Glad to see that these scum got their just desserts.
The sentences seem to be a bit light given the assault and threatening behaviour. But, at least they have been caught.
Author: siskinbob
Formerly employed by MOD and IBM, now retired
Vacances en France – 2018 – La Souterraine
We had a beautiful breakfast in a very elegant dining room. No mention was made of the cats shenanigans during the night. In fact it was nowhere to be seen. Well not until we were ready to leave. Then it appeared to cry its farewells on the front step.
Having loaded our stuff into the car we set of again, heading south. Our destination this time was La Souterraine, which was to be our last stop, before completing our journey to Aurillac and our gite at La Calsade, Badailhac.
As we were cruising along we commented on how few foreign cars we were seeing. More to the point, how few british cars. For obvious reasons on Friday when we crossed the channel, nearly all the cars were British. On Saturday that had significantly reduced to just a few Brits interspersed with Belgian and Dutch but mainly French. Here we were on Sunday morning and we felt we were the only foreign vehicle heading south. Occasionally, we would see a Dutch motor home, but it was very apparent that we were going to be in the minority for most of our holiday and that’s just the way we like it.
A little bit about La Souterraine …..
Stopping point on the Way of St James (Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route), the medieval town of La Souterraine has a rich history and boasts a beautiful heritage, with its granite church, its fortifications and its old houses.
Built from the 11th to the 13th century by the monks of the abbey Saint-Martial de Limoges, the Notre-Dame church combines both Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its crypt, a former Gallo-Roman churchyard, can be visited in July and August.
Once again our journey was trouble-free, that is until we tried to find our lodgings. Entering La Souterraine and approaching a roundabout, the satnag clearly told us to take the 3rd exit and then, almost immediately, hang a right. We were looking for house number 23 but the house numbers on this road, a cul-de-sac, only went up to 10.
Rather than spend time trying to unravel the satnag foibles we headed into the town centre for lunch and parked up in the car park by the church in the centre of town. As with our previous visit to this town, it appeared to be shut. We had previously visited, whilst en-route to La Porcerie where we had rented a gite five or six years ago.
La Souterraine
La Souterraine
Notre-Dame – La Souterraine
Saint-Jean Gateway – La Souterraine
Saint-Jean Gateway dating from the 13th century, all that remains of the former ramparts.
La Souterraine
Sleepy La Souterraine
So we headed up to the restaurant where we had lunch on that previous occasion, La Gondole sur le Toit. Thankfully it was open and still serving. Soon we were seated, our meal ordered and a nice beverage delivered.
While waiting for our meal we checked out the B&B address on Google Maps, which confirmed that the house should be in the vicinity of where the satnag took us. We decided to enjoy our meal and then drive very slowly back to see if we could spot the navigational error.
And spot it we did. There appears to be a duplicate road, behind the one that our satnag directed us too. Once, spotted, we very quickly found the B&B, Maison Volière.
What a treasure it is. Built in 1877, the Maison Volière is perfectly placed, being just a ten minute walk from the town centre. But, remaining quite an oasis, hidden in the trees as it is. Our hosts Anthony and Ian (Mancunians) made us very welcome. Nothing was too much trouble for these guys. Our room (suite) was very spacious and the en-suite was equally huge.
It was Anthony who later informed us that La Gondole is the only restaurant open on a Sunday in La Souterraine, at lunchtime, or in the evening.
Needless to say, after our drive down from Chartres, a delicious lunch and a tour round La Souterraine we were ready for our bed, which was very comfortable.
Vacances en France – 2018 – Chartres
After a good night’s sleep we were served breakfast in our delightful Wimereux Cottage. Breakfast comprised the usual continental selection of fresh breads, conserves, yoghurt, cheeses and ham. Especially tasty were the boiled eggs, soft, from the hens that had introduced themselves the previous evening.
Suitably refreshed, refueled and the bill settled, we reloaded the car and were soon on our way.
This next stage of our journey was to take us to Chartres. The journey was pretty much trouble-free and as I had scheduled our stops at around the three to three and a half hour mark we were soon entering Chartres. As we neared the city the grand bulk of the cathedral was silhouetted against the skyline, acting as a beacon, confirming that we were on track.
