The Black Swan
THE NEWSLETTER OF WINDSOR FARMS, INC.
4211 DOVER ROAD RICHMOND, VA 23221
FALL 2011
Dear Residents of Windsor Farms:
We held our Annual meeting in late May and over 200 residents registered to attend. I think everyone greatly enjoyed the
social portion, including a fabulous location, Agecroft Hall (which was graciously made available to us at no charge),
wonderful catering by Stan Barnett, lovely weather, and the chance to chat with many delightful neighbors.
During the business portion of the meeting, we discussed several important topics, including changes to our governance
structure and our difficult financial situation. Since many residents were unable to attend the meeting, I am addressing each
of these topics in separate articles below.
I encourage all residents to visit our website periodically (www.windsorfarms.org) as we have posted information that you
may find informative and helpful, including important phone numbers, our covenants, recent Black Swan newsletters, and
our governing documents. I hope you find this edition of The Black Swan informative and helpful.
In conclusion, thank you for your support and efforts to keep Windsor Farms such a beautiful and special neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Jim Carleton
President, Windsor Farms, Inc.
Governance: How We Operate
Allen Goolsby described our governance structure at the Annual Meeting and answered questions about it. Here is a
summary of what he described about our structure.
Windsor Farms, Inc. (WFI) was formed by and operates under three legal documents, a Declaration of Trust, Articles of
Incorporation, and By-Laws, all of which are posted on our website (www.windsorfarms.org). The Trust provides for five
Trustees who serve five-year terms. One Trustee is elected each year by the residents.
The role of the Trustees is to appoint a Board of Directors. Prior to 2010, the Trustees also served as Board members, so the
Trustees and Board members were the same individuals, although this was not a requirement. In 2010, it was decided that
there should be overlap between Trustees and Board members, but not complete overlap. With that background, your
Trustees and Board members are as follows:
Trustees and year term expires:
Andrew Warker 2011
Marty Parrish 2012
Jim Carleton 2013
Allen Goolsby 2014
Janice Julius 2015
Board of Directors for 2011:
President – Jim Carleton
Secretary – Marty Parrish
Treasurer – Bill Pilc
Member – Allen Goolsby
Member – Allie Oelhafen
All Trustees and Board members serve on a voluntary basis.
PAGE TWO
Financial Matters
As you can see from the pie chart (below) summarizing our revenues, the vast majority of our revenue (80%) comes from
the semi-annual assessments to residents. I am very pleased to report that 99% of our residents pay the assessment quite
timely and the Board has taken action to collect assessments from the very few who don’t remit timely. So before I go
further, I want to thank you for supporting your homeowners association!
Revenue and other income for 2010 were $223,620 and expenses were $256,955 resulting in a loss of $33,335.
(These amounts are from our audited December 31, 2010 financial statements, copies of which are available by request
from the Windsor Farms office.) Depreciation expense was about $16,000, so our “cash loss” for 2010 approximated
$17,000. Our cash balance at the start of 2010 was $34,499 and was $70,275 at the end of the year (December 31). This
latter number is somewhat misleading because it includes $50,000 of 2011 assessments which we billed in December when
we mailed the proxy statement for the election of the Trustee (to save on postage expenses). Given these facts, I view our
“adjusted” ending cash balance for 2010 as about $17 - 20,000 (this excludes the cash received in 2010 that really belongs
in 2011).
Presently our annual assessment is set at $374 and is capped at $400 by our covenants. The Board has tried to “live within
our means” but we do want to make residents aware that our annual assessment appears to be considerably lower than other
neighborhoods that are somewhat comparable and/or in close proximity. Below is a schedule of assessments charged by
other neighborhoods to provide you a perspective. In an effort to conserve cash, we use security only two nights per week
for four hours and we have decided not to hold the fall picnic because that has resulted in cash losses in past years even
considering the admission and other charges. We do not have a reserve fund for any major costs that we may incur for our
building at 4211 Dover Road.
We are considering a number of financial options for 2012 but obviously one option may be to request residents to approve
a modification of our covenants to increase the $400 cap. A decision has not been made but with contractually increasing
grounds maintenance costs, difficult decisions will have to be made.
