31st December 2024
Some images from 2024, which I have combined into one posting.
5th December 2024
We visited Charlecote House to see it dressed for Christmas. One of the houses dressed by the National Trust, and not costing members money. We met Viv and Bill there, they are regular visitors to the house. We started off with a coffee in the Orangery, a fire alarm caused us to exit part way through. Soon back to finish, and then to the house. Pictures below will explain the dressing better than I could.
Lunch in the Orangery, and a final visit to the bookshop, and a look at the deer in the park. Hopefully the first signs of spring are around the corner – a nice display of Snowdrops was found.
12th March 2024
Deciding to risk the ominous forecast weather, our destination for this Tuesday was the NT’s Charlecote Park, in Warwickshire. Departing amidst a downpour, the journey along the M40 proved challenging, with waterlogged roads and poor visibility. However, as we neared our destination, the weather forecast showed its accuracy, the rain ceased, and we arrived at the park under cloudy skies, but importantly no rain. Rosemary, ever sceptical, brought her jacket, while Steve opted to leave his in the car—both wagering on the fickle forecast. Boarding the National Trust passenger vehicle to the house, we heeded the driver’s warning of muddy paths. Recent winter rains had left their mark, with the River Avon flooding the grounds, giving the box hedges a wash.
Charlecote Park stands as a testament to centuries of history, its roots extending back to the Tudor era. Built in the 16th century, the original house was constructed by Sir Thomas Lucy, a prominent figure in Warwickshire society. The Lucy family’s influence and wealth were reflected in the grandeur of Charlecote, which evolved over the centuries through various renovations and expansions.
Throughout its history, Charlecote House has played host to various notable figures, including Queen Elizabeth I, who visited the estate during her reign. The house witnessed periods of prosperity and decline, surviving the ravages of time and the challenges of changing fortunes.
Inside the house, our time was well-spent. Engaging with the National Trust volunteers, we learned about the history behind the grand Pietre Dure table in the hall—a masterpiece of intricately veneered stone, a testament to the wealth of its original owner who, in today’s currency, would have paid a staggering £17 million for it. It was bought at auction by the Victorian George Hammond Lucy, who is said to have outbid the king for it.
We also learned a little of the history. One notable episode in Charlecote’s history involves a young William Shakespeare, who, according to local legend, found himself in trouble with Sir Thomas Lucy for poaching deer on the estate. This purported incident is thought to have inspired Shakespeare’s later satirical depiction of Sir Thomas Lucy in his plays as Justice Shallow.
Exploring further, we found the Dining Room undergoing repairs, a casualty of water damage from a leaking roof. Despite this, the highlight remained the serving buffet, albeit a challenge for Rosemary to navigate due to her & its relative heights.
The library, complete with countless books, piqued our interest, yet we couldn’t help but notice the absence of river-facing windows— a curious feature of the Victorian extension. Surely, the original house, with its Capability Brown-designed landscape, must have embraced the riverside view In the 18th century?
Charlecote underwent significant renovations under the ownership of Mary Elizabeth Lucy, Welsh wife of George Hammond Lucy, who worked tirelessly to restore and enhance the estate. The addition of Victorian extensions, including the library and billiard room, added to the house’s architectural splendour while preserving its historic charm. She obviously didn’t like looking at the river or, perhaps, its potential flooding capabilities.
In the Billiard Room, Japanese artefacts caught our attention, rumoured to be earthquake detectors—an intriguing blend of function and ornamentation.
We moved on to the Drawing Room, a space tailored for relaxation.
After the house tour, we indulged in a hearty lunch at the café, where a predominantly vegan menu awaited—a nod, perhaps, to changing dietary preferences, or simplicity for the limited number of visitors in winter.
Strolling through the gardens, we marvelled at the resident deer, stags and does leisurely occupying the estate. A visit to the kitchens, laundry, and brewery offered insights into daily life on the estate in centuries past. We were told the estate was open last Christmas. We made a mental note.
