, or order one for collection from the Cowdray Farm Shop en route to the grounds, and head for the glorious setting of Cowdray Park to become part of ‘the polo set’. For further information, visitwww.cowdraypolo.co.uk

Below left: Gold Cup final 2017El Remanso vs King Power

Below: Spectators enjoying picnicsCrowds enjoy the spectacle

We hope you have enjoyed this Summer edition of our newsletter which as always highlights the diversity of our business. As Michael and Marina Cowdray highlight in their introduction, we face interesting and challenging times, and as such our roles as custodians is to ensure that our business continues to evolve so as to be fit for purpose to meet these challenges, and sustainable in all we do so that Cowdray can be enjoyed by future generations.

We wish you all an enjoyable Summer.

Jonathan RussellChief Executive, Cowdray

A FINAL NOTE

HOLISTIC ESTATE WHICH CARES ABOUT THE L AND

CONTACT US

Cowdray Estate, Cowdray ParkMidhurst , West Sussex

GU29 0AQw: cowdray.co.uk

e: enquiries@cowdray.co.ukt: 01730 812423

t o H

a sl e

me r

eN

E

S

W

A 272

A 27

2

t o P e twor t h

A286

VillageShop

Pub

Footpath(Map not to scale)

C OW D R AYH A L L

G O L F

P O LO

C OW D R AYH O U S E

B E N B OWH O L I DAY

C OT TAG E S

E a s e b o u r ne S

t

P O LOO F F I C E

E S TAT EO F F I C E

FA R M S H O P& C A F É

to M idhu rst

C OW D R AYRU I N S

E A S E B O U R N E

C A P RO NH O U S E

T H E R A P YRO O M S

G O L FLO D G E

Above left column: Woods GardenMiddle column: The Cowdray Room set up for a weddingThe Pearson Room set up for a meetingAbove right column: Emma and Ramon from FitbitesAbove: Jonathan Russell Chief Executive, Cowdray

The enthusiastic and enterprising duo behind Fitbites are Ramon and Emma, both of whom are passionate about sport, fitness and healthy eating. Their business is located in a Cowdray unit at nearby Lodsworth and their 100% natural raw energy balls and plant powered protein balls are available in the Cowdray Farm Shop. Fitbites are a fun brand designed to motivate people into being more active and healthy. No junk, no additives, no refined sugars, just simple natural ingredients to make a fresh and tasty snack for anyone ‘on the go’.

Capron House, with its wonderful secret town garden, is one of the largest and most historic properties in Midhurst. Over the centuries it assumed a variety of uses but is probably best remembered as Midhurst Grammar School, an all-boys establishment attended by H G Wells. In the early years of the 20th century, it was the home of Harold Pearson (later to become the 2nd Viscount Cowdray) and his young family. They moved to Cowdray House in 1919 when the Estate was made over to Harold by his father, the 1st Viscount. A complete refurbishment by the Cowdray Works Team has seen its transformation into a splendid events destination. There are three large function rooms, two of which have direct access to the charming walled garden. It is ideally suited for corporate use including meetings and conferences, for celebrations and parties, and is fully licensed as a wedding venue.

W O O D S G A R D E N

Woods Garden is an inviting character house that has recently undergone a full refurbishment to become the latest property in Cowdray’s short-let/holiday portfolio. Its location in rural upper Easebourne has stunning views from the gardens. With generous accommodation comprising a large reception room with a wood burner in the fireplace, four bedrooms and three bathrooms, it is the perfect destination for a country holiday or for large parties to rent for family celebrations or to attend local weddings.