Neighborhood
2010 Revenues
Miscellaneous
1%
Rental income
6%
Commissions from
grounds maintenance
company
13%
Maintenance
assessments
80%
Fee*
Windsor Farms
$374
Westmoreland Place
$550
Riverlake Colony
$500
Middle Quarter
$650
Barrington
$450
Fox Hall
$725
Mooreland Landing
$1,100
Windsor on the James
$1,400
Lockgreen
$4,396
*Windsor Farms fee as of 2011, all other fees as of September 2010.
PAGE THREE
Hurricane Irene
City officials have released a plan for the storm debris clean-up following Hurricane Irene. All work is expected to be
completed within 30 to 45 days. Four levels of response for debris removal are outlined in the plan:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Large Trees/Limbs, Equipment, Saws
Trees, Large Limbs, Equipment Needed
Brush, Small Trees, Limbs, Hand Pick-up
Brush, Hand Pick-up
< 7 days
7 days
15 to 30 days
30 to 45 days
City residents who want to dispose of their own debris can do so by taking it to either the East Richmond Road
Convenience Center at 3800 East Richmond Road, or to 3060 Maury Street (two blocks north of Holly Springs Avenue).
There is no fee for this service. For those who choose to leave their storm debris curbside, brush items are not to be placed
on sidewalks or in drainage areas.
The City has provided residents with the following guidelines for storm debris removal:
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Storm debris, when placed near the curb, will be collected by the City, although it may not be on the same day as
your solid waste pick-up.
Small limbs and debris should not be more than four feet long, no larger than two to four inches in diameter, and
should not weigh more than 40 pounds.
Exercise extreme caution near downed trees, as they may contain live or arcing power lines.
If you see power lines on the ground or dangling from trees or utility poles, do not touch them as they may be live.
Be cognizant of hornets’ nests and beehives in downed trees.
There is no change in the solid waste schedule.
If a solid waste truck is unable to enter your street due to a fallen tree or downed power lines, your trash will be
collected once the street is passable.
Call 3-1-1 to report an area or street blocked by trees or debris.
Remember that property owners can report damage to and request assistance with tree removal from their
insurance provider.
Dumping in the Common (Reserved) Areas
There have been some complaints about the dumping of yard waste and other litter in the common areas. Not only is the
dumping of such materials unsightly and potentially unsanitary, it is also against the law. Please ensure that your yard
service and everyone in your household is aware that dumping in the common areas is not allowed. Any yard waste should
either be removed completely from your property or placed in the proper receptacle for collection by the City.
Also, yard services, construction companies, etc. should not drive and/or park their vehicles in any of the common areas.
The driving of motor vehicles in and out of the common areas can lead to ruts and other problems, especially when such
areas are wet (e.g. Canterbury easement access to the common area bounded by Banbury, Cary, Canterbury, and Exeter).
These areas are owned by all lot owners, and it is the primary responsibility of Windsor Farms, Inc. to see that they are
well-maintained. This cannot be done without the assistance of all residents, and your cooperation would be greatly
appreciated.
Volunteer Woodworker Needed
Many of the signs in the common areas are either missing or rotting and need to be replaced (ideally without the current
metal poles). If there are any woodworkers who might be willing to donate their skill for the purpose of upgrading our
signs, please contact the Windsor Farms office at 353-4221, ext. 11 or office@windsorfarms.org.
PAGE FOUR
Windsor Farms Board of Directors Seeking Volunteers
Do you know of someone in the neighborhood who would be a great asset to the Windsor Farms Board of Directors?
The Board is very interested in developing a list of residents who are committed to the neighborhood, and willing and able
to volunteer their time. In particular, residents with architectural, legal, accounting, and grounds/landscaping expertise are
needed. Please submit any recommendations to the Windsor Farms office (353-4221, ext. 11 or office@windsorfarms.org)
as soon as possible.
Neighborhood Safety
The security patrol officers are aware of certain problem areas and have also been reminded to patrol the perimeter of the
neighborhood (i.e. Cary Street and Portland Place). Any suspicious activity should be reported to either 9-1-1
(emergency) or 646-5100 (non-emergency). The Richmond Police Department tracks crime trends and adjusts patrols
accordingly. We cannot expect more patrols if crimes go unreported.
