Even before I moved there 16 years ago i loved the place. I discovered it when I read about it in Burn Trails a booklet if number 11 bus journeys to interesting Birmingham places. I followed these trails on my own, with friends and pupils. Years later I moved nearby and was shocked that my neighbours had never been there. My granddaughters toddling at the time and a trip round the hall and grounds is memorable and probably arrestable. She walked under barriers and for a few moments even managed to jump on one of the beds shouting, 'look grandma.' the staff were very understanding. The bright red apples were tempting and she couldn't understand why I wouldn't let her eat them. So it was helpful that apple day was a few weeks from our first visit. I also won the prize and she was thrilled. I walked past Blakeley hall every few days on my way to and from number 11 bus stop. Last week ny daughter phones and asked if u wanted to go to a wedding fair. I asked when. She said, 'Now' So I caught the number 97 and walked along memory lane. Remembering ny 15 years in the area. The Wedding fair was a new idea. Recycled wedding. Vegan. Healthy. Natural fibres. Cost effective. Words not usually associated with lush, extravagant weddings. A room full of fabric flowers, drinks made from bread, handcrafted items. More displays on the grass. My grandson was happy to crawl about and try recycling the grass. Then we went to a talk in the barn. Appropriate seeing the numerous events I've been to in this area. Last week's talk in what to do with items after the wedding. Selling everything., Remake. I usually cover the bottles in marane, knitting, crocheting ir fabric. More stalls. Long chats with stall holders. A great day to have and make happy memories. And im sure the ghosts of yesteryear looked on. Or maybe the mischievous ones were planning what to do to the wedding party and guests when they returned for the ceremony and reception