Lazarus Guestbook

Francis Buttle

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 03:53:45 +0000

I'm hugely indebted to cousin Jonathan who has given me a deep understanding of my own history.. I'm part of the Curry Rivel branch, along with my late father Arthur William George Buttle, and my late brother Nick Buttle, who has also signed the guestbook. My sister Dale died before Jonathan's magnificent book "Buttle family records" was published. Thank you Jonathan.

Keith Pearson

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 20:54:16 +0000

"Hi there", many mid 80Â´s memories @ the Mead spring to mind, driving the automatic Merc being just one of them but still kicking myself for missing meeting Joni Mitchell that week while I was holidaying in the Greek Islands. IÂ´m pleased to find this site online and see that IÂ´m an Autumn corner of your mind.

Jane Webster

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 10:13:13 +0000

I lived in Northend during my teenage years, 1963 - 1970. In 1974 I moved to South Africa. In May 1978 I came over in order to visit my parents who were still living in Northend. An old friend came to visit me and we walked along the lanes to St Catherineâ€™s Court. We visited the lovely little mediaeval church and on the way back we stopped at The Mead for a delicious cream tea. My mother had told me that a young man named Jonathan had re-opened the Mead. She said that it was a popular place in past years for courting couples to have tea there. I have happy memories of walking through the valley when a teenager. I returned to live in Bath in 1994 and now live in a Nursing Home in the city.

simon gilbert

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 13:48:48 +0000

shame to not see any photos of mum or myself considering how much time we spent there! and working in tea gardens! And we family

David Boutwell

Sun, 05 May 2019 13:48:42 +0000

Hi there, I'm a descendant of James Bowtell and Alice Ling, who came to America around 1635, from Essex, England. There are references for the village of Shalford. I'm trying to find Bowtell connections in Essex and Suffolk. You have a great site here. Best wishes!

Peter Fidgett

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 21:56:24 +0000

Lived in Bath in early 80's and so enjoyed breaking away to St. Catherines Valley, The Meade and "climbing up on Solsbury Hill" of course. Thank you for such a magical little spot. Could be heaven methinks.

Owen

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 19:52:37 +0000

Rowan ruined our honeymoon.
She didn't give the right directions or pick up her phone so me and my new wife were driving around until 2:30am trying to find the place.

We weren't able to find the place so we had to find other accommodation at our own expense.

When I complained and said we were going to stay just the one night, she cancelled the booking as punishment for us complaining

Martin Thurlow

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 10:40:59 +0000

Google search:

Buttle Norfolk Wherries

This will take you to the:

'Buttle family of the Norwich River' website.

Enjoy

Cleone Wright (nee Nuttgens)

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 17:39:42 +0000

Hi Jonathan! I'm Gill's daughter and used to help out at the Mead when I was a kid. Just discovered this site and have spent a happy half hour reminiscing and looking at the lovely photos. Such a beautiful spot and I just loved it there, despite the hard work!

The Lower Tea Garden was my particularly favourite despite the chaos down there we had so much fun. Hope you're well. xxx

Duncan McNie

Sun, 17 May 2015 05:55:49 +0000

My great uncle was James Wilson the original owner of the tearooms. I am visiting Bath from NZ later in the year and would love to visit the site , can anyone assist with information .

Michael Sandy Peters

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 20:28:31 +0000

I was here in 1983. And Digby, Jonathan's dog at the moment, absolutely loved me. Much has changed since. But my memories of my passage into this wonderful place has never faded. I am now retired and make music as a hobby. Look me up on youtube.

Michele Chivers...nee Gibbons

Sun, 11 May 2014 19:54:12 +0000

The Mead holds a very special place in my mind. I visited many times in the 80's with numerous friends, where we enjoyed the rustic charm of teas on wonky tables as we fought off the wasps. A party down by the brook one night... Chocolate gunge, strawberry teas. The Mead is a magical and almost mythical place in my memory. I wish I could turn the clock back to any one of those visits. Best wishes
Michele

Amias Channer

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 18:08:17 +0000

I have many happy memories of childhood visits to the mead tea gardens. It was a wonderland for a young boy with all sorts of lovely and magical things to play with while my parents nattered.

