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/

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/loiskuhlescribbler

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/loiskuhle

We have pending nuptials. 

Even at our age the prospect is so very exciting. This will not the first time for the gallant groom and blushing bride to walk down the aisle. My dad has marched me there once (or twice) before, in the hope that the boomerang bride does not whirly whirly her way home. But this approaching event has begged the question of how to do it….this time.

This year had a traumatic start. Before it had even whispered ‘13’ we attended the funeral of an old school friend of mine’s husband. December and all its frivolous festivities is about to begin and again we have been to the funeral of a young 62 year old friend of Robert’s. We have also been caught up in the madness of Mandela’s 10 days of mourning.

It’s at times like these that one reflects on life, death and hopefully that happy bit in the middle. 

These three funerals garnered the support and love of many, many friends and family. Admittedly Mandela’s was planned way in advance, but tragically the other two were not expected and flipped the lives of their loved ones completely upside down.

But within days of their tragic exit, people had flown from distant corners of the earth. Driven for miles across the country, dropped everything they were doing to be with someone they really cared about. Catering was organised, a wake put together, stirring speeches about the dearly departed spontaneously penned, drawing emotions from deep down. Everyone made an effort to be there. Everyone did their thing. 

The only thing missing was the person for whom this was all about.

Why in life can we not do what we do in death???

So, back to the pending nuptials. We have decided that we will give our friends and family – and anyone else who cares – a week’s notice. 

Bring a plate of something. 

We will tell you where to come. 

Don’t dress up. 

No presents. 

But drop everything and share what we believe is our lifetime moment.

You have been warned.

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