MV Matilda

My Birthday treat was a visit to Newark Park, a National Trust Property close to Wootton Under Edge.

It was a very cold day!

Snowdrops and crocus everywhere

It was built as a hunting lodge about 1550 but has been added to over the years.

A truly amazing window.

Further attempt to beautify the Docks I helped to plant this reedbed.

Below, Young Gloucestershire students made and raised funds for two planters. They used the compost from the seabin, recycled old pallets, baked cakes and sold them on Southgate Street then bought the plants. Thank you YG.

Before dredging recommenced the fish were removed from Victoria Basin. Whilst we had some dead fish we later found that the large carp survived and reappeared in May. Once warm they enjoy basking just under the surface.

During the winter I attended a series of lectures at the Heritage Hub (Gloucester Archives) about resources for historians. It was inspiring! On example given in the lecture about religion was that of Kempley Church, and by co-incidence Kempley Village were holding their Daffodil Weekend. I just had to go!

The Churchyard was full of native daffodils

It seemed very odd to have a pink church! When I asked the question I was told it was because pigs blood would have been used!!!

12th century timbers in the roof

The Wall paintings are exceptional

There are angels and saints

The boxes made me smile!

The church has a very detailed burial index for family historians unlike most of the Lincolnshire churches we are interested in.

Then it was off to see the new Church of St Edward in the new village

St Edwards Church had a display of local craftspeople

All small village churches seem short of funds. I quite liked this request for cash!

Volunteering once again!

This was held at the Walls Club. Walls is Gloucesters largest employer but did ice cream feature on the Menu?

The tables looked very smart. The attendees were even smarter in their regimental ties and ribbons, shoes shined to perfection!

We took various items to sell to make some cash for the Museum:

We even took some WW1 artifacts which proved to be of interest. We had an enjoyable day and raised some funds.

The Folk of Gloucester hosted a Faery Day so I made these fairies to sell, made of a bamboo spoon and bits of net and wool . I had great fun with my glue gun!

And finally some reflections of boats in Nielsens boatyard

P S friend Vivienne is preparing for the Coronation with these wonderful crowns. If you are wondering what is inside it’s a Terry’s Chocolate orange!

Will they make it to May 6th?

The Knife Angel is installed outside the Cathedral. We visited during the morning and realised that to see it at its best we needed to visit at dusk.

Very powerful images

The Cathedral Postbox is decked out in an appropriate way

The Korean Minister for Veterans Affairs visited the Soldiers of Gloucester Museum. Here he is meeting Tommy & Brian our local veterans of the Korean War. Students from Stroud school assembled behind.

Below a shot from Points West with his charming interpreter who we met last year

First World War reenactors outside the Museum at Half Term

The former Debenhams store now undergoing modernisation for the University

And finally this made me smile

The Folk of Gloucester. A museum run by the Civic Trust formerly Bishop Hoopers Lodging. He was unfortunate and was burnt at the stake.

A lovely quirky building part of it was a pin factory. Inspired by the medieval wall painting we had a go at painting and stitching. You decide which belongs to Tony & which to me!

Tony got busy with his paintbrush sprucing up the benches in The Folk garden.

A February Sunset

Happy New Year!

New Years Eve on LV Sula. Captain Colin switched on the light.

We met this Hurdy Gurdy Man at The Folk of Gloucester, where we volunteer.

We like to check the River level when a flood alert is given.

Repairs to the lock gates

The suction dredger arrives. We live in hope…….

Interesting boats in Neilsen’s yard. Bessie Ellen and Kahu in dry dock. Note propellers and drive shafts on the dock bottom.

Our Nicaraguan Volunteers cook us a meal. Delicious!

Noah’s Rainbow Pie. Originally served at The Stones Restaurant Avebury. Now no longer there. It is totally vegetarian with many layers.

And now another rainbow street has appeared in Gloucester

The things you learn!

And off to Dublin to see the grandsons.. We booked our rail and ferry tickets and then discovered a rail strike was due the day we returned so we drove to Holyhead instead. Delayed on entry to Dublin port as another ship was in the berth we needed!

A trip into the city revealed this shopping centre. Loved the quotes in the toyshop window

South Street market. Delicious candied pecan nuts!