In fact it was here that i met a truly magical creature, my wife Rose Popay. I don't remember all that much of the encounter but i do remember being scared of her.
Maybe i was too young to understand love.

Some 30 years later we met again and after a whirlwind romance we now have a lovely daughter for whom i am eternally in your debt.

Thankyou mead tea gardens and you wonderful keepers , your work is very much appreciated

Erica Pease

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 17:11:19 +0000

Oh I have such happy memories of the Mead Tea gardens throughout the 80's when many a Birthday party was spent batting wasps away form our cream teas! To this day the smell of wild garlic takes me right back to the tea gardens. I remember one Birthday in particular when my friends Thalia's dad invested all his powers of persuasion in trying to make us believe the pink elephants lived at the tea gardens! Happy happy times x

Rod

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:16:42 +0000

The Mead Tea Gardens changed my life. On a glorious summers day in 1982 I was supposed to be driving to Loughborough in the afternoon to see my girlfriends degree show presentation. She had made it clear that this was A BIG DEAL. In the morning I had been out cycling with some friends and we stopped off on the way back to Bath at the Tea Gardens. It was idyllic and we drifted into a contented snooze. Needless to say I eventually arrived in Loughborough as they locked the doors at 7.00 p.m. and the lovely Sara never spoke to me again.

Kim Barnsdale

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 04:27:20 +0000

I have been working on my family tree and my great grandmother was a Buttle. I believe they are from the Essex Buttle clan. Not sure if anyone else is part of that grouping but I would love to hear from you. :) I have been able to trace them back to Samuel Buttle (b. 1799) in Alphamstone, Essex. This is a fascinating website and you all sound like a lovely group of people.

kay

Tue, 05 Nov 2013 10:00:06 +0000

I have the most wonderful memories of lazy Sundays,and overnight stays at The Mead Tea Gardens, there was and still is no place quite like it. My friends and i would gather for delightful quirky english teas, cups didn't match saucers, teapot lids didn't match teapots. It was magical!!!!!!! I now have my own business which has been completely inspired by this wonderful place. Thank you.

Patrick Kehoe

Mon, 02 Sep 2013 23:08:01 +0000

Hi Jonathan, quick question to ask if the email address above is still active and/or you check your emails regularly - have sent you a message a few weeks back but was worried it had gone astray!
Fantastic site with some pictures of my Aunts and Uncles (Buttles of Wexford).
best wishes
Pat

l durban

Sat, 04 May 2013 12:33:09 +0000

Have the most wonderful memories of a group of celebrating in the garden with the fantastic strawberry breakfast in the most fantastic location, food and atmosphere created by the family. 1985 I think.

Sarah Wright

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:50:19 +0000

Very interested to see your information that the original farmhouse was built by the Coates family. We have been researching this family, and actually visited the lovely St Catherine valley and church a few years ago, without realising this farmhouse was where they lived! Thank you for your site and pictures!

Carole Buttle Santa

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:57:46 +0000

Wonderful site! Sorry I have never visited but I do believe I saw 2 of my aunts from the Gaspe in Quebec at a reunion in 1989. I have just recently developed an interest in genealogy and seem to have descended from the Devon/Somerset Buttles. Is it possible to buy your book?

DAVE MASSEY

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:28:26 +0000

i came across this brilliant trip down memory lane and HAD to post. i was first introduced to the charms and delights of the Mead in 1982 by a girfriend who lived in Bath. it became a mainstay for sundays on a regular basis for the next 10 years!

the location was enchanting (apart from the drone of motorbikes!), the food and tea (when i drank tea) was lovely, and the service always had a delicious 'englishness' to it.

now i've moved back to the area from london i'm on the look-out for somewhere that might even vaguely match up. all those photos and memorabilia on here brought back so much

i hope you're enjoying your retirement, jonathan, as you absolutely deserve it!

Robert John Beetel

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:43:10 +0000

The family has been looking long and hard for roots and relatives and I happened upon this page! I think we may have finally cracked the mystery! Would love to get in contact with other Beetel/Buttle/Beetles/Battles.