We encourage you to keep vehicles, garages, and homes locked at all times. One of the most effective ways to discourage
theft from vehicles is to remove possessions from plain view and lock them in the trunk. Theft devices, such as alarm
systems and lights are great deterrents. Leave your porch lights on and/or install motion lights. Let the police know when
you will be away so that they can stop by and check your house at least once per day.
REMEMBER: Contact Richmond Police (and our security officers) at 9-1-1 or non-emergency number 646-5100.
Covenants & Restrictions
In accordance with the Windsor Farms, Inc. Covenants and Restrictions, all plans for fences and additions of any kind must
be approved by the Windsor Farms, Inc. Board of Directors prior to the start of any project.
Also per the Covenants and Restrictions, “no board or other device for advertisement shall be placed on any lot, except a
“for sale” or “for rent” sign which does not contain more than nine square feet”.
The Covenants and Restrictions can be viewed at www.windsorfarms.org. If residents have any questions about the
neighborhood covenants and restrictions, please contact Cheryl Warker at the WF office (353-4221, ext 11 or
office@windsorfarms.org).
Miss Utility
If you plan any outdoor activities that involve digging in your yard, play it safe and call Miss Utility (8-1-1 or
1-800-552-7001). Virginia state law requires that you call at least three full business days prior to digging.
Don’t risk a life-threatening injury or disruption of service. Miss Utility crews will clearly mark the locations of all your
utility lines such as gas, water, electric, telephone, and cable. For more information call 646-8300.
Keep Windsor Farms Beautiful
Residents are asked to pick up litter and other debris they find in the neighborhood in an effort to keep our streets and
common areas clean.
Just a reminder to all pet owners that the Richmond Municipal Code states that you are responsible for removing and
properly disposing of waste deposited by your pet(s) on public or private property. Violation of this ordinance is a Class 4
misdemeanor. Need another incentive? After a rainstorm, bacteria and other pathogens from “unscooped” pet waste
can enter the stormwater system and pollute the James River. Thank you to all of the residents who do pick up after their
pets; it is greatly appreciated!
PAGE FIVE
Animal Care and Control
Please remember that there is a leash law in the City. When walking your pets, all dogs must be kept under restraint by a
hand-held leash or lead (Richmond Code, Section 10-172). This means that the leash must actually be attached to your
pet’s collar while the other end is held in your hand. At all other times, they should be confined within a fenced area.
Pets who are allowed to roam the neighborhood at large run the risk of not returning home or of being struck by a vehicle.
Per Section 10-173, “Owners must exercise proper care and control of dogs and cats and prevent them from becoming
a nuisance. A nuisance animal is any animal that molests passersby, attacks other animals, trespasses on school
property, recreational areas or playgrounds; is repeatedly at large; damages property; or barks, whines, howls
excessively. Animal Control may issue a summons to the owner of a dog that is determined to be a nuisance.”
Violations of either section are Class 4 misdemeanors, and may be reported to Richmond Animal Care & Control at
646-5573 (weekdays) or 646-5123 (nights and weekends).
Windsor Farms, Inc. can only suggest that residents abide by the leash law and attempt to resolve directly with neighbors
any pet-related issues.
Neighborhood Parking
Please be considerate and make sure that you, your contractors, visitors, etc., park in front of your house instead of your
neighbor’s home for any extended period of time. There are exceptions, of course, such as parties and other special
occasions.
No motor vehicle may be left unattended on a public roadway for more than 24 hours. Also, no motor vehicle, trailer, or
semitrailer with an empty weight exceeding 6,500 pounds may be parked on any street that is along a primarily residential
block. This does not apply to any vehicles that are being actively loaded or unloaded or are parked while the owner,
operator, or driver is engaged in the actual performance of contractual work at a nearby property. It is also unlawful for the
owner, operator, or driver of a vehicle with an empty weight exceeding 6,500 pounds to park such or to permit such to be
parked within 75 feet of an intersection in any part of the city.
Supercans and Bulk Item Pick Up
Supercans should be placed out on streets late Sunday evening and should be removed as soon as possible after
pick up.
