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Anniversary - 18th

4/6/2023

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Showborough House & Garden Sculpture Exhibition

1/6/2023

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“Showborough House has hosted an Affordable Garden Art Exhibition since 2008. It is a non-profit venture that aims to make garden sculpture as accessible and affordable as possible to visitors, and to offer an opportunity to exhibit to artists of all backgrounds.”

See: Showborough House
 
Sculptural works are in a range of media, including stone, wood, metal, glass, bronze, resin, ceramic and reclaimed materials.  The pieces are exhibited within a 1½ acre garden of a traditional English style, on a domestic scale with ‘interconnecting rooms’.
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Seeds to Sow Now!

30/5/2023

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Vegetables:
Beans (all types)
Beetroot
Chinese Cabbage (Pak Choi)
Carrot
Cauliflower
Chard (Swiss Chard)
Cucumber
Kohl Rabi
Lettuce
Peas
Pumpkin
Radish
Rocket (Arugula)
Spinach
Spring Onion
Swede
Flowers:
Candytuft
Canterbury Bells
Carnation
Catmint
Clarkia
Cleome
Coleus
Cornflower
Cosmos
Delphinium
Digitalis
Forget Me Not
Fox Glove
Larkspur
Limnanthes (Poached Egg)
Linaria

​EXCELLENT COMPANION PLANTS:

​Dwarf Marigolds make good edging plants that may deter rabbits and some varieties are known for their ability to starve out root-knot nematodes when planted the year before and macerated and then ploughed into the soil where the chemicals that affect the nematodes are then released.  Nasturtiums sprawl out over the ground, so they suppress weeds and shade the soil when grown near tall plants like sweet corn, tomatoes or sunflowers.  Zinnia are tall, single-flowered varieties which attract butterflies look nice grown with dill, fennel and cosmos. Bergamot, Hyssop, Catnip, Lemon Balm, Lavender, Marjoram (Oregano), Mint, Salvia, Savoury, Thyme… are all part of the Lamiaceae family and have a flower structure that can be accessed by a wide range of insects, including small bees. Insects need only a short tongue to reach the nectar and pollen hidden inside the two-lipped blossoms. 

Feverfew repels insects of all nature, so it is a good plant to grow near entryways – and anywhere really!


Opposite:  Our Adoptive Cat[mint] - Colin!
​Lupin
Mirabilis
Nasturtium
Nemesia
Nicotiana
Nigella (Love In A Mist)
Pansy
Pansy
Poppy
Salvia
Stocks
Sunflowers
Viola
Wallflower
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CHARINGWORTH COURT, Winchcombe

28/5/2023

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Part of the NGS Open Garden Scheme and open to the public on certain weekends during spring and summer 2023. 

Artistically and lovingly created 1½ acre garden surrounding a restored Georgian / Tudor house.  Relaxed country style with Japanese influences, large pond, sculpture and walled vegetable/flower garden, created over 25 years from a blank canvas. Mature copper beech trees, Cedar of Lebanon and Wellingtonia”.

​Heritage Category: Grade: II Listed Building.  Large, detached house. c.1820 but with 16th / 17th century rear wing and 19th and 20th century alterations and additions.​
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Motoring...

14/5/2023

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Prescott Speed Hill Climb is apparently the place to be for motorsport in the Cotswolds and is just a few miles from Winchcombe.  As such, then, it is embarrassing that it took the imminent arrival of friends visiting from Germany for Paul and I to organise tickets to eventually attend an event there! 

See:  Prescott Speed Hill Climb 

Prescott Hill Climb is the home of the Bugatti Owners Club and was established in 1938 –“the Bugatti Owner’s Club was already running hill climbs on various dusty loose-surfaced courses in the south of England since 1931. It was about 1936 when it was agreed that the Club really needed to have its own course.”  Prescott was the first purpose-built speed event venue to come on stream since the sport on public roads was outlawed some fourteen years before.

Classics at Prescott, Sun, 15 May:  Classic Car enthusiasts displayed their vehicles in ”the Orchard” and “Paddocks” and, in addition, there was also the opportunity for these drivers to take part in a “gentle Cavalcade …. up the Hill allowing the public to see the display of Classic Cars in motion”.

