I can’t believe it’s only 12 and a half weeks till our first wedding of the season! Bring it on can’t wait. Really enjoyed our photo shoot and mini mock wedding, it was that good my neighbour thought it was the real thing!

We had the most beautiful weather, gorgeous bride and groom, Chelsea and Gareth. Special thanks to Liza Smith Professional Make-Up stunning as always, Gladstone Carriages for our vintage car, Martin Charles Bridal – Oundle thank you Martin it was prefect. Luminex Photography – watch this space for photo’s, “that sky!”  Wedding Days T.V., Matt Potter special lighting effects, definately “nothing hotter than Potter”, High Times Entertainment -Emma, loved the string quartet.  Rebecca Sugar Plum Cakes – WOW, shame I was’nt allowed a slice!  Ambience Venue Styling – Joanne Turner lovely to meet your husband, thank you for your help.  Alan Hodge our Toastmaster, will keep you posted on the sausages! Big Thanks to Lesley for the loan of  your most precious jewellery from Strawberry Wood the bespoke Jeweller and apparently George Clooney has even breathed on certain pieces, stunning, but I’d rather have George Clooney!!!

Julia-Anna Flowers, Northampton , thank you , thank you and thank you again for leaving them for me the brides bouquet is still looking as fresh as when it arrived and is sitting in the middle of my breakfast table – fab. Austin Fell Partnership, Jerry and Sally I am surprised your beautiful main course made it out of the kitchen at all to be photographed, it smelt delicious and I can say tasted as good! Thank you. Michelle at Vintage English your vintage china is so pretty I think I’ll keep it!!!

Thanks to Debbie at Wedding Belles of Kibworth, great to meet you and thank you for the loan of the bridesmaid’s dress at such short notice, and  it fitted a treat! your a star and I am sure your daughter will make a beautiful bride! Warwick’s of Kettering, you really have been so helpful thank you and look forward to working with you all very soon.

Great stuff, now got a bit of a breather till the next photo shoot on the 1st May. Well that’s all for now folks! Trudie x

P.S. Daisy and Freddie, thank you guys, love you!!!!xxxxx

Hello 2012! well I wonder what is in store for us this year…. We have been in and dated with enquiries already and our viewings will be starting next weekend. I had a wonderful Christmas and New Year (except for the dreaded flu bug that we all seem to have had) . Had great fun setting up the photo shoot for our Pipewell Hall Christmas card, I think I mentioned before that I would be doing a photo shoot with a live Turkey, not kidding, although have to say the Bird was a star, look out for the photo’s. Must get thinking cap on for next’s years sequel. Not looking forward to taking down our enourmous Christmas Tree, it was fairly spectacular at 14 foot although we did have great fun errecting it, we literally had to bolt it to the floor joists! could’nt really run the risk of someone falling into it at the Christmas party after we all had one or two (too many).

It was lovely to see Andrew and Georgina Clifford book the “Bridal Gate Lodge” for their romantic New Year stay on New Year’s eve, sure they had a fabulous time, log fire burning and relaxing in the hot tub with a bottle of bubbly (should have checked in myself really!!) Andrew and Georgina have now been married for a whole six months and held their wedding reception here at Pipewell in June 2010. Just a reminder that the Gate Lodge is available to rent out for a romantic treat, remember Valentine’s day is just around the corner, why not surprise the love of your life and book up in advance.

Look out for the January edition of Northamptonshire’s Image magazine as Shawn and I are featured with Pipewell Hall over a four page spread, looking forward to my copy landing on the doorstep. We are planning a photo shoot within the next 2 to 3 weeks and are looking forward to working with Martin Charles Bridal, Luminex Photography, Austin Fell Partnership Catering, Emmerson and Wests Catering and Lemon Zest to name just a few.

Check out our newly added photo’s in our gallery, well that is a result for 2012 as I have finally figured out how to download them! Knew I would get there in the end, truth is it has taken a Christmas break to find the time to figure it out, thanks to Elly Marshall for all you help though – sweetie.

