Welcome back to 2020! The reason for today’s visit was an invitation to a private tour around Kelmarsh’s well-known Gardens (where Mrs P is a volunteer-gardener).
Kelmarsh’s back garden all set for Shambala
What is Shambala?
The Shambala Festival is a four-day festival contemporary performing arts. In addition to contemporary music, the festival hosts rock, pop, folk, world music, and other arts. Read more HERE
9.55am: On arrival, we followed the arrows to the rear of the Hall, where a member of the Kelmarsh team pointed us in the right direction. Given the tropical weather of the past few days, this morning looked like it was going to be a bit of a disappointment! There was a trace of blue in the sky – just a trace – but that was to change later to grey, accompanied by a well-needed downpour of rain of biblical proportions! Luckily, we were to miss the moisture by a whisker!
10.10am: Given the really hot weather of late – and the lack of rain, first impressions of the Gardens were excellent, with hardly a weed in sight, with a blaze of colour for us to enjoy!
…even if I didn’t know the names of some most of what I saw! 😮
Mrs P did though! 😘
10.25am: Looking at the sky, where its light blue hues had changed to a depressing mid-grey – so we quickened our pace..! 🙄
…but in spite of the deteriorating weather…
…the flora still looked in rude health!
The Succession House
10.30am: We could hear thunder in the distance, so we called it a day and headed back to the car
Just before the storm!
10.40am: It had been a very memorable (but slightly curtailed) visit, but the Gardens looked fantastic and it was great to see Kelmarsh Hall again after all these years. We hadn’t been in the car long before it belted it down with rain, so it looked as if our timing had been well-judged.
As usual, click on the button below to see the photo gallery with some additional photographs (and none of my chat!) 😁
It was off to Janine’s Wedding today. Her husband-to-be, Chris is from Ohio, USA, so it’s going to be a true Anglo-American event. The event is at Hedingham Castle (so that’ll please our friends from across the Pond!) and we’re making a few days of it, as the big day isn’t until tomorrow – Friday.
The Wedding celebrations are actually spread over three days and it’s going to be very American by design. We’re promised plenty of ‘theatre’ and some deviation from the Brit equivalent! First, it’s a Fish and Chip Supper tonight followed by the event itself tomorrow, and finally, a post-Wedding Brunch on Saturday.
We’re staying at The Swan, Long Melford (a Michelin listed boutique, two rosette restaurant with rooms) just down the road for a couple of nights.
“Dilly Dilly!”
Hedingham Castle
Thursday
But before our first Wedding of the year, we planned to take in some nearby National Trust properties. First stop today was Ickworth House & Gardens.
In spite of the major roadworks on our outward journey (whilst they re-shape the A14 locally) our drive was pretty smooth, with just a couple of stop-start moments. Consequently, we were there in just under an hour-and-a-half. I’m not sure how we’ve NEVER managed to have visited here before – and it turned out to be a real treat! The House opened at midday, and when we arrived around 11.45, it looked like most of Suffolk already knew about this gem, and was already there – clearly a very popular place!
Architecturally speaking, it was very unusual – the original House was on the left and right with a central circular part (the Rotunda) in the middle. Actually, the left hand side is now a Hotel owned by the Trust, whilst the right hand side (the West Wing) was for Visitors.
First, a bit of history to put it all into context: The estate was originally owned by the Abbots of St. Edmundsbury. The land was acquired 1432, when Thomas Hervey married. The then ‘House’ took 47 years to build and the locals held their breath as the unusual design began to take shape. The area (and England, as a whole) had never seen a design like it, and it was to become the family home for the next 500 years!
But not without some tweaks along the way…
In 1701, the 1st Earl demolished the mansion and developed plans for an even grander abode, as this modest medieval House eventually became a turreted Tudor mansion. As part of the re-building, he moved out all the locals in the immediate area to make way for the grander version of this property – understandably, he didn’t hit it off with the ‘ordinary folk’! In more recent times, power and money appeared to take its toll. The previous Marquis (No. 7) had been a bit of a naughty boy, and managed to spend his way through £7m of drugs in less than 10 years – and to add insult to injury, he lost the £30m family fortune too!
Being taken on by the National Trust probably saved this property from certain oblivion. The NT acquired it in 1957, in lieu of Death Duties, and converted part of it into a hotel as recent as 2002.
Fast forward to 2018 where the current Marquis (no. 8) have moved out and live in a nearby modest dwelling.
