Preamble
Polly and I were having a mug of tea. "It won't be long before the holiday to Armathwaite Hall", said Polly
"No love. We will have to decide who is coming with us."
"We were wondering the same", said Fred as he strolled in with his brother Gladly, having overheard Fletcher's remark.
"Tea?" asked Polly.
"Oh yes please". replied Gladly.
Polly filled the mugs and passed them over.
Taking a sip Fred said, "lovely. Ramblears blend."
"Yes", replied Polly. "But Allen has said that they need to stock up, so that will mean Dad having to go to Cockermouth."
"Oh dear, that will for sure result in Dad going to Fagans to look at the Charlie Bears", said Fred. "Will he be able to resist getting another member for our Hug."
"Doubtful", replied Gladly laughing. "Any will power seems to desert him on entering the shop."
"What will be will be", I said.
Allen trotted in. "Ooh tea. Can I have a mug please."
"Of course tea belly", laughed Polly.
"We wondered if you would like some cake? Little Eric and Grizzly have made mincemeat slice and peach and apricot slice."
"Oh yes please", I enthused.
We all tucked in, Fred saying, "they are both quite scrumptious. How lucky we are to have such ace bakers."
"I know" cheered Allen.
"Well you and Southey are the such tea bellies and cake stuffers", replied Gladly letting out a bellow of laughter.
Allen then went on, "We all know that Dad is still suffering with his hamstring injury, so we have decided that there will not be a walk on this holiday, and so we will be staying at home."
"Right then thanks for letting us know", replied Polly.
"So who is going then?", asked Fred.
"You two of course", replied Polly. "And I was thinking of inviting Kim and Twin. Also we must not forget that Dad is going to the Theatre by the Lake, so Rex and Starbuck must come."
I added, "There have been some new members too, so Sparkle and Edith are invited. This also means Kevin too as Edith is his girlfriend."
"Good", stated Fred. "So that's all settled. Roll on next Sunday."
Sunday
Shepherding their guests Polly got us all together and settled comfortably in the car for the journey to Dad's second home arriving around 14:30.
I went in with Dad as usual to check in. Saffie the hotel cat was sitting on the reception desk and sniffed and nuzzled me. She is so lovely and placid.
Sarah said, "she is the queen of Armathwaite."
In the room we bagged the chairs, Edith saying, "I just want to rest after the journey."
"Me too", cheered Fred snuggling against the cushion.
Kim and Twin decided to sit looking out at that magnificent view to Bassenthwaite Lake. "Its like a mirror", called out Twin.
"Such beautiful reflections", added Kim.
For dinner Dad was going to the Brasserie. Kim asked, "Can Twin Sparkle and I come along to keep you company."
"Of course."
Mark was serving and immediately recognised Dad, saying, "hi, have you brought some friends along."
Dad settled us on the chair and then introduced us.
l-r Sparkle, Kim and Twin
Just a little bit about ourselves. Kim says, "my twin and I were a promotion from Kimberley Clark that make toilet tissue, and we were adopted in December 1987. We are looking pretty good for our age."
Sparkle says, "Auntie Pat who Dad meets every Monday, has my brother. He was given to her over 30 years ago. Dad just fell in love with him and decided he wanted one for the Hug. Fortunately my previous owner put me on eBay. I am very happy in my new home with all my new pals. I have also met up with my brother a few times."
Dad enjoyed a lovely meal of course and we enjoyed looking about seeing other customers coming and going.
Monday
After breakfast Dad announced that he was going to Cockermouth. "Well", he explained, "I have to get some Cumbria tea to keep STAG happy. They so love the Ramblears blend, especially of course Allen."
Fred laughed out loud saying, "it's just and excuse to go to Fagans and look at the Charlie Bears."
"Exactly", agreed Polly. "We are not fooled at all."
"You're right", replied Dad. "But I do have to get the tea, as I will never hear the last of it."
"You can look, but you do not need to buy", stated Sparkle.
"I'm not making any bet on Dad having the willpower to resist", replied Gladly. "Being the first bear in the Hug, I know him better than any of you."
We will leave it to Dad to relate the tale of events in Cockermouth.
"Thanks Fletcher."
It was quite a cool day, but as usual I was in shorts and sandals with no socks. Unsurprisingly my first port of call was Fagans.
Seeing how I was dressed the assistants remarked, "you're making us feel cold."
"I just don't feel it. It's the hot humid weather I cannot take. I've bought a few Charlie Bears from here over number of visits, so it's not really a good idea for me to come and look who you have in today."