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Wild Gardening (1)

7/5/2023

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And in reality, there are lots of weeds in my garden too!  
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Kings, Crowns and Degrees of Separation

6/5/2023

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The children at school created portrait bunting for their Coronation Picnic
Hopefully you will find this amusing as well as topical.  Today is the Coronation of King Charles III - not that anyone in the world could avoid this momentous events - and unsurprisingly the school where I work has been preparing with great excitement for a few weeks. 

However, a week ago we received the dreaded OFSTED phone call and hysteria kicked in and the dust was cloud-like!

As part of the tick-box process the Governors are invited to attend, and some interviewed, by the inspectors.  As I am also Clerk to the Governors, I received the following response to this request which just made me smile!

"I am so sorry to miss this. I have to be at the Palace tomorrow afternoon to swear in the new Lord Chancellor."

See
:  List of Business
That 's Buckingham Palace he is referring to - because one of 'my' governors is Clerk to the Privy Council and is a big-cheese with all of the comings and goings of royalty and parliamentary protocol.  He is the person who officially announced, to the world, the new King when Queen Elizabeth passed away - before Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt read the official  wording.

Have a look at:  Cabinet Office
He is the most unassuming man and must find my questions and  enthusiasm quite irritating!  However, I did find out that today he has to be part of the proceedings from 7.30am and cannot leave until 1.30pm and "that's a long time to wait if you need to go for a wee".  He only has to wear a morning suit and not all the regalia (cloaks and funny hats and suchlike) but does have to wear his gong" (the Order or Medal of CVO - Commander of the Victoria Order).

Suffice to say, I think I was more excited about it than he was!  
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Magical Harry Potter

22/4/2023

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Ford Anglia 105E ‘Flying Car’
Celebrating Lou's birthday we booked a tour at the Warner Brothers Studio  (Leavesden) to experience Harry Potter World. I loved it!!

Lou and I have been visiting places and doing things together [some a bit mad and not to be dwelled upon] for 42 years. That's a scary number isn't it?  However, I like to think that we are still enjoying these events and "creating memories" as much as when we were eleven years old!

Certainly, Lou's daughter (our
 trip organiser and chauffeur for the  day) was very patient waiting for us to have our turn in the Flying Car!
​In real life, the National Motor Museum reports:  "Ford’s new Anglia model was overshadowed by the Mini when it was launched at the 1959 Motor Show but went on to be a sales success with over a million of the 105E and more powerful 123E being built before production ended in 1967. In 1963 the production line was moved from Dagenham to a new factory at Halewood on Merseyside.
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This Anglia was used during the filming of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It was stolen in 2005 but was later recovered after being dumped by the thieves probably due to the media interest surrounding the car."
Hot Cars
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​National Motor Museum
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Capability Brown on the Door-Step

14/4/2023

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CROOME COURT (Croome D’Abitot) is a National Trust property in Worcestershire.  Paul and I visited in mid-April  - not the most cheerful of days weatherwise, but the mansion and grounds are stunning.  We probably did justice to only about a half of it and intend to return  - especially to explore the walled garden which although privately owned and therefore demands a separate entrance fee, is a key part of Croome’s landscape designed by ‘Capability’ Brown. 

Embarrassingly, as I was brought up in Worcestershire, my knowledge of local history is rather scant so it was a surprise to learn that Croome had such an important and distinctive impact
 
Earls are third highest rank within the UK’s  (convoluted) peerage system– after Duke and Marquess. However, Earl is the oldest title and was the highest until the dukedom was first created in 1337, with Scandinavian origins and first appearing in England during the reign of Canute (1016–35).

A brief background is that the current earldom of Coventry was created in 1697, in favour of Thomas Coventry, 5th Baron Coventry.  The Coventry family descends from John Coventry who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1426. His descendant Sir Thomas Coventry (born 1547)  was a noted early 17th-century lawyer and politician. He purchased Croome D'Abitôt in 1592. 
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He served as Solicitor General, as Attorney General and as Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. In 1628 he was raised to the Peerage of England as Baron Coventry, of Aylesborough in the County of Worcester. He was succeeded by his son from his first marriage, the second Baron. He represented Droitwich and Worcester in the House of Commons.


Check out the history of Croome and particularly that of the 6th Earl of Coventry; he was a flamboyant and forward-thinking character - "an 18th century trend setter and big spender” - for example,  the equivalent of £35 million was spent transforming Croome! 

