Loes and I were in Carlisle this day to allow the garage to complete
the repair of my car after a recent icy skid.
So while the work was done, we borrowed a courtesy car and headed
out to Brampton along the A69 to Talkin and the tarn of the same
name.
It's been a busy few days back home too, but more of that shortly.
Talkin Country Park was opened up by Carlisle City Council
for general recreation and boating,
so the car parking is good and there's a lovely little cafe
for lunch at the end of the walk.
One of those weird panoramas on the phone that seem to distort
reality.
The track round the lake is in fact a gentle oval, not a sharp
bend like this, but at lease it gives an impression of the half
mile wide lake.
The dots out on the lake are just some of the many birds and
wild fowl that take advantage of this lovely inland water.
Part way round was an old stately home which later became a
hotel.
The old hotel closed and the building became derelict.
This was the building when I visited here back in 2016.
There was talk but no sign of a future for it.
Today a beautiful transformation lies before us, with the old
house repaired and extended.
I believe it has been made into residential apartments.
The development includes a new summer house closer to the lake.
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The old estate had a building down by the lakeside,
presumably a summer house for the original family
picnics or a shooting hide for wildfowl.
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It has now been converted to a bird hide and within
it is a pictorial guide to some of the birds and animals
that can now be found at the lake.
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The all-purpose path circles the whole lake
giving easy access to all.
. . . even the hedgehogs, who seem to grow large
and thrive on the lakeside vegetation.
Nearly full circle now as we pass the boat park
and head back for a fine soup and sandwich lunch at the cafe.
- - - o o o - - -
My older dog Dylan was nine on the 23rd of January
which coincided (more or less) with this visit from Sophie and
Chris.
We often meet up at this time of year to celebrate
Chris and my birthdays too, so it was a triple celebration tonight.
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There was
however, only one cake . . . which was 'dog friendly'. |
Dougal sings his uncle
a "happy birthday" song. |
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Nigel takes
a slightly over-keen interest in the cake. |
However just wait and
there will be plenty for all. |
[ The recipe included grated carrot, breadcrumbs
and was bound with an egg, by the way.]
- - - o o o - - -
There have been several other entertaining evenings
recently,
the first was at a Ullock Village Hall . . .
. . . where we were invited to join a sociable
dance evening and supper.
Our musical host entertained us on accordion
to a classic evening of folk dancing, both Scottish and English.
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This one looks
like a classic "Strip the Willow" dance. |
Our Musician and Caller
tonight was Alison Riley |
A big thanks to Alison who can be contacted
on 07787 508391, should you wish to host a Cumbrian Ceilidh
yourselves.
- - - o o o - - -
Burns Night is a celebration
of the Scottish Poet and Lyricist who is widely regarded as
the national poet of Scotland.
As here in Cumbria we are not far from the Scottish
border (in fact this area was Scottish at one time)
we still see his birthday as an excuse for a
fine Loweswater Village get-together.
This year we celebrate in style again as our
haggis is piped into the hall.
- - - o o o - - -
Our Master of Ceremonies for the night
was John Hudson, chairman of our valley's 77 Club.
We were graced with the presence of Jack Wright
who brought in and "Addressed the Haggis"
with classic Scottish verse and a later speech.
The "Toast to the Lassies" was given by
myself
and in reply the
"Toast to the Laddies" was given my Marjorie
Hopkins.
The piper tonight was Alastair Smeaton.
- - - o o o - - -
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The hall was full for the evening as we were served classic
Haggis, tatties and neeps,
followed by the creamy oatmeal pudding of Cranachan.
Looks like Anne didn't win anything in the raffle
. . . Aahh !
But Margie and Christine must have had more luck !
- - - o o o - - -
As the evening progressed, we had a second delightful
bagpipe recital, this time from Jack Wright.
Over diner we were also treated to a tune or two
on the accordion from Nancy Smeaton.
The music was most appreciated
and completed the evening and the month
in fine style.
- - - o o o - - -
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