Afternoon tea at Durisdeer 25-9-16

Since our first "tea" a few years ago we look forward to Durisdeer in September. The teas are actually served during July, August and September and have been for almost 50 years! Needless to say the ladies  - & gentlemen -  have serving tea down to a fine art! They can be found in the church hall, next to the church.

 

 

We decided to take a walk before our tea - to build up an appetite! Not that we needed to!

There is a track that goes beyond the church, leading into the hills. There is even a Roman fortlet further up the track.

 

 

After the recent rain the track was rather puddly in places, but as it is a stony track it was not really a problem. The sun shone as we set off although the wind was rather strong. The hills looked lovely - still very green - must be lovely when the heather that covers much of the hills is flowering!

 

 

 

As it was so windy we weren't sure whether we would see many birds about - and we were right! We did see a few buzzards and a few  - what we think were - ravens, but very few little birds. Needless to say there we no butterflies about but we did find some rather large, very hairy caterpillars ... of the Fox moth

 

photo D&G Moths

 The moss and lichens on the walls were also looking really good after the wet weather recently.

 

 

Returning to the church by the same track took us past the mausoleum to the Queensbury family. We have visited this previously but have to say what an impressive sight they are. Everything is carved from marble, with fantastic detail.

 

 

But we were ready for our tea....up the stairs, well worn from use! The church was built in 1699 and included the Ducal Retiring Rooms for when the Duke of Buccleuch and his party came to church in their horse and carriage.

The rooms were later used as a school but when Government schools were introduced the windows were stoned up to avoid paying Window Tax. The windows remained blocked up until 1968 when the rooms were restored and the idea to use them to serve teas was born. The first year only one family turned up! Definitely many more than that these days!

 

 

The food served is absolutely delicious - there must be some wonderful bakers in the area - or is it just 40+ years of practice!! Tea is served in good sized teapots, ensuring at least 2/3 cups each! China cups, saucers and plates add a sense of style with sugar bowls and milk jugs to complete the picture. Home made jam and sandwiches without crusts are just par for the course at Durisdeer!

 

 

 And all at a VERY reasonable price! Durisdeer will be on our calendar next year too!