http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/This blog records my experiences of owning a lodge on Fallbarrow Park just 5 minutes from Bowness and right on Lake Windermere. Most of the experiences are great and some not so great.en-EUMokoFeed10http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/6f/6dd29f7cb22fc6c0419d2525ebbac6_160x200.jpghttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/10/18/2009-season-musings-7197147/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-10-18:/2009/10/18/2009-season-musings-7197147/Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:11:23 +0200 <p>Well the 2009 Season is rapidly coming to a close. It literally does not seem like 5 minutes since I was speculating on what kind of season we would be in for. </p> <p>So how has the 2009 season been?</p> <p>Well the answer depends on the context. From a weather point of view, the summer itself can only be described as wet and disappointing. We probably only got out in our boat 3 times all year. Although that is only partly due to the weather, more due to the fact that we were booked up for most of the summer so very little usage opportunity.</p> <p>On a positive weather front, spring was really nice and Autumn so far has been really surprisingly good.</p> <p>In terms of rentals, 2009 has been excellent in terms of bookings but the downside to that is the restricted opportunity to use the lodge ourselves. Next year is looking to be even better with several advance (some repeat) bookings already. We have decided to not take weekend bookings next year as they are so difficult to organise the changeover for (we do the changeover ourselves). Not only that, weekend bookings restrict the week long bookings you can take. </p> <p>The relationship with SLP seems to be quite good, although we are still pushing for a new contract. The decision by SLP to freeze site fees (although they should really have reduced them due to negative inflation) seems to have reduced discontent amongst owners judging by the lack of activity on the forum.</p> <p>FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/10/18/2009-season-musings-7197147/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fallbarrow-lodge-rentalhttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/10/18/2009-season-musings-7197147/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/07/23/2009-site-fees-6575134/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-07-23:/2009/07/23/2009-site-fees-6575134/Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:24:53 +0200 <p>I have it on good authority that the site fees for 2009 will be frozen at 2008 levels. Furthermore, with the VAT rate going down to 15% (from 17.5%) owners should see a net reduction.</p> <p>This is a far cry from the days of old when SLP would increase site fees and then tell us what a good deal we were getting. </p> <p>There is still a way to go with SLP in terms of getting a new contract that will formalise how site fees are set in a fair and equitabe way. However, the freezing of fees is a good start for future discussions.</p> <p>FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/07/23/2009-site-fees-6575134/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fallbarrow-site-feeshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/07/23/2009-site-fees-6575134/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/06/06/first-weekend-for-a-while-6249639/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-06-06:/2009/06/06/first-weekend-for-a-while-6249639/Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:17:18 +0200 <p>This is our first weekend up at our a lodge for what seems like a very long while. Just our luck that we have dropped on a rainy weekend after all the recent good weather. Still the sun is trying to break through and it has stopped raining.</p> <p>We managed to get out on the boat last weekend (we came up for just for the day) so here is my verdict on the new jetties. If you have a larger boat that sits quite high in the water then the jetties I am sure are fine. However, my boat is only 17' long and quite low so just getting on and off is quite an interesting challenge. Reversing the boat into the berth is also a challenge but one that I sure will become easier with practice. I would like to see some better facilities for the smaller boat, perhaps covered dry storage and a launching and recovery service. This would potentially free up some of the berths for larger boats.</p> <p>Hopefully, the next time we get up for a weekend, the weather will be a little better.<br> Regards<br> FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/06/06/first-weekend-for-a-while-6249639/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>log-cabinlodgelake-districtrentalfallbarrowhttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/06/06/first-weekend-for-a-while-6249639/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/05/25/lucy-cooks-6175275/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-05-25:/2009/05/25/lucy-cooks-6175275/Mon, 25 May 2009 17:43:08 +0200 <p>Recently some friends of ours gave us a gift voucher for our 30th wedding anniversary. The voucher was to attend a demo and dine event at a place called Lucy Cooks in Staveley just outside of Kendal. Like I guess lots of people, we tend to speed right past the turnoff for Staveley (it is the about one mile before Ings heading towards Windermere).</p> <p>I must admit we did have some trepidations about this demo and dine event. The idea is that you all sit round a table and a chef cooks your meal, all the time demonstrating the cooking. The demo bit was ok, we just were not that keen on the idea of sitting dinner party style and having to make conversations with complete strangers.</p> <p>We needn't have worried as it turned out. The other guests were really friendly and everbody got on fine.</p> <p>So to the food. The chef for starter cooked monkfish and tiger prawn risotto. We had to wait whilst he prepapred and cooked it ever so slowly, all the while getting hungrier and hungrier. The wait was worth it - deliceous. The main course was beef wellington. Luckily he had pre prepared this but did demonstrate how to make beef wellington. Once again deliceous with mashed and parmentier potatoes with wild garlic. The sweet was hazlenut parfait with crushed pistachio nuts - wonderful.</p> <p>All in all it was a great night. You need to book and check the website for other themed evenings.