Had a horrid drive to the south. First of all, we came to the Military Road, not far from home, and it was clear that there had been an accident on the A69, because there was a great queue of traffic coming up from Hexham, with many heavy lorries. Someone kindly let us in and we joined the continuous string across to Carlisle. Luckily, it movcd at a reasonable pace so we were only about 10 minutes late joining the M6.
As we reached the Lake District, the rain started and poor G could hardly see where he was or where to go - falling rain and spray from lorries horrendous. It stopped not long after the Lakes and we stopped for lunch at Charnoch Richard. Then I took over and had 'weight of traffic' hold-ups most of the rest of the way. There was only one accident to blame. It took us about 8 hours to do a 6 hour journey.
We finally arrived in Ilchester and the Ilchester Arms. I had found it on the internet and luckily it was a lovely small hotel with good food and a cheerful, helpful staff of young people. Our room was very small but the beds were comfortable.
On Saturday morning we went to Sherborne. The School is partly in the old Abbey buildings, alongside the Abbey itself. This is a fabulous building with stunning fan vaulting. Sadly I do not have any pictures. For some mad reason unknown to me, I didn't take any. The town is attractive too.
We returned to the hotel with time for a short rest before changing into "smart casual" and warm with it! Then we managed to find our way through the Somerset lanes to Thorney Lakes and Caravan Park. We drove through the park and set off down a track through the fields. After a while we saw a sign that said "Wedding Car Park" so we knew we were in the right place.
It was fabulous. A wild life reserve with a fishing lake, with stringent controls. On a level area of grass by the lake, was a marquee. We found some 70 or so people, many of whom were my relations. The bride, (my youngest brother's middle daughter) was beautiful and her new husband a very happy man. Although not too warm, and with heavy showers, it was a very happy occasion.
I was wearing my mother's pearls and a diamond bow brooch, to bring Ma to the wedding. This gave the bride much pleasure. She was wearing her other Grandmother's pearls. When the group photo was taken, there was a race with the rain and there was a double rainbow. The bride was convinced that both Grandmothers were there in the rainbows. I am tempted to agree!
The barbequed pork was delicious. The speeches were not too long! As the driver I did not have much to drink, so kept a clear head. My youngest great neice possited on my shoulder, but I had a lovely time with her, she was 8 weeks old. The next, and last, two of that generation left to get married were there, discussing when each would have their weddings. They both got engaged recently A really happy evening. Sadly, G had had enough too long before it was dark to wait, so we left before the fire balloons were let fly. I gather that they were magic.
Of course we got lost on the way back through the lanes, but we made it safely and slept the sleep of the just.
I am afraid that all the pictures are explicitly of people, so I cannot post any. Result - a boring blog!
Hopefully the rest will be better, with pics.
Monday, 25 May 2009
Friday, 8 May 2009
Garden Update
Things move fast in May -
This is the Amelanchia that was just coming out on May 1stDo you remember the Broom that I had to take out last year? Some will. I was begged to leave it! This is how it looks today -
Monday, 4 May 2009
A Baptism, continuing Flower Festival, Food and Craft Fayre and a Baroque Concert
Sunday morning saw Kirkharle Church nearly full with about 50 people for a Baptism with Eucharist. Surrounded by all the beautiful flower arrangements and with the joy of a Baptism, it was a service to be remembered. It is rather sad that the wee fellow will not remember any of it but surely his parents will treasure the memory - and the Godparents too, I shouldn't be surprised.
An hour or two later, I was on duty in the Church and it was a rewarding job because most of the visitors really appreciated the flowers and the interesting Church. The weather was cold but mostly dry, though there were showers about, with hail in them. A reasonable number of people kept the craftsmen/women and food providers busy in Kirkharle Courtyard.
Monday was expected to be the really busy day though, being a Bank Holiday. And what happened? We woke to heavy overcast and a bitter wind and damp in the air, with occasionally more determined wet. All the same, a surprising number of people turned out to visit the Fayre, but not the huge numbers that they have come to expect.
