Preamble
Hi, I'm Fletcher.
Polly and I had been looking forward to the next visit to Armathwaite Hall, where I had been adopted in October 2009. Dad's friends refer to it as his second home, and both the owner Carolyn and general manager Simon, regard him as part of the furniture!
Fred came in with his brother Gladly. "Have you decided who is going this time."
"You two of course", replied Polly. "Had it not been for seeing your cousin at the Silverdale Hotel, we and all the rest of the Hug may well never have happened."
"Dad had to save up, as money was so tight, so he was disappointed to find the bear had been sold", replied Gladly. "However he was able to adopt me by mail order, and then a few months later my brother Fred was adopted for Uncle Brian."
"My Dad was wonderful", said Fred. "I miss him so much since he died in 2019. But, he is surely still with us in spirit, and I know that he will be pleased we still go to Armathwaite Hall, where he enjoyed holidaying many times."
"We all miss him so much Fred", I replied. "As to who is going, we have invited Craig and Ralph. Also Kieran and Sandie.
"Kieran was the first Charlie Bear in the hug adopted at Fagans in Cockermouth in 2010", said Polly. "I was also adopted from there in 2012. Frankie and Snuggles are coming along too, and finally STAG, as Dad is planning a walk round Derwent Water with them."
"Roll on Sunday", I cheered.
Sunday
We waited patiently while Dad got packed and his luggage in the car. On hearing the car boot slammed shut, I called out, "come on pals time to get settled for the off."
We made good time and arrived about 13:30. "We are a bit early, so I doubt the room will be ready", said Polly.
"Agreed", I replied. "I'll come and check in with you Dad."
We were greeted by Sarah who recognised us, and then in the space of minutes, we saw Joe, Simon’s deputy, who made a fuss. Also Vas, who gave Dad a hug, and John who shook hands. Then finally Liam came to say hello. How lovely.
The room was not ready, so Dad said, "I plan to have lunch in The Grill. You must come along with Polly too, of course."
"Thanks Dad. There is a picnic packed for the rest of our guests, so they will not go hungry."
Guru, Paul and Elena were serving and greeted Dad warmly and there was quite a lot of chat. Elena likes us and gave Polly a hug.
Dad said, "I am really pleased to be back."
Elena replied, "you are part of the family."
A pint of Wainwright and a coronation chicken sandwich fortified Dad until dinner.
Now ready, we all got settled in our usual room 131, with the ever so familiar super view of the trees bordering the lawns backed by Skiddaw, Ullock Pike and Dodd...
...and to Bassenthwaite Lake, with the fells beyond.
After a quick glance, we took over the chairs, Fred echoing our thoughts, "just ready to relax and chill."
Our intrepid walking group - Shaun, Allen, Southey & Tetley, with Little Eric & Grizzly in front.
Kieran, Ralph & Craig with Sandie
Fred, Polly, Fletcher & Gladly, with Snuggles and Frankie
Monday
We were still in bed when Dad returned from breakfast to find Murray servicing the room, so we quickly got up.
"I love bears", he said, "my son has lots and won’t go to bed without them.”
The conversation went on Dad saying, "I have been coming here since 2009. I used to come with by dear friend of 50 years, Brian, until his death. That is his picture, and I have this ring incorporating some of his ashes."
"How wonderful", he replied, getting somewhat emotional.
After he had gone, Allen, who had the iPad in paw said, "Dad, I know that you like to normally stay in on the first day, and we realise that you have a massage booked for this afternoon, but the forecast for tomorrow is rain all day."
"Right, I see. I had planned tomorrow to go to Cockermouth, but we better go today, even if there are to be showers. I thought of walking through Harris Park and then generally exploring."
"And going to Fagans to look at the Charlie Bears", laughed Gladly."
"Why ever would you think that", replied Dad innocently.
"Can Ralph and I come along", asked Craig.
"And Sandie and me", called out Kieran. "I can visit Fagans where I was adopted."
"Sure lads, but just be aware that you might get a caught in a shower or two."
Scampering down to the car, off we went. Dad parked at Sullart Street as usual, and getting cash went to pay, only to find the machine was not working.
"Which way?", asked Sandie.
"Up to the traffic lights then across and down the street into Harris Park."
"There's a seat. Please take our picture", called out Ralph.
l-r Kieran, Ralph, Craig & Sandie
It has wide extensive green areas, with mature trees. "We should include some shots of the beautiful trees", suggested Kieran.
Setting off again, we met a lady who was a dog walker. Dad had a nice chat as we walked along, and asked, "how do we get down to the river?"
"There are some steps on the far side."
"Thank you", Dad replied as we parted ways.
We descended, Dad trying not to aggravate his troublesome hamstring, and then turned left by the River Cocker, passing under Victoria Road Bridge.