As we drove around looking for somewhere to stop, we became aware that the city centre was very busy. All along the pavements there were white kiosks. But instead of selling goods they appeared to be promoting leisure activities. There was some kind of job/leisure activities festival underway and they were promoting everything from local choirs through rock climbing and kayaking. There was even a stage where local musicians and dance schools were demonstrating their skills. All of this activity meant that there were no casual parking spaces available. We did eventually get parked up, in a permit only bay as we later found out. Luckily we were not discovered.
Anyhow, walking back to the centre took us right past our next accommodations. For the moment though we carried on, in search of an eatery. We were soon seated, outside in the sunshine, at an Italian restaurant. I know, we should have been eating French, but we were pushing the lunchtime kitchen clock to its limits. I think we were the last customers to get a lunchtime meal.
The food was good and we enjoyed a little people watching while sipping our beer. After lunch we went for a wander around the streets, window shopping as well as admiring the, sometimes, quirky artworks along the way.
Chartres – Street Art
Chartres – Street Art
Chartres – Street Art
Chartres – Street Art
Then it was time to go check out the lodgings. From the outside the house was very grand, although, architecturally, it did resemble the “Munsters” house.
Chartres – Maunoury Citybreak
Chartres – Maunoury Citybreak
Having introduced ourselves to our new host, Anne, we were shown to our room on the second floor. Quirky would be one way to describe it. I don’t think that there was a square corner anywhere. Our en-suite was tucked away behind a wooden, tongue and groove, partition. In here was also some hanging space for clothes. The enclosed toilet was wedged between a wall and the end of the shower.
Still we were only staying the one night.
Chartres – Advocat Sign (Solicitors)
Chartres – View from our window
Chartres – View from our window
The good news was, with parking spaces being at a premium, Anne had a parking space for us, at an address just about fifty metres along the road. This was good, since we would be leaving most of our belongings locked inside the car, not hauing them up to our room. So we retrieved our car, parked up, unloaded our overnight bags and once installed in our room, took a short rest. I tried but couldn’t quite make it into naps-ville.
Another gem, that Anne had imparted, was the fact that we had arrived during the annual Chartres Festival of Light, a Son et Lumiere. Apparently, many buildings are lit and there is a light trail one can follow for a couple of kilometers. Most importantly, Chartres Cathedral takes a starring role. The performance was due to commence at around nine, as darkness descended.
We arrived at the Cathedral early and bagged ourselves a handy granite block to sit on. The show got underway and boy was it worth it. It only ran for about fifteen to twenty minutes, but was beautiful, with a musical soundtrack as well as a short history lesson given in both French and English. Had we felt inclined we could have sat through it again.
Chartres Cathedral – Son et Lumiere
Chartres Cathedral – Son et Lumiere
Chartres Cathedral – Son et Lumiere
Chartres Cathedral – Son et Lumiere
Chartres Cathedral – Son et Lumiere
Chartres Cathedral – Son et Lumiere
Chartres Cathedral – Son et Lumiere
But we moved on and found that a different light show was being projected onto the side of the cathedral. Ideal for those eating in the nearby restaurants. Having watched that for a while we moved on, in search of supper.
Supper turned out to be a savoury crepè filled with ham, cheese and a fried egg. Apparently it should also have contained potato, but the proprieter had run out of pomme de terre. Regardless, it hit the spot, washed down with a cup of tea. As we walked back to our digs we encountered a couple more illuminations although we didn’t feel we had the energy to search out all of the city’s illuminations on offer and were soon “home” at the B&B.
Entry to the B&B is via a code locked gate and then a code locked front door. As we entered the code for the front door we were intercepted by a very vocal cat. As soon as the door opened, the cat bolted inside and trotted up the stairs to the first floor. As we ascended we found the cat, crying at the door to Anne’s quarters. We carried on to our room on the next floor and were soon stretched out in bed.
Well we soon regretted letting that bloody cat in through the door, not that we had much choice. It cried and cried. Not getting any response from Anne, the bloody thing came upstairs and yowled outside our door. And then, not getting any response from us, it threw itself at the door. That gave us quite a start. The yowling continued for a while until it took itself downstairs again. Unfortunately, I had to get up and use the toilet. As soon as I hit the flush, that bloody cat started up again. Surprisingly, all the ruckous the cat was creating did not rouse the other residents on our floor. Nor did it rouse Anne or her family.
Needless to say our night was punctuated with cries throughout the wee small hours.
