Petworth House
They contain a large number of paintings from Reynolds to Turner. Took photos of the colourful leaves still on the trees in the Park.
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
Petworth
At the end of October, B & J phoned to say they would meet us at Petworth. The first plan had been to go over to R's flat to do some work on preparing woodwork for painting but the weather had been damp. We met in the cafeteria, then went round the large rooms .
Petworth House
They contain a large number of paintings from Reynolds to Turner. Took photos of the colourful leaves still on the trees in the Park.
Petworth House
They contain a large number of paintings from Reynolds to Turner. Took photos of the colourful leaves still on the trees in the Park.
A visitor
One day in the middle of October we had a phone call from Cedric so, the next day, he came to stay until Saturday. We went over to Arundel one day and browsed in the antique shops. The cafe by the river Arun was busy - sat outside in pleasant sunshine, watching workmen on the other bank do renovations to a building. There was a craft centre nearby in an old building, part of an old part of the castle owned by the Fitzalans of the 13th century. The small ruined building had been restored.
Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle
Later that evening we went over to see "And then there were none...", a play based on Agatha Christie's 'Ten Little Nigger Boys', a thriller first published in 1939. The play centres around ten people being invited to spend a weekend on an otherwise empty hotel on a deserted island off the Devon coast. They are gradually bumped off as they discover that they have been accused of crimes earlier in their lives which have led to the deaths of innocent people. The actors played it well, and the full audience enjoyed a well-crafted play.
Monday, 3 November 2008
Church walk
On a fine October Saturday morning drove over to the 'Black Rabbit' pub near to Arundel. The pub is right by the Arun, which was fast flowing down to the sea at Littlehampton. The walkers arrived on cue and we had hot drinks sitting outside.
After a while I went into town, which appears very prosperous, with its fine immaculately-kept Georgian houses. Looked into the craft warehouse and then on down to Kim's bookshop, a warren of small rooms packed from floor to ceiling - with books!
After a while I went into town, which appears very prosperous, with its fine immaculately-kept Georgian houses. Looked into the craft warehouse and then on down to Kim's bookshop, a warren of small rooms packed from floor to ceiling - with books!
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Kelmscott and the Red House
Kelmscott is a house once lived in by William Morris, one of the founders of the late 19th Cent. Arts & Crafts movement.
Kelmscott House
It is a Tudor house built of local limestone near to Lechlade, Glos. It is just about 100 yards from the banks of the Thames. Morris considered it unspoilt, as though it had grown organically from the countryside.
Now, it is owned by the Society of Antiquaries, and is only open a few days in the year. It has a restaurant and a shop, and seemed to be run very informally. There were guides in each room but was not formal as the atmosphere at NT properties.
Kelmscott House
It is a Tudor house built of local limestone near to Lechlade, Glos. It is just about 100 yards from the banks of the Thames. Morris considered it unspoilt, as though it had grown organically from the countryside.
Now, it is owned by the Society of Antiquaries, and is only open a few days in the year. It has a restaurant and a shop, and seemed to be run very informally. There were guides in each room but was not formal as the atmosphere at NT properties.
The title page of "News from Nowhere"
The rooms have many pieces made by Morris and his family.
Late in August we went over to The Red House, a house designed by William Morris and Philip Webb in Bexleyheath. It was acquired by NT in 2003 from two LCC architects who lived there for many years, as they saw the significance of the house. In Morris' time it was in countryside but London's sprawling suburbia had surrounded it.
The Red House
We had a guide who explained the conception of the house, and the furniture in each room. There were wall-paintings and stained glass by Morris' friend, Edward Burne-Jones. She asked people where they were from: most were 'locals'. The day was warm and sunny so we looked at the gardens, divided into 'rooms'. Volunteers worked there including a large vegetable area; also an apple orchard. One of the small outbuildings was an open tea room.
River Cottage HQ
In early August we went over to the Axminster/Lyme Regis area of E Devon/Dorset to visit Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's farm (Park Farm) on one of its open days. This has to be booked in advance, and is charged for! - £10. So we booked a farm B&B nearby, which was very rural - Barleyclose Farm. They had 2 twin rooms for guests; the first night we were the only ones, but on the second night there were two young ladies 'doing' the Monarch's Way - they had walked 10 miles in heavy rain that day.
Breakfast was in a sun lounge that looked out at fields and woods. Each morning there were brown cows in the field whose fence was only a few feet from the window.
