What’s on Calendar of Events 2012
A list of special events dates for your diary held at Armathwaite Hall, Keswick, Cockermouth and surrounding areas of Cumbria and the Lake District
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The new winter programme from the Theatre by the Lake looks to be explosive family adventure!
The new programme is now out at the theatre by the lake and it once again it looks like it will not fail to impress.
This year the Christmas production is The Firework Maker’s Daughter by Philip Pullman, author of His Dark Materials, adapted by Stephen Russell
The charming and explosive Christmas adventure runs 26th November to 7th January 2012
Set in the tropical jungle of Indonesia, this is the story of young Lila and her quest to discover the secrets of the Firework-Maker’s craft. With her father’s life hanging in the balance she must undertake a perilous journey to volcanic Mount Merapi. Lila has to face pirates, spirits and the terrifying Fire-Fiend, but she is helped by her best friend Chulak and a lovable and resourceful white elephant called Hamlet.
As Ambassadors for the Theatre by the Lake if you book a stay at the hotel you can receive a £2.00 discount off theatre tickets. To book accommodation call 017687 76551 www.armathwaite-hall.com
Christmas and New Year Breaks in the English Lake District
Take a step back in time to that golden age of true hospitality, service and comfort. Celebrate in style as we create the complete festive atmosphere for you to share with family and friends and make you feel welcome as soon as you walk through our front doors.
We offer three night Christmas and New Year break, each containing a full programme of events and activities.
Countdown to Christmas – from £795 per person
We still have a few rooms available for our Christmas break, but act fast as they won’t be available for long….
Lavish decorations, log fire and sumptuous food all combine to create an unforgettable traditional Christmas. The spectacular break is brim full of entertainment, hospitality and good cheer including magicians, cruise on Lake Derwentwater, guided Lakeland walk, casino night and even a visit from Santa!
Bring in the New Year in Style – from £725 per person
A New Year break never to be forgotten
Where better to celebrate the New Year than in one of England’s Stately Homes. Leisurely breakfasts, brisk walks in beautiful English Lake District, warm toes in front of the log fire, cocktails and canapés and delicious food at the end of the day.
Throughout the three night New Year break there is entertainment from falconry displays to jazz brunches, casino night to lake cruise and a New Year party to really bring in the new year in style!
Mid Festivities, stay a little longer… From £140 per person
For those of you who wish to stay at home for Christmas and New Year why not enjoy a two or three night mid festivity break.
The mid Festivity breaks include dinner in the Lake View Restaurant, full Cumbrian breakfast and use of our award winning Spa facilities.
Quad Biking or Clay Pigeon Shooting are on offer, not forgetting the pampering available in The Spa. (All at extra cost)
For more details click here http://www.armathwaite-hall.com/seasons/lake_district_christmas_breaks.php
Download Christmas and New Year brochure with tariff http://www.armathwaite-hall.com/documents/Christmasbrochure2011_001.pdf
For bookings call the hotel 017687 76551
Children in Need Afternoon Tea Dance with live music at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa Sunday 20th November 2011
Help us, help Pudsey Bear this year raise money for Children in Need with a spectacular Tea Dance on Sunday 20th November 2011 from 2.00pm – 5.00pm.
We have arranged a fabulous Cliff Eland 17 piece big band to play for us and entertain you while you enjoy a sumptuous full afternoon tea.
We also will be holding a charity raffle and we have been generously been donated a wealth of fantastic gifts so that we can raise as much money as possible for such a good cause.
So far we have gifts from:
Cumbria Fresh Produce – Fruit Hamper
Nicholson of Maryport – Voucher for Xmas Turkey
Jason Chambers – Photographic Shoot
Gardenalia Florist Carlisle – Day Workshop
And much more….
Tickets £25.00 per person call to book 017687 76551. Booking essential
BBC Children in Need is the BBC’s UK corporate charity and with thanks to the support of the public, they are able to make a real difference to the lives of children all across the UK.
Their vision is that every child in the UK has a childhood which is, safe, happy and secure and allows them the chance to reach their potential. Every penny from the money raised or donated it will go towards helping disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK.
The BBC Children in Need Appeal in once a year in November. The Appeal show is a whole evening of entertainment on BBC One with celebrities singing, dancing, and doing all sorts of crazy things to help raise money. This year it is on Friday 18 November and promises to be bigger and better than ever!
