Hi we are Fred & Gladly, joint Chief Hug Bears,
Today was our day out taking Frankie, Hillary and Snuggles who are best friends of each other.
"The forecast we saw yesterday was not too promising", said Hillary. "I hope we will still be able to have our day out.
Allen had the iPad in paw. "Apart from the risk of some showers it looks to be dry this morning, but heavy rain early afternoon."
"Looks to be on then", replied Fred. "We'll just have to see what Uncle Gerry thinks."
Returning from breakfast, and glancing at the forecast, he said, "get yourselves ready I want to get off out a soon as possible.
"Great", cheered Snuggles.
"Absolutely" agreed Gladly, "Thornton-le-Dale here we come."
Us settled in the car, Dad then started to type the postcode he had for the village. "Hmm, according to my system it does not exist. Never mind I'll just type in the name."
This done our route was calculated and in after about 40 minutes of driving through the glorious countryside we arrived.
"There's a sign directing visitors to the car park, indicating just a 100 yards walk into the village centre", called out Fred.
The route seemed to be taking us out of the village but on turning in as directed, we effectively doubled back to the large car park, Fred commenting, "Thornton is obviously a very popular tourist destination."
Parked and payment made, we strolled through and arch to a seat where we sat...
l-r Hillary, Fred, Snuggles, Gladly & Frankie
...with this lovely view of the lake.
A lady passing with her dog saw us commenting, "teddies day out"
"Yes. I always bring some along, then they write stories of their adventures on their website. It is quite lovely here, seeing the ducks on the lake."
"They used to clean it, but sadly not for a while now."
"Money I suppose."
Rest over we set off along the path round the lake. "Look", called out Snuggles. "That sculpture with the owl and squirrel carvings will make a nice picture."
Reaching the far end, Fred pointed. "Uncle Gerry, that forked tree has been made into a kind of bird table. Quite unusual."
Continuing round the path has the pretty Thornton Beck running beside.
Strolling on, Gladly said, "ooh look, what a super owl sculpture. A must picture Dad."
Crossing the footbridge brought us to the village centre, and the green, on which stands the market cross.
Researching this later, Fred told us, "a cross had stood on the green since a market charter was granted in 1281. The current structure is medieval and dates from the 15th century. The green is a focal point of the village and the site of the former market. The cross last repaired in 1820 is a tapering octagonal shaft of limestone, standing on a tall, square pedestal raised on six stone steps. It is a grade II listed monument."
Walking round Frankie said, "there are the old stocks."
Fred's research, enabled him to tell us, "they are a replica of the old village stocks. They are a reminder of the village's history as a place of public punishment, and were last used in 1874."
Nearby stands these buildings known as The Forge. The two storey part is occupied by Lavenders Tea Rooms, and the single storey part occupied by The Chocolate Factory a business founded in 2002 and still operated by the original owners, brothers Christopher and Gareth.
Pointing in the direction we had driven the the car park, Frankie said, "let's walk along and see the lovely houses."
The stream runs in front by the road, and we sat by the railing while Dad took our picture.
"Keepers Cottage is worth a picture too", suggested Gladly. We found later that it is one a many buildings here that are listed. Keepers Cottage was built in the late 18th century, and carries grade II listed status.
"My eyes are stinging. I could do with some anti histamines", said Dad. "There's the pharmacy by the cottage."
However despite there being an open sign on the door, it was closed. Snuggles pointed to the opening times. "They are indeed closed on Thursday, which is today."
We wandered by to the green, Fred pointing. "That planter will make a lovely colourful picture."
Rounding the corner we spotted Mathewsons Auctioneers. Gladly said, "I read that the business features in the television program 'Bangers & Cash'."
We had a look round the shop, and on leaving Dad took this picture of an old Triumph motorcycle in pristine condition.
"There's a Nisa store, Uncle Gerry", called out Fred. "You could get the pills there."
He did and then off we went on more exploration, seeing the New Inn that stands opposite the green. Fred told us later. "This is also listed. It dates from the late 18th century with later alterations and extension. It has a grade II listing."
It was decided to explore the road running from the green, with these beautiful mature trees behind the wall.