SEE:  Overview of Croome | Worcestershire | National Trust

So, in 1751, George William Coventry, the 6th Earl of Coventry, inherited the Croome estate and commissioned Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, to redesign the house and its parkland. Croome was ‘Capability’ Brown’s first large-scale commission and is often described as his 'first and favourite child'. 

Brown remodelled Croome Court into the fashionable Palladian style, and the formal gardens were dug up and, in their place, the creation of a natural looking parkland.  “Brown created elaborate illusions in his new landscape – the river was designed to appear as if it drifted off into the distance around a corner, but in fact abruptly came to an end behind some cleverly planted trees and shrubs”.

Capability Brown and the Earl became firm friends and there is a memorial to Brown after his death in 1793 which reads: “To the Memory of Lancelot Brown - Who by the powers of his inimitable and creative genius formed this garden scene out of a morass”.
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TEST!

10/4/2023

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AMAZING!

4/3/2023

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Last night Paul and I saw Nigel Kennedy at - of all places - The Regal in Evesham,  and.....

It was AMAZING!

I cannot express how flabbergasted I am (still) as how marvellous it was!!

I am still stunned and will have to write about it at another time, but needed to say something sooner rather than later!

If you have the opportunity to see this man at a live venue I would recommend you jump at the chance.

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Visit to Germany

19/2/2023

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When in Germany it is compulsory to eat cake!
Over a long weekend in mid-February Paul and I visited Germany again, 

​We spent time with our friends [who we met in Adelaide on our fourth day of moving to Australia in 2010] who moved back to Germany in 2019, having been in Oz for over twenty years.  They recently moved (again) from Bonn to a small town outside Frankfurt called Koenigstein | City of Königstein .  
Check out the Spa and Tourism tab for details on this website to discover why it has been a popular destination for quite a few years, and also why it is home to a number of wealthy people. It has the reputation as a retreat for ‘health and wellness’ but it is for the restorative quality of the air as opposed to – as we are used to in the Cotswolds – for waters.  See:  Healing Climate .  The town is well established and boats its own castle (in ruins) – legends from 466AD and documentary evidence from 1215, with the he granting of town rights in 1313.  See:  History of Konigstein
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The name 'Königstein' means 'King stone'. Local legend is that King Chlodwig (466-511), founded the town after building a castle on a hill as well as a chapel.
Other than eating and drinking and chatting we did manage one ‘touristy’ visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Germanic-Raetian Limes, specifically Kastell Saalburg (translated as Castle Saalburg).  Kastell Saalburg is considered the best-researched and most completely reconstructed fort of the Upper Germanic-Raetian Limes and defines part of the “frontiers of the Roman Empire”. 
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Just as GB has Hadrian’s Wall “the Germanic Limes was a line of frontier fortifications that bounded the ancient Roman provinces of Germania Inferior, Germania Superior and Raetia, dividing the Roman Empire and the unsubdued Germanic tribes from the years 110 (under Trajan) to about AD 260.  
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The Upper German-Raetian Limes extends to a length of 550km between the Rhine in the north-west and the Danube in the south-east.  It consisted of about 900 watchtowers, numerous small forts and over 60 large forts.  More a guarded border line than a military defence system, the Limes enabled traffic to be managed, movement of people to be controlled and goods to be traded and taxed”.
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Tick!

14/2/2023

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We wrote the "to do" list in September, but I started planting the seeds of an idea about replacing the upstairs carpet at least three years ago!  I knew it would take a while but, after all, these things are never at the top of our priorities - although the fact that it was put in by a tenant whilst we were in Oz and it was an 'oatmeal' colour - but in my opinion, on the wrong side of the yellow spectrum.

So, instead, we have opted for a refreshing take on 'mint'!! 
 
And here's some basic history and psychology related to colour:  Green has been used to symbolise regeneration, good health and rebirth, mainly because of its natural association with vegetation, vigour and growth. Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, green represented a person’s social rank and profession, and could only be worn by the gentry. The first recorded use of mint as a colour name in English was in 1920 – at the beginning of the Art Deco period.
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Green apparently contributes to feeling of rest and security.  Apparently, the name attributed to the “green room” within theatres is because a green shade would help performers relax before going on stage. According to colour psychology, green’s calming effects may be due to its associations with natural world.  Mint is a crisp, cool hue – a  bright, cheerful colour that evokes creativity, freshness, and lightness.  Just like me!
Below - boxes of books brought down from the greenhouse to be sorted.... so, eventually, we ended up with two boxes destined for the charity shop, one box to my Mum, two boxes back to the garden for storage and a selection of books for the shelving in greenhouse No.1.  The rest have made it into the new book 'cubes' in the newly carpeted and decorated bedroom.  Very grown-up for us!
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Family

11/2/2023

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Just a couple of group photos from the recent birthday  lunch.  
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Surprise!!