The city has revised its procedure for bulk and brush refuse collection. Bulk and brush refuse collections are now
performed by area: northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest, rather than the previous zip code method. Each area
will have a truck assigned to remove bulk and brush refuse items Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
City residents are required to call the Customer Care Center at 3-1-1 or (804) 646-7000 to request a pick up. An online
request can also be made at http://eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/citizensrequest/frmNewEntryType.asp# .
Items must be placed out for collection on the day the request is made. There is a $50 service fee for the removal of
appliances and a $100 service fee for same day service bulk and brush emergency pick up. Non-emergency bulk and brush
pick up will be collected within ten working days of the request with no service fee. If applicable, the service fees will be
applied to the resident’s utility bill.
City residents can dispose of appliances, bulk, and brush refuse items for free by taking them to the East Richmond Road
Convenience Center, 3800 E. Richmond Road, or the Southside Transfer Station, 3520 N. Hopkins Road.
PAGE SIX
Fall Leaf Collection
Tilley’s should begin collecting leaves around the beginning of November. As time permits, they will move through the
neighborhood from east (Portland Place) to west (Lock Lane). As always, priority will be given to storm drains and traffic
hazards. Please try to leave some space between your leaf piles and curbing in order to help keep the gutters and storm
drains clear. No ROCKS, METAL, or BRANCHES should be in the leaf piles. Any of these items WILL prevent
Tilley’s (and the City) from collecting your leaves, since they could potentially damage the equipment. Mulched leaves
should continue to be bagged or placed into yard cans. Please go to the Windsor Farms website
(www.windsorfarms.org) to view a color-coded leaf collection schedule and to learn more about the Leaf Collection
Guidelines for both Tilley’s and the City.
Please make sure that any yard services are aware of and comply with the leaf collection guidelines (this includes not
blowing leaves and debris into the common areas). Debris, or “clean-out” piles containing sticks, magnolia pods,
dirt/mud, gravel, liriope and grass cuttings, etc. (i.e. piles that contain more than just leaves) should either be removed by
your yard service, loaded into your yard can, or bagged for collection by the City. Normally, the City will only take up
to six bags at a time; however, they will collect an unlimited number during our scheduled "leaf collection cycle" (the City
has yet to publish its Fall 2011 schedule). You can also contact Kevin at Tilley’s (353-4221, ext. 12 or
kevin@tilleyslandscaping.com) to arrange for the pile to be manually collected and removed for a small fee.
Inclement weather can, of course, adversely affect the schedules of both Tilley’s and the City, however, Tilley’s expects
to complete leaf collection by December 31 st.
Tilley’s Landscaping
Thanks to Kevin and his crew, more than 12 acres of common areas are beautifully maintained on a regular basis.
Please thank the dedicated Tilley’s crew members when you see them in the neighborhood.
As many of you know, Tilley's also provides superior yard care to many residents. Their services range from basic lawn
mowing to full-service contracts, irrigation systems (maintenance, repair and installation), landscape designs, retaining
walls, ponds, and more. Since they are located here in the neighborhood, they are able to respond quickly to your needs.
As fall approaches, it’s time to start thinking about aeration and seeding. Call Kevin at 353-4221, ext. 12, as soon as
possible to discuss a turf and landscape schedule for your lawn or to request services.
Urban Forestry
The Urban Forestry Division of Richmond Public Works maintains approximately 110,000 city-owned trees of more than
80 species. If you are interested in replacing a tree in the city-owned area between the sidewalk and the street through the
Adopt-A-Tree program, please contact Urban Forestry at 646-0681. If you would like to replace or trim a city-owned tree
on your own, you must still contact Urban Forestry and obtain permission to do so. We have several forms, including a list
of City-approved species and City applications, on the Windsor Farms website.
If you live near a common area or median strip where a new tree has been planted, please consider watering it from time to
time. Thanks!
If you are replacing a tree on your own property, always look up first. Please pick a planting that can safely co-exist with
overhead lines. Tall trees that can grow near or into distribution lines threaten your safety and your electric service if their
branches come in contact with wires. So, when you make landscape improvements, select the right planting and the right
site. For more information, visit www.dom.com, keyword: trees.