Strony internetowe londyn

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:30:12 +0000

You have officially inspired me to create a bog portfolio site. thank you. that is all
Love your design on your page

Chris Edwards aka Hippy Chris

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 19:09:15 +0000

I remember visiting many times in the 80's when, with 4 others, I lived in a shared house in Nearby Thickwood. Most especially I remember cycling to the Mead on the way to work in Bath and enjoying a champagne and strawberry breakfast (supply your own champagne). The ideal way to start the day. And those wonderfully rickety chairs!

Robbie Polley

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:31:25 +0000

What a delight to find this site. I was beginning to think I had made up the many hours I spent in the early 80's. I would drive there from Corsham and sit peacefully with fellow art students in the gardens sipping tea. It was dreamy and perfect, even in the rain. The summer pudding was especially memorable, great to see it on the menu again, a vivid flashback moment.
I had often wished I'd had a few photos to prove how idyllic it was to my friends who never had the chance to enjoy this wonderful place, and now I do, thanks. If you do open again, please let me know.

Annabelle

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 08:11:09 +0000

I am so hoping that you will again be having your charity tea this year (2012). I love the site - it is so nostalgic.

Cliff Pink

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:47:49 +0000

Had a amazing time doing charity teas this August once again, it was great fun
meeting up with your old customers and friends. I know what a huge effort this is to organise. Well done Jonathan!!!

Helen Harwood

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:10:09 +0000

Thank you for putting up this site. The Mead has a fond place in my memory.
In 1981 we lived in Larkhall, and all summer we would cross the horribly busy A46, go up Bailbrook Lane, climb up Solsbury Hill, and on, over the top and down to St Catherineâ€™s and the Mead. It was a glorious vivid summer, with the occasional sight of a green woodpecker or a red fox stopping to stare as we passed. And the absolute highlight, of course, was the impossible choice between strawberries and cream and raspberries and cream with our pot of tea when we arrived. I remember sitting in a shaggy orchard in glorious sunshine, and a greenhouse full of enormous cabbage roses. Well the Mead has gone, and the walk to Little Solsbury has been spoilt by the bypass. But at least the memories are there.

Sue Bean nee Cooper

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:07:26 +0000

Hullo - what a great piece of work forwarded on to me by my brother NICK COOPER. Harriot Beazley's 19th birthday party comes to mind, April 1984? Inside the house, Bill Bailey played the piano in a 'Les Dawson' style. The photos of the cherry trees... I remember I remember! Confirms my long held opinion that the St Catherine's Valley is one of the finest spots in the world. Do you remember spoiling my 16th birthday party with a spoof phone call? Best wishes to you. Sue

Richard McTaggart

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:03:14 +0000

Johnathan! remember me? your site bought back some lovely memories* what happened to the Anderson's? Orchard -farm! please e/mail!
kind regards*
and thanks*
Richard*

John Pritchett

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 17:29:03 +0000

The car that you asked me to identify is not an Austin. It is a Morris 8hp Saloon of about 1935/5

liz rodrigo

Sat, 28 May 2011 17:53:26 +0000

I read your site with both sadness and happy memories . WE used to live in Bristol when we had 2 small children and remember outings to the gardens in summer and winter as a treat . Somehwere wher we didn't worry about the children had great food and felt like being at my mothers (who is Irish !) Have since lived all over the UL and in New Zealnd and still spoke about those teas and cakes everywhere we went . I am visiting Bristol and basth this year and was planning a visit so am sad that the tea gardens will not be there . Hope that life is treating you well and that the sun rises on you each morning ,

Emily LeQuesne

Mon, 02 May 2011 12:29:40 +0000

I remember my 6th birthday breakfast party at the mead tea in 1978. Down by the brook,toast, cake and laughing children. Or walking from Marshfield a year or 2 later,it felt like such a long way for me but the cream tea and egg and soldiers was reward enough.How lovely to be reminded of some of my happiest childhood memories.

Chris Kausman

Mon, 02 May 2011 11:35:15 +0000

This is a photo of me, and an unknown dog taken at 'THE MEAD' quite a few years ago!(the dog is the one on the right!)
If anyone remembers me,or the dogs owner, or who owned me (actually it was a very pretty lady called Jo Fletcher at the time!)
Going to 'THE MEAD' was like going back in time ,--to a place of peace and tranquility--an unrepeatable experience.