There was plenty to see, and it had been restored by the NT to an extremely high standard. What made it extra special were the little touches – hats and coats from the period, letters dated from the 50s on show in the writing bureau and plenty of quotes from the downstairs-staff reproduced on some of the walls. Superb in every sense and it’s going to take some beating!
Our second and final stop supporting The National Trust was Melford Hall, after a thirty-minute twisty-turney drive through the lanes of Suffolk.
As we all know, during his time on the throne, Henry VIII, after a strop with the RC Church, took possession of many houses of religion, and this affected Melford. It became a royal property in 1539 and was then leased to Sir William Cordell, a member of the rising middle classes. Sir William Cordell was eventually granted the estate of Melford in 1554 by Queen Mary I, having helped her accede to the throne.
1651: Almost a hundred years later, Sir Robert Cordell became the owner of Melford, after the previous owners experienced some financial difficulties. The Hall was in a bad condition due to it having been vandalised during the Civil War. Robert was the MP for Sudbury and Sheriff of the county and he undertook a programme of refurbishment and reparation.
1786: Another century, another major development! Near the end of the eighteenth century the house was put on the market for the first and only time in its long history. It was sold to Harry Parker by the third husband of the deceased Firebrace’s wife, William Campbell.
But for many, the significant bit of its history was that Beatrix Potter once stayed here and there’s a very interesting book on display that shows her skills as a painter.
Superb stained-glass… …some very interesting letters from the 50s including some around the time of the NT’s acquisition. The Hyde Parkers who have modified the house through the ensuing period, still live in Melford Hall to this day and it’s a superb Tudor Pile!
But that was enough culture for one day, and we headed for our bed for the next couple of nights – The Swan at Long Melford.
Our original room (Room 3) was thoughtfully swapped for Room 4 due to the excessive heat in the former. Our new home was still warm but well-equipped with all that we needed – and more – including a posh coffee-maker and helpfully, an industrial-scale electric fan.
Just time for a short ‘feet-up’ session before heading off to the first part of the Wedding Celebrations. This was the Fish & Chip evening at The Old Vicarage, Castle Hedingham – a massive house (for a Vicar!) featuring NINE bedrooms, numerous rooms and a very large cellar that included a Pool Table and Gym.
We were introduced to many of the American guests and they made for very easy company. It turned into a superb evening, and a great way to ‘break the ice’ for tomorrow. The evening finished with the (apparently) American Tradition of the Bride presenting a cake to the Groom…
All-in-all, we all got on really well and it was a real party atmosphere. We called it a night around 9.45 and wandered down the pitch black road to retrieve the car. So far so good, but what seems to be turning into a pattern for us when we’re returning from events, we got caught up in a massive road diversion preventing us taking the direct route to Long Melford. The diversion signage wasn’t brilliant either, but after an extra 30 minutes on our journey, we arrived back in our room.
Friday
The Bed was super-comfy and we woke, bright-eyed and with tails bushed – ready for the celebrations ahead! First stop though was breakfast – and it didn’t disappoint. The Full English went down a treat, as did the fresh fruit, coffee, tea and fresh fruit-juice.
Fuelled-up, we then decided to take a walk down the High Street, mainly for a spot of exercise, but also because it’s very, very (very) long (I guess that’s how Long Melford got the name!). However, it all seemed a bit ‘Sleepy Hollow’ as most of the shops were closed, even though it was almost 10am!
Luckily, in contrast, we noticed a couple of Antique Shops with their doors open, so we took a wander round those before crossing the road, to check out the rest of the shops. Things were starting to get busier (but not by much) and we did eventually see the town almost buzzing. With our retail therapy complete, in the shape of four wooden spoons and a casual top for Ann, we were soon back in our room getting suited-and-booted for the main event.
And at just after 1.30, we set off for Hedingham Castle. We soon arrived and the weather forecast so far, was pretty accurate – thankfully dry!
A short walk over the bridge and up the narrow staircase and we’d arrived! Strangely, the Routemaster Bus with the majority of guests on-board had NOT! We chatted with Roy’s brother Ray and his other-half Jane for a bit and when the Bus finally arrived, there was just time for everyone to get a drink before we headed down the narrow spiral staircase to where the Service would take place. This was a tricky journey for all the Guests in heels – and the Groomsmen, who, on arrival, had taken advantage of the wheelbarrow full of Beer, to aid challenge their navigation skills!
There was an extended pause before the Service started – kicked-off by the spreading of petals along the bridal-path by one of the very young members of the wedding party – little Eleanor.
