Traveling Cuisine
View allAll Photos Tagged catering_services
I caught this blue tilt flying in and out of its nest in a treehole, busily searching for insects to feed the youngs.
Built in 1825, this red brick mansion was once the home of William Sherman. He was credited with making the first massed produced nails in NY. The Briggs' purchased the property in the 1870s to be used as a funeral home. The front of the house is original. A middle section was added in 1890 and a rear section was added 40 years later. The house served as a funeral home until 2011. After that it was purchased to be used as a banquet hall (the Manor at Briggs Hall) with a catering service. Today there is a restaurant (Shermans) located inside as well. The building retains its magnificent winding staircase, Victorian chandeliers and other historic features. Located at 11 North Main Street in Homer, NY.
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, originally called the Hotel Utah, is named in honor of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. It is located on the corner of Main Street and South Temple in Salt Lake City. It is now a social center with three restaurants: The Roof Restaurant, The Garden Restaurant and The Nauvoo Cafe. It is also a venue for events complete with 13 banquet rooms, catering services, event coordinators and a full-service floral department - Flowers Squared. Several levels of the building also serve as administrative offices for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) departments such as FamilySearch. On January 3, 1978, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Hotel Utah
This view shows the north side of the 300 block of E. State St. looking east (right) from N. East Street (cross street). On the northeast corner of the intersection is the American Bankers Building, once the home of a large insurance company that occupied 32,000 sq. ft. on the first and second floors.
Constructed in 1920 in the Neoclassical style, the American Bankers Building is a contributing property in the Jacksonville Downtown Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is now occupied by Hamilton's Catering Service where the second floor has been converted into a 16,000 square foot meeting and banquet facility. The Jacksonville Convention & Visitors Bureau office is on the first floor, along with a bridal shop and professional offices. The other buildings in the 300 block of E. State St. will be looked at more closely in an upcoming post.
Located in West Central Illinois, thirty-five miles west of the State Capitol in Springfield, Jacksonville is the seat of Morgan County. The population of the city at the 2020 census was 18,267.
Built in 1825, this red brick mansion was once the home of William Sherman. He was credited with making the first massed produced nails in NY. The Briggs' purchased the property in the 1870s to be used as a funeral home. The front of the house is original. A middle section was added in 1890 and a rear section was added 40 years later. The house served as a funeral home until 2011. After that it was purchased to be used as a banquet hall (the Manor at Briggs Hall) with a catering service. Today there is a restaurant (Shermans) located inside as well. The building retains its magnificent winding staircase, Victorian chandeliers and other historic features. Located at 11 North Main Street in Homer, NY.
A view of the west half of the 300 block of E. State St., the easternmost block in the Jacksonville Downtown Historic District that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
The three buildings shown in this view from the alley to the northeast corner of E. State and N. East streets are contributing properties in the historic district.
From right to left the buildings are:
I.O.O.F. (Odd Fellows) Lodge, 312-316 E. State St.
Constructed in 1915, this Art Deco style building is still the home of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. There are three store-fronts on the lower level of this building, where the original facade has been clearly altered.
Unnamed Building, 310 E. State St.
This Italianate style commercial building dates to 1885. The lower level of the facade has been infilled with a glass and porcelain-enameled steel panels.
American Bankers Building, 300-304 E. State St.
Constructed in 1920 in the Neo-Classical style, the American Bankers Building was once the once the home of a large insurance company that occupied 32,000 sq. ft. on the first and second floors. Today it is occupied by Hamilton's Catering Service where the second floor has been converted into a 16,000 square foot meeting and banquet facility. The Jacksonville Convention & Visitors Bureau office is on the first floor, along with a bridal shop and professional offices. A full view of the south and west facades of this building appears in a previous post in this Jacksonville series.
Located in West Central Illinois, thirty-five miles west of the State Capitol in Springfield, Jacksonville is the seat of Morgan County. The population of the city at the 2020 census was 18,267.
Leacock Museum, Wedding & Event Venue
Exclusively Catered by Gourmade Thyme
Swanmore Hall (Leacock Cafe)
Exclusive Caterer to the Historic Leacock Museum, Orillia’s Favourite Lakeside Bistro.
Marie Brennan, the owner of Gourmade Thyme Catering, offers clients hand-crafted meals within the comforts of their own home as well as a variety of catering services for weddings, social events. Brennan’s skill and dedication can be seen and tasted as the exclusive Caterer for Orillia's premium lakeside bistro at the Historical Leacock Museum year after year, and we are very proud to have Gourmade Thyme join us once again to celebrate their 3rd year supporting our community, health and of course delicious food.
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Unermüdlich fliegen die Blaumeisen, um ihre Jungen zu füttern. Trotz des heftigen Regens und Sturms waren sie bisher erfolgreich. Hoffen wir, dass es so bleibt.
Give your eyes a trip to an enchanted land of beauty looking at:
www.flickr.com/photos/italamaria/
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These egrets are wild and elegant creatures, but also intelligent ones. They found out that every day around 7 PM they have dinner served, a catering service provided by their friends, the fishermen, so everyday they come around at this time and have a party.
A great party to you too dear Itala, on the 20 th of March !! I don't know if the egrets, where you are just now, speak portuguese or french but they will certainly understand you because your love for the animals transcends languages. Big hug !
TAKEN AT THE "BIENNALE ARTE" EXPOSITION IN VENICE 2012...
where arte and graphic, imagination and creativity take place...
Taken at the "corderie" one of the buildings where the exposition is located...
these windows are the original ones of the building...
The Venice Biennale was born by a resolution by the City Council on 19th April 1893, which proposed the founding of a “biennial national artistic exhibition” to take place in the following year, to celebrate the silver anniversary of King Umberto and Margherita of Savoy.
The event in fact took place two years later, opening on 30th April 1895.
Since 1999, the Biennale has been particuarly attentive to all the restoration works designed for the Arsenale, a complex urban estate of high historical importance, in order to plan a new functional exhibition arrangement in the areas conceded by the Demanio Militare.
50.000 square metres (25.000 of which of indoor space) of the South-East area of the Arsenale have become the stable site of the Biennale activities, with exhibition spaces such as: Corderie, Artiglierie, Gaggiandre, Tese Cinquecentesche, Tese delle Vergini.
Live performances have taken place at the Teatro alle Tese and at the Teatro Piccolo Arsenale.
These buildings were properly renewed, restoring shingles, plants and floorings, providing up-to-date and equipped services for visitors: ticket-offices, bookshops, catering services, control rooms.
The new Padiglione Italia, destined to the exhibitions promoted by The Ministry for Cultural Affairs, overlooks the Gaggiandre and the 16th century Tese on one side, and the Giardino delle Vergini on the other. It hosts Italian artists in a significantly enlarged and requalified structure (in 2009 the exhibition space was extended from 800 to 1800 square metres).
FOR MORE INFORMATIONS:
www.labiennale.org/en/art/history/
www.labiennale.org/en/biennale/venues/arsenale.html?back=...
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“It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera…
they are made with the eye, heart and head.”
[Henry Cartier Bresson]
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Please don't use any of my images on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit written permission.
© All rights reserved
At the EWR terminal (later the "North Terminal") in April 1970. In a 16 F/50 Y configuration, this 'mainline' aircraft accommodated fewer passengers than in some 'regional' jets as of 2020.
On a walk around the city with a Flickr friend to catch up with the Earthquake rebuild. August Christchurch New Zealand 2019.
The Antigua Boat Sheds have been a part of Christchurch’s history for over 130 years, and are classified as a Category 1 Historic Building. Conveniently located on the banks of the Avon River in the heart of the city and within 5 minutes’ walk of the Botanic Gardens, they are home to a traditional and iconic Christchurch pastime that retains all the trappings of Edwardian England, as well as to an excellent café and catering service. Watch our short movie below to get a feel for the Antigua Boat Sheds experience.
For More Info: boatsheds.co.nz/
El Parque Marítimo César Manrique es un complejo de 22.000 m² situado en la costa sur de la capital tinerfeña, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife - Islas Canarias.
En el mismo, el negro de la piedra volcánica contrasta con el azul de las aguas cristalinas y el verde de las palmeras y las flores que adornan el espacio. Las cascadas artificiales proporcionan sonido y relax a este lugar.
Obra póstuma del célebre artista lanzaroteño César Manrique, el Parque Marítimo de Santa Cruz de Tenerife fue inaugurado en 1995 convirtiéndose en un símbolo para la capital.
Para su diseño se utilizaron elementos naturales como rocas volcánicas, palmeras y plantas ornamentales junto a cascadas de agua salada. Todo ello aderezado con los inconfundibles juguetes de viento de César Manrique.
Además de sus 3 piscinas de agua salada cuenta con servicios de restauración, tiendas, vestuario, ludotecas, duchas y gimnasio además de servicios de alquiler de hamacas y sombrillas.
