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Kentmere memories

Here are memories of Kentmere and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Kentmere or a Kentmere photo.

 

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Memories of Cumbria

The Low Wood Hotel

The Lowood Hotel 1912
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We were only here briefly. Just a few early spring and summer months. My parents were managing this hotel for the season. One fine day, when there was a pause in the arrivals & departures of coach buses filled with tourists, my father took me across the road. There on the banks of Lake Windermere was a rowing boat. He taught me how to row and I as very grateful to him that wonderful morning. On my birthday in June, my parents and staff were very busy catering to thirsty tourists (it was always teatime!) So, I decided to find the source of a small river which ran down the hillside behind the hotel. I followed the water until it became more narrow. Suddenly, still higher up, I found a carpet of wild bluebells. It was such a gift to find. I lingered and then went upwards and beyond until the stream disappeared. There was a wide, high hill before... Read more

Wedding in Windermere

The Lowood Hotel 1912
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In 1964/5 I drove from London with 4 young ladies to attend the wedding of our friend Pamela Blackwell, braving a full on snow storm in an old wreck whose windscreen wipers did not work except with the use of a delicately placed piece of string. We only managed half the distance on the first day and 'slept' in the car overnight in a truck lay-by where all the drivers lit fires under their engine block to warm up the diesel, and despite the inclemency of the weather we were made to feel very welcome and enjoyed our brief visit, belated thanks Windermerians!

When I Was Young

The Baddeley Clock c1955
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When I was young I played in the clock gardens for many hours along with my elder sister Hilary, we made dens and played house. Mum knew where we were as we lived at Sunnybank House in Princes Road. Later on I worked in Kendal as a hairdresser, so after work I would get off the bus and see Baddeley clock and know I was nearly home. I now live in Barnsley, but on my visits back I'll drive past Baddeley clock and I feel all is well.

Windermere Hydropathic Hotel

This is the front entrance to the Windermere Hydropathic Hotel. During the Second World War it was the home of Ashville College of Harrogate, as they had been evacuated to Windermere as the school buildings in Harrogate were being used by the Civil Service. The hotel is still in use as a hotel and has beautiful views over the lake.

Is That Lotus?

Well I wasn't around in 1926 and it was certainly much busier by the 70's when I worked on the launches. You'd never see an empty prom then, at any time of year. One thing unchanged seems to be that launch. I'm sure it is Lotus, she was a beauty very graceful, fast and a joy to drive. Not much dry space for passengers when it rained though. On the other hand glorious in sunny weather! Where is she now though? I bet she's still going strong.

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