Thursday 26 July 2012
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July, our last weekend in England
Saturday
We spent a quiet weekend at the home of Lesley, Richard's sister, and David, her husband. They recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary which we enjoyed with them in Tivoli. While they were at the gym, we had breakfast in their warm kitchen. I felt rather unwell. We went to the Antler shop and bought a new suitcase for Matthew as the handle had fallen off the old one - too heavy! We called in at Tesco for a newspaper, and then returned home for lunch in the garden, which was looking lovely after so much rain.
We spent quite a while watching the Tour de France on TV which was exciting as Bradley Wiggins confirmed his victory for Britain. The final day on the Champs-Elysees is a formality. David made a memory stick of some of his very nice photos from the wedding party weekend.
For dinner L and D cooked a delicious meal of a broad bean starter, a whole salmon served with new potatoes and green vegetables, and two desserts - raspberries in jelly and rhubarb fool. It was all delicious. After dinner, we watched The Artist on DVD but several people dozed off before the end.
Sunday
We spent our last morning with Matthew and Sarah before they returned to Middlesbrough with Joan. We had breakfast outside on a rare warm sunny day. Then we went for a walk around the nearby Clough reservoir. There is a replanting program of native trees going on there. We had lunch outside too, when it was very hot, and discussed Matthew's proposed diploma course. It was sad to say goodbye to them.
We watched the final day of the Tour de France before leaving to drive to the airport. The return to Thalwil went smoothly and we were home again at 11pm.
A successful and enjoyable wedding anniversary visit! Matthew and Sarah are staying on in England to visit Joan and David and Cheri. We are back to our normal routine here in Switzerland.
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| Enjoying the sun at Lesley and David's house |
We spent quite a while watching the Tour de France on TV which was exciting as Bradley Wiggins confirmed his victory for Britain. The final day on the Champs-Elysees is a formality. David made a memory stick of some of his very nice photos from the wedding party weekend.
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| Feeding the donkeys |
For dinner L and D cooked a delicious meal of a broad bean starter, a whole salmon served with new potatoes and green vegetables, and two desserts - raspberries in jelly and rhubarb fool. It was all delicious. After dinner, we watched The Artist on DVD but several people dozed off before the end.
Sunday
We spent our last morning with Matthew and Sarah before they returned to Middlesbrough with Joan. We had breakfast outside on a rare warm sunny day. Then we went for a walk around the nearby Clough reservoir. There is a replanting program of native trees going on there. We had lunch outside too, when it was very hot, and discussed Matthew's proposed diploma course. It was sad to say goodbye to them.
We watched the final day of the Tour de France before leaving to drive to the airport. The return to Thalwil went smoothly and we were home again at 11pm.
A successful and enjoyable wedding anniversary visit! Matthew and Sarah are staying on in England to visit Joan and David and Cheri. We are back to our normal routine here in Switzerland.
Wednesday 25 July 2012
Friday 20 July, To Manchester via Tatton Park
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| In the flower pavilion |
We planned to visit Tatton Park in Cheshire on the way back. Joan decided to give it a miss as it would be wet and muddy. She was right. We had to park in a field and there were long queues for tickets. However once inside we enjoyed looking at the huge flower pavilion, the Olympic bedding gardens, the vegetable competition and the visionary gardens. It took ages to get served at the creperie for lunch though. But I was pleased we had made the visit.
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| One of the Olympic beds at Tatton Park |
We arrived at Lesley's in the afternoon. Joan was already there, and David and Lesley arrived home from work later. For dinner we went to the Hideaway restaurant for a delicious meal of antipasti, lovage and potato soup, chicken Florentine with potatoes and veg, panna cotta and red wine. I stuck to water mainly.
Thursday 19 July, Matlock Bath
An early start. Kerry arranged to change the unoccupied beds while we were out. We all felt lethargic. We hoped to go to Dovedale for a walk, but it was raining steadily. Instead we drove to Matlock Bath, which I knew would be interesting. On the way there we passed the place where I first went camping with the Guides, and also Carsington Water where I visited with my mum and bought my fish mobile.