</p> <p>www.lucycooks.co.uk</p> <p>Regards<br>FB</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/05/25/lucy-cooks-6175275/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/05/25/lucy-cooks-6175275/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/finally-got-my-boat-6058550/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-05-04:/2009/05/04/finally-got-my-boat-6058550/Mon, 04 May 2009 19:37:20 +0200 <p>Made a quick dash up to Fallbarrow today to do a changeover. The journey up was quick as there was little or no traffic. Wish the same could have been said about the trip back. I guess the poor Bank Holiday weather persuaded many Lake District visitors to head home early. Certainly the traffic from Lancaster to Preston on the M6 south at lunchtime was really bad.</p> <p> Well my boat finally has finally made it back into the water. Unfortunately, due to the weather I was not able to go out today. I also still have some concerns about the new moorings at Fallbarrow. As my boat is only 17' long, it seems far too small for the mooring posts. Still, time will tell as to how easy it is to get in and out of the new berths. Regardless of any issues there may be with the new jetties and berths, it seems that they are really popular and have now all been taken up. The attached pictures were</p> <p>Regards<br>FB<br> <a title="Boat launching facilities at Fallbarrow" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/boat_launching_facilities_at_fallbarrow/3474889"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/889/3474889_7865197964_s.jpeg" alt="Boat launching facilities at Fallbarrow" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="New jetties at Fallbarrow" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/new_jetties_at_fallbarrow/3474890"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/890/3474890_f755738a21_s.jpeg" alt="New jetties at Fallbarrow" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/finally-got-my-boat-6058550/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/finally-got-my-boat-6058550/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/17/had-a-great-week-5963329/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-04-17:/2009/04/17/had-a-great-week-5963329/Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:56:20 +0200 <p>Just got back from a week up at the lodge. Was not as relaxing as I would have hoped but that is another story. It was just nice to get up in a morning without having to worry about going to work. We were very lucky with the weather, only seeing a drop of rain, even managed a bbq on the decking.</p> <p>I was hoping to go an see Peter (the sales guy) at Fallbarrow. Rental demand has been very good for my lodge. So much so that I would like to see how the finances could work for getting a second unit. Unfortunately, I just did not get the time, even over a week up at the lodge. Still, perhaps next time. I guess the issue is (as with most property investment) is the finance in these times. Even with BOE rates at 0.5% the actual cost of borrowing money bears no relation to this. I got a letter from my bank offering to loan me £25,000 at 9.9% interest - ouch!</p> <p>Still no sign of my boat. I have heard some rumblings of discontent over the new jetties. I can understand why this might be so. The mooring posts are too wide for most boats (including mine). Also, it seems that the whole structure is too high, it will be some descent to get into my boat over the summer when the lake levels get low.</p> <p>So, apart from the jetties, most things seem to be ok down at Fallbarrow. Just need some movement on the new contract.</p> <p>Regards<br> FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/17/had-a-great-week-5963329/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/17/had-a-great-week-5963329/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/12/another-sunny-day-5932163/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-04-12:/2009/04/12/another-sunny-day-5932163/Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:25:14 +0200 <p>Well today has been another beautiful sunny day. Let us all hope this bodes well for the summer. I just wish I had got my boat on the water but that is another story. Spent most of today just catching the sun on the decking and watching the Windermere world go by. We are up here for the rest of the week so lets hope the weather holds.</p> <p>FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/12/another-sunny-day-5932163/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/12/another-sunny-day-5932163/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/11/easter-weekend-5927996/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-04-11:/2009/04/11/easter-weekend-5927996/Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:57:31 +0200 <p>Well lets hope the rest of the Easter holidays live up to Easter Saturday. Great weather, a good game of golf with my son (even though he did beat me) and to finish the day off a bbq. Just a pity the mighty whites could not snatch a point at Chelski.</p> <p>We have all our family up with us this weekend which makes the time even more special. This is what "lodge life" is all about. Relaxing with family and just enjoying the weather and the views.</p> <p>There was an owners bbq at the sales office today. Kind of ironic that we decide to have a bbq on the same day when there was a free one put on by SLP, free drink as well. Still, much prefer spending time on our decking with family.</p> <p>FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/11/easter-weekend-5927996/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/11/easter-weekend-5927996/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/new-web-site-5907993/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-04-07:/2009/04/07/new-web-site-5907993/Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:31:34 +0200 <p>Well I have finally taken the plunge and decided to pay for a website. Well actually just the hosting of the site and the name:</p> <p><a href="http://www.fallbarrowlodge.co.uk">www.fallbarrowlodge.co.uk</a></p> <p>I did all the work on the design and content myself. I still don't want to pay for a professional web site just yet. I shall see how this one goes.</p> <p>Regards<br> FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/new-web-site-5907993/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/new-web-site-5907993/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/05/flying-visit-5895234/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-04-05:/2009/04/05/flying-visit-5895234/Sun, 05 Apr 2009 18:47:57 +0200 <p>Just a flying visit up to the lodge this weekend. We travelled up Saturday night after watching Bolton beat the Smoggies 4 -1. The only reason for going up was to get the lodge ready for guests arriving on Tuesday.