The extensive alterations at Brooke House, carried out by Mr James Denham, the well-known builder and contractor, of Freshwater, from the designs of Mr W T Stratton, architect, of Newport, are now completed, and Mr Seely, having personally inspected the work, has expressed himself entirely satisfied with the very efficient manner in which the improvements have been effected.  On Friday evening, Mr Seely generously provided supper for all the workmen who have been engaged here, Mr and Mrs Linggard, the butler and cook of the mansion, carried out the arrangements in a way that left nothing to be desired. A bountiful repast was placed on the tables, to which ample justice was done by all present.  About 70 sat down to supper, including the gardeners and other servants and friends. In addition to Mr Denham’s employees, there was also present several from the firm of Messrs. Wood and Horspool, of Newport, who have had charge of the heating and sanitary arrangements.

After supper pipes and tobacco were placed on the tables, with numerous bowls of punch and other beverages.  Mr J Denham proposed the health of Mr Seely, the founder of the feast, and said it gave him great pleasure to be employed under so true and liberal a gentlemen. Mr Denham concluded by paying a tribute of respect to the memory of the late Mr Seely.  The healths of Mrs Seely and family were next proposed and heartily responded to.  Several capital songs were sung during the evening. Mr Linggard proposed the health of Mr W White, the foreman of the work. Mr White, in responding, spoke of the general good behaviour of all the men under him, and of their hearty co-operation, without which he could not possibly have completed the work in the time specified.  The healths of Messrs. H and C Brown, of Dunsbury and Mottistone Farms were next proposed by Mr Linggard, who said how highly esteemed they were by the late Mr Seely.  The healths of Mr Keely, coachman, and Mr Tribbick, gardener were also honoured, and the pleasant proceedings were continued till midnight, when the happy party separated with the singing of “God save the Queen,” all being loud in their praises of the hospitable gentleman under whose roof they had spent so enjoyable an evening.