Just given myself an hour to check emails, and check this out!
One of our many delightful customers of 2011 has written a poem about us. I think he hits the nail right on the head and when reading it i wouldnt think i was anywhere else in the world!
Hello there!
Pam and I stayed with you about three weeks ago, and you made us feel most welcome, despite the distraction of preparations for a wedding on the day that we left. I occasionally write bits of poetry, and in the very conducive atmosphere there I began a little ode which I've been working on since. Here is the final version - hope you like it!
I have to say that the 'personality' of your lovely old Inn is in a large part down to the people who run it and the attentiveness of your friendly and helpful staff.
Thank you,
Alan Earle and Pam Sparke
PS The pheasant was the best I have tasted!
Chilling out in the Church House Inn
Dogs laze contentedly by a blazing log fire
whilst their owners engage in leisurely conversation.
No one here is in a hurry -
no place here for stress or worry -
for we’re chilling out in The Church House Inn.
I’m marinating in rich rural flavour,
soaking up the atmosphere.
and sipping slowly on my beer.
Through five hundred years or more,
this old building has got itself settled...
and it really feels oh so comfortable!
Of course, it makes no pretence any more
of being straight.
Every wall, every beam tilts crazily at a different pitch,
fazing my tidy mind
and giving my instinctive side a chance to tune in:
for this old Inn has been talking to me.
When we arrived, it said ‘The door is open: come in.
Welcome! Make yourself at home!’
Now it’s saying ‘Relax’ and ‘Take it easy!’
and I’m saying ‘Well alright!’ and ‘Thank You’,
because we feel so at home.
Now this old Pub has learned
to appreciate itself just as it is.
Illuminated by such blessed sanity
I settle back into reflection.
Shadows dance upon the wall.
My thoughts float free
and time stands still
for a long time it seems,
resting here
as I sip from my Church House pint chalice
and commune
with The Church House Inn.
Alan Earle November 2011
Inspired by the unique character of The Church House Inn in Torver.
