FLETCHER ENTERTAINS HIS
GUESTS AT
ARMATHWAITE HALL HOTEL, BASSENTHWAITE, LAKE DISTRICT
5th - 8th OCTOBER 2010
Preamble
October arrived, and I began to get
excited about going with Dad and Uncle Brian, once again, to
their luxury retreat of Armathwaite Hall, where I originally come
from. There was excitement too amongst the Hug, as to who would
be lucky enough to be my house guests. Of course Fred and Gladly,
always go as they are the Chief Hug Bears. So, the day of
departure arrived and we, with our pals Brandy, Craig, Kernow,
Ralph,Twinkle & Wilf Benedict, settled ourselves in the car.
Some of my pals were quite content
to spend the holiday, relaxing in the hotel and the grounds, and
indeed on one day both Dad and Uncle Brian stayed in to rest and
recharge after a busy time. But I took some of my guests for a
day out on the Thursday. I hope you enjoy reading the account of
our stay.
Tuesday
Setting off, I asked, "which
route are we taking Dad?"
"To Windermere, to get some
items Uncle Brian wants from Lakeland Ltd, and to have lunch
there. Then on through the Lakes to Keswick, Fletcher", Dad
replied.
"Well there would have to be a
food stop", remarked Fred, knowing what an appetite his
Uncle Gerry has.
It is not very far to Windermere,
so it seemed like no time at all we were pulling into the car
park. Not interested in shopping, instead we sat on the railway
station watching the trains, while we ate our sandwiches and
drank our pop.
Ralph was on look out, and called
out as he saw them coming out, and we scampered back to the car,
just in time.
"Did you enjoy your lunch",
asked Kernow.
"Yes", replied Uncle
Brian. "The soup was delicious"
"Is that all you had. My my,
what restraint", piped up Fred.
"Don't be so cheeky",
said Uncle Brian.
Craig, who is a John Lewis partner,
asked, "did you get all you wanted in the shop."
"Yes", said Uncle Brian.
"We bought a new potato bag, and two poach pods for cooking
eggs [they were to turn out to be excellent too]. Finally we
bought a new glass plate to cover the hob, to replace the one
your Dad accidentally burnt."
So now onward north along
Windermere to Ambleside, then passing Rydal Water and Grasmere
and over Dunmail Raise, to pass Thirlmere and so on to Keswick.
Again Dad pointed out the different fells and mountains, adding
that he and STAG had climbed them all too.
"Oh, how he goes on!",
yawned Fred, promptly dozing off until we arrived.
Some of our party, Brandy, Kernow,
Twinkle and Wilf, had not been here before, so were much more
interested, marvelling at the great heights that STAG had
attained on their many adventures.
As we neared Keswick, the familiar
sight of mighty Skiddaw came into view and then to the right the
massive bulk of Blencathra.
Armathwaite Hall is on the road on
the north shore of Bassenthwaite Lake. At the large roundabout on
the A66, we took the A591 right under the slopes of Dodd and
Ullock Pike, turning left at the Castle Inn, and just minutes
later we were pulling up in front of the hotel.
I of course went with Dad and Uncle
Brian, to check in. The lady on reception remembered me, offering
me a glass of sherry too, but I said I would share Dad's. We were
in the same room with the wonderful view overlooking the grounds
and Bassenthwaite Lake. Uncle Brian and I settled in the room,
while Dad brought up the luggage. My other guests trotted up to
the room, and we all settled on the settee as usual.
The remainder of the afternoon was
whiled away just resting, although some of my guests who had not
been here before, were fascinated by the wonderful view. Suddenly
Kernow, called out, "the sun is casting a lovely light on to
those fells to the left. What are they called?"
We all went to look. "They are
Ullock Pike and Dodd", I said. "Dad and STAG climbed
them a few months ago with Uncle Eric."
Later Uncle Brian and Dad went down
for dinner. I had arranged for room service, for my guests and I.
Wednesday
Today was to be a day of complete
rest. The weather was a little unsettled, with heavy showers at
times, so we were quite happy to be staying in the hotel. When
Uncle Brian and Dad returned from breakfast, we were up and
settled on the settee, apart from Gladly, who had decided to have
a lie in.
Uncle Brian had brought a good book
to read, as well as his MP3 to listen to music. Dad, as usual had
brought his laptop, and spent much of the day working on a story
of one of STAG's recent adventures. I was glad about that as this
meant I would fairly soon get a slot to write this account. We
read, and played games in the room.
As well as the luxury accommodation,
the food here at Armathwaite Hall is outstanding. As an
indication, here is the dinner that was enjoyed tonight. From the
selection of starters, mains and desserts, they chose those below.
