Charlie Gladstone, whose family owns the estate, is an entrepreneur, author, husband/father of six/grandfather of three, public speaker, businessman and general enthusiast. Very much emphasis on the enthusiast. That is what Summer Camp and The Good Life Society are all about.
Feature by Jean Hill
Charile Gladstone has illustrious ancestors. Amongst them: William Ewart Gladstone (29th December 1809–19 Mayth 1898) was a British statesman and Liberal politician. In a career lasting over 60 years, he served for 12 years as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He was a great advocate for equal opportunities and became popular with working class people as a consequence.
Hawarden’s Castle’s Walled Garden is a stunning setting. Guests can enjoy walking the grounds. There is an ancient orchard to enjoy. There is a Victorian glasshouse and an expanse of rolling grounds to explore. It is a leafy and lush sanctuary.
The Good Life Society is there to introduce people to a team of experts who can equip participants with the tools to live the good life.
Now, there will be a permanent, rolling calendar of Good Life events so that the public can sign up and visit all year round.
There are masterclasses in open fire cooking, photography, yoga, business, fermentation, butchery, baking, natural dyeing, growing, foraging and beekeeping.
Amateurs, novices, experts and on-lookers are warmly invited. It is all happening within the idyllic surroundings of Hawarden Castle’s Victorian Walled Garden.
Summer camp returns for its third year and runs from July 7th 2023, through weekends in July. Summer Camp will run over four long weekends and promises relaxation, invigoration and feasting. It also embraces wild swimming, dancing, wood-smoke, sunsets over Hawarden Old Castle, starlight and an opportunity to create firm friendships.
This is an opportunity to slow down, meet inspiring people and enjoy new learning experiences. The days will be spent in the company of world experts in nature and outdoor craft. There are workshops, expeditions and inspiring talks.
Dinner, every evening, in a beautiful setting, is included in the ticket price. High quality ingredients are cooked by a team of exceptional chefs. There is a bar and campfires to gather around as the sun goes down.
There are camping facilities or cottages to stay in, with state of the art showers and loos just around the corner. The benefits are obvious and include feeling relaxed and refreshed when you reluctantly leave.
Evening Feasts and cooking demonstration are, very much, a popular feature of Summer Camp.
2: 14th – 17th July
Weekend #3: 21st – 24th July
Weekend #4: 28th – 31st July
Maunika Gowardhan is an Indian chef and author. Born and raised in Mumbai she is now based in the UK.
Through her work in food she creates and shares traditional Indian dishes with exciting flavours and ingredients that are reflective of her upbringing and heritage.
Her approach to cooking is simple and enticing with the use of earthy spices, fresh herbs & blends that are synonymous with India, based around dishes that are accessible and recipes are cooked from communities across India; many of which have been part of her own family for generations.
Maunika cooked a feast on the evening of Friday 12th May in The Walled Garden. His & Hers considered ourselves to be very lucky and privileged to be invited.
We enjoyed a drink before dinner, whilst chatting to fellow guests. Two had come from Holland and were camping. One, charming events’ organiser explained that she had found ‘her tribe’ at Hawarden. Another had brought her dogs and was staying in one of the cottages. She kept returning for festivals and learning experiences. She also told us that the Farm Shop was well worth a visit. There is a pub too. This is a whole community.
The food Maunika served us was delicious and beautifully presented. A flavour of what we ate: sweet potato chaat with tamarind chutney, pickled onions and sev (nuts and wheat). The mains included whole roasted cauliflower in a creamy coconut and chilli sauce. One of my favourite side dishes was indore bhutte ki kees: sweetcorn stir fry with green chilli, ginger and turmeric. A spicy green chilli chutney was lovely. Dessert of caramelized fruit was accompanied by white chocolate and cardamom cream. Simply divine.
Check out Maunika’s web-site. She is a cook-book author. The proof is in the pudding. So we feel we can recommend her cook books.
Totally loved Hawarden Walled Garden and the evening feast. We will be going back, hopefully sometimes quite soon because it is a magical place.
Tel. 07818 246118
https://charliegladstone.com/blogs/news/walled-garden-school
https://maunikagowardhan.co.uk/
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