Hail and Farewell John

John and I met up at Poly in Birmingham many moons ago and ended up sharing a room in a house in Rotton Park. We wrote articles and campaigned for Third World First – the campaigning arm of Oxfam.  We met up again for a brief spell with Birmingham Probation Service – Anna, John and I were the “Three Musketeers” of Birmingham Probation direct entrants.

John was a former Choral Scholar at Oxford, he also learned to make and play guitars and dulcimers. Together with Sue they were part of a thriving campus folk club.

They later moved to Market Drayton and became active members of the local community – Sue a proficient artist and musician John with a number of ventures and a driving force of the local choral society they were surrounded by musician friends and family.

After the local Tai Chi teacher left John was asked to take over the class and soon became a master of that art. Unfortunately whilst on a recent trip to China, to take his training to the next level, he contracted pneumonia and died.

It seems strange that the world is now without this multi talented, sweet and endearing guy.

Our Friends in the North

We arrived for the Edinburgh Tattoo the same time as the Fringe contingent. The streets of Auld Reekie were wall to wall humanity - literally.

The half mile or so queue for the Tattoo was chaotic but, eventually, we made it to the Castle concourse, along with tens of thousands of others and took our place on the high tiered seating.

What a mind blowing performance. So many countries represented, such clever choreography, such stirring music. The French contingent marching formally in, side sloping into a heart shape with dozens of can caners storming in. The Kiwis marching in, gently lowering their instruments onto the ground and going into the full Hakka. The Icelandic contingent entering amidst a full snow storm. Caribbean Fiesta, Highland Reel and much much more.

After a rest it was off with Sis, down memory lane, to Blackpool. It's not illumination time but they were testing sections of the lights including the Tower and the section of Prom by our hotel.

Sea, sand and Stanley Park.

The Hot Ice Show was spectacular, as usual, fast n furious but an odd cameo in the middle involving a man, a bath tub, loadsa water and areal acrobatics (don't ask!). Followed by and equally amusing 80's musical at the Grand. Sort of Sing a longa Phileas Fogg 😃. Tram trips to Fleetwood and Clevelys and the odd pint or two.

Kiftsgate

The wonder that is Kiftsgate today is down to the work of three generations of women.

Just after the Great War the Muir’s bought Kiftsgate and Heather Muir, who had no horticultural training, set about laying out the top gardens. She was inspired, and helped by, Lawrence Johnston who created the neighbouring garden at Hidcote Manor.

The garden somewhat ran wild during the Second World War. In the early 60’s Diany Binny developed the lower garden adding a semi circular swimming pool, sculptures and fountains.

Her daughter, Anne Chambers continues the tradition today.

From the terrace there are some incredible views over the surrounding countryside. 

The tennis court has been transformed into a water feature incorporating Simon Allisons bronze castings of rhubarb leaves.

A stainless steel leaf sculpture by Peter Moorhouse stands at the end of tulip tree avenue.

Then onward to the nearby quintessential Cotswold village of Chipping Campden












and the perfect afternoon tea :)

Penblwydd hapus (Happy Birthday) x 2

Just returned from a lovely few days walking the Gower. Stayed with the lovely Patsy and her equally lovely dog Oakey in their cosy cottage in Port Enyon just round from Rhoselli Beach.

This year, the Gower Peninsula celebrates 63 years since becoming the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. Covering 188 sq km, it was awarded its AONB status for its classic coastline.

On one hilarious walk, on the hills between Scurladge and Pilton, we hiked knee deep in bracken and heather

OK which way next guys ??

through the mist

guided by the ponies

we made it to the trig point in the end

An earlier walk took us over the coastal path, via the old Salt House at Port Enyon, and back through the village.

It was also a celebratory weekend. Patsy’s birthday on the Tuesday, celebrated first on the beach near Rhoselli with friends, dogs, bubbles and giant waves. Up to the pub for refreshments then back with Kate, David and Harry to their holiday let for a chip supper n improvised karaoke.

The following day was Julies big birthday it was her ?0^th. After a strawberry breakfast, and a Skype with Marion in Rwanda, another shorter beach walk to a different pub.

On the way we stopped to admire a cliff top view when this lovely man invited us into his garden, with a terrace down to the sea, and regaled us with tales of his past and the house/garden renovation.