Well that’s all for now folks ……… Trudiex

Hello again, there are just not enough hours in the day! we have been busy working with Wedding Days T.V. to promote our new brochure for Pipewell Hall, thank you to our new suppliers who have come on board, we look forward to working with you next year. The last couple of weeks have been very hectic especially getting thing organised for the Champagne and Shopping Event that took place on the 10th and 11th November in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, we raised £2,778.70, big thank you to all who came along and supported this worthwhile charity.

I can’t believe it’s only about 4 weeks till Christmas I need to get organised, we have our annual Christmas Party coming up and I really can’t wait so much to do and so little time! I have ordered the tree, it will be the largest one we have ever had, 13ft will need to get more xmas decs to fill it. Not sure how we will get the fairy on the top though. But in the meantime I will be organising a photo shoot with a live turkey, now that should be interesting! Lots of things planned for next year to keep me busy including a ladies evening with Ruth Mastenbroek who will be sharing her knowledge on pefume. It will be a fabulous evening filled with the most amazing scent, candles, log fires and sparkling Champagne, watch this space!!

That’s all for now folks, don’t forget to check out Pipewell Hall’s Facebook page, some lovely pics of the gorgeous weddings we have held this year.

Trudie

Hi everyone,

This is my first ever blog so you will have to bear with me, but here goes…….

We are now well into wedding season having held five weddings to date, they have all been beautiful but 2 favourites of mine were Andrew and Georgina Clifford and Paul and Paula O’Brien, hope you are all settling into married life and have some lovely memories to cherish.

Well July has been awful weather wise, so just aswell we have no weddings this month. Looking forward to August’s weddings with the first one of the month on the 4th August (Emily Morris and Mark Carter) fingers crossed the sun will shine for them.

The roses are blooming and everywhere is looking very green! Perfect for photo’s, we are also looking forward to Sarah Evans and Simon Barnes Wedding on the 11th August. This is going to be very exciting as they have been chosen by ITV to be featured in the programme “Four Weddings” so we are very busy making sure everything will be just perfect for them. We will keep you posted and let you know when this will be coming on the t.v.

A date for your diary, 10th and 11th November 2011, we will be hosting a Champagne and Shop Evening/Day in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. This should be a wonderful event with fantastic idea’s for christmas, enjoy a glass of Champagne on arrival and delicious nibbles, for further details just give me a call on 01536 760563.

Bye for now

Trudie

What we offer here at Pipewell is very much a personal service; you will leave having felt totally spoilt and pampered.

History

We believe we can offer you a very individual wedding here at Pipewell, you will have exclusive use for your day with all your needs catered for. We like to do things differently here and want you to go away feeling totally satisfied and wanting an excuse to come back again.

We are offering the use of our grounds with a fabulous Marquee overlooking the lake and parkland stretching beyond.

The Marquee comes complete with the following: carpets, lighting, tables, chairs, (crockery, cutlery, glassware, linen – provided by our caterers) toilets, dance floor, bar, starlight ceiling over dance floor, lounge furniture for bar area, and staff. In fact all you need to add to this will be your table decorations, catering and entertainment.

We can also offer the use of the Grand Hall and Drawing Room in the Hall itself and this may be hired for up to an hour and a half to be used for a drinks reception and photo opportunities. The Drawing Room may also be used to hold a Civil Ceremony (pending  a Civil Ceremony Licence being granted)

VENUE  FEES

 Hire of Grounds/Marquee £6,900 inc. VAT

Included in the above is a complimentary night’s stay for the Bride and Groom in our “Bridal Gate Lodge”, inclusive full English breakfast, Champagne and flowers in your room, use of outdoor hot tub.

Please note: Additional  nights for the Bride and Groom may be booked at a rate of £250 per couple, per night. Should two or more nights be required a discount will be given.

 Our Romantic Bridal Gate Lodge – may also be rented for a special anniversary or birthday celebration.

CATERING

We are passionate about our food at Pipewell Hall and all our dishes are prepared on site using only the finest ingredients. We cook by traditional methods and serve elegant food connected to nature and reflecting the changing seasons. The Estate farms its own lamb, rare breed pigs and beef as well as guinea fowl and locally shot game. All our eggs are free range from our own flock of hens and herbs are freshly picked from our kitchen gardens.