On the Saturday we decided to visit Barrington Court (NT) near Ilminster, a Tudor manor house with a garden inspired by Gertrude Jekyll. In spite of the damp there were quite a few visitors but we did not see much of the gardens.
Barrington Court
The weather was much drier on Sunday so we went into Lyme. There was a lifeboat rescue display just in front of the beach, so we sat in a pleasant harbourside cafe while the rescue went on. First a lifeboat man volunteer was dropped by a large buoy to which he hung for several minutes. The lifeboat then went back 'rescue' him, but the wind & waves made this very difficult. Eventually he seemed to drop back into the sea from where he was 'rescued'. This was all a few hundred yards out, so was difficult to see.
After a good lunch in the town we drove to Park Farm. There were many cars parked in a field by the road gate. A passenger trailer towed by a tractor took us down a slope to the farm buildings. There was a helpful gardener working in a walled fruit & veg garden, and we bought an 'organic' ice-cream in a building by the farm. The farmhouse had been restored, and other new buildings constructed, so much money had been outlaid on this project. Further up we walked by a cow tethered for all of us to view (with her keeper), pigs, goats and other animals in pens. We got quite muddy feet, so were glad to finally drive home.
Breakfast was in a sun lounge that looked out at fields and woods. Each morning there were brown cows in the field whose fence was only a few feet from the window.
On the Saturday we decided to visit Barrington Court (NT) near Ilminster, a Tudor manor house with a garden inspired by Gertrude Jekyll. In spite of the damp there were quite a few visitors but we did not see much of the gardens.
Barrington Court
The weather was much drier on Sunday so we went into Lyme. There was a lifeboat rescue display just in front of the beach, so we sat in a pleasant harbourside cafe while the rescue went on. First a lifeboat man volunteer was dropped by a large buoy to which he hung for several minutes. The lifeboat then went back 'rescue' him, but the wind & waves made this very difficult. Eventually he seemed to drop back into the sea from where he was 'rescued'. This was all a few hundred yards out, so was difficult to see.
After a good lunch in the town we drove to Park Farm. There were many cars parked in a field by the road gate. A passenger trailer towed by a tractor took us down a slope to the farm buildings. There was a helpful gardener working in a walled fruit & veg garden, and we bought an 'organic' ice-cream in a building by the farm. The farmhouse had been restored, and other new buildings constructed, so much money had been outlaid on this project. Further up we walked by a cow tethered for all of us to view (with her keeper), pigs, goats and other animals in pens. We got quite muddy feet, so were glad to finally drive home.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
A Rocha Jubilee Celebrations
Last Saturday we went over to the hamlet of Lewknor (S Oxfordshire). We gathered in the Victorian church and were greeted by the Vicar (Rev Simon Brignall). The day was fine; a marquee had been erected in the grounds. These included the village Primary school grounds, in an attractive rural setting. This had play equipment, seats around a large tree, and a large grassy area. Peter & Miranda Harris (A Rocha founders) gave short talks. There were even staff from the original site in the Algarve, Portugal, present. A Rocha (meaning "The Rock", in Portuguese) is a charity working to show God's love for all creation through education, and practical projects. The first UK project is at Southall; the second at Lewknor - the Chiltern Gateway project.
You may recognise the church from the opening credits of "The Vicar of Dibley"!
Later some of the schoolchildren put on a little play about the danger of polluting the environment with plastic bags, etc.
We had our packed lunches in the grounds. Hot drinks were provided all day by a team of volunteers.
In the afternoon we went up to the Aston Rowant Nature Reserve on the Chiltern Hills, on the
View from Aston Rowant NR over Oxfordshire (and M40)
other side of the M40. There were beech woods on top of the hills; we (about 350-400) gathered on top of a nearby field for a service. The field was a 30 minute walk away up a hill through beech woods; some of us drove to the reserve. There were local people walking through, some with their dogs. Singing was accompanied by a keyboard. A small canvas shelter had been brought up in case of rain but the sun shone brightly. The talk was given by Rev Dave Bookless, A Rocha UK National Director.
After, as Pat had a cold, we decided to drive back to Worthing via the M40 and M25. A quick trouble-free journey - the major holiday traffic had gone (it was the first weekend of the schools holiday season).
You may recognise the church from the opening credits of "The Vicar of Dibley"!
Later some of the schoolchildren put on a little play about the danger of polluting the environment with plastic bags, etc.
