DILLINGTON'S NEW DIRECTORIAL TEAM

Dillington director Wayne Bennett and his new deputy, Helen Chaloner, in an exclusive first picture together as they plot the future success of the South West's premier residential conferencing and adult learning centre.

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES

A NEW ORCHARD FOR SOMERSET

Sunday November 29th will see author and cider enthusiast, James Crowden, plant the first of 36 apple trees at Dillington House, near Ilminster.

The new orchard is being planted with local Somerset varieties, Tom Putt, Kingston Black and Dabinett and will eventually produce the apples for Dillington’s own special cider.

The orchard is the idea of Dillington’s Director, Wayne Bennett, who is keen to capitalise on the local distinctiveness of the area.

Wayne says: “I am delighted that James Crowden is doing us the honour of planting the first tree. James’ new book ‘Ciderland’ celebrates much of what is unique about Somerset and Dillington is very much part of local landscape in the south of the county.”

The public and press are very welcome to attend.

James Crowden is not just planting the first tree but will also be speaking at Dillington- the south-west's leading conference and residential adult learning centres - about the culture of cider making in a talk starting at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 and include a cider tasting, tea and cake afterwards and can reserved on 01460 258 613.

You can buy a signed copy of Ciderland in readiness for Christmas too.

NEW FACE AT DILLINGTON

DEPUTY DIRECTOR ARRIVES

One of the south-west’s premier meetings venues, Dillington House near Ilminster, has just taken on board a new Deputy Director.

After a stint in London, Helen Chaloner returns to the west country bringing with her a special combination of creativity and business skills.

After initially working for the Burton Group, Helen spent many years in the US before settling in Devon where she was Programme Manager at Dartington Hall.

Then it was off to London where she did a degree in Fine Art after which she worked in management positions in the charitable sector.

Dillington House Director, Wayne Bennett, says ‘Helen’s arrival will significantly strengthen the management team and will reinforce Dillington’s special offer as a unique learning, creative and business environment.

"I know she is excited about returning to the west country where quality of life issues can merge with creativity to make a particularly interesting business environment.’

Notes for Editors

Dillington House dates back to the 16th century and was once the west country home of George III’s Prime Minister, Lord North.

Since 1949 it has been run by Somerset County Council albeit in recent years on an entirely self-financing basis.

The accommodation has been rated as 5-Stars under the English Tourism Council’s ‘campus’ Inspection Scheme and it is the only venue in England to hold this accolade.

Today, Dillington marries the world of learning, business and the arts in a unique programme mix.