Pewter Ware was in common use (for thousands of years) until the early 19th century.  In fact it wasn’t until the reign of Charles II that silver plates became fashionable.

About 25 years ago one of our board members, Rosemary, bought this pewter plate at a garage sale for 25 cents thinking it would be perfect to use under a house plant.  It served this purpose for quite a while before being replaced with a less ‘rough’ looking substitute.

In Rosemary’s words:

“I came across it (the plate) recently and decided to show it to Dan Bruce, our Curator for Fintry Manor House.  He asked if he could keep it and saying “Yes” he explained it’s history. The letters stamped on the rim identify the owner. The plate would be kept on a rack behind a Pub bar.  I understand this would be the same for a beer mug.  When the owner came in for lunch or a meal he had his own utensils.  This plate goes back to the ’17th’ Century.”

It makes you wonder about the owner and all those meals he enjoyed at his local pub.  It also makes you wonder what treasures might be found a garage sale near you!

Took a quick trip to Fintry today to see how the renovations are progressing.  The Manor House isn’t open for tours during the winter months but there was certainly lots going on.  What a difference!

The kitchen, which was formerly part of a suite that had been rented out to caretakers, has been transformed.  The large space now has a prep kitchen (for big events such as weddings) as well as a seating area where visitors can enjoy a short movie about Fintry before beginning their tour of the house.

The upstairs, probably only used for storage during Dun-Waters time, now has two bedrooms for summer students, a caretaker’s suite, an office for our Executive Director, storage area and a large room which will be used for Board meetings.

Part of the renovations include the Laird’s bedroom.  This once inaccessible room is almost ready to become part of the Manor House tours.

Before leaving Fintry we took a break to climb up the stairs by the falls.  The thundering sound of cascading water at Short’s Creek Falls is always so powerful this time of year.  The Spring thaw is beginning….

The sun shone on hundreds of visitors who came out to enjoy a family fun day on the grounds of the manor house last month.  Though the Fair opened at 10am the activities really got going when the Kalamalka Highlanders made an entrance.  (One of the pipers was visiting from Scotland and was very impressed with the venue and all it has to offer).

The Firefighters had their trucks ready to show the kids and delicious ice cream to enjoy on a hot Autumn day.

Vendors included wine from Edge of the Earth Winery, beautiful glass from Kelly Glass, delicious cheese from Terroir Cheese, wonderful products from The Soap Garden, Spices & Garlic from BC Buds Garlic, Bird Boxes from Ken Cuffe, Wooden Jewellry & Fruit from Dylan Olafson & Sandy Metzler’s Food 4 U preserves etc.

Delicious food from Oh Natural Foods, That Donut Guy & Mobile Munchies was very much appreciated.

Then the Vikings invaded!  Showing off their traditional viking combat skills this talented group showed us the different weapons used in the time of the vikings.  Dressed to fit the part they put on demonstrations that included one on one combat with axes, spears, swords and knives.  Even an archery demonstration.  The kids even got an opportunity to get in the act with foam ‘swords’.  This was the Kelowna based group (The Ulfhethnar) has appeared at Fintry but, judging from the crowds reaction, it won’t be the last.

Thank you to everyone who made the Fair a wonderful memory.

Summer is trying so hard to hang on in the Okanagan.  Hikers are out enjoying the sun while boaters enjoy life on our beautiful lake.  With the stunning Autumn colours displayed throughout the area it is no wonder we love to call the Okanagan home.   At this time of year  we look forward to sharing Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends as we reflect on all we have to be thankful for.

The Board members of Friends of Fintry would like to thank you all for your support over the years.  Our season will come to an end this Thanksgiving  but the Board will be busy during the winter planning for the new year.

Improvements to the Manor House will continue through the fall and winter.  With the new prep kitchen, caretaker’s suite and rooms for two summer students completed in Spring 2017, there is much planning to be done and decisions to be made.

We hope you take the time to enjoy this beautiful weather we are having and wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.

These are just a few of the vendors we had on the grounds of the Manor House last Sunday.  The summer event is so much fun with many campers enjoying the event for the first time along with visitors from many parts of our country and even our world.

Returning visitors often bring family & friends with them to share in the history of Fintry & enjoy a good old fashioned fair.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to make the event a success.  Thank you also to everyone who came out to enjoy the day and to those who came to sell their wares.

Just checked the weather forecast and tomorrow will be perfect for the Fair at Fintry.  Blue skies with some cloudy periods… perfect for a day at Fintry.

There will be new vendors as well as many who come back year after year, delicious food and good music to keep you entertained.  Come and join us on the grounds of the Manor House.

See you tomorrow!!

In this post we welcome one of our new vendors, welcome back returning vendors and recognize a vendor who can’t make it to this Sunday’s event.

At this time we would also like to extend our appreciation and thanks to the Kelowna Calligraphy Guild.  The talented members of this local group have supported Fintry from the beginning.  Please take the time to thank them when you attend our Summer Fair this Sunday.

We are very pleased to have Bob Kingsmill return to Fintry.  This very talented Potter has a studio in Coldstream and Granville Island.  His work is hauntingly beautiful and we are so pleased to have him offer his pottery for sale at Fintry this weekend.

One of our new vendors is Edge of the Earth Vineyards from Armstrong.  They invite you to a wine tasting on the grounds of the Manor House.

Unfortunately Crepe Bistro will not be with us for the Summer Fair.  They have been a big part of events in the past and we hope to have them back with us in the future.  Look for their delicious sweet & savoury crepes at the Vernon Farmer’s Market and other Okanagan events.

Public service should be a part of events in the Okanagan.  Fintry will again have a spot for the ‘Don’t Move a Mussel’ information booth.  It is unfortunate that this invasive species is threatening our local waters.  Being informed and sharing that information is the only way we can keep them from calling BC home.

The Summer Fair is this Sunday on the grounds of the Manor House from 10am to 4pm.  See you there.

We’re getting closer to the big Summer Event at Fintry.  Here are a few more of the vendors that have added their unique talents to past Fairs.

B.C. Bud’s Garlic…. Bud is not only a valued member or our board, he is a Master Gardener and the proud owner of B.C. Bud’s Garlic.  You will see him at the Master Gardener’s booth as well as the booth (next door) selling his delicious garlic / herb mixtures.  Yummmm

Wendy Sandor is a true artist.  Her Pine Needle baskets reflect the history of our amazing country.  Wendy’s cloth weavings are a beautiful reflection of a more peaceful past.

Dylan Olafson turns a simple branch in to a beautiful piece of jewellery.  The simple things that we see every day can be turned in to a piece of art.  Arbor Alchemy will have a booth at the Summer Fair.

Marzio Manderioli was at our Mother’s Day Event.  He is a master cartoonist who takes minutes to turn your likeness in to a cartoon that you will treasure forever.

Tom & Leigh Dick brought their flowers to our Mother’s Day event.  If you were one of the lucky ones these flowers are now adding colour to your summer garden.

Getting excited about the Fair this Sunday.   Look forward to seeing you all there!!