New Gadgets

Well, dear readers, the new gadgets are functioning satisfactorily, methinks.

The Retina iPad and Ixus 510 seem to be familiar with each other.

I admit to being rather fond of these ingenious devices.

Modern technology is really amazing; perhaps taken for granted.

Such a tiny camera can focus on things within one centimetre; and has wi-fi connections, too.

The sky is the limit, as somebody once said.

History of Bloomfield

Orangefield House © PRONI 2011, taken by Lady Mabel Annesley in 1902

I'd like to make readers aware of an excellent website.

Bloomfield Belfast affords abundant information pertaining to that area of the city.

This site has currently six sections, the first three of which are largely complete.

I personally intend to spend time reading the sections in more detail.

Bloomfield House was once in relatively close proximity to Orangefield House, former seat of several prominent Belfast citizens, including the Batesons and the Blakiston-Houstons.

New Camera

I have been out and about again today. I had morning coffee and a cherry scone at Café Smart, Belmont Road, with my aunt and Pat.
Afterwards, I motored over to Forestside shopping centre, where I purchased a new compact digital camera, viz. a Canon Ixus 510 HS.
It's tiny, though constructed like a military tank. Apparently this little camera is capable of taking close-ups at one centimetre.
This afternoon I spent forty-seven minutes on the rowing-machine (which expended 400 calories).

The Belmont Papers

I see that the Londonderry Papers have been augmented by 30,000 documents, some dating as far back as 1612.

These documents were acquired by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) for £665,000.

We Belmonts are renowned for our adventurous exploits and historic endeavours, the facts of which have been recorded within the Belmont archive since time immemorial.

The said contents therein are sure to be of great interest to the populace.

Timothy Belmont is in a position to offer The Belmont Archive to PRONI for a figure not exceeding that of the Londonderry papers, viz. £225,000.

For family reasons, this must be a limited offer.

New DL

Sir Donal Keegan KCVO OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Londonderry,

has been pleased to appoint  

Mr Gerard Guckian, Londonderry,

to be a Deputy Lieutenant of the County Borough his Commission bearing date, 11th April, 2013.

New Vice Lord-Lieutenant

APPOINTMENT OF VICE LORD-LIEUTENANT

Mr Robert Scott OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of County Tyrone, with the approval of Her Majesty The Queen, has been pleased to appoint:
 
Mr Patrick Killen OBE JP DL, Dungannon, County Tyrone,

Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the said County, his Commission bearing date the 22nd day of April, 2013.

The Hawthorne at Fulton's

Timothy Belmont was at large in Balmoral today. Balmoral, Belfast, that is to say, as opposed to Balmoral, Aberdeenshire.

My first port-of-call was Agnew's Mercedes-Benz dealership, where I admired the shiny, polished metal on display, viz. the SLK variant.

I was offered a cup of Americano coffee and a miniature buttered scone, which I gladly accepted.

Thence, I motored in the direction of Marks & Spencer's food store and Fulton's emporium.

At M&S, I bagged a bot of Pinot Grigio wine.

Fulton's furnishings is now sadly closed down, though the splendid Hawthorne Restaurant upstairs remains in business.

I have been a customer at the Hawthorne since the eighties, when it was across the road in more modest premises.

This afternoon, I decided to have the magnificent chicken, mushroom and onion tart, accompanied by a fine mixed salad, with a good portion of coleslaw.

Their creamy dressing is simply superb. It sits in a large receptacle, complete with ladle, on a counter behind the cash-till.

My salad was treated to a liberal amount of this thick, ambrosial concoction.

If anything the Hawthorne is better than ever.

I complimented the staff thereafter and bade them adieu.

On my way home, I stopped at a bicycle retailer on Ravenhill Road, where I inquired about that Range-Rover of traditional cycles, viz. the Pashley.

I call it the Range-Rover because one's sitting-position is somewhat elevated.

These sit-up-and-beg type of two-wheelers are admirable pieces of traditional British craftsmanship. I was apprised that 5% discount would be as much as patrons might expect.

UPDATE: At Halford's I was informed that they are selling Pashleys at a £60 discount until Tuesday. That includes delivery within several days.

Island Taggart

I have been on Island Taggart all day.