5th March 2024
We travelled to Stratford-Upon-Avon, parked in the P&R, and took the bus into the centre. This was our first time to Stratford since 1982. The company I worked for back in those days, Altergo Software, used to hold its Christmas party in the Hilton Hotel there. The hotel is now a Crowne Plaza. We had two Christmas parties there. The first time, Rosemary and I went to see a Shakespeare play. Most of which I missed because I fell asleep. The second time was in 1982. That was the last Altergo Christmas party because in March 1983 they had run out of money, and we were not paid that month. Did they pay for the Christmas party? During both visits we never saw anything of Stratford, other than the brief visit and sleep in the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre.
So, 41+ years later we decided to visit again, and not drive past on our way to somewhere else. What had changed? Well, there was nothing much to compare, only the hotel and the theatre. No idea what had changed in the theatre, I can’t remember much about it. The hotel looked the same, outside and in. It even still had the gas fired, coal effect fire in the foyer. Yes one of the Altergo employees, thought it was a real fire and had used a poker to enhance the blaze. Yes, there was one small change, a glass screen to stop unprovoked poking and no pokers to be seen.
Today we started off at the MAD museum, the museum of Mechanical Art and Design. A small museum above the shops, entry is up some stairs.
As the name suggests, the MAD Museum showcases a collection of kinetic art, automata, and robotics from around the world. These exhibits are not just for looking at; they are designed to be interacted with, making the museum a fun and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
The museum features more than 60 exhibits, including:
Many of the displays were interactive, so an excellent place to take the children. Unfortunately, there was a large group there when we entered. Thankfully their happy chatter disappeared and they left us in peace. We had even delayed visiting, ensuring we were not going there during the school holidays.
The video below, shows most of the exhibits that were working and on display.
We left the museum after nearly two hours and headed for lunch. Rosemary had elected to visit the Dirty Duck, a famous 18th Century pub, formerly known as the Black Swan and apparently popular with actors. Well, it did have an actor’s bar. We ate lunch there and I sampled a pint of Greene King Ale. The pub was not crowded, the food turned up quickly. It was Ok, but not particularly memorable.
After lunch we walked along the river, listening to the buskers in the background. Paid a quick visit to the hotel to see what had changed in 41+ years. Then it was into town and a look around the shops. Plenty of charity shops and odd curiosity shops. There was a Cat Cafe which took Rosemary’s fancy. It had a cat in the window. Thankfully, it was closed on Tuesdays.
Back at the bus stop we waited for the bus. Not a particularly frequent bus service, so quite a long wait, but R managed to dash into a nearby charity shop to emerge with four books from a series she loves.
16th January 2024
Our regular Tuesday adventures resumed after a short break, and what a crisp, sunny, yet undeniably cold, day it was! The journey up the M40 was smooth, leading us to a pleasantly bustling car park at Baddesley Clinton, an imposing moated manor nestled in the Warwickshire countryside.
Stepping through the grand entrance, we were immediately drawn to the house itself, a captivating blend of Tudor and Elizabethan architecture with a rich history. Despite the valiant efforts of the National Trust volunteers, who were adorned in layers to combat the barely double-digit room temperatures, the house retained a distinct chill, a poignant reminder of its turbulent past. One volunteer said one of their number was wearing a heated gilet. Sensible type, we thought.
The knowledgeable room guides, ever eager to share their insights, expertly navigated us through the maze of chambers and corridors. Among the treasures, the priest hole captivated our imagination. Hidden behind a bookshelf, its intricate construction, crafted by one Nicholas Owen, spoke volumes of the Catholic refuge Baddesley Clinton offered during a period of religious persecution. Owen was described on an information board as “the renowned” builder & designer of priest holes. Presumably, that was a posthumous accolade?! He was canonised in 1970. One of the priests, Father John Gerard, who sheltered there, led a highly adventurous life. He was one of few people who escaped from the Tower of London and later wrote “The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest”. But was he sheltered at Baddesley? R needs to read the autobiography.
After venturing through the historical tapestry of the house, we craved warmth and sustenance! Two steaming vegetable and bean chillies later, we felt suitably fortified for further exploration. The bookshop beckoned, and while R searched, I found a science fiction section, adding to my enormous collection of To Be Read books.
Finally, before bidding farewell to Baddesley Clinton, I couldn’t resist capturing the house’s reflection in the moat. The stark contrast between the frozen waters on the north side and the ice-free surface on the south was a curious reflection of the house itself – a microcosm of history’s uneven flow, where secrets lie hidden beneath a seemingly placid surface?