</p> <p>This is our first full season of renting out the Lodge. So far bookings have been very good. Not that we are looking for lots of renters every week, just enough to cover the costs. It is always a difficult balance between renting out and using for ones own pleasure. We plan to be up over Easter with our grown up kids. Looking forward to that.</p> <p>I will hopefully get the boat on the water and moored on the new jetties over this time as well. There were a few more boats moored there this weekend.</p> <p>I am really looking forward to this new season now that the weather seems to be getting better (fingers crossed). Still waiting for news on the new contract, but apart from that, everything is 100% better than this time last year.</p> <p>FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/05/flying-visit-5895234/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/04/05/flying-visit-5895234/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/28/day-trip-5845042/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-03-28:/2009/03/28/day-trip-5845042/Sat, 28 Mar 2009 01:12:17 +0100 <p>Had a mad day trip up to Fallbarrow to get the Lodge ready for guests this weekend. A very hectic three hours ensued upon my arrival which involved making the beds, dusting, cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming and cleaning the two bathrooms. Even though I do say so myself, I think I made a good job of getting the lodge ready. However, I would not like to have to do it on a regular basis. I have a lot of admiration for the people who do this kind of thing for a living. Having said that, we will have to do the whole thing again next weekend for some mid week guests. At least I will be supervised by my wife (actually she does most of the stuff and tells me what to do).</p> <p>There are now three boats moored on the jetties. I plan to get my boat back into the water sometime around Easter. Just hope we get some good early weather so that we can get out on the Lake without freezing to death in the process. </p> <p>Kind of been a low key start to the season for us. We have only stayed in the lodge for two weekends so far. Been a combination of commitments at home that has prevented us. Still we are planning on being there for most of Easter.</p> <p>With the clocks going forward this weekend, I guess we can look forward to some lighter nights. I do enjoy this time of year and certainly prefer a crisp sunny spring day over a muggy summers one. But both were in short supply so here's hoping.</p> <p>Regards<br> FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/28/day-trip-5845042/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/28/day-trip-5845042/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/25/what-a-great-weekend-5823677/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-03-24:/2009/03/25/what-a-great-weekend-5823677/Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:43:22 +0100 <p>What a great weekend we just had.</p> <p>Really sunny weather, albeit a bit chilly still. Good company with friends who stayed with us for the weekend. Some good sport on TV (England wining the rugby and Ireland the Grand Slam).</p> <p>Sadly, missed out on the free breakfast and owners night. But Peter in the sales office seemed pleased with the response. And one of the Beech Tree lodges has been sold already.</p> <p>Next task is to get the boat back on the Lake and work out how to tie it up on the new jetties. </p> <p>FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/25/what-a-great-weekend-5823677/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/25/what-a-great-weekend-5823677/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/19/who-is-up-at-fallbarrow-this-weekend-5789854/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-03-19:/2009/03/19/who-is-up-at-fallbarrow-this-weekend-5789854/Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:02:06 +0100 <p>So who is up at Fallbarrow this weekend? </p> <p>We got a letter today from Peter and Tracy inviting us to view the new lodge development (Beech Hill). Also, we have been invited to the owners night and also a free breakfast. </p> <p>I kind of have mixed feelings about such events. To be honest, I can take them or leave them (my wife just wants to leave them). However, I do see the value that such events can have in terms of meeting fellow owners face to face (as opposed to meeting and communicating on here)</p> <p>I personally want the new Beech Hill development to sell well and succeed. I know the strategy from SLP is to reduce the hire fleet in favour of lodges. This is something I support as I believe the more owners on site with a strong financial interest in the success of Fallbarrow the better.</p> <p>I also understand that the sales of holiday weeks on FB by SLP have gone extremely well. This I believe is partly symptomatic of the credit crunch. Whatever the reason, it is good news for all. Personally, this is my first full year of renting and I already have several weeks booked out.</p> <p>Regards<br> FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/19/who-is-up-at-fallbarrow-this-weekend-5789854/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/19/who-is-up-at-fallbarrow-this-weekend-5789854/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/07/first-impressions-first-weekend-5708036/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-03-06:/2009/03/07/first-impressions-first-weekend-5708036/Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:01:55 +0100 <p>Well this is our first weekend at the lodge for the 2009 season. Some changes, in fact lots of small changes and to be honest for the better.</p> <p>Firstly, though it was good to see most of staff were still around. I got to know many of them quite well last season and have nothing but praise for their hard work and dedication.</p> <p>The new jetties are almost finished. It will be a fun challenge docking and securing my boat.</p> <p>The reception has been refurbished.</p> <p>There is a new sales "lodge" (replacing a caravan). There does not seem to be much progress on the new lodge development. Wondering if SLP are going to try and sell them "off-plan"? (actually there has been a lot of work I have since discovered on the new lodge development - most of the infrastructure is complete, just waiting for the units)</p> <p>So in summary, no major issues/problems which is good. Looking forward to the season.