Hi Fletcher here,
Polly and I welcome you to part 2 of the happenings on the holiday to Armathwaite Hall, with our guests.
So Tuesday dawned, and as Allen had correctly predicted the rain was coming down and was to do so for the most of the day. There was little wind to move it on, and one might say this was a typical Lake District day.
Polly remarked, "we had that very dry and sunny spring and the reservoirs got ever lower, so this will help to replenish them."
"Quite" agreed Fred. He was looking at the iPad, and said, "tomorrow is to be a sunny day for your walk STAG. So the rain will ensure Uncle Gerry has a relaxing day today."
"I'm going to sit in the hall and do some work on the laptop."
Gladly said, "Fred, Tessa and I will keep you company."
That's fine."
Dad had quite a job downloading editing and renaming the photos from the last two days, which took all morning.
Tessa said, "that little dog Bella with that couple is so sweet."
Dad remarked, "coincidently that is the name of our friends Deborah and Paul from Maryport's dog."
Another lady came to fuss her. Then she saw us, so Dad explained about his collecting etc. Taking us out and then writing stories on the website. Later Kathryn, who was here with friends for a Zumba class, asked about us. She loves teddies. So Dad explained all again.
"It's a day for us, to be noticed", commented Fred.
Kathryn called “bye Gerry”, as she left.
"Time for lunch", said Dad.
So we all made our way to The Grill, where we sat out of course.
l-r Fred & Gladly
and our beautiful new member of the Hug, Tessa.
After the nice lunch, Dad said, "I am feeling a bit tired after all the concentration on the editing etc., so let's just relax in the room and watch some TV."
"Suits me fine", said Gladly.
Later we were interrupted by a phone call, Fiona saying that there was a couple at reception to see him. Thinking it might be Lorraine, Dad grabbed Polly and I. However it was Frank and Maggie Marshall. Dad had chatted to them one morning on a previous visit about 2 years ago. They had called in on the chance that we were here. So kind! Lovely to see them, and we sat in the hall chatting with lots of laughs too, about different things and the bears. We got fussed by Maggie. They knew of Saltmoore having stayed there when it was Raithwaite Hall. Taking their leave, we waved them off.
Then Dad got talking to Steve and Karen and another couple who were staying. They loved us and he went and brought down Gladly and Fred and Kieran and Tessa. They were admired. Dad explained that Gladly and Fred had started off the collecting, And that Kieran had been the first Charlie Bear from the same shop that our latest Hug member Tessa had been adopted from. Steve and Karen were from Yorkshire, known as God's county. So there was some lighthearted banter about Dad being from Lancashire!
Later Dad had a meal with general manager Simon. A pleasant evening catching up, that rounded off the day very nicely.
Wednesday
Today our intrepid walking group STAG went on an adventure to circumnavigate beautiful Derwent Water. The full story of this is told elsewhere, but here are just a few pictures as a taster.
Shaun says, "this is a the stunning view to Rowling End and Causey Pike."
"There is a fallen tree, which provided a good place for us to sit and pose."
Tetley, Southey with Grizzly in front, Allen with Little Eric & Shaun
"The route takes us round by Stable Cottages, seen here, backed by mighty Skiddaw."
"Click the link to read all about the adventure that includes many more pictures." Derwent Water.
"Thanks Shaun."
Thursday
Dad was up early and throwing back the curtains, Tessa called out, "the view is superb this morning.,"
"Oh yes", replied Polly. "The lake is so blue. Depending on conditions it can be black and silver. The view is never exactly the same from day to day. For example there is less visibility to see the distant fells, or the cloud can be down on the summits."
"It would be nice to see more of the grounds of the hotel", said Tessa.
"Well then, Polly and I will take you exploring. Is that ok Dad?"
"Sure Fletcher. In fact let's go now, before breakfast."
Calling goodbye we eagerly scampered down the stairs and out into the car park. Looking across, Polly said, "we can sit by those flower for a picture."
l-r Fletcher, Tessa & Polly
Walking round the hotel we strolled along the terrace with these beautiful trees bordering the lawns.
Tessa pointed, "what do those initials mean over that door?"