I noted that they had a Kevin and Kathleen both in my Hug. Then I spotted a beautiful bear in pink and cream, called Mono Polly. I decided to be strong, remarking this to the assistants as I left. "Well......for now."
Now to the New Bookshop. Queuing to order, I asked a lady if she was queuing who said, "you were before me.”
She then commented on my shorts and sandals, saying when I ordered my scone and tea, “and a pair of socks!”
The cafe was very busy and I was lucky to get a table. The food is delicious so justifiably busy. I then had a little more chat with the lady. She does not like very cold weather hence the comment about my feet. She has moved up from the south west saying it’s always raining there. She likes Cumbria.
On leaving I bought a book about Hadrian’s Wall, and birthday card for Lou. Went to shop on Station Street to get supply of Cumbria Tea.
Then as Gladly had foretold, my willpower totally evaporated. Returned to Fagans, the assistant saying, "you're back."
So Mono Polly joined the Hug. I did not like the name, so the Hug and I decided to call her Rose.
"She is beautiful", said Polly. "We can see why she proved to be irresistible. Welcome to the Hug, Rose."
"Thank you", she replied. "I know I am going to be very happy living with you all."
"I have my massage soon. Afterwards does any of you want to come and explore the grounds."
"Yes please Dad", called out Kim. "Me and Twin."
"Can I come", piped up Sparkle.
"Sure lad."
Down the stairs and out to the car park. Looking across to the paddock, Kim called out, "the sunlight is catching the trees. The autumn colours are just beginning to show. How lovely."
"What's that hill over there?, pointed Twin.
"Binsey", replied Dad. "It is one of the 214 Wainwright summits. All the walking group have climbed it. Some a few times. They have given it the nickname, 'Wheelie'."
Scampering down the side of the hotel and looking across the lawns, to that wonderful view. "Breathtaking", cried Sparkle. "I could stand and look at it all day."
Tearing our eyes away, we looked along the terrace.
Dad explained. "After we have been down to the lake, we will walk through those woods and emerge through the wooden arch."
"Is that the Yew tree?", pointed Twin.
"Yes lad. It is certainly hundreds of years old, if not more. Branches of Yew trees were used to make the bows for archers that fought battles in the middle ages, like Agincourt."
"So some could have been made from this tree", said Sparkle.
"It is certainly possible."
"Look" called out Kim. "There's a swing over there. Please take our picture sitting on it Dad."
l-r Twin, Kim and Sparkle
"That tree is somewhat iconic in the view towards the lake. I think a close-up will make a nice shot for the story", remarked Twin.
"Look at that tree", called out Kim. "It must be very old too."
"It's an oak", said Dad. "Very old, from the girth of the trunk."
"Right lads we need to join the path behind to get to the lake."
Shortly Sparkle said, "this must be the bridge we saw over the road when we came yesterday. Let's sit on the step for another picture."
Once over we scampered on downhill to reach the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake. "Made it", cheered Twin, looking along the lake towards Keswick. "Take our picture Dad. We'll sit with our backs to that large stone."
We spent a little while just enjoying the peace and tranquility. "So good for the soul", whispered Kim.
"So where now?", asked Twin.
Back up the slope then take the path left that runs above the lake", said Dad.
This brought us to a gate by the road. "It's locked", called out Sparkle. "What are we going to do?"
"No problem" stated Dad. "I'll lift you over, and then climb the gate. Done this so many times over the years on walks." Then explaining he said, "this lake front is part of the Armathwaite Hall Estate, and so is private and only open to guests. It is also now a nature reserve. Hence the fencing and locked gates. We cross the road and walk up the track to get into the woods.
Just inside there was some fallen trees, where we posed again.
Following the wide track left, we came to this structure. "What's that?", asked Twin.
"Long ago there was an equestrian course through the grounds. This was one of the jumps."
"A picture of us on the seat sounds a good idea", said Kim.
"Hmm", said Dad. "For sure you are not camera shy."
"Look who's talking", replied Sparkle.
A short stroll brought us to the illuminated tunnel Dad had pointed out earlier....
...and we exited out onto the terrace, with this superb view to the mountains beyond.
"Wow", cried Twin. "I suppose STAG have been to the top of them all."
"Yes lad. From the left is Skiddaw, Ullock Pike and Dodd."
"Phew, they certainly are an intrepid group", replied Sparkle.
"Thank you Dad for a super adventure", said Kim, as we returned to the room to tell our pals all about it.
