Howick Hall

We went to Lynne and Gavin’s for lunch. The conversation never lagged - covering families, politics, books, theatre and more. (Lynne’s theatre group will be touring the towns in the area in June).

We had delicious Thai veg, rice and salmon followed by a panettone pudding with rhubarb and orange. The plan was to have a walk but we underestimated the time we’d need so instead had 3.5 miles round Howick Hall grounds. Some rhododendrons and azaleas were out so the woodland walk was good with something of interest round every corner.

Lynne asked if I’d seen the stitched kneelers in the church so as I hadn’t we went in. I wonder if they’d got the idea from seeing the great Tapestry of Scotland. Different artists had painted local scenes, flowers, birds etc then sewers had transferred the paintings into tapestry. There were lots, all beautiful.

Earl Grey, who built the house, was famous for being a British PM under whose administration the Reform Act of 1832 was passed. He is probably better known now for introducing us to Earl Grey tea which is black tea flavoured with bergamot. He is also known for the statue of him on top of the prominent monument in Newcastle where a street is named after him. Or known for fathering 15 children by the same wife. Poor woman.