Vacances en France – 2018 – Wimereux
Just over a month ago we set off on holiday. And so it was that we found ourselves en-route to Badailhac in the Cantal region of France. We had rented a gite for three weeks and the intent was to spend our time exploring the countryside and sampling the local cuisine.
Although it is possible to drive down in one go, we prefer to take the leisurely route and were stopping over night at Wimereux, Chartres and La Souterraine.
Setting off, we had a trouble-free journey from home to the Eurotunnel Shuttle terminal at Folkestone. So good was our journey that we were offered a place on the 12:36 departure, almost an hour earlier than our original booking.
It was of course too good to be true. We headed towards the shuttle, arrived at the UK checkpoint and ground to a halt. The UK checkpoint was running four lanes but the French passport control were only running two.
We sat there twiddling our thumbs for some time before starting to creep up to the French booths. Then we were through, having missed the the 12:36.
Imagine what it will be like when BREXIT kicks in and us Brits are no longer considere EUropeans.
Never mind it was a nice sunny day. Nothing I like more than sitting in a queue, knowing you have thirty minutes to wait, and the twat in the car in the next lane to you is sitting there being really eco-friendly with his engine running. I don’t know, but I’m guessing that VW forgot to install an off switch in their Scirocco models. Not just that but his windows are down, just like mine, and he decides to treat everyone to some bangra dub gangsta rap crap.
Just to add to the irritation, approaching our new departure time, the passenger from the Scirocco buggers off to the toilets. Then it’s ” gentlemen start your engines” and lane after lane of cars head for the train. All except for the one next to us, which has to go before ours. They can’t move because Mr Sciroccos mate hasn’t come back.
Things had just started to look like the January sales at Harrods, with cars crossing lanes to get past the offending vehicle, when the missing passenger returns. Then they were off and, eventually, so were we.
Loading onto a shuttle always seems, to me, to be highly efficient. Before long we had been swallowed into the belly of the shuttle. It does seem like you are driving halfway to France, so long is the train. Quickly we were all loaded, engine off, hand brake on, gear stick in first and within minutes moving away from Folkestone and heading under the sea.
Just 35 minutes later our shuttle burst into the sunlight and we were in Calais, France. Once the train has stopped the efficiency continued with every vehicle regurgitated from the shuttles belly, out onto the French roads. There are no checkpoints, it’s a controlled sprint for the autoroutes, all aimed to clear you from the area as quickly as possible.
Then we really felt like our holiday had begun. Driving on the wrong side of the road, frantically trying to convert kilometre speed limits into miles per hour. (The kilometre markings on my speedo are too small for me to read whilst on the move).
The satnag did a grand job and got us to the B&B with no errors. However, we were too early to check in so we headed down to the seaside town of Wimereux.
What a pretty place …
Some of the folks, outside these beach huts, obviously had a passion for the sun. Just an observation based on the deep tan they were sporting.
Lots of folks were promenading or just sitting, absorbing the suns rays. I don’t know what the sea water temperature was. But given the weather this summer I am guessing that it would be quite warm. Many people were happily swimming about.
According to Wikipedia ……
The seaside development was started during the Second Empire, resulting in a remarkable architectural ensemble of houses and buildings typical of the Belle Époque, which are still very well maintained to this day.
While in Wimereux we had a spot of lunch at Brasserie Les Oyats. Situated right on the promenade, we had a substantial lunch with views along the seafront and out to sea.
After a gentle stroll along the prom, enjoying the sunshine and the fresh sea air, we decided to head back to the B&B to check in.
The satnag got us there in no time and we introduced ourselves to our host who showed us to our accommodation. We were gobsmacked. We had been expecting a room with en-suite.
What we actually got was a small, one bedroom cottage. All that was missing was a kitchen. We had our own front door and even had our own terrace with sun loungers , accessed through the back door.
Once we were installed, we made tea and sat out on the terrace which was benefitting from the clear skies and sunshine. Across the terrace there is an orchard and from under the trees came a flock of chickens, coming to investigate the strangers.
The cockerel kept his distance, but kept a watchful eye while the hens came in search of food around our deck chairs. One, a plump white hen, even followed me when I took a stroll across the grass to take a look out over the fields.
I jokingly said I would steal her to take to our gite, a kind of chicken dinner carry-out.
