Preamble
Our peace and quiet was broken by Dad and our Railway Bear pals returning from their trip on the Aln Valley Railway.
"Did you have a good time?", asked Gladly.
"Yes", replied Higson. "A gentle ride to Greenrigg Halt. There we alighted and walked down to the River Aln, before waiting for the train back to Lionheart."
"We also walked the cycle way to Cawledge Viaduct", went on Scooter. "Thanks to generous donations from many people including Dad, the railway has been able to fully restore it."
"I was just sorry that the train was not steam hauled", said Dunstan.
"Not a problem pal", replied Chuffer. "It is not the first time the train has been diesel hauled.
"Quite agreed", Higson. "I recall during a very dry summer that through Newtondale on the NYMR the train was diesel hauled to reduce the risk of lineside fires."
"Just glad you all had a good time", said Fred. "Tomorrow is the last full day of the holiday. It is your turn to go out Bamburgh with some of our pals."
"Yes, looking forward to it", he replied. "Archie, Benji and Cheviot as coming with me. I am conscious that for Dad the last three days have been pretty full on. So we are not bothered about going too far. We have decided to explore the lake behind the hotel. It will be nice a peaceful."
Dad said, "I was thinking of having lunch at Sunnyhills at Belford. So we could visit the impressive church there if you like?"
"That would be lovely", said Cheviot.
"Also I want Dunstan to come along too, as I plan to visit Colin and Julie in Chatton", went on Dad.
"For sure", agreed Bamburgh. "It will be lovely to see them again. Roll on tomorrow."
Our Day
After breakfast Dad said, "I want to edit one set of the pictures we have taken and rename those from yesterday."
"That's fine", said Benji, "there is no rush."
That done, Dad said, ""right ready to go",
"Ok", said Bamburgh."
So he with Benji, Archie and Cheviot, set off to explore the grounds.
Exiting the hotel, Archie said, "that is a very impressive tree."
From below this Dad then took this of the hotel.
The ground floor of the wing to the right is the restaurant. Inside where they join is this magnificent staircase to the lower function rooms and upstairs bedrooms.
 |
"I got a sheet of the history from reception", said Benji. "Although the first reference to the parish of Doxford goes back to 1296, The Hall was actually built in 1817-18 for Henry Taylor, to a design by the much respected Newcastle architect John Dobson. Henry Taylor died without issue and the Hall and estate passed through different owners, including the Brown's of Callaly, who made extensive alterations and we forced out in 1900 when the owners of nearby Ellingham Hall poisoned the water supply by placing a dead horse in the well. Henry Percy Warren purchased it in 1901, but he ended up in a lunatic asylum. Lord Runciman then bought the Hall and estate. They made many alterations, the most lasting being the East Wing designed by architects Mauchlen Weightman and Elphick, who were responsible for that lovely staircase, joining the east and north wings. That's the window of our room on the ground floor immediately to the left."
 |
"I love the owl sculpture at the top. Please take a close-up Dad", said Cheviot."
Continuing with the history, Benji said, "the Hall was sold in 1953 to Northumberland County Council, and remained with them until sold in 1993 to Brian and Shirley Burnie. Due to the state of the structure, urgent extensive restoration was required to make it habitable and after restoring the Dobson part of the Hall, architects and engineers were commissioned to design a world class hotel that opened in 2008. Robert and Gina Parker purchased Doxford Hall in 2010 and after six months and £500K refurbishment and redevelopment involving renovating the original entrance, adding new bedrooms and a lounge and bar area it opened to the public."
"Thank you Benji, for all that interesting information", said Dad. "Uncle Brian and I really liked staying here. We will be staying here all the time when we come to Northumberland again."
"Before we move on let's have our picture, sitting on the staircase", said Bamburgh.
l-r Benji, Bamburgh, Cheviot & Archie
"How do we get to the lake", asked Archie.
"Through the arch, round to the left and through the gate past Doxford Cottages", said Dad.
Oh look", pointed Bamburgh, "there's a postbox. Take a picture for Little Eric's collection, please Dad."
Looking closely, Cheviot said, "originally it dates from the reign of Queen Victoria, but now obviously defunct."
Past the cottages the path went left, and dropped down. "I need a bit of a rest before we go on", said Benji.
"What's that plant", pointed Archie.
"Nettles!", stated Dad. "They sting and are not my friend when I'm walking in the countryside in shorts. Probably due to all the rain we have had this year they are particularly tall, so sensibly I have been walking in long trousers."
Soon we reached the lake, Bamburgh saying, "let's sit on that seat...
...while we enjoy the view."
"What lovely reflections", commented Cheviot.
After a little while we decided to walk on. The path led left over a bridge...
...spanning the outfall.
When sitting we had seen a gentleman at the far end of the lake, and we met him just before we crossed the bridge.
Dad had a chat. He told us, "I am renting one of the cottages. I love the peace and quiet here and the opportunity to take pictures."
"Just like our Dad", remarked Benji.
Striding off we headed along the path...
...that brought us to another bridge at the far end.
Scampering across we looked right. "Ah those wildflowers make a lovely scene", pointed Archie.