The Dublin Viking Tour. We did this a few years ago great fun. It takes you for a dip in the canal but pauses for you to don a lifejacket.

Whilst in Dublin we experienced our first Escape Room. Great fun and quite challenging. We also did a walking Murder Mystery and followed a set of clues around the city. Good for adults but the boys were less interested.

This is where we stayed. They did apologise for the absence of decaff tea! Here is a notice displayed in Reception. It reminds me of problems we encountered at Rosemundy.

Killiney Park provided wonderful views and tree climbing opportunities.

Mount Usher Garden is a must for keen gardeners

A rainbow on our return journey

Back in Gloucester the Folk had a Walls Ice Cream exhibition. Walls is the largest employer in the city and is very generous to charities like museums

Also at The Folk of Gloucester was the Steampunk Fair

Remember when we used matches. Englands Glory were made here at Morelands Factory. The factory is still here but used for other purposes now.

The Cathedral post box decorated for remembrance day

The Christmas tree arrives in the docks

Our Nicaraguan Volunteers Jairo & Tatiana meet the Mayor & Sheriff Joanne at the Christmas parade. The theme was Alice in Wonderland.

And of course we end the year with a sunset:

The Edward Elgar Cruise Ship off to Sharpness

We spent a rather nice day in Newent. We had a wine tasting at The Three Choirs Vineyard.

We bought a bottle of red £12 so not the sort of wine you drink every day! After the tasting we went next door to the garden centre for black coffee! Then once legal to drive we went into Newent itself.

The delightful games museum. Apparently you can play games every Wednesday evening.

Olympic gold for the rider and a statue for the horse.

Are you old enough to remember this?

And what a good idea!

And on the way back close to the Hereford & Gloucester Canal is this lovely sign

Gloucester Day, our very own Town Crier

A band and speeches

Another chance to dress up! Colonel Massey & Civil War troops.

Assembling the procession

The Mayor, Sherriff Joanne and on the right MP Richard Graham followed by Sue Smith & others of the Civic Trust:

This horseman upstaged everyone!

Weatherwise we picked the worst day of the year to hold our Macmillan Coffee Morning. It was cold, wet and blustery, but the Sheriff and husband David turned up to offer their support. I’m told they enjoyed a slice of my pizza for their lunch.

Brave souls enjoying the goodies and we had a roadside stall to catch passersby.

We raised £313.00 and hope to do better next year.

The Beatrix Potter shop is alongside the Cathedral but we had not visited before. It’s charming! Do go!

Waistcoat made by the WI:

The Folk of Gloucester is repainted and in earlier days. Bishop Hooper was burnt at the stake and there is a memorial to him close by.

A visit to what remains of the Herefordshire & Gloucester Canal at Over pronounced Ooooh ver! It’s very scenic.

Other parts of this canal are being restored by volunteers

Preparations underway at Frampton Country Fair:

Children love to ride Neddy and I ask for a donation from their parents!

It’s always a good day out & has such a variety of things to see & do

The book of condolence at Gloucester Museum

A fitting send off for Queen Elizabeth 11.

Queen Boadcea a Dunkirk “Little Ship” anchored at the National Waterways Museum, takes trips along the canal most days in summer.

More volunteers keeping the docks tidy

Coat of living increases. How much for fish & chips? I have to say they are cooked to order and delicious! And then another trip……. We like staying at Milestones campsite at Cromwell near Newark. Here’s one reason why

St Vincents Caythorpe. Following up some of Tony’s Judson family history in this village. These words of welcome made us smile.

Harvest Festival display being set up.

How could we miss a caravan & camping show at Lincoln. This took our fancy

An amazing vehicle I wanted to trade Henry in straight away but the pocket money didn’t run to that, instead we went to Skegness. Skeggy was where I spent my childhood holidays. You will note it is still “so bracing” which means you always need a coat! I think you can just make out the sea in the distance.

The clock tower still remains & I like the bendy lamp posts.

Looking at the photo on the right, it could be me sitting there, summer dress hand knitted cardigan & white Clarks sandals.