It was nice to be relaxing after our earlier drive.
Water Water Everwhere
On Friday we were supposed to be going to play crazy golf with my granddaughter Abi but we were having monsoon-like weather. So we opted to travel over to Whitely, a retail and outlet centre at Segensworth. So, after some retail therapy and a spot of lunch at Wagamamas, we returned home.
After a cup of tea I decided to pop out to our freezer for a loaf. The freezer is housed in our garage, as is our central heating boiler. It was at this point, much to my dismay, I discovered a large pool of water on the garage floor, with more pouring down from the central heating boiler.
I immediately removed the boiler cover and discovered a jet of water emanating, under pressure, from what appeared to be a blanking plug.
Obviously, looking at the corrosion around the nut, the boiler had been leaking for a while.
With the head of water, from the tank in the loft, the jet was spraying quite hard and splashing back over other bits of the boiler. Including the electrics.
As a general rule, electrics and water don’t do too well together. Needless to say I spared no time in isolating the boiler electrics. I then took some photos and texted them to my plumber.
Good as gold, my plumber was there within the hour. I had turned off the water to the header tank so eventually the flow of water via the leak subsided.
The plumber set about removing the nut, which proved to be a stubborn SOB. The corrosion was preventing any turns on the nut and eventually a hacksaw was brought into play. When it was sawn almost halfway through it finally submitted.
With the nut removed we were able see what had failed…
This plastic disc was the only thing keeping the water inside our heating system. Given the nature of a boiler, heating up then cooling down, on a repeat cycle, it is hardly surprising that this failed.
My plumber replaced this with a brass version. Question, why wasn’t brass used for the original installation ?
However, that wasn’t the end of the story as the boiler refused to fire up. Some of that water had found its way into the electrics. Luckily, some judicious drying with pressurised air and my wifes hair dryer coaxed the boiler back into operation.
Several days have passed, my garage floor and wooden steps are still trying out. But it could have been so much worse.
We are currently away, just for a few days, with potential for this to have been undiscovered for six days. Worse, if this had happened at the end of the month when we go to France, then it would have been a whole month and I dread to think how many gallons of water would have been spilt.
We have been, relatively, lucky.
RIP Aretha Franklin
You earned the respect of the world. What a legacy you have left. You will never be forgotten.
Classic Car Sunday – Goodwood
Last Sunday, the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit held the latest episode of their popular Breakfast Club series. These meets, as mentioned in a previous post, are held on the first Sunday of every month. And best of all, entry is ticketed, but free.
Once again, thanks to the prolonged dry spell that the UK is experiencing, the weather was perfect. Blue cloudless skies allowing the bright sunshine to show of the varied paint finishes and, in some cases, the imperfections.
Here are just some of the photos I captured. First up a selection of vehicles, presented by the Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre.
Bedford – 1936
A Pair of Leyland Titan Buses – On the left and example from 1965, the one on the right is one from 1964
Southdown Motor Services ran bus and coach services throughout East and West Sussex. The company was formed in 1915.
I guess there may be a slight delay while the “great British workman” has a tea break.
Austin A4 – In rally trim.
1969 Morris Mini Van – In the livery of Yarty Cordials
If my memory serves me right, the Austin A40 was the first British hatchback.
One of the most iconic of British marques is the Aston Martin. To be honest, there were so many Astons on display, I became a little blasé so I chose to post just this example, because of the fabulous colour.
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage
The same was to become true for the number Jaguar E-types. Don’t get me wrong, I love to see them and I am really pleased to see so many classic cars being lovingly looked after.
But ever onwards, so much more to see and not all high end or high performance. For example…
1955 Ford Thunderbird
1950 Cadillac 61 Series – DW Racing Livery
1966 Unipower
1950 Cadillac “Le Monstre” Tribute
1950 Cadillac 61 Series – DW Racing Livery
1958 Fiat Abarth 750
1955 Ford Thunderbird
1955 Ford Thunderbird
1986 Citroen 2CV
BMV 3.0 CSL
1950 Cadillac “Le Monstre” Tribute
1955 Ford Thunderbird
1955 Ford Thunderbird
1958 Fiat Abarth 750
Austin Gypsy
1955 Lotus Six
As I said above, not all of the vehicles on display are of the performance variety. Many, like the Ford Anglia “danglebox” below, were the cars that youngsters of my era started out in. And just like the young of today, we were not averse to “pimping” our rides. Fat tyres, lowered suspension, flared wheel arches etc. etc.
