Terry Winterton is Friend in Residence at Glenthorne Guest House in the Lake District, England. He sent this update on Glenthorne’s reopening.
Every other year Friends Council on Education convenes a pilgrimage to “George Fox and Margaret Fell country” where Quakerism began. Friends stay at Glenthorne and enjoy the charm of Grasmere while they learn about Quaker history. An English guest house and Quaker center (a little like Pendle Hill) Glenthorne is a pleasure to stay at. It sits in the midst of mountains, in a Harry Potter like village, surrounded by walking trails, mountains and tarns (mountain lakes).
Hope and a Promise for the Future
THE RAINBOW
My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man;
I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.— by William Wordsworth, Written in Grasmere in 1802
I took the featured photo in early February this year during the lockdown. Glenthorne was closed of course but this picture of a rainbow in front of the mountain, Lion and the Lamb (or Helm Craig), brought to mind a sense of hope and a promise for the future. We have used it on the front cover of our programme of Special Interest Holidays for next year. It will be at the printers and online soon with 36 holidays/courses throughout the year. That is the most we have ever had, and offers some exciting opportunities.
Our News: Glenthorne Re-opened This Past May
We have been open since 17 May, operating within the UK government Covid guidelines. From 19 July we have decided, for everyone’s safety, that not much will change at Glenthorne. All signage and hand gel points will remain in place. Staff will still wear a mask during dinner and breakfast service and the current measures for ventilation will carry on too. We will continue to reserve tables per bubble/group as much as we can.
We are asking people to wear masks in the public areas, observe social distancing rules and windows are open where practical. Hand sanitizer is available in the dining room, staff wear masks, and all food is plated and served at the table. We will carry on using individual portions at the breakfast bar, tea spot and for condiments. All this has worked beautifully over the last 8 weeks and everyone has said they felt safe and cared for.
I am typing this in the Garden room looking out over a view that I never tire of. Wordsworth described Grasmere as The loveliest spot that man hath ever found in his poem titled Farewell, which he wrote at Dove Cottage in 1802 (Just a few minutes walk from here). A recent guest, who had travelled all over the world on holidays, said that she felt the surroundings at Glenthorne were the most beautiful she had experienced. I have observed that it grows more lovely to my eyes with each passing year.
I took these two photos on a walk back from Ambleside last week (July 7). I went around the side of Loughrigg to Loughrigg tarn to see what is probably one of the best views in the Lakes (the photo above shows the Langdale Pikes, Pike of Stickle & Harrison Stickle, in the distance across the tarn). Then continuing around the tarn and back down to Glenthorne via Redbank and along the side of Grasmere (the photo below shows the peak of Seat Sandal across the lake and some Canada and Grey lagg geese in the foreground).
So, to find timeless beauty, wonderful views and great walking you know where to come!
Daily Worship at Glenthorne + New Classes
The morning Meeting for Worship has flourished online via Zoom, all through the lockdowns and still continues every morning (except Sunday) at the same time as the Meeting for Worship here in the Garden room 9.15 -9.35am so that underlying deep peace continues. To join worship by Zoom email info@glenthorne.org and we will get you connected.
If you want further inspiration, there is still time to book Glenthorne courses in 2021, or research 2022 opportunities.
News of Staff
Laura, our manager, has looked after things here during the lockdowns whilst most of us were furloughed.
Paul and Gary, our chefs, Shirley our Housekeeper and Poppy on reception are all very happy to be here for you again and we are joined by a new receptionist, Krisztina and general assistants, Sandra, Minker, Marcin, Mayleen and Emma.
It is great to be back and the service and food are as good as ever! See you soon!
Story and Photos by Terry Winterton, Friend in Residence
