Countdown to Edinburgh 2008

Final preparations are underway for my annual visit to the Edinburgh Festival with my colleagues Butlers Fletcher, Thompson and Newsam. Once again this year I will be offering my General factotum and journeying services to members of the general public whilst in Edinburgh. My colleagues will be specialising in Documenting, Chaperon and hand delivered message services. More details have now been posted onto our Website and of course you can contact us for any further information.

A busy few days ahead only 11 days before I depart for Edinburgh, final travel arrangements are being made, luggage carefully packed, my suits are being dry cleaned, business cards printed and of course ensuring my Sir, Lord Lennox departs safely for his yearly excursion to the Highlands of Scotland.

I am looking forward to meeting some old friends whilst in Edinburgh and no doubt making some new ones along the way. If I can be of service in the meantime please do not hesitate to contact me, details are now on the website,

Regards

Butler Hopkins

Science Butlers

On Saturday 5th July, the Science Butlers made
their debut at Winchester Hat Fair, offering to
demonstrate the scientific processes that are
involved in being of service to our respective
masters and mistresses. Butlers Edgar and Fletcher,
along with new butler Heward, took to the streets
with delicate trolleys loaded up with all manner
of butlerial equipment necessary to accomplish the
'morning routine', serve breakfast and lay the
perfect dining table. Braving a perilous wind, we
astonished passers-by with disappearing wine,
exploding Alka Seltzer, instant ice, spinning eggs
and volcanic milk, and could have continued to
demonstrate to large crowds through the day, if
we hadn't been keen to reflect upon our exploits,
imbibe a little lunchtime libation, and purchase
some most excellent chai from a local emporium.
However, this first experiment in science butlering
was adjudged a resounding success, and served as
a perfect preview to the next and more developed
Science Butlers outing, where Edgar, Fletcher and
Heward shall be joined by butlers Hopkins and
Thompson. In the meantime, we now look ahead to
August and Edinburgh, where we hope to renew our
acquaintance with some familiar faces, and be of
service to new Sirs and Modams.

Fletcher the Butler

no subject

Having recovered from the exhaustion, dehydration and sunburn, Butlers Fletcher,Edgar and Hopkins are pleased to report that they had a marvellous time on Whitstable beach last weekend, as guests of The Fete Encounter. Whitstable is a very civilised little community which took the Butlers to their hearts, although there was some confusion at the start, everyone seeming to assume that we were about to disrobe and run into the sea! Unfortunately, we had neglected to pack our striped bathing suits, and so had to disappoint on this score. However, we received some excellent commissions, including the erection of gazebos, manufacture of cuddly toys, hunting of treasure and substantial purchase of thirst-quenching beverages. Most surprising, perhaps, was a request to hold the towels of a group of young ladies who took it upon themselves to bathe 'au naturel'. It is at times like these that a conscientious and discreet Butler service can prove most useful and efficacious, bringing a decorous tone to proceedings, as well as holding at bay the over-eager paparazzi! Naturally, a selection of teas and tisanes
were imbibed at four, and the day was rounded off with a rather excellent plate of Whitstable Bay sausages and mash in a local hostelry, although Edgar insisted on a meat-free alternative. There was even time to view some Kentish oasthouses in the fading evening light. All in all, then, a most satisfying day, during which the Butlers were pleased to be of service. Their thanks go to a certain Ms. Walke, whose efforts (and Vettriano-like assistance) made the whole excursion possible. Every effort is now under way to prepare for the first outing of the Science Butlers at Winchester's Hat Fair this coming Saturday, demonstrating the extent to which we have to resort to science in order to service the needs of our various masters and mistresses.

Fletcher the Butler

Butlers visit to the Seaside!!

As you may be aware Butlers Hopkins, Fletcher and Edgar made their first visit to the Seaside yesterday, fun was had by all I believe!  Photos of the visit should be online soon and my colleagues promise to give a more detailed report of the visit in due time.

 

Regards,

 

Thompson

Our new Butler...

The butlers are pleased to announce a new Butler, we would like to give a warm welcome to Butler Heward.

The more astute will note that this is the first female Butler to join us. Female butlers are somewhat a rarity in the profession at present, but have over recent years proved their place within our community, with an increasing number of requests for female Butlers being received at butler agencies, usually by Widowed Lady’s requiring that feminine support.

As always all our Butlers are fully vetted prior to joining and references taken. Butler Heward’s first appearance will be at the Winchester Hat Fair as a Science Butler, more details to follow…

Once again a warm welcome to our new colleague,

Regards

Thompson

Fierce Festival photos added to the gallery

Photos from our visit to the ‘Fierce Festival’, Birmingham are now in the photo gallery, there will be more to follow…

The Butlers visited Birmingham!