Las 2 piscinas principales, de agua salada y totalmente cristalina, cuentan con islas artificiales en su interior y la profundidad varía según la zona, habilitando el acceso a las mismas mediante rampas tipo playa o escaleras. Los paseos que las conectan a través del solárium están perfectamente acondicionados para carritos de bebés y sillas de ruedas, al igual que los vestuarios y resto de servicios. Además cuenta con una piscina infantil para que los peques puedan disfrutar del agua y las actividades infantiles en compañía de sus padres.
The César Manrique Maritime Park is a complex of 22,000 m² located on the south coast of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife - Canary Islands.
In it, the black of the volcanic stone contrasts with the blue of the crystalline waters and the green of the palm trees and the flowers that adorn the space. The artificial waterfalls provide sound and relax to this place.
Posthumous work by the famous artist from Lanzarote, César Manrique, the Maritime Park of Santa Cruz de Tenerife was inaugurated in 1995, becoming a symbol for the capital.
Natural elements such as volcanic rocks, palm trees and ornamental plants were used for their design alongside salt water cascades. All this seasoned with the unmistakable wind toys of César Manrique.
In addition to its 3 saltwater swimming pools it has catering services, shops, changing rooms, playrooms, showers and gym, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas.
The 2 main swimming pools, salt water and totally crystalline, have artificial islands inside and the depth varies according to the area, enabling access to them through beach ramps or stairs. The rides that connect them through the solarium are perfectly equipped for baby carriages and wheelchairs, as are the changing rooms and other services. It also has a children's pool so that children can enjoy water and children's activities in the company of their parents.
Selma, Al.
The White-Force Cottage, next door to Sturdivant Hall, was the home of Clem Billingslea White and his wife, Martha Todd. Ms. White was Mary Todd Lincoln's half-sister. This cottage is open for private parties only and houses Joyce Riley's Catering Service.
On your left you will notice several examples of
Victorian houses. White-Force Cottage is the
white frame house on your right at 811 Mabry Street.
It was the home of Martha Todd White, a half-sister to
Mary Todd Lincoln. Her husband was not a military
man so the couple was able to visit Washington D.C.
during the War Between the States. They were given
escorts through the Federal lines and were able to smug-gle
medical supplies back to the South. It was also the
home of Miss M.M. Force, Selma's first postmistress.
White-Force Cottage is used for special catered events.
The small white building next to White-Force Cottage
is the Fitts plantation pharmacy building constructed
between 1830 and 1840. It was used as a pharmacy
are open for tours daily except Sundays and Mondays.
Cross McLeod Avenue,
pulling over to your right at the corner.
On your right is Heritage Village, a project of our
local Historic Society. Located on this site are
the Gillis house (the larger house facing Mabry), the
McKinnon-Riggs doctor's office and the Calhoun law
office. The small green building in the back is known as
the Siegel servant's quarters. The gray structure to
the left and in front of the Siegel building is a turn-of-the-
century pigeon cote. These houses have been fully
renovated and are used for special events like the
photo by: Cunningham Group
On as walk around the city on a hot day in February 2022, Christchurch New Zealand.
The Antigua Boat Sheds have been a part of Christchurch’s history for over 130 years, and are classified as a Category 1 Historic Building. Conveniently located on the banks of the Avon River in the heart of the city and within 5 minutes’ walk of the Botanic Gardens, they are home to a traditional and iconic Christchurch pastime that retains all the trappings of Edwardian England, as well as to an excellent café and catering service.
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I was passing by their nesting site at Viivakallio, a small cliff out there, which I supposed to be empty as it usually is in the middle of August and was quite surprised to see two juveniles sitting there as if they would be waiting for catering service!
Maybe it is due to the cold spring and summer we had this year which might have delayed their nesting.
So I made a trip to check-out two other nesting-sites in their neighbourhood. Both sites were occupied, meaning three nests having residents on-site in late August!
Osprey
Kalasääski
Joutsa
Esperanté Corporate Center is one of West Palm Beach's premier commercial property. Having recently undergone an $8 million renovation, the building boasts an exclusive array of amenities and services that make it stand out from the competition. With convenient access to local highways, including I-95 and the turnpike, Esperanté Corporate Center is only a 30-minute drive from Boca Raton and Jupiter. Tenants are also in close proximity to a wide array of downtown area shopping and dining.
Gensler Architects has reworked Esperanté’s six-story atrium and second floor lobby with new escalators and a contemporary design, complemented by a complete rebranding of the building and refreshed complemented by a complete rebranding of the building and refreshed Nicole Henry, who will select and rotate pieces throughout the year.
A six-story atrium is ideal for hosting corporate events, and
the building also features a well-appointed conference center,
fitness club, and café that provides catering services.
Tenants arrive in their vehicles through the porte-cochere, where they are greeted by valet parking attendants, upgraded façade lighting, and a new sign program. State-of-the-art security, 24/7 lobby attendant, Wi-Fi in common areas, a well-appointed conference center, and an exclusive program of tenant services round out the changes.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
www.emporis.com/buildings/130871/esperante-west-palm-beac...
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
Esperanté Corporate Center is one of West Palm Beach's premier commercial properties. Having recently undergone an $8 million renovation, the building boasts an exclusive array of amenities and services that make it stand out from the competition. With convenient access to local highways, including I-95 and the turnpike, Esperanté Corporate Center is only a 30-minute drive from Boca Raton and Jupiter. Tenants are also in close proximity to a wide array of downtown area shopping and dining.
Gensler Architects has reworked Esperanté’s six-story atrium and second floor lobby with new escalators and a contemporary design, complemented by a complete rebranding of the building and refreshed complemented by a complete rebranding of the building and refreshed Nicole Henry, who will select and rotate pieces throughout the year.
A six-story atrium is ideal for hosting corporate events, and
the building also features a well-appointed conference center,
fitness club, and café that provides catering services.
Tenants arrive in their vehicles through the porte-cochere, where they are greeted by valet parking attendants, upgraded façade lighting, and a new sign program. State-of-the-art security, 24/7 lobby attendant, Wi-Fi in common areas, a well-appointed conference center, and an exclusive program of tenant services round out the changes.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
www.emporis.com/buildings/130871/esperante-west-palm-beac...
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
Esperanté Corporate Center is one of West Palm Beach's premier commercial properties. Having recently undergone an $8 million renovation, the building boasts an exclusive array of amenities and services that make it stand out from the competition. With convenient access to local highways, including I-95 and the turnpike, Esperanté Corporate Center is only a 30-minute drive from Boca Raton and Jupiter. Tenants are also in close proximity to a wide array of downtown area shopping and dining.
Gensler Architects has reworked Esperanté’s six-story atrium and second floor lobby with new escalators and a contemporary design, complemented by a complete rebranding of the building and refreshed complemented by a complete rebranding of the building and refreshed Nicole Henry, who will select and rotate pieces throughout the year.
A six-story atrium is ideal for hosting corporate events, and
the building also features a well-appointed conference center,
fitness club, and café that provides catering services.
Tenants arrive in their vehicles through the porte-cochere, where they are greeted by valet parking attendants, upgraded façade lighting, and a new sign program. State-of-the-art security, 24/7 lobby attendant, Wi-Fi in common areas, a well-appointed conference center, and an exclusive program of tenant services round out the changes.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
www.emporis.com/buildings/130871/esperante-west-palm-beac...
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
One of the illustrations I was hired by Active Ark to produce for the Finnish catering service Les Halles. Let me know what you think.
Link Love to Active Arc :)
Check them out
This is Pat.
She is the mother of my lifelong friend, Sue.
I've known her since I was a kid, when she was Mrs. Daley. But I grew up and Mrs. Daley became Pat. The mother of my lifelong friend became herself my lifelong friend.
She was the matriarch, the hub of the Daley clan, having 6 children herself.
Our group of friends used to have these enormous parties. Everyone would be there....my 70 yr. old aunt, the "old folks" in their 60's (Pat, et al), we young folk in our 30's....and the kids. The Daley clan would arrive carrying platters of food, with Pat saying oh I just thought I'd cook a ham, and a turkey, and some salads, and here's some brownies....
I used to see them marching in and announce to everyone "the catering service is here".
After my folks died, and I was single and pregnant with my son, Pat put her arms around me and said "this child is a gift". She showered Adam and me with her love which never ended.
I'm looking at this photo of only 6 years ago and thinking omg, so many changes in such a short time.
But the biggest change of all came in the wee hours of yesterday morning when, at age 95, Pat died.
I know you were ready to go, Pat. I know it's what you wanted.
I'm grateful for knowing you, I'm grateful I got to see you one last time to say good bye. I'm grateful for having had you in my life.
I know you're with Hank, and others you've loved, and I'm sure by now you are partying.