Amuse Bouche (a pre starter)
Tuna Carpaccio & Sardine with
mixed salad
Starters
Pan Fried Scallops with Cauliflower
puree and Cumbrian Pancetta
Goats Cheese, Red Pepper & Pesto Panacotta with
Tomato Bread
Sorbet
Strawberry
Main Course
Pan Fried Fillet of Wild Sea Bass
with Creamed Potato, Green Beans, Spinach and a Salsa
Verdi. Served with potato & mixed vegetables
Pre-dessert
Tiramasu
Dessert
Chocolate
Fondant with Mint Chocolate & Chocolate Chip ice
cream
Afterwards
in the lounge
Coffee
& Tea, with scrumptious home made chocolates
Thursday
As Uncle Brian drew
back the curtains, we could see that it was going to be a lovely
day weather wise, so the day out I had planned to Maryport was on.
I was taking some of my guests, so after breakfast, Brandy,
Kernow, Twinkle and Wilf Benedict and I trotted down and settled
in the car.
Turning right out of
the hotel, we drove along, above the path by the lake that some
of my pals and I had walked along, on the last visit, when we did
the nature trail. Soon we reached the bridge over the river
Derwent. In the terrible floods, almost a year ago it had been
almost completely submerged. The road we wanted, once we had
crossed, was left, but a sign said the road was closed. Instead
Dad, went right along a road that led us through Embleton.
"This used to be
the main road", I told my pals. "It was replaced by a
new road that you can see to the left, built on the trackbed of
the long closed railway line that ran from Keswick, through
Cockermouth and on eventually to Workington."
"Thanks for the
information Fletcher. You are knowledgeable", remarked
Brandy.
Soon we joined the
main A66, and by passing Cockermouth, it was just another seven
miles to Maryport. Dad followed the signs and after what seemed a
bit of a roundabout route, we arrived at the Wave Centre. This
houses a theatre, conference facilities and exhibition about the
town and its history.
This was quite
excellent and we spent quite a while looking at the interesting
displays, giving us an insight into the history of Maryport. We
would recommend it to anyone visiting the town.
In Roman times there
was a fort and urban settlement, which we were to learn more
about later when we visited the Senhouse Roman Museum. The urban
settlement continued after the Romans left, but the town today
dates from the 18th century, and even today it is a well
preserved example of a Georgian planned town. The charmingly
cobbled Fleming Square, is a good example, with its many large,
mainly Georgian houses.
This was taken later,
on our way to the Roman museum, and we could not resist posing on
one of the seats by the obelisk.
Right, back to the
history. The Senhouse family owned much of the land that was
known as Ellenfoot. In 1756 Humphrey Senhouse changed the name to
Maryport, calling the new town after his wife Mary. They were responsible for development,
together with other local luminaries and industrialists whose
businesses brought prosperity to the town. One was the Ritson
family, who developed shipbuilding including one of the first
iron ships. What was unusual, was that on completion the ships
were launched sideways into the dock. Among the ships built was
the Britannia for the White Star Line, a sister ship to the ill-fated
Titanic. This never saw commercial service, being requisitioned
as a hospital ship in the First World War, only to be sunk in
1916. As ships grew larger, the facilities at Maryport became
unable to cope and shipbuilding finally ceased in 1914. It should
not be forgotten that George Stephenson played a role in the
towns prosperity bringing the railway in 1845. Coal mining was
another industry in the area, as well as a thriving import and
export of goods as the port expanded with the building of more
docks. Gradually over time coal mining ceased and trade through
the port declined, such that by the late 20th century the town
was in great decline. No longer an industrial area, the town has
been revitalised for tourism, much regeneration having taken
place round the harbour.
Lunch was next. Dad
and Uncle Brian, went to the cafe in the Wave Centre, where they
had a delicious crispy cheese savoury baguette with side salad
and coleslaw accompanied by tea. I had arranged for the hotel to
pack a picnic for my guests and I, which we ate overlooking the
River Ellen, that runs past the Wave Centre. Then Dad drove us to
the harbour. Initially Uncle Brian sat on a seat, while we went
for a walk with Dad, round the docks There were quite a number of
boats in the harbour, like this group.
And this of fishing
boats, with the restored bridge behind. It was up all the time we
were there, which was a shame as we would have loved to scamper
across.
By doing so we
discovered that it was possible to drive round, and this we did
so that Uncle Brian was able to see the fishing boats etc. Here
is the view along the whole length of the dock.
Away by the entrance
stands the harbour light, that can be seen up to twelve miles out
to sea.
We sat a while looking
out from the harbour.
"What are those
hills over there?", asked Twinkle.