</p> <p>FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/07/first-impressions-first-weekend-5708036/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fallbarrow-lodgefallbarrow-log-cabinlakeside-log-cabinlakeside-lodgehttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/07/first-impressions-first-weekend-5708036/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/02/new-season-5675276/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-03-02:/2009/03/02/new-season-5675276/Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:14:49 +0100 <p>So today, was the first day of the new season at Fallbarrow, Limefitt and White Cross Bay. </p> <p>Hopefully work will be all but finished on the new jetties at Fallbarrow and also the new power infrastructure. </p> <p>I go into the start of this season with much more optimism than last season. Soon we should make some progress on a new fair contract for all SLP owners. The management team led by Nigel Wimpenny seem to be open to the owners needs and views, which as we all know was not the case under Graham Hodgson.</p> <p>Of course, we all have the credit crunch to worry us this year. It certainly not on the radar this time last year (well perhaps it was but we did not realise how big,nasty and quick it was going to be). It will be interesting to see how the current economic climate impacts on new and used lodge/caravan sales across all the parks. As we approach the summer, we need to keep an eye on the rate of inflation as that will set any increase in fees for season 2010/11.</p> <p>So here is to a great 2009 season. Hopefully the weather will be better but as a good friend of mine is prone to say:</p> <p>"There is no such thing as bad weather in the Lakes, just the wrong clothes"</p> <p>Regards<br> FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/02/new-season-5675276/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/03/02/new-season-5675276/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/02/04/management-change-5503984/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-02-04:/2009/02/04/management-change-5503984/Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:47:55 +0100 <p>I have just learned that there has been a management change at SLP. Last year, following the departure of Graham Hodgson and others, Nigel Wimpenny (Finance Director) assumed temporary charge of SLP pending the appointment of a new Chief Exec. Late last year Andrew Stevenson was appointed as Chief Exec for SLP. </p> <p>I have now learned that Andrew Stevenson has now left the company as of last week. I never met or had contact with Andrew so can't comment on how good a job he did during his short tenure. The other management change I have learned of is that Nigel Wimpenny is now Managing Director and Finance Director. </p> <p>This last piece of news is very positive. During his time in charge, I found Nigel very fair and honest to deal with. He was the driving force in resolving the pitch fee dispute last season. </p> <p>I have also been informed that work on the new jetties and power infrastructure is progressing well at Fallbarrow. Hopefully this work will be completed in time for the start of the new season.</p> <p>So all in all, we are looking forward to the start of new season.</p> <p>Finally, I urge people to try Twitter. Just go to <a href="http://www.twitter.com">www.twitter.com</a> and register it is free. Then go to <a href="http://www.twitter.com/SLPTweets">www.twitter.com/SLPTweets</a> and click follow. I am trying to publish as it happens news on twitter, but at the moment, nobody is out there lol</p> <p>Regards<br> FB </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/02/04/management-change-5503984/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/02/04/management-change-5503984/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/31/beach-hill-5478938/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-01-30:/2009/01/31/beach-hill-5478938/Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:39:58 +0100 <p>South Lakeland Parks have announced plans for some new lodges at Fallbarrow. The announcement has met with some negative reactions from some Forum members (http://southlakelandowners.freeforums.org/). The consensu seems to be that the new lodges will detract from the open green space on the park, impacting on the attractiveness of the site. There are also concerns that the new lodges will adversley affect resale values and rentals. I have to say I also have concerns about lodges being sited in new areas of the park where there were no units previously. I do tend to prefer lodges and have always been pleased when SLP have removed their own weely rental units for owner lodges.</p> <p>Time will tell if the new development does detract from the green open space. Time will also tell if in the current economic climate the lodges sell quickly.</p> <p>I would also make the suggestion that the increase in lodges at the expense of SLP caravans can only make the club house less viable. Most of the clientelle I would surmise are weekly SLP renters,  but of course I coulb be wrong. I have often stated that I do not see the need for the club house, but I know that most do not share this view. I guess if there was no clubhouse, it may well make renting more difficult.</p> <p>There is now just over a month to go before the site is open again. A new season awaits, new jetties and power supplies (hopefully) and hopefully better weather than last year. Surely it can't be as bad again.</p> <p>FB</p> <p>Follow me on twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Fallbarrow">www.twitter.com/Fallbarrow</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/31/beach-hill-5478938/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/31/beach-hill-5478938/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/16/all-closed-upma-5390911/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-01-16:/2009/01/16/all-closed-upma-5390911/Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:10:53 +0100 <p>All the SLP sites (in the Lakes at least) are now closed as of last weekend. They will not open again until the first weekend in March. I always ask myself during the closed season, do i miss the lodge? In most ways the answer is yes I do. However, the Winter time does give me the opportunity to do all the little "inside the house" jobs that get put off due to all the "Lodge" weekends. Come to think of it, actually that is a very good reason for missing the lodge life at weekends.</p> <p>The close season is also the time to reflect on how "enjoyable" the previous season was, and to look forward to the new one. I suppose the two enduring memories of last season were the weather and the fees dispute with South Lakeland Parks. As already discussed several times previously, the dispute is well on the way to being satisfactorily resolved and surely the weather can't be any worse than last summer.</p> <p>We will also have new jetties and boat launching facilities at Fallbarrow for 2009. I have already renewed my boat berth for 2009 in the anticipation of the upgraded facilities. Anybody who walked on the old (now demolished) Fallbarrow jetties will know that they were not fit for purpose.