Later we asked our expert researcher, Grizzly, to tell us more about it. He told us, "it was built in 1887 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria."
Strolling on Dad took us across the footbridge where we had this fine view of the River Cocker.
It was quiet here, Craig suggesting, "let's rest and sit on one of those seats overlooking the river."
Off again we eventually came to the main street, Kieran calling out, "look there's that sign painted on the wall about 'Fletchers Fearless Clothing'. We must tell Fletcher we have seen it again."
"Time for a snack", said Dad. "Oh heck."
"Whatever's the matter", asked Sandie.
"In all the kerfuffle over the car park machine, I have forgotten my wallet and cash."
There was a general shaking of heads from us, Craig saying laughingly, "just a senior moment."
"Aye lad. Never mind it's back to the car to get them."
This took us along the main street, passing the impressive Mayo statue.
Ralph read the plaque to inform us. "This monument was erected to commemorate the services to his country of Earl Mayo. Born 21st February 1822, and as Lord Naas, represented the borough of Cockermouth in Parliament 1857-1867, was appointed Viceroy of India in January 1869, fell by assassination in the Andaman Islands February 8th 1872."
The road to the car is opposite Wordsworth House, where the famous poet William Wordsworth was born in 1770.
Dad strode out to the car park and retrieved his wallet. It started to rain as we got back to the main street, providing Dad the excuse to visit Fagans.
"Not that you need one", said Sandie, laughing.
He was greeted by Joanne and Riley, who immediately recognised him. We got got fussed by them and in particular Kieran who was the first bear I bought here in 2010. We then went to look at the bears on sale, but Dad decided to be strong and resist.
"Ha ha", laughed Ralph. "It won't last. Just you see."
"I am sure you will be right", replied Kieran.
Sandie called out, "those planters are so colourful. Take a picture please Dad."
Dad hoped to go the M’s café where he went last time, but it was closed, so instead he went to the cafe in the bookshop. A lovely scone with butter and jam, washed down with a pot of tea, was enjoyed. We sat out for a picture.
This prompted a conversation with a lady and gentleman and Dad explained about us and his collecting and the size of our Hug. The gentleman told us that he had lived in Cockermouth all his life. Told us stories about the awful floods that devastated the shops and other properties and that he himself had been stuck in his house for four days.
Leaving we decided to walk down the narrow street towards the river. Kieran called out, "look at the somewhat interesting a amusing sign above the right hand door.
He then read it out. "On this site on September 5th 1782 nothing happened."
We asked Grizzly later if he could find anything about this, but after searching diligently he said, "sorry I cannot find anything."
The end of the street and across the bridge over the River Cocker, is its confluence with the River Derwent.
There were seats and we sat a while just looking at this scene.
"So peaceful", mused Craig. "but it must have been terrifying during those floods. In parts of the main street the water was around 10 feet deep."
"Hard to imagine", replied Ralph.
By the seats there are a number of boulders, with inscriptions. "Take a couple for the story please", said Sandie.
The route back took us through Jennings Brewery that has reopened this year under private ownership. "That is so good to see", cheered Kieran.
Heading back to the car now, as Ralph had predicted, Dad's will power deserted him and we returned to Fagans, where beautiful Tessa in curly white and light brown, became the latest member of the Hug. He was served by Riley. Joanne was in the other shop and he went in to show her who he had bought. She said, “I knew you would come back.”
On the way to the car, we saw Lorraine who used to work at Armathwaite years ago now. So great to see her! Unbelievably her daughter Niamh, who had just been a child at the time is all grown up. 21 and at university in Salford and also does modelling. She is very beautiful. Lorraine has not changed a bit and it was so nice to see her and chat for a little while. Dad had given Niamh one of the Harrods bears, Ray, as a gift in 2012. Dad said, "I still have the thank you letter and picture she sent me."
Just before returning to the hotel, Dad found a spot for us to pose with our new friend Tessa.
l-r Tessa, Craig with Sandie, Ralph and Kieran
We think you can see why Dad could not resist adopting Tessa.
"It's been a lovely adventure", said Sandie, "thank you Dad."
Happy then to relax in the room, and tell our pals all about our day. Tessa was welcomed by us all and settled in to hear about the large family she has now joined.
Dad had his massage given by Olivia, then relaxed before going for dinner in The Grill. Joanna Liam and Elena were on. Cheerful greetings from them all. Dad chatted a lot with Liam as he was early for dinner at 17:30. Tessa went along too with pals Snuggles and Frankie. Tessa was much admired by Elena.
He had a delicious burger stamped with the signature name, accompanied by as pint of Wainwright bitter.
That concludes the first part of our holiday. Polly and I hope you liked it. To see part 2 click the link - Armathwaite part 2
Love & Hugs
Fletcher
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