Annie McGann

Mon, 02 May 2011 11:12:53 +0000

So many beautiful days spent at The Mead. We have a lovely video of the babies playing on a blanket in the garden in Spring 89. Unique place and lovely people. X

Mal Sainsbury

Sun, 01 May 2011 16:55:33 +0000

Many happy memories of teas enjoyed in this idyllic place where it always seemed to be summer. It was a word-of-mouth secret to share with only good friends... seeing this lovely site has brought back happy, sunny days of being young again - thanks!

Austin Guest

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:18:46 +0000

Had some very happy stays at the Mead in the mid 1980s. There have been times in my life since then when I have pined for a Mead Tea! Very pleased to have found this site and will look out for future events at The Mead. Wish you well.

Marion Crawford

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 04:30:55 +0000

Greetings
A friend of mine (James) was interested in finding out more of his family and I said that I would get him started. While searching the Internet I found your website that included the Devereux and Buttle families. James was delighted to receive reference to your Website which included some of his family.
This record that you have of your families is wonderful.
Regards Marion

Lizzy Gayton

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:39:43 +0000

I remember family walks up the valley and teas in the Mead as a child in the 1970's and have vague memories of a drunken party there which must have been in the 80's.
I just chanced upon the website but it brought back memories especially chair legs disappearing between floorboards!
I still walk past every now and then and wish you were still open. If you have a charity day again do let me know and I'll bring all those friends who've heard me say "there used to be a wonderful tea garden there, but it's gone now" and then had to walk home to get a cup of tea.
Great site - thanks
Lizzy

Yvonne & Barry Parfett

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 00:57:56 +0000

We first went to The Mead for our honeymoon in 1983 and returned (with a succession of guide dogs and our children) most years after that until it closed. Have also been back for several of the charity teas. Have very many happy memories of our times there and will sort out some photos - expecially ones of the boys, dogs and Digby Jr xx

Michael Devereux

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 06:21:41 +0000

Ive just had a look at your web sight Jonathan its fantastic. I visited you at the mead in 1984 my god that was so long ago. I had a fantastic time i will definitely be back.
From Cousin Michael

Brian Jones

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 18:17:40 +0000

Intrigued by the messages from Granny Parrish. I'm trying to find a link between the Parrish family (eg Robert Parrish who ran a market garden in Keynsham, died 1929, and Lizzie Parrish, died 1975) and the Corston Harrills. Lizzie was v close to the Harrills but nobody is alive now.

Perhaps Granny Parrish could help?

xx kayleigh xx

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:21:37 +0000

i used to work here in my school holidays with my dad cliff!!! me and my sister used to take peoples orders! loved playing in the woods there would be good to go back and do it again one year xx

Paul Buttle

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:37:59 +0000

Ba ceart duit cupla focal as Gaeilge ar an suÃomh seo.

I'm sure I don't have to translate!

Paul

Stuart Galloway

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:04:48 +0000

Hi Jonathan
Have great memories of being at the Mead with Ravi, Roger, Charles etc. when we worked at Westinghouse. You and I used to do quite a bit of running together on Sunday mornings and meeting up for music sessions. You introduced me to the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony. We left The Mead in about 1969 to go to Corsham from where I moved to Trowbridge and got married. Lyn and I moved to Sandy in Bedfordshire in 1974 and we have lived here ever since. I worked at British Aerospace until early retirement in 2000.
Hope you are well and plan to pop in to see you when we are next in the area
best regards
Stuart Galloway
PS - will send you some pictures if you give me your e-mail address

