During August Lichfield Soroptimists forego their usual business meeting in favour of a summer social event and on August 14 this year members and guests of the club enjoyed a private tour of Catton Hall. Catton Hall is owned by the Neilson family, descendants of the Anson-Horton family, who themselves were descendants of the Fifth Baronet, Rev St George Wilmot-Horton. The current house was built in 1745 but a Hall has stood in the grounds since the 15th Century. Members and guests of the club were met on arrival by Katie Neilson who gave them a guided tour of the grounds which extend to the River Trent. The tour included the formal gardens and the Chapel in the grounds of Catton Hall which, although rebuilt in the 1800’s still houses the original Norman Font.
On entering the house guests enjoyed a glass of wine and canapés in the drawing room before continuing the tour which included one of the elegant four-poster bedrooms with en suite bathroom. The Neilson’s have been hosting events at Catton Hall for the past 25 years and Lichfield Soroptimists hope to arrange a charity evening at the Hall in the future.