In the afternoon there a was a concert in the Church, by Plura Videte Baroque. Again the Church was full with people standing at the back. The ensemble consisted of two girls playing violins, one playing the Viola, and two men, one on the 'cello and one on the harpsichord. They had played for several years as part of the University of York Baroque Ensemble. They are now a Chamber Ensemble and are passionate about creating exciting, historically informed performances of both chamber and solo works. We heard both, including a solo harpsichord piece which was astonishing when you know that the player had recently broken the 3rd finger of his right hand in 2 places. It was splinted with the middle finger.
An hour or two later, I was on duty in the Church and it was a rewarding job because most of the visitors really appreciated the flowers and the interesting Church. The weather was cold but mostly dry, though there were showers about, with hail in them. A reasonable number of people kept the craftsmen/women and food providers busy in Kirkharle Courtyard.
Monday was expected to be the really busy day though, being a Bank Holiday. And what happened? We woke to heavy overcast and a bitter wind and damp in the air, with occasionally more determined wet. All the same, a surprising number of people turned out to visit the Fayre, but not the huge numbers that they have come to expect.
In the afternoon there a was a concert in the Church, by Plura Videte Baroque. Again the Church was full with people standing at the back. The ensemble consisted of two girls playing violins, one playing the Viola, and two men, one on the 'cello and one on the harpsichord. They had played for several years as part of the University of York Baroque Ensemble. They are now a Chamber Ensemble and are passionate about creating exciting, historically informed performances of both chamber and solo works. We heard both, including a solo harpsichord piece which was astonishing when you know that the player had recently broken the 3rd finger of his right hand in 2 places. It was splinted with the middle finger.
After the concert, a friend and I warmed up in the Coffee House with a cup of tea, a freshly baked current scone, butter and strawberry jam. As we left, at 4.30ish, there were still a lot of cars in the parks, despite the worsening weather. We are a tough lot in Northumberland.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Capability Brown and Kirkharle
In 1716, Capability (Launcelot) Brown was born in the hamlet of Kirkharle. (He was known as Capability Brown because of his habit of commenting on gardens as having "great capabilities")He was baptized in St. Wilfrid's Church and at first attended the local school, but then moved on and walked to school in Cambo. When he left school, at 16, he worked for Sir William Loraine, 2nd baronet, of Kirkharle. If you visit http://www.capability-brown.org.uk/ you will find a developing site that is writing his story. This gives some of his history after he left Kirkharle and lists gardens that he designed or was associated with.
He became, arguably the most famous landscape gardener in English History, and was described as 'the Shakespeare of Gardening' by the German prince, Hermann Puckler-Muskau, in the early 19th century.
A few years ago, the current owner of Little Harle found a plan in the draw of a desk that had belonged to his grandfather. This plan shows a design for a lake and landscape for Kirkharle Hall. There is much mystery here. The date of the plan is uncertain. It could have been the very first one that he did, before he left for Kiddington Hall in Oxfordshire. Or it could have been done in 1770 when he stayed with Lady Loraine at Kirkharle. The next mystery is exactly how the buildings were. There was a Peele Tower there originally and the plan shows buildings incorporating it, in what appear today to be the wrong place.
The plan currently is to create much of the lake, shown on the plan. It is not possible to do the whole plan because the A696 was cut through the land, not so very long after the plan was drawn. Much of the funding is in place to dig the lake, put in walks and plant many trees. More is still needed but a start can be made and the digging will begin in a few weeks, weather permitting. In Capability Brown's day, it would have been dug by a large labour force wielding spades etc. Now mechanical diggers will be used.
The 'Offices' of the house, whose East Wing is all that remains, were built round a yard and are now converted into units for craft shops, a café and a Day Conference facility - Kirkharle Courtyard. Yesterday, an exhibition dedicated to Capability Brown was opened by Marion Foster of the BBC. This consists of a number of plaques around the area, telling of his life and also the plan that is to be developed. Down at St Wilfrid's Church there is a Flower Festival. The theme is Water, which played such an important part in his designs. (Think Chatsworth, Stowe and many others). This ancient church is transformed by the most lovely floral creations. My pictures only give a slight idea of the beauty and only three of many arrangements.