As this was an American-style wedding, there was plenty of ‘theatre’. We had the parade of Groomsmen and their respective partners (finishing with an individual man-hug from the Groom) before Roy and Janine made their entrance. Janine looked stunning (as did Roy!). Roy had to formally confirm he was giving Janine away, and as part of the theatre the Bride and Groom read out their commitment to each other. Roy kicked-off proceedings and Chris’s Dad officiated, and it all sounded, looked and felt fantastic.
With the Service over, everyone followed the married couple over to the House where there was a wide range of drinks on offer. Then it was out into the Gardens (in superb condition given the dry weather) for the official – and less official – photographs.
Front Row: Tim, Kathy, Me, Ann, Pat & Greg Back Row: Gerry, Mariann, Ron, Becky & Brian (Groom’s Parents) & John
A gazillion of photos followed and after a quick check of the official Table Plan, we headed for our allocated Table – Table 5 – that we were to share with a number of new-found American friends.
Wow! What a friendly group. We were soon chatting away like old friends about this-and-that with plenty of laughter along the way.
The Speeches then followed. Unlike a typical Brit Wedding, there were some extra contributors: In addition to the normal Father-of-the Bride’s (nice one Roy, it was perfect!), Best Man’s and Groom’s, we had the luxury of the Chief Bridesmaid’s (Lauren), the Maid of Honor (Scarlett) – all really good – especially Lauren’s.
Music was courtesy of a live Band (superb!) and a DJ (not so much). It was a real party atmosphere and Ann and I spent a lot of time on the dance-floor (I even got to dance with Roy!). But no-one could up-stage the happy couple – there’s was a lot of love in that room tonight! Wow! The evening passed really quickly. The weather was briefly disobedient, failing to follow the forecast at one point, with lightning, thunder and a torrential downpour. After some more ‘dance-floor action’, we called it a night and at just after 11, we began to say our goodbyes (even though we’re probably seeing most people tomorrow!) and took the perilous walk in the dark, back the car.
Last night’s detour was still in force, but we navigated it with ease, and were soon back at The Swan for our final night.
Five-to-midnight – and we’re all partied out! What great day!
Saturday
A super-lazy start to the day, after yesterday’s very happy event. Next stop The Mill Hotel, Sudbury for the 11am ‘post-Wedding Brunch’ event.
It was only about 15 minutes away and although the parking was a serious challenge nearby, they did have an official car-park just up the road.
We were one to the first to arrive, but within minutes we were re-acquainting ourselves with most of ‘Table 5’ from last night – a perfect reunion!
We stayed for just a butty and a cuppa (there was plenty of traditional ‘Full-English’ food on offer!) but had plenty of time for a longer natter with our new acquaintances from ‘across the pond’.
We said goodbye to everyone around 12.30 and after a trouble-free journey home were indoors by 2.15. Wow! what a fantastic few days away. The Wedding was he highlight of the year for us, and it was good to see Suffolk again!
Well, here we are in Amsterdam for our 5th Anniversary (or ‘32nd’ in old money).
After driving over to Birmingham Airport, we caught the 10.10 courtesy of Flybe to Schiphol and then jumped on the train for a short journey to Amsterdam Central. There we grabbed a 48 hour tourist ticket and boarded the No. 2 Tram. Ten minutes later, we arrived at our destination for the next few nights – the rather quaint Dikker & Thijs Fenice Hotel’s. We’re in Room 401, so just as well they’ve got a lift – these Dutch buildings are tall!
Then, after a quick unpack, we headed out into the city and a boat-ride round the Canals.
The hour-long trip gave a real good feel for the size and shape of Amsterdam, and the combination of the ship’s captain and the pre-recorded commentary filled in a lot of holes in our knowledge of this fine city.
By 4pm, it was all over and we took the short walk back to our Hotel. By now, it was getting dark and the Christmas lights were starting to come on…
After putting our feet up for a couple of hours, we then headed for our Anniversary meal. Ann had booked it a while ago based on its TripAdvisor reviews – The Blue Spoon Restaurant just about a ten-minute walk away.
Wow! What an interior! It looked like no expense had been spared on the décor, including a very unusual piece of ceiling art (below)…
Unusually, the Restaurant had an open kitchen so you could see your food being prepared – and the food didn’t disappoint! You know you’re onto a winner when they bring the bowl they created the chocolate mousse in, to the table!!
Slightly sozzled, we walked back to the Hotel thinking about what we might do tomorrow – our second, and final day here. The weather isn’t too promising – a coldish day (but at least it’s going to be dry!)
Looks like it’ll be a day of keeping warm and exploring around the local area.