You will be missed, but you are in our hearts forever.
Rest in peace, dear dear Pat.
Party on. ❤️
mulan's family wants to make sure there is enough food coming in from the catering service..if not,then they can eat those roosters lol...
www.partyhelpgroup.com.au/services
We provide birthday Catering Services, Photograph, DJ's, Bar Services, food, great party and Home entertainment also. we can take care of all aspects of your event or wedding.
A Tea for the Tillerman
Acte 2
Tea Party Misadventure
One would never have guessed anything out of the ordinary would be occurring at Mum’s soiree that early summer afternoon as we all gathered on the back lawn, surrounded by our gardens.
It was a beautiful sunny day, not too warm, with a cooling breeze that hinted, but not yet threatened, rain.
The yard and garden look beautiful, trimmed and cleaned up by my father and my twin brother the days before. Neither one would be in attendance, having fled well before the guests' arrival to the sanctuary of our local, the Poet and Peasant Pub.
The “boys” were usually pressed into service to help out at Mum’s larger afternoon teas. But this time she was helping out a friend by hiring her cousin’s budding catering service.
The story actually began for Ginny and me at the pub when we nipped in for a quick pre-tea drink, catching up with my father and brother.
We wanted to show off the outfits that we were wearing to the two of them. There also was an ulterior motive. I was sweet on a lad named Bryon, who was one of the 2nd year Detective Constables under my Father’s command.
To my silent congratulations, I had guessed correctly that he would be there
Ginny was besotted over my brother, and the pair of lovebirds had already been a couple for some time, she just liked to keep him reminding him as to why.
Since Ginny and I were already going out to an evening wedding reception formal do the next evening, we decided on wearing the same outfits to the tea as sort of a trial run.
I had on a smart teal-coloured silk dress with the pleated knee-length skirt and a slick solid top with a mock turtleneck collar. The long sleeves flared out just before reaching my wrists. I was wearing my gold mesh necklace with matching semi-long earrings. Also being worn was my rhinestone cuff bracelet. The same one my brother once nicked from me at the very pub we were heading to. And that is another story I promise to tell. I also added two of my real gemstone cocktail rings to complete the glittery effect.
Ginny?
Well, our Ginny girl was smashing.
She had poured her lithe figure into the sleek satin Japanese style Qipao sheath dress she had bought to wear in a play she acted in last spring. It was midnight black with a brite lime green inner lining and tight lime green Lycra pants. The only decoration on the elegant dress was a glittery silver rhinestone Dragon, with green slanted eyes and a red fiery tongue. It was embroidered crawling up one side of the dress, reaching around up towards her bosom.
“Naughty Dragon.”
Ginny had green mascara above her eyes, around which she drew lines of black mascara to give them a slanted look. The whole effect looked a lot like Shirley Jackson did in the Michael Caine movie Gambit. Right up to the solid gold headpiece in Gunny’s reddish hair.
Ginny also had in her emerald drop earrings, along with her emerald bracelet and a fancy emerald cocktail ring.
But it was her necklace that stole the show.
The opulently handsome necklace was the estate auction-won long pendant that had neatly set her back a month's wages. We both had opened bids on it at the same time, with me immediately backing off so she would win it.
It was a very shimmery piece of jewellery, with its long rhinestone encrusted chain hanging past her breasts, ending with a dangling pendant which held a birds egg size synthetic oval-shaped emerald, surrounded by long rhinestone fringes that resembled the silver beard of the dragon on her dress.
It was a very striking effect, especially when it stopped swaying and hung straight down, appearing just out of reach from the grasping front rhinestone claw of the gem greedy dragon.
So dressed, the pair of us caused quite a stir as we causally entered the pub that late morning. With a lot of compliments and bugging out eyeballs sent our way.
After hanging out at the pub for a bit, my plan was accomplished(judging by the look on Bryon's face). I pried my brother off of Ginny(or was it the other way round?) and we took our leave and headed over to my parent’s house to help mum with any last-minute details for her tea.
We located my mum in the kitchen showing the head caterer the location of various items they would be using.
Ginny and I politely waited till she was through.
Mum then came over, fawning over the way we looked.
But my Mum was also looking exceptionally pretty that afternoon.
Her long red hair was up in an elegant bun, held by a deep blue rhinestone trimmed satin ribbon.
She wore the solid sky blue taffeta dress that shone with a tight sleekness along her still svelte figure. It was the same dress she had worn out earlier that week for my parent's anniversary” Date Night” dinner and show.
I loved that dress and relished in its feel as I had tried it on while we were out shopping for dresses. Mum is short and petite, like me so we are nearly the same size. I rather thought it looked good on me and was already planning on borrowing it.
The skirt was higher in front(below knees) than in the back where it was just above her ankles. The neckline of the dress was an open low scoop and had wavy ruffles running along its opening, the sleeves went to her elbows, ending in ruffles.
Missing were the 3/4 length satin gloves of deep blue she had also worn that anniversary evening.
Not missing, however, were the glittery diamonds she had worn out for that evening. Her really good jewels, the ones that everyone always asked for...
“They’re not real, right?”
But they were, the only real gemstones she owned, given to her by papa over several wedding anniversaries. My parent’s kept them in a safety deposit box in a city bank. Mum had cajoled Papa not to return them until after her tea, yearning to wear them to “show-off,” Just this once Honey” she had winningly purred.
The silver diamond set consisted of pierced earrings, set with 1 1/4 carat round stones with a full 2 carat pear-shaped larger stone dangling. The necklace was a silver chain with 5 round 1 1/4 caret diamonds in a v pattern. Hanging from the two end and middle round stones were three 3-carat pear-shaped diamonds, the same size as the ones swinging from her earrings. There was also a 3-carat pear-shaped diamond pinky ring(10 Anniversary gift) which mum was wearing on her right pinky. She also was wearing her diamond engagement and wedding bands.
Mum had cheerfully introduced us to the caterers. a small rag-tag crew of six, all girls. The owner, her black-dressed goth daughter, and four of the daughter’s similarly clad school chums.
They appeared very wet behind the ears as far as experience, but it was better than Ginny and I being pressed into helping serve, which had sometimes been the case previously.
When I was much younger mum actually had me wearing a black satin maids outfit with white frills to serve her guests tea and biscuits.
We were there in plenty of enough time to help greet the first arriving guests.
Soon Ginny and I were in the thicke of it, mingling in as more and more arrived. I don't think we had been there more than an hour before the tea was in full swing.
Now amongst the usual caste of characters, there was a lady(Sharie) from church who had her sister(Clarice) visiting up from London. She had asked if the sister could come, which of course she was more than welcome to attend.
Clarice had brought along her daughter, a lovely shy toddler named Claire, all 3 years old. An adorable, precocious blue-eyed imp with long gold tresses of gold hair.
Claire’s mum must have been told about how all the guests were dressing.
Clarice was wearing a short shiny floral patterned dress, an unadorned scooped neck with layered scalloped sleeves hanging just over her shoulders. Her jewels were a pair of silver chains hanging down from her neck, diamond stud earrings, and a diamond tennis bracelet, along with her pricey-looking engagement and wedding rings.
She had her daughter Clair dolled up in a long yellow lacy silk number with a black satin sash that held a round rhinestone pin. Along with a neat black velvet jacket. She wore what appeared to be genuine pearls, consisting of earrings along with a long dainty necklace.
The little darling was soon running around unheeded, tripping over herself in excitement to be on the loose.
I had always heard first-time mums were always ultra protective of their first born.
But not Clarice. She let her young daughter have the run of the place and figured others would keep an eye on the tyke.
And there were plenty of mothers in that group who did, at first, before it got old later on.
Ginny and I had been talking to Mum, Sharie, and Clarice when little Claire troll-loped back over to her mum.
Ginny happily picked up Claire, who was soon playing with my friend’s diamond pendant.
“Should ‘ave brought my nieces over to play with you..” Ginny chirped to the happy Lass, who answered by cooing out some words in an unknown toddler language.
The older three ladies moved off, leaving us alone, with Ginny still holding the huggy Claire.
It was soon after, that this grandmotherly-looking lady wearing glasses with big rose-coloured lenses, approached us.
Neither Ginny nor I recognized her.
She was wearing this long raw silk muddled brown garment, a long canvas purse over one hooded arm, with wood beads looking like miniature croquet balls, hanging from her neck, and perched on her head, a turban.
She seemed out of place with Mum’s crowd. I mean who wears a turban and wood beards to a dress-up tea?
She had come up to Ginny and admired our “just darlhing” outfits. Treating us like we were 14-year-olds instead of the twenty-something Ginny and I both were at the time.
Very annoying.
Stroking and caressing along my dress with clammy dime store ringed fingers, which she also used to finger my hair, as she bombarded us with questions.