29/1/2023

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We enjoyed a family and friends surprise lunch to celebrate Dad's 80th birthday yesterday.  Our deviousness of the past two months paid off as it truly was a surprise for him!

We were handsomely looked after by the restaurant Lambs (Sheep Street, Stratford-upon-Avon) and they were in on the subterfuge and, as they said in an email, "don't worry, we know Dr Green very well indeed".  I'm not sure of that is a good thing or bad?*!

A web-search brought up a few quotes about older birthdays which are probably good to absorb into our psyche:
  • “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years." (Abraham Lincoln)
  • "Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."
    (Mark Twain)
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and one especially for Dad as he continues to teach his Shakespeare classes every term:
  • "Let me play the fool,
    With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come."
    William Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice (Act 1, scene 1)


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Garden Shed Working

15/1/2023

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Remember I said that the new job role was busy and full-on with trying to get on top of stuff that has tail-spun out of control for a few months, as well as the day-to-day tasks?  Like the 22,388 emails in the Inbox? Or the financial filing that was stuffed in boxes and carrier bags for months? Well, focus on that, plus the normal rigours of a new term and then add into the equation a "new build" = NIGHTMARE!
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Thought for Today - and 2023

31/12/2022

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I am copying and pasting part of a regular email that I receive from a charity based in Sydney.  I think it is not only pertinent at this time, but also throughout the year.  Food for thought for 2023:

"The emptiness when the tinsel comes down, and the outpouring of loving energy dwindles, can be particularly confronting for people who find themselves alone, without a sense of belonging. I’m reminded of the crucial “rope of hope” a visitor told me about last year. We might not have a magic wand, but we can use our hands and hearts to throw a rope of survival, of kindness and compassion, to someone who is feeling lost at this time".

See:  
https://www.waysidechapel.org.au/
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All that is gold does not glitter

30/12/2022

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“All that is gold does not glitter. Not all those who wander are lost: the old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.” J.R.R Tolkien

The natural world has slowed down and much of the garden and its many life forms are now resting for the winter.  In terms of gardening, winter is a great time to do the more practical jobs like fixing things, cleaning tools, containers and pots, sharpening tools and turning compost heaps.  I spent a good hour or two digging over the veg patch the other morning – the sun was shining, the air was fairly mild and I needed to enjoy some physical exercise after all the indoor ‘festivities’.  

​According to various books and blogs turning and treating the soil now is beneficial for the upcoming growing season.  Apparently once soil temperatures drop below 7°C (45°F), biological activity slows to a crawl, and the soil and all its life forms (worms, bugs, bacteria) hibernate. 
Soil is a bit easier to work with when it’s damp and the weeds that will be invariably prolific will also be shallow rooted and therefore easier to remove.  The wind, rain and frost will damage the top layer of soil and it will lose nutrients and structure and start to erode. Therefore, January is also a good time (if you’re so inclined and industrious) to add garden compost, rotted manure, and other green waste  and maybe add seaweed solution and fish emulsion (which is a mild fertilizer) to strengthen plant roots. Seaweed is a soil conditioner and root tonic which helps to improve the balance of soil bacteria, support root growth and strengthen plant stems. Also, cover areas of the veg patch and/or flower beds with old rugs or carpet as this will help maintain a steady level of moisture in the beds, reduce the chances of the soil becoming compacted during the winter months  and ultimately keep the soil warmer for when seeds and plants can be sown outside. Admittedly, it doesn’t look particularly attractive but as you’re unlikely to be lounging in the garden much, and it’s dark late and early in the day, what you can’t see can’t offend you!
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Check out:  Soil Association: Winter
Other jobs that can be attacked if you’re really bored…

POTS:
Protect terracotta pots from cracking in freezing weather by bringing them indoors or wrapping in bubble polythene.  Move plants in pots to a sheltered spot if conditions turn very cold, as their roots are more exposed to the elements. Plant fragrant winter shrubs in pots and place near to the house or paths, such as chimonanthus, sarcococca and Daphne odora.