The 15th
Yes, as forecast, a cold and foggy one this morning! So, wandering around the local area seems like a great way to blow away the cobwebs. After my blasé comment yesterday about the Lift, we learned today, that it’s out of action! That’ll teach me to open my mouth!
After a swift breakfast in the hotel, we headed into the grey…
…and the red of Amsterdam.
First cultural stop of the day was the famous Rijks Museum. We haven’t been here since dinosaurs walked the earth – and in that period, it’s had a major makeover (the Museum, not the dinosaur).
…and what a change! They’ve built a massive atrium that covers the entrance area, and everything looks like it’s now got even more space.
This provided the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the Museum’s wide range of exhibits.
…and after all that education, we took a quick pit-stop in the Museum’s Cafe…
…and that’s when we noticed the holographic Christmas Tree! Very impressive – and (virtually) no needles to pick up after Christmas!!!
Then it was back out into the cold and foggy weather for more wandering about! After a quick pit-stop at the standardised McDonald’s lunch (food – reliable, wi-fi – terrible!!).
After nosebag, we found ourselves wandering into the back-streets of Amsterdam – and it was a toss-up (sorry!) between watching a man struggle to get a 10ft skip into his cramped 6ft bedroom window or watch the local girls offer their ample wares from a cramped window.
Damn!!!
(Actually, we did both, but the skip scene seemed to have more of an audience!!)
More mooching around where we learned a new word for ‘sex shop’ – a ‘condomerie’
By now it was getting even colder, so we dived into a large department store to warm up… It’s the first one we’ve ever visited that had a John Lewis concession in it.
…before taking a few final shots of typical Amsterdam…
By now, our extremities were really feeling it (‘it’ being the weather NOT the red light district) and so we headed back to base where I read later, that the whole red-light area is actually in ’Zeedijk’ (geddit!?). As we left ‘the girls’, I also spotted an advert in a local shop: ‘Asian Liquor on Sale’ which made me giggle (in a Sid James sort-of-way). Ooo-err missus!
Back to reality, and something altogether more wholesome: tonight, we’re eating in (as part of the hotel deal) as it’s a three-courser by a visiting Michelin-star Chef.
It’s been a great break (but it could have been warmer!) Home tomorrow!
As is customary at this time of year, we headed for The Citadel in town for our yearly pilgrimage to the 6.30pm performance of the SA’s Carol Concert. Normally, this would have been our FIRST opportunity to test our singing voices (scary!), but we’d also been to another a week-or-so ago in town, recommended by Valerie – this is still our favourite though! We’ve learned over the years, it pays to get there in good time in order to bag a suitable seat, but The Citadel wasn’t quite as busy this time around, and arriving at just after 6pm still allowed us to pick our position! Some faces were more familiar this year now that I’m running computer coaching lessons at Rothwell, and we saw Lydia and Derek from the Tuesday Class – and also Trevor and Ronnie (who I’d helped out with a PC ‘issue’ a while ago). Jo and Janet were also there – and it was good to see Jo’s Dad, Frank (accompanied by Helen), who looked a ‘million dollars’, after a period of illness. Although it is only an hour-or-so, it’s always a packed programme – and tonight was no exception. Plenty of carols (including a very vague one in the middle, that none of the audience seemed to be familiar with), a short nativity play, a guest speaker (from MIND), a sprog choir and of course, a short sermon – and of course the Ketttering Citadel Band. They certainly know how to belt out a tune of 10! A great evening all round and in spite of the lack of numbers at our performance, they raised £1301.
Delyth and Jon And if we hadn’t partied enough this weekend, after the Concert, we dropped Lee home and then headed for The Vines to celebrate Delyth and Jonathan’s Wedding. It was a small affair, but good fun to catch up with the (very) happy couple, and meet some of the family. We got home by around 10.30, pretty much exhausted! Lightweights!
We’re really pleased with the way the garden is coming on this year. I can’t claim much of the credit myself – Ann has the green fingers, whilst I do the heavy lifting!
In the evening, it was off to nearby Geddington for a Reception following the wedding of Jonathan and Bec. A great evening –tasty food, time for a good chat and an enthusiastic group of dancers on the dance-floor!
We even witnessed the emergence of a new party game involving the construction (and deconstruction) of the DJ’s inflatable DISCO signage, being re-arranged to form new words – and used as a background to selfies!
Congrats you two – enjoy your honeymoon and see you again soon!
So, here we are – our second wedding anniversary (or 29 years together in ‘old money’!)
..and we’re still talking!