Ginny had put down the wriggling Claire and was now politely listening.
As she reached up to admire Ginny’s necklace, I saw her beady fox-like eyes darting around.
She gushingly told us that we were the prettiest thing ever, and she would not be surprised to find the mother of ones so cute would also be pretty. She looked around.
“So which of these lovelies is are your mother’s, my sweethearts?”
She drew out her words while asking this in a silky, but still oddly demanding tone of voice.
Ginny shook her head, admitting her mum was out of town with her father on a re-election jaunt (Ginny’s mum is a local politician)
I obediently began to look around for mum, the whole while explaining she was the hostess. Finally, I saw her and pointed her out.
She laughed with a snort, attempting, but failing to produce, a friendly smile.
“I would have thought it was that fetching lady over there luv, wearing those pretty rubies...”
She said this while digging her fingers into my soft sleeve while pointing out a lady wearing a silvery slinking gown similar to the one I saw worn by the character Ana Steele in the movie Fifty Shades Darker.
“That is Mrs. Shannon,” Ginny said, correcting the lady for me, as all three of us looked over in that direction.
I noticed that Claire had made her way over to them, so much for us keeping an eye on the child.
Next to Mrs. Shannon was her 12-year-old daughter, a shy lass named Gabrielle. She was very pretty wearing a long silky cream dress that looked like a slip. A black velvet bolero jacket completed her look. She was also wearing real rubies like her mom. Though hers were a smaller version.
I figured that Claire had recognized a fellow child in Gabrielle and had gone over to play with her.
Indeed, Gabrielle had now captured Claire and was holding the toddler.
A girl named Estella, Gabrielle’s school chum, stood next to her, teasing Claire.
I shuddered.
If I had a daughter, Estella would be my last choice of a friend for her.
There was just something about that cheekily sly little imp that I just found to be unsettling.
But poor awkward Gabrielle had a hard time making friends. And I'm sure that Estella was only pretending to be one to take advantages of her rich classmate. Like being invited to parties like this
Gabrielle’s mum was totally clueless about this fact. And I’m sure encouraged the two to be friends.
But I do harbor a case in point.
Estella had a birthday party last summer. Inviting her like-minded friends, as well as Gabrielle. Gabrielle wore an expensive ring to the affair to compliment her party dress.
I was not surprised to hear the ring had been lost at the playground Estella had led them all off to during the party…
“Lost my eye.” I thought. “Probably was nicked right off her finger. Stolen during a game that had been specially chosen by the conniving Estella just to provide her with just that opportunity while playing it.
Anyway, With her long black hair straight Estella was wearing a black taffeta dress with verticle white stripes. She was wearing an eye-catching wide rhinestone dangling necklace and matching clip earrings. I recognized them as being borrowed from Gabrielle, who had worn them to Mum's tea party last year with her gold taffeta dress.
As I watched, Estella coached Claire to leave Gabrielle and come to her.
Gabrielle giggled nervously
Taking my eyes off them, I finally answered the wood bead lady
“Mrs. Shannon? No that’s not my mum. “
I assured her.
Mrs. Shannon was wearing some rather nice rubies, which wasn’t surprising seeing her husband is a snobby jeweler. But Mrs. Shannon was raven-haired, whereas I’m a natural redhead, like my mum. So I’m not sure where this wood bead-wearing lady was making a connection. “Wood Bead Lady,” I thought, giving her that name in my mind.
Then the lady, looking directly into my eyes, asked a most peculiar question as she massaged my side.
“Perhaps you could introduce me?” she asked indicating the group that was fawning over wee Claire…
(I will not be using the name given to us by the “Wood Bread Lady” for legal reasons)
Seeing we had no choice, we lead the “Wood Bead Lady” over to greet them and make the requested introductions.
As the “Wood Bead Lady” began fawning over Mrs. Shannon and the girls, I made an excuse for Ginny and me to leave them and greet newer guests.
Neither Ginny nor I gave that experience any more thought as we began to meet, greet and mingle in amongst the other gaily dressed and jewel bedecked females who were now arriving in force.
Next up the Acte 3
Tea Party Shenanigans
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A Tea for the Tillerman
Acte 2
Tea Party Misadventure
One would never have guessed anything out of the ordinary would be occurring at Mum’s soiree that early summer afternoon as we all gathered on the back lawn, surrounded by our gardens.
It was a beautiful sunny day, not too warm, with a cooling breeze that hinted, but not yet threatened, rain.
The yard and garden look beautiful, trimmed and cleaned up by my father and my twin brother the days before. Neither one would be in attendance, having fled well before the guests' arrival to the sanctuary of our local, the Poet and Peasant Pub.
The “boys” were usually pressed into service to help out at Mum’s larger afternoon teas. But this time she was helping out a friend by hiring her cousin’s budding catering service.
The story actually began for Ginny and me at the pub when we nipped in for a quick pre-tea drink, catching up with my father and brother.
We wanted to show off the outfits that we were wearing to the two of them. There also was an ulterior motive. I was sweet on a lad named Bryon, who was one of the 2nd year Detective Constables under my Father’s command.
To my silent congratulations, I had guessed correctly that he would be there
Ginny was besotted over my brother, and the pair of lovebirds had already been a couple for some time, she just liked to keep him reminding him as to why.
Since Ginny and I were already going out to an evening wedding reception formal do the next evening, we decided on wearing the same outfits to the tea as sort of a trial run.
I had on a smart teal-coloured silk dress with the pleated knee-length skirt and a slick solid top with a mock turtleneck collar. The long sleeves flared out just before reaching my wrists. I was wearing my gold mesh necklace with matching semi-long earrings. Also being worn was my rhinestone cuff bracelet. The same one my brother once nicked from me at the very pub we were heading to. And that is another story I promise to tell. I also added two of my real gemstone cocktail rings to complete the glittery effect.
Ginny?
Well, our Ginny girl was smashing.
She had poured her lithe figure into the sleek satin Japanese style Qipao sheath dress she had bought to wear in a play she acted in last spring. It was midnight black with a brite lime green inner lining and tight lime green Lycra pants. The only decoration on the elegant dress was a glittery silver rhinestone Dragon, with green slanted eyes and a red fiery tongue. It was embroidered crawling up one side of the dress, reaching around up towards her bosom.
“Naughty Dragon.”
Ginny had green mascara above her eyes, around which she drew lines of black mascara to give them a slanted look. The whole effect looked a lot like Shirley Jackson did in the Michael Caine movie Gambit. Right up to the solid gold headpiece in Gunny’s reddish hair.
Ginny also had in her emerald drop earrings, along with her emerald bracelet and a fancy emerald cocktail ring.
But it was her necklace that stole the show.
The opulently handsome necklace was the estate auction-won long pendant that had neatly set her back a month's wages. We both had opened bids on it at the same time, with me immediately backing off so she would win it.
It was a very shimmery piece of jewellery, with its long rhinestone encrusted chain hanging past her breasts, ending with a dangling pendant which held a birds egg size synthetic oval-shaped emerald, surrounded by long rhinestone fringes that resembled the silver beard of the dragon on her dress.
It was a very striking effect, especially when it stopped swaying and hung straight down, appearing just out of reach from the grasping front rhinestone claw of the gem greedy dragon.
So dressed, the pair of us caused quite a stir as we causally entered the pub that late morning. With a lot of compliments and bugging out eyeballs sent our way.
After hanging out at the pub for a bit, my plan was accomplished(judging by the look on Bryon's face). I pried my brother off of Ginny(or was it the other way round?) and we took our leave and headed over to my parent’s house to help mum with any last-minute details for her tea.
We located my mum in the kitchen showing the head caterer the location of various items they would be using.
Ginny and I politely waited till she was through.
Mum then came over, fawning over the way we looked.
But my Mum was also looking exceptionally pretty that afternoon.
Her long red hair was up in an elegant bun, held by a deep blue rhinestone trimmed satin ribbon.
She wore the solid sky blue taffeta dress that shone with a tight sleekness along her still svelte figure. It was the same dress she had worn out earlier that week for my parent's anniversary” Date Night” dinner and show.
I loved that dress and relished in its feel as I had tried it on while we were out shopping for dresses. Mum is short and petite, like me so we are nearly the same size. I rather thought it looked good on me and was already planning on borrowing it.
The skirt was higher in front(below knees) than in the back where it was just above her ankles. The neckline of the dress was an open low scoop and had wavy ruffles running along its opening, the sleeves went to her elbows, ending in ruffles.
Missing were the 3/4 length satin gloves of deep blue she had also worn that anniversary evening.
Not missing, however, were the glittery diamonds she had worn out for that evening. Her really good jewels, the ones that everyone always asked for...
“They’re not real, right?”