On Monday 26th September 2011 Armathwaite Hall Country House and Spa was awarded 4 red star status at the AA Hospitality Awards 2011-2012 hosted by Sophie Raworth at the London Hilton Park Lane.
Simon Steele, General Manager at Armathwaite Hall says “We are delighted to be recognised with the prestigious 4 AA Red Star status. This is a tremendous achievement for Armathwaite Hall and it is very much down to us having such a loyal and committed team who are dedicated to giving our guests an unforgettable experience.”
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The AA Awards are amongst the most prestigious national awards of their kind and draw on the unrivalled knowledge and expertise of the AA inspectorate and other industry professionals involved in the judging process.
The AA Hospitality Awards bring together some of the most influential people within the hospitality industry to recognise the outstanding accomplishments of high-achieving AA establishments and individuals. The award event also sees the launch of the 2012 AA guides to UK hotels and restaurants which contain details of all the winning establishments.
The Cumbria in Bloom Award, now known as Pride in your Community Award has been running for over 25 years promoting and encouraging the best visual improvement to the surroundings for the enjoyment and uplift of residents and visitors.
The effects of the awards has had huge benefits for Cumbria’s tourism, for regeneration in towns like Workington and Whitehaven and also with helping smaller communities typified by Kirkby Stephen who have worked hard to revitalise their own economies.
The ceremony, which was held at Morton Community Centre, Carlisle, on Monday 5th September 2011 was the culmination of months of hard work for competitors and judges.
A range of awards were presented from best container garden to larger projects such as towns and villages. Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa were very happy to collect the award for large hotel.
Alan Heath, Cumbria in Bloom chairman, said: “These awards really bring home what being part of a community is all about.
“The people who take part all say that entering the competition has brought their community together and helped them to develop community spirit.
“We see lots of happy faces and people taking part and enjoying themselves preparing for Cumbria In Bloom, which is really what it’s all about.
“I would like to pay tribute to everyone who entered this year, all the winners and the committee members and judges who give so much time and energy and without whom this would not be possible.”
TROPHIES
The Cumberland News Trophy for Tidy Village (small): Great Strickland
Sellafield Trophy, Tidy Village (large): Bothel and Houghton
Chairman’s Rose Bowl for Industry, Best Business Premises: CG Pitstop Garage, Broughton-in-Furness
Lakeland Limited Trophy, Best in Commercial: Cavendish Arms, Cartmel
Rose Lodge Rose Bowl, Best Residential Home: Newlands Nursing Home, Workington, 9 Oaks and Thornton House, Windermere, and Barras House, Dalston
Continental Landscapes Trophy, Special Category: Cartmel Allotments Association
Friends of Lake District Trophy, Best Sustainable Development: Morland and Cartmel
Doreen Parsons Young Persons Trophy, Best Project by Youngsters: Cartmel Primary School
Provincial Insurance Trophy, Churchyards: St Nicholas Gardens, Whitehaven
Community Champion, Outstanding Contribution to Cumbria: Michael Little, Whitehaven
CUMBRIA TOURISM TROPHIES
CTB Rose Bowl, Self Catering Establishments and Visitor Attractions: Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Estate
CTB Chairman’s Trophy, B&B/Guest House: The Willowsmere, Windermere
Jackie Sanderson Trophy, Hotel: Armathwaite Hall
VILLAGE PRESENTATIONS
Holmes of Natland Nurseryman’s Trophy, Best Hamlet: Baldwinholme
Windermere Lake Cruises Trophy, Best Small Village: Great Strickland
Strikes, Houghton Hall Trophy, Best Village: Cartmel
National Park Trophy, Best Large Village: Kirkby Stephen
TOWN PRESENTATIONS
Jennings Trophy, Best Small Town: Grange-over-Sands
Glaxo Trophy, Best Town: Windermere
NMP Trophy, Best Large Town: Whitehaven
Kimberley Clark Trophy, Best Overall Village: Great Strickland
Rickerby Ltd Trophy, Best Overall Town and Urban Community: Grange-over-Sands
SCHOOLS
Sheila Hensman Trophy, Best Overall School Garden: Moresby Primary School, Whitehaven
Edible Gardening: St Gregory’s & St Patrick’s, Whitehaven
Decorative Features: Ashfield Infant, Workington
Wildlife Habitats: Hensingham Primary, Whitehaven
Sensory/Quiet Garden: Moresby Primary, Whitehaven
Container garden: Moresby Primary
Rex Marsden Challenge Trophy: Moresby Primary
DISTRICT TROPHIES
Allerdale Trophy: Bothel
Copeland Shield: Brigg & Carleton
Eden Trophy: Kirkoswald
South Lakeland Trophy: Grange-over-Sands
South Lakeland Trophy, Award for Tourism: Rydal Hall
Barrow Trophy: Broughton-in-Furness
Cumbria County Council, Carlisle Local Committee Trophy: Barras House, Dalston
Bringing the London Olympics 27th July to 12th August 2012 to Cumbria
The Olympic Flame arrives to the UK from Greece on Friday 18 May 2012 following which there will be a torch relay starting at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of the 19th May 2012 concluding 70 days later at an estimated 8,000 miles at the opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium on 27th July 2012.
