Saturday, November 01, 2008
1st Nov. Ford, rain and Shanklin Chine.
It is still light as I write - though the gloom of the day can hardly be described as light.
My photos show the upper parts of the buildings - because it is actually quite a busy road through the village and I didn't want cars to spoil my pictures.
The stream winds down between the steep, tree covered sides of the chine.
We had a couple of hours this morning early before the rains fell.
We went to Ford to see what we could find.
We were dressed up well, but still felt the cold. The wind swept across the old