…and sometimes to each other!
But seriously, some things just work well together, and I’d put us up there with other ‘perfect combos’ such as Morecambe & Wise, grated cheese & baked beans and Cameron and Clegg (I lied about the last one!)
The wedding-day in 2011 is still very clear in our memories, prompted by us finally getting around to hanging the drawing of Kelmarsh Hall and signed by all those who were there.
Thanks to all those who came – and for those we couldn’t squeeze in, we’re sorry but hope you enjoyed the cake we sent!
FRIDAY We headed off to Worthing, as tomorrow is our good friends’ Ian and Sharon’s 10th wedding anniversary. The event has come round really quickly – it seems like only yesterday, we last roasted in sun-drenched Worthing. Because of the National Bowls Tournament, accommodation had been difficult to book, but we eventually located a small B&B near Arundel – ‘Hanger Down House’ – and that suited our needs perfectly!
We planned to arrive in Worthing about 3pm, drop into I and S’s for a quick hello before having a mooch round Worthing. Unfortunately, leaving home slightly later than planned AND on a Friday was about about the worst combination possible for a trouble-free journey. It all went pretty well until we got close to the Dartford Bridge where everything came to a grinding halt and we idled along at 5mph. Once clear of the Bridge though, the situation improved, and we did well for about another 20 minutes or so, before hitting more roadworks on the M25… and then more roadworks on the M23. We eventually arrived at theirs close on 4pm, after three-and-three-quarter hours behind the wheel! I was shattered!!!
We enjoyed a quick cuppa and a chat before we jumped back in the car and headed for the B&B, (after a quick look round the new mega-Morrison’s in Littlehampton).
We arrived at the B&B just after 6 – and ‘superb’ is the only word to describe it! Starting with a very warm welcome from Alison and Andy the owners, before being shown to our room. WOW! it was fantastic! It had all the essential ‘f’s – Well furnished, a fridge, a flipping comfy bed and free wifi! Perfect! Heck, there was even a jug of milk in the fridge ready for us – nice touch folks! The view from our room
And that’s where we spent the rest of the day (the room, not the fridge!) – chilling out and enjoying a gourmet packet of do’nuts and rose wine! (part of our ‘five-a-day? Well, the wine label said it had a hint of strawberry whilst the do’nuts had raspberry jam in them!)
SATURDAY We woke early (habit I guess) and after a late breakfast (for us) at 9am, we headed off in the direction of Chichester and some serious retail therapy. First stop, the new(ish) John Lewis Home outlet just outside the town! Shed loads of quality gear in a relaxed environment. Then, it was off to Chichester town centre. Scenes of Chichester Town
Chichester was packed – and so we failed miserably to get into the short-stay car-park. The warm weather had certainly brought Sussex out to shop! The long-stay beckoned and after a short walk though the underpass (complete with classical flautist), we were in the town centre ready to browse. And browse we did! Ann surpassed her personal best and set a new record for a first buy – 34 seconds from perusing to purchasing!
I was tempted by a pair of 300 quid maroon leather shoes, but luckily, I came to my senses just in time! 🙂
An hour later, we were all ‘browsed-out’ and headed back to the B&B to get ready for Ian and Sharon’s do. After a quick change, we headed for the venue in Patching. It didn’t take us long to find the Village Hall and we were soon parked-up and ready for celebration. Luckily the weather was warm and we were able to sit outside where the afternoon weather got warmer and warmer – gorgeous!
Snakes on a Plane? No! Belly Dancers at an Anniversary Party!
With Ian and Sharon’s ‘events’ you know you’re going to be fed like Kings and they’ll always be plenty to keep you occupied – and this afternoon was no exception! Truck loads of food including sandwiches, an Indian Buffet, Burgers, dozens of cakes accompanied a Tarot Card Reader, Funny Photo Booth, Belly Dancers, Karaoke (oh no!), Bouncy castle, Surf-board trainer and Cricket!
Lucky it wasn’t fancy dress!
We got a chance to catch-up with Paul, Ian, Ann and Alice and the time really flew! It was a brilliant day, in every sense and we left around 5.15 and back in the B&B by 5.30. Time for feet-up, the TV and that small bottle of rose wine in the fridge!
SUNDAY We were up at 7am in an attempt to leave not-too late and try and beat the traffic heading home. After a quick breakfast (and after yesterday’s gorge-fest, we didn’t have much room anyway!), we headed home. What a relief – the roads were completely clear of any jams and we managed to get home in exactly three hours including washing and refuelling the car! Excellent!
