Duncan MacDonald
Jakarta 28 September 2016
The Alnwick Garden
The Alnwick Garden is complex of formal gardens adjacent to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England. The first garden was laid down in 1750 by the 1st Duke of Northumberland, who employed the celebrated Northumberland gardener known as Capability Brown (actual name: Lancelot Brown). The gardens have a long history but fell into disrepair in the 20th century and was closed as a working garden in 1950. Redevelopment of the garden was instigated by Jane Percy, Dutchess of Northumberland in 1997. It was reopend in October 2001. It is now owned by a registered charity; The Alnwick Garden Trust. see www.alnwickgarden.com
Alnwick Grand Cascade Fountain
Alnwick Drop In Shinta and Frank
The Drop In is a unique restaurant in Alnwick, specifically for 'older people in Northumberland'. i.e. they cater exclusively for the Over Fifty brigade. Frank and I qualified easily, but it was very gracious of them to accept Shinta. It's open every Thursday, Friday and Sunday 11am - 4pm. Music, books, and company are provided, as well as play cards, chess, dominoes, jigsaws and more! Oh yes, there is also free tea, coffee and light refreshments.
We were impressed with the excellent service and low cost, so we left a substantial tip. The women working there (Sue Simpson and Yvonne Dale - among others), do so for free, so they aparently treated it as a donation to the Trust. When we arrived back in Jakarta, we received a surprise package from Jane, Dutchess of Northumberland, who is the trustee, thanking us for our 'donation'.
The wondrful volunteer ladies at the Drop In who provide the food, drinks and company.
The Drop In Shinta and Frank Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle Frank Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle
Lindisfarne
Coldstream 