April 2011

Sunday the first of May sees the 402nd Riding of the Bounds in Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Traditionally local residents riding on horseback scour the Berwick boundaries to ensure the Scottish have not encroached onto English soil. In reality we hope they have arrived to fill our caravan parks, hotels and guesthouses for Easter! Events kick off from about 9.30 a.m. in the area of the Barracks. From there they parade to the Guildhall to get permission from the Town's Mayor to check the Town's boundaries are intact. The 15 mile ride has traditional stops along the way, eventually re-entering town about 3.30 p.m. It is a colourful and spectacular gathering worth seeing if you are in the area. Skilled riders can participate if they can hire a horse or bring their own with riders permits available from the Tourist Information centre :- 01289 301780. Spectating is of course free, as is the horse manure for your roses!!

March 2011

An unusual day out this month found Maurice and Ruth at a local farm in The Borders, in Berwickshire actually, with Chris and Denise Walton at Peelham Farm (www.peelham.co.uk). There was a gathering of folk from all over to take part in their "adopt a pig "scheme. Having chosen and named your piglet, you can follow its progress by visiting the farm on several weekends in the following months. Eventually the pig is butchered and you have all the products to take home. The advantage to the pig is that it leads a free range happy lifestyle compared to those reared in intensive units. The advantage to you is knowing exactly where your food came from and how it was produced organically. They even grow all their own crops to feed all their livestock, as well as the grass for their sheep and cattle. If I was a pig I think I would like to live at Peelham Farm!

February 2011

Take advantage of our 4 nights for 3 offer until the end of March and base yourself here to explore the wild places of North Northumberland. Why not give the car a holiday and do it by bus. We are on the coastal path running North and South from Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Spend a day walking North towards St Abbs Head in Scotland. Spend a day walking south towards Lindisfarne. Bus it to Beal and spend a whole day exploring the wonderful Holy Isle with its great array of wintering birds. Visits to the Island are tide dependent. Spend a day in the Cheviots exploring one of the many river valleys there. Spend a day following the River Tweed upstream, or bus inland and walk the river back towards Berwick. Plenty of options if you want to get close to the natural environment and nature. Take a picnic lunch freshly prepared here at The Old Vicarage. We can advise on great days out - you might even come across an otter like the one shown which was photographed by Laurie Campbell not far away on the River Tweed.

February 2011

It's never too late for that romantic get-a-way!! Go on, treat your partner to a lovely relaxing weekend with us here in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Let us pamper you, enjoy a super candle-lit three course meal for only £25pp on the Saturday evening. Breakfast in bed is an option too, flowers in your room, whatever you want we will try to provide it. We have two rooms still available, and for a minimum 2 night booking we are willing to offer a further 20% discount!! Contact us directly to take advantage of this last minute offer. Tel. 01289-306909.

January 2011

And a happy new year to you all, but especially Sylvia and Roger from the West Midlands, who have won 2010's draw for a free two night stay with us anytime this year! Our three year old grand-daughter choose the lucky room number after others had picked the month and date. All staying with us in 2011 will be eligible for a similar draw for a stay in 2012.

Other special offers are still available including prices held for returning customers; dinner, bed and breakfast packages from £60pppn; gift vouchers; and 4 nights for the price of three (excluding high season and bank holiday weekends).

Hope to see you in 2011 -

Ruth, Maurice and Findlay

Winter 2010

Hi all – can’t believe it’s my Xmas message again, seems so short a time since the last snow!! We’re open for business despite it all (except for Xmas and the New Year, which is family time). And don’t forget Maurice and Ruth are offering 4 nights for the price of 3, right through until next Easter. I think they are holding prices generally for next year, apart from the VAT increase. Returning guests can also ask for the same rate they paid in 2010 – not bad!! And what about a gift voucher as a super Xmas present? Contact The Old Vicarage and they will do a gift voucher for any amount towards the cost of a stay in 2011 or beyond. O.K. that’s everything sorted – now for that short dash to the hedge and then back to my cushion beside the radiator. I wonder can you get skis for cats??

Autumn 2010

Lots happening up here in North Northumberland this Autumn and early Winter. Base yourself here at The Old Vicarage and take advantage of the following events and opportunities:-

Alnwick celebrates Harry Potter all October. Visit Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Gardens in October for a season inspired by the wonderful world of Harry Potter. Hogwarts party – 28^th October. Halloween Weekend 30^th – 31^st October includes a pumpkin parade, spell-book-making workshop or herbology lesson, Muggles tour of the Poison Garden and more!! Check it all out at www.alnwickgarden.com and www.alnwickcastle.com

Meanwhile in Berwick-upon-Tweed on the 22^nd October see the wonderful Tornado Steam Train and a trial run of the new lighting system of the magnificent Royal Border Bridge. For the lighting up proper be there on the 27^th November for what should be an amazing event with all 28 arches being illuminated in all sorts of ways

Barn at Beal are presenting a ticket only evening of fireworks and music on the 6^th November – see www.barnatbeal.com

Looking further ahead – get your skates on for the Dickensian Market in Berwick on the 12^th December. This will be bigger and better than ever with an ice-rink as a new attraction, numerous stalls, street entertainers, seasonal food and drinks, afternoon Victorian style teas in the Town Hall by ourselves – The Old Vicarage Guesthouse team!!

The Bridge illumination is the culmination of the Stevenson 150 celebrations. Please note that Ruth and Maurice are offering 4 nights for the price of three from November onwards until further notice.