Stuart Bowie

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:40:40 +0000

I remember the Mead with great affection and spent a very happy year in the flat in 1971/72, sharing with Yan and Lance. I think Brian with his open topped Triumph Herald lived in one of the cottages.
I move to Bath for a year to work between university courses and borrowed a flat in Snow Hill for the first couple of weeks. Taking a Sunday walk with then girl friend Alison we came down into St Catherineâ€™s valley and I remember saying that it would be a wonderful place to live. On Monday I answered a flat share ad which turned out to be at the Mead. It was meant to be!
I had one of the top floor rooms overlooking the cherry trees. Lots of great memories; strawberries from the small holding opposite; Minty the cat; Johnâ€™s dogs; collecting cider in old bottles which proved undrinkable as they had held liquid soap!; leaving the chip pan on and very nearly burning the Mead down, saved by old towels over the top; having to repaint the kitchen, hall and a bedroom to repair the damage; dinner parties; roses in the old greenhouses, the apple store, strawberry breakfasts; most of all the peace and tranquillity of St Catherineâ€™s valley after a very stressful post grad year in Bristol.
Latterly lived in Bristol for thirty years and came back a couple of times but the tea garden no longer seemed to operate. Glad to hear that it is remembered so affectionately by so many.

Ben

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:08:12 +0000

I have the fondest memory of the Mead, though it was just one visit, in the summer of 1990. My girlfriend told me there was a place we must go, and so we went. And it was magical. I remember long grass, old tables and boiled eggs. I wish I could go there again.

Robert Blanchard

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:38:52 +0000

John.. for many years we trained in the gym together at the Bath leisure centre..197!!!s,was looking for a local cream tea experiance for my Fathers Wake,strange request i know, we were very local years ago and all my family are still live in Batheaston and Bathford...

Susan Kean

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:44:43 +0000

Jonathan: The web page s fabulous. I have lots of pictures but they are pre-computer and I will have to scan them. The picture of Nicola, Marty and I is fun. I sent it to her...just a little point Nicola was born in 1972 so that picture have been 1972
I will go through my pictures and scan some
Susan

Annabelle

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 05:03:47 +0000

I have fallen in love with The Mead and so want to go there! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this site together. It has given me so much pleasure.

Roger Perks

Wed, 26 May 2010 08:31:35 +0000

I will always remember my time at The Mead.
The great times at the local, "The Northend Inn". The time I took my Morry Thou gear box apart-ball bearings everywhere! Then a long walk to the scrappies for a new one. Then the seemingly much longer walk back with a replacement gearbox on my shoulder. It was the nicest rental that I have ever lived in with greatest people. I am still in touch with several of them.
I discovered this website by accident...WOW!

Jo Hanlon-Moores

Wed, 12 May 2010 17:27:33 +0000

Hi, I\'m Jo (Joanne)Hanlon-Moores, daughter of John and Judi Hanlon. I lived at The Mead with them and my brother Tim in 1967-68. And Bonnie the Labrador of course.
Looking at this site has been wonderful; my heart pounding and my breath held until I got to the end. Sally and Sheila! The rose garden! All of it so evocative. Even now it is a place I dream of - magical. I now have a daughter who is the age I was while we lived at The Mead. We live in a very beautiful place, a handful of miles from St Catherines and I hope she has memories of her home that match those I have of The Mead.
Very best wishes to you Jonathan.
Jo
x

Rob Laver

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:07:23 +0000

Quite by chance we got to experience one of Mead Gardens famous afternoon teas today.
It brought back lovely childhood memories of my times spent in St Catherine's valley. Hardly anything has changed.
Lovely to meet you again Jonathan after so long.
Best wishes
Rob Laver

steve

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 08:57:06 +0000

Is there ever likely to be another tea shop in St Catherine valley? Wish i had discovered this place years ago!

Nasher

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:45:31 +0000

Just got here via a link on Facebook, saw the '91 menu, and the immortal words "Two large eggs boiled to your liking" and have been grinning like a goon for the last half hour. Great memories of chair legs disappearing between floor boards and into the mud, and of mad Walrus and Carpenter related parties, and lovely afternoons with the kids, throughout the 70's, 80's and 90's. Still grinning. Thanks!

