Silver Phoenix Travel Club

30/07/2025

Another two great photos from our trip to Belmont House, taken by Roger Jones.

30/07/2025

An enjoyable visit to Belmont House near Faversham with Silver Phoenix Travel Club for a private tour and lunch. Our guide was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic and we learned a great deal about the history of the house and its owners.

The original house was built for Edward Wilks, storekeeper at a Faversham gunpowder works in 1769, wisely choosing to live well away from his work! It was then purchased and greatly extended by Colonel Montressor between 1789 -93, but when he was imprisoned for embezzlement it was then purchased in 1801 by General George Harris, 1st Baron Harris. It then remained in the Harris family until the 5th Baron, who had no heirs, placed it into trust, which still manages the house and its 3000 acre estate. The house is considered to be one of the few original Georgian houses in England as it has never been updated, to the extent that it has no toilets! Apparently the wife of the 4th Earl considered installing a toilet as abhorrent! The house is also home to the most extensive private collection of clocks in England, largely amassed by 5th Baron Harris.

No photography allowed inside the house but here are some of the house outside and the attractive garden.

Roger Jones

25/07/2025

23/06/2025

Photo by Roger Jones.

23/06/2025

Silver Phoenix organise many interesting and varied coach outings. This one was to the Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in west London. The temple was opened in 1995 and is the first traditionally constructed Hindu temple in Europe. It was built with Italian marble, Burmese teak and English oak. The intricate carvings were largely carried out by craftsmen in India and then shipped to the UK for construction, mostly by volunteers. We were given an interesting introduction to the temple and origins and principles of Hinduism, and attended a brief prayer service in the Mandir, before being able to look around the complex. No photos allowed inside so cannot show the ornate and intricate carvings. Then a very enjoyable buffet lunch in the associated restaurant. Roger Jones

22/06/2025

A typical plate from the Indian buffet lunch.

22/06/2025

John Reymond (left) enjoying the buffet lunch along with other SPTC members, following our visit to the Hindu Temple.