The Guild is a small group of around 20 participants. The nature of the properties we work in may sometimes limit the numbers that can be used on any occasion. However, not all of the group are available for every event, nor are all our specialists appropriate for all venues. Experience has taught us that we can stage very successful events in smaller houses with as few as a dozen members, but attendance by a minimum of 15 allows us to manage the event more comfortably.

To make our events work well we need to have the following spaces:

• A kitchen for the preparation of the meal and to use as a servants' hall.

• A dining hall with a large table for serving the meal.

• A comfortable parlour for the gentlemen.

• A comfortable and well-lit parlour or bedroom for the ladies.

• Rooms to accommodate two or three specialists, such as the surgeon or a physician, and a well-lit area for the scribe.

Visitors usually find the food is a very popular aspect of our displays, and it is advisable to have plenty of space in both kitchen and dining hall. Long galleries can sometimes be appropriate places to house our specialists who represent 17th century trades and professions.

Your valuable collections. Heritage properties are museums and art galleries, and wherever possible we try to work within the constraints imposed by the need to keep the collections on public display. It is, however, often advisable to reposition small items of furniture to make best use of the available space. We are able and willing to provide the manpower to do this under staff supervision, and to return the items to their original positions at the end of events.

Similar consideration needs to be given to displayed items of metal, glass and ceramics. We do not wish to confuse visitors about which items they can handle (our replicas) and which they cannot (genuine antique artifacts belonging your collection). There are several workable solutions for this potential problem, and a different approach may need to be adopted for each room.

Hygiene. Access to conveniently-situated modern washing-up facilities is highly desirable. We do generate an awful lot of dirty dishes, and a modern sink with hot water and a draining board goes a long way towards keeping the hard-working team happy.

Accommodation. Of great importance to the participants in our events, is the provision of a suitable small area to accommodate our motor-homes, caravans and tents for the weekend, with access to toilet facilities and potable water. We do not use camp fires.

Booking us for an event. To enquire about engaging us for an event please contact the honorary secretary at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , but please understand that we can not accept bookings at short notice. Many of our members are in senior career positions, or have social responsibilities that necessitate planning their commitments a year in advance. We do need to ensure sufficient attendance by our members to guarantee that your visitors and staff and, of course, ourselves, have an enjoyable experience.

Please remember, we have been staging these events for a long time now, and we have plenty of problem-solving experience that can be put to good use.