2016 Superformance GT40
1987 Ford GT40
1959 Austin Metropolitan
1959 Austin Metropolitan
1961 Ford Anglia
1968 Triumph TR5
1967 Austin Healey 3000 Mk III
The Austin Healy 3000, was my favourite “sports car” of all time. As a teenager, living in Battle, back in the mid-sixties, I used to see an aubergine 3000 with fat tyres, roll bars and bonnet straps. I really thought it was the business. And it has stuck with me right thru to my mid-sixties.
Sometimes, when the mood, light, atmosphere is just right a car will grab you. This, for me was the car of the day although the folks that were judging todays entries thought otherwise. What do they know ?
Bentley 4.25 litre Tourer
Bentley 4.25 litre Tourer
1938 62 Bentley 4.25 litre Tourer
Bentley 4.25 litre Tourer
This car has presence, poise, curves, is simply put, just beautiful.
1929 Ford Model A ?
1966 MG Magnette
1962 Sunbeam Rapier
1965 Gordon Keeble
1965 Gordon Keeble
1948 Land Rover
1929 Ford Model A ?
1966 MG Magnette
1973 Lotus Elan plus 2
2016 Superformance GT40
1973 Jensen Healey
Who remembers Barracuda by Heart , well here is the car. And, yes, I know it is also a fish with very sharp teeth. Looking under the “hood” I’m pretty sure this car has the automotive equivalent of teeth.
1970 Plymouth Baracuda
1970 Plymouth Baracuda
1970 Plymouth Baracuda
We had arrived at around 07:30 and the number of display cars kept on growing. From a photo stand point we aren’t even half way round. It’s interesting as we stroll along, how often we are saying stuff like “my Dad had one of those” or “that was my first car” or “we had one of those in blue” etc. etc. etc. A real nostalgia trip.
1969 VW Karmann Ghia
1969 VW Karmann Ghia
1969 Ford Cortina Mk2
1924 Bugatti Type 35 – A Veyron prototype ?
1967 Fiat 500
1959 Porsche 356
1957 Austin A35 – Somewhat modified !!
I should point out that Goodwood is an active airfield, so an unexpected bonus was a number of planes flying in and out. Including these …
But, hey, this post is about automobiles, so back to the main event …
1968 Jaguar E-Type
1974 Citroen DS
1965 Austin Westminster Mk II
1974 Citroen DS
1952 Citroen Traction Avant
1965 Ford Mustang
1935 Bentley
1964 Austin A40 & 1957 Austin A35
1935 Bentley
1958 Austin Healey Sprite
2003 DAX Cobra
1970 Morris Minor – Far from original with a Rover 3.5L fitted
1968 Porsche 911
1939 Alvis Speed 25 ?
1939 Oldsmobile
1970 Morris Minor – Far from original with a Rover 3.5L fitted
1950 Bentley
Alvis
1965 Austin Westminster Mk II
1947 Bentley
1970 Morris Minor – Far from original with a Rover 3.5L fitted
1967 Chevrolet Corvette
2003 DAX Cobra
1935 Bentley
1972 Jaguar E-Type
1953 Riley RM
1965 VW Camper
1935 Bentley
As you can see from the photos, the variety of vehicles on display was vast. The selection that I am posting here is just a fraction of the shots I took and is really only a taster of the caliber of this event.
1949 Dodge Pickup
1958 MG Magnette
1974 Morris Marina TC
1962 Lancia Flaminia Sport
1965 Pontiac Bonneville
1965 Pontiac Bonneville
1970 Dodge Coronet
1969 Triumph Herald 13/60
1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia
1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia
1954 Jaguar XK120
1973 Hillman Imp – Heavily modified
Ford Capri
An Ageing Moddy Boy
1955 Triumph TR2
And that is it folks. I hope I haven’t bored you with number of images. I am just amazed and the quality of the vehicles on display. The condition and finish is just a surface visual indication of the love that their owners lavish on them. We musn’t forget the mechanics underneath that classic bodywork.
I thank the owners for bringing their pride and joy along for my pleasure and I also thank the folks that organise these breakfast meets.