On arrival we parked at the Mining Museum where we paid for entry and a tour of the lead mines. I found it very interesting as I come from a mining area in Mansfield, and Sarah was also interested as Tangshan is also a mining city. We read about the history of mining and the tools used, saw samples of lead and other ores, the trains and trucks used to transport it and experienced the dark, enclosed conditions that the miners worked in.
Then we were taken on a tour of the Temple mine opposite, which is still workable, and contains lead ores and fluorspar. We had to don our chic helmets as the ceiling was very low in places. The minerals glowed in the light of the guide's torch. Walking was quite difficult at times and it was damp underfoot.
Then we had lunch in a nearby cafe, the Charles, where we were served with fresh sandwiches or fishcakes. After that we drove to the nearby textile mill museum and shopping outlet, but the museum was closed. We saw the old bobbins and shuttles still on display. Back at Birdsgrove we had pasta with tuna and tomato sauces for tea.
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| Inside Matlock Bath Mining Museum |
On arrival we parked at the Mining Museum where we paid for entry and a tour of the lead mines. I found it very interesting as I come from a mining area in Mansfield, and Sarah was also interested as Tangshan is also a mining city. We read about the history of mining and the tools used, saw samples of lead and other ores, the trains and trucks used to transport it and experienced the dark, enclosed conditions that the miners worked in.
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| A tour of Temple Mine with its lead and fluorspar ores |
Then we were taken on a tour of the Temple mine opposite, which is still workable, and contains lead ores and fluorspar. We had to don our chic helmets as the ceiling was very low in places. The minerals glowed in the light of the guide's torch. Walking was quite difficult at times and it was damp underfoot.
Then we had lunch in a nearby cafe, the Charles, where we were served with fresh sandwiches or fishcakes. After that we drove to the nearby textile mill museum and shopping outlet, but the museum was closed. We saw the old bobbins and shuttles still on display. Back at Birdsgrove we had pasta with tuna and tomato sauces for tea.
Wednesday 18 July, Chatsworth
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| Overcast skies at the Chatsworth cascade |
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| Brightening up at the Emperor's fountain |
After an incident with car keys, we were ready for a coffee in the courtyard and ready to enter the house and grounds. As it was fine, we first did a tour of the gardens, beginning with the spectacular cascade. We explored the rock gardens, the circle pond, saw a squirting willow, the Emperor's fountain and then the maze. Joan and I sat outside while the others quickly explored it without getting lost. We had lunch at the cafe of soup, sandwiches, pasties, lemonade, and cake.
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| The impressive Dining Hall at Chatsworth House |
Then we went for a tour of the house, which was extensive. We saw the collection of Old Master paintings and drawings alongside modern art, tapestries and sculptures, the guest bedrooms with unusual Chinese wallpaper, and the collections of ceramics and minerals. We also had a look in the gift shop. It was all very interesting but rather tiring.
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| The charming town of Bakewell, home of the famous tarts |
We drove home via Bakewell, another pretty town, where we stopped to taste the Bakewell tart and have a coffee. We learnt that the Peak District is the second busiest National Park after Mount Fuji! Laura drove Grandma's car and we arrived home in spite of a few wrong turns. For tea we cooked mushroom and bacon omelettes which Richard made to his usual high standard. Afterwards we sat in the sitting room to do crosswords, and gave Matthew and Sarah their guestbook to read.
Went to bed suffering from a bad cough. Felt awful.
Tuesday 17 July, Derby and Tissington
I moved into Swan and slept better. Read in bed till 8am. The shower in our room, Kingfisher, was only lukewarm. For breakfast we had coffee, muesli, raspberries, blueberries and Greek yogurt, plus boiled egg and toast. Both Joan and Sarah felt unwell so Laura, Richard and I decide to visit Derby, which has bigger shops.
We parked at the Westfield Centre and headed to Marks and Spencer where I bought a top, two T-shirts, a scarf and some colourful earrings. Richard chose some new trousers - very adventurous. We also bough a newspaper, two magazines and a SIM card for Matthew's phone. Laura thought she knew a deli for lunch but it had become an Italian place, where we had lunch anyway. I just had caprese salad, after all the previous excesses.