"The hall was bought by a Thomas Hartley in 1880 for £95,000. He extended and remodelled the hall into a country gentleman's residence, as it is today. He was also a local member of parliament" I replied. The 'H' stands for Hartley, the 'T' for Thomas and the 'AI' were the initials of his wife's names."
"Thank you."
Looking across the lawn, Polly said, "let's have our picture sitting on the swing."
"That tree that quite iconic as part of the view to the lake and beyond", pointed Polly.
Turning round we looked towards the hall, in all its glory. "I can see which is our room", pointed Tessa excitedly.
Walking back, I said, "that line of trees are Lime trees. There are 21, planted long ago by and owner to celebrate his son's 21st birthday."
"Where now?", asked Tessa.
"Along this path then branch off to the left", I replied.
Then turning left again, Polly pointed out the stag statue.
"Do you think we can balance on that deer statue for a picture", suggested Tessa.
"I'm sure", replied Polly. "Come on."
Dad said, "I've noticed that one tree overtops any others on this side of the grounds. It is that one there."
"Wow", said Polly. "It truly is very very tall."
"Well, I suppose we aught to be heading back, so we can all have breakfast, before Dad takes Fred, Gladly, Frankie and Snuggles for a day out in Silloth", I said.
Returning along the terrace there were tubs full of flowers. Polly said, "we should have our final picture by them."
While Dad then went for breakfast we had ours in the room.
On his return, Fred said, "we are ready when you are Uncle Gerry."
"Ok, but first I want to see Will and book to come in October."
"Super", cheered Polly. "Fletcher and I were wondering if there would be another holiday here this year."
This done Dad got ready, and with Fred, Gladly, Snuggles and Frankie headed off to Silloth.
"How do we get there?", asked Snuggles, who being a recent member of the Hug had never been to this area before.
Gladly replied, "first to Maryport, where Uncle Paul and Aunt Deborah live, then along the coast road through Allonby."
At the outskirts of Silloth Dad told us, "I plan to leave the car in the car park by the promenade that I used when I took STAG on a walk to Grune Point."
Scrambling out we walked across to the promenade finding a seat...
l-r Snuggles, Gladly, Frankie & Fred
...to enjoy the view, if a little hazy across the Solway Firth to Dumfries & Galloway in Scotland. "The tallest hill is called Criffel", said Fred.
"Wow", said Frankie. "Thank you Dad for letting Snuggles and I come along."
After a little while we wandered along the promenade, coming to these gardens.
Gladly read the sign. "This is the Rose Garden. It was originally planted 2nd June 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. They were renovated in 2012."
"Let's sit on that seat", pointed Fred. "Then we can take a longer look and enjoy all the different flowers."
"Oh yes", agreed Dad. "I want a more relaxed day after the walk round Derwent Water yesterday."
l-r Frankie, Fred, Snuggles & Gladly
After a while, Frankie said, "are you ready to move on, Dad."
"Aye lad."
Passing some buildings and a small fairground, Fred pointed. "that looks to be an interesting building. Shall we go and see?"
"There's an information panel", called out Gladly. "It is the Victorian Pagoda. Built close to the baths in the 1860s, the Victorian pagoda, known as the 'Pavilion', commands exceptional views on all sides. The famous Lakeland Fells are located to the south, while across the Solway Firth the hills of Southern Galloway. The glorious sea views and spectacular sunsets over the Solway have been captured over time by local people, visitors and even Turner the famous landscape artist."
Scampering up the slope we went inside just as the gentleman seen in the picture was leaving. We quickly settled on the seat in the corner.
A couple came in with their lovely rescue dog called Zina, and Dad had a nice chat. During this he briefly introduced us and told them about his collecting.
"Time of a snack now", said Dad. "I'm going to Mrs Wilsons. We passed it on the way to the car park. Last time it was full, but hopefully there will be a table today."
There was. "What's all that on the wall", pointed Snuggles.
"It's about Kathleen Ferrier, a famous contralto, who had a quite beautiful voice", replied Dad.
Later our pal Grizzly did some research. "Born in Preston, she lived from 1912-1953. She married Albert Wilson in 1935, shortly after moving to Silloth, where he had been appointed as manager of the bank's branch. They divorced in 1947. Ferrier was diagnosed with breast cancer that was to cause her death."
Dad had a nice lunch,of chicken and bacon sandwiches, tea and slice of rice crispie cake.