PAGE SEVEN
Windsor Farms Garden Club
The Windsor Farms Garden Club welcomes Master Gardeners, those with a brown thumb, or gardeners who are
somewhere in between. The meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month from September to April, usually at
Grace Baptist Church, with 9:30 a.m. coffee followed by informative meetings with speakers at 10:00 a.m. If you have
young children, there is a free babysitting service (River City Sitters) at the church during most of the meetings. This year,
an evening meeting has been added to accommodate those who are interested in gardening but cannot attend the morning
meetings.
In lieu of a monthly meeting in December, the Garden Club holds an evening holiday potluck cocktail party in a
neighborhood home, to which members and their spouses are invited. It's a highlight of the season! The Garden
Club also organizes an Easter egg hunt at the trenches which is open to all children in the neighborhood. A treat for
everyone! The May meeting is a luncheon and garden tour, often at a neighbor's home.
Best of all, the Garden Club has no minimum level of involvement. You can do as much or as little as you like. There are a
number of opportunities to be a part of this beautiful and historic neighborhood. From working with the Virginia Home
near Byrd Park (holiday decorating, maintaining their Gillette garden or donating Christmas gifts to the residents), tending
to the gardens at UMFS or just meeting with your neighbors at the informative meetings. Most recently, the club raised
most of the funds for the new bench at the trenches to replace the deteriorated bench that was there.
Each member receives a Yearbook, which contains a useful directory of members, the meeting schedule, exhibiting and
artistic requirements for the four meetings that have judged exhibits, the Garden Club by-laws and other handy information.
There is also a monthly newsletter (online or by mail), with gardening tips and announcements.
The Garden Club has been alive and well in Windsor Farms since 1953. To join and help continue this wonderful tradition,
please contact Katy Haskell at 2317park@mindspring.com or 355-2722. The first meeting is September 15th, and the topic
will be "Bulbs, Beautiful Bulbs" by George McClellan. Hope to see you there!
Welcome New Residents
The Black Swan would like to recognize and welcome the following new residents to Windsor Farms:
Mr. Joseph J. Basar
Mr. and Mrs. Brock P. Beatty
Mr. and Mrs. William A. Beck
Mr. and Mrs. Dwight V. Buelow
Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Davis, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. William T. Dykes
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Feeser
Mr. Howard C. Feller
Ms. Karen E. Fischer
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Georgerian
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Handley
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Head
Mr. and Mrs. James H. Howren, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Brian S. Lucas
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan E. Morris
Mr. and Mrs. Todd H. Mungo
Mr. L. Paul Nelson, II
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Proctor, III
Drs. Thomas C. Robertson and Cynthia S. Ryan
Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Schweiker, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Philip W. Shepard
Mr. and Mrs. David G. Shuford
Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell C. Wallace
4203 Dover Road
3801 Dover Road
218 Portland Place
231 Gun Club Road
223 Gun Club Road
3801 Tomacee Road
208 Hathaway Road
204 Portland Place
4511 Cary Street Road
211 Berkshire Road
303 Marston Lane
4104 Cambridge Road
323 Clovelly Road
100 Berkshire Road
3802 Dover Road
4108 Dover Road
204 Oxford Circle East
200 Nottingham Road
221 Gun Club Road
100 Canterbury Road
4304 Cambridge Road
102 Banbury Road
206 Avon Road
PAGE EIGHT
---------------------------------------------------------Please Cut Out & Save---------------------------------------------------------------Important Phone Numbers and Websites
Windsor Farms Office
353-4221, ext. 11, office@windsorfarms.org
Tilley’s Landscaping (Kevin)
353-4221, ext. 12, kevin@tilleyslandscaping.com
Councilman Bruce Tyler
357-6007, Bruce.Tyler@richmondgov.com
Marianne Pitts, City Council Liaison, First District
646-5935, marianne.pitts@richmondgov.com
Miss Utility of Virginia
811 or 1-800-552-7001
Richmond Police, Third Precinct, Sector 311
646-1412,
www.richmondgov.com/Police/Precinct3Sector311.aspx
Richmond Police and Security Patrol (Non-Emergency)
646-5100, follow prompts
Richmond Fire (Non-Emergency)
646-2500
City of Richmond Website
www.richmondgov.com
City Customer Care Center
311 or 646-7000
Request City Services Online
www.richmondgov.com, click on “Citizens’ Request”,
follow prompts
City Leaf Hotline
646-LEAF (5323)
City Leaf Collection Schedule
www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/Leafcollection.aspx
Richmond Animal Care and Control
646-5573 (weekdays) or 646-5123 (nights and weekends)
Adopt-A-Tree Program/Urban Forestry Division
646-0681,
www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/UrbanForestry.aspx
Streetlight Outages; Gas, Water & Sewer Emergencies
644-3000
Richmond City Connection
City forms, community and neighborhood information, special event bulletins, and much more can be found at
www.RichmondGov.com. You can also make online requests for various city services, such as sidewalk repairs.
