BB2437 : Inspecting Wedding Venues

Wednesday 11th December 2024

We didn’t set off meaning to inspect wedding venues.  Our start point was Natland Village Green, outside St Mark’s Church which, as it happens, is an excellent place to get married.  Or for person unknown to decorate a post box with a knitted Christmas Tree.  On the opposite side of the Green is another Christmas Tree, this one whose erection was supervised by TV Mike, though he was unable to join Tony and me today.

Wandering along Hawes Lane, we soon reached the bridge over the River Kent where it is obligatory to inspect the state of the water passing through the rocks. After all the recent rain, it was quite lively.  To continue, the left bank was preferred as the other side can get rather boggy.  Also it provided the opportunity, further along, to test the footbridge, recently restored and re-opened.  Only two of us.  Room for 23 more though that could be perhaps a bit too exciting unless everyone broke step!

Now on the other side of the river, we continued downstream, noting several old workings from when this was a thriving gunpowder industry site, before passing under the motorway.  It was gone noon and regular readers know what that means- Tony was anxious to eat.  We discovered that the back entrance was open to what used to be the Salesian Sisters Home.  

Now it is a hotel called the Villa and has a new function suite entitled the Pavillion.

No, we didn’t go into the hotel for lunch.  Instead we found a bench from which we could admire the splendid Victorian pile whist we had our butties.

 “What if we are spotted?”  I asked.  

“No problem,” said Tony.  “Just tell the management that you are researching Wedding Venues for your granddaughter.”  

We did look a little scruffy for potential clients, but then, we weren’t seeking a formal appointment, merely checking the suitability of the grounds.

I hadn’t really been looking forward to the road slog over the hill to Levens. However we discovered a path we hadn’t previously taken that led behind the building formally known as the Heaves Hotel (and might well still be called that but it isn’t a hotel anymore) and above the garden centre.  

This opened out into a field offering what would be fine long distance views on a day that offered fine long distance views.

Today, they were pleasant, bordering on dramatic.

This was a much better way to the village than the road slog.  We took the opportunity to examine the small Methodist Church.  

Whether they do weddings or not we didn’t enquire.  It does, however, house a part time post office but the lady running it was rather non-communicative.

Down the lane is the site of the proposed new village hall though the lady who engaged us in conversation was somewhat cynical as to whether it would ever be built.  If it is, no doubt it will be licensed for weddings, or at least for the post nuptial celebrations.

At the far end of the village is St John’s Church where weddings certainly do take place.  I know because I have been to at least one there.  It’s a fine venue.  One of its more interesting features is that it has three large bells that are hung low, outside on a trestle.  There are no clappers, presumably so that the neighbours aren’t disturbed by naughty BOOTboys being silly.  Is there is a Klappermeister who has the right equipment to make joyful sounds preceding the event?

Inside was a small poster, the like of which I have never seen before.  It announced that Levens has been awarded the status of being a Toilet Twinned Village!  The mind boggles!

Surprise, surprise, we ended up at the Hare & Hounds where we were joined by Stephen.  Would this be a good venue for a wedding breakfast?   I don’t know but it’s a good place to ponder!

Don, Wednesday 11th December 2024

Afternote:  Since writing the report, one reader (yes we have had one!) has informed me that Brettargh Holt is back on the market if you have £2.5m to spare.

To see the brochure, click on its picture below:

Comments:  
Roger: :  This was a disastrous wedding venue! [A friend]’s daughter was married there, the food wasn’t hot, the wine ran out and they had to refund the price! I have also had a useless lunch there where the soup was foul and we didn’t bother with a main course! 

Comitibus:  

Nod,      Ynot

Map: OS 1:50k

STATISTICS

BB2437 : Inspecting Wedding Venues

Date:

Wednesday 11th December 2024

Features:

Natland to Levens

Distance in miles:

5.7

Height climbed in feet:

465

GPX track:

BB2437.gpx

Comitibus:

Don, Tony

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