We had room service for dinner as usual. Dad meanwhile went to the Lake View Restaurant, taking Edith and Kevin.
They were admired by Elena, Georgia and Manoj, who were on duty this evening.
Tuesday
We were so comfortable in bed that we all, Dad included nearly overslept and missed breakfast.
On return, he said, "I'm planning to have a trip into Keswick. Park by Derwent Water and wander round Hope Park and Crow Park to take in the views."
"Can Fletcher and I come", called out Polly. "We can take Rose too. Her first outing after being adopted."
"For sure Polly. I'll take the camera."
Parked, we made to set off, passing a gentleman who was with his wife and two friends what were getting ready to go walking round Derwent Water.
He asked. “will it rain?”
"No, not according to the forecast”, Dad replied.
They were from Hexham and his friends from Haltwistle. Dad said, "I love Northumberland. My friend Brian and I visited many many times over the years. We stayed a lot at at the Percy Arms, in Chatton.
"We know it and have had meals and drinks there."
"Very nice to have met you. Have a good time on your walk."
Entering Hope Gardens we saw the model of the Great North Air Ambulance. "Come on Polly, Rose, let's sit on the rotor for a picture."
Dad said, "in all the many adventures STAG and I have had on the fells and mountains, I have fortunately never needed the services of the air ambulance or mountain rescue. I support the North West Air Ambulance that is local to where we live via their lottery."
"What lovely autumn colours", pointed Rose.
Onwards the path brought us by a lawn with a large colourful bed of flowers. "Come on" said Polly. "A picture sitting by them is a must."
l-r Polly, Fletcher and Rose
Then crossing the bridge...
...and turning left we came to the bronze statue of Max the Miracle Dog, where we posed once again.
Max the Miracle Dog gained worldwide fame when videos of his walks in the Lake District were posted on Facebook. His owner Kerry Irving credits Max with saving his life after the locksmith from Keswick was left in agonising pain and depression after a car crash. Mr Irving said 'Max - who died at the age of 14 years and eight months - would leave a legacy for years to come. This small dog with the waggy tail and hugest of hearts, gave love and hope to thousands of people worldwide.'
It is not often that Dad gets to appear in the stories, but thanks to the kindness of a gentleman sitting opposite, here he is with us.
Strolling on we passed the sundial. "Not much use today with all the cloud", I remarked.
We now headed towards Crow Park along the path passing this beautiful copper beech.
Entering, we climbed the slight hill to come into view of the lake and fells. Not clear today the cloud being down on Catbells. "Still quite atmospheric" said Rose seeing the fells for the first time.
"What is the island called", asked Rose.
Derwent Island", replied Polly. "It is owned by the National Trust. A few days a year it is open to the public and the house can be visited.
Turning our backs to the lake we walked up the park. "Herdwicks", called out Polly. "STAG and your favourite sheep. Even Allen does not object to their pictures in a story."
We waited patiently, while Dad got a series of shots.
"They really are lovely sheep, and they have smiley faces", said Rose.
Turning back to leave the park, the view along the length of Derwent Water faced us.
"Very atmospheric" I mused.
For Rose's sake Dad said, "to the left the summit is King's How, and in the centre in the jaws of Borrowdale, Castle Crag."
"Time of lunch", went on Dad. "I'm going to Hope Café."
Here he had a lovely bacon and brie sandwich and pot of tea. We sat out of course.
A lady called Vicky who works there noticed us. Dad explained about the size of the Hug and about STAG and their achievements and the website. She looked it up and was quite surprised, saying, "I will look in more detail on my laptop."
Returning to the hotel we sat with Dad in he lounge, and later we all went with him for dinner in the Lake View Restaurant.
Wednesday
I wet and miserable day, so we were all glad to just stay in. We wanted Dad to rest too, as in the evening with our pals Rex and Starbuck, he was going to the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick to see a production of Romeo and Juliet.
Rex says, "this was a production by Graeae and jointly with Theatre by the Lake and Shakespeare North Playhouse. All the cast had some disability either mental or physical. The performance was surtitled and signed. So there were in effect two actors from each character. One delivering the lines and the other signing."
Starbuck said afterwards, "it was a beautiful re imagining of the play and we all felt privileged to have seen it. Next to us were two ladies. One ladies daughter, Rheanon Lee, was in the cast."
Dad said to them "you must be so proud. We have so enjoyed the performance.”
"Thank you" they said.