This is a property inalienably held by the National Trust. It lies between Ringdufferin directly to its north and Killyleagh, the nearest village, to the south, in County Down.

The island is one mile long and a quarter of a mile wide at its widest point; a total area of about 85 acres, acquired in 1984 from Patrick and Kathleen Mackie.

Its length and the height of its two drumlins make it particularly attractive in the southern half of Strangford Lough.

There were only four of us on this occasion, though we managed to get a lot of work done: Old hawthorn branches were burned; logs were gathered; and we began digging a new pond on the southeast of the island, within sight of Dunnyneil Islands.

We also recorded ten nests at a heronry towards the southern tip of Taggart.

I had prawn mayonnaise sandwiches and tea for lunch today; and Craig offered us all chunky Kit-Kat bars.

Royal Brushmakers

Timothy Belmont's new hair (!) brush and shaving-brush arrived yesterday. I ordered them directly from Kent Brushes, Hertfordshire, merely a day ago.

I wish to compliment them, because their service and presentation is second-to-none.

G B Kent & Sons Ltd, manufacturers of brushes since the 18th century, is one of the oldest established companies in the United Kingdom.

Kent Brushes (as they are now more commonly known) was founded in 1777 by William Kent in the reign of GEORGE III.

Kent holds a pre-eminent place in the history of brush making, with an unbroken record of excellence in the quality of its production which has been recognised by the granting of Royal Warrants for nine reigns.

The Kent family continued to run the company for six generations until 1932, when the last of the three Kent brothers passed away.

This is when Mr Eric Cosby, owner of Cosby Brushes Ltd, entered into an association with G.B Kent & Sons. A new chapter was then opened in Kent's long history, and since that time the company has been under the creative and dynamic direction of the Cosby family.

Today, Mr Alan Cosby, grandson to Eric Cosby is the Managing Director and Chairman, with his wife, son and one of his three daughters working for the business.

The company headquarters moved from London to their existing factory in Apsley, Hertfordshire, in 1984, and remains there to this day.

The company continues to retain the craftsmanship and unprecedented quality that is Kent's reputation.

Even in today's fast moving, mass-produced assembly, Kent are proud to still be manufacturing many of their original brushes by hand.

Nevertheless, Kent Brushes is committed to developing and enhancing its products with every step they take.

Kent harness the latest hi-tech manufacturing processes, whilst building on the time-honoured traditional methods to create the world's finest example of each and every brush that leaves their factory.

Fresh Fish

When I strode up to the fresh fish counter my my local Tesco's this morning, I mused for awhile as to whether to go for the salmon or cod.

The amicable fishmonger asked whether I'd prefer the smoked or plain cod loin.

I bought a lovely cod loin.

Moreover, to my slight delight, she enquired if I'd like it in an oven bag. Behind the counter, there were complimentary discs of savoury butter. I opted for the garlic & herb variety.

These oven bags facilitate the cooking, complete with instructions thereon.

Steady, lovely female admirers and devotees: Timothy Belmont has indeed had a modest Plymouth Gin restorative.

Like Bertie Wooster's valet, Jeeves, the considerable Belmont cranial cortex has swollen in extent, principally as a direct consequence of the consumption of fresh fish.

It baked in the oven like a dream. It was superb. Not one bone. Sumptuous.

Tasteless Loaf

I bought a freshly-baked "Multi-grain Farmhouse Loaf, 400g" at the Tesco bakery the other day. It cost 80p.

It looked tempting and I fancied it would make a delicious egg sandwich.

At home, I cut a few slices.

To my disappointment it was fairly tasteless, apart from the nutritious grains and seeds.

About half of it was consumed; the rest thrown to the birds, which doubtless appreciated it more than self.

I put this tastelessness down to little or no salt. I believe it had no salt!

Call me old-fashioned, but bread needs salt for flavour.

Gin Test

Would I be correct in stating that there are no Aldi supermarkets in Northern Ireland? I read the other day that Aldi is opening stores in the Irish Republic.

Readers, if you have any budget or obscure gin recommendations, let me know. Do send a comment with your reasons.

Sarah Rainey, a Daily Telegraph journalist, reports today on budget gin:

 "In 2011, an advertisement by the budget supermarket chain Aldi became an internet sensation.