We have many years experience and are proud of the food we serve here at Pipewell Hall. We are always happy to work with you and discuss your ideas and feel confident we can respond in style.

ACCOMMODATION

Please ask for details.

COTTAGES

Not currently available.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pipewell Hall is  a GRADE II listed 17^th century country Mansion of historical and architectural interest  overlooking  magnificent parkland.

WHERE IS PIPEWELL  HALL?

The picturesque rural hamlet of Pipewell is situated east of Market Harborough, and north-west of Kettering. The A14 is approximately 10 minutes away giving good access to the M1 and A1 motorway networks.

CAN WE GET MARRIED AT PIPEWELL HALL?

We are currently in the process of obtaining a Civil Licence and would hope to have this in place for 2011/12.

WHY CHOOSE PIPEWELL HALL?

The Hall will be exclusively yours for the day, which means not having to share your day with any other parties, guests or residents. We will tailor – make your event to your specifications and promise not to railroad you into inflexible packages. We specialise in looking after couples who know what they want, who understand a thing or two about understated good taste and who also appreciate our own expertise in entertaining and hospitality.

Pipewell Hall is very much about offering a personal and flexible service. We can accommodate up to 9 of your immediate wedding party within the Hall itself, with the bride and groom being offered a complimentary nights stay in our “Bridal Gate Lodge” and have further accommodation available for other guests  if required.

We offer fabulous cuisine and produce our own beef, pork, lamb and chicken, with seasonal vegetables from our kitchen garden.

HOW MUCH WILL  IT COST?

We are not inexpensive, but we are certainly not the most expensive. We have a very special unique historic setting, expertly trained staff and a wonderful chef. Because we offer such a personalised service, we expect to sit down with you to finalise the cost of your special day, but we are happy to offer the following as guidelines:

To hire the grounds and Pavilion on a Saturday it will be £5,400 + VAT, a discount will be applicable for midweek hire.

To hire the Grand Hall and Drawing Room  it will be an additional cost of  £350 + VAT

These rooms may be hired for up to an hour and a half to be used for a drinks reception and photo opportunities. Civil Ceremony (licence pending).

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN ATTEND A WEDDING OR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP?

The Drawing Room can seat up to 80 guests with the Pavilion being able to seat up to 200.

WHAT ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY?

Whatever the weather, Pipewell Hall, its lake,park and gardens offer a wide variety of beautiful photo opportunities. We will be happy to recommend a photographer for you.

WHAT ABOUT FLOWERS?

We have our own in-house florist; Bespoke Buds and Jo Poulter will be delighted to discuss colours and types of flowers with you and are also available to make co-ordinating wedding bouquets, bridal party flowers, church flowers and additional house decorations.

MAY WE THROW CONFETTI?

Yes, but only natural petals.

MAY WE BRING OUR OWN WEDDING CAKE?

Lots of couples ask if they can provide their own wedding cake. This is possible, but we discourage it. A few of our clients have had disasters when they delivered the cake, so we recommend that we supply the cake and if it topples in transport, we can fix it.

We freshly bake all our delicious cakes using real ingredients to achieve a fantastic flavour. From the free range eggs from our own flock chickens, to the unwaxed lemons and English butter, our cakes really do taste as good as they look. Your cake will be displayed on a cake stand provided along with a knife for cutting.

However, if you insist on bringing your own cake, this is possible provided that it is not in lieu of a dessert course – and for this our charge is from £75 to cover storage, cake stand and knife, cake cutting and boxing up.

MAY WE BRING OUR OWN WINE OR CHAMPAGNE?

Sorry, this is not possible.

WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?

Children are welcome at Pipewell Hall, provided they are looked after by a parent, responsible adult or baby sitter. Meals for children between the ages of 2 – 10 years are charged at half the adult food cost. The provision of pre-prepared baby food is permitted for babies under the age of two years and we will be happy to provide a high chair if arranged in advance.

PAYMENT?

Payment for weddings and receptions must always be paid in advance. We reserve the right to cancel, without notice, any booking for which a credit card is declined or a cheque or bank transfer referred to drawer, whatsoever the reason.

WHAT IF WE NEED TO CANCEL?