Crossing to the left Frankie looked down a side lane. "Ooh that thatched cottage is quite beautiful. Please take a picture Dad."
Again later, Fred researched it. "Called Belle Isle Cottage. Originally built in the 17th century, it was raised, renovated and extended in the 20th century. It is grade II listed."
We strolled back along the path by the stream, this low double arched bridge carrying the road. "It is Thornton Bridge", Fred told us later. "Built early - mid 18th century, widened and partly rebuilt mid 19th century. We saw the upstream side that has two elliptical arches, separated by a dwarf buttress pier. On the down stream side there are three arches, one spanning the diverted millstream."
Returning towards the green, took us past the Lady Lumley Almshouses. Hillary read the stone tablet set in the wall to inform us. "These almshouses that were founded by Lady Lumley in 1656, have been further endowed by Gerald Woffindin Hassell-Maw M.R.C.S. in memory of his ancestors Ralph Hassell M.A. of Emmanuel College Cambridge, and of this parish, OB.1656, and William Maw, also of this parish OB.1697"
"Look Dad, there's the local Ringtons representative."
"Oh yes."
Dad had a little chat with him, his name being Andy. "I live in Morecambe on the west coast, and your colleague Craig, delivers to me."
We continued on, overhearing Andy say to a customer, "there moreish."
Dad called out, "everything you sell in moreish."
On the green is this magnificent old sycamore tree.
Dad said, "I'm thinking about having a snack at one of the cafes", and feeling for his wallet, said, "oh I've lost it. Must have fallen out."
"Oh heavens above", cried Fred, "and we were having such a super day."
"Perhaps you did not put it properly in your pocket at the Nisa store", suggested Frankie.
We hurried back and as we entered the assistant said, "have you come for your wallet."
"Oh thank goodness", replied Dad with relief in his voice. "Did I drop it in here."
"No. Outside. A gentleman spotted it and brought it inside."
Handing it over, Dad said, "if you see the gentleman again, please thank him very much on my behalf."
Knowing his Dad was feeling a bit stressed, Gladly suggested, "let's go and sit on the seat under the sycamore tree on the green."
"Right, now I have money, it's time for a snack."
However the cafes by now were full, so Dad abandoned the idea taking us along by the lake and towards the car park.
"Those old buses will make a nice picture?", pointed Snuggles. More research by Fred, he informed us, "Viscount are a local bus and coach firm operating services in the Scarborough, Pickering and Malton area."
Seeing a footpath sign to Dog Kennel Lane, Gladly said, "I wonder where that comes out?"
Dad enquired about this of a lady with her dog. "It is not very far and comes out onto a road, and if you go left you will come to the road into the village, where the almshouses are."
"Let's go, then", enthused Hillary.
"That lovely shaped tree will be a nice shot", suggested Frankie
"Like STAG we are on a walk, short though it is", stated Fred. "They always have their picture taken. So, we must too. Let's sit by the parapet of that small bridge."
Arriving at the main road, and looking right, Hillary said, "there's the church standing prominently on a hill. Can we visit please?"
This is the Church of All Saints. It became an officially listed building on 10th November 1953, and the status of grade II*. The tower dates from the late 14th century.
The nave and chancel beyond are 14th century. The arcades either side and the chancel arch are 15th century. In 1865-66 the nave was restored and the chancel and vestry rebuilt and all the windows were renewed. Here is the chancel.
"We aught to have a picture to record of our visit", stated Snuggles. "Let's sit on the step to the chancel."
So this marked the end of our visit to Thornton le Dale and there was just time for us to get back to the car before the time expired.
"Thank you Uncle Gerry. We have had a super time", said Fred.
"You're welcome. I need food though and plan to stop at Victoria Farm Garden Centre again."
"Fine", replied Hillary. "We can have our picnic in the car."
"What did you have?", asked Frankie as Dad got into the car.
Fruit scone with butter, then delicious raspberry and yoghurt slice, all washed down with a pot of tea.
Soon back at Saltmoore, we were glad to rest and meanwhile tell our pals about the day. Later on we heard the rain beating on the window. "Glad to be safe inside", commented Gladly.
After resting Dad went off for dinner in the Brasserie. As always some of us went to keep him company. Tonight it was Byron and Ruswarp's turn.
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