Musical Rumpus on tour.
Image: Laura Fensom.

As the performance got underway, I was intrigued by how engaged both the children and their parents were. A toddler who had been crying as she arrived at the centre was now sporting an expression of curiosity and delight, while a number of the children were on their feet, exploring the performance space and interacting with the singers. Others remained on the perimeter, happy to experience the performance in the laps of their parents – many of whom seemed equally enthralled and generally delighted to be sharing the experience so closely with their child.

I was proud to be part of an organisation that had brought live classical music and opera to over 350 children and as many adults over the course of the Musical Rumpus tour. For many it was their first experience of classical music and opera, and from a fundraising point of view it made me even more determined to reach our target so that our next tour can go ahead in 2013. To make this happen, we are taking part in The Big Give Christmas Challenge – a 3-day online fundraising campaign, kicking off this Thursday. Every penny will help, so if you are able to, please support our campaign to bring another magical experience to 350 more babies and toddlers. You can find out more about the project and how your donation could be doubled on our website.

To donate to our Big Give Christmas Challenge visit The Big Give website at 10.00am on Thursday 6^th, Friday 7^th and Saturday 8^th December. Take a look at our Musical Rumpus tour video.

You can help bring these musical experiences to 750 families by donating through The Big Give Christmas Challenge. Between Thursday 6 and Saturday 8 December 2012, donate via The Big Give website and The Big Give will aim to match your donation pound for pound.

Click play below to find out more about the project so far.

History:  Eastbury Manor House was built during the reign of Elizabeth I, circa 1570.  After being the country house of gentry families for the earlier part of its history, by the 18th and 19th centuries Eastbury (sometimes known as Eastbury Hall) was inhabited by a succession of tenants such as yeoman farmers, butchers and graziers. They fattened cattle on the rich marshland pasture before selling them in the London markets.  The house gradually fell into decay. One of its two octagonal stair turrets was pulled down in the early 19th century, and one room was even used as a stable. It was in danger of complete demolition until 1918 when it was purchased by the National Trust.  Restoration has continued in phases, with the most recent restoration completed in 2010 with funding from the National Lottery.  Now each room in the house has informational displays providing history and insight into the home and the people who lived there.

Architectural Features:  The exterior of the home is authentically Tudor.  Within the home the servant’s hall has been restored which contains original oak panelling painted ‘Eastbury Brown’.  Upstairs, frescoes depicting fishing scenes survive in the Painted Room as does the sole original Tudor fireplace.  In the west wing, an original newel post oak staircase provides access to the octagonal turret. You can also access the attic to see the timber framing.

In addition to visiting the house, a tea room is available.  Tours can also be candlelit at night, and murder mystery events are hosted there.  Opening hours and cost of admission is on their website, but generally it is open Mon/Tues 10am-4pm, and on the first two Saturdays each month 10-4pm: 
http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/EastburyManorHouse/Pages/Home2.aspx

Located at: Eastbury Square, Barking, IG11 9SN

Closest tube: Upney