OUR HISTORY
1905
The first generation arrive at Aldwick Farm
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The story began with the Dibble family moving to Aldwick Farm. Betsey Lillian
Dibble, grandmother of Carole, Chris and Sandy, was born at the farm that same
year. Seen here the youngest sibling of Fredrick, Louise and Ida.
1929
The Dibble Siblings
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Frederick, Louise, Ida and Betsey seen here outside the farmhouse at Aldwick.
1930
The second generation
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Our Betsey Dibble, married Herbert Watts. They had 4 children:
Herbert, Dennis, Raymond and Lillian.
1937
Farming in the blood
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Dennis Watts was born June 27th 1935.
1957
The 3rd generation
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Dennis Watts married Mary Hathway.
They moved into Aldwick and together built a successful farming business.
1964
From tenants to owners
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Prior to this year the family had only been
tenants on the farm. Dennis and Mary purchased the farm.
1970
The fourth generation
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Carole, Chris and Sandy Watts, the children of Dennis and Mary all enjoyed
a memorable upbringing at Aldwick.
1991
From father to son
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Chris became the next custodian of the farm. His entrepreneurial spirit took the
farm in new directions. Aldwick became home to ACF Hospitality.
2008
Changes a foot
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Chris’s enjoyment of wine and personal connection with South African
vineyards inspired the 2008 creation of our first vineyard, Homefield.
2009
The need for development
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With help of a DEFRA scheme and his sister Sandy, Chris started construction
on building a visitors centre and venue replacing the old farm building.
2011
Sandy Luck takes over the helm
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Chris was tragically killed in a helicopter accident in late July 2011. Appointed
a trustee of his estate, sister, Sandy Luck, took over the running of the Estate.
2013
Completion of the new venue
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The venue was launched in April of this year. The first wedding took place shortly afterwards.
2014
Aldwick wines are a winner
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Mary’s Rose, named after our own Mary, receives Aldwick’s first wine awards.
2017
Home Sweet Home
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Carole and her husband, Howard, set plans in motion to return to the
family business after living and working in Spain for 25 years.
2018
Re-brand
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Time to re-brand from Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard to Aldwick Estate
Present Day
The fifth generation
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Sandy’s children William, Oliver and Jessica Luck. To be continued ….?