</p> <p>I have also this week sent back the customer survey from SLP. I took the opportunity to comment on how good the reception and maintenance were but also fed back that we never use the facilities. This I guess is because of the unique location for Fallbarrow being so close to Bowness. We prefer to shop, eat and drink in Bowness, just using the FB shop to buy a paper. There is the argument that we should support the facilities at the site, but to be honest we would not miss the club, cafe and shop if they closed down. Just my opinion of course.</p> <p>Regards<br>FB</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/16/all-closed-upma-5390911/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/16/all-closed-upma-5390911/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/07/twitter-5335122/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-01-06:/2009/01/07/twitter-5335122/Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:23:25 +0100 <p>I have recently discovered something on T'internet called "Twitter". For a while I must admit I did not get what Twitter was all about, and then I suddenly did. I am not going to try and explain it in great technical detail (for one reason, I don't know that much about the technical detail) but just encourage you to sign up and try it for yourselves.</p> <p>Twitter in its simplest form is a way of communicating something (an event, pictures, an announcement, news) to one, several or lots of people very quickly and simply. Think of it like being able to SMS text all your contacts from your computer in one go. In fact it is similar to SMS texts in that the maximum number of characters is set to 160.</p> <p>It works on your computer or from your mobile phone. The mobile option is quite good because you can also upload photos to Twitter and then everybody can view them. The great thing is that you only have to send the message once and people then download the message (and or photo)  from Twitter.</p> <p>It works very well for establishing a very quick and easy way to communicate between people with a common interest, such as lodge and caravan owners on South Lakeland Parks.</p> <p>So what should you do next. Well first thing is to get a Twitter account by going to:</p> <p><a title="Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a></p> <p>Once you have an account, the next stage is to follow the SLPTweets by going to:</p> <p><a title="SLP Tweets" href="http://www.twitter.com/SLPTweets">SLP Tweets</a></p> <p>And clicking the button to follow. Whilst you are there you can see who else is in the network and follow them as well.</p> <p>All I can say is give it a try and persevere, you may well become adicted to Twitter.</p> <p>Regards<br>FB</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/07/twitter-5335122/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/07/twitter-5335122/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/02/end-of-season-5311945/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2009-01-02:/2009/01/02/end-of-season-5311945/Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:14:27 +0100 <p>Well on New Years day our last renters for the season vacated our lodge and we finally shut up the place for the winter break. On arriving at Fallbarrow, the maintenance staff (yes they were on duty on New Years Day) were runing around trying valiently to unfreeze the mains water supply to several caravans on site. The calls were coming in from desperate owners who I assume had been in their caravans overnight but had still been the victim of a frozen water supply. Thankfully (according to staff) the lodges on Fallbarrow are imune to such freezing (well ours is anyway). I was also informed that WXB and Limefitt were experiencing similar problems.</p> <p>This freezing of water pipes does remind me of one of my earliest posts and several letters to Graham Hodgson (remember him?) when I made the case that many units and certainly the caravans were unsuitable for use during the extended season. However, it would seem that this issue is not actually due to the caravans, it is the actual feed to the units which must be the responsibility of SLP. Whilst it is accepted that extreme weather will cause disruption to services, there is also an obligation on SLP to do everything reasonably possible to prevent loss of services such as water. For those who do rent out there is potential loss of income if services are subject to disruption.</p> <p>On a more positive note, in addition to the new jetties at Fallbarrow, we have been promised an upgrade to the electricity power supply. This hopefully will enable new lodge power supplies to be fitted (currently they are only 20 amp and should be as a minimum 60 amp, ideally 100 amp - or so I am told) which will get over many of the irritating power cut offs when using more than one appliance.</p> <p>So we are looking forward to the 2009 season with new jetties, new power supplies but most importantly a new fair contract (more of which in a future blog post).</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>Fallbarrow<br>Follow me on <a title="Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/Fallbarrow">Twitter</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/02/end-of-season-5311945/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>new-seasontwitterhttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2009/01/02/end-of-season-5311945/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/12/28/end-of-the-season-5289442/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2008-12-28:/2008/12/28/end-of-the-season-5289442/Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:18:55 +0100 <p>Well, the 2008/9 Season is coming to an end. It has by any measure been a roller coaster of a season. As I have previously stated, we did not look forward to the start of this last season due to the dispute over fees with South Lakeland Parks. To be honest, it was not so much the dispute, more the intransigent attitude of the "old" management team under Graham Hodgson that really made things difficult. However, as we all know Graham and others "left" SLP and a new management came into being.</p> <p>So how has the new management fared over the past few months. I have to say I have been impressed with the change in attitude at the top (still think local park management needs to improve though). The most important change is the fact that the owners are now listened to. The dispute over fees was settled and things that were promised actually were delivered (wi-fi internet, new jetties at Fallbarrow etc.).