In Praise of Sir Goldsworthy Gurney 1793-1875

Like myself you may never have heard of Goldsworthy Gurney. In spite of having studied history in depth in my youth, especially the industrial revolution period, this chap escaped me. But without Gurney there may not have been Stephenson’s Rocket, many more miners may have been asphyxiated, Parliament and central London left in the dark for years and Cathedrals turned to ice in the winter. Deserved of his limelight this inventor and his daughter Anna Jane should not be forgot or marginalised in history.

Christmas Comes Early

Due to hectic social calanders this is the last weekend before the festive day that we shall all be together in Gloucester so we decided to have an early mini celebratory weekend.

We got the tree Friday much to the delight of Santa Doggie :) 

 






Lunch and some Christmas food shopping at the amazing Farringtons.



and onto the Enchanted Christmas arboretum at Westonburt.
This is best seen in 3D on a cold winters night in yer cap n boots, followed by a warming glass of mulled wine, but to give you a feel ...

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Vid Clip

 Next day brought a search for breckie in the Forest of Dean which led us to Gavellers Cafe which also marks the start of the Forest Sculpture Trail ..

 

Then on to The Hungry Polar Bear, this years christmas offering at the amazing Clearwell Caves turned, yet again, into a winter wonderland ..

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then home to a well earned home made sloe gin 

n a slice of Christmas cake :-p









Thinking of buying a Kindle, or book, this Christmas? Don't forget to order Angorichina by Marion Grace Woolley.

Chelt Lit Fest

Just completed the Cheltenham Lit Festival and used the opportunity to surreptitiously promote Marions book - loadsa fly posting. Coupla more coming out in late autumn and she just won $100 in an American short story comp :)

Our old favourite Roger McGough was there, 




together with Victoria Hislop (n hubby). Watch out for the Greek adaptation of 'The Island' and guess who plays the 'english gent'?











and lotsa authors, journalists n assorted entertainers:

Autumn comes to Highnam Woods

 

Arbour in a Storm

The latest addition to our garden - thanks to a rare discount and over 60's day @ B&Q :

Illuminating Blackpool

T'was the 'annual'trip with Sis to Blackpool. Despite pre weather forecasts of hell n high water the weather was fine all week. The new illuminations were fairly spectacular, including some music driven street lighting and illuminated trams.

 

 

BUT ... The town was heaving as it was half term which must be why most of the big shows closed the week before?? Foodie pubs had no food! and half the trams had been laid off !*! Still the digs were good as was the local pub. Finally found a last show by 'Dancing Queen' and it was a stormer. Started a bit light but then they rocked the roof outa Grease and had dancin in the aisle to Abba.

Cap d'Agde

Marilyn's birthday treat. Following in the footsteps of Kate Mosse's Labyrinth we based ourselves on the queyside in Agde and toured Bezier and Carcassonne. The weather held fair, affordable integrated public transport worked well and the beaches were excellent. Carcassonne and it's fortress are as magnificent as they are stunning.

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