On our return, it had brightened up and so we all drove to the nearby village of Tissington. It was very pretty with nice little shops, a church and the Hall. Laura bought some jam. We saw the well where they hold well-dressing contests. It was nice to be out in the countryside.
Back in Ashbourne, we had a drink in the local pub and then dinner in the Chinese restaurant, the Dragon's Nest. We all enjoyed our shared dishes of dim sum, duck with pancakes, chicken, beef and vegetables with noodles. I seem to be getting a nasty cold.
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| The charming village of Tissington |
On our return, it had brightened up and so we all drove to the nearby village of Tissington. It was very pretty with nice little shops, a church and the Hall. Laura bought some jam. We saw the well where they hold well-dressing contests. It was nice to be out in the countryside.
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| Waiting for drinks in the pub at Ashbourne |
Back in Ashbourne, we had a drink in the local pub and then dinner in the Chinese restaurant, the Dragon's Nest. We all enjoyed our shared dishes of dim sum, duck with pancakes, chicken, beef and vegetables with noodles. I seem to be getting a nasty cold.
Monday 16 July, down to the last 6
It was very wet. I saw 3 rabbits playing on the lawn when I woke up.We had croissants and muesli for breakfast, with coffee, thanks to Hugh and Julie's generosity. We made a list of minor problems in the house and also a shopping list. We said goodbye to David and Cheri, who were setting off home for Sedburgh.
We drove into Ashbourne, the nearest town about 2 miles away. There were some interesting shops including a nice bookshop, a ginger bakery and a fruit shop where Laura bought gooseberries to make a crumble. It was still very wet.We had another shopping trip to Sainsbury's to see us through the week. They have some nice home-made soups.
We stopped on the way back at the Royal Oak and had fish and chips for lunch - delicious! I spoke to Kerry about collecting the glasses and mentioned the house problems. She came while we were out to collect them. On our return we read the papers and did crosswords. It was too wet to be outside.
Later Laura and I made a gooseberry and strawberry crumble, and we had various nice soups for tea. Sarah was feeling tired after the excitement of the weekend and all the travelling.We watched some TV programs in the morning room, which had a very wide sofa, and then played Town and Country. Rather a quiet day.
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| Ashbourne was our nearest town |
We stopped on the way back at the Royal Oak and had fish and chips for lunch - delicious! I spoke to Kerry about collecting the glasses and mentioned the house problems. She came while we were out to collect them. On our return we read the papers and did crosswords. It was too wet to be outside.
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| A very wet day spent exploring Ashbourne and shopping |
Later Laura and I made a gooseberry and strawberry crumble, and we had various nice soups for tea. Sarah was feeling tired after the excitement of the weekend and all the travelling.We watched some TV programs in the morning room, which had a very wide sofa, and then played Town and Country. Rather a quiet day.
Sunday 15 July, Matthew's birthday - picnic lunch and some goodbyes
We got up early, emptied the dishwashers, and sorted out all the glasses left by the caterers as well as some from the house. There was a plumbing emergency in the kitchen when one of the radiators leaked hot water, and we had to call for the plumber who fixed it promptly. We had a very nice breakfast of bacon, scrambled eggs and mushrooms, made by Frannie with help from Hugh and Julie.
When Matthew got up we gave him his iPad and several birthday cards, to add to the ones he received for his and Sarah's wedding anniversary. Everyone signed the Guest Book provided by Laura. There were some very nice thoughts and comments. Paul went off to buy a stack of Sunday papers and we sat around reading them before strolling round the garden. As it was so wet on the ground, we had the birthday picnic on tables in the garden with everyone helping themselves to the extensive buffet served in the kitchen.
At around 4.30 Hugh, Julie, Jess and Joe prepared to leave and they dropped Sam off at Derby station. Meanwhile Paul, Tam, Jess and Tom also left, taking Frannie to the station. We didn't have time to dwell on the goodbyes as the remainder of the party was heading for Buxton to attend the Marriage of Figaro, an opera buffa at the Buxton Festival. We travelled there in four cars as Lesley and David planned to return home immediately afterwards. We would see them again on Friday.