Baddesley Clinton offered more than just a pleasant excursion; it was a journey through time, a glimpse into the resilience of faith and the ingenuity of those who sought solace in its walls.
5th December 2023
For years, the signs for the British Motor Museum in Gaydon on the M40 have teased us. We’d always meant to stop, but never found the time. Finally, the day arrived, and we embarked on our automotive adventure.
The museum isn’t just one building, but two. On our visit, there was also a conference happening, adding a buzz of excitement to the atmosphere. We even arrived in our Swedish designed, Chinese Built electric car, feeling a bit unpatriotic amongst the classic British exhibits.
Stepping inside, we were greeted by a timeline of British car history, with models from the late 1800s all the way up to modern marvels. It was fascinating to see how designs evolved, from early, clunky beginnings to sleek, aerodynamic beauties. The increase in the size of cars was startling.
Another area showcased futuristic concept cars, hinting at what our roads might hold in the future. Meanwhile, a film buffs’ dream awaited: British cars used in movies, including James Bond’s trusty Land Rover from Skyfall.
Leaving the first building, we crossed over to the second, home to a dazzling array of Jaguars and Land Rovers, alongside classic cars from other British marques. Each one whispered stories of engineering prowess and design audacity.
Overall, our visit to the British Motor Museum was a real treat. We were thoroughly impressed by the collection’s breadth and fascinating stories. The best part? Our tickets are valid for a year, so we can delve deeper into the world of British motoring on another day.
So, if you’re ever near Gaydon and have a passion for cars, the British Motor Museum is definitely worth a stop. You might just be surprised by the rich history and captivating tales found within its walls.
14th July 2023
We met up with friends (Bill, Viv, Norman and Valerie) at Packwood House. This was our first visit to this National Trust house. (But why? It is an easy drive from home for us.) The weather was atrocious with torrents of rain. We arrived early and went straight to the cafe. It was a genuinely nice National Trust one which opens at 9.am and was very well used. Many people were there seemingly just to meet up with friends.
Bill and Viv arrived, followed by Norman and Valerie. Having had hot drinks and yummy cakes, we headed out to the house where B&Vs daughter Jenny came to join us and introduce her baby son to us.
Packwood House is a Grade I listed Tudor manor house in Packwood on the Solihull border near Lapworth, Warwickshire. The NT has owned it since 1941. The house began as a modest timber-framed farmhouse constructed for John Fetherston between 1556 and 1560. The Fetherston family owned the house for more than 300 years, until the death of the last member of the family in 1876.
In 1904, the house was purchased at auction by Birmingham industrialist Alfred Ash. Alfred Ash was a bit of a character. He was known for his sharp wit and his love of practical jokes. One of his favourite hobbies was to play pranks on his guests. One of his favourite pranks involved the house’s very narrow, spiral staircase. Ash would often hide at the top and wait for his guests to come up. When they did, he would jump out very suddenly to scare them.
Alfred Ash’s son, Graham Baron Ash, inherited the house in 1925. Graham Baron Ash was also a bit of a character. He was a philanthropist and conservationist. Like his father, he had a good sense of humour.
He decided to restore Packwood House to its former glory, so he spent the next two decades buying antiques, of the correct era, reclaimed salvage. and appropriate artwork. He had the house decorated in a traditional Tudor style. He also worked on the gardens, having them restored and adding a number of new features, including a yew garden and a lake.
Graham Baron Ash was a generous man, and he decided to leave Packwood House to the National Trust in memory of his parents. In his ‘Memorandum of wishes’, Baron Ash stated that all furniture should be kept in the same position, that no extra furnishings should be added, and that freshly cut flowers should be placed in every room. The National Trust has been careful to preserve the house and gardens in their original state. And we duly noted the many vases of cut flowers.
Here are some funny facts about Packwood House:
Unfortunately, not all the rooms in the house were open; some of the downstairs rooms were closed due to being “rested”. There were an extraordinary number of longcase clocks. The National Trust room guides were very informative, and good humoured.
After touring the house, we walked out into the rain and visited the garden (complete with fantastic herbaceous borders), spending a significant amount of time in a summerhouse out of the rain. We did manage to view the topiary shapes, and cloud hedges,
We dried off in the cafe before heading off to Leamington Spa for an excellent supper and the night at Bill & Viv’s. We admired their recently refurbished sash windows and the evidence of Viv’s green fingers. After supper, we played a wooden memory game that V&N had recently discovered, Trickier than it first appeared.
