The Winchester Geese

As I’ve always been more interested in the “people” aspects of the past than conventional historical disciplines, it was with great delight that yesterday, I headed to the un-consecrated Cross Bones graveyard close to Borough Market.  The unremarkable site was used to bury paupers and  prostitutes known as “Winchester Geese” until the 1850s since when, it was largely forgotten.  But, it was rediscovered during the building of the Jubilee Line.  Now the local community have plans to turn it into a remembrance garden. Pleasingly, but somewhat inevitably, it was geocaching that led me to this poignant place from the past

Ullswater

I  enjoy visiting  the Ullswater valley.  It’s relatively close to home and  has an impressive backdrop of some of the most stunning Northern fells; Helvellyn, Fairfield, Dollywaggon Pike, Red Screes and Caudale Moor.  Away from the fleshpot that is Glenridding, it has a sense of remoteness that belies its proximity to the M6. Ullswater itself is a sinuous, ribbon lake, and with woodlined shores to the east, it is one of my favourite of all the larger, Lake District waters.  On Sunday, I was able to admire it from Place Fell summit  and it was still as beautiful as ever

Memory Lane

Yesterday evening I took a wander down memory lane as I needed to visit Coanwood on some Parish Council business for Mr Glis. Once I’d finished, I took a walk along the South Tyne Trail and through Featherstone Castle parkland, places where we’d spent many happy hours during Miss Glis’ country childhood.  Little had changed, apart from some river erosion close to the former Prisoner Of War  camp. It was lovely to meander along, fondly remembering that  chapter of our lives.  But, as moving away had allowed us to create other joyful memories, I set off home feeling very blessed

 

Still Waters

With Mr Glis working away and the weather being warm and dry, during the last couple of weeks I’ve taken the opportunity to get in  several evening walks in the Lakes.  But, the beauty of the summer evenings can be spoiled as I attract the unwelcome attentions of midgie beasties without any effort.  Although liberal applications of “skin so soft” seem to keep them at bay, they can still find the one place I’ve missed with it. But, midgies aside, it’s been delightful to wander along the lake shores and enjoy the evening sunlight reflecting off the still, lake waters.

A bad week for The Archers

As the majority of my literary soiree companions are also avid Archers listeners, it was somewhat inevitable that our midsummer poetry evening conversations would touch on recent story-lines.  Along with many other listeners we were all bemoaning the recent “sensationalisation” of the programme.  It was clear that our issues were with the huge personality re-writes of main characters, rather than the plots.  Yes, Tony was always moany but not to the extent that he’s become and Lizzy and Roy would simply NEVER have had a teenage tumble in a tent. And as for Rob.....words fail me.  Scripties MUST DO BETTER

Ironing

Ironing is the work of the devil (cue Mum revolving in her grave) and is a task I undertake reluctantly.  But with Mr Glis working on something that requires a smarter appearance than his normal look, I’ve had to iron shirts for the last few weeks and it’s been SUCH a mind-numbing chore, confirming my view. And before any one suggests he does his own, I’m the first to admit we employ a fair division of labour in our family and I’ve no desire to cut the grass on a regular basis either. Roll on his return to normal work!

Public Art

I hugely approve of public art , be it street sculptures, community paintings or quirky celebrations of local events. And geocaching often takes you to places where some superb examples can be found. During my visit to Tyneside earlier this week, I had some free time between conference sessions so I raced across the Tyne Bridge on my way to Grainger Street in search of brass plaques set into the pavement.  What really appeals to me is that every day, thousands of people unknowingly walk over the  plaques which celebrate  random, everyday events that happen on any busy high street!