Stonewall Manor 26th to 29th September
We hired a country manor and adjoining lodge at Frome in Somerset for the family to celebrate Sandra’s Mum’s 80th birthday. There were 19 of us in total: Clara and Jack, their daughters, daughter–in-law, grandchildren and partners. The only one missing was Gemma, who had just started a patisserie course at a college in America. She was there in spirit with her photo on the dining room table.
The weather was glorious the whole time. We had the accommodation from 4pm on the Friday (Clara’s birthday) and arranged to pick up fresh produce from a nearby farm shop, and a local delivery from Asda for essentials, and wine from Tesco.
On the Friday evening we arranged for a number of guests to bring ready prepared meals, plus birthday cake and champagne.
Saturday was a day for guests to do their own thing. Some went to nearby Longleat while others explored Frome and local farm shops. In the evening we had arranged for caterers to provide a four course meal.
On Sunday we lazed around in the garden with the Sunday papers and played games on the lawn while Matthew and helpers prepared a roast rib of beef lunch. After the late lunch those who had to work next day departed home whilst others stayed over until the Monday morning. On Monday some of those who had remained visited Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury Abbey before wending their way home, whilst others went to Stourhead Gardens.
The weekend had been a great success.