LEAVES – conflicting advice!
  • Rake up accumulated fallen leaves in borders that could be harbouring slugs and other pests….
OR
  • Don’t be too tidy – relax and leave parts of your garden to its own devices, giving places for animals and insects to shelter, a safe place to find food and water, or even to hibernate. For example, leave teasels for goldfinches and look out for butterflies resting in sheds.
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ROSES
Plant bare-root roses and other deciduous shrubs, plus ornamental trees; hang bird feeders near roses to attract hungry birds that will also pick off any overwintering pests.  Prune climbing roses between now and February.

FRUIT and NUT HEDGES
If you have space, plant fruit and nut hedges like hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel as these provide fruit and nuts through the winter and can support wildlife.

SHRUBS
Pile straw or bracken around the base of tender shrubs and climbers to protect them from falling temperatures.  Hard prune overgrown shrubs and hedges while they're dormant.

BULBS
Check stored bulbs and corms regularly for any signs of rot. Summer-flowering bulbs and tubers that are being stored over winter should be checked for any signs of mould or rot, and those that might be affected should be removed to prevent it spreading.  Any forced bulbs can be brought into a warm room to encourage flowering. January is the last chance to plant tulip bulbs provided that the ground is not frozen.

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SOWING & GROWING
Apparently, Boxing Day is the traditional day to sow onion seeds. In December and January it is recommended to choose seeds, rather than sets, and start them off in pots indoors or undercover, to aid germination. The young onion plants can be moved to the beg patch outside in spring, spacing them 10cm apart.
However, in order to show-off, I already have a few rows of very healthy onions, garlic and broad-beans as I planted my sets in October and November… so nyerrrr!

Moreover, now is a good time to look back at the previous year, its successes and failures and to consider what plants to attempt to grow in the upcoming months; it's a good time to plan, to dream, and to sort seeds!
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Sudeley Castle - Spectacle of Light

27/12/2022

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A new illuminated trail around Sudeley Castle’s beautiful grounds and enchanted woodland, including sparkling water features, light beams, lanterns and the mesmerising Carpet of Colour. 
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Christmas Eve Greetings!

24/12/2022

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No doubt you have been busy-busy over the past couple of weeks too?  Thankfully, the schools broke up for the holidays a week ago (16th).  This is unheard of – usually it is just a day or so before Christmas.  However, I know I have needed those extra days beforehand!  Did I say, I am now officially the School Office Manager (but without the financial aspect) and during the ‘cover’ period I worked an additional 170 hours… a tad more than my contracted seven hours per week?*! So, that’s why I desperately needed this week to semi chill-out and do the “nice” things for Christmas…. and we’ve gotten there!

​Naturally  much of the preparation seems to be about trying to get things right – there seems to be so much pressure from the life-style mob to have a “perfect” Christmas, it takes all the focus away from it really should be about.  Either which way, my free week has been a combination of the practical and prosaic with odd flurries of creative abandon!  Yesterday I put up the decorations – on the window sills as usual because the house is too small for anything else. Even now I have opted for the less is more approach – mainly because I was getting irritated with stringing up baubles and wayward angels / fairies.  

Paul has the next four days off work!  This is practically unheard of too – what with the normal Panto runs.  He has not been at the theatre this year but instead has been running the illuminated trail at the Cotswold Farm Park. 
However, it hasn’t been such an enjoyable experience this year – what with the minus 10, snow and severe frost weather conditions, followed by a jump in temperature (by 15 - 20 degrees), the snow melting plus days and days of heavy rain.  Not a good combination when dealing with outdoor electrics!  
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Back at home, every winter certain rooms in the cottage (well, there are only four / five rooms as it is) develop an irritating blush of mould on the corner walls and the stone lintels. This is the result of a combination of the cold temperatures outside, central heating inside and condensation. So, we will move some furniture and treat the walls and then wander into town for a coffee, because the treatment smells absolutely noxious and is best to be avoided.  So a very glamorous Christmas Eve morning – not!
However, on the flip side the late afternoon plans are much more indulgent.  I treated myself to a new pair of PJs and the most recent Robert Galbraith novel so will settle down to read that, accompanied by a glass or two of mulled-wine (home crafted, so Artisan!) and a few vaguely healthy snacks (Ha! Ha!).  I read a recent recipe which includes blue cheese, figs and honey and am looking forward to that!  As Paul and I are spending Christmas Day at my nieces’ house and Boxing Day at my sister’s, there has been no need for the ‘traditional’ food shopping, and instead the larder and fridge are resplendent with cold meats, cheeses, salads, fruit, nuts, crackers and (for me) smoked salmon.  Nice!​  
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Despite being fairly prudent why is it that all the basic goods run out at the same time?   So, stocking up with sauces, condiments, oils and baking ingredients was added to the mix, but I’m hoping that a “big shop” won’t be necessary for a number of weeks!  I hate shopping.