We had our packed lunches in the grounds. Hot drinks were provided all day by a team of volunteers.
In the afternoon we went up to the Aston Rowant Nature Reserve on the Chiltern Hills, on the
View from Aston Rowant NR over Oxfordshire (and M40)
other side of the M40. There were beech woods on top of the hills; we (about 350-400) gathered on top of a nearby field for a service. The field was a 30 minute walk away up a hill through beech woods; some of us drove to the reserve. There were local people walking through, some with their dogs. Singing was accompanied by a keyboard. A small canvas shelter had been brought up in case of rain but the sun shone brightly. The talk was given by Rev Dave Bookless, A Rocha UK National Director.
After, as Pat had a cold, we decided to drive back to Worthing via the M40 and M25. A quick trouble-free journey - the major holiday traffic had gone (it was the first weekend of the schools holiday season).
Waddesdon
Last Friday we drove up to Waddesdon to see Cedric's aunt, and take her to the nearby Waddesdon Manor. She lives in a delightful house with gardens. It was a fine day so we had lunch at the Manor, and got timed tickets to visit the house. There were several visitors but not too busy. The wallpapers in many rooms were dark reds and blues, and light levels were kept low to preserve the fabrics. Guides in each room were friendly and knowledgeable so that we found out much about the Rothschild family.
The Manor has a splendid fountain and formal flowerbeds.
The picture below shows Christmas lights in a chandelier.
The Manor has a splendid fountain and formal flowerbeds.
The picture below shows Christmas lights in a chandelier.
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Dordogne
A day or two after C came back from Lagos for a few days leave, we took the Eurostar from the bright new St Pancras station to Lille. Unfortunately, could not book C in the same coach as us, but we all got on to a crowded train. The day was fine; in what seemed a quick one and a half hours we were at Lille. This station was also modern with the cafes and other traveller needs kept up above the platforms and trains below. Ate a snack and then boarded the TGV for a 4 hour journey to Angouleme. We travelled via CDG Airport and Poitiers. Cedric was there at Angouleme Gare to meet us and it was about a one and a quarter journey to Preceger, Biras.
In the following days we went to the "Monolithic" underground church at Aubeterre which was in a huge man-made cave 20m high by 60m long. There are unearthed stone sarcophagi in the floor. Looking up from the crypt is a 'chimney'opening, with white light (the sky) and heads of anyone looking down from the pavement above.
This is the largest such cave church in Europe. The hewn stone was used to build a castle on the cliff above. The white stone village is very attractive and has other ancient buildings such as the Apostre's Tower.
Later that week we went into the open-air market in Perigueux for fresh fruit & veg. Also, to Chateau Beynac, an imposing 12th cent. castle on a cliff overlooking the R. Dordogne. The castle was bought in 1961 by a man who is attempting to restore it on a 50+ years schedule. There were tapestries, real oil lamps and a new oak spiral staircase. In the walls were fierce-looking large wood spikes. The cobblestone paths were very uneven, and several high walls had no railings. 'Health & Safety' in the UK would have no hestation in declaring the chateau closed!
Chateau Beynac
After C had left for Narbonne to see a friend, we were invited to an informal 'cocktail' party given by David and Beverley (U.S.) who were departing for another part of their continuous world tour. The tiny garden was by the R. Dronne in Brantome. Many Brits, French and a Scots lady were there. One chap, Brian, a retired marketing manager, has a house in Brantome which he is refurbishing with a 'cave'. Many houses in Brantome are formed around caves by the R Dronne.
By the Dronne
One afternoon we went to St Jean-de-Cole, a village built in stone not unlike Cotswold stone in colour. It was a hot day but there were few people around, a few tourists (mostly Brits). Another time we visited 2 friends of Cedric's but they were not expecting us - several of his friends like folk to call 'unexpectedly'. They lived near to Bourdeilles.
Many hours were spent gardening; C proved a dab hand with the electric hedge cutters and many metres were cut over 2 days.
We left on an early train from Angouleme to return to Worthing, and eventually had a bad 4 hour drive from London to Worthing via a very slow part of the M25 - due to an accident.
In the following days we went to the "Monolithic" underground church at Aubeterre which was in a huge man-made cave 20m high by 60m long. There are unearthed stone sarcophagi in the floor. Looking up from the crypt is a 'chimney'opening, with white light (the sky) and heads of anyone looking down from the pavement above.