A little further we saw this swan that was engaged in a bit of preening.
From here we had the reverse view across the lake.
Bamburgh said, "we'll sit by the flowers while you take our picture please Dad."
Strolling on, we encountered this tree across the path.
"Easy for us to get under", laughed Cheviot, "but you'll have to duck down Dad."
"Aye lad. I've encountered many such obstacles over the years on my walks with STAG."
About halfway along here there was another seat. "Let's rest a while", suggested Benji.
"More beautiful reflections", commented Bamburgh. "Just so peaceful too."
This was the barbeque site.
Benji said, "the cottages and the lake are not actually part of Doxford Hall. This site will be for the use of those renting the cottages."
"That sign there states the rules", pointed Archie.
Reaching the end of the path we came across this boathouse.
Peering, Bamburgh said, "doesn't look like the rowing boat has been used for a long time."
Our tour over we made our way back to the hotel. "Thank you Dad, that was a lovely walk", said Cheviot.
With the hope that Colin and Julie were back from Scotland, Dunstan joined the bear party, and we set off north along the A1 towards Belford.
Dad said, "I cannot recall exactly where Sunnyhills is, but I think it is by the A1."
This proved to be wrong as we ended up passing Belford, and then heading into it from the north, along the old road that was once the A1 before the village was bypassed.
"Oh dear", sighed Bamburgh. "We're alright as Dunstan kindly arranged a picnic for us."
"There's the Old Well Tearoom and it's open", pointed Cheviot.
"I am sure Uncle Brian and I went there years ago. I'll give it a try."
Almost immediately Dad returned. "What's wrong?", asked Archie.
"They only accept cash and I have none left."
"There's The Salmon pub next door", called out Bamburgh.
This proved to be very good. Dad had a half of Alnwick Brewery bitter and the Sunday lunch. This comprised of gammon with Yorkshire pudding, roast and mashed potatoes and large portions of carrots, swede and peas and beans in a separate dish.
Telling us after Benji commented, "you certainly got your 5 a day!"
"It was really lovely and has filled me up" replied Dad. "I wonder if I will be able to get through three courses tonight?"
"Knowing you Dad, no problem", laughed Bamburgh.
A visit to St Mary's church was next.
Wow", exclaimed Cheviot. "It is a very imposing building."
"Yes" agreed Benji. "The tower was added in 1829 and has two bells. It was restored in 1873."
Going inside, Dad took this along the nave.
Benji said, "the church carries Grade II listing. It was built around 1200 and some of the stone in the chancel arch dates from that time. It was rebuilt in 1615, and further renovated in 1700 and 1828. As can be seen the Tudor-arched north arcade is blocked off at balcony level to provide parish rooms."
Walking down we viewed the chancel.
Benji continued our tour. "The stained glass in the east window is from 1902, by Kempe. The painted reredos and panelling is from c1900."
"Will you take our picture sitting on the chancel steps?", asked Dunstan.
"Of course. Get settled lads."
l-r Archie, Cheviot, Bamburgh, Benji and Dunstan
Benji said, "there is really no more information about the church I could find on the Internet."
"You've done very well, pal", said Bamburgh. "Thank you."
"I can take some more pictures to illustrate parts of the church" said Dad.
"Ok then", said Benji. "There's the font."
"It has lots of intricate stone carving, and the wooden topper is quite beautiful", enthused Cheviot.
Then this of the pulpit.
As we walked back along the nave, Bamburgh pointed. "that's an impressive organ on the balcony."
"Thank you Dad for bringing us here", said Archie. "Very interesting, made more so by all the information you imparted to us Benji."
Now we drove to Chatton and saw that Julie and Colin were home. They were very pleased to see Dad and of course Dunstan! The rest of us got to go in too.
It was just lovely to see them both and their lovely Cockapoo called Chester. Dad had a super couple of hours chatting and catching up. So good to still keep in touch after all the years since Dad and Uncle Brian first visited and then stayed at the Percy Arms. Checking his diary Dad told us the first visit was on 21st June 1988 and the first time he and Uncle Brian stayed there was 14th September 1992. We left about 16:15 as Colin and Julie were going to friends to watch England v Slovakia in the Euros.
Now we just returned to Doxford Hall to tell our pals about our day. Have our final dinner too, as Dad did in the restaurant.
In the display case at reception, where some lovely teddy bears, and Dad could not resist. So this little chap came home to live with us. He was later to be christened Berwick. Dad also bought his brother as a gift for Auntie Pat who he meets at Elaine's at Feizor. She decided to call his brother Cheviot.
The heart shaped design on his sweater is the Northumbrian Tartan. This was worn by shepherds in the county well into the 20th century as a warm working garment. A fragment of the check has been dated as far back as 263 A.D. Since 1760, the plaid has been the official dress of the Duke of Northumberland’s piper.
The end of our holiday. We have been so fortunate that the weather has been good for the four days. As we drove home on the Monday through the rain, Fred said, "Uncle Gerry, you planned it to perfection from the weather angle."
"Yes lad. And I am determined to come back here next year for more adventures for you Gladly and pals.
"Yippee", we all called out.
back