At all stages in our dealings with you, we will stipulate our cancellation charges and our deposits policy. We strongly advise couples to take out an insurance policy to cover unforeseen cancellations.

WHO DO WE SPEAK TO?

Trudie Baker – Events Director         01536 760563

Email: info@pipewellhall.com

http://www.pipewellhall.com

FOR THE MORE DISCERNING BRIDE AND GROOM

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE REGION’S  PREMIER WEDDING MAGAZINE ESSENTIAL WEDDINGS

SUNDAY 13TH MAY 11AM – 4.00PM

COME AND JOIN US

MEET SOME OF THE REGIONS TOP SUPPLIERS

ALONG WITH OUR RECOMMENDED CATERERS

AUSTIN FELL AND PARTNERSHIP

EMMERSON AND WEST

LEMON ZEST

PORTFOLIO EVENTS

ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY CANAPE’S WITH A GLASS OF BUBBLY

PIPEWELL PORK HOG ROAST

HAVE A TOUR OF THIS STUNNING COUNTRY MANSION, WITH A SNEAK PEAK AT OUR BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL GATE LODGE, COMPLETE WITH IT’S OWN PRIVATE OUTDOOR HOT TUB

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK A PERSONAL VIEWING ON THE DAY, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR ATTENDANCE WITH TRUDIE AT PIPEWELL HALL

TELEPHONE: 01536 760563

EMAIL info@pipewellhall.com

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

MARIE CURIE CHAMPAGNE AND SHOPPING EVENT – DATE NOW CONFIRMED THURSDAY 15TH NOVEMBER (EVENING) AND FRIDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2012.  ANYONE INTERESTED IN HAVING A STAND PLEASE CONTACT TRUDIE BAKER ON : 01536 760563 FOR FURTHER DETAILS. OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO PUT YOU ON OUR MAILING LIST , PLEASE  LET ME KNOW. THIS EVENT RAISED IN EXCESS OF £3,000 AND THIS YEAR WE HOPE TO DO EVEN BETTER! PLEASE PUT THE DATE IN YOUR DIARIES AND COME ALONG AND SUPPORT THIS WORTHWHILE CHARITY.

Watch this space for the launch of “Pipewell Pork”, home reared pork from the Pipewell Estate along with homemade sausages, dry cured bacon, and  smoked bacon.

Following on from the success of the MARIE CURIE CHAMPAGNE AND SHOPPING EVENT, I can confirm that Pipewell Hall will be running this event again, a date has not been fixed as yet but it is planned for November 2012.

The Champagne and Shopping Event that was held recently in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, raised a total of £2,778.70, thank you to everyone who came along on the Thursday evening or Friday, a most successful event which we hope to run again next year. 

 
CUPCAKE WORKSHOP

Indulge yourself and enjoy a day in beautiful surroundings, learning how to create the perfect couture cupcake. Share our secrets for baking truly scrumptious cakes and learn the skills to make your own stunning, sugarcraft decorations.

This is an informal, hands on class with all equipment and ingredients provided. Refreshments are served with homemade biscuits along with a delicious lunch.

At the end of the day your twelve little cupcake creations are beautifully boxed for you to proudly take home.

Your day will consist of:

10.00am Arrival              Coffee served with homemade biscuits

10.30am                           Demonstration – Ingriedients, making cupcakes

11.00am                           Hands on, you will learn how to make sugarcraft decorations and how to
colour  sugar paste.

12.30pm                           A delicious lunch will be served, freshly prepared by our in – house

catering team.

1.15pm                              Demonstration – Buttercream and piping technique

1.45pm                              Hands on! Trying out your new skills and assembling cupcakes

3.45pm                              Tea/Coffee served with homemade cakes

4.00pm                              Depart

Cost:  £95 Mon – Fri     £115 – Sat

[Show as slideshow]

BUTCHERY WORKSHOP

NOSE TO TAIL – PORK ENTHUSIASTS

This one day intensive course is hosted by our butchery expert Shawn Baker. Shawn has a wealth of experience coming from a farming and meat background. Shawn has been actively involved in  the day to day running of the family abattoir and meat processing plant for many years.