The Olympic flame will be visiting 74 locations around the country but will stop off twice in Cumbria, at Carlisle on 20th June and Bowness-on-Windermere on 21 June. The flame will be greeted with evenings of celebrations at both locations. The party atmosphere will include stage shows offering the opportunity to showcase local talent.”
Carlisle City Council leader Councillor Mike Mitchelson said it was fantastic news coming off the back of Radio 1′s Big Weekend being held in Carlisle and the focus that had brought to the city.”It’s a chance for our communities to get involved in the build up to the Olympics and take part in a local evening celebration. “It will also provide another boost to our local economy, as well as promoting the city and its key attractions to a global audience.”
South Lakeland District Council leader and Cumbria 2012 chairman Councillor Brendan Jameson said it was wonderful news. He said: “I firmly believe that it will be the biggest opportunity that Cumbria will ever have to market itself on the world stage. “The Olympic Games isn’t just about London, it isn’t just about the United Kingdom, it’s a world festival.”
London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games chairman Sebastian Coe said: “The Olympic flame will shine a light right across every nation and region of the UK and showcase the very best we have to offer”
Thousands of torchbearers are being recruited for the flame’s 70-day journey across the UK before the opening ceremony in London.
Whether you are joining in the Olympic celebrations or with to escape the for some peace and quiet, a relaxing break at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa in the beautiful English Lake District wins gold every time. To book call the hotel direct on telephone number 017687 76551 or visit the website http://www.armathwaite-hall.com The Spa can aslo be contacted for Spa days on telephone number 017687 88900 or view website http://www.luxuryspauk.co.uk
The consumption of afternoon tea increased dramatically in popularity during the early nineteenth century, when it is said that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford made the taking of tea fashionable. It is said that she complained of “having that sinking feeling” during the late afternoon when at the time it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day, breakfast and dinner at around 8 o’clock in the evening. A solution for the Duchess was a pot a tea and a light snack, taken privately in her room during the afternoon.
Recently the Afternoon tea has been somewhat forgotten with the surge of skinny lattes and creamy cappuccinos, but at Armathwaite Hall we are bringing it back to the 21st century. Our afternoon teas have come a long way from the cucumber sandwiches and one choice of tea. Today, afternoon tea is far more cosmopolitan with teas being imported from all over the world including Kenya, India, The Himalayas and China.
Guests at Armathwaite Hall can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 2pm-5pm at a cost of £18.50 per person. Bookings essential please call 017687 76551.
Full Afternoon Tea Menu
Selection of Sandwiches, Apple, Fruit, Plain or Cheese Scone with Jam & Clotted Cream. A selection of Cream Cakes & Tray Bakes & Homemade Biscuits refreshing panna cotta Pot of Tea or Coffee
We also have a lounge menu offering lighter bites and a comprehensive coffee and leaf tea menu
What people say….
‘My wife and I had afternoon tea at Armathwaite Hall. It was our fifty-sixth wedding anniversary, and I am happy to tell you that we could not have chosen a better way to celebrate it. The meal was delicious, and in fact we couldn’t manage to finish it all, but the waiter very kindly brought us a take-home box with the remainder — a very nice gesture. We were very impressed with the English traditional tea — it was the best cup of tea I have had in a long time. We would have no hesitation in recommending our friends to follow our example, because we’re sure they would find it as delightful as we did.’