This is the largest such cave church in Europe. The hewn stone was used to build a castle on the cliff above. The white stone village is very attractive and has other ancient buildings such as the Apostre's Tower.
Later that week we went into the open-air market in Perigueux for fresh fruit & veg. Also, to Chateau Beynac, an imposing 12th cent. castle on a cliff overlooking the R. Dordogne. The castle was bought in 1961 by a man who is attempting to restore it on a 50+ years schedule. There were tapestries, real oil lamps and a new oak spiral staircase. In the walls were fierce-looking large wood spikes. The cobblestone paths were very uneven, and several high walls had no railings. 'Health & Safety' in the UK would have no hestation in declaring the chateau closed!
Chateau Beynac
After C had left for Narbonne to see a friend, we were invited to an informal 'cocktail' party given by David and Beverley (U.S.) who were departing for another part of their continuous world tour. The tiny garden was by the R. Dronne in Brantome. Many Brits, French and a Scots lady were there. One chap, Brian, a retired marketing manager, has a house in Brantome which he is refurbishing with a 'cave'. Many houses in Brantome are formed around caves by the R Dronne.
By the Dronne
One afternoon we went to St Jean-de-Cole, a village built in stone not unlike Cotswold stone in colour. It was a hot day but there were few people around, a few tourists (mostly Brits). Another time we visited 2 friends of Cedric's but they were not expecting us - several of his friends like folk to call 'unexpectedly'. They lived near to Bourdeilles.
Many hours were spent gardening; C proved a dab hand with the electric hedge cutters and many metres were cut over 2 days.
We left on an early train from Angouleme to return to Worthing, and eventually had a bad 4 hour drive from London to Worthing via a very slow part of the M25 - due to an accident.
Sunday, 8 June 2008
Sussex & other places
For the first time went to the Chelsea RHS Show. The weather was perfect, and the crowds not quite as large as I had been led to believe. Needless to say, the show gardens were perfect with not a weed or slug in sight! From my point of view, the smaller urban gardens we found the most interesting as we could relate those to our own 25' x 75' garden in town. There was a front garden with 2 bicycles hanging vertically by the front door - those would be taken very quickly if we left them outside here!
This garden was for a rooftop, suiting an astronomer, and was called 'The Sky at Night'.
During the day we kept bumping into BBC camera crews with Joe Swift and Alan Titchmarsh. They needed about a dozen staff (cameramen, sound, lights, director, producer, assistant to the producer etc etc) to shoot a 2 minute piece which would be inserted into the evening programme . So, we were kept back by staff holding ropes.
Everyone was very friendly and people would let us in to take photos by gardens. We found a table to sit at lunchtime, with our packed food, where a family from Goring were doing the same. The father worked in horticulture, so he told us. Also, we spoke to Muriel & friend from church who had come up on the same train as us.
This late Spring the weather has been wet and warm making all plants grow well. But some days are hopeless for outside tasks as it we've had warm rain on & off all day.
On the roof next door the gulls are raising 2 chicks. The odd magpie has tried to take the fledglings but the parent birds chase them off with loud cries. But they do make a mess on the cars, usually when they have just been washed.
This garden was for a rooftop, suiting an astronomer, and was called 'The Sky at Night'.During the day we kept bumping into BBC camera crews with Joe Swift and Alan Titchmarsh. They needed about a dozen staff (cameramen, sound, lights, director, producer, assistant to the producer etc etc) to shoot a 2 minute piece which would be inserted into the evening programme . So, we were kept back by staff holding ropes.
Everyone was very friendly and people would let us in to take photos by gardens. We found a table to sit at lunchtime, with our packed food, where a family from Goring were doing the same. The father worked in horticulture, so he told us. Also, we spoke to Muriel & friend from church who had come up on the same train as us.
This late Spring the weather has been wet and warm making all plants grow well. But some days are hopeless for outside tasks as it we've had warm rain on & off all day.
On the roof next door the gulls are raising 2 chicks. The odd magpie has tried to take the fledglings but the parent birds chase them off with loud cries. But they do make a mess on the cars, usually when they have just been washed.
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Spring at last!
This second week in May has seen warm sun and fine days although there has been little rain for over a week. However, this evening there have been two thunder-claps, light rain (9 p.m.) and dark clouds coming over the Channel from France.
Today we spent planting flowers, beans, onions and leeks, nearly all grown from seed. I wonder how the Thompson & Morgan miniature sweet pea plants will tolerate tonight outdoors. They arrived by post today, as plug plants clverly wrapped in hard plastic. The notes say they are fully hardened so here's hoping...... Last year the leek seedlings all disappeared the day after planting - squirrels, slugs --- we don't know. Let's hope they survive this year.