The city tries to respond to such requests within one week.
Windsor Farms E-Mail List
The members of the Windsor Farms Yahoo! Group find contractors and lost pets, learn timely security information, and
hear of exciting and useful information. To join, send a blank e-mail to windsorfarms-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and
you will receive notification of your subscription by return e-mail from the group's moderator. When you send a request to
join, please include your name and address. Feel free to join using multiple e-mail addresses (home and work, husband and
wife). If you have any questions, please contact John Denniston at 353-5811.
Please remember to scroll to the bottom of the e-mail and click on “Reply to Sender” when no group response is
needed.
PAGE NINE
City Laws That May Be of Interest
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Grass on private property is not allowed to be over 12 inches tall.
There is a curfew of 11:00 p.m. for anyone under 18 years of age.
Any sign posted in the city right-of-way, which includes medians, utility poles, or the area between the curb and
sidewalk, is illegal under City Code. Richmond City Code gives any person the right to remove illegal signs from
the public right-of-way. Anyone convicted of a violation may be fined up to $50 per day, per sign.
Tours & Upcoming Events
At Agecroft Hall (for a complete listing, go to http://www.agecrofthall.org/newsletter/):
Windsor Walk: Windsor Farms Walking Tour
Saturday, September 10, 2011 and Saturday, October 1, 2011
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Discover how Agecroft’s owner, T.C. Williams, Jr., helped shape the vision for Windsor Farms, one of Richmond’s
most elegant neighborhoods, in this walking tour. The tour is led by architectural historian and Agecroft tour guide
Chris Novelli. Walking shoes are recommended. Fee: $5 per person.
Fear of the Unknown at Agecroft: Living History Tour
Saturday, September 24, 2011
11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., 2:00 to 3:15 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to encounter one of the original residents of Agecroft Hall? Join us for a
special tour led by a member of the Living History staff. The tour will be done from the perspective of one of the
inhabitants of Agecroft Hall, and will focus on the fears and uncertainties face by people in 17 th century England. Topics
can include disease, witchcraft, fairies and foreigners. Fee: $8 per person.
Fall Concert by the Richmond Concert Band
Sunday, September 25, 2011
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
The Richmond Concert Band will perform their annual fall concert on the lawn at Agecroft Hall. Guests are invited to bring
lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics for this special free concert; gates will open by 5:00pm. For more information on the
concert, please contact the Richmond Concert Band at 804-737-3767. FREE: In the event of inclement weather the concert
will be postponed.
The Court Leet: Living History Event
Friday, September 30, 2011
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Imagine that you lived near Agecroft Hall in the seventeenth century. What would you do if your neighbor was being a
nuisance? What if you had an assault charge to make? Come see how the seventeenth century residents of Agecroft Hall
resolved their petty crimes and disputes. The Agecroft Hall Living History staff, joined by additional living history
interpreters, will bring to life actual court case’s from Agecroft’s history. Your participation is needed to make sure justice
is served! Fee: $5 per person. No advanced registration required.
Tudor by Design: 15th Century to Today
Thursday, October 13, 2011
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Since its origination more than five centuries ago, the Tudor style has embodied sophisticated design and elaborate details
that merit a closer look. Join Margaret Hancock, design educator, for a visual exploration of the architectural components,
design features, ornate textiles, and more that define the Tudor style. Consider why Tudor maintains its wide appeal and
proves influential in style and design
into the 21st century. Fee: $10 for adults, $7 for students.
