Members gather for Shropshire Drinks Reception at The Lyth

CLA members enjoyed a memorable summer drinks reception at The Lyth in Shropshire, the home of Richard and Susan Jebb and a venue rich in history and character.

The event brought members together in the beautiful surroundings of the Grade II* listed house, offering an opportunity to catch up, make new connections and learn more about the history of one of the house.

Guests were welcomed by hosts Richard and Susan Jebb, with Richard sharing a brief talk on the history of The Lyth and its former occupiers. Attendees were also invited to explore the ground floor rooms, where the house’s distinctive architecture and interiors offered a striking backdrop to the evening.

Originally built in 1819 for Abednego Mathew, a tea planter who had returned from the West Indies, The Lyth has a unique architectural style, including a large veranda on three sides which gives the house a hint of the tropics. Its principal rooms include notable features such as Flemish tapestries and hand-blocked French wallpaper from the early 19th century.

The house has remained in the Jebb family since 1839, when it was purchased by Richard George Jebb after his retirement as agent to the Trevors of Brynkinalt. The Lyth also holds particular significance as the birthplace of Eglantyne and Dorothy Jebb, founders of the charity Save the Children.

The evening also raised £350 for Save the Children, adding a meaningful charitable connection to an event held at a place so closely linked with the charity’s origins.

CLA Midlands would like to thank Richard and Susan Jebb for generously hosting the reception, and all those who attended and supported the evening.

Richard Jebb said "We thoroughly enjoyed sharing the history of our house with CLA members - it was designed with entertainment in mind and it is always good to be able to fill the space with people and use it properly!

“We also very much appreciate the donation that the CLA has made to Save the Children, enabling it to continue providing relief and support to children across the world."