Tolpuddle 2010

Seems to grow each year, with a refreshing number of young people there this year. Has been a nostalgia trip previously but takes on a new meaning in the current political/economic climate. Maybe trades unionists will take to the streets again in support of their rights and their members living standards. Unity is, indeed, still strength!

Unison, with their marching drummers, rivaled the RMT, and their brass band, for the largest contingents in the traditional Sunday march through Tolpuddle. Many were the TU banners.

New Forest

Had a triffic weekend in and around the New Forest. Exbury Gardens are well worth a visit.

including a trip on a real scale model steam railway with a most entertaining guard :)

Followed by a v long walk along a v shingle beach to a remarkable fort. Erected by Henry VIII and restored as a sea defence during the world wars.

Along the way, on the landward side of the chesil beach were a number of people partaking in a cross between wind surfing and para gliding. The speeds they reached were amazing as was the hight they achieved once leaving the surface - to twist and turn before landing again on the water.

The fort, once you reached it, was well worth the visit. Including a trip to the little tea shop for a well earned cuppa :-p At one point the fort seems so close to the Isle of Wight you feel you could almost touch it - well at least swim to it, had you not had a cup of tea n a v large slice of cake :)

Torbay

Had to travel to Torquay so we decided to make a weekend of it. Well impressed.

Summer @ Last

 

         and the garden looks wonderful.

We've had a new arrival :)

An Elephant Hawk Moth.

'aint nature a wonderful thing!

Sue's Wedding

An amazing backdrop for a wedding - Painswick Rococo Gardens and the follies therein. It was quite a pull up the hill from the lake but Sue made it :)

... and 30 years on, as with fine wine ;)

Mary (left), Marilyn (centre), Sue (right) - then and now.