The wisteria at the end of the garden is in full bloom, the best it's been for many a year. It has spread to an elder tree. The white clematis has also spread, at one end onto a weeping birch, and nearer the house, onto a Japanese acer.
The bulbs have all but finished. At the end of April we spent a 4 day break at Akersloot near to Amsterdam, to see the tulips in the Keukenhof Gardens. We travelled with Worthing Coaches, being picked up just 100 yards from home in the Goring Road at 6 am. Two days were spent travelling. One day at the Gardens, the next into Amsterdam with a canals trip.
Today we spent planting flowers, beans, onions and leeks, nearly all grown from seed. I wonder how the Thompson & Morgan miniature sweet pea plants will tolerate tonight outdoors. They arrived by post today, as plug plants clverly wrapped in hard plastic. The notes say they are fully hardened so here's hoping...... Last year the leek seedlings all disappeared the day after planting - squirrels, slugs --- we don't know. Let's hope they survive this year.
The wisteria at the end of the garden is in full bloom, the best it's been for many a year. It has spread to an elder tree. The white clematis has also spread, at one end onto a weeping birch, and nearer the house, onto a Japanese acer.
The bulbs have all but finished. At the end of April we spent a 4 day break at Akersloot near to Amsterdam, to see the tulips in the Keukenhof Gardens. We travelled with Worthing Coaches, being picked up just 100 yards from home in the Goring Road at 6 am. Two days were spent travelling. One day at the Gardens, the next into Amsterdam with a canals trip.
Saturday, 5 April 2008
Loxwood
Drove over to Loxwood to view the rebuilding of the road bridge over the canal - paid for by the 
Wey & Arun Canal Trust (WACT). Much work has been done since January as can be seen in the photo with the Onslow Arms in the background. There are telephone cables slung from the I beam; also water main.
Below: the shuttering is being prepared for the concrete pour.
The road has been closed at times; today (5 April 08) half the road width was open with alternate working controlled by temporary traffic lights.
The Saturday work party were in evidence - they had muddy clothes as they walked back along the footpath towards the 'Arms' at lunchtime. The narrow boat 'Zachariah Keppel' was being prepared for 3 afternoon trips. We wondered if they would get many passengers as the weather was cool today, but was still sunny at 12 noon.
Wey & Arun Canal Trust (WACT). Much work has been done since January as can be seen in the photo with the Onslow Arms in the background. There are telephone cables slung from the I beam; also water main.
Below: the shuttering is being prepared for the concrete pour.
The road has been closed at times; today (5 April 08) half the road width was open with alternate working controlled by temporary traffic lights.
The Saturday work party were in evidence - they had muddy clothes as they walked back along the footpath towards the 'Arms' at lunchtime. The narrow boat 'Zachariah Keppel' was being prepared for 3 afternoon trips. We wondered if they would get many passengers as the weather was cool today, but was still sunny at 12 noon.
Friday, 4 April 2008
Easter
A month has gone by since the last entry. Easter was the earliest it has been for many years. The cold winds blew and there were snow flakes in London (according to Brian), but it was warm in St Mary's for the first Easter services of the new. lively Rector, Peter. He said that he has 'a million ideas before breakfast but 999,999 are non-implementable'.
On Easter Monday we drove over to Uppark. The exhibition about the 1989 fire has gone but there are photos from that day in many rooms, and evidence still of scorch marks in some floorboards.
Above is a view of the House, which was finally re-opened to the public in 1995.
This is a view of the Salon looking towards the Parlour. There were several families with children doing an Easter egg hunt. It was cold walking in the gardens.
Last weekend we went to Worthing Choral Soc's ("Barry's choir") performance in St Andrew's, Clifton Road, a cold Victorian place, with uncomfortable seats. There were several folk from Broadwater. They did Dvorak's Mass in D - the contraltos were a bit 'thin', but overall a creditable show. I may well join them in a week or two for their summer concert.
On Tuesday, went to the Pavilion to hear the mountaineer Simon Yates talk about his experiences including the infamous cutting of the rope on Joe Simpson in the Andes in the 1980s. Joe wrote his book 'Touching the Void', which was also made into a memorable film. Yates illustrated the talk with many slides. He makes a living as a mountain guide, but still goes into wild places. A favourite is Tierra del Fuego, at the tip of South America.