He became, arguably the most famous landscape gardener in English History, and was described as 'the Shakespeare of Gardening' by the German prince, Hermann Puckler-Muskau, in the early 19th century.
A few years ago, the current owner of Little Harle found a plan in the draw of a desk that had belonged to his grandfather. This plan shows a design for a lake and landscape for Kirkharle Hall. There is much mystery here. The date of the plan is uncertain. It could have been the very first one that he did, before he left for Kiddington Hall in Oxfordshire. Or it could have been done in 1770 when he stayed with Lady Loraine at Kirkharle. The next mystery is exactly how the buildings were. There was a Peele Tower there originally and the plan shows buildings incorporating it, in what appear today to be the wrong place.
The plan currently is to create much of the lake, shown on the plan. It is not possible to do the whole plan because the A696 was cut through the land, not so very long after the plan was drawn. Much of the funding is in place to dig the lake, put in walks and plant many trees. More is still needed but a start can be made and the digging will begin in a few weeks, weather permitting. In Capability Brown's day, it would have been dug by a large labour force wielding spades etc. Now mechanical diggers will be used.
The 'Offices' of the house, whose East Wing is all that remains, were built round a yard and are now converted into units for craft shops, a café and a Day Conference facility - Kirkharle Courtyard. Yesterday, an exhibition dedicated to Capability Brown was opened by Marion Foster of the BBC. This consists of a number of plaques around the area, telling of his life and also the plan that is to be developed. Down at St Wilfrid's Church there is a Flower Festival. The theme is Water, which played such an important part in his designs. (Think Chatsworth, Stowe and many others). This ancient church is transformed by the most lovely floral creations. My pictures only give a slight idea of the beauty and only three of many arrangements.
Three constrasting pictures. The first is done by a friend of mine, using Rhododendrons from Wallington Gardens. The second really recreates the theme of the display, Water. It looks like water falling over a shallow fall. It was a joint effort by two people I know. The third is so delicate and has a strong pedestal beside it, which emphasises the delicasy of these arrangements.
Friday, 1 May 2009
May has arrived.
Let's not waste time, on with the flowers:Some will be named, some won't. You can offer names, or ask - as you will.
I am afraid this water plant/flower is a bit eaten by some hungry insect.
This is the original Osmanthus delavayii. It is beginning to go over now, but still shines in the dusk. The baby is in the bed behind.
Kerria japonica fl pl (double flowered) makes you think the sun is our, even when it isn't.This pink thing is great at this time of year, but tries to take over.
Clematis armannii is a favourite of mine. It has Ernest Markham growing amongst it for later on.What is this bright marsh plant?
These Bergenia lighten their corner for now and their leaves being there all winter is a bonus.
Aubretia out now, geranium to follow, lavender at the back and David Austin roses to flower above them. There is a self-sown 'hedge' of potentilla behind the lavender
More aubretia with box balls that are beginning to get more solid. Sad about the anti-rabbit wire.
Amelanchia and cut-leafed golden elder behind cotoneaster
Another sort of amelanchia - only takeable from a window on the back stairs that does not open at this time of year, so taken through glass.
These Bergenia lighten their corner for now and their leaves being there all winter is a bonus.
Aubretia out now, geranium to follow, lavender at the back and David Austin roses to flower above them. There is a self-sown 'hedge' of potentilla behind the lavender
More aubretia with box balls that are beginning to get more solid. Sad about the anti-rabbit wire.
This anemone fills my heart with joy.
Amelanchia and cut-leafed golden elder behind cotoneaster
Another sort of amelanchia - only takeable from a window on the back stairs that does not open at this time of year, so taken through glass.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
I've been tagged by Mountaineer who was the first to respond to Milla's Moans.
I have not done a Meme before. Is this because I don't read many blogs? It is a time thing you know.
What is your current obsession?
Trying to get the garden weeded throughout, before the weed seeds start to germinate. As the rain has come, I know I have lost the battle.
What are you reading?
