The weather forecast was for a bright morning, with rain starting just as Anthony and Leanne were due to arrive at the church, and getting heavier during the afternoon. Somehow, as seems to happen quite often at Belmount, it was dry all day, with the rain holding off until twelve hours later – about 1.30am on Sunday morning – as the last guests were leaving. Phew…. . I wish I knew how that was fixed.

Leanne’s message, after they had arrived at The Samling for two nights’ luxury, before departing for eight months backpacking in Africa (“I’m worried about the bus trip from Nairobi ….” ) and elsewhere, was:- “Words really can’t express our gratitude to you, Gillie and your team for everything you have helped us achieve!”.

The Belmount ‘team’ would not have been able to achieve this without the amazingly detailed organisation by Leanne, and the support of the Walsh ‘team’. Special mention for Danielle, who, as Leanne’s  friend from childhood and Chief Bridesmaid, managed to keep everybody incredibly calm, even when, due to a misunderstanding about delivery times, the flowers had not arrived when expected. Gillie’s rose garden was about to be ransacked… .

Also big thanks to Danielle, who had attended a taster meal in February, and expressed her delight that we had been able to maintain the standard of food served at the taster meal, even though we were serving 88 instead of 8. Such feedback is welcomed by all of the Belmount team. Serving complicated starters and puds perfectly, and Boeuf en Croute perfectly ‘pink’ (as specified) to over 80 guests is an exciting challenge

It was a fine menu:-

Starters:
Asparagus wrapped in Parma ham with Hollandaise sauce
Watercress mousse with smoked salmon
Roasted red pepper filled with Goats Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Pesto served with couscous (vegetarian option)
Mains:
Boeuf en Croute, with rich red wine sauce
Tarragon Chicken – in white wine, cream and tarragon sauce
Aubergine Galette (Vegetarian Option)
Desserts:
Lemon Posset (with shortbread biscuits)
Triple Chocolate meringue gateau

We give lots of credit to our wonderful meat suppliers – Lake District Farmers – http://www.lakedistrictfarmers.co.uk – “The World’s finest beef and lamb. Reared by those that care. Supplied to those that know.”. They had a devastating fire at their premises near Ulverston a couple of weeks ago, but were back up and supplying from new premises at Tebay within a couple of days… . Without that commitment and service, we could not have ‘delivered the goods’ for Anthony and Leanne’s lovely wedding. “I have never tasted beef so good” was one comment.. .

On Sunday, Anthony and Leanne had organised a garden party, with a hog roast, to say ‘Au revoir’ to friends and family before leaving for their extebnded honeymoon. Somehow, after torrential rain overnight, it was a dry day again. There was croquet and lots of other games on the West lawn, and another wonderful party.

As should happen, we were sorry to see everybody leave Belmount Hall – the perfect use for this house and its lovely grounds.