A dry, calm day dawned for our visit to Cruck Cottage and Crichton Gardens. After the awful wet weather we have been having lately the bright sunshine was wonderful to see as our driver collected everyone and set off for Torthorwald.
We were warmly greeted by Bill and Willie as we arrived at the cottage and shepherded inside where the peat fire was burning brightly. The smell of the peat burning was wonderful and brought back many memories.
Having found everyone a seat Bill gave us a wonderful history of the cottage before introducing Willie Clow who we discovered was a local historian with a wealth of knowledge about Torthorwald and its inhabitants. He is at present - and has been for many years - writing a book about the census taken in the village. The enthusiasm of both Bill and Willie was evident in their talks which kept everyone spellbound.
Time then to look around the cottage at the artefacts that the Heritage Association have gathered to dress the cottage. There are also details displayed of how the cottage was saved and restored, and of the various events the volunteers now put on to maintain the cottage. Despite being very local many of our members had never been here before but were very impressed.
Going back outside to admire the cottage and grounds we realised we were rather chilly, despite the fire, and realised how cold it would have been living in this type of stone building for real!
A group photo rounded off our visit and with many thanks to Bill and Willie we said our goodbyes.
A delicious lunch in the Easterbrook Bistro warmed everyone up and gave us the energy to begin part two of our day. We had arranged for the Memorial Church to be open for us to look around but on such a lovely day the gardens were definitely an option too. Folk were left to their own devices for the rest of the afternoon to wander at will.
Crichton Memorial Church is a very imposing building - looking just a like cathedral! It was completed in 1897 for the Crichton Royal Hospital, then a psychiatric hospital. Elizabeth Crichton gifted them the church with its very detailed exterior and elegant interior. The outside is made of local red sandstone while the interior features local pink sandstone. The church is a conventional cross-shape with a 40 metre tower, an oak roof (by Alexander Tweedie of Annan), floors of marble and impressive stained glass windows. These are almost colour free and make quite an impression because of that. There is carved stonework, gargoyles, a brass angel lectern and a magnificent organ within the building too. As it is a non-denominational church there are various events held within the building from weddings, concerts and other events. On the day we visited they were getting ready for a graduation ceremony.
Leaving the church we set off to investigate the grounds which are huge - the whole estate is 85 acres.
We knew the gardens were worth visiting but again many of us had not actually been here before. What a mistake that was! Beautiful grounds with many specimen trees and plants, a rock garden, and rose garden. There are plenty of seats too so if you need a short rest on the way round ...
There are also playing fields and open spaces so is suitable for absolutely anyone and everyone. It is open all year round too and the gardens are very well maintained with the gardeners doing a magnificent job.
Returning on the bus many conversations were repeating the same thing - what a good day and we must go back!
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