"Well pal,"
I said, "Maryport is on the Solway Firth, that divides
England from Scotland. The hills you can see are the Galloway
Hills. STAG and Dad see them frequently, from walks in the more
northerly fells of Lakeland. I know for a fact, from what STAG
have told me, that the large hill to the right is called Criffel."
Well, the harbour well
and truly explored, we now went on to the Senhouse Roman Museum,
that is housed in a building we could see high on the cliffs away
to our right.
The building known as
the Battery, formerly a Royal Naval Artillery Volunteer Drill
Hall built in 1887 to train naval gunners, is where the
collection has resided since 1990. This comprises an amazing
number of inscribed stones (altars and other sculptures), from
the Roman fort and civilian town, the site of which is
immediately adjacent to the museum. The collection was started in
1570 by John Senhouse, Lord of the Manor of Ellenborough. We were
all in awe of the wonderful items on display. It seems that every
year that altars were created to the gods and for the emperor, by
the commandant of the fort. All the writing is naturally in Latin,
but a helpful translation leaflet was provided, so that we could
understand them. The collection is of international importance.
We recommend clicking this link to the museum website, for more
information and pictures. Senhouse
Roman Museum.
Hadrian's Wall is of
world renown. This frontier was extended down the Solway Coast at
least as far as Maryport, by the construction of milefortlets (small
turf and timber forts) spaced every Roman mile, with two
watchtowers between each. Inspired by these, a watchtower has
been built at the museum.
This allows visitors
an unrivalled view over the coast to Scotland, and down to
Maryport. It also gives an elevated view of the earthworks of the
Roman fort, in the background of this shot. This is the view
looking east of part of the earthworks.
I wanted my pals and I
to have a record of our visit, and perhaps you spotted us in the
picture of the watchtower. Here is a close-up Dad kindly took, at
my request.
So, it was time to
return to Armathwaite Hall, so we settled in the car for the
journey.
Kernow said, "what
a wonderful day we have had, and on behalf of Brandy, Twinkle,
Wilf and I, we want to say a big thank you Fletcher, for
organising it all."
"Your welcome,
pals", I replied.
Soon we were bypassing
Cockermouth, and on along the towards Keswick, Dad turning off
again at Embleton, to avoid the road closure.
"Those mountains
ahead look ever so high", said Brandy in awe, as having only
joined the hug recently, he had not been here before.
"The highest away
to the left is Skiddaw at just over 3000ft", I replied.
Adding, "of course STAG and Dad have climbed it, and in fact
every other one you can see."
"STAG really are
an intrepid group", said Wilf.
Once we were back in
the room, we told our other pals all about the day. It was then
time for the usual end of holiday group picture, so we all
trooped out and wandered to different locations in the grounds to
have it taken.
back
row - Ralph, Gladly, Fletcher, Fred, Craig
front row - Kernow, Wilf Benedict, Brandy, Twinkle
This was the third
location, on the seat of the old equestrian jump.
Fred who is not a big
one on exercise, said "I hope that's the last, as I am ready
for a rest after all this tramping around."
It was, so back to the
room for a welcome rest, before dinner. We as usual had ours in
the room, while Dad and Uncle Brian enjoyed another sumptuous and
leisurely meal in the dining room.
Amuse Bouche (a pre starter)
Cream of Butternut Squash soup with
a Parmesan Crisp
Starters
Morecambe Bay Potted Shrimps with
Cayenne Pepper, Lemon & Watercress with Wholemeal
Bread
Sorbet
Banana
Main Course
Char-grilled Fillet of Beef with
Roasted Vine Tomatoes, Bearnaise Sauce & Garlic
Mushrooms served with home made Chips.
Roast Turkey with Bacon & Sausage, Sage & Onion
Stuffing. Croquet Potato & Carrot & Swede
Pre-dessert
& Dessert
Replete
they did not have any dessert tonight
Afterwards
in the lounge
Coffee
& Tea, with scrumptious home made chocolates
Friday
So, that was that, the end of
another wonderful stay here at Armathwaite Hall. The Lads and I
were sad to be leaving this morning, but I am sure that Dad and
Uncle Brian will be coming to stay here next year, so we can look
forward to that. The return journey was through the Lakes again,
and on to Low Sizergh Barn. This is an excellent farmshop where
Dad and Uncle Brian have been many times to buy goods, which they
did today. There is also an excellent cafe serving mouth watering
dishes. Dad was especially in need of some fortification, so a
stop for lunch was made too.
As we set off again, Wilf asked,
"did you have a nice lunch."
"We did", replied his
Uncle Brian. "Delicious pea and mint soup with bread. Tea to
drink, and of course your Dad had a piece of cake."
Why am I not surprised",
called out Fred.
Then straight on home where we told
our other pals all about our adventures.
We all say a big big thank you to
Dad and Uncle Brian for taking us.