An elderly lady – 83‑year-old Jean Jones from Middlesbrough – is sitting at a mahogany dining table, comparing a popular make of tea with an Aldi own-brand product

“I buy this tea for my husband,” she says, deadpan. “He likes tea. I don’t like tea.” She picks up a glass of clear liquid, complete with ice and lemon, hidden behind one of the boxes. “I like gin.”

Aldi’s gin is making headlines once again. Its Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin (£9.65 for a 70cl) has won a silver medal in blind taste-testing at this year’s International Spirits Challenge.

A slightly more expensive bottle from Asda won gold. But those in the know say Aldi’s is the top tipple, beating mainstream brands such as Bombay Sapphire and Hendricks, and comparable to upmarket rivals, including gins from Harrods and Waitrose.

“Price isn’t everything,” Charles Maxwell, master distiller and one of the judges, insists. “With gin, you’re governed by two things: juniper must be predominant, and the strength must be at least 37.5 per cent. After that, the botanicals [the combination of aromatic plant extracts that create a 'signature’ flavour] are your toy cupboard.”

Lucy Britner, Bars Editor at Drinks International, says:

“If citrus botanicals are present, we assess whether they are balanced with the earthy notes of juniper, and whether the finish is pleasant.” 

Now, I’m no gin expert, but there is nothing more pleasant on a spring afternoon than a cool, tinkling glass of gin, tonic and a slice of lime.

Wine will become 'unaffordable' luxury and gin is fast-becoming Britain’s spirit of choice. Last year, sales rose by 12 per cent in pubs, with supermarket sales up 5 per cent.

Sitting in the sunny gardens of London’s Goring Hotel, I put Aldi’s £10 tipple – and six others – to the test.

Gordon’s London Gin £17.69 from Sainsbury’s

The market leader (50 per cent of gin sales in the UK), Gordon’s is the most iconic.

But I don’t know why. Bland, tart and one-dimensional, it’s not worth savouring. “The variety of gins is tremendous – they can be complex or straightforward,” explains Maxwell. “Some contain up to 19 different botanicals; others, including some of the better-known brands, only have four.” 1/5

London No 1 Original Blue Gin £35 from Harrods

At 47 per cent proof, it’s the strongest by alcohol volume – and you can certainly taste it. Sharp and punchy, this is one of the most expensive on the market. Its translucent blue colour (from being infused with gentian flowers) mimics Bombay Sapphire, but it’s superior in taste and texture.

The makers describe it as “uniquely elegant”, and I could happily sup this refined spirit all day. 4/5

Sipsmith London Dry Gin, £27.95

Another iconic brand, this tipple is produced in a residential street in Hammersmith, west London, by a small team of enthusiasts. Delicate, herby and full of citrus, it’s my favourite.

“Sipsmith’s is a good quality gin,” says Brian Kinsella, bar and lounge manager of The Goring, where gin is the most popular drink on the menu. “It’s one of the only distilleries to use a copper still, which gives great flavour.” 5/5

Oliver Cromwell Dry Gin, £9.65 from Aldi

The critics’ favourite comes in a dark green bottle, with italicised label and royal crest, which looks an awful lot like Gordon’s. It’s refreshingly crisp, lemony and smooth – as every good gin should be – and unbeatable on price.

But, for me, the flavours are too subtle and my drink tastes more of tonic than gin. “The Aldi gin has been consistently good,” says Maxwell, “but it’s competing in a vibrant marketplace.” 3/5

Heston from Waitrose Earl Grey and Lemon Gin £23

More like an alcoholic cuppa, this gin has been subjected to Heston Blumenthal’s madcap molecular gastronomy, using bergamot to “make this spirit a real spirit”. Sadly, it hasn’t worked.

