Kathleen worked at South Ormsby Hall from the age of 17 until the age of 27, under Squire Godfrey Massingberd-Mundy and his wife, Margaret.

One staff Christmas party, Kathleen caught eyes with Bert Brown, who was working as a chauffeur and gardener for the Rector, Reverend Charles Gordon Ward. No more than a few years later, the two were happily married.

Margaret Massingberd-Mundy, who always showed great kindness to her housemaids, paid for the wedding, drove Kathleen to the local church, and drove her and Bert back for their wedding reception in the ballroom of the Hall. Kathleen remembers that her wedding day was the only time during her ten years working there that she got to walk down the front steps to the Hall – except when she was scrubbing them!

After the passing of Adrian, Margaret and Squire Godfrey’s son, the Hall was sold to new owners. Since then, it has been made a private home – which is what made this personal invitation all the more special.

The visit was made possible through MHA’s ‘Seize the Day’ scheme, which endeavours to grant the wish of each resident.
Kathleen’s son, David Brown, said: “Many of mum’s happiest memories are of the time she was in service at South Ormsby Hall. To this day, she speaks very fondly of the Massingberd-Mundy’s.

“She has so many anecdotes she happily recounts of her life during those ten years at the Hall – which sounds to me like a real-life Downton Abbey! I am so grateful to the new owners, Jon and Jan Thornes, as well as staff at MHA Stones Place, for making this possible.”

Beverley Murray, Deputy Manager at MHA Stones Places, commented: “We know South Ormsby Hall holds a special place in Kathleen’s heart, so we were delighted to help her ‘Seize the Day’ by taking a trip down memory lane and paying the house another visit.”

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