Monday 27 July 2009

Thursday 23rd July 2009

CIRCUIT HIGH COURT JUDGES MESS IN CARLISLE (Black Tie)

7.30pm
I was invited by Richard Tetlow, Junior of The Northern Circuit, to attend a dinner at The Crown Hotel, Wetheral. The Hon Mr Justice McCoombe and The Hon Mr Justice Black (who were sitting on Circuit)were invited, as well as His Hon Judge Batty QC and Her Hon Judge Forrester from Carlisle. There were also several QC's, retired Judges and other members of the Judiciary present.

After dinner Richard Marks QC, gave an entertaining talk and then introduced the Speaker, The Hon Mr Justice McCoombe. As one of the three strangers, I was sworn in by the Crier, John Roe QC, who delivered an unusual and most interesting Oath.

I travelled with The Lord Lieutenant and we had a very interesting evening and it was nice to be able to talk about it on the way back home.

Thursday 23 July 2009

Wednesday 22nd July 2009

HERITAGE DAY - RICHMOND, NORTH YORKSHIRE, TOWN HALL

We left home at 7.30am.
9.30am arrived at the Town Hall where we were greeted by the Town Clerk, Mr Geoff Coates and the Town Mayor and his wife, Mr and Mrs David Gillson.

After a delicious light breakfast of 'bacon butties' we were given a short audio visual display and briefing for the day. And photographs of the assembled company were taken.

At 11.00am we joined the RED tour for a motorised vantage view points tour which included the grade II listed train station, which was converted in 2007 into shops offices and cinemas and has been most sympathetically done. We would like to return to do some shopping! We were travelling on a RED London double-decker Ringmaster bus and had marvellous views of the castle and over the town. After the station we visited the very beautiful Temple Grounds, but did not see as much as we would like to have done as it started to pour with rain.

13.30 hours - returned to the Town Hall for a hearty lunch and at 14.30 visited Richmondshire Museum, The Green Howards Museum and the very beautiful Georgian Theatre.

17.00 hours - Tea at the Town Hall and farewells.

We learnt that this is a Bi-annual event and is obviously done to promote tourism and it is very well done indeed. Both my husband and I would like to return some time to do some shopping and to attend the Theatre! The whole thing was beautifully organised and we were all made to feel very welcome.

Thursday 9th July 2009

MIDLAND HOTEL, MORECAMBE

3PM

We were invited by The Directors of English Lakes Hotel Ltd, who have taken over the management of The Midland Hotel at Morecambe to AFTERNOON TEA AT THE SEASIDE. A mixture of guests from Cumbria and Lancashire including The Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr James Cropper, Mr and Mrs Jackson from Lakeland Vintner's at Staveley and Cllr Ron Sands of Lancaster City Council.

After a delicious tea,accompanied at appropriate times by the piano,we were given a most interesting guided tour of the Hotel by the Concierge includingsome of the work of ERIC GILL. The Hotel is a Grade II listed building

Monday 20 July 2009

Tuesday 14th July 2009

BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDEN PARTY
4 to 6pm

We were invited by The Lord Chamberlain on behalf of Her Majesty to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace today. Very showery in the morning but a lovely summer afternoon for the Garden Party. I gather that there were 7,000 people there. Despite the crowds we met with The Lord Lieutenant and Mrs Cropper, The High Sheriffs of Lancashire and Greater Manchester and the former Mayor of Barrow and his Consort.

Thursday 9 July 2009

30th June to 6th July 2009

RYDAL HALL

This has been an exceptionally busy time. We were preparing for four functions on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th July. The venue, the croquet lawn at Rydal Hall.

The Diocese of Carlisle had very kindly agreed some time before that we could use this beautiful venue for two Receptions that David and I were going to host on the 2nd and 3rd July, for Members of the Judiciary, and Officials, and Local people very much involved in the community and Friends.Nearly 500 people attended over the 2 evenings. The weather was wonderful, the Caterers and helpers excelled themselves and lovely music was provided at both events by the Burneside Band.

On the 4th July The Calvert Trust and The Order of St Lazarus hosted a Ball for 170 people in the marquee which was not only greatly enjoyed by all present, but which raised £14,000 to be shared between the two Charities.

On the following day, The Rt Revd James Newcome, The Bishop of Penrith, and the Directors of Rydal Hall gave an afternoon reception for The Urban Church Fund, and provided cream teas and music in the marquee and an opportunity to see the very beautiful gardens. The afternoon was a great success. Visitors were very generous with donations towards the Fund

MONDAY 6TH JULY

Clearing up, loose ends day. Thanking everyone who had worked so hard to make all the Events so special.

7pm
LADYHOLME CENTRE, WINDERMERE

I was invited by Debbie Binch to attend the Windermere and Staveley District Neighbourhood Forum which I did with great interest, having lived in or near Windermere since I was 19 years old.

I was very inerested in the matters discussed. Cllr Jo Stephenson Chaired the meeting. Community Police Officer Sarah Blacow was present, and the Mayor of Windermere, Bill Smith, wearing his hat as Windermere Town Mayor spoke about future plans. Representatives of various local Projects either gave updates or voiced their approval or concerns on various matters.

The meeting ended at 9.30pm.



THURSDAY 9th July
9.30am - Windermere Fire Station

I was invited by Callum Graham to attend an Awards Ceremony for Young Firefighter Cadets from The Lakes School this afternoon. Sadly I had to refuse because of a prior engagement for this afternoon, but I went to meet some of the twelve 15 year olds, and watch them practice this morning. The Fire Fighters who were involved with the young Cadets showed great enthusiasm towards their training, and it was reflected in the way they were obviously not only enjoying their training, but benefitting from it.