There’s far too much going on to taste even a hint of gin, and I can’t take more than a few sips. Interestingly, it’s the only one to offer nutritional information – but the 220 calories per 100ml only puts me off more. 2/5

London Dry Gin £11 from Asda

Despite its gold medal, this is sweet and too sickly for me. Liquoricey and tangy, it’s like a bag of pick’n’mix has been dissolved in my glass. The bottle, decorated with a green London skyline, makes it look downmarket. 2/5

Bathtub Gin £32.95 from Master of Malt (masterofmalt.com)

Part of a range of spirits supposedly cooked up by a wacky fictional amateur distiller, Professor Cornelius Ampleforth, this is wrapped in a Prohibition‑esque brown paper. Made in small batches of 30 to 60 bottles, it is noticeably spicier, tasting of Christmassy cinnamon and cloves. 4/5

The Lord Stirrup KG

THE QUEEN has been graciously pleased to appoint the Right Honourable Graham Eric (Jock), Baron Stirrup, GCB, AFC, to be a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

Air Chief Marshal Lord Stirrup, 63, is a former Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS).

The most recent three vacancies have been created due to the deaths of:

1. The Duke of Grafton (7 April 2011)
2. The Viscount Ridley (22 March 2012)
3. The Baroness Thatcher (8 April 2013)

Two vacancies now remain within the Order.

Lord Stirrup was CDS when British forces were committed in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lord Stirrup was educated at Merchant Taylors' School in Northwood, Hertfordshire, before receiving his commission from RAF College Cranwell, in Lincolnshire, in 1970.

After being promoted to squadron leader in January 1980, he was awarded an Air Force Cross in 1983 for his role in landing a severely damaged aircraft while instructing a trainee.

He was made wing commander in July 1984 and was station commander of RAF Marham, in Norfolk, during the Gulf War in 1991.

In August 2003 he was promoted to air chief marshal and appointed chief of the air staff after serving as UK national contingent commander at the start of the war in Afghanistan in 2001.

He sits as a crossbench peer in the House of Lords where he has argued the case for Afghan interpreters and their families to be allowed to settle in Britain.

Married with with one son, Lord Stirrup is said to enjoy golf, music, theatre and history.

Garter Vacancies

There are currently three vacancies within the Most Noble Order of the Garter. The royal website states that

If there are vacancies in the Order, appointments are announced on St George's Day (23 April).

Former prime ministers are invariably appointed to the Order, Sir John Major being the last prime ministerial appointment.

Two former prime ministers have yet to be appointed, though membership of the Order is within the personal gift of the sovereign.

There has been speculation that Prince Henry of Wales ~ Prince Harry ~ shall be appointed to the Order shortly.

Antiques Roadshow

The flagship BBC series Antiques Roadshow today revisits Castle Coole, a property of The National Trust near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh. It is broadcast at 8pm.

Fiona Bruce and the team of experts welcome visitors as they bring their family treasures for inspection.

Pieces featured include a poignant reminder from the battlefields of World War One, a beautiful and valuable modern painting of an Irish landscape, and a collection of compacts with a jaw-dropping valuation.

A lady brings in an exquisite diamond brooch with a fascinating story attached; there’s a clever novelty Victorian bracelet and a pair of earrings that sends the expert into raptures.

Elsewhere, there’s a poignant First World War battlefield cross accompanied by a sad tale from the Somme, and two lovely Irish paintings.

A collector with a passion for ladies’ powder compacts brings in just a fraction of her enormous collection.

Godfrey Bloom TD MEP

Mr Bloom, I salute you.

If the video doesn't work above, try here.

The Post-nominal letters TD represent Territorial Decoration, incidentally. My father had the TD with two bars.

Café Smart

This is my very first missive from the iPad. The sun is shining, the lark is on the wing, and it is a beautiful morning.

I could not work out how to transfer images from the iPad to the blog, as yet, so I emailed them to my email address and uploaded them from my main computer at home. There is doubtless an "app" for importing photos to blogs from iPads.

I motored the short distance - I really ought to have cycled - to Belmont Road, where I ambled in to Café Smart.

This is a lovely, bright, cheerful coffee-house. 

I ascended the stairs and sat on a leather sofa in the upstairs lounge. There were three other customers here, though it was only about 10am.

A very agreeable waitress appeared and immediately provided me with the wi-fi address for my iPad, which connected instantaneously.

I ordered a regular mocha coffee and a fruit scone. 

I have to say that the coffee and scone were both presented impeccably. The coffee tasted superlative to me. The scone was freshly baked and filled with a fair amount of fruit.

I was provided with two pats of Ulster butter and home-made raspberry jam.

