Guests will meet at The Hott between 1:30pm and 2:00pm on Saturday, 27th July 2019 for champagne and canapés. Please do not go directly to the church.
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Timetable
- 1:30pm – 2:15pm: Champagne and canapés at The Hott (A on the map). Please arrive at The Hott no later than 2pm.
- 2:15pm: -2:45pm: Walk to St Cuthbert’s, Beltingham (B on the map)
- 3:00pm: The Wedding
- 3:45pm: More Champagne (outside the church, to fortify guests for the return journey)
- 4:15pm – 5:00pm: Walk back to The Hott
- 5:00pm: Buffet and entertainment.
- As late as you like: Carriages – If the night is clear and you are able to linger, you’ll see some of the best night sky views available in Northern Europe – there’s no street lighting in Thorngrafton to spoil it. The Bowes Hotel (not far from Bardon Mill station – shown on the map above, and see also the map on the Accommodation page) will remain open until around 11:00pm for any who prefer an indoor environment (or more beer if we’ve run out, which seems unlikely). If using train or bus, please be sure you don’t miss the last one although, if you do, local taxis are efficient and affordable.
All timings are approximate and subject to change.
Please note: There is no parking available at The Hott and what little exists in Thorngrafton will be used by our caterer. There is also no parking at or near the church. We encourage our guests to make use of public transport to get to and from The Hott if possible.
A Walk in the Country
We plan to walk from The Hott to St Cuthberts at Beltingham, a distance of around 1.4 miles, taking around 40 minutes at a very leisurely pace. We will make arrangements for guests with mobility issues. Please indicate whether you have any such issues on the RSVP form.
The Church
The wedding will take place at St Cuthbert’s Church, Beltingham at 3pm on Saturday, 27th July, 2019.
St Cuthberts is an historic church in a beautiful rural setting. The medieval stone font was probably used for the baptism of Bishop Nicholas Ridley, who was burnt at the stake in Oxford in 1555, along with Bishop Hugh Latimer, who famously said on this occasion “be of good cheer, master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle in England, as I hope, by God’s grace, shall never be put out.”
The church yard at Beltingham is also home to three ancient yew trees, the oldest of which is thought to be at least 900 years old.
Confetti
Biodegradable confetti is permitted, strictly outside the church please. We will have a supply available, and some friendly guests to distribute it, or you can bring your own.
Facilities at the Church
Please note: There are no toilet facilities of any kind at St Cuthberts Church – it predates modern plumbing, although it does have a contemporary heating system.
Guests having need of such facilities between leaving The Hott and returning after the service may use the toilets at the Bowes Hotel, roughly midway between The Hott and the church. There will be toilets at The Hott, obviously.
The map shows the route of the walk to/from the church as it passes by Bardon Mill via points A and B. Point C is the location of the Bowes Hotel – only a fairly minor detour via the railway platform, if approaching from the south (point B), or via the main street, if approaching from the north (point A).
Afternoon Tea and Later
After the service we plan to walk back to The Hott1 and entertain our guests with an afternoon tea buffet2. We hope to provide supper later for any guests who wish to linger – if you stay ’til after dark, and the night is clear, you’ll see some of the best night sky views in Northern Europe.