The next day it was bright and sunny but with large rain clouds. At any moment it could be sunny, or it could pour. After a good, hearty breakfast We headed into Warwick on the bus, and after the mandatory visit to the charity shops, we headed to Saint Mary’s Church. Norman had worked here on an archaeological dig in 1975 after leaving Cambridge. This beautiful church is full of history & interesting features after standing for 900 years. The Norman crypt is the oldest part of the church, dating back to the 12th century. It is a vaulted space with pillars and arches, and it is said to be haunted by the ghost of a monk. There was part of a medieval ducking stool on display.
The church has three organs, of which two are operational and used at various recitals.
The Beauchamp Chapel is a magnificent example of 15th-century Gothic architecture. Built to house the tomb of Richard Beauchamp, the Earl of Warwick, it is said to be one of the most important tombs in England.
The church has connections with the armed forces, with old military flags on display. St Mary’s Church hosts regular services for military personnel and their families. These services are a way for people to come together to pray for those who are serving, and to remember those who have died in service.
Not so nice was a plaque to the memory of Enoch Powell. Apparently, Powell was a regular worshipper at the church. After his death in 1998, he was buried in the adjoining churchyard.
We ate lunch in a small cafe called the Thomas Oken. Oken was a wealthy Mercer who died in 1573 leaving his fortune ‘for the relief in need’ of Warwick residents. It was full inside, so we sat outside and ordered drinks and food. Then it started to rain. Thankfully, space became available inside. The weather soon improved, and we were able to continue our tour of Warwick in the dry,
Once we had finished, we walked down towards Warwick Castle and visited a small private garden called The Mill Garden. This was super special, quiet, secluded spot. It is a privately owned, half-acre informal cottage garden located on the banks of the River Avon. Julia Measures, is the current owner. Her family has owned the gardens since 1938. Her father Arthur worked on it for 60 years.
We headed back to Leamington Spa on the bus, and then, after a restorative cup of tea & biscuit at B&V’s, we drove home
The Game Fair was at Ragley Hall this year. We believe this is now a permanent venue. The show ran from 21st July to 24th July. This year we arrived on the first day the campsite was open, Wednesday. Most of the site was fairly empty. Thursday was a peaceful day reading books on a hot sunny day. We luckily had decided to take the awning for shade.
Friday the show opened, and we took the tractor towed trailer up to the show to save walking. There was a short ceremony in the main arena at 10.00 am with a shotgun salute.
We spent Friday looking around the show, finding somewhere to eat. I’m sure the show was smaller than usual. Many gun shops had decided not to attend, the cost of the stand and the potential of Covid restrictions forcing social distancing made many think the risk was too high. The food area was a bit of a disappointment. In the past you could pick up a nice lunch, this year seemed few were selling meals while loads were selling gin.
We did spend quite a time looking at the dogs, and their retrieval performance. We left after lunch on Saturday. Sunday was going to be the Kingswood Gun Club 40th anniversary celebration.
Visited Upton House to see it dressed for Christmas. We try a different house each year, staying clear of the busy Waddesdon Manor which has the cheek to charge National Trust members.
The house was nicely decorated and had been done by the National Trust volunteers. Nice to know our money is being wisely spent. We must look to see where the baubles come from, they seem so much better than the ones sold in shops.
We also ate lunch in their cafe. This was rather disappointing. Previous meals have been good. I could not fault on quantity, my baked potato with tuna could have fed a family. It must have had a least two cans of tuna, and a huge potato. The potato was stale, presumably from another day, the tuna lacked enough mayonnaise and also lacked chopped spring onions. Nope, I did not finish eating it, unappetising and far too much. Rosemary did not fare much better.
Today we travelled to Fillongley to scatter Margaret and David’s ashes. It had been arranged with the new owners of Margaret & David’s former house that we could scatter their ashes in the garden. Very gracious of them.
We arrived in time for cakes and coffee in the neighbouring
Suitably fortified, we made our
After the scattering we all went for a very enjoyable Sunday lunch at the Cottage Inn, where we toasted Margaret & David.
