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Christmas High Jinks!

...nd mulled wine along with a group of bell-ringers to finish off the evening.  The thought of nice Christmas fare was enough to mollify them but they were already thinking up tricks they could play on the unsuspecting parishoners! The day of the Carol Service arrived and as they approached the church Gavin and Viv went to show their mother where the grave was.  But as they got nearer they couldn’t find it. “How strange,” said Viv.  “I’m sure it was here, just round the corner from the front door!” They looked around but couldn’t see anything but overgrown grass and crooked headstones.  Their mother bustled them into the church saying they’d...

Christmas High Jinks! #31

...nd mulled wine along with a group of bell-ringers to finish off the evening. The thought of nice Christmas fare was enough to mollify them but they were already thinking up tricks they could play on the unsuspecting parishoners! The day of the Carol Service arrived and as they approached the church Gavin and Viv went to show their mother where the grave was. But as they got nearer they couldn’t find it. “How strange,” said Viv. “I’m sure it was here, just round the corner from the front door!” They looked around but couldn’t see anything but overgrown grass and crooked headstones. Their mother bustled them into the church saying they’d have a...

What the butler saw!

...after the wine cellar and silverware or plate as it was known.  This was kept in a room next to his bedroom so he could keep an eye on it and make sure no-one stole anything.  Similarly with the wine cellar, he would have kept it all under lock and key so none of the servants could have a crafty drink when no-one was looking.  He also waited on table at all the meals and at night, secured all doors and windows and checked the fires were safe before retiring to bed.  If there was no valet in the house then the butler would also have been responsible for looking after his master’s clothes and hunting gear.  In the absence of a footman, he would also answer...

A Christmas Celebration #74

...ng mulled wine and ginger beer.  The staff dressed up in their ‘Sunday best’ and for one night of the year they could imagine what it was like to be a member of the aristocracy – however, they weren’t allowed to go into any other ground floor rooms and the big, oak double doors to the Drawing Room were kept firmly shut. Carter, the Butler came into the kitchen and sat down next to the fire. “Time for a cup of tea I think,” he said.  “My feet are killing me in these shoes, I need to sit down for a bit.  I’ve just been counting out all the bottles of wine for the party and putting them to one side.” “Good idea!” said Cook.  “I could...

A Christmas Celebration #89

...ng mulled wine and ginger beer.  The staff dressed up in their ‘Sunday best’ and for one night of the year they could imagine what it was like to be a member of the aristocracy – however, they weren’t allowed to go into any other ground floor rooms and the big, oak double doors to the Drawing Room were kept firmly shut. Carter, the Butler came into the kitchen and sat down next to the fire. “Time for a cup of tea I think,” he said.  “My feet are killing me in these shoes, I need to sit down for a bit.  I’ve just been counting out all the bottles of wine for the party and putting them to one side.” “Good idea!” said Cook.  “I could...

What the Butler saw!

...after the wine cellar and silverware or plate as it was known.  This was kept in a room next to his bedroom so he could keep an eye on it and make sure no-one stole anything.  Similarly with the wine cellar, he would have kept it all under lock and key so none of the servants could have a crafty drink when no-one was looking. There was actually a Chubb walk-in safe in the basement where, I assume, the more valuable items were kept for special occasions.  Near to the butler’s room was a Chubb wall safe, which would have been used for keeping guests’ valuables in while they were staying at the Hall.  Not unlike a hotel nowadays!  Carter also waited on tab...