PAGE TEN
All Hallow's Eve: Living History Tour at Agecroft Hall
Thursday, October 27 and Friday, October 28, 2011
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Come and spend a creepy evening with the inhabitants of Agecroft Hall. All Hallow’s Eve was a night of mischief and was
especially popular in Lancashire, where Agecroft Hall originally stood. Listen as the Daunteseys and their servants tell you
the stories, songs and superstitions of this spooky time of year. The event is guided by one of the Agecroft servants, and
will last approximately 50 minutes. Fee: $5 per person.
This tour will contain mature subject matter. This is NOT a haunted house tour. Parents please be cautioned.
At Virginia House:
Virginia House and gardens are open by appointment. Call 353-4251 or visit
www.vahistorical.org/vh/virginia_house01.htm to learn more or to find out about additional upcoming events.
Young Virginia House Naturalists
• See dates below, Time: 9:00 a.m.
Families with children ages 6 and under
This Saturday morning program introduces young children and their parents to the history and nature of a place. Children
will have the opportunity to explore the site while learning about nature. Each program includes a story, hands-on activity
and craft. Registration fee: $5 for VHS members' child or grandchild and $11 for nonmembers. Reservations required;
please call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan.
September 10 – Flowers; October 15 – Insects and Butterflies; November 5 – Backyard Animals (bunnies, lizards, toads!)
Harvest Tea and Tour
• September 10, 2011
Your afternoon includes a tour of Virginia House followed by a stroll through the fall gardens. While you enjoy tea,
sandwiches, and sweets on the terrace, learn how to harvest herbs and include them in your tea at home. Participants will
even have a chance to sample herb-infused treats and develop their own tea blend. This event takes place from 2–5 pm and
costs $20 for VHS members and $26 for nonmembers. Reservations required; please call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy
Bryan.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
• October 20 and October 21, 2011
Join the staff for a behind-the-scenes look at Virginia House. Visit seldom-seen areas of the museum and enjoy a close look
at the collections of Alexander and Virginia Weddell. The house, preserved much the same as it was when the Weddells
resided there from 1928 to 1948, includes English and Spanish antiques, silk draperies, oriental carpets, and fine silver and
china. After the tour, guests are welcome to visit the more than eight acres of grand gardens at Virginia House. Programs
last approximately one hour. The program is free to VHS members and $6 for nonmembers. Reservations required; please
call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan.
Gingerbread Tea and Tour
• Gingerbread Tea for Families: December 3, 2011, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Gingerbread Tea for Families: December 4, 2011, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Gingerbread Tea for Adults: December 7, 2011, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Gingerbread Tea for Families with Children 5 and Under: December 10, 2011, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays and create a new family tradition! Design and build your own gingerbread house using gingerbread
pieces, snow-like frosting, gumdrops, candy canes, and other colorful treats. Cider and cookies will be served as Virginia
House staff talk about holiday traditions in the Tudor home. This event costs $15 per family for VHS members and $21 per
family for nonmembers. Reservations required; please call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan.
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Holiday Tea and Tour
• December 8 and December 9, 2011, Time: 3 - 5 pm
Spend an afternoon at two famous Richmond Tudor homes! Your visit begins with a guided holiday tour of the great rooms
of Agecroft Hall followed by a walk through the gardens to Virginia House. Your visit concludes with tea and a guided
holiday tour of the festively decorated Virginia House. This event costs $23 for VHS members and $29 for nonmembers.
Reservations required; please call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan.
Odds and Ends—Email
Some have asked why we don’t communicate and bill exclusively via email. We encourage residents to provide us with
their email addresses and use them to reduce postage and other costs when possible; however, we do not require that
residents provide such information, recognizing that some do not use email at all and others prefer to receive information
and invoices in the mail.
Editor’s Note -Cheryl Warker, Windsor Farms, Inc.
Please e-mail any submissions to The Black Swan to: office@windsorfarms.org.
The following article was published in one of the original Black Swan newsletters in October 1927.