Nick Buttle

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:26:14 +0000

Found the site by accident. Wishing all members of The Buttle Family the very best for 2010
Nick

leslie john gibson buttle

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:02:28 +0000

HI just a quick note
Hope all is well with you
We are still at the same place in good old Bideford
Dad is still working he is looking after the tiny church in Saunton he is now 78 and on his own
Hope to hear from you
John and family

Davao Cars

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:11:38 +0000

amazing site interesting

Daryle

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:30:19 +0000

Jonathan remember our dog "Sheena" used to play with sheila and sally and I remember when I fed your dogs whilst you were away I had to wear boots because sheila attacked your legs after you put her food down.

Here is Sheena in the garden at the Mead
1966/7.
We loved the place and I started writing in the chalet and when we moved to Plymouth I broadcast on Radio Devon and became know as the "Plymouth Poet" and a lot of that came from the mead and all the beauty in the valley.
All the best
Daryle.

Daryle Arkwell-Gay

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:15:59 +0000

The Chalet covered in snow in "APRIL"
1966 I think. I know I had to leave my Motorbike at Batheaston Village and walk the lanes to the Mead because it was so bad.

Daryle

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:03:36 +0000

We lived at the Mead in the Tea rooms and then in the Cottage in the mid 1960's
Our daughter Avril was Christened in St Catherine Court.
It was great to see the old photo's and Jonathan with his dog "Sally"
I will look up some old photo's and send them on.
All the best
Ann & Daryle

Photo shows Ann Arkwell-Gay 1966 at the home.

Nanny Parrish

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:08:02 +0000

Enjoyed looking at the photos and reading about The Mead. Hope to see you soon. Love and best wishes.
from
Nanny and Nicholas

Margaret Donahue

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:26:35 +0000

My mother's maiden name was Buttolph, they were a beautiful, loving, and very honorable family! My grandfather, Thomas Buttolph, born 1603, 10 generations back in 1635, arrived in Boston aboard the "Abigail" with his bride, Ann Harding, daughter of John Harding of Little Baddow, Essex.
I would so much like to know my "cousins" in England! Although I have found a great deal on the ancient Buttolph family in England, I do not have the record of Thomas Buttolph's immediate family in England.
Thomas was connected to Boston by the Puritans as well as St. Botolph, but he had at least one business in London, perhaps a tavern called the Swan, as he had this in Boston, MA in the 1640's, he later sold it and became a glover for fine gentlemen's wear.
Th history of the Buttolph's I have searched is most remarkable and honorable.
I have heard of the Buttal and Gainsborough connection, but wasn't sure how closely related the lad would be, although I have heard of a Samuel Buttal who had 1500 acres in Connecticut.
The family has spelled the name Buttalph, Butolf, Buttal, Buttles, Boston. It can be a little confusing when searching for family!
I would be most delighted with any bit of information you could share. I would be so grateful as I am assembling a family history album! And would very much like to find my grandparents!
Thank you,
Margaret Donahue

Phil Buttle

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:31:57 +0000

My daughter came across this site and I spotted my cousin John and family in one of the pictures! I seem to be missing out on a lot of relations! A very interesting site - thank you. Does the 'Buttle clan' still meet? Can I buy a copy of the book?

David Burrows

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:27:41 +0000

I spent 18 months at The Mead in 1985/86 as "the phantom lodger", so called because Jonathan hardly ever saw me! I have some lovely memories of that time. The teas were legendary and in a beautiful setting.

Francis Buttle

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:03:20 +0000

I remember finding my way to the Tea Gardens one summer's day in 1990 when I was on a trip home from the USA where my family was then living. Quite by chance Thomas Buttle from the Wexford Clan was there with his wife and children. I recall being amazed at seeing wall after wall papered with pages of the Buttle family tree. Jonathan enthusiastically explained that my family was part of the Somerset Clan. This may have been before the Buttle Book was published. Sadly I didn't get to experience one of the famous cream teas. What a missed opportunity!

Misha and Peggy Carder

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:45:46 +0000

...'those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end we'd sing and laugh forever and a day,,,'

Especially loved the grand-piano, the cherry trees and the Â£3 cream teas!
We even forgive the wasps

Thanks Jonathan
love Misha, Peggy, Richard and family.

Niall O'Reilly

Sun, 24 May 2009 11:22:47 +0000

Summer evenings at The Mead were always memorable. Lots of like minded people working together for the benefit of others and having a wonderful fun time into the bargain! What a shame it closed. I think Jonathan should have got a knighthood for being the most hospitable host in England!