On Easter Monday we drove over to Uppark. The exhibition about the 1989 fire has gone but there are photos from that day in many rooms, and evidence still of scorch marks in some floorboards.
Above is a view of the House, which was finally re-opened to the public in 1995.
This is a view of the Salon looking towards the Parlour. There were several families with children doing an Easter egg hunt. It was cold walking in the gardens.
Last weekend we went to Worthing Choral Soc's ("Barry's choir") performance in St Andrew's, Clifton Road, a cold Victorian place, with uncomfortable seats. There were several folk from Broadwater. They did Dvorak's Mass in D - the contraltos were a bit 'thin', but overall a creditable show. I may well join them in a week or two for their summer concert.
On Tuesday, went to the Pavilion to hear the mountaineer Simon Yates talk about his experiences including the infamous cutting of the rope on Joe Simpson in the Andes in the 1980s. Joe wrote his book 'Touching the Void', which was also made into a memorable film. Yates illustrated the talk with many slides. He makes a living as a mountain guide, but still goes into wild places. A favourite is Tierra del Fuego, at the tip of South America.
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Late February
Thankfully the days are growing longer with several being bright, sunny. The other afternoon a blue tit sat high in a twiggy tree calling its harsh note, a surprisingly loud volume from such a small bird. A blackbird was busy one morning pulling up worms from the lawn. The snowdrop petals are drooping, hellebores are still bright and many daffodils have been fully in flower in the past 2 days.
Last week saw us up to HGS to stay with Jean. On Friday evening seven of us were at the Lyceum Theatre to see 'The Lion King', a fast-moving, energetic show; to celebrate C's birthday.
We saw C off at Gatwick early Monday morning after her brief leave back to Lagos and work at the BHC. I would like a day or two of the hot weather (30 deg C) but it would soon pall with me; I think I am more suited to the British moderate climate.
Some sad news earlier this week; Aunt M died peacefully in a residential home where she had lived for a few weeks. She had reached 97 years after working hard all her life. We shall go up to Kings Lynn for the funeral next week.
Last week saw us up to HGS to stay with Jean. On Friday evening seven of us were at the Lyceum Theatre to see 'The Lion King', a fast-moving, energetic show; to celebrate C's birthday.
We saw C off at Gatwick early Monday morning after her brief leave back to Lagos and work at the BHC. I would like a day or two of the hot weather (30 deg C) but it would soon pall with me; I think I am more suited to the British moderate climate.
Some sad news earlier this week; Aunt M died peacefully in a residential home where she had lived for a few weeks. She had reached 97 years after working hard all her life. We shall go up to Kings Lynn for the funeral next week.
Thursday, 7 February 2008
A sunny day in February
The sun has been out this morning showing the brightness of the snowdrops. P was pleased to see healthy-looking hellebores for the first time in our garden. The tiny purple cyclamen flowers create a contrast. There is even a small patch of violets which must have come from a forgotten plant put in a year or two ago.
Earlier this week we had been to see the Terracotta Army exhibition at the British Museum.
As we had bought tickets via the Museum website before Christmas we didn't have long to queue. The exhibition was in the circular reading room; a temporary floor had been added, raised over the desks and books.
Earlier this week we had been to see the Terracotta Army exhibition at the British Museum.
As we had bought tickets via the Museum website before Christmas we didn't have long to queue. The exhibition was in the circular reading room; a temporary floor had been added, raised over the desks and books.
Monday, 21 January 2008
January jottings
R was at home this weekend bringing much stuff which she needed to store here while she is in the process of moving. Buying a flat is not without its difficulties. I expect we will be called up to Raynes Park in the next few weeks to help decorate and move furniture.
Then C wanted to go to a London show for her birthday, which event occurs when she is back on leave from Nigeria. Let's hope that the 'Lion King' is up to our expectations, including the music not being too loud.
Then C wanted to go to a London show for her birthday, which event occurs when she is back on leave from Nigeria. Let's hope that the 'Lion King' is up to our expectations, including the music not being too loud.
Saturday, 5 January 2008
2008 - Welcome to a New Year
Already 5 days into January....