On the day you will learn the process and principles of butchery and processing a pig from Nose to Tail. You will be given a thorough and practical demonstration on  how to make your own air dried ham, brine cured ham,brawn, bacon, sausages, chorizo’s and salami’s.

A delicious lunch served with seasonal produce from our own kitchen garden will be served with wine.

This event is demonstration based; practical participation is not required, although volunteers are encouraged to take part in the demonstration during the day.

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP DAYS

TO FOLLOW SHORTLY

PAMPER  DAYS

Come and be pampered at Pipewell! Whether it’s for a Hen Party or just because you are worth it! Do you really need an excuse?

Alternatively let someone treat you to a day, perhaps for a Birthday or Christmas present. We offer a warm welcome in a very relaxing environment, come and lose yourself.

Your day will consist of:

Arrival:       10.00 am                Coffee served with homemade biscuits

Treatments                              Choose from our treatment menu

Lunch:        12.30 – 1.30pm      A delicious lunch is served, freshly prepared by our in – house catering

team.

Treatments                             Choose from our treatment menu

3.30pm                                   Tea/Coffee served with homemade cakes

4.00pm                                   Depart

Cost:   £50  To include: lunch, drinks, homemade biscuits, cakes, use of Pipewell Hall Dressing Gowns and outdoor hot tub.

Please note treatments are not included; please see our treatment menu for prices of individual treatments.

WHAT  TO WEAR?

Something that you feel relaxed and comfortable in, Pipewell Hall will provide ultra soft dressing gowns for you to use whilst here. However you will need to bring house slippers. Bathing suits and towels  will be required  should you wish to use the hot tub.

TREATMENT MENU

Manicure

Pedicure

Make Up Lesson

Reflexology

Reiki

Indian Head Massage

Hot Stone Massage

Yoga

Awaiting latest pricing from therapists, please contact us for further information.

We are offering the use of the grounds with a stunning Marquee which can accommodate up to 200 guests for whatever your occasion might be. The Marquee is nestled amongst mature trees overlooking the Hall, parkland and lakeside setting. Pipewell Hall has its own unique style and has a choice of beautiful rooms which may be used for drink receptions, and intimate functions.

Drive through the gates and feel the magic of Pipewell Hall, “a day you’ll always remember – a setting you’ll never forget”.

Trudie Baker

Events Director – Pipewell Hall

Pipewell Hall Weddings and Events Terms and Conditions

All bookings are accepted in accordance with the following booking conditions. No variance to these conditions is accepted or implied by any person or employee.

Confirmation

All bookings become firm when a non refundable deposit of £1,500 has been paid and this deposit represents an initial payment against the final cost of the day. A second stage payment of 50% of the outstanding balance will be due six months prior to the event.

Cancellation

Bookings for Pipewell Hall are generally made several months or even years prior to the proposed event date. The likelihood of reselling a cancelled event date is very small and in view of this, deposits taken are non refundable under any circumstances. Similarly, any client cancelling a booking within 90 days of the event date will be liable for full payment of either:

1. The projected costs as established by any outstanding invoices relating to the event, if such invoices have been raised at the date of cancellation or:

2. In accordance with the booking parameters as outlinned in the booking confirmation letter if such invoices have not been raised as at the date of cancellation.

Insurance

Any activities not provided by Pipewell Hall must be fully insured for public liability and proof of such insurance is required by us. We do not accept responsibility for any damage to property or any loss, howsoever occurring.

We strongly recommend that a suitable wedding insurance policy is effected covering, as a minimum, pulic liability and cancellations.

Damage Deposit

All bookings are subject to a damage deposit of £500 plus VAT. This sum will be added to the bulk invoice for the day and is to cover incidental damage. Refunds, inclusive of VAT will be made promptly following your event.

Final numbers

To assist with staffing and catering, final numbers will be calculated on numbers confirmed after the planning meeting and amended up to 21 days prior to the event. Should extra evening guests than expected be present we will try to provide covers of late food which will be charged pro rata on the final reconciliation invoice.

Overnight Accommodation

Where accomodation at Pipewell Hall is booked on your bulk invoice, we are unable to refund monies for this less than 21 days before your event.