<a title="IMG00011-20081227-1443" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/img00011_20081227_1443/3100251"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/251/3100251_06bc1ed9e4_m.jpeg" alt="IMG00011-20081227-1443" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="IMG00012-20081227-1443" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/img00012_20081227_1443/3100252"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/252/3100252_354361e019_m.jpeg" alt="IMG00012-20081227-1443" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a title="IMG00013-20081227-1444" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/img00013_20081227_1444/3100253"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/253/3100253_c9a2633722_m.jpeg" alt="IMG00013-20081227-1444" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p>So we now look forward to the new season with a lot more hope and optimism than the last. We should hopefully have a new site licence/contract which will be fair and balanced. We will at Fallbarrow have new jetties and launching facilities and also new power supply infrastructure. Hopefully, all this combined will mean that we all can enjoy lodge or caravan life on an South Lakeland Park.</p> <p>Finally, I like to wish all people who read this blog a very Happy New Year.</p> <p>Regards<br>Fallbarrow</p> <p>Follow me on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Fallbarrow">www.twitter.com/Fallbarrow</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/12/28/end-of-the-season-5289442/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/12/28/end-of-the-season-5289442/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/review-so-far-5000826/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2008-11-07:/2008/11/07/review-so-far-5000826/Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:00:31 +0100 <p>Well, here we are towards the wrong end of yet another season. It was a season to be honest that started off full of foreboding. We were locked in a bitter dispute with the site owners (South Lakeland Parks) over excessive site fees and lack of consultation over the season extension. Then out of the blue, there was a change of management at SLP and with it came a change of attitude. SLP addressed the issue of excessive site fees but the extended season remained. What has been really refreshing has been a willingness from SLP to listen to the caravan and lodge owners.</p> <p>We now have a shiny new shop and bistro (granted that was the previous management, but then we did not really want it), wi-fi access across the site, the promise of new jetties (which I finally believe will happen, after the empty promises before) and the promise of some investment in the power supply infrastructure.</p> <p>So what does this really add up to? Well, it means that we and others on the site (and other SLP sites) can actually start to enjoy the lifestyle we bought into in the first place. Last season and the first few months of this were not pleasant. However, we now look forward to the last bit of this season and next season with renewed hope.</p> <p>Kevin and Jean </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/review-so-far-5000826/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/review-so-far-5000826/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/10/04/actvity-on-the-forum-4821797/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2008-10-04:/2008/10/04/actvity-on-the-forum-4821797/Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:59:29 +0200 <p>The South Lakeland Owners Forum ( <a href="http://southlakelandowners.freeforums.org/)">http://southlakelandowners.freeforums.org/)</a> has been pretty quiet of late. It is scary to think that it is almost 12 months since the forum was set up. There are now 43 members on the forum, some active and many passive. Since being formed there have been 98 topics and 410 posts. </p> <p>One of the reasons in my opinion for the recent calm on the forum is the more responsive attitude from senior SLP management. Evidence of this on Fallbarrow includes the more realistic site fees for 2007/8. I also believe that fundamentally, most people do not want to contribute to forums, preferring quite naturally to enjoy their lifestyle investment on a South Lakeland Park.</p> <p>Winter is now closing in and we have to decide if we wish to take advantage of the extended season this year. Last year, we politely declined the use of extended season and shut our lodge up from the middle of November. This year, we shall keep it open, but probably not use it very much. We are looking to rent it out over Christmas and New Year as we have other plans for these times at home. </p> <p>Hopefully, by the time we go up again, the WI-FI will be working. I know several people have mixed views on this. Many support the opinion that a visit to the Lakes should not be spoiled by accessing the internet all the time. My view is the opposite. Having internet access means that I can work from the lodge, and so combine work and pleasure and spend more time at my lodge. However, I do tend to spend more time than I should working/accessing the internet. Ultimately, you don't have to take a lap top with when you visit the Lakes. </p> <p>Finally, I guess it is an admission that summer has finally ended (did it ever start?) when I have to make arrangements for my boat to dry stored for the winter. We are definitely fair weather boaters and really can't see any hope of calm, hot days until next year (heres hoping).</p> <p>Kevin </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/10/04/actvity-on-the-forum-4821797/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/10/04/actvity-on-the-forum-4821797/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/09/07/been-a-bit-windy-4696156/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2008-09-07:/2008/09/07/been-a-bit-windy-4696156/Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:50:28 +0200 <p>Due to the poor weather forecast, we were not planning on visiting our lodge this weekend, but had to pay a brief visit to prepare the place for a late rental booking. I also wanted to check on my boat which is moored on one of the jetties at Fallbarrow. </p> <p>The wind on Saturday was incessant and certainly worrying in terms of possible damage. Whilst my boat was ok, others were not so lucky. One boat broke away from a buoy mooring on the lake and ended up beached. Luckily, the Lake Wardens were still active at 7-00 pm and came and towed the loose boat away. A large sail boat broke away from the jetty at Fallbarrow, but was secured by some willing volunteers as the owner was not on site. </p> <p>Come Sunday, and everything was relatively calm. Looking at the flood damage in other parts of the country, I guess the Lakes got away relatively lightly. We should also consider the tragedy in Haiti which suffered the full force of the hurricane which caused the bad weather over here.