August continued with Retro usually a Saturday event with old vehicles but this year it was extended to include the dock area & Tony was asked to organise Retro on the Water, a two day event with lots of participating boats and dockside businesses. Here is Karen Organ ringing the Atlas Bell on North Warehouse to open the festivities.

Everyone was asked to decorate their boat. This is my Buckingham Palace Balcony scene 1953. And below spread beyond Mr B, not on board that weekend:

Nutcracker owned by Bob and pirate dog Milo, won the best decorated boat competition.

Bristol pilot cutters assembled for the race.

The entry for Gloucester Brewery

Sula was looking pretty good……..

But Isabella won! As the only female taking part I was more than pleased and won a tour of Gloucester Brewery! If you are wondering about the name , Isabella was the first Countess of Gloucester. She is now in dry dock & will be prepared for Retro in 2023.

Interesting or historic boats were invited to Retro and moorings were reserved for them

Banstead & Angel traditional craft are quite famous and have appeared in a number of TV series.

SARA demonstrating a rescue and collecting funds below:

Atlas Table Top gaming with childrens activities. Warehouse 4 opened its shop.

Dave created a new menu

Lime juice and ships biscuit was available on tours of the Kathleen & May in dry dock at Nielsens Yard.

Captain Colin giving instruction on steering

The original features and craftsmanship are stunning

Allowed to descend into the dry dock to see the restoration in progress.

The lock gates holding back the water.

And one day she’ll be out at sea again

We visited the RNLI in Poole for their Launch a Memory Day.

Tony is pointing to his Grandfathers name

I even found time to bake a cake for Rogers birthday. Apparently it was edible!

There was also the Worlds Strongman competition but I didn’t have a camera! It was great fun to watch! One was taken including me (arrow):

Off to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham by train. I love these famous five adverts

The Alexander Stadium & ladies high jump

The Discus

This is how they film the races

These little vans collected the discus from the field

Buses from all over the country were hired to get the spectators back into town. this one was the no 10 from Cheltenham. We were at the end of the queue and waited 35 minutes. Altogether impressive organisation.

We then took Henry to Moorhampton near Hereford for a week

Rather a tired site and very quiet, but there were a lot of places to visit. Nearby Weobley is a delightful village.

Leominster is another little town worth visiting.

Any museum holds great attraction for us.

I loved this old Singer sewing machine & this thermometer amused me

Exploring further…..

We found this beautiful house. It tells the story of the family who built it.

A lovely garden to enjoy a cup of tea

A formal garden

And here is the gardener hard at work!

Then off to visit the church

We were surprised to discover …….

A serious piece of equipment!

The following day we tackled Hereford

The River Wye

We visited the Mappa Mundi exhibition first. Here is a map of France

Then the chain library. Books used to be very expensive.

1611 St James’ Bible

And of local interest

King Offa & St Ethelbert

About time too!

The crypt

Some interior images

The highly decorated tomb of St Thomas

Hereford is famous for its cider, amusing names too

We chanced upon a small dairy making cheese. It was delicious!

We had a very good day out at Brant Broughton. It was the village fete, stalls & dog show, cream teas in the cricket pavilion, and scarecrow trail. Transport provided.

The yew hedge surrounds the stately home.

The former home

And here is the owner giving us a guided tour and its history. A wonderful account of how his female ancestor had held out when the castle was besieged in the Civil War.

Each local organisation put together a floral display in the church. Here are a few:

Now to the scarecrow trail:

A very sophisticated angel

No prizes for guessing this one

I liked Rapunzel letting down her hair

This guy was a good sport!

And here to maintain law & order

A family picnic

Wild west saloon

A really good day out!

Night sky at Moorhampton

The following day we ventured to Hay on Wye. A lovely little town of bookshops and tourists!

Richard Booths bookstore above and throne below

The Castle front & rear

I just couldn’t resist!!!!

The views are spectacular

And then we took the road to Llanthony Priory

The road took us over moorland and the descended into a very narrow lane with the odd place for two cars to pass. Happily not very many motorists. It was a 12 mile drive and it took 60 minutes!! We had to stop at a pub for Tony to recover, but finally we reached the priory. It is situated in a most beautiful spot.

A little chapel remains on the site

And finally we spotted this Matt cartoon

The confetti fields near Pershore were open on 1st July. It is always busy so we booked to go on the first morning. It didn’t disappoint!