Finishing Times

Weddings and events must finish at 12 midnight. The venue must be vacated within 30 minutes thereafter. The finishing time may be earlier on weekdays and Sundays. This is at the discretion of the Owners. An extension of the ultimate end time may not be possible or will be charged at an extra hourly rate of £300 per hour.

Equipment and Property

Clients own equipment and property is brought in to Pipewell Hall at their own risk and Pipewell Hall accepts no liability for loss or damage. This includes cars which are parked. If personal property is not removed within 48 hours after an event/wedding, it will be disposed of.

Force Majeure

If Pipewell Hall is limited or hindered from hosting the event or providing any facility booked by the client due to circumstances beyond its control eg. Government intervention, acts of God, civil disturbance, war, national or local disaster, strikes, labour disputes, then the liability of Pipewell Hall to the client shall not exceed the amount paid by the client to Pipewell Hall in respect of the event.

Provision Of Catering

Due to Health and Safety implications the provision of own foods is not permitted. However, the provision of pre-prepared baby food is permitted for babies under the age of two years and we will be happy to provide a high chair if arranged in advance. Children between the ages of 2-10 years are charged at half the adult food cost.

Wine and bar services

Bar and wine services are provided solely by Pipewell Hall. This is a complete drinks service; and therefore the introduction of guests own drinks onto the premises is not permitted at Pipewell Hall. This action is in contravention to the Licensing Act and cannot be permitted under any circumstances. We reserve the right to increase wine & drinks prices in the event of unavoidable price rises by our suppliers.
Alcohol will not be served to persons under the age of 18.

Fireworks

Due to Health and Safety requirements and pollution and noise control only our approved supplier may be engaged for fireworks. Fireworks are not permiited after 10.30pm. Clients must notify Pipewell Hall of any planned displays two months prior to the event.

The Use Of Candles

Due to Fire Regulations we are unable to have unguarded naked flames within the marquee, but of course candles shielded by glass globes are quite acceptable.

Ongoing Maintenance

Occasionally urgent and essential, special maintenance work on the Hall, gardens and lake is required. We will make our best endeavours to keep any visual impact to a minimum. The Hall will not be liable for any reimbursement in fees on these occasions.

Children

Please inform the Hall of the number of guests under the age of 16 years. Please ensure that adequate adult supervision is provided throughout the event, particularly in respect of avoiding danger areas in the garden. All children under the age of 16 years must be supervised by a responsible adult whilst on the premises. The staff of Pipewell Hall will not be held responsible for the supervision of minors.
For fire regulations a register giving names and ages of all guests under the age of 16 is required prior to the event.

Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the Hall and marquee if used. Within the grounds, smoking is restricted to designated outside areas and smoking materials must be adequately extinguished in the waste bins provided.

Banned Substances

Banned substances, such as drugs, and all dangerous weapons are strictly prohibited on site and the Police will be informed if such items are found.

Staff instructions and violence towards staff

The instructions given by staff at Pipewell Hall should be adhered to at all times. Pipewell Hall reserves the right to refuse entry, refuse to serve alcohol and to ask persons to leave the premises.

Pipewell Hall has adopted a zero tolerance stance with regard to violence or abuse of any kind shown towards staff members. Guests will be asked to leave the premises and the Police informed if staff are subjected to inappropriate behaviour of any kind.

Accidents and incidents

Any accidents or untoward incidents occurring on the premises must be immediately reported to a member of staff and details entered into the Accident Report Book.

First Aid

Basic first aid supplies are available on site. Members of staff have completed a First Aid course. If there is a major accident or illness, full services are not provided by staff on site and the Emergency Services will be called.

Fire

Emergency procedures are in place in the event of a fire. A plan of fire exits and location of fire extinguishers is in the main entrance of the Hall.

Electrical equipment brought on site by clients

Electrical equipment that you may choose to bring onto the premises must be safe for use and PAT tested (Portable Appliance Test).

Live Bands

Live bands are discouraged at Pipewell Hall but shall be allowed at the discretion of the owners of Pipewell Hall or the Events Coordinator.

Credit Card Facilities

Pipewell Hall does not have the facilities to take credit or debit card payments over the bar or for payment of the venue fee. Venue fees may be paid by cheque only.

January 2010