</p> <p>Hopefully, by the end of this week, we should be clear of the tail of Caribbean hurricanes and might get an Indian summer after all. </p> <p>On a more positive note, it would seem (weather permitting!!) that we are about to get WI-FI Internet access on Fallbarrow. The wooden posts to support the masts are already in and hopefully by the end of this month, we should have internet access from the lodge. Now some may see this as a good thing (i.e. me) and others are less than enthusiastic (i.e. my wife). I can see the point that you should not really visit the Lakes and suffer withdrawal symptoms from being denied access to the internet. But, it will certainly be useful for checking things out, booking cinema tickets (Zefferellis in Ambleside) and of course the latest weather forecast. All in all, a great addition to the amenities on site.</p> <p>Regards<br> KW </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/09/07/been-a-bit-windy-4696156/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/09/07/been-a-bit-windy-4696156/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/summers-end-4661723/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2008-08-31:/2008/08/31/summers-end-4661723/Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:27:18 +0200 <p>There is often much debate as to when Summer ends and Autumn begins. People living in the South seem believe the Summer extends into September. My wife will have none of this. She is a teacher and returns to school this week for the "Autumn/Winter Term". So that settles that argument.</p> <p>There is no doubt that July and August have been pretty miserable for weather with what seems like almost constant rain. In fact I am sure I have heard on the news that August was the wettest on record. All this poor weather makes us forget the fine weather in May/June. At one stage I did believe that Lake Windermere would fall to such a low level that I would be unable to moor my boat at Fallbarrow. Hopefully, we will get an "Indian" Summer in September/October and then probably forget the poor July/August. Still as a good friend of mine often states "there is no such thing as bad weather in the Lakes, just the wrong clothes". I guess most people who visit the Lakes expect poor weather and any sunshine is accepted gratefully as a bonus.</p> <p>Having been in dispute with SLP for almost 12 months over the season extension and the associated increase in site fees, we have decided to accept the fact the the site will open over the winter months, and will be paying the revised site fees for the 2008/9. Thankfully, SLP did see some sense and accepted that the 2008/8 fee increase was excessive and have adjusted the new fee accordingly.</p> <p>There does seem to be a more responsive attitude from SLP since the ending of the Graham Hodgson era. They do seem to be more prepared to listen, and more importantly take appropriate action. At the end of the day, all we want to do is enjoy the "Lodge lifestyle" without lots of aggravation and upset.</p> <p>Finally, having accepted the new extended season, we have also decided that we will not use it over Christmas and New Year. So if anybody wishes to rent the lodge over this period, then visit our website:</p> <p><a href="http://lakedistrictlodge.googlepages.com/">http://lakedistrictlodge.googlepages.com/</a></p> <p>Regards</p> <p>KW </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/summers-end-4661723/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/08/31/summers-end-4661723/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/08/03/just-back-from-holiday-4538960/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2008-08-03:/2008/08/03/just-back-from-holiday-4538960/Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:36:09 +0200 <p>Just in case anybody was wondering why I have not updated this blog for a number of days, it is because I have been away on holiday. We went over to Ireland and visited Dublin for a few days and then drove down to the South West of Ireland (Portmagee) for a week in a cottage. It was a great break but also a good family get together as well. Although I was able to check e-mail via my mobile phone, trying to write an update to this blog using text speak would have proved too much of a challenge.</p> <p>The South West of Ireland is really a beautiful part of the world. I would recommend anybody to visit if they get the chance. There is some really stunning scenery to see and experience. The thing that really impressed was the Irish attitude to tourism. Sure they welcome tourists, but they don't seem to make any special effort. I found this approach really refreshing and made the holiday even more enjoyable. We visited Ireland and enjoyed traditional Irish hospitality and way of life without there being any real compromises to cater for tourists. Perhaps there is something parts of the Lake District could learn from this. </p> <p>On another matter, it would seem that we are going to have to accept that South Lakeland Parks will keep Fallbarrow Park open for the extended season. That being the case, we have decided to offer the lodge for rental over Christmas and New Year, as we have other plans for that time. So if anybody is interested then they can check out the price and availability on the <a href="http://lakedistrictlodge.googlepages.com/">Lodge Website</a></p> <p>KW </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/08/03/just-back-from-holiday-4538960/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>christmasnew-yearhttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/08/03/just-back-from-holiday-4538960/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/07/13/trepidation-4443182/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2008-07-13:/2008/07/13/trepidation-4443182/Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:34:50 +0200 <p>Well today for the first time we welcomed a family of almost complete strangers as renters of our lodge. I say almost as we have got to know each other reasonably well via e-mail and me and my wife were more than comfortable about renting out our second home to people we had never met.</p> <p>This does not mean to say that things were not stressful before our guests arrived. The cleaning, bedding etc. was no problem. However, just removing many of our personal items that had been there and used for 3 years was a bit strange.</p> <p>Having made the decision to rent out our lodge, we also decided to invest in a few extras. We have installed a dishwasher and also purchased a new Weber barbecue. Hopefully, everything will be just right for our guests.