Preamble
Hi, I'm Fletcher.
My girlfriend Polly and I had been looking forward to the next visit to Armathwaite Hall.
"Gosh", said Polly, "It's 16 years since you were adopted love, on Dad and Uncle Brian's first visit in October 2009."
"Dad saw me as he came in for the first time. I was in a display case in the vestibule. As soon as he saw me he had decided to take me home, but on the morning of the last day, could not remember where he had seen me, and was rushing around looking in all the display cases. Thankfully he found me. I was so happy to be adopted and went out with the rest of the Hug who had come on holiday, little knowing what a wonderful life I would have, and you as my girlfriend, dear Polly."
l-r Barnaby, Lee with Elmer behind, Fletcher, Gladly, Fred & Snowdrift
Fred and his brother Gladly, had come in while I was speaking. "We both remember the day you were adopted", said Fred. "Uncle Gerry was getting frantic trying to find you."
"Thank you for all the arrangements you have made over the years for room service, picnics etc." went on Gladly. "Have you and Polly decided who is going this time."
"You two of course", replied Polly. "Also Craig and Ralph as they have not been for a while."
"And Pepsi, Tristan and Norma, as well as Rex and Starbuck as they will be going to the theatre on the Thursday", I went on.
"What about STAG?", asked Fred.
"Dad has a walk planned, weather permitting, so yes they are coming too", replied Polly.
"That's 17 in all. Whatever would my Dad have said. He used to say no more than 8", laughed Fred.
"Ahh dear Uncle Brian", sighed Polly. "He had so many happy times there. We all miss him and will for ever. But I know he will be with us in spirit."
"That he will", stated Gladly. "Dad now has the ring too containing some of his ashes. So part of him still comes now."
Sunday
Yesterday and overnight Storm Amy had swept in. We awoke to find that it had more or less passed by, and thankfully there was no damage to the house etc. Dad got packed and everything in the car. Also made sure the bird feeders were full. There are around 20 goldfinches coming to feed at one time or another. Dad remarked, "They'll be empty before we get home. I'll also need to order a fresh supply of sunflower hearts soon."
Seeing Dad was ready Fred called out, "come on pals time to get settled of the journey."
Off we went only for Dad to double back from Morecambe Road. "What's going on", called out Craig.
I've forgotten my bag with wallet etc. No good if we can't pay."
So off again, only for Dad to make another double back. "What now?, Polly asked.
"Forgotten my coat. Essential when visiting the Lake District. Oh dear what are things coming to."
"Never mind Dad, just update the check list for the future", suggested Pepsi.
Journey now uneventful, we arrived at 13:45. "Come on Fletcher let's get checked in."
Saw Liam and Manoj and had chat. They convinced Dad to come and eat in The Dining Room tonight. The room was ready so we got settled and Dad brought the luggage in.
"I'm going to The Grill for lunch", said Dad.
"Polly and I will come and keep you company."
He was welcomed by Guru and Elena. So good to see them. Dad chatted with Guru afterwards. We were fussed, and Dad introduced us. When paying it is usual for the customer to get a chocolate mint. We got one each too. Ahh!
As we returned to the room, Saffie, the hotel cat, and the Queen of Armathwaite, was asleep on the stairs.
"Please take our picture with her", said Polly.
After Dad had unpacked he rested before it was time to go for dinner. Dad wears shorts nearly all the time, but having dinner in the Dining Room, it was necessary to be more smartly dressed in long trousers.
"Have you arranged room service, Fletcher", asked Tristan.
"Yes pal, we'll be getting dinner soon."
"Right", said Dad, "I'm off. Anyone want to come with me tonight?"
"Yes, Fred and me", replied Gladly.
What was previously the Lake View Restaurant in now called The Dining Room, with sofas in corners with tables and other tables all with white table cloths. "Just like it used to be", commented Dad, as we settled at one of the sofas.
"Mmm", said Fred, "very comfortable."
l-r Fred & Gladly
Dad enjoyed a lovely meal - a steak tartare with shallot campers to start, then main of Dover Sole, and then a dessert of Chocolate Hazelnut Cremeux with wild cherry sorbet...
You might wonder that Fred and Gladly did not get dinner, but it had been saved for them when they came back to the room with Dad. A good start to the holiday.
Monday
"Are you spending the day in the hotel as you usually do, Dad", I asked.
"That had been the plan and the reason I had booked the full body massage this morning. However the weather has rather thrown a spanner in the works. It shows rain all day tomorrow, and that was when I had planned to go to Cockermouth. So, we will be going this afternoon instead."