We mingled outside the Opera House and had a glass of champagne while watching the Shakespeare Jukebox company, two men and a woman, performing turns from the plays. Sarah was interested as she studied Shakespeare's tragedies at university but had never seen him performed. We had good seats in the circle for the performance, not the Italian version by Mozart but a later comic opera sung in English. The lighting, sets, singing and stage design were very good but the music was not first rate and the story was a bit trite. However it was an enjoyable evening, it kept fine, and we said goodbye to Lesley and David after the show. When we got back home - now just Richard and I, Matthew and Sarah, Laura, Grandma, David and Cheri, we had toast and coffee for supper. Some people moved to a nicer room.
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| Family group outside the house |
At around 4.30 Hugh, Julie, Jess and Joe prepared to leave and they dropped Sam off at Derby station. Meanwhile Paul, Tam, Jess and Tom also left, taking Frannie to the station. We didn't have time to dwell on the goodbyes as the remainder of the party was heading for Buxton to attend the Marriage of Figaro, an opera buffa at the Buxton Festival. We travelled there in four cars as Lesley and David planned to return home immediately afterwards. We would see them again on Friday.
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| Buxton Opera House |
Saturday 14 July: Wedding Anniversary Dinner
After a difficult night in a strange bed, we were up to cater for a big breakfast in shifts. Hugh and Julie had provided a mass of food and drinks for yummy breakfasts, which lasted us all week.Today there was fruit, yogurt, cereal, boiled eggs, toast, croissants and coffee. Frannie immediately helped out in a calm manner and helped to find things in the many cupboards. Then we explored the grounds. After weeks of rain, everything looked green but it was rather wet under foot. The house borders the River Dove and we saw the weir as well as the lawns, shrubs, flower beds and fruit trees. There were rabbits playing on the grass all week.
Paul, Tam, Jess and Tom arrived at 11.30 as we were standing in the drive hoping they would find their way. The others who had been for a walk along the Tissington Trail returned, and David and Cheri also arrived. At 12 o'clock we all drove to the Rose and Crown pub in Mayfield, where Paul had booked lunch for 21. It was a very nice place and not busy. We were seated at 5 tables and Paul and David H bought a round of drinks, while we perused the menu of around 10 delicious-sounding dishes. I went for salmon with ginger and lime, served with new potatoes and summer vegetables. Others had traditional pub dishes with a special twist. It was all very enjoyable and a chance for everyone to get to know each other better. Occasions when our group of family members get together are rare.
On return to the house, most people rested in their rooms apart from the ones setting up the Dining room - Laura and Sam took a lead, helped by Lesley who had brought flowers for the tables, and Kathryn who had made the place settings and provided decorations in red and silver. There were souvenir coasters with a photo of the bride and groom, and red and white napkins, individual menus and programs of the evening. It all looked lovely.
The caterers arrived a bit late at 5.30 while everyone gathered downstairs in their party outfits. We waited until 6.30 to have the champagne apero, provided by Lesley and David and set up in the front sitting room with help from Tom. The caterers were on hand then to serve drinks, accompanied by snacks. The wedding party dinner was served at 7pm. Matthew and Sarah sat at the top table, with me, Richard, Joan, Frannie, Laura and Sam. The other guests were mixed up at three tables of 4 or 5. It worked well. Starters were chicken and parma ham terrine, smoked salmon and prawns or tomato and basil soup. The main course was a choice of lamb with buttery mash or cod garnished with mussels and new potatoes, served with summer vegetables. The meal was accompanied by red wines from Paul and David N, as well as two special bottles of Newton Chardonnay from California, bought by us in Switzerland. After the main course, there was a musical interlude provided by Jess, who played two lovely pieces on the recorder. Then a dessert of chocolate tart or pavlova with berries was served. It was all delicious.
David N proposed a toast to Matthew and Sarah, who then cut the cake, a red velvet sponge cake with white icing made by Frannie. It was delicious. Matthew answered the toast, and the Kings Heath Clixbys sang two songs accompanied by Joe on his new guitar. Then we all adjourned to the large sitting room for a picture quiz set by Paul - Clixbys versus Newtons. The Clixbys, who are quiz experts, won by a narrow margin. Then we played the 'Wilcox game' led by Jess Crooks when we had to shout out the answer to a topic beginning with a letter drawn from a Scrabble bag. Hugh was the winner. Then Joe played his guitar and we all joined in songs. It was a lovely end to the evening, although rumour had it that the younger members prolonged the evening outside on the trampoline. Wet grass on the floor the next day gave the game away.