The festive season went by at an average rate for us, as a family. As we had agreed not to buy presents, at least not 'large' ones, there was no last minute spending spree up to Christmas Eve. We had had our 'Christmas' in mid-November when Clare was home from Nigeria for a short break - she had asked us to rent a house in the New Forest for a weekend. We had found none available in the Forest at that time of year so went to one by the River Hamble. 8 of us gathered, we had warming log fires, and even a Christmas tree; well, it was plastic but did have lights. We needed all the brightness we could muster as it there was dark cloud & rain most of the time.
So, come the 25th there was just the 4 of us. The next day B & J came down from Hampstead, followed a day later by Paul & Robyn's clan - 4 bright lively children! Thankfully they could all stay in the next door house which BM kindly let them use. The children were very good even though a giraffe lost its ears - I know the fireplace is a silly place to leave it! P & Co. flew back to Australia yesterday (Fri.). They were a bit of a shock to my system but Pat took them in her stride.
On New Year's Eve there was just the two of us but I did miss playing silly party games with friends as we had done in recent years. I looked on the TV screen if I could spot our eldest 2 on the London Embankment as a interviewer tried his best to ask questions of folk in the crowd: "Where are you from?" "Leeds" "Oh, very good...", as he hurried on to ask the same question to a girl a few yards further on. Not the most enthralling part of the programme. Needless to say it was impossible to see our two in a crowd that was 30 or more deep. There were plenty of "Ooooohs" and " Aaaaaahs" as the fireworks went up over the London Eye. Mayor Ken must have spent a good few 1000 pounds entertaining his council tax payers (as well as those from Sussex, Leeds....)
Now what to make of the beginning of 2008. As so often occurs there is misery created on a large scale, this time in Kenya. Today I hear that 250 000 have left their homes frightened that their neighbours will come to attack. That food, medicines, blankets, shelters and water are now urgently required. That the economy is suffering. That vital trade of food and fuel to Kenya and its neighbouring countries is already badly affected. The work of TearFund is already affected by people working in an aid centre being fearful of going out to a local market to buy food as they can hear gunshots in Nairobi. Prayer is needed for the folk there, that they will be kept safe; and for leaders, that they will come to the right decisions that will lead to peace & stability once again. People in Nigeria are writing web logs today - let's hope that people of influence here in the UK will read, and be able to act on them.
The festive season went by at an average rate for us, as a family. As we had agreed not to buy presents, at least not 'large' ones, there was no last minute spending spree up to Christmas Eve. We had had our 'Christmas' in mid-November when Clare was home from Nigeria for a short break - she had asked us to rent a house in the New Forest for a weekend. We had found none available in the Forest at that time of year so went to one by the River Hamble. 8 of us gathered, we had warming log fires, and even a Christmas tree; well, it was plastic but did have lights. We needed all the brightness we could muster as it there was dark cloud & rain most of the time.
So, come the 25th there was just the 4 of us. The next day B & J came down from Hampstead, followed a day later by Paul & Robyn's clan - 4 bright lively children! Thankfully they could all stay in the next door house which BM kindly let them use. The children were very good even though a giraffe lost its ears - I know the fireplace is a silly place to leave it! P & Co. flew back to Australia yesterday (Fri.). They were a bit of a shock to my system but Pat took them in her stride.
On New Year's Eve there was just the two of us but I did miss playing silly party games with friends as we had done in recent years. I looked on the TV screen if I could spot our eldest 2 on the London Embankment as a interviewer tried his best to ask questions of folk in the crowd: "Where are you from?" "Leeds" "Oh, very good...", as he hurried on to ask the same question to a girl a few yards further on. Not the most enthralling part of the programme. Needless to say it was impossible to see our two in a crowd that was 30 or more deep. There were plenty of "Ooooohs" and " Aaaaaahs" as the fireworks went up over the London Eye. Mayor Ken must have spent a good few 1000 pounds entertaining his council tax payers (as well as those from Sussex, Leeds....)
Now what to make of the beginning of 2008. As so often occurs there is misery created on a large scale, this time in Kenya. Today I hear that 250 000 have left their homes frightened that their neighbours will come to attack. That food, medicines, blankets, shelters and water are now urgently required. That the economy is suffering. That vital trade of food and fuel to Kenya and its neighbouring countries is already badly affected. The work of TearFund is already affected by people working in an aid centre being fearful of going out to a local market to buy food as they can hear gunshots in Nairobi. Prayer is needed for the folk there, that they will be kept safe; and for leaders, that they will come to the right decisions that will lead to peace & stability once again. People in Nigeria are writing web logs today - let's hope that people of influence here in the UK will read, and be able to act on them.
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