I have reached an age when wedding anniversaries occur far
more frequently than weddings or baby showers. Of course it is fantastic and a
blessing that so many of my friends have stayed together through sad and joyful
times, and hardly any of them have divorced. Is it our religious upbringing? Even
now that quite a lot of them are no longer members of a church? Nevertheless
they believe in loyalty and keeping one’s promises, whether they were exchanged
in church or promises made to each other.
The wonderful wysteria walk to the Brasserie of the Staverden castle
Several views of Staverden Castle
I was invited to a 40th wedding anniversary on a
beautiful spring day, a luxury in between two rainy days. The venue was in one
of our Dutch castles, Staverden.
Not a castle ever built for defence purpose, but more the home of a wealthy
family, so a mansion albeit moated. Years ago it looked rather neglected and
run down, the walls dirty and the plaster peeling. But it has been restored to
its former glory, and so have the surrounding gardens and grounds which are
lovely.
Besides there is a watermill , the only survivor of quite a number
which used to be along the banks of the brook running through this estate. In
fact the estate is quite large and consists of woods and farmland, mostly
situated south of the big house, along the “Staverdense” brook. The farms and
houses belonging to the estate have wooden shutters all painted and decorated
with the same colourful patterns. Staverden is officially a city, the smallest
city of the Benelux, with just 52 inhabitants spread out over a large area. It
is an idyllic area, and attracts many cyclists and hikers.
Front and back...
They breed white
peacocks on the estate, and the peacocks were showing off their beautiful
feathers it being springtime. The females did not seem to be impressed and just
went on doing what they were doing.
In one of the buildings, be it the former stables or the orangery,
is a restaurant with a lovely terrace. It is a popular place for parties,
weddings, dinners and just for lunch.
I was surprised to see that most of the guests at this
anniversary party were grey haired, elderly people. Even more shocking to realise that I probably
belong to the same age group. But the friends celebrating their 40-year bond
looked far younger than that, and I flatter myself – and hope it is true – that
I do too. Whatever, it was a very enjoyable party, the setting, the weather,
the company, the socializing and the food.
To give you an impression, here are a few pictures.