On my departure, the downstairs area was almost full.

Shirt Sale

I made a brief sortie into town this morning in the two-wheeler. There was a feisty head-wind en route.

Having spent awhile in the Linenhall Library (I am tempted to write an article about the Herdmans of Sion House), I ambled in to Marks & Spencer, where I bought garlic-bread and a roast chicken breast.

In the menswear department I spotted a number of perfectly good shirts, which were in the sale.

The £5 price sticker proved to be irresistible. Moreover, there was a very good selection of shirts in my size.

I purchased a lilac, cutaway collar, slim-fit, double-cuff, "sartorial" little number, reduced from £39.50 to a fiver.

A "heritage" shirt in pure cotton twill was reduced from £27.50 to £5.

Simple Food

Comfort fodder was the Order of the Day today. A pack of Marks & Spencer chunky battered cod was found in the freezer.

As a consequence, this was baked instanter, with a couple of potatoes and asparagus tips.

A jar of beetroot relish - Belmont's favourite - was produced; as was the requisite Jersey butter.

Stately Epitaph

CHERISH FREEDOM

IN GLORIOUS MEMORY OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE MARGARET HILDA BARONESS THATCHER

LADY OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER

MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF MERIT

ONE OF HER MAJESTY'S MOST HONOURABLE PRIVY COUNCIL

PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 1979-1990

A GREAT BRITON, A TRUE PATRIOT

Santander UK: II

I am now in a position to apprise you that my complaint to Santander UK has been resolved satisfactorily.

A member of staff phoned me this morning, apologised on the bank's behalf, offered me an explanation and, as a gesture of goodwill, a credit to my account of £5.

At least it's a result and pays for my phone-calls to them.

Spending Spree

Timothy Belmont was on a spending spree today. I motored over to Richer Sounds in order to procure a pair of "Premium Foldable Mini Headphones".

These were for my newly-acquired iPad 32gb Retina.

They were in stock, so that was the first purchase.

Since I still had plenty of time left on the parking-ticket, I ventured across the street to the Castle Court shopping-centre.

Passing Laura Ashley's store, I noticed that bright red "Sale" signs proliferated. Ambling in, I bagged one silk cushion, one beaker and one Britannia Doormat, Duck-Egg.

Those readers who happen to be cognizant of my admiration for the late noble Baroness shall be particularly gratified that the acquisition of the said doormat is indeed propitious.

Santander UK

Further to my complaints and criticism of the bank Santander UK plc, I was kept on the phone ~ an 0845 number ~ for 29 minutes and 12 seconds on Friday morning.

I checked my phone account and this can be verified.

I was unable to close my savings account online, so I was compelled to phone them, unfortunately.

I was merely trying to close a savings account.

Is this how Santander UK treats all its savers?

I should not object were Santander to offer me some recompense as consolation for my time and trouble, merely to close an account which now pays the princely interest rate of 0.50%.

I shall keep you apprised if this article generates a reaction from them.

Dear readers, please do not be fooled by recent Santander UK advertisements featuring the sporting celebrities McIlroy, Button and Ennis.

Flight Upgrade

The Daily Telegraph investigates the chances of obtaining a flight upgrade:-

Most air passengers will never fly in anything but economy class.  Premium seats are shockingly unaffordable.

During its last January sale, British Airways advertised first-class return flights to Sri Lanka for £2,599, down from the usual £5,179.

Not a bad deal, but that’s still more than a month’s salary for the average British worker. Business class is less dear, but still remains beyond the reach of most people.

So unless you know your way around a hedge-fund, or happen to be flying the plane, there’s only one way you’ll find yourself turning left when you board an aircraft: the free upgrade.

Nabbing one is rare. A few years ago the website MoneySavingExpert.com polled nearly 9,000 travellers to find out whether they had ever received a free upgrade. Less than a third of those questioned had done.

But there are numerous ways you can boost your chances.

Choose your route carefully

Most upgrades will be offered for “operational reasons”, such as when the economy class cabin is full or oversold, but the premium cabins are not. Therefore travelling on a busy route, where this is more likely to occur, will help. Flights to beach resorts during the school holidays, when the majority of fellow passengers will be families, are a good bet. Monday morning flights to Frankfurt – not so much.