Well, the kettle’s on for another cuppa before the onslaught of practical activity...

Righty-Oh-Ho-Ho…. I will finish off by wishing you a fabulous Christmas and even better 2023!
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Decisions, decisions.

10/12/2022

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I can’t remember who I’ve spoken with or emailed so I thought I would just a do a quick up-date appraisal.  It also might go to some way to explain my 1) absence and 2) cantankerousness (this is a real word – I looked it up!).

As you know, I gave up one school association (2 x job roles) and then immediately was thrown into ‘emergency cover’ at another.  Well, in the past couple of weeks I have decided to accept their offer of a permanent contract as Office Manager – although I have warned both the Head and the Chair of Governors that it is a huge job to straighten-up and get under control and the whole situation will need to be reviewed in three months’ time.  Thankfully they agree with me!  For example, in the school office Outlook Inbox account there were 22,388 emails!  That’s not to say they hadn’t been read or actioned (I think the majority of old emails had) but these had not been filed or deleted …I can’t work like that! I prefer an empty-as-possible Inbox and file as soon as a task has been dealt with.  

So, if that is what the digital records are like in Outlook, can you imagine what the networks files are like?  And, don’t even mention the hardcopy paperwork…. The majority of which is years out of date!!  On top of all that, the school has just signed a building project and contracts and the timings are very tight:  School finishes on 16th December and demolition of the office and Class2 building starts on the 19th December.  Obviously because of statutory requirements the office function has to be up-and-running by the beginning of term (3rd January 2023) so we have ordered a garden office-building (aka a shed!) which is where the Head and I will be based for the foreseeable future!!  As well as the shed itself being erected we also have to organise / re-site all the normal furniture and associated filing, and the IT cabling, WiFi and servers, the photocopier / printer (used by everyone in the school), the fire and security alarms, telephone lines, etc, etc, blah blah blah.  Hmm… and it’s Christmas break in between-time and a lot of companies /tradies are on holiday (obviously and understandable).  As you can imagine it is a juggling act and a lot of this has to take a back seat to the normal day-to-day running of a school office – which is even worse in the run-up to Christmas…. Panto trips, concerts, church services, Nativity Plays and associated families in-fighting for tickets, Christmas lunch (regular? Vegetarian? Gluten free?  Any other kind of allergic reaction – made-up or real!?), Christmas Jumpers  and Shoe Boxes for charity, School Disco, cold, vomiting, snotty noses and exhaustion, and, more seriously, one confirmed case of Strep A… and so on and so forth.  
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So, I was already tired (as you know) but the past few weeks have been exhausting.  On top of that I was bogged down with organising entertainment for the Winchcombe Christmas festival.  It was a successful event and took place on Tuesday 6th December.  The emails received and social media comments are very positive, and that is from participants and visitors alike.
As many of you are aware, I have been mulling over things for a little while as I have been feeling so tired and out-of-sorts, and “not myself”. So, in light of all of the above, I have come to a few decisions this week – and acted upon them!  I wrote to my doctor and subsequently have a face-to-face appointment this week; I booked and managed to get a cancellation booking with my chiropractor (and that immediately ironed out a niggling irritation in my shoulder/neck); I have cancelled my gym membership – until I can summon up energy to go and benefit from it.  On the ‘wider’ scale I have also informed all the local associations / people (e.g. Christmas Festival, Winchcombe Together, Open Gardens) that I have done volunteer work with that whilst I am happy to help out, I am not doing organisational roles during the upcoming year.  Basically it was just like a continuation of being at work – emails and spreadsheets and dealing with [stupid] questions from people who couldn’t be bothered to think for themselves or take any initiative. 

I am also considering the remaining “portfolio” of job roles [paid employment] that I hold and whilst they are under control and do not necessarily require too much deep-thought, they are there, an additional commitment and often create a spiralling sub-conscious “to-do” list.