But they were, the only real gemstones she owned, given to her by papa over several wedding anniversaries. My parent’s kept them in a safety deposit box in a city bank. Mum had cajoled Papa not to return them until after her tea, yearning to wear them to “show-off,” Just this once Honey” she had winningly purred.
The silver diamond set consisted of pierced earrings, set with 1 1/4 carat round stones with a full 2 carat pear-shaped larger stone dangling. The necklace was a silver chain with 5 round 1 1/4 caret diamonds in a v pattern. Hanging from the two end and middle round stones were three 3-carat pear-shaped diamonds, the same size as the ones swinging from her earrings. There was also a 3-carat pear-shaped diamond pinky ring(10 Anniversary gift) which mum was wearing on her right pinky. She also was wearing her diamond engagement and wedding bands.
Mum had cheerfully introduced us to the caterers. a small rag-tag crew of six, all girls. The owner, her black-dressed goth daughter, and four of the daughter’s similarly clad school chums.
They appeared very wet behind the ears as far as experience, but it was better than Ginny and I being pressed into helping serve, which had sometimes been the case previously.
When I was much younger mum actually had me wearing a black satin maids outfit with white frills to serve her guests tea and biscuits.
We were there in plenty of enough time to help greet the first arriving guests.
Soon Ginny and I were in the thicke of it, mingling in as more and more arrived. I don't think we had been there more than an hour before the tea was in full swing.
Now amongst the usual caste of characters, there was a lady(Sharie) from church who had her sister(Clarice) visiting up from London. She had asked if the sister could come, which of course she was more than welcome to attend.
Clarice had brought along her daughter, a lovely shy toddler named Claire, all 3 years old. An adorable, precocious blue-eyed imp with long gold tresses of gold hair.
Claire’s mum must have been told about how all the guests were dressing.
Clarice was wearing a short shiny floral patterned dress, an unadorned scooped neck with layered scalloped sleeves hanging just over her shoulders. Her jewels were a pair of silver chains hanging down from her neck, diamond stud earrings, and a diamond tennis bracelet, along with her pricey-looking engagement and wedding rings.
She had her daughter Clair dolled up in a long yellow lacy silk number with a black satin sash that held a round rhinestone pin. Along with a neat black velvet jacket. She wore what appeared to be genuine pearls, consisting of earrings along with a long dainty necklace.
The little darling was soon running around unheeded, tripping over herself in excitement to be on the loose.
I had always heard first-time mums were always ultra protective of their first born.
But not Clarice. She let her young daughter have the run of the place and figured others would keep an eye on the tyke.
And there were plenty of mothers in that group who did, at first, before it got old later on.
Ginny and I had been talking to Mum, Sharie, and Clarice when little Claire troll-loped back over to her mum.
Ginny happily picked up Claire, who was soon playing with my friend’s diamond pendant.
“Should ‘ave brought my nieces over to play with you..” Ginny chirped to the happy Lass, who answered by cooing out some words in an unknown toddler language.
The older three ladies moved off, leaving us alone, with Ginny still holding the huggy Claire.
It was soon after, that this grandmotherly-looking lady wearing glasses with big rose-coloured lenses, approached us.
Neither Ginny nor I recognized her.
She was wearing this long raw silk muddled brown garment, a long canvas purse over one hooded arm, with wood beads looking like miniature croquet balls, hanging from her neck, and perched on her head, a turban.
She seemed out of place with Mum’s crowd. I mean who wears a turban and wood beards to a dress-up tea?
She had come up to Ginny and admired our “just darlhing” outfits. Treating us like we were 14-year-olds instead of the twenty-something Ginny and I both were at the time.
Very annoying.
Stroking and caressing along my dress with clammy dime store ringed fingers, which she also used to finger my hair, as she bombarded us with questions.
Ginny had put down the wriggling Claire and was now politely listening.
As she reached up to admire Ginny’s necklace, I saw her beady fox-like eyes darting around.
She gushingly told us that we were the prettiest thing ever, and she would not be surprised to find the mother of ones so cute would also be pretty. She looked around.
“So which of these lovelies is are your mother’s, my sweethearts?”
She drew out her words while asking this in a silky, but still oddly demanding tone of voice.
Ginny shook her head, admitting her mum was out of town with her father on a re-election jaunt (Ginny’s mum is a local politician)
I obediently began to look around for mum, the whole while explaining she was the hostess. Finally, I saw her and pointed her out.
She laughed with a snort, attempting, but failing to produce, a friendly smile.
“I would have thought it was that fetching lady over there luv, wearing those pretty rubies...”
She said this while digging her fingers into my soft sleeve while pointing out a lady wearing a silvery slinking gown similar to the one I saw worn by the character Ana Steele in the movie Fifty Shades Darker.
“That is Mrs. Shannon,” Ginny said, correcting the lady for me, as all three of us looked over in that direction.
I noticed that Claire had made her way over to them, so much for us keeping an eye on the child.
Next to Mrs. Shannon was her 12-year-old daughter, a shy lass named Gabrielle. She was very pretty wearing a long silky cream dress that looked like a slip. A black velvet bolero jacket completed her look. She was also wearing real rubies like her mom. Though hers were a smaller version.
I figured that Claire had recognized a fellow child in Gabrielle and had gone over to play with her.
Indeed, Gabrielle had now captured Claire and was holding the toddler.
A girl named Estella, Gabrielle’s school chum, stood next to her, teasing Claire.
I shuddered.
If I had a daughter, Estella would be my last choice of a friend for her.
There was just something about that cheekily sly little imp that I just found to be unsettling.
But poor awkward Gabrielle had a hard time making friends. And I'm sure that Estella was only pretending to be one to take advantages of her rich classmate. Like being invited to parties like this
Gabrielle’s mum was totally clueless about this fact. And I’m sure encouraged the two to be friends.
But I do harbor a case in point.
Estella had a birthday party last summer. Inviting her like-minded friends, as well as Gabrielle. Gabrielle wore an expensive ring to the affair to compliment her party dress.
I was not surprised to hear the ring had been lost at the playground Estella had led them all off to during the party…
“Lost my eye.” I thought. “Probably was nicked right off her finger. Stolen during a game that had been specially chosen by the conniving Estella just to provide her with just that opportunity while playing it.
Anyway, With her long black hair straight Estella was wearing a black taffeta dress with verticle white stripes. She was wearing an eye-catching wide rhinestone dangling necklace and matching clip earrings. I recognized them as being borrowed from Gabrielle, who had worn them to Mum's tea party last year with her gold taffeta dress.
As I watched, Estella coached Claire to leave Gabrielle and come to her.
Gabrielle giggled nervously
Taking my eyes off them, I finally answered the wood bead lady
“Mrs. Shannon? No that’s not my mum. “
I assured her.
Mrs. Shannon was wearing some rather nice rubies, which wasn’t surprising seeing her husband is a snobby jeweler. But Mrs. Shannon was raven-haired, whereas I’m a natural redhead, like my mum. So I’m not sure where this wood bead-wearing lady was making a connection. “Wood Bead Lady,” I thought, giving her that name in my mind.
Then the lady, looking directly into my eyes, asked a most peculiar question as she massaged my side.
“Perhaps you could introduce me?” she asked indicating the group that was fawning over wee Claire…
(I will not be using the name given to us by the “Wood Bread Lady” for legal reasons)
Seeing we had no choice, we lead the “Wood Bead Lady” over to greet them and make the requested introductions.
As the “Wood Bead Lady” began fawning over Mrs. Shannon and the girls, I made an excuse for Ginny and me to leave them and greet newer guests.
Neither Ginny nor I gave that experience any more thought as we began to meet, greet and mingle in amongst the other gaily dressed and jewel bedecked females who were now arriving in force.
Next up the Acte 3
Tea Party Shenanigans
The Enterprise Building at the University of Lincoln, on Ropewalk in Lincoln, Lincolnshire.
It was built to help start up business, be that from students or locals. It includes meeting rooms, catering services, reception & post services and a Café.
It is home of the Lincoln Entrepreneurial Society who meet once a month with Guest Speakers, these are usually inspirational business owners, an expert in an area of interest or a business doing something particularly innovative or entrepreneurial.
It was launched in 2002 as a centre to help support the careers of the high-calibre creative industry students, graduating from the University of Lincoln.
Sparkhouse took advantage of its location by restoring an expanding on an early 20th century railway building to provide space for six initial businesses.
By the end of 2003 Sparkhouse had been recognised and accredited as a ‘Best Practice’ incubator by UK Business Incubation (UKBI) and in addition came runner up in their national ‘Best Newcomer’ award
Sparkhouse is located within the Enterprise@Lincoln building, Lincoln’s first BREEAM Excellent rated building. It has a number of visible sustainable design features including a Sedum ‘Green’ roof incorporating wind cowls and photovoltaic panels and overhanging pods that provide solar shading to the south-facing façades. All materials used in the building’s construction are sustainably sourced and the building has been designed to be fully recyclable.
