Wendy Harrison is the closest village neighbour to Church Cottage, living in the magnificent fifteenth century Rectory on the other side of the churchyard. She has also been a loyal local friend of the Trust since its inception, and generously contributed some furniture to Church Cottage. She says: “I am pleased to join the other honorary fellows of HHT because, although my own work involves me combining photography, sales and restoration, I understand the pressures of juggling many responsibilities with deadlines, along with the financial necessity to succeed.
The Trust’s different needs require different personalities and skills. I have observed and appreciated the sequence of writers who have stayed in Church Cottage, temporarily becoming my neighbours here, some of whom have become personal friends. I run Harrison Antique Furniture Ltd working alongside my husband. We have supplied furniture to theatre and film sets, television and nationally known houses wherever it is required. I punctuate my working life with competitive sabre fencing, being a member of the Shakespeare Swords located in Stratford.
My relationship to many of the hundred and more writers who have passed through Church Cottage is that of an available friend in a new place. I can liaise with residents in a manner free from professional assessment and judgemental evaluation. I like the Trust’s work which brings interesting and committed people to this small village for the purposes of their specialist projects, but rewards all involved in a much more sublime way.”
Wendy agreed to become an Honorary Fellow of the Trust in 2019