The next breakfast meet is Japanese Sunday, on October 7th. I hope to be there, let’s hope the weather is kind again.
Staunton Country Park Farm
A few days ago we spent a cracking day with some of our grand children. We visited Staunton Country Park Farm, a calm oasis just a short distance out-of-town. Calm that is, if you ignore the general hubbub of the excited children feeding the animals or in the play park.
From the Staunton website ….
Our farm, based on the 1830s style ferme ormeé (ornamental farm), is home to many different animals. Ranging from the everyday farm animal, like pigs, sheep, Shetland ponies, and chickens, to a selection of other animals such as llamas, a Poitou donkey and alpacas.
Here are just a few snaps that I took between pushing grandchildren on swings or carrying the youngest. Operating a Canon EOS 7D Mk II single-handed is no mean feat, weighing, as it does, nearly as much as my great-grandson.
So, for your delectation and delight ….
Goats, goats and more goats
Turks Turban Squash
Alpaccas and Llamas
Ice Cream Smile
Goats, goats and more goats
Flowers in Walled Garden
Flowers in Walled Garden
Alpaccas and Llamas
Flowers in Walled Garden
Boo !!!
The only way to sound the horn is to head butt it
Piglets and Mum
Goats, goats and more goats
Goats, goats and more goats
Alpaccas and Llamas
Fallow Deer and Goat
Pygmy Goat
Alpaccas and Llamas
Goats, goats and more goats
Feed Me, Feed Me Now
Heavily Pregnant Cow
Flowers in Walled Garden
What’s in there ?
Goats, goats and more goats
Happy as a Pig in Mud
Goats, goats and more goats
All in all a great place to take young children.
The farm is just part of the greater country park which has walking and cycling trails as well as three permanent orienteering courses. In the past we have hired bikes and explored the park. Sadly they no longer do the bike hire.
Staunton Country Park is a real gem and right on my doorstep.
Weald and Downland Living Museum
I am the eldest of three siblings and have two younger sisters. Years ago, due to job seeking, I moved away from the family home, in Sussex, eventually settling in Hampshire. Only 90 miles or so away, but far enough that our get togethers are irregular at best. We all have busy lives and trying to coordinate a gathering around our diaries is like herding cats. What we tend to do is pick a place of interest, somewhere between our respective homes, then meet up for the day. The main criteria being that there are nice walks in the grounds, interesting stately homes to explore and so forth. Also key is that there is a decent cafe / tea room or pub. Past venues for these family gatherings have been:
- Chartwell – Family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill. Chartwell was the much-loved Churchill family home from 1922 and the place from which Sir Winston drew inspiration until the end of his life
- Nymans – A garden lovers’ home for all seasons, with an extensive yet intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins. Nymans was a country retreat for the creative Messel family, and has views stretching out across the Sussex Weald
- Wakehurst Place. Part of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, this wild botanic garden on the High Weald of West Sussex has over 500 acres of beautiful ornamental gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve. Wakehurst is also home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild seed conservation project in the world.
- Bodiam Castle – Archetypal 14th century moated castle with ruined interior – a glimpse of medieval splendour. Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam Castle is one of Britain’s most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments.
And so we come to our latest gathering.
The venue of choice on this occasion was The Weald and Downland Living Museum. In their own words
Come and discover rescued rural homes and buildings set in a beautiful landscape, which tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in them over 1,000 years.
Enjoy our family friendly 40-acre site and visit our collection of historic buildings – we have more than 50 to explore from a replica Anglo-Saxon hall house to an Edwardian tin tabernacle church. There is a regular programme of demonstrations, including milling in our 17th century watermill; cooking in our Tudor kitchen; blacksmithing in our Victorian smithy; plus seasonal demonstrations. Take a walk in the woods, bring the dog (we are dog-friendly), visit our waterside café (also dog-friendly) or enjoy your own picnic.
As is our normal practice, we met in the cafe, and set about orienting ourselves while downing a cuppa.
The nice thing about this location, is the fact that it is constantly growing. Gerry and I have visited on several previous occasions and it is always different, there is always something new.
A prime example of the new is the dairy building below. Still under construction / restoration, this building dates from c1807 and originates from Eastwick Park, Surrey.
Dairy – Eastwick Park, Surrey
Dairy – Eastwick Park, Surrey
As stated above, there are over 40 acres of grounds with buildings spread all over. From my memory, one of the earliest buildings that we have visited is the mill.