Shane Coleman

Sun, 17 May 2009 11:29:42 +0000

Shane Coleman I worked for Jonathan 1 summer and had a great time helping out. It was a magical place to be. Thanks Jonathan

Elizabeth Robinson

Thu, 07 May 2009 08:14:03 +0000

I used to live in Bristol and worked as a young Doctor in Bath - in the 1980s frequently visited the tea rooms for respite and peace and a bit of magic - and lovely cake!
Now my own daughter is to be married and I was so hoping that we could return there for a marriage celebration.
Am I correct in thinking it is no longer is use? Such a pity if true.

Valerie

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:04:15 +0000

I have such happy memories of the Mead tea gardens, tucked away in that lovely valley, once found it drew you back. Wandering down the twisty path to the beautiful glade surrounded by trees and flowers; then the gorgeous teas! It was a unique and magical atmosphere. People relaxed completely - I loved working with Jonathan and everyone. Happy birthday, love Valerie

Eileen Parish

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:44:13 +0000

Bath born Nanny Parrish was sad to leave the Mead in 1947 but once Jonathan attended full time kindergarten there was nothing for her to do. The Mead is a lovely country property and his mother was such a very vivacious, generous and hard-working woman.
I went on to live a very full and interesting life and worked for many important families and lived in Africa and Switzerland. I can "drop" names like Rothschild, Schroder, Cavendish and King Hussein of Jordan, and, more recently, Lord Bath.
I have crossed the Bemese Oberland by hot air balloon, driven alone from Zimbabwe to Cape Town in a 21 year old Mini 850, was taken to the cinema by King Hussein, and have experienced other exciting times.
I now live near Eastbourne where I make the most beautiful traditional, smocked dresses for beautiful little girls, to sell at East Dean Market.

Ernie Everest

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:31:42 +0000

A delightful and interesting website,
fascinating photos and history.
I feel privileged to have lived in each
of the two cottages in such a lovely spot.
Well done Jonathan for it all.
Yours,
Ernie.

Bill

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:26:33 +0000

I've heard so much about the tea gardens, but never had a chance to visit. This has really brought the place to life for me. Well done Jonathan.

Tamsin McGrath (nee Eedle)

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:10:14 +0000

This website has captured the essence of the best of The Mead.Born at The Mead in 1963, I am forever grateful to have spent my childhood with The Mead as a backdrop. Working in the Tea Gardens and B&B, strawberry breakfasts, Harvest suppers, Christmases, picking huge blackberries for jam-making, hearing rooks in the morning and babbling brook in the quite evenings, smelling tomatoes and sweet peas in the old greenhouses, scones fresh-baked from the oven and warm chocolate coating the crispy gunge; the nature trail and the spookiness of the old wooden chalet at dusk....

Gerald

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:46:59 +0000

Good to get a look at the, long awaited, web site.
Well done to all for getting it off the ground.

Good memories of teas in the summer heat and two Christmases spent with friends at the Mead in the mid 80s.

Jeff Buttle

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:30:32 +0000

A shout out, from another Buttle.

I never made it to The Mead, but it's a lovely, evocative website.

cheers,

Maureen Buttle Possidonio

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 13:31:22 +0000

What wonderful memories. A delight to read the history of EvelynÂ´s tea garden and those wonderful cherry trees.
Time passes but memories linger.
The second Buttle to sign the guest book. Congratulations Jonathan.

Ann Groves

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:13:42 +0000

Jonathan, congratulations on getting your site up and running. With mouth-watering menus like this, I am sorry I didn't know you then!
Ann

Gill Bailey

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:37:14 +0000

Well done Jonathan, recording a bit of British history, never did I think when I drove into Batheaston that day where I was heading.

Cliff Pink

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:54:29 +0000

I have the fondest memories working along side you Jonathan doing charity teas over several summers.

Nice to see you finally up there on the web. Well done on reaching the 21st Century. I'm sure this will remind people of a slower pace of life.

Maybe I can help to do some charity teas again and rekindle the unique spirit of the Mead.