Arches And Urns

Happy to report that no ghosts were spotted overnight at ‘the castle’ - but we did have a real-life ‘Lurch’ visit us late last night as we were sitting in a small lounge next to our bedrooms! An elderly gentleman in a dark overcoat appeared at the top of the stairs- he managed to arrive without making a sound. “Good evening, I am Charles - the night manager - if you need anything just call me” he then promptly disappeared through a wall door into a private corridor! We just fell about laughing….

We had a lovely time at the ‘hotel’ despite its quirks - and it suited us really. It is quite sad as it, and the park it sits in, is owned by a charity that has lost money for many years - currently run by one volunteer, an elderly retired lady who was ‘receptionist’, breakfast chef and general dogsbody. Her husband, Charles, who has a full time job, was also the night manager when people were staying. I gather that there have not been many bookings over the last year - so the place is sinking fast.

After leaving the hotel, we visited Mrs madwill’s mother for coffee and a chat at her retirement ‘village’. We then set off for home, stopping at Belton House near Grantham to let the children burn off some energy and for some refreshments. I stopped to grab a few shots in the formal garden including this wall of arches and urns. Sadly the fountain wasn’t working.

Drove back home - stopping at Doncaster to drop off daughter and the children and then dropped son off in south Leeds. Traffic was very slow all the way - typical Friday afternoon on the A1 - very, very tedious driving. The children both fell asleep in the car which was quite good. Home 7 pm…decided on Chinese takeaway to finish off the road trip.

Finally around to posting this early on Saturday morning!