Be loyal, and pay more for your ticket

Regular customers will normally be given priority when an upgrade is available. “It is sometimes necessary to upgrade customers,” said a BA spokesman. “This is rare and will normally apply to frequent flyers who are members of our loyalty programme first.”  A spokesman for Lufthansa said: “Passengers who paid more for their tickets are more likely to be upgraded than passengers who bought a discounted ticket. The frequent flier program status is also taken into account.”

Travel alone

If there are just one or two seats available up front, they will probably be offered to single travellers first.

Just ask

Four per cent of those questioned in the MoneySavingExpert.com poll said they had received a free upgrade by simply asking for one at the check-in desk. With some airlines, however, it won’t matter how charming you are. A Virgin Atlantic spokesman, for example, said it does not give upgrades to anyone who requests one. The airline also recently revealed some unusual reasons given by passengers requiring an upgrade. They included the following: “Manchester United lost today, I am really upset and need the space to get over it” “My wife is pregnant – I need an upgrade as it is a really stressful time for me” “My newborn baby has claustrophobia, we really need an upgrade so she has more space” “I am Sir Richard Branson’s dentist” “I have lost all of my money in Vegas but really need an upgrade” “It’s a Sunday. No-one flies on a Sunday, so please can I have an upgrade?”  

But have a good reason

If you’ve got a more genuine reason than those listed above, such as being exceptionally tall, pregnant, or even celebrating a honeymoon, birthday, or anniversary, it will go in your favour. A Lufthansa spokesman said “it never hurts to ask”, and offering a reason such as these “would certainly improve your chances”.

And be nice

It goes without saying that the lucky few who have received an upgrade after requesting one were polite, and probably smartly dressed. They didn’t demand one.

Be unlucky

If you’ve got a faulty entertainment system, or a chair that won’t recline, you’ve got good reason to complain, particularly if you’re on a long-haul flight. You may simply be moved to another economy class seat, but if none are free... Equally, if you’ve got a legitimate grievance against another passenger – harassment, for example – you could ask to be relocated.

Be a VIP or know someone at the airline

The Virgin spokesman added that: “There is an upgrade list at check in (this could be journalists, travel industry VIPs, etc) and all these upgrades are agreed in advance and signed off at head office.” So if you have a good friend who works for an airline, it can’t hurt to ask.

Leslie Hill Closure

The Ballymoney Times reports that Leslie Hill Farm, which brought thousands of visitors to the Borough since it began in 1989, has closed to the general public.

The estate was not opened at Easter, 2013,  and a message on the website said:

“Unfortunately, Leslie Hill will not be opening for Easter 2013 and will remain closed throughout June, July and August. We thank you wholeheartedly for your visits in previous years and are sorry to disappoint you at this time.”

A council spokesperson confirmed that they had been contacted to not include the Farm on their tourist information brochures.

A member of the family, Mr John Leslie, said his parents who ran the farm since it opened, were both over 80 and had “done as much as they could.”

He added that they had wanted to retire. Mr Leslie said it was regrettable that the Farm had to close but did not rule it re-opening in the future.

Councillor Bill Kennedy said the news had saddened him. It was, he said, a very popular and well established facility in Ballymoney and provided the Borough with a great tourist boost:

“Leslie Hill was ideal for families and young children and had helped educate a great many in the ways of farming and how to care and look after animals. Mr and Mrs James Leslie deserve to step back and take things a bit easier and I wish both a very happy retirement."

Confectionery Drawer

The Belmont confectionery drawer. How many items can you identify?

Belmont Fodder

Yet again, for another countless time, I attached the venerable nose-bag for a memorable dinner.

Tonight, at Belmont GHQ, I had the fresh loin of cod-fish with parsley sauce; mashed potato with lashings of Jersey butter; and broccoli.

It was divine. The fish was moist, flaky and really fresh.

As any cove shall tell you, Timothy Belmont enjoys his bit of pudding thereafter. This evening was no exception.

It was moist, juicy, creamy and I devoured it.

Lady A will attest that I got stuck in to the "afters" about half an hour after the main course, last Saturday night: The noble Earl devoured that spongy Pavlova instanter.