Dear All,

We have nearly recovered from our visit to the 'Fierce Festival' yesterday in Birmingham, we were very kindly invited to participate in a old English village fete experience, created by ‘The Fete Encounter’. A wonderful day was had by all the Butlers, my colleagues will hopefully be putting some of their experiences on the blog in the coming days.

Myself, the strangest moment was being asked to put nail polish onto two charming ladies hands, not something I am accustomed to I might add, but a Butler needs to put their hands to many things!! An observation made by us all over the day was how polite everyone is in Birmingham, not once did we hear a cross word spoken and everyone was quite charming wherever we were throughout the City. Overall amongst bunting hanging, trolley repairing, gazebo anchoring, water hazard observations, cart guarding, nail polishing, march rallying and numerous photos. Thompson had a very pleasant and enjoyable day, with thanks to Jen and 'The Fete Encounter' for the invitation to provide services at their event.

Thompson

Three days till Birmingham

Not long now until the Butlers will be offering our services to the residents of Birmingham, courtesy of ‘The Fete Encounter’, we will be in Central Square, Brindley Place 12md-6pm.

 

Preparations are fully underway I am polishing my new travelling case, Fletcher is choosing his choose of tea for our 4pm break, Edgar has responsibility for co-ordinating our travel arrangements and Hopkins is carrying out a psychogeographical analysis of Birmingham city centre (best not to ask!)

 

Thank you to those who have already been in contact, we look forward to being of service during our visit.  For those unable to attend we will be posting a post service commentary, hopefully capturing some of the events that took place through the eyes of the Butlers,

 

Regards,

 

Thompson

 

       

The Butler Blog Returns!!

Dear All,

We hope this finds you well, following a Butler meeting this evening we have decided to open up our 'Butler Blog' to report on all of our activities over the coming period. Until now it has been reserved only to report happenings at our annual 'Edinburgh visit' each August. With an increase in demand for our Butlerial Services over the next few months, we thought it would be a nice informal way for the Butlers to update you on any new developments and share some of the personal experiences (good and bad!) we encounter whilst being of service.

As always we welcome any comments, experiences, thoughts, suggestions you may wish to add, we look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Thomspson.

After the excitement of serving as a be-fez-ed Turkish doorman and as an Asian comedy stooge last night. I managed to grab a little lie-in this morning, before successfully delivering a message to a wonderful and celebrated gentleman, one of my favourite Festival experiences. As our sojourn in Edinburgh draws to a close, we are determined to have a calmer and more relaxed day, saying a fond farewell to all of our new-found friends.

Fletcher the Butler

With spirits undampened by the persistent rain, I continue to notch up commission after commission, with my total today topping thirty. Serving up not one, but two breakfasts first thing, early mornings and late nights begin to take their toll as we approach the end of our butlering. But thoughts of imminent oasthouses sustain me, as does the steady diet of beautiful Indian food, fry-ups and haggis, neaps and tatties, not to mention the odd cup of tea (English Breakfast this time). And sustenance I need, as I prepare for my first appearance on stage at this year’s Festival!

Fletcher the Butler

Administration Note - More photos have just been added to the gallery on the main webite www.wearebutlers.co.uk

You can also write comments to the blog, by clicking on 'comment' below any entry.


Regards

Thompson

I am writing this as I shelter under a very large Fosters Umbrella in the Pleasance Courtyard, the rain continues to fall around me. A mixed week the of weather, well mainly rain and the occasional sunny spell (on Thursday!)

With time running away from me, i have spent the last couple of 4pm teas, in my current location, whilst catching up with correspondence and completing the final commissions. I have yet to ascertain the brand of tea served here, but one has now become accustomed to it soft mellow milky flavour. A deviance from the lovely loose teas tasted at Chai tea house at the beginning of the week.

An exciting happening once again for Thompson yesterday, although rather disturbing was a reassurance that festival security is being taken seriously. I was stopped by a couple of uniformed Police Officers and subjected to a body and belongings search under the new Terrorism Act. Whilst they were slightly officious at first, once understood my business within the city, and content i was not carrying anything illegal. I was awarded a certificate certifying my fully legal status (something i will not be showing Sir, could cause concerns and questions.)

With only a day and a half left at the festival, we are completing our last commissions, saying goodbye to friends old and new and catching those last minute shows we have promised ourselves.