Different flowers too

The Archeology Festival is amazing. The city streets had 3-D carpets

Tony was a steward for the tram and here is a photo of it

A little further down Eastgate Street I was helping build the wall to defend the city from the Royalist troops in 1643.

And those are real canon balls from the seige.

Who could resist? I just had to be photographed on every single one but here are just a couple.

The Folk of had a lego display. Here is the Roman Forum

The detail was incredible. I’m not sure the fisherman was catching salmon.

Then the funniest Event of the summer! The dog show at Llanthony Priory organised by friend Kim.

Knowing we are not in the dog fan club we were given the task of checking dogs into each category and taking the money, however it didn’t quite work out as planned and….I just has to teach it to sit!

The gardens lovingly tended by friend Karen

Friend Sophie with her dog Dolly

I’m not sure whether these treats were for humans or dogs!

And Captain Colin from Sula did a splendid job with the commentary

Our neighbour Lyndsey with her dog, with award

It’s not every day your MP drops in for coffee

We had a cruise down to Sharpness and visited the SARA open day, on a very warm day.

Very interesting tour of the key base between the River Severn and the Gloucester Sharpness Canal.

Rather nice model boats

We had been meaning to visit the Nature in Art museum for some time..

We had lunch an spent a very nice afternoon both viewing the exhibits in the house and the statues in the gardens.

The most perfect delicious chocolates. Thanks to friends Karen & Roger.

A different view of Victoria Basin. Matilda is at the far end

And the TV star! Notice how he managed to get Matilda in the photo!

Leaving Hedgeley, Northumberland behind and heading off to Scotland. A lovely beautiful site with electric hook up but nothing else.

Of course we always discover some interesting corner and Hatherslaw & Etal villages were no exception especially when there was a railway to ride!

Quite keen on local brews but not too sure about the marmalade

You learn something new every day!

Definitely an exciting journey

Etal proved to be a charming village

And so time to hit the road for Glasgow

The campsite was easy to locate and well kept but was at the junction of several major routes so there was constant background noise. It didn’t prove too much of a problem as we were out and about every day

Glasgow proved to be quite a smart city with many handsome buildings. I can understand why the COP 2 talks were held here.

We took a bus tour after arriving by train, and the hopped on & off. Our first hop off was at the Riverside Museum.

This is probably the best transport museum I have ever seen and I loved the cars on the walls and the sailing ship beautifully reflected in the windows.

The following day we decided to follow the River Clyde downstream to Gourock. Needless to say we got distracted by another museum! We were intrigued by the window cleaners.

Science experiment outside. The whole riverside area seemed to still be under development. I was so impressed by this museum with the hundreds of hands on exhibits for children. Sadly a school party had been booked in at the same time as our visit so we didn’t get to play as much as we had wished!

We even found a reference to the amazing Waverley Paddle Steamer. I remember taking Lia for a day trip on her in 1986 when she visited Bristol

As we progressed downstream we saw a huge cruise ship not at all attractive to us. How does that block of small flats say afloat in rough weather??

Slightly different to “Our” Newark on Trent

And finally we reached Gourock

In need of tea we had a table window and the Caledonian McBrayne Ferry

And a very smart Marina & Village completed our day trip.

Whilst in Scotland I just had to Visit the House of Bruar, an upmarket store. It lived up to expectations and relieved me of a few groats! Think of it as a Scottish Harrods.

Ready to shop!

Choose your whisky:

An amusing corner of the garden centre

And I only came out with one bag!! But may have to return next year!

I the afternoon we visited Blair Castle -fantastic house with history. The entrance hall is pretty impressive, but then the whole house is.

On the road again this time destination Morecambe. We called in at T Bay services and later took a little detour to the Lancaster canal.

A National Trust property with delightful grounds and gardens, particularly the kitchen garden that has a dedicated group of volunteers.

The interior

Finally we arrived at Archers Farm campsite Morecambe quite a steep sloping site but we had one of the best pitches at the top and this was the view

Morrisons store puffins- they definitely made me smile!

All you have ever wanted to know about eels!

Sunset in Morecambe the end of this trip in Henry.