Comedian Ruby Wax takes top Cowdray billing

Announcing a series of what Cowdray’s chief executive Jonathan Russell has called ‘intriguing choices’ he says they ‘illustrate in their specific ways how Cowdray is increasingly and holistically looking to well-being in varying guises’.

And among the first to feature on the calendar is comedian and actress Ruby Wax.

A mental health campaigner, she will speak on mindfulness at May’s ‘well-being’ weekend to be held at Cowdray House.

The actress was awarded the OBE last year for her services to mental health.

Three years ago she obtained a master degree in mindfulness based cognitive therapy from the University of Oxford.

Lady Cowdray opened the new suite of therapy rooms next door to Cowdray Hall during the second season of five day workshops on Saturday.

They have been designed to attract professionally qualified therapists including acupuncturists, osteopaths, nutritional therapists and mindfulness experts to treat patients in the new state of the art complex.

A second season of five-day workshops led by artist-in-residence, David Cranswick is to be held in the art studio at the Tower Room of the Cowdray Ruins on March 14.

The Country Brocante’s Spring Fair which held its winter fair at Cowdray House last November is returning to Midhurst, this time to Capron House.

On Sunday April 30 the Cowdray Ruins, which is now being called the ‘Cowdray Heritage Site’ by the estate, opens to visitors for a new season running to Sunday September 4.

The new polo season has a St George’s Day start on Saturday April 23 running through to Sunday September 18 and seeing more than 30 tournaments played .

Two new tournaments have been added - The Petworth 12 goal trophy and the Heyshott six goal trophy.

The highlight of the season will be the Jaeger leCoultre Gold Cup on Sunday July 17.

There is also to be a charity clay pigeon shoot in aid of the Brainwave Children’s Charity at Cowdray House and the Old Polo Grounds when up to 20 teams will complete.

“Over the coming months,” said Mr Russell, “many will be making their way to the Cowdray Estate for all sorts of reasons on a great variety of occasions.

“As we gear up for a Spring season that embraces a wealth of intriguing choices, Cowdray is becoming increasingly recognised for balancing long establised activities alongside new ones with a finger on the pulse of modern day concerns.

“Undoubtedly the well-being of this historic estate and those who visit it are complementary and holistic.”

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