For now from Rainy Edinburgh (Sun will appear shortly, I've been informed),

Thompson

The weekend approaches and, over a Vanilla Chai, I muse about some of the commissions and the pleasure that they have brought to people. In particular I remember helping an overburdened woman with her large suitcase as she made her way to Waverley Station, and eliciting screams of delight on the delivery of a certain message. One young lady, on hearing about our service declared "It's like Christmas!", and so it almost is what with some of the weather we've been having! I take comfort in the fact that I can return to the security of our warm and toasty houseboat at the end of another busy day!

Fletcher the Butler

Although the highlight of yesterday was obviously a rather special Yuman Black Golden Tips, it was also marked by exciting message deliveries to a bank on Georgie and the office of The Scotsman. Since then, however Fletcher commissions have topped twenty with shows seen, breakfast bought, bags carried, trains caught and tasks even done for the British Broadcasting Corporation! As I attend another celebrity, my mind inevitably wanders to the nearby Richard Long exhibition, influenced as it is by the Dada ramblings of Tzara, Oast Housmann and Schwitters. After all, what separates Labhaoise and Lavnendula, De la Mare and De la Soul?

Fletcher the Butler

The sun is trying to shine but the rain is winning at the present time!! Firstly to report on yesterdays exciting 4 pm tea, one decided upon the Chai tea house and banked for a unusual Huang Shan Moo Feug (Haung Shan Hair Point) a first for Thompson!

Exciting times were had for Thompson yesterday evening when he decided up a quant show titled 'Marcia Brown the unsung diva' staring Tamika Empson (from 3 non-blondes). One was head over feat when invited upon the stage to drink, relax and dance by Marcia Brown (aka. Tamika Brown). Alongside meeting Paul Zennon this has to be the biggest honour and pleasure in my career. I was reminded by ones colleagues this morning I had discussed hanging up ones hat last night, as nothing could beat that moment. But rest assured Thompson will continue to be in service and awaiting your call.

Still deciding upon the 4pm tea today, will post a report tomorrow,

For now,

Thompson

A more leisurely pace has been felt by all the Butlers over the last couple of days. Although we have enough flyering to keep us going for weeks, I am currently flyering for three different shows, two of which I have had the pleasure of seeing already.

As the week has progressed we have found more friends of old, passed tales of the past year and compared our festival experiences so far and met some wonderful new ones, who have been so welcoming and friendly.

Yesterday early evening I had the up most pleasure of meeting 'Paul Zennon', charming, charismatic and a true gentleman. One must say Mr Zennon is somewhat of a hero for Thompson. As in my limited spare time from serving sir, one attempts to be a prestigitateur (not of the same calibre.) Having given Mr Zennon a card, one hopes he may call for my services.

I am currently writing this on a personal computer terminal at the Assembly Venues private club lounge for Festival Performers and Press. I was given the festival pass from a promotion consultant in recompense for of accompanying him to a show. I must say it is so nice to sit in such comfortable surrounding and with good such breeding. I do hope i have the time to return later in the week.

Almost forgot, I am currently drinking a cup of twinning English breakfast, but am hoping to return to Chai for 4pm tea to try there Oolong.

For now,

Regards

Thompson

Much of yesterday was spent honing my flyering technique, the root of which is a particular brand of joyful and energetic attack in presentation learned from a champion flyerer on the Royal Mile. Having located Howie Nicholsby, I am free to indulge in cay and lahmacum, before an evening of rain, cocoa (at the Soco) and late haggis. This morning the sun is shining and, with no early commissions I can afford to relax with chai, plum bread and the merest snifter of Bruichladdich Redolent with the hoppy fragrance of Kentish oasthouses and seaweed!

Fletcher the Butler

2007 Photographs now in our gallery

A little note while i am sitting in the Pleasance Courtyard, my umbrella sheltering the Butlers Mobile Personal Computer. We now have some photographs of our adventures in the beautiful City of Edinburgh in the photo gallery.

You can find the gallery on our Butler's website http://www.wearebutlers.co.uk/ click on 'Gallery' then click on the text link.

More photographs to follow soon,


Regards

Thompson

Having seen little of the other Butlers yesterday, it's nice to sit down for a vanilla latte with the team and catch up. It was another early start for me, shopping, cleaning and carrying for a regular client and his family, the moast housework I've done in a long time. Luckily I was sustained by the Mate tea that i sampled last night. The rest of today may prove more leisurely although of course, I still have to locate Howie Nicholsby! And there's the small issue of hot Cocoa this evening. Then i just wait for the phone to ring once more!

Fletcher the Butler

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