Rex says, "love of the theatre one of the main things that brought our Dad and Uncle Brian together in that 50 year long friendship. For many many years they went to productions at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. Indeed it was at the teddy bear shop in the arcade beneath the theatre that I was adopted in January 1997, and started to attend plays. My christened name is derived from Royal Exchange. My pal Starbuck was adopted at the Starbucks Coffee House in St Ann's Square where the theatre is sited, in January 2002, and I was pleased for him to accompany me to the plays."
"It is just wonderful for us both to see the plays", says Starbuck. "For many years Dad has and still does support the Royal Exchange, with a monthly contribution. This resulted in him being offered a floor plaque in recognition. Here we are sitting by it.
Thursday
Dad announced, "I am going to visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle. It's years since I last went with Uncle Brian. Who wants to come along."
"Me and Edith", piped up Kevin. "We want Fred and Gladly to come too."
"Ok" agreed Fred. "It will be good to get some fresh air."
"For sure", agreed Gladly.
As we set off, Fred asked, "how do we get there."
"Along the A66, then onto the A591 towards Ambleside. The lane to the circle is then soon off to the right", replied Dad.
Parked in the layby, we scrambled out and headed through the gate to the circle.
"Wow", cried Edith. "It's amazing, and what a location with all the fells and mountains around."
Looking at one of the information panels, Gladly said, "the coming of the railway to Keswick, resulted in many more visitors to the circle, and raised concerns about its protection, partly because visitors were chipping fragments from the stones as souvenirs. In response to this Castlerigg Stone Circle became one of a small number of prehistoric monuments to be protected by law in 1882."
Crossing to another information panel Fred read, "Castlerigg Stone Circle was built around 4500 years ago by prehistoric farming communities who settled on the fertile regions fringing the mountainous heart of the Lake District. The site was carefully chosen to impress and draw upon the natural drama provided by the surrounding fells."
We made our way through the entrance seen here looking back towards the lane and fells behind.
"Time for a picture of us", called out Kevin. "Let's sit by that large stone."
l-r Kevin, Gladly, Edith & Fred
"The cloud on the fells in ever changing", remarked Gladly. Pointing he asked, "what can we see?"
"To the left is mighty Skiddaw, and right Lonscale Fell", informed Dad. "The ascent of Lonscale Fell is unrelentingly steep all the way to the summit. I freely admit there were quite a few stops to rest and catch my breath. Fortunately is was a clear day so I used the stops to get some super pictures."
Just minutes later, Fred commented, "you were right Gladly. The cloud has cleared off the tops now."
Pointing in the opposite direction, Edith asked, "what are those fells called?"
"The Coledale Fells. To the left the one with little humps is Causey Pike and behind the bulk of Crag Hill with Eel Crag on its right slope. To the right is Grisedale Pike with the small summit to the left along the ridge Hobcarton Head. Grisedale Pike was Allen's last Wainwright. He was a very proud bear that day."
"This is the sanctuary", said Fred. "According to the information panel it is likely a later addition. It may have been constructed to focus attention upon one part of the circle in order to add significance to rituals taking place within. This might reflect the increasing hierarchy that developed in prehistoric society towards the end of the monument's use."
"Will you take our picture in there, please", said Kevin.
That's a fine view to Blencathra", called out Gladly. "It will make a nice shot with that single stone."
Kevin wanting to keep learning, now asked, "and those fells over there?"
"Naddle Fell, lad. In the cloud behind are the Dodds. Just a shame they are obscured."
Looking south Fred said, "it's very foreboding towards Thirlmere and Helvellyn range."
Walking away towards a stone wall, Gladly noted, "there's a stile onto a lane. Let's sit on the stile for a picture, like STAG do on their walks.
Sheep were grazing, Edith saying, "try and get a couple of pictures to include in our story."
This now concluded our visit. "Thank you", said Kevin on behalf of us all.
Dad headed down the steep lane stopping to take this picture.
"I have to say I'm glad not to have walked up this lane today", commented Dad.
"There's a superb view through that gap in the trees", called out Gladly. "The bare fell is Barf, with behind Lord's Seat. We can see those from our room."
"What a super time we have had, Uncle Gerry", said Fred. "We can't wait to tell our pals all about it."
So this is the end of our tale of this stay at Armathwaite Hall. Dad has booked for next March and Polly and I are looking forward to inviting some of our pals for that visit. There just remained us assembling for the holiday hug group picture.
top row - Twin, Kim, Fred, Rex, Gladly, Starbuck & Sparkle
front row - Kevin, Edith, Fletcher, Rose and Polly
Love and Hugs
Fletcher
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