</p> <p>Having taken the plunge to rent out over the summer (having resisted for 3 years) we have now decided to rent out over Christmas and New Year. If anybody is interested in these FULL weeks, then please visit our rental website (http://lakedistrictlodge.googlepages.com/) for prices. We are also renting out for October half term.</p> <p>Finally, following on from my journey up to Fallbarrow on Friday when I avoided a speed trap due to the cost of fuel, I did it again on the way down. There was a "plain clothed" police Volvo patrolling the M6 pulling in speeders. Of course, my new 70 mph maximum stood me in good stead.</p> <p>KW </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/07/13/trepidation-4443182/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/07/13/trepidation-4443182/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/07/11/a-benefit-of-the-high-price-of-fuel-4435828/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2008-07-11:/2008/07/11/a-benefit-of-the-high-price-of-fuel-4435828/Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:11:36 +0200 <p>A few weeks ago I wrote on this blog about the high cost of fuel. Specifically, I ranted and raved about how much more it was costing me to fill up with diesel. Not too many months ago diesel was 90 pence per litre and now it is £1-30. It now costs me £20 extra to fill up.</p> <p>Well rather than ranting and raving in the forlorn hope that Gordy and Alastair would do something about it, I have taken matters into my own hands. I now religiously keep to the 70 mph speed limit on the motorway. My average fuel consumption has increased from 31 mpg to 41 mpg. And this afternoon on our way up to the Lodge, there was a police "safety" camera van parked up just south of the M61 junction on the M6. Normally, I would probably have been done for speeding, but not today. So the high cost of fuel has now in fact saved me £60 and 3 points on my licence.</p> <p>So now turning to the weather. As I type, the rain is sweeping over the Lake - welcome to the Summer. However, the view is still something else, and it does seem to be brightening up. And just to prove that the weather should not prevent a good time, last Saturday we (me and my son) achieved 13 holes of golf, assembly of a new bbq and then actually cooking on it. And then at 9-00 pm a blast on the boat (keeping to 10 mph of course). In between all this activity, we got quite wet on at least three occasions, but that's the Lakes. </p> <p>Finally, it seems that Hayes Garden Centre has now stopped selling Calor Patio Gas, and only stocks BP patio gas. Now this is not too bad if you need a new cylinder and are prepared to pay the deposit of around £30. However, if have already paid the cylinder deposit, it seems crazy to pay again just to be able to get patio gas from Hayes. So to cut a long story short, SLP will hopefully very soon stock the 13Kg patio gas cylinders available as a refill or new. And they say they will be competitive. So if the price is right, then I will be getting patio gas from SLP. Competitive prices+convenience+right product = good service. Sign of better things to come? Let us all hope so.</p> <p>KW </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/07/11/a-benefit-of-the-high-price-of-fuel-4435828/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lakeside-log-cabinfallbarrow-log-cabinfallbarrow-lodgelakeside-lodgehttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/07/11/a-benefit-of-the-high-price-of-fuel-4435828/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/07/04/it-has-been-a-while-4405260/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2008-07-04:/2008/07/04/it-has-been-a-while-4405260/Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:05:46 +0200 <p>It has been a while since I last posted on this blog. Despite my lack of regular posting June was record in terms of people visiting and page views. For all of you have taken the time to read these ramblings then I thank you for your perseverance.</p> <p>Anyhow, to the business in hand. Yesterday I had a meeting with Nigel Wimpenny, the surviving director at SLP following the departure of Graham Hodgson, Bev Dixon and Ian Gaskell. I have to say up front that Nigel came across as a genuine person who wants to get things sorted amicably. Time will tell if my first impressions will be proved correct, but the signs are very encouraging. I really do feel we have the opportunity to resolve many of our differences and disputes to enable all owners to enjoy their investment in the Lake District. At this stage I am not going to divulge any further details of the meeting, but I do feel a lot more positive about the future.</p> <p>That brings me to today. Both my wife and myself took a day off work and got up here early. What a fantastic day! The weather was absolutely glorious, sunshine all afternoon (even got a touch of sunburn). However, what really capped off the day was the sun going down over the hills around Lake Windermere and the fantastic colours in the sky. Just hope the rain holds off so I can get a game of golf in over at Carus Green in Kendal.</p> <p>Here's to more days like today.</p> <p>KW </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/07/04/it-has-been-a-while-4405260/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/07/04/it-has-been-a-while-4405260/#commentshttp://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/06/23/weekend-in-london-4349747/tag:fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk,2008-06-22:/2008/06/23/weekend-in-london-4349747/Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:16:05 +0200 <p>We have just got back from a very enjoyable weekend in London. We visited our daughter and her boyfriend who both work there. We went to see Jospeh and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat starring Lee Mead. If you get the chance, go and see this show, it really is fantastic.</p> <p>It would also seem that we had the best of weather as well. Hardly saw any rain whilst in London, not much wind either. My brother-in-law and his wife used our Lodge so we got the full update on the weather in the Lakes. Despite the weather, I still missed my usual weekend break at Fallbarrow, so looking forward to next weekend.</p> <p>It has been several weeks since the parting of the ways between Graham Hodgson (and others) from South Lakeland Parks. As yet we have had no formal communication with the new Chief Executive (Nigel Wimpenny) so things are at a standstill. Time will tell if his appointment will signal a change in attitude from SLP. Let us hope so for every ones sake.</p> <p>KW </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/06/23/weekend-in-london-4349747/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fallbarrowpark.blog.co.uk/2008/06/23/weekend-in-london-4349747/#comments