"That means he will be going to Fagans, too look at the Charlie Bears", laughed Craig.
"Whatever gave you that idea", replied Dad innocently.
We relaxed while Dad went off to the Spa, seeing Kay on reception and having a nice chat, before showing Dad upstairs. He had asked for Olivia as usual to do the treatment. She had just returned from seeing her son in the Philippines. He told us the massage was excellent. Nice firm pressure that relaxed his muscles and relieved stress. We say thank you Olivia.
So then time to head to Cockermouth. Polly said, "we have decided that Pepsi, Tristan, Norma, Fletcher and I are coming too."
"Ok", agreed Dad, "let's go."
We were soon there, parking at Sullart Street, and then walked down to Wordsworth House. "That's where the poet William Wordsworth was born", said Polly.
"There's a bust across the road and a seat. Please take our picture there", implored Tristan.
l-r Pepsi, Polly, Norma, Fletcher & Tristan
Dad then said, "I plan to have a look at The Fitz and the park., so we should go left along Crown Street and then Low Road."
This took us past the Trout Hotel.
"Look", pointed Pepsi. "There's a post box. We must have a picture for Little Eric's collection."
Walking on Dad was limping. "What's wrong", said Norma anxiously.
"My hamstring is playing up and has gone so tight. It's quite painful. Let me stop a minute to see if it eases."
Walking on we came to The Fitz, with its wide gateway with large ornate gates.
The fenced parkland stretched away on the right.
At the far side is the house.
We started along the drive, but then a gentleman standing outside an adjacent house said, "you can't go along here it's private.
"Oh, I did not realise. Thank you for telling me", replied Dad.
Wanting to know more about the house, we asked our ace researcher Grizzly for help. He told us, "it dates from the early 19th century built for the Senhouse family. They were responsible for building the docks etc., at Maryport. It is built in calciferous sandstone ashlar with a graduated greenslate roof. 9 bays with double panelled doors within a fluted tetra style Doric porch. It is Grade II listed since 1986. These days it is available to rent and sleeps 16-24 people."
"What's that", pointed Tristan.
"An emu", I replied.
"Well even though we could not go closer to the house, we aught to have a picture sitting on the wall to show we came here", said Norma.
l-r Pepsi, Fletcher, Norma, Polly and Tristan.
Dad was really struggling with the leg pain as we walked back. "There's a seat over there", pointed Polly. "Sit and rest for a while."
"Time for a bit of lunch", Dad said as we reached Main Street.
"How about here at the Deli Station", pointed Fletcher.
There was lots of lovely wholesome foods. Dad had a gorgeous sausage roll with salad and chutney. Pot of tea. Nice piece of cake with jam in it. All quite lovely. He was served by young lady called Miriam. She was very polite and efficient. Marian, a regular customer, was there. A quite lovely lady and Dad had a long chat about different things and the state of the country.
She asked, "where are you from?"
"Morecambe."
She told us, "I am originally from this area but lived in Bournemouth most of my life until my husband died."
After she left the lady who owns the café said, “a lovely lady. She is our favourite customer.”
"I can see why", Dad replied.
We had sat out and had been introduced and liked.
So now to Fagans, where else, seeing Joanne and Riley, who of course remembered Dad. He showed them Polly saying she was adopted here in 2012, and telling them that I was her girlfriend.
There were very few Charlie Bears none of which appealed to Dad. Joanne told him, “we’re not getting any more once these are gone.”
Dad said, "that's sad, but I will still pop in to say hello."
"Oh yes", replied Joanne.
We left, Dad pausing to look in the window. "There's Lincoln", pointed Pepsi.
"There's another", said Polly. "She is absolutely gorgeous."
"That she is", agreed Dad. "After we have walked down to the Memorial Gardens, I'll come back for her."
So Dad hobbled his way across the bridge over the River Derwent...
...to the Memorial Gardens that are just a wide grassy area by the river. "I wouldn't call them gardens", muttered Pepsi, "there are no flowers."
"That's and old tree", pointed Polly. "Maybe worth a picture."
As we made to recross the river, looking left, I said, "there's the confluence of the River Cocker and Derwent, with Jennings Brewery behind."
So, back to Fagans, where Riley got the bear out of the window. She is Gooseberry Pie in white brown and green. "You have a sale. She will likely be the last Charlie Bear I buy from here", said Dad.
Here she is with the rest of us on the same seat opposite Wordsworth House.
l-r Tristan, Polly, Gooseberry Pie, Fletcher, Norma and Pepsi
Back to the room, where Gooseberry Pie was welcomed by us all. "She is quite beautiful", said Fred. "She just had to join the Hug."
