The Kings Plains Castle Picnic Day is a major fundraiser for the Matheson-Kingsland Country Women’s Association.

Stepping back to the 1900’s the 14 members of the CWA branch will conduct stalls, old-fashioned family games, have a croquet display, bush poetry, flute playing, craft demonstrations and wine tasting in the front garden of the castle. Members of the public are encouraged to pack their picnic rug and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the district’s only castle.

CWA secretary Elaine Buckland said property owner Colleen Hollingworth was a supporter of the CWA. She said Mrs Hollingworth allowed the branch to conduct their meetings in the nearby shearing shed and aided them in the major fundraiser by opening the doors to the castle, usually reserved for Bed and Breakfast accommodation and special functions. Mrs Buckland said last years open day attracted 120 people and they were hoping more would join them this year.

“The castle is well worth looking at it’s magnificent, very impressive,” she said.

In the 1830’s William Vivers, an immigrant from Scotland first settled the agricultural property ‘Kings Plains’. In 1908 his great-nephew George Vivers began construction on a 28-room, three-level castle. It is rumoured Mr Vivers built the castle for his Scottish bride. It was completed in 1910.

The CWA work to improve the conditions for country women and children. They conduct fundraisers, make care packages and cater at events like the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Some of the many charities the branch supports include the NRMA Care flight, Cancer Council, Telstra Child Flight, Youth Insearch and the Sydney Cord Blood Foundation. The CWA also provide care packages to Asia Pacific countries.

The picnic day commences at 11am. Entry to the grounds is $10 per adult, $5 per child under 12 and $25 for a family. It includes all entertainment a sausage sizzle, dessert, tea and coffee. Castle tours are $5 per person.