Information Sources:
uolcareers.co.uk/students-graduates/jobs-employment-optio...
Whether it is party, catering, Bar services, Home Entertainment & photographer, we do it all.If you're interested in Rookies Sports Bar and Grill catering services please fill out this inquiry form and we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your next function.
The Enterprise Building at the University of Lincoln, on Ropewalk in Lincoln, Lincolnshire.
It was built to help start up business, be that from students or locals. It includes meeting rooms, catering services, reception & post services and a Café.
It is home of the Lincoln Entrepreneurial Society who meet once a month with Guest Speakers, these are usually inspirational business owners, an expert in an area of interest or a business doing something particularly innovative or entrepreneurial.
It was launched in 2002 as a centre to help support the careers of the high-calibre creative industry students, graduating from the University of Lincoln.
Sparkhouse took advantage of its location by restoring an expanding on an early 20th century railway building to provide space for six initial businesses.
By the end of 2003 Sparkhouse had been recognised and accredited as a ‘Best Practice’ incubator by UK Business Incubation (UKBI) and in addition came runner up in their national ‘Best Newcomer’ award
Sparkhouse is located within the Enterprise@Lincoln building, Lincoln’s first BREEAM Excellent rated building. It has a number of visible sustainable design features including a Sedum ‘Green’ roof incorporating wind cowls and photovoltaic panels and overhanging pods that provide solar shading to the south-facing façades. All materials used in the building’s construction are sustainably sourced and the building has been designed to be fully recyclable.
Information gained from
&
uolcareers.co.uk/students-graduates/jobs-employment-optio...
DART upgrade
Upgrade from the usual DART to work this morning due to a bridge strike at Grand Canal Dock.
The 07.54 comutter service from Grand Canal Dock to Drogheda, usually non stop from Connolly to Howth Junction served all northbound stations due to DART distuption. #irishrail #train #upgrade #irishyoghurts #kefir #dart #iarnodeireann
Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) 22000 Class InterCity Railcar (ICR), built by Hyundai Rotem, as there’s no specific "Class 29" associated with Irish Rail in available records. The 22000 Class, often referred to as the ICR, is a diesel multiple unit (DMU) that has been a cornerstone of Irish Rail’s InterCity and commuter services since its introduction in 2007.
The 22000 Class ICR was manufactured by Hyundai Rotem of South Korea, in partnership with Mitsui of Japan and Tokyu Car Corporation, which supplied the bogies, at a cost of approximately €400 million. The fleet was introduced to replace older locomotive-hauled carriages, such as the British Rail Mark 2 and Mark 3, and began service between 2007 and 2011. The initial order of 120 vehicles was expanded to 234 by 2008, with an additional 41 intermediate cars ordered in 2019 for delivery between 2021 and 2023. These railcars operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h (100 mph) and serve most InterCity routes from Dublin (except Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Belfast, which also use other rolling stock) and commuter services to destinations like Portlaoise, Carlow, Athlone, Dundalk, Kildare, Longford, and Mallow. The fleet is configured in 3, 4, and 5-car sets to provide flexibility for varying passenger demands, with a total of 63 sets (28 three-car, 25 four-car, and 10 five-car) as of recent updates.
The 22000 Class features modern amenities designed for passenger comfort, including air-conditioning, LED destination signs, power sockets, and USB ports added during a 2019-2022 refurbishment that also replaced cloth seats with leather to reduce maintenance costs. Each train includes a multipurpose area with flip-up seats and bicycle storage, though the newer intermediate cars lack toilets, as existing carriages already have them. The railcars are equipped with open gangways for easy movement between coaches, fixed tables, and non-reclining seats in standard class. Catering services, once provided by Rail Gourmet, were discontinued in 2020, but a contactless-only catering service was introduced on the Dublin-Cork route in 2023. The trains have faced challenges, including corrosion damage on two units (22010 and 22011) during delivery, which were replaced by Rotem, and incidents like deer strikes and a collision with a timber train in 2025, causing minor to significant damage to specific units.
Operationally, the 22000 Class has transformed Irish Rail’s network by enabling faster, more frequent services compared to the older locomotive-hauled stock. For example, Dublin to Galway and Limerick journeys now take around 2 hours 45 minutes, with improved timetables since the ICR’s introduction. The railcars are maintained at the Portlaoise Traincare Depot, where Irish Rail provided access for detailed modeling by Irish Railway Models for a 2024 OO-gauge release. Efforts to improve fuel efficiency include engine shutdown modifications in 2008 and a trial of ZF transmissions in 2018, targeting up to 19% fuel savings. The 22000 Class remains a critical asset for Irish Rail, supporting both InterCity and commuter services while aligning with plans for network expansion under the National Development Plan 2021-2030.
An amazingly fine item of railway ephemera this - a small but beautifully produced booklet giving details and timetables of the LMSR's dining car facilities on their routes from London Euston and St. Pancras stations north and on services from the West Country to Scotland. It was produced and printed for them by the Manchester printers Charles Seyer Ltd and features die-cut covers that mimic a Restaurant Car's windows revealing the four diners being waited upon by the Car Attendant.
All mainline railway companies at the time operated extensive catering services especially on long distance trains when, with 'slower' average journey times, dining on-board was standard practice for both First and Third Class passengers. The LMSR also inherited the old pre-Grouping Midland Railway's high standards as such facilities were heavily promoted on the longer, slower Anglo-Scottish services that ran via their Settle-Carlisle line onto GSWR metals at Carlisle.
An amazingly fine item of railway ephemera this - a small but beautifully produced booklet giving details and timetables of the LMSR's dining car facilities on their routes from London Euston and St. Pancras stations north and on services from the West Country to Scotland. It was produced and printed for them by the Manchester printers Charles Seyer Ltd and features die-cut covers that mimic a Restaurant Car's windows revealing the four diners being waited upon by the Car Attendant.
All mainline railway companies at the time operated extensive catering services especially on long distance trains when, with 'slower' average journey times, dining on-board was standard practice for both First and Third Class passengers. The LMSR also inherited the old pre-Grouping Midland Railway's high standards as such facilities were heavily promoted on the longer, slower Anglo-Scottish services that ran via their Settle-Carlisle line onto GSWR metals at Carlisle.
Deutschland / Sachsen - Basteibrücke
The Bastei is a rock formation rising 194 metres above the Elbe River in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Germany. Reaching a height of 305 metres above sea level, the jagged rocks of the Bastei were formed by water erosion over one million years ago. They are situated near Rathen, not far from Pirna southeast of the city of Dresden, and are the major landmark of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. They are also part of a climbing and hiking area that extends over the borders into the Bohemian Switzerland (Czech Republic).
The Bastei has been a tourist attraction for over 200 years. In 1824, a wooden bridge was constructed to link several rocks for the visitors. This bridge was replaced in 1851 by the present Bastei Bridge made of sandstone. The rock formations and vistas have inspired numerous artists, among them Caspar David Friedrich ("Felsenschlucht")
The spa town of Rathen is the main base for visiting the Bastei; the town can be reached from Dresden by paddle steamer on the river Elbe.
History
The name Bastei ("bastion") indicates the inclusion of the steep, towering rocks in the old defensive ring around Neurathen Castle. In 1592 the rock is first mentioned by Matthias Oeder in the course of the first state survey by the Electorate of Saxony as Pastey. As the region of Saxon Switzerland was explored and developed for tourism, the Bastei rocks became one of its first tourist attractions. Its lookout point was first referred to in travel literature in 1798 in a publication by Christian August Gottlob Eberhard. One of the first walking guides who took visitors to the Bastei was Carl Heinrich Nicolai, who wrote in 1801: "What depth of feeling it pours into the soul! You can stand here for a long time without being finished with it (…) it is so difficult to tear yourself away from this spot."
To begin with, the Bastei was only comparatively easily accessible from Wehlen and Lohmen. Numerous artists reached the Bastei over the so-called Painter's Path, the Malerweg. Caspar David Friedrich painted his famous picture Felsenpartie im Elbsandsteingebirge ("Rocks in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains") based on the Bastei. Ludwig Richter also sketched the Bastei. From Rathen, access used to be more difficult; but in 1814 a staircase with 487 steps was laid that climbed out of the Wehlgrund valley past the Vogeltelle to the rocks.
At Pentecost in 1812, the Lohmen butcher, Pietzsch, started the first catering services for visitors to the Bastei. From two simple huts he sold bread, butter, beer, brandy, coffee and milk. Two years later a kitchen and a cellar were built below one of the rock overhangs and the lookout point was fitted with a railing. In February 1816, Pietzsch was given a licence to sell spirits; unfortunately the modest huts he had built were destroyed in a fire in September that same year. In June 1819, August von Goethe reported: "Friendly huts and good service with coffee, double beer, spirits and fresh bread and butter really revived the tired wanderer ...". In 1820, the spirit licence went to the Rathen judge (Erblehnrichter), Schedlich.