Tonight it was the County Down blackberry sponge, made freshly in the Belmont kitchen.

Clandeboye Birds

Anthony McGeehan will give a talk about the birds at Clandeboye estate, County Down, seat of the Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava, on Thursday, 11th April, 2013, at 7.30pm:-

Lady of the Garter

Ceremonial Funeral

Downing Street can announce that, with The Queen’s consent, Lady Thatcher will receive a Ceremonial funeral with military honours.

The service will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral.

A wide and diverse range of people and groups with connections to Lady Thatcher will be invited. The service will be followed by a private cremation.

All the arrangements being put in place are in line with wishes of Lady Thatcher’s family. Further details will be published over the coming days.

In response to the news that Lady Thatcher had died the Prime Minister said:

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Lady Thatcher. We have lost a great leader, a great Prime Minister and a great Briton.”

The Baroness Thatcher, 1925-2013

I am profoundly saddened to learn of the death today of Lady Thatcher.

The Right Honourable Margaret Hilda [Thatcher], Baroness Thatcher, LG, OM, PC, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, 1979-90:

The Right Honourable Margaret Hilda [Thatcher], Baroness Thatcher, Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Member of the Order of Merit, One of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council.

Lady Thatcher's coat-of-arms is illustrated at the top, including the coronet of a peer of the fifth degree; and the badge of the Order of Merit, suspended below.

Sunday Carvery

I awoke from the ethereal slumber this morning, ready for The Big Breakfast, viz. sausage, bacon, egg, mushrooms, tomato, potato-bread, soda-bread, tea and toast; and fruit juice, too.

 

Alas, we couldn't do sufficient justice to the Bushtown Hotel's celebrated Sunday Carvery, where patrons from throughout the county and further afield indulge in splendid arrays of nosh, hearty nose-bags abound, and well-rounded trenchermen and women compete for the cooked offerings.

Stirring Sticks

I am a tad unimpressed by the current trend, in the hospitality sector, of using little, flat, wooden sticks for stirring beverages, whether it's tea or coffee.

These sticks are generally placed in a receptacle on the dining-table, with other condiments.

I assume that this practice saves hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants from the provision of real teaspoons and the necessity of having to clean them.

Personally I prefer real, traditional, metal spoons.

Wooden sticks are perhaps better suited to fast-food establishments, rather than hotels.

Bushtown: I

I'm staying at the Bushtown Hotel, Coleraine, County Londonderry, this weekend.

I met Lady A at the hotel, while she was getting tucked in to a rather toothsome roast beef dinner.

Well, it will be no surprise to regular readers to learn that we indulged in several restoratives.

It's fine and sunny today. We might go for a drive in the two-seater. I'd be keen enough to visit Ballycastle, a town I've written about recently.

Particularly, what remains of Clare Park, that former country estate.

I was interested to hear that Lord Belmore has acquired Fardross Estate, Country Tyrone, a demesne I have composed an article about, viz. the Gledstanes of Fardross; and which I expect to publish imminently.

Re-Issues

Regular readers will have discerned that I repeat, or reissue, articles, most of which were posted about eighteen months ago.

Whilst it's true that my scope for new pieces pertaining to Ulster country houses is diminishing (mainly because I feel I've already written about the majority of the more interesting ones), I continue to search for new demesnes or estates.

When an old article is reissued, I generally revise it, adding "meat to the bones". I often undertake further research on the family, for instance.

I have an established format for these articles, so I'm sometimes re-writing older posts in the preferred format.

I currently have twenty-six drafts of brand new articles, which will be published throughout 2013.

This week I have been investigating the Gledstanes' of Fardross.

NT Ties

I have amassed four National Trust ties, which all date from the 1980s.

I possess a large, matching silk handkerchief for the tie on the right (though never wear them together).

The silver-grey tie belonged to my father.

Richmond Coronet

The 10th and present Duke of Richmond holding his ducal coronet.

Am I mistaken, or does it appear rather large in relation to His Grace's head? The lining must be well padded.

Ducal coronets are distinguished from others by eight gold strawberry leaves.

Coronets are customarily worn by hereditary peers and peeresses at coronations.

I have written an article about ducal coronets here.

First published in September, 2010.