HRH The Princess Elena (Helen) of Romania opens RoyalTeas

HRH The Princess Helen cuts the ribbon 

On Wednesday 25th April 2012 Gloria (Sat Nav) and I were privileged to attend the Official Opening Ceremony of the UK's only Royal Tea Room which is in Stanhope, Weardale, County Durham, and aptly named RoyalTeas.

The Opening Ceremony was graciously performed by HRH The Princess Helen of Romania, accompanied by her husband H.E. Domnul Alexander.  Princess Helen gave a wonderful speech which was simultaneously heart-warming and poignant and she charmed everyone.

HRH The Princess Helen 

Anita Atkinson with HRH The Princess Helen
in RoyalTeas 

RoyalTeas is the brainchild of my longtime friend Anita Atkinson's daughters Ruth and Gemma. 

  

Ruth
behind Ellen and Anita's
Aunt Audrey

Ruth had the idea to open a Royal Tea Room to celebrate our Queen's Diamond Jubilee and exhibit some of Anita's record breaking collection of Royal Memorabilia.

Gemma came up with the clever name.
                            

Gemma

HRH The Princess Helen, H.E. Domnul Alexander,
Ellen Dean 

Of course Anita couldn't have managed a tea room on her own....she is not a baker - sorry Anita, but you know it's true :-).... however, Christine Dodd is a first class baker and RoyalTeas is their terrific joint venture. It is open now and right through the summer to August of 2012.

Christine Dodd with Ellen

Anita is a well know Royalist and holds the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest collection of Royal Memorabilia in the world. And, what she doesn't know about the Royal Family History, past and present, isn't worth knowing. Over the last thirty years she has given numerous 'Royal Talks' always donating any money generated to charity.

As some of you know I have been a Royalist since the age of six when I managed to get my head stuck in the railings outside Buckingham Palace....moving swiftly on.......

The Royal Visitors chat to
a member of Stanhope Silver Band

Lilian Peart admires the exhibition
and decor

                                                 

RoyalTeas is a MUST VISIT. 

Stanhope Silver Band played both the Romanian and our national anthems at the Opening Ceremony AND in RoyalTeas gave an impromptu performance of 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head' to celebrate the typically British weather! Oh yes, many raindrops were falling throughout the day....

The exhibition is incredible and so colourful it has to be seen to be fully appreciated. The food is fabulous - we recommend the plain scones with jam and cream, and the fruit cake. 

RoyalTeas venue is courtesy of Stanhope Methodist Chapel who deserve a huge thank you for their support of Anita and Christine.  

Ellen Dean Most Definitely Recommends :-)

Stump Cross Caverns Experience

I hadn't been in a cave since my childhood days. So, on Wednesday I decided to go underground, and  explore Stump Cross Caverns owned by Richard and Lisa Bowerman.  

Okay, I must admit (if I don't tell you my niece Amy will) that I was more than a bit apprehensive but thanks to the encouragement of Jacob (the owner's son) who at thirteen knows all there is to know about  Stump Cross Show Cave I put on my hard hat, and descended into the hole! 

Once I was down there I was amazed at the beautiful colours and formations. Stalactites and stalagmites are everywhere, along the cave passages and in the grottos, in all shapes and sizes. Isn't it bizarre how many faces there are in rocks? See if you can spot any faces in the video pics of these  caves that are millions of years old.

After the cave experience we enjoyed tea and cake in the cafe, that in itself is well worth a visit. So, if you are with a party of people, and you can't get down the steps into the cave, sample the delights of the cafe, and have a browse around the shop. A great choice of crystals and gifts. There's something for everyone.

British weather being what it is this is a perfect place to visit rain or shine!

Oh yes . . . I nearly forgot to say . . . Richard brews his own beer made using water from within the cave. Appently visitors are able to enjoy a drink with a difference! It's called Stump Cross Beer.

Ellen Dean Recommended.