The Great Western Beach, which is the Purple Book Club's current read. An absorbing book but as I only read before going to sleep at night, it is taking a long time.
First spring thing?
I suppose the first glimpse of white from the first snowdrop - but everyone says that. The Robin, who sings all winter, off and on, is also promising spring.
What's for dinner?
We've already eaten it. The very first asparagus from the local Pick-your-own. Absolutely delicious al dente and with melted butter. That was followed by lightly grilled lemon sole fillets, with a dash of lemon juice, buttery mashed potatoes and steamed Broccoli. A feast. No pudding because we never do.
Which item from your wardrobe do you wear most often?
A Beaver waistcoat. Whenever I am at home, it is on my back, unless the weather is very warm. It is necessary to keep me warm, to provide 2 pockets for tissues (I have a nose problem) and also to hold my small secateurs, without which I cannot enter the garden.
Planning to travel to next:
The Pembrokeshire coast, just North of St David's. We have travelled to several far off countries in the last few years, including Egypt, Russia, China and India. Now we want to explore our own country and Ireland. This trip is because a niece is getting married in Somerset and SouthWest Wales is not that far away. Our next proper trip will be to the far North of Scotland and possibly Shetland and the Orkney Islands. When the exchange rate is better we intend to go to the SW of Ireland. I desperately want to go to New Zealand but not sure that I will be able to persuade my other half to travel that far.
Last thing(s) you bought:
Yesterday we visited Sam Turner - a company that was originally a moderate sized Agricultural Merchant. Many, many years ago I remember buying binder twine there. It wasn't brightly-coloured artificial fibre in those days. It is now the empire of a Blogger that I happen to know. I bought a garden sprayer, a tree tie and some flexible plant tie. A strange little group. My companion bought a pair of trousers amongst other things - for her son, you understand. There is no end to the range of things we could have bought. The problem was resisting the temptation.
Flowers of the moment.
The lilac is about to come out. I think it is the scent really, though I love a tree in full flower. The Paeony will be out before too long too. What a blowsy lady she is.
Favourite ever film
It is hard to pick one from 70 years of viewing. I think Gone With the Wind probably wins the accolade, though it was a very long sit.
Earliest memory?
A tit pecking the tree under which I was lying in my pram and frightened.
Favourite childhood toy?
My little rocking horse - Black Beauty
What television star or stars would you like to eliminate?
The one on the screen at this moment. It happens to be Graham Norton but it could be a number of others.
Care to share some wisdom?
Never make assumptions. I have done it so often, only to find I was wrong - and I still do it.
When you are young, follow your star with courage - and it often does takes courage to launch into the unknown.
Here are the Rules - because there are always rules:
Respond and rework. Answer questions on your own blog. Replace one question. Add one question. Tag some people. It should be 8 but I can't believe there are 8 people left in the world who've not had this tag. Perhaps there may be one?
Blossom
Faith
Crystal
Seashell
Bradan
ChrisH
Patsy
@tm
I have not done a Meme before. Is this because I don't read many blogs? It is a time thing you know.
What is your current obsession?
Trying to get the garden weeded throughout, before the weed seeds start to germinate. As the rain has come, I know I have lost the battle.
What are you reading?
The Great Western Beach, which is the Purple Book Club's current read. An absorbing book but as I only read before going to sleep at night, it is taking a long time.
First spring thing?
I suppose the first glimpse of white from the first snowdrop - but everyone says that. The Robin, who sings all winter, off and on, is also promising spring.
What's for dinner?
We've already eaten it. The very first asparagus from the local Pick-your-own. Absolutely delicious al dente and with melted butter. That was followed by lightly grilled lemon sole fillets, with a dash of lemon juice, buttery mashed potatoes and steamed Broccoli. A feast. No pudding because we never do.
Which item from your wardrobe do you wear most often?
A Beaver waistcoat. Whenever I am at home, it is on my back, unless the weather is very warm. It is necessary to keep me warm, to provide 2 pockets for tissues (I have a nose problem) and also to hold my small secateurs, without which I cannot enter the garden.