Mr B.Barnes. Workington
Are you tough enough for the Bassenthwaite Lake Lakeland Triathlon?
Saturday August 13th 2011
1500m SWIM – 40Km BIKE – 10Km RUN
This Lakeland event is now in its third year, the collaboration between Tri Lakeland Triathlon Club and TriHard Events. The event is set over the Standard or Olympic Distance and includes 1500 swim, 40km bike ride and a 10km run.
The race is based at the beautifully located Bassenthwaite Sailing Club and starts on Saturday at 1pm. The swim will be a one lap swim in the lake from the slipway used by the boats. The bike route and run routes will be on the undulating roads around Bassenthwaite lake.
There will be a main open race together with a relay category (one swimmer, one cyclist, one runner). The race will be electronically timed by Race Timing Systems possibly the countries leading triathlon timing company.
If you are entering the event or indeed are a spectator, Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa is conveniently located only a mile away from the action offering luxury accommodation and an award winning Spa to help with last minute preparations and soothing spa treatments for a swift recovery!
Call the hotel to book accommodation on 017687 76551 or the Spa for treatments on 017687 88900
On Tuesday 5th June 2011 The Lakeland Book of the Year Awards 2011 was held at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa.
The annual event now in its 27 year recognises, encourages and celebrates writing and publishing in Cumbria. With each year, the awards continue to enrich the cultural profile of Cumbria while raising funds for worthy charities with Cumbrian connections.
Over 120 people attended the awards ceremony which was hosted by co-founder Hunter Davies, one of Britain’s most prolific authors. The Lakeland weather thought better of dampening the occasion, so that guests could enjoy a sparkling drinks reception on the Lime Trees garden terrace, followed by a three course lunch in the Broadwater Suite.
The judging panel including Hunter Davies, broadcaster Fiona Armstrong, Cumbrian author Kathleen Jones and writer and broadcaster Eric Robson. Chair of the judges, Hunter Davies commented that the competition this year was fiercer than ever, with a large number of well written and interesting books across a broad spectrum of subject matter.
The overall winner of the Hunter Davies Lakeland Book of the Year Awards 2011 was Cate Haste, a freelance television documentary producer and director, writer and broadcaster. She is married to Melvyn Bragg and divides her time between London and Cumbria.
Her book, Sheila Fell: A Passion for Paint, published by Lund Humphries, is the only publication in print on Fell, a Cumbrian painter who died tragically young in 1979, aged 48, after becoming one of the few women artists to gain national recognition in the 50s and 60s, and one of the youngest artists ever to be elected a Royal Academician in 1974.
Runners-up in the competition were Maryport by Edna Croft, a beautifully written memoir of growing up in Maryport in the 1950s; The Adventures of Henry Dent, Farmer, Poet, Gold Digger, Sawyer by Cathy Smith, who was inspired by an inscription on a Cumbrian tombstone to research the brief but fascinating life of a Cumbrian man who travelled far in the 1800s; and The Life and Times of an Ossick Lad by Geoffrey Elleray, the autobiography of a Great Urswick man recalling his lifetime from birth to the present day, including 39 years working at Vickers Shipyard in Barrow.
There were also five other winners across the different book categories.
The David Winkworth Prize for Illustration and Presentation winner – Stuart Roy Clarke, Cumbria Surrounded – Somewhere Across A Promised Land, a beautiful and witty collection of photographs of Cumbria by this talented photographer and founder of Ambleside’s former Homes of Football gallery.
The Michael Berry Prize for Guides, Walks and Places winner – Matthew Hyde, Cumbria: Pevsner’s Architectural Guide, based on the series written by Nikolaus Pevsner and featuring details of hundreds of buildings across Cumbria.
The Bill Rollinson Prize for Landscape and Tradition winner – Jane Renouf and Rob David of Ambleside Oral History Group, for Voices of the Lake District. A unique and fascinating collection of interviews with local people in the Lake District, recalling life in the area over the past century.
The Bookends Prize for Arts and Literature winner – Cate Haste, Sheila Fell: A Passion for Paint
The Saint & Co Prize for People and Business winner – Roger Wardale, Arthur Ransome: Master Storyteller.
This year the competition attracted 54 entries, including, for the first time, an ebook – on Furness Abbey, by Alice Leach.
