POWYSLAND CLUB SUMMER EXCURSIONS 2026
Thursday 2nd July 2026
Lunch at Raven Arms, Welshpool, followed by afternoon visit to Christ Church, Welshpool.
“Christ Church is a redundant Victorian church that has become the life and love of Karl, Natalie and their three sons. A lifelong restoration project, to create both a beautiful home and an atmospheric public space so all can share in this unique building and its heritage.’
The foundation stone of Christ Church was laid by Edward James Herbert, Viscount Clive (the future 3rd Earl of Powis) to commemorate his coming of age. Completed in 1844, this Norman style church was designed by Thomas Penson (1790-1859), known to us all as the County Surveyor for Montgomeryshire whose bridges and buildings have left an indelible mark on the infrastructure of the county.
A visit to Christchurch will open perspectives not only on the Powis family and the architecture of this historic church, but the work and inspiration that has gone into its restoration by its new owners. Our visit will be hosted by Natalie, who will give an illustrated talk which takes about an hour. We will then have plenty of time to explore the building and its surroundings.
The visit will be preceded by a buffet lunch at the Raven Inn, Welshpool (by the Light Railway station) which will give Powysland Club members a chance to meet up with friends old and new.
When political tables were turned by a newcomer to Montgomeryshire!
Venue: Plas Dolerw, Newtown.
SCHEDULE 12.15 for 12.30 Meet at the Raven Inn, Welshpool, for a buffet lunch.
2pm Meet at Christ Church.
Cost: £23 including lunch (buffer lunch including tea or coffee) and tour.
Tuesday 18th August
Visits to Meifod Church and Peniarth Uchaf.
A fresh look at Meifod Church, a clas church whose origins reach back to the seventh century, followed by a buffet lunch at the King’s Head in Meifod, and a visit to Peniarth Uchaf in the afternoon.
Peniarth Uchaf, built in 1550 as a timber-framed hall house, and with many original features, is the home of Powysland Club members David and Frances Ward.
Both visits will be hosted and led by David and Frances.
Numbers
As some spaces inside Peniarth Uchaf are quite tight, it limits the number of people David and Frances can take round the house at one time. This means that the number in the group for both visits must be restricted to 12. It may be possible to arrange an additional date if there is sufficient demand.
There is ample room for parking at Meifod Church in the churchyard (with an easy walk from the church across the road to the King’s Head for lunch) – but it would help if people car-shared on the journey from Meifod to Peniarth Uchaf (about 3 miles). Cars not being used for the journey can be left in the (free) village car park.
10.30am Meet at Meifod church. Coffee and biscuits on arrival, then a short PowerPoint presentation followed by a tour of the church and the churchyard.
12.30pm Short PowerPoint introductory presentation about Peniarth Uchaf (in the church).
12.45pm-1.45pm Buffet lunch at the King’s Head, Meifod.
2pm Arrival at Peniarth Uchaf
The group will split into two, and each will have a tour of the house, and a short PowerPoint talk about the owners and tenants of the house over time.
4pm Tea and cakes
Cost: £30 per head including all refreshments, tours and buffet lunch.
For booking forms for the summer tours please email the Excursions Secretary Mary Oldham at momilford@hotmail.com.