TO BE IN ENGLAND
by
David Gatward
Read this evocative essay about our home country and about all the things we're missing.
The current UPDATE is now added below. Scroll down for more great places to go.
Are You Dreaming of England?
Are you dreaming of England’s green and pleasant land? Perhaps you’re wistfully hoping you’ll wake to a crisp sunny morn, as a song thrush beckons you forth to walk upon a lonesome leafy lane, with pipe in mouth and dog at one’s side, and the faint sweet taste of tomorrow’s gentle harvest already in the air? For what more is there in life than one’s sacred years spent in the embrace of England’s seasons? Nothing, I say! And as summer beckons gently at our door, allow me to cast a cunning fly upon the waters of the months ahead to see if I can catch an activity or two that may entice…
Game Fair, Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire, 22-24 July www.gamefair.co.uk/2005
If you need an excuse to don an illegal amount of tweed, carry a shooting stick and get hot under the collar at the sound of baying hounds, then look no further than this, the doyen of England’s country fairs! I’ve attended this beautiful event numerous times and never have I tired of having my field of view awash with shotguns, Springer Spaniels, leather shoes, hip flasks, fly rods, Land Rovers and Range Rovers, good food, real ale and the best of England’s wondrously eccentric folk from all walks and classes going about their every day pleasures. There’s everything here for the country sports enthusiast:
Town & Country Fair, National Agricultural Centre, Warwickshire, 27-29 August www.townandcountryfestival.org.uk
A most fabulous marrying of town and country! Stretching across acres of land, and attracting hundreds of thousands each year, this huge celebration of life covers all manner of interests. For example, in the countryside area, you’ll be able to enjoy and learn about traditional country crafts such as thatching, hedge-laying and dry-stone walling, as well as meet rare animal breeds, have a go at laser clay pigeon shooting and watch vintage machines threshing, milling, apple crushing and sawing. There’s a classic car area with 4x4 driving, steam and vintage machines, historic military vehicles and hundreds of classic and vintage cars. There’s the Grand Ring showing displays of extreme sports, motorcycle stunts, wild-west shows and wonderfully acitve packs of fox hounds. A jazz band can be heard playing in the picnic area, food halls and bars are at every turn, and there are so many shops and stands, selling anything from a barbeque house to wellington boots that you’ll have to bring that cash you won on the horses if you want to really enjoy yourself!
But I ask you not to depend solely on the large national do, for is not England so blessed with hidden treasures? Allow me then to suggest some quaint delights that would befit any true gent or lady of England…Coton Manor, Northamptonshire www.cotonmanor.co.uk
To me this place is a haven, an escape, a fairest serving of soul food of which I partake whether life is ebbing or flowing. Neither pretentious nor dull, this magical garden of delights is enchanting. From the silver birch wood that bedecks itself with a bluebell carpet in April and May, to the lush wildflower meadow, this garden captures and never lets go. To wander from the terrace, through the rose garden, and on through the woodland, water and herb gardens, there is always something new to see, smell and experience. And to finish it all off, there’s a tremendously down-to-earth garden centre and tea shop for a nice spot of Earl Grey and Victoria Sponge. What more could you ask for?
Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Worcestershire www.svr.co.uk
What better way to see England’s ancient beauty than from a carriage drawn effortlessly by a steam train? The Severn Valley Railway is a total delight, taking you through valleys where time stands still, and always at a rather lovely pace. And one can’t help but feel that the steam train belongs to England as it sits so comfortably among its hills and vales. Take the day, get on the train, and dip your tired feet into a piece of history. It’s worth every penny.
Corduroy Summer Event www.corduroymagazine.co.uk
Anyone who really wants to keep in touch with England is catching on to Corduroy, the rural gentleman’s journal! In fact so much so that a summer event is to be held to celebrate tweed, pipes, good eating, real ale and fine pies. Good banter and chit chat will be encouraged at all times and there will be much to converse about the good things to be found in England. Indeed, Corduroy is now developing a bit of an international following and subscription details for posting abroad can be easily obtained by emailing the very happy editor at: subscriptions@corduroymagazine.co.uk
So there you go, fellow lovers of all that is England! Remember that wherever you are upon this impossible globe, that little land of your birth will always call you, and when you return it has never once forgotten that you belonged to it and it to you! HUZZAH!
JULY UPDATE:
Ah, how this country begs us explore its emerald green acreage: the rivers and streams that cut it so deftly in crystal lines; the forests and woods deep and dark, the hills and vales that have echoed to a nation growing. But where should one begin with such a rich selection of places to explore upon a fine sunny day? Well, allow me to gently advis:
www.levenshall.co.uk This is the kind of place you don’t simply visit, but absorb. The gardens are stunning and are rightly world famous for the stunning display of topiary. The house is a celebration of all things wood-panelling and upon entry you can’t help but wish yourself back a couple of hundred years and imagine yourself coming in from the cold after a most excellent hunting party for to enjoy port and cheese and a warming meaty pie. If you’re lucky enough to visit Levens Hall then don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back; this mighty home etches itself a special place in the visitor’s heart:
www.amblesideonline.co.uk I was lucky enough to live in Ambleside for a number of years and experienced through all the seasons. Yes, it can get busy with tourists, but if you want to really enjoy it for what it is, I suggest you mosey on down in the Autumn. It’s cooler, the streets are quieter and it’s altogether more delightful. However, any time’s a good time to visit this gem of a place. The twisting streets lead you ever onward, from country pub to funky wine bar, past restaurants most delicious to a fantastic range of excellent shops. Notable places to sit and relax in include:
Zeffirellis: A tiny cinema and pizza place that doesn’t seem to have changed much since I saw Indiana Jones there in the early 80s. Fabulous.
The Golden Rule: The outdoor enthusiast’s pub. There’s an open fire, great beer, a simple range of snacks and a delightfully strange array of people drinking around you. Well worth a jar or five of the good stuff!
The Unicorn: I think this is the oldest pub in Ambleside. Nice and hidden away in its own version of darkness. The beer’s great and the food’s not bad either (though a tad pricey).
Pippins Café: Exceptional food for good money. And it’s licensed, too.
www.northumberland.gov.uk/vg I love Northumberland. It’s bleak, wind-swept beauty haunts on a daily basis and I’m forever surprised how few people ever visit it. If you get a chance, jump on the A1, drive through Newcastle (past the Angel of the North) and onwards to Alnwick. Here you’ll discover Barter Books; possibly the best bookshop in the world. The coast line is divine so take yourself to Alnmouth for a pint or two in the Red Lion or an enormous plate of grilled meat at The Saddle. Head to Craster for some finest seafood (the kippers and crab sandwiches are impossible to resist). The county is also littered with castles of every size and description including Alnwick Castle, famously filmed for the Harry Potter films, and Chillingham Castle, a stunning medieval fortress that includes a rather hideous torture chamber. I could go on and on about Northumberland, but I ask you simply to trust me; get yourself there ASAP and explore!
David is the Editor of 'Corduroy Magazine' and welcomes new subscriptions to this delightful very English magazine.
Click here: subscriptions@corduroymagazine.co.uk
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