Which brings me to the crunch…. All of these decisions are fuelled by the need to step away from the “real world” as much as possible and look after myself.  I have so little patience with "the general public" and social media that I think it is probably best to keep a low profile.  It has been a difficult few years (for everyone, I know) and I think a little quiet time would be of great benefit (for everyone, I would suggest!). 

So – that’s what I am doing! 

Yes – I hear across the ether - so shut-up Rosie! ?*!

Right – I’m off!  Speak soon(ish).
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Running to Keep Up

24/11/2022

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I’m running to keep up at the moment.  Paul would laugh because I am the slowest walker in the world, and I DO have to jog to keep up with his normal walking stride!  However, it’s not to do with that, it’s just that the work thing - the portfolio no less - has taken on yet another trajectory.

In a nutshell, as I won’t go into all the details and complications, I finished my last day with one Primary School on the Wednesday before half-term and was driving home thinking ‘Ooh, lovely, I don’t have to BE anywhere for at least a week…la..di..la..di..la” to then, literally,  receive a frantic ansaphone message from one of my other schools asking “please can you help?”  
So, since then I have been providing “emergency cover” for one of my rural primary schools.  This is the tiny village up in the hills which has terrible phone reception, is in the middle of nowhere and is falling apart (the buildings etc). 

It’s a l-o-n-g story so I won’t go into it too much. but suffice to say it is taking up a lot more of my life than originally thought.  There is a great deal to sort out. The previous office manager had been unwell and has now resigned so it looks like I will be in situ for a few months yet.  In actual fact, the Headteacher and I are currently wrangling with the HR department about contracts - rates of pay, grade-scales, hours of work etc etc blah blah blah.  I have already clocked up over 120 hours of extra cover time – so I am keen to get this clarified as soon as possible.  Since being treated so shoddily by DCS I am even more cynical than ever and am actually being a bit of a “toughie” and being assertive (it’s a bit scary and I’m out of my comfort zone for sure).

However, as part of my ‘argument’ the school administration is in complete dire straits!  It seems that some BIG things have been out-of-control for a number of months, and this has just come to light - particularly issues with finances / accounts and, more worryingly, with a number of concerns about the SCR too.  For those that do not know, the SCR is “Single Central Register” and is a statutory requirement in every UK school – all to do with safeguarding and HR records, like references, employment, qualifications etc.  Basically, if the SCR is not up-to-date or following appropriate procedures then a school is in BIG TROUBLE and can fail inspections and so on and so forth.  GULP!

So, I’m doing A LOT of school office “fire-fighting” and am attempting to get as much as possible under control – although nothing to do with figures because, well, I’m not interested in finances!!! And I am USELESS.
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On the other side of general administrative things, I keep finding jobs that are half-done or not even started and whilst some are not particularly difficult these tasks generally take a lot of time and fiddling about to organise…. For example, liaising with the NHS vaccination team to get 88 children their nasal flu vaccinations, and various school trips including 25 Reception and Year 1 children (average 5 years old) to the Black Country Museum …. Including coach hire, emergency contacts, parent helpers with (or without) DBS clearance because of Child Protection rules and so on and so forth.  On the horizon there is also the whole-school trip to see the Dick Whittington Panto at Chipping Norton Theatre, various concerts and vocal workshops, the Nativity Play, church services and so on, and so on, It has been a case of “panic stations” in all honesty – from the teaching staff – and of course, I am trying to come up with the goods whilst maintaining a cheerful, calm and positive image (ha! ha!).

And, of course, there is all the normal day-to-day stuff to deal with, and that can be bad enough sometimes… registers (statutory requirement, obviously), lunches, parents’ queries and observations [groan], lost jumpers / t-shirts / hats, gloves and scarves, delivery guys, tearful fallings-out with best-friends in the playground and a variety of snotty noses and bloody knees – and that’s just the teachers?*!

So – that’s me.  Paul is also busy.  He has been up at The Cotswold Farm Park this week for the beginning of setting up the Light Trail for the Christmas thing.  He also has done a little studio cover at The Everyman and working at Malvern Showground doing a set-up for their Christmas Show. To date, he hasn’t had a day off in nearly three weeks – and most days start at 8am and he doesn’t get to leave until 6pm at the earliest.  As you can imagine he is shattered – and completely over all the additional problems that come with heavy rain and electrics!!
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I am also embroiled in the organisational machinations of the Winchcombe Christmas Festival which is on Tuesday 6th December, if you’re interested, 5pm – 8pm. 