Before Dad saw Carolyn who was just leaving. They hugged and chatted, Dad asking, "is Kevin well."
"Yes thank you." Then she went on, Saffie is not in good books. She brought a mouse in yesterday and dropped in by some guests having afternoon tea. They were not happy."
"It's what cats do." Dad replied. We found it funny.
Again we had room service, while Dad went off to The Grill with Rex, Starbuck and Gooseberry Pie. Seeing Sarah on reception Dad chatted and the bears got introduced.
"Gooseberry Pie is gorgeous."
l-r Rex, Starbuck & Gooseberry Pie
It was extremely busy tonight and everyone was rushed off their feet. Guru was in charge.
Two ladies loved and fussed Gooseberry Pie, and Dad had a nice chat
A lady and gentleman, very smartly dressed sat at the next table. Dad admitted he felt rather under dressed in his shorts!
Due to the bears, he got into conversation with them. The lady was the owner of Grantley Hall nr Ripon, and tonight they had at awards in London won Independent Hotel of the Year.
"Congratulations", Dad said.
The lady loved Gooseberry Pie and had her picture taken with her. I talked a bit about my collecting and things that I do.
The lady said, “you are very well organised with your life.”
It was a real pleasure to have met them. Later we looked up Grantley Hall. "Wow", said Gladly, "what a luxurious and stunning hotel."
Unsurprisingly it is very expensive but Fred said, "money is for spending. We aught to go, say for three nights. There are extensive grounds to explore."
"You're right lad. Your Dad would agree. Ripon is close by too and is and interesting place to visit. Brian and I went there years ago and also to hear the horn blown in the square as it is every night."
Tuesday
Looking out we saw the rain falling, and this was to be the weather for most of the day.
"So, staying in", Craig remarked.
"Yes lads."
Going for breakfast Dad opened the door at the same time as the lady in the room opposite. She had thought it was the door to her friend's room.
Her name was Donna, and she asked, "Do you have a lake view?"
"Yes."
"Would you mind letting me see it."
"Not a all"
She then saw the bears. "They are lovely."
At this point her friend came in, so Dad proceeded to introduce us all. We are never shy! He also mentioned the size of our Hug.
They were surprised, Donna's friend saying, "wow, you are never short of company. I love all those that have come with you."
At breakfast Dad saw the lady from Grantley Hall with her grandson.
The lady had been really interested in getting Gooseberry Pie, so Dad told her, "she is available from different places on the Internet. I looked up the Grantley Hall website, wow what a place to stay.”
Leaving Dad said, "it has been a pleasure to meet you."
The lady said, “if you come to stay, tell the receptionists, and I'll come down to see you.”
"What's your plan now", asked Fred.
"Taking the laptop etc. and sit in the hall to write."
"Can I come?", asked Gooseberry Pie.
"And Ralph and I", added Craig.
Of course, I must have company."
Another couple Margaret and John had seen the bears, Fred and Gladly, when Dad had dinner in The Dining Room.
Margaret asked about them and Dad explained. "Can I take a picture of you with them.
"Yes ok."
"I plan to put it on Facebook. Is that alright?"
"That's fine."
Dad worked on the Frostrow story through the morning and early afternoon, completing it. "Only three to write now" he commented.
Ralph said. "hmm, there will be those of this holiday. Another one or two."
"Catching up seems to be impossible", went on Craig. "
"You're not wrong."
We all went along with Dad for lunch in The Grill. Simon, General Manager, was there so Dad had a nice chat and catch up.
Dad had ordered the four cheese pizza, Simon commenting, “you’ll never finish that.” He was right too!
Heading back Dad stopped at reception, Sarah fussing Gooseberry Pie. Fiona came to see her too saying "she is the loveliest of all the bears you have brought whilst staying here." Quite a chat and rant about the state of the country etc., then ensued.
Dinner for Dad in The Grill. Natalie, Jorja and Joanna were serving tonight. Gooseberry Pie and Pepsi and Tristan, kept Dad company. Gooseberry Pie was adored by everyone!
The Grill was busy again with The Dining Room being closed. Dad had a lovely meal, rounding off with a pot of tea.
John and Margaret were at the next table, and Dad chatted with them. They are such lovely people.
Margaret said, “so glad we met Gerry. You are a treasure.” Ahh!
Stopped for a chat at reception with Sarah. Again Gooseberry Pie was fussed and Saffie cuddled up to her. Ahh!
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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