Paul, Tam, Jess and Tom arrived at 11.30 as we were standing in the drive hoping they would find their way. The others who had been for a walk along the Tissington Trail returned, and David and Cheri also arrived. At 12 o'clock we all drove to the Rose and Crown pub in Mayfield, where Paul had booked lunch for 21. It was a very nice place and not busy. We were seated at 5 tables and Paul and David H bought a round of drinks, while we perused the menu of around 10 delicious-sounding dishes. I went for salmon with ginger and lime, served with new potatoes and summer vegetables. Others had traditional pub dishes with a special twist. It was all very enjoyable and a chance for everyone to get to know each other better. Occasions when our group of family members get together are rare.
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| Dinner was served in the dining room which looked very pretty |
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| Matthew and Sarah in their red Chinese outfits |
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| The wedding flowers matched the table decorations |
David N proposed a toast to Matthew and Sarah, who then cut the cake, a red velvet sponge cake with white icing made by Frannie. It was delicious. Matthew answered the toast, and the Kings Heath Clixbys sang two songs accompanied by Joe on his new guitar. Then we all adjourned to the large sitting room for a picture quiz set by Paul - Clixbys versus Newtons. The Clixbys, who are quiz experts, won by a narrow margin. Then we played the 'Wilcox game' led by Jess Crooks when we had to shout out the answer to a topic beginning with a letter drawn from a Scrabble bag. Hugh was the winner. Then Joe played his guitar and we all joined in songs. It was a lovely end to the evening, although rumour had it that the younger members prolonged the evening outside on the trampoline. Wet grass on the floor the next day gave the game away.
Friday 13 July: Arriving at Birdsgrove House
We travelled by bus, train, plane and hire car to arrive at Birdsgrove House in Mayfield near Ashbourne, a town in the south of the Derbyshire Peak District National Park. Laura found the house for this special weekend when we expected a total of 21 guests arriving from all over England and from Switzerland.
Grandma Joan was the first to arrive. The house was cold, and fires were not lit but the heating was turned on. Not what we expected for July! On our arrival, via Sainsbury's to stock up with food, we had a quick tour of the house and its systems from Kerry Rasdall, who manages the place. We had been in regular contact for weeks beforehand and I was pleased to meet her at last. We saw the extensive reception rooms, the kitchen and scullery, learnt about the door keys and entertainment system - quite complicated - before viewing the bedrooms. There were 11 of these upstairs and 1 downstairs, each named after a bird, with various bathroom facilities. I had worked out the sleeping arrangements beforehand to meet everyone's needs, and hoped it would work. Our room was Kingfisher, small but with a bathroom. Then we had to rush off to Derby to meet the first of the arrivals by train - Matthew, Sarah and Laura. Finding the station was not entirely straightforward.
We arrived back at the house over an hour later to find that Lesley, David and the Kings Heath Clixbys - Hugh, Julie, Jess and Joe - had all arrived. Rooms were quickly allocated and bathrooms noted and food and wine stashed in the fridges and cupboards. The kitchen took a day or two to get used to. It was large with a centre island and a dining table seating 10. The wedding dinner would be held in the Dining Room and the table arrangements needed some revision - a job for later. We started preparing the buffet supper - it was a bit chaotic with everyone contributing skills and suggestions. Meanwhile Richard returned to Derby to collect Sam, Frannie and the wedding cake. After our ham, cheese, tomatoes, hummus and various drinks, we sat down in the sitting room to chat. Kathryn arrived later by taxi. I was exhausted and we all had an early night.
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| Birdsgrove House in Ashbourne |
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| The grounds were beautiful and very green! |
Wedding Anniversary celebrations in the Peak District
This blog is an account of the family celebrations held in Birdsgrove House near Ashbourne, for the first wedding anniversary of Matthew and Sarah in July 2012.
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