I designed this poster, and it is on display throughout the town and on various social media and websites.

I am organising the “entertainment”.  Deep joy.  However, I had to tell the Committee that I am really under the cosh and that someone else might have to take up the baton more readily, but it is still very busy.  

So – that’s where we are at... just so you know!
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Sing!

24/11/2022

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"Every one of us has a voice that can sing, but most of us are yet to find our song. So many of us lead lives where we feel like a failure and often take it all too personally, blaming and shaming ourselves, when perhaps the truth is, we have yet to lend our voice to the right song". 
This excerpt is from a weekly update I receive from a church-based charity called Wayside Chapel in a suburb called King's Cross in Sydney.  They do a lot for homeless people - but much, much more.  I never visited the chapel, and neither am I a religious person, but I like the sentiments of the 'pastor and CEO'.  He talks a lot of sense, has a great sense of humour, is down to earth and appears to genuinely care.
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Mid-November...?!

19/11/2022

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I took these photos at least a week ago when there seemed to be sunshine and not the absolute deluge we have been experiencing recently. Also, I haven't made it up into the garden for days because it's been either too dark, too wet or I've just not been here (mainly the latter!).
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Retrospective Review

13/11/2022

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I’m quite pleased with the title for this blogette, mainly because this happened two weekends ago (Halloween weekend) and there were elements of the Retro and Artisanal (!) leanings at the Rudloe Arms Hotel (near Bath) where we had a night away.  See:  www.rudloearms.com .

Paul and I had a Dinner and B&B  deal at this hotel which is owned by Marco Pierre White – the original Bad Boy of the culinary world and enfant terrible chef.  White is the one that had been awarded three Michelin stars by the age of 32 years (in 1994), before handing them back (in 1999 when he retired as chef).

 
I think the Rudloe Arms is owned by MPW but is also part of a franchise (developed 2013) called Black And White Hospitality. The business operates a franchise model which allows property owners to open one of the eight Marco Pierre White branded restaurants within their property – names including, for example, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Mr White’s English Chophouse, Wheeler's of St James’s Oyster Bar & Grill Room, Wheeler’s Fish & Chips, Bardolino Pizzeria Bellini & Espresso Bar and Marconi Coffee & Juice Bar. 
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On the whole we enjoyed the experience and the main building – very Gothic and suitably spooky-looking for a Halloween night away – was impressive and comfortable, but we both agreed that we would have been disappointed if we had shelled out the full-price of £300 plus for the privilege.  As it was we spent £150 on the ‘deal’ and, of course, then paid the extra for wine and drinks.  And there’s the rub… upon arrival we had an hour to wait until being given access to our room.  This is fair enough as were early and were accordingly invited to relax in one “of our four lounges”.  These are comfortably furnished and eclectically decorated; quirky and interesting [but very poorly lit].  As I signed the register and handed over the obligatory credit card for security, I mentioned that we were “parched and would love a cup of tea!”.  To which I was hastily informed that yes, they could provide tea but they didn’t do Afternoon Tea and suchlike.  That’s fine, I responded, but I do need something and I’m diabetic “so a biscuit or similar would be great”. Ten minutes later a tray ladened with an elegant teapot, cups and saucers of white porcelain appeared… and that was it, and not so much as even a smile from the receptionist-waitress as she swept in-and-out the lounge!  So, a little while later, after enjoying the tea [only] and dumping our bags in the room (quite flash it has to be said), we high-tailed it to a local Co-Op to get some basic nourishment!?  Hmm… not an auspicious start.  The thing is, when I settled the bill upon departure the next day, that seemingly begrudged pot of tea cost £7.00 – two teabags and some boiling water…. not impressed.
The evening meal was very tasty, nicely presented and the ingredients obviously of a very high standard but again, it was nothing particularly special.  There was a nod to the ‘retro’ with prawn cocktail on the starter menu, and the main choices were heavily weighted to Italian pastas and gnocchi but if you did fancy a steak then there was a £12.00 surcharge and, on top of that, additional charges for any ‘sides’.  Good job we were on “a deal”!

So, in retrospect and reflection, it was a good experience, but we have enjoyed better meals at the local ‘posh’ hotel Ellenborough Park and Winchcombe’s very own No 5 Restaurant… which we can walk-to and meander back after consuming fabulous food and intoxicating wine!

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