Penrith Ladies Luncheon Club visit Muncaster Castle.
Following his presentation in April 2024, Ewan Frost Pennington, the current owner of Muncaster Castle, invited the members of Penrith Ladies Lunch Club to make a visit for their July excursion. The group of twenty four ladies and their friends, visited on 12th July. Some opted to travel in their own cars, while others travelled by Fellrunner bus. Ewan greeted us on arrival and we were escorted to the arena where we were able to watch the owls flying. The story about each owl and the way that its body was adapted for its survival was fascinating. Ewan gave us a personal tour of the main downstair rooms in the castle and amused us with anecdotes about his ancestors and the resident ghosts. We were then taken through to the Billiards Room where we were served ‘High Tea’ at lunchtime! This was a sumptuous selection of savoury and sweet delicacies served on tables decorated with fresh flowers. The food had been prepared by the castle chef and other catering staff were on hand to ensure that we had excellent service. The afternoon remained cloudy but dry so we were able to enjoy watching the ‘Sky Hunters’ a display of the hawks, vultures and buzzards that are in the Birds of Prey Sanctuary. Their flight speeds and hunting skills as they whizzed past our heads and swerved back again to catch the prey offered to them on the lures by the handlers, were just amazing. The falconers described the background to each bird’s life and the ways in which they are trying to emulate the way that each of the birds would live in the wild in order provide them with as an enjoyable life in captivity as possible.
Ewan then took us along to the Weapons Hall which has been recently built to provide opportunities for visitors to experience handling and using the weapons of a bygone era. We spent an enjoyable time watching people trying out ‘crossbows’ and other deadly kit under the watchful eye of the experts who were teaching them.
There was then just sufficient time for us to roam around the site at a leisurely pace and visit the upstairs rooms of the castle, where we learnt more about the haunted areas and admired the beautiful furnishings and tapestries, before departing for the journey home.
A wonderful day that was enjoyed by all, and just one of the opportunities that is offered through the membership of Penrith Ladies Luncheon Club.