Planning to travel to next:
The Pembrokeshire coast, just North of St David's. We have travelled to several far off countries in the last few years, including Egypt, Russia, China and India. Now we want to explore our own country and Ireland. This trip is because a niece is getting married in Somerset and SouthWest Wales is not that far away. Our next proper trip will be to the far North of Scotland and possibly Shetland and the Orkney Islands. When the exchange rate is better we intend to go to the SW of Ireland. I desperately want to go to New Zealand but not sure that I will be able to persuade my other half to travel that far.
Last thing(s) you bought:
Yesterday we visited Sam Turner - a company that was originally a moderate sized Agricultural Merchant. Many, many years ago I remember buying binder twine there. It wasn't brightly-coloured artificial fibre in those days. It is now the empire of a Blogger that I happen to know. I bought a garden sprayer, a tree tie and some flexible plant tie. A strange little group. My companion bought a pair of trousers amongst other things - for her son, you understand. There is no end to the range of things we could have bought. The problem was resisting the temptation.
Flowers of the moment.
The lilac is about to come out. I think it is the scent really, though I love a tree in full flower. The Paeony will be out before too long too. What a blowsy lady she is.
Favourite ever film
It is hard to pick one from 70 years of viewing. I think Gone With the Wind probably wins the accolade, though it was a very long sit.
Earliest memory?
A tit pecking the tree under which I was lying in my pram and frightened.
Favourite childhood toy?
My little rocking horse - Black Beauty
What television star or stars would you like to eliminate?
The one on the screen at this moment. It happens to be Graham Norton but it could be a number of others.
Care to share some wisdom?
Never make assumptions. I have done it so often, only to find I was wrong - and I still do it.
When you are young, follow your star with courage - and it often does takes courage to launch into the unknown.
Here are the Rules - because there are always rules:
Respond and rework. Answer questions on your own blog. Replace one question. Add one question. Tag some people. It should be 8 but I can't believe there are 8 people left in the world who've not had this tag. Perhaps there may be one?
Blossom
Faith
Crystal
Seashell
Bradan
ChrisH
Patsy
@tm
Saturday, 4 April 2009
April 1st Flowers
April flowers, or most of them - Aubretia, most of you will have them out solidly. Not here yet.
Anemone - all that are left from a great many
Miniture daffodils, can't remember which, with Pulmonaria.
Newly planted Osmanthus delaveyii
Betula ermanii pendula with lots of catkins on teh way
This bowl of pansies by the Conservatory door gives me great pleasure as I go in and out.
This Salix is one of those oddities that I buy occasionally - a small, weeping willow grafted onto a larger variety. I wait to see what will happen in a year or two. It has to be cut hard back after the pussies are over. 
The Bergenia is a cheat, as it did not come out fully for a day or two.
The Hyacinths, with the pansies make a beautiful patch to the side of the font door.
and Viburnum bodnantense New Dawn flowers are a last trumpet call after 8 months of flowering!
Anemone - all that are left from a great many
Miniture daffodils, can't remember which, with Pulmonaria.
Newly planted Osmanthus delaveyii
Betula ermanii pendula with lots of catkins on teh way
This bowl of pansies by the Conservatory door gives me great pleasure as I go in and out.
Sadly, the Ribes flowers have been battered by a hard frost
There a couple of patches of violets. I put a single flower on the picture forum
This Salix is one of those oddities that I buy occasionally - a small, weeping willow grafted onto a larger variety. I wait to see what will happen in a year or two. It has to be cut hard back after the pussies are over. 
Believe it or not, this Forsythia is the one that you see covered solidly in flowers in so many gardens.
These celandines are the precursers of a mass of yellow. They are a dreadful weed here. They spread like a plague and throttle anything that is not man enough to get above them. Some people think they are special, as they cannot grow them!
The Bergenia is a cheat, as it did not come out fully for a day or two.
The Hyacinths, with the pansies make a beautiful patch to the side of the font door.
and Viburnum bodnantense New Dawn flowers are a last trumpet call after 8 months of flowering!
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