The development of the Bastei was given significant impetus in 1826. That year, the first solid inn building was erected with overnight accommodation, based on plans by Gottlob Friedrich Thormeyer. From then on the old huts acted as night quarters for the walking guides. The first bridge, called Bastei Bridge (Basteibrücke), was built of wood over the deep clefts of the Mardertelle, linking the outer rock shelf of the Bastei with the Steinschleuder and Neurathener Felsentor rocks. In 1851, the wooden bridge was replaced by a sandstone bridge, due to the steady increase in visitors, that is still standing today. It is 76.5 m long and its seven arches span a ravine 40 m deep.
At the end of the 19th century, the Bastei finally developed into the main attraction of Saxon Switzerland. The existing inn was completely converted and extended in 1893/94. A high pressure water main was laid to it in 1895 and a telephone line in 1897. Around 1900, plans were laid for the construction of a mountain railway from the Elbe Valley to the Bastei, but these did not come to fruition. Even today a ravine southwest of the Bastei is known as the Eisenbahngründel ("Little Railway Valley"). At the beginning of the 20th century, the Bastei road was widened to handle the growing motorisation.
After 1945 the number of visitors increased sharply again, especially at weekends and public holidays, as the Bastei became a place of mass tourism. Between 1975 and 1979 the former inn was replaced by a large, new building, later a hotel.
Tourism
The Bastei is one of the most prominent lookout points in Saxon Switzerland. In 1819 August von Goethe extolled the views: "Here, from where you see right down to the Elbe from the most rugged rocks, where a short distance away the crags of the Lilienstein, Königstein and Pffafenstein stand scenically together and the eye takes in a sweeping view that can never be described in words." Today the Bastei still has the highest number of visitors of all the lookout points in Saxon Switzerland.
In addition to the actual vista, there are also other points of interest. At the Jahrhundertturm, a rock pinnacle on the Bastei Bridge, there are tablets commemorating the first mention of the Bastei in travel literature (in 1797) as well as the memory of Wilhelm Lebrecht Götzinger and Carl Heinrich Nicolai. These last two were amongst the pioneers of tourism in Saxon Switzerland, thanks to their descriptions of their journeys and their other works. Another tablet commemorates the Saxon court photographer, Hermann Krone, who took the first landscape photographs in Germany at the Bastei Bridge in 1853. From the Ferdinandstein, part of the Wehltürme rock towers, there is a famous view of the Bastei Bridge. It is reached over a branch from the route to the bridge. Another well-known rock formation in the vicinity of the Bastei is the Wartturm, a large piece of which broke off in 2000.
Neurathen Castle, the largest rock castle in Saxon Switzerland, may be reached from the Bastei by crossing the Bastei Bridge. The ruins of the castle, some timber rebates, rooms carved out of the rock, a cistern and stone shot from a medieval catapult or slingshot may be viewed on a self-conducted circular walk. A replica slingshot was put on display in the castle in 1986. The finds from excavations in the area, especially pottery, can also be seen. The climb from Rathen to the Bastei runs past an open-air museum dedicated to Slavic settlement in the region and also past the path leading to the Rathen Open Air Stage.
Another famous landmark in the local area is the fortress of Königstein.
The Eisenach–Budapest mountain path runs over the Bastei.
Nature conservation
As early as the turn of the 20th century, nature conservationists were pressing for the protection of the unique rock landscape around the Bastei. Plans for the construction of a mountain railway were thus prevented. In 1938 the Bastei became the first nature reserve in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Today it is part of the core zone of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, in which especially strict conservation rules apply.
(Wikipedia)
Die Bastei (305 m ü. NHN) ist eine Felsformation mit Aussichtsplattform in der Sächsischen Schweiz am rechten Ufer der Elbe auf dem Gebiet der Gemeinde Lohmen zwischen dem Kurort Rathen und Stadt Wehlen. Sie zählt zu den meistbesuchten Touristenattraktionen der Sächsischen Schweiz. Von der Bastei fällt das schmale Felsriff über 194 m steil zur Elbe ab. Sie bietet eine weite Aussicht ins Elbtal und über das Elbsandsteingebirge. Auf der Hochfläche hinter der Bastei befindet sich ein Hotel mit Restaurant.
Geschichte
Schon der Name Bastei zeigt die frühere Einbindung der steil aufragenden Felsen in den Verteidigungsring der Felsenburg Neurathen an. 1592 wird der Fels erstmals durch Matthias Oeder im Zuge der Ersten Kursächsischen Landesaufnahme als Pastey erwähnt. Im Zuge der Entdeckung und touristischen Erschließung der Sächsischen Schweiz entwickelte sich der Basteifelsen zu einem der ersten Ausflugsziele. In der Reiseliteratur wird der Aussichtspunkt erstmals 1798 in einer Veröffentlichung von Christian August Gottlob Eberhard genannt. Einer der ersten Wanderführer, der Gäste zur Bastei führte, war Carl Heinrich Nicolai, der 1801 schrieb: Welche hohe Empfindungen gießt das in die Seele! Lange steht man, ohne mit sich fertig zu werden (…) schwer reißt man sich von dieser Stelle fort.
Anfangs war die Bastei nur von Wehlen und Lohmen vergleichsweise gut erreichbar. Über den Malerweg erreichten zahlreiche Künstler die Bastei. Caspar David Friedrich malte nach Basteimotiven sein bekanntes Bild Felsenpartie im Elbsandsteingebirge. Auch Ludwig Richter zeichnete an der Bastei. Von Rathen aus war der Zugang schwieriger, seit 1814 führte eine Treppe mit 487 Stufen von hier aus dem Wehlgrund über die „Vogeltelle“ auf den Fels.
Zu Pfingsten 1812 begann der Lohmener Fleischer Pietzsch mit der ersten gastronomischen Versorgung der Basteibesucher. In zwei Rindenhütten wurden Brot, Butter, Bier, Branntwein, Kaffee und Milch angeboten. Zwei Jahre später entstanden unterhalb eines Felsüberhanges eine Küche sowie ein Keller, die Aussichtsplattform erhielt ein Geländer. Im Februar 1816 erhielt Pietzsch eine Schankkonzession, allerdings wurden die von ihm errichteten bescheidenen Bauten im September des gleichen Jahres bei einem Brand vernichtet. Im Juni 1819 berichtet August von Goethe: „Freundl. Hütten und gute Bewirthung mit Caffe Doppelbier liquer u. frischem Butterbrod erquickten den müden Wanderer sehr …“ 1820 ging die Schankkonzession an den Rathener Erblehnrichter Schedlich über.
Entscheidende Entwicklungsimpulse ergaben sich 1826. In diesem Jahr entstand nach Plänen von Gottlob Friedrich Thormeyer das erste feste Gaststättengebäude mit Übernachtungsmöglichkeiten. Die alten Rindenhütten dienten fortan als Nachtquartiere der Wanderführer. Unter dem Namen „Basteibrücke“ entstand zudem eine erste hölzerne, über die bis zu 40 m tiefen Klüfte der „Mardertelle“ gebaute Brücke, welche die Bastei vom vorgelagerten Felsriff mit den Felsen „Steinschleuder“ und „Neurathener Felsentor“ verband. 1850/51 wurde diese Holzbrücke aufgrund Baufälligkeit durch die noch heute bestehende sandsteinerne Brücke ersetzt. Sie hat eine Länge von 76,5 m und überspannt mit sieben Bögen die „Mardertelle“. Die Baukosten der Brücke beliefen sich auf knapp 9.200 Taler. Mit der ebenfalls 1850/51 erfolgten Inbetriebnahme der Elbtalbahn entwickelte sich die Bastei endgültig zum Hauptausflugsziel der Sächsischen Schweiz, da die Aussicht von Stadt Wehlen bzw. von Rathen aus nun im Rahmen eines Halbtagesausflugs bequem erreichbar war.
Mit den steigenden Besucherzahlen erfolgte der schrittweise Ausbau der vorhandenen Baulichkeiten. Das Gasthaus wurde um ein Remisengebäude (1858), einen Sommersalon (1869) sowie ein Waschhaus (1870) erweitert. Seit 1877 bestand eine Telegraphenstation samt Postagentur auf der Bastei. Der Betreiber des Gasthauses ließ zudem 1858 einen knapp 17 m hohen hölzernen Aussichtsturm errichten, der aufgrund Baufälligkeit aber Anfang der 1930er Jahre abgetragen wurde.
