Wednesday 30 April 2014

WEDDING BELLES

There is nothing more exhilarating than wide open spaces and Oaklands Country Manor has buckets of it.

This is where we, as a family, decided to meet - just outside the dorp of van Reenen in the Free State. Freddie and Willow travelled from Cape Town and we sauntered across from Pongola. Both couples had married earlier in the month – Freddie and Willow choosing a Buddhist ceremony and Rob and I exchanged vows in the Anglican Church.

Our celebratory ceremony in this vast open land was indeed very special. It was only us – and the crisp Free State air. But there is no such thing as a free bride. The grooms had to climb on their bikes, cycle across cow padded fields to find hidden treasures that would lead them to the altar, where the wedding belles were waiting, with champagne on ice of course! Freddie’s treasures were a little more cumbersome – as he came bearing gifts including an old enamel baby’s bath, a teddy bear and goodness knows what else. Rob was delighted with his red bell with its tantalising message “Ring for Sex”, which we heard miles away!



Oaklands Country Manor is a wonderful wedding venue, with great accommodation for 32 guests – but it works just as well for 4! It is run by the offspring of the Tully family, affectionately known as the Tullyban. The establishment has a fascinating history going as far back as 1860.


The matriarch, Lady Caroline wife of the late Sir Hervey James Hugh Bruce-Clifton, runs Oaklands with her siblings. Kathy Romer-Lee is the master chef with Annie Barnard and brother, Simon Tully, offering their full support.

It is a horsey place, with a polo arena and a stable filled with well-schooled horses. Experience the excitement of this noble game, either as a participant or an observer. If that’s not your chukka then opt for an out-ride taking in the gorgeous views and fresh air. There are loads of activities to keep even the most hyperactive folk busy.


And if that’s not your cup of tea, settle down in the sumptuous décor and fill that tummy with Kathy’s delicious fare. The pub can be conducive to bad behaviour or cuddle up in front of the fire in the comfy sofas in the lounge. That is if you can persuade the Great Danes, strongly resembling an Nguni cow, to move over.


I was particularly delighted to wander around Kathy’s veggie garden, although sad to see how the early morning frost had hammered the more vulnerable veggies. I spotted her worm farms and brought back a yoghurt tub of red wigglers to add a pedigree to my stock at home.



It’s little things like that that make a stay away from home so special!


For more information:  www.oaklands.co.za

Other blogs by Lois Kuhle:
SMOKE RINGS IN CUBA. A TWO WEEK JOURNEY FILLED WITH SALSA, SUNSHINE AND SILLY PEOPLE: http://smokeringsincuba.blogspot.com/2013/10/smoke-rings-in-cuba-journey-filled-with.html
'LIFE'S COOL'. MY NEAREST AND DEAREST BECAME THOSE THAT GRUNTED, BARKED OR BIT. http://milimanilifescool.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-n-2002-i-was-lucky-enough-to-be-given.html
COOL THOUGHTS – LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE: http://loiscoolthoughts.tumblr.com/