Lurgashall Watermill – Power source
Lurgashall Watermill – The power from the wheel goes here.
Lurgashall Watermill
Lurgashall Watermill – Hands on demonstration. One hours hand grinding would produce enough flour for a single loaf.
Lurgashall Watermill – Spares ?
The Weald and Downland Museum regularly appears on TV and there is a current series being broadcast. As they were filming something for that series part of the site was off-limits. Didn’t stop me taking a couple of pictures though.
Court Barn from Lee-on-Solent
Filming inside Wiston Wagon Shed
My grandfather worked the land, using horses, in the county of Sussex around Lancing, Worthing and Sompting. It is entirely possible that he may have visited this Victorian Smithy, from Southwater, during his working years.
Victorian Smithy from Southwater
Victorian Smithy from Southwater
Victorian Smithy from Southwater
Victorian Smithy from Southwater
We should consider ourselves very lucky, with all the technology and heavy machinery at our disposal. Back in the day things were very different, the work hard and often back-breaking. For example, does anyone fancy working a saw-pit ?
At least the workers would have had shelter from the rain or sun. The building here is 19th century and provided cover over a permanent saw-pit on the Sheffield Park estate.
Some of the hard labour was delegated to animals. Here is an example of a 19th century “horse-gin” from Patching, Sussex.
“gin” appears to be a contraction of the word “engine”. Such devices were used to drive threshers or churns, but could also be used to pump water or raise coal or miners from mines. The example below was used to mix the “pug” for making bricks.
Not all the buildings here are industrial or agricultural. After all that physical labour the spiritual needs of the workers would have to be catered for.
South Wonston Church – Built 1908, 30 feet long by 15 feet wide
South Wonston Church – Built 1908, 30 feet long by 15 feet wide
Many trades are reflected in the various buildings here, plumbing ….
Newick Plumbers Workshop
Newick Plumbers Workshop
shop-keeping ….
Also on display are a number of residential buildings. The following pictures are of Whittakers Cottages, built in Ashtead during the mid 1860s.
Whittakers Cottages – Privvy
Whittakers Cottages – Bedroom
Whittakers Cottages – Privvy
Whittakers Cottages – Bedroom
Whittakers Cottages – Bedroom
Whittakers Cottages
Also on display are various wagons, animal boxes and so forth….
Timber “Bob” – Used to haul large logs
Sussex Wagon
Cattle Transporter built 1911
Dorset Wagon c1848
This house was removed and resurrected from Walderton, Sussex. The flint and brick exterior date from early to mid 17th century. However, the insides are what remains of a medieval timber-framed building.
Garden 17c House from Walderton, Sussex
17c House from Walderton, Sussex
17c House from Walderton, Sussex
Garden of 17c House from Walderton, Sussex
Below is a 19th century Stable from West Wittering, currently be used as a Potting Shed …
Potting shed contents
Potting shed contents
19th Century Stable from West Wittering. Now being used as a potting shed
The following building was originally a cart shed but it was converted into a schoolhouse.
School c1851 – West Wittering
School c1851 – West Wittering
For some years up to 1851 it was used as a school for “six poor children from the parish of West Wittering”.
The museum is also home for a number of animals including horses, oxen, chickens and ducks.
This is the proud Percheron mother of a foal, just two and a half weeks old.
By the time we arrived at the foals enclosure a storm was moving in. Thunder rumbling and lightening flashing. The foal didn’t seem to be fazed by the noise but mum was obviously aware. When the rain started, the foal was frolicking around, galloping and leaping in the air. Considering that the foal had never experienced rain this was a joyful moment.
With the rain looking like it was in for the remainder of the day we headed along the high path back to the cafe. We were presented with the following views through the rain …
Back at the cafe we had a nice cuppa and a slice of flapjack before saying our good-byes and heading home.
It was a good day and I for one am looking forward to the next visit.
A Doer Upper ?
For some time now, I’ve been considering getting myself a boat. Partly as a project to fill my time and also so that I can have some fun and go fishing.
So, I sort of stumbled on this beauty and thought that it would be an ideal “doer upper”.
I’ve already thought of some names, Mud Skipper, Kelpie or maybe Slick.
What do you think, should I go for it ?
WrAnTz 