After we wandered on passing these gardens.
"Beautiful", called out Snuggles.
Crossing the extensive grass towards the promenade, Fred suggested, "that will make a nice picture towards the church."
At the promenade, Frankie called out, "look there's the Lifeboat Station, and there's a shop too. Can we go in please Dad."
"Of course. I can never resist."
Looking round, Gladly, pointed. "that's a lovely teddy bear. dressed like a lifeboat man from the 19th century."
"Oh yes. He is definitely joining the Hug", replied Dad.
The two ladies serving were lovely and liked us, and we all got introduced, Dad explaining that Gladly and Fred were the first members of the Hug 43 years ago. They really liked the idea of Dad taking us out and about the stories of our adventures.
Finding out where we lived one lady said, "I once worked around Kendal and Morecambe and lived in Kendal for a time." She went on "there is a leaflet about the military history of Silloth and the surrounding area, particularly in relation to the Second World War."
We were interested about this, but sadly they had none left. She suggested I try post office, but they had none either. "Never mind", said Fred. "Perhaps on another visit you may find one."
Unusually the RNLI had not given our new pal a name. He said, "I could be called Silloth?"
"Hmm", replied Fred. "Not sure that I really like that. How about the rest of you. "
"I tend to agree", replied Frankie. "You need a name more associated with the RNLI."
It was a few days later that Dad suddenly said. "I have just the name for you lad. As you are dressed like those lifeboat men from the the 19th century, I suggest Hillary. After Sir William Hillary, who founded the RNLI in 1824."
"That's a great idea, Uncle Gerry", replied Fred.
"I love that name", said our new pal. "Thanks Dad."
Back to our exploration, we came to this artwork, of a stone filled metal structure in the shape of a lighthouse.
There was nothing to tell us what this was about, and the ladies in the Lifeboat shop, were unable to enlighten us when Dad popped back later. Even our ace researcher Grizzly drew a blank, much to this annoyance.
"Well at least we should have our picture taken here", said Gladly,
l-r Hillary, Gladly, Frankie, Fred & Snuggles
Strolling back we came across this sculpture.
Fred informed us about the two plaques. "The first reads, 'Silloth on Solway. Looking in all directions towards a bright future in the new millennium'. The second reads 'Based on an original idea from Year 6 pupils in Silloth Primary School in conjunction with Silloth Town Council'."
This sits on top. Containing a shield from which emanate pointers showing various locations and distances. For example 'Dumfries 16 miles'.
Returning to the green, Hillary commented, "there are signs of embankments, if only low. I wonder what the significance is."
Once again we asked Grizzly to see if he could explain this. "There is a website specifically about Silloth Green, that is one of the longest greens in England. There were extensive renovations carried out in 2012, but there is nothing specific that refers to these embankments."
The green lies between the promenade and the wide cobbled Criffel Street with its grand regency style buildings.
Gladly said, "there was once a railway line to Silloth, I wonder if there is anything left to see?"
"Let's go and see", said Franke.
There Fred said, "these houses and industrial units, must be where the station once was." Then pointing, "I reckon the lines ran under that bridge."
Returning to the green Snuggles called out, "just look at that chair."
"It's adorned with symbols for music and theatre with the comedy and tragedy masks", stated Frankie.
Going round the front it became clear that it is the Neptune chair. "Wow", said Hillary. "We've just got to sit on it for a picture."
The end of our exploration, it was back to the hotel. "Thank you Uncle Gerry for a super day", said Fred.
"Absolutely" we all chorused.
"What a lot we have to tell our pals", added Frankie.
We were rather tired now and just wanted to rest as did Dad, so we watched some TV before having dinner. Dad once again went to the Lake View Restaurant, taking our new Hug pals Hillary and Tessa.
Manoj the restaurant manager and Vas were serving. The bears were admired by an American couple at the next table, and Vas kept tickling Tessa’s head.
So, this holiday draws to a close, and here is the group picture to end our story.
Top - Ralph, Fred, Snuggles, Gladly & Craig
Middle - Fletcher, Polly, Tessa, Kieran, Sandie & Hillary
Bottom - Frankie, Shaun, Southey, Grizzly with Little Eric, Allen & Tetley
Until the next time
Love and Hugs
Fletcher
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