Faded Grandeur
I have to pass on my congrats and appreciation to Jim and Kirstie for throwing a great wedding reception last night. The traditional wedding band was shunned in favour of Jim’s iPod and a large amplifier, cycling through a load of tracks for most of the night. I can’t remember the last wedding I went to which played several Pixies tracks. Excellent stuff. Though having said that, the person responsible for interrupting Orbital with Take That should have been swiftly ejected.
The setting was pretty special too - Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland. I’d seen the Hall before from the road, but I’ve never been around when it’s been open to the public, so I’ve always been curious to see what it’s like inside. Sadly a lot of the Hall had been destroyed by fire in 1822, though the gardens are still in wonderful condition. Designed by Jim Russell in 1947, there are several gardens featuring exceptionally complex and detailed topiary, each littered with several violent statues of men trying to batter each other.
Of course, like a fool, I left my camera at home so you’ll have to take my word for all this, but if you’re in the area (and on one of the rare occasions it’s open to the public) it’s well worth a visit before heading back up to Seaton Delaval for an ice cream.
Posted 8 years, 9 months ago
I am SO envious. :) I grew up in Seaton Sluice and never got to go around Delaval Hall (though it did get the odd mention in my stories for English lessons). I didn’t realise it was opened to the public at all, let alone for wedding receptions.
As for the ice cream, I hope you got the home-made variety from the shop on the roundabout. Cracking stuff, that.
mal · www · 8 years, 9 months ago
Did you see the ghost at Deleval Hall. Story goes that there is ghost known as the Deleval Lady who walks the grounds. True! (Well if you believe in the sort of thing).
I reckon that the IPOD will replace DJ’s. Wonder what the IPOD would look like with built in flahing disco lights and strobe effects!
On the subject of the IPOD (marvellous piece of equipment - I have the 30G model and it goes everywhere I go (apart from the shower). Unfortunately the side of the casing popped out from under the facier today. This means that I will have to take it back to John Lewis all with my 10Gigs of music.
BB
Berb Brown · 8 years, 9 months ago
Delaval Hall ghost? Not sure about that, though there were bats everywhere which was a bit spooky. I certainly wouldn’t like to live there on my own.
Good to see you’ve joined the iPod crowd - I’m well pleased with mine, though it seems Philips is catching up with the HDD100 :
http://www.audio.philips.com/PI/hdd.asp
Phil · 8 years, 9 months ago
i also grew up in The Sluice and never got inside the Hall - I did manage to run around the monument at the back and didnt raise the devil thank god and also knew quite a bit about starlight castle.
brian wilson · www · 6 years, 2 months ago