1880/81 kam die Idee einer Drahtseilbahn auf, die östlich der Bastei durch eine Schlucht von der Elbe zum Felsmassiv geführt werden sollte. Die Planungen scheiterten am Widerstand aus der Bevölkerung und dem sächsischen Königshaus sowie aufgrund ungeklärter Grundstücksfragen. Die zum Bau vorgesehene Schlucht trägt noch heute den Namen Eisenbahnergründel.
Die bestehende Gaststätte wurde 1893/94 komplett umgebaut und erweitert. Zur Versorgung wurden eine Hochdruckwasserleitung (1895) und eine Fernsprechleitung (1897) verlegt. In Nachbarschaft der Gaststätte entstand um 1905 das heute noch bestehende Schweizerhaus im Schweizerstil. Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts wurde die Basteistraße im Zuge der steigenden Motorisierung ausgebaut, 1923 wurde ein erster großer Parkplatz angelegt.
Nach 1945 nahm die Zahl der Gäste nochmals stark zu, vor allem an Wochenenden und Feiertagen entwickelte sich ein Massentourismus. 1954 zählte man an Wochenenden bis zu 50.000 Besucher pro Tag. Im Zuge des weiteren Ausbaus der touristischen Infrastruktur plante die Bezirksleitung Dresden der SED die Errichtung eines etwa 90 m hohen Hochhauses mit 400 Betten und 1.600 Gaststättenplätzen. Aufgrund statischer Bedenken, Widerstand in der Bevölkerung und angesichts der kalkulierten Kosten von ca. 90 Millionen Mark kam das Projekt nicht zur Ausführung.
Gleichwohl bestand der Bedarf zur Erweiterung der Übernachtungs- und Gastronomiekapazitäten, da das alte Gasthaus 1975 wegen Schwammbefall abgerissen werden musste. Nach Plänen von Horst Witter wurde ein Restaurantneubau errichtet, der in seiner elbseitigen Gestaltung die Bögen der Basteibrücke aufgriff und im Oktober 1979 eröffnet wurde. In diesem Zusammenhang erfolgte zwischen 1980 und 1982 auch eine erste Großsanierung der Basteibrücke.
Die Arbeiten am ebenfalls in Bau befindliche Berghotel mussten 1982 für mehrere Jahre eingestellt werden, nachdem Manfred Scheler als Vorsitzender des Rates des Bezirkes Dresden und ausgesprochener Förderer des Projektes von seinem Amt zurücktreten musste. Erst ab 1988 erfolgte der Weiterbau, der im Januar 1991 abgeschlossen werden konnte.
Die Aussichtsplattform wurde im Mai 2016 für Besucher gesperrt, da etwa 15 Meter unter ihr Verwitterungsstellen im Sandstein festgestellt wurden, welche die langfristige Standsicherheit des Basteifelsen gefährden. Die Felssicherungsarbeiten sollten ursprünglich bis ins 1. Halbjahr 2017 hinein andauern. Anfang Februar 2017 wurde durch die Untersuchungen der Geologen bekannt, dass der Felsen mit technischen Mitteln nicht mehr zu sichern ist. Die Besucherplattform wurde daher mit einem Zaun gesichert und auf Dauer gesperrt. Im August 2017 wurde bekannt, dass unterhalb der Aussichtsplattform Schutzzäune gegen Steinschlag errichtet sowie das Geländer und die Gehwegplatten der gesperrten Aussichtsplattform rückgebaut werden sollen. Der Rückbau erfolgte im Frühjahr 2019.
Im November 2017 wurden erste Pläne zum Bau einer 20 Meter langen Plattform aus Carbonbeton veröffentlicht. Die Plattform soll nur auf intaktem Fels aufliegen und im vorderen, erodierten Bereich in niedriger Höhe über dem Fels schweben. Die Plattform soll 3,5 m breit und 70 t schwer werden. Vor Installation der Plattform sind umfangreiche Maßnahmen zur Felssicherung vorgesehen; dabei sollen u. a. Stahlpfähle bis zu 19 Meter tief in den Sandstein eingebracht, poröse Stellen mit Mörtel verschmiert und am Wandfuß eine Spritzbetonschale aufgetragen werden. Erst nach Abschluss der Felssicherung kann voraussichtlich ab 2022 mit dem Bau der neuen Plattform begonnen werden.
Tourismus
Die Bastei ist einer der markantesten Aussichtspunkte der Sächsischen Schweiz und zählt pro Jahr etwa 1,5 Millionen Besucher. Es gibt in den deutschen Nationalparks keinen anderen Punkt mit einer so hohen Besucherdichte.
Bereits August von Goethe rühmte 1819 die Aussicht: „Hier wo man von den schroffsten Felsen wänden gerade in die Elbe sieht, wo in der kleinen Entfernung der Lilien-, König- und Pfaffen-Stein mahlerisch gruppirt liegen und überhaupt dem Auge ein ganzes darstellt welches mit Worten nie beschrieben werden kann“. Heute hat die Bastei die höchsten Besucherzahlen aller Aussichtspunkte in der Sächsischen Schweiz.
Neben der eigentlichen Aussicht finden sich noch weitere touristisch interessante Punkte. Die klassische Basteiaussicht kann von den benachbarten Aussichtspunkten am Kanapee und am Tiedgestein in ähnlicher Perspektive erlebt werden. Im Schweizerhaus befand sich bis Ende 2020 eine Informationsstelle des Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz, die anhand zahlreicher Gemälde und Grafiken über die Darstellung der Sächsischen Schweiz in der Kunst und Malerei informierte. Am Jahrhundertturm, einem Felsgipfel an der Basteibrücke, sind Gedenktafeln für die erste Erwähnung der Bastei in der Reiseliteratur (im Jahr 1797) sowie für Wilhelm Leberecht Götzinger und Carl Heinrich Nicolai zu finden. Diese beiden zählen durch ihre Reisebeschreibungen und Werke zu den „Entdeckern“ der Sächsischen Schweiz als touristisches Ziel. Eine weitere Gedenktafel erinnert an den sächsischen Hoffotografen Hermann Krone, der auf der Basteibrücke im Jahr 1853 die ersten Landschaftsfotos in Deutschland schoss. Vom Ferdinandstein, einem Teil der Wehltürme, ist der berühmte Blick auf die Basteibrücke möglich. Ihn erreicht man über einen Abzweig auf dem Weg zur Basteibrücke. Eine weitere bekannte Formation in der Nähe der Bastei ist der Wartturm, von dem im Jahr 2000 ein großes Stück abgebrochen ist. Von der Bastei erreicht man über die Basteibrücke zudem die Felsenburg Neurathen, die größte Felsenburg der Sächsischen Schweiz. Die Reste der Burg, etwa Balkenfalze und aus dem Fels gehauene Räume, eine Zisterne und aufgefundene Steinkugeln mittelalterlicher Steinschleudern bzw. Katapulte können auf einem eigenen Rundgang besichtigt werden. Eine rekonstruierte Steinschleuder wurde 1986 in der Felsenburg aufgestellt. Besichtigt werden können auch Funde der durchgeführten Ausgrabungen, vor allem Keramik. Schließlich führt der Aufstieg von Rathen auf die Bastei an einem Freilichtmuseum zur slawischen Besiedlung der Gegend und am Abzweig zur Felsenbühne Rathen vorbei.
Über die Bastei führen der Bergwanderweg Eisenach–Budapest, der Dichter-Musiker-Maler-Weg und der Malerweg.
Naturschutz
Schon um die Jahrhundertwende zum 20. Jahrhundert setzten sich Naturschützer für den Schutz der einmaligen Felslandschaft rund um die Bastei ein. Pläne zum Bau einer Bergbahn wurden so verhindert. Bereits 1938 wurde die Bastei als erstes Naturschutzgebiet im Elbsandsteingebirge ausgewiesen. Heute ist sie Bestandteil der Kernzone des Nationalparks Sächsische Schweiz, in der besonders strenge Schutzvorschriften gelten.
Trivia
Der Hauptgürtelasteroid (26757) Bastei ist nach der Felsformation benannt, ebenso der zwischen 1974 und 1990 vom VEB Karosseriewerk Dresden produzierte Wohnwagentyp Bastei.
(Wikipedia)
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The tariff card from the buffet or restaurant car on board "The Royal Duchy", one of the named express services run by British Railways in the post-WW2 period. This express service between London Paddington and Plymouth was introduced in 1957.
The card includes details of the wine list as well as of luncheon at 11/- and afternoon tea at 3/6d. There is a pocket in which the day's dinner menu would have been slipped. It is interesting to note that "GWR Special Whisky" is still sold.
Like many similar tariff and menu cards of the period this has commissioned artwork and is well produced and printed, most likely at the Curwen Press in London. At the time the Catering Services formed part of the British Transport Commission and they had high standards of publicity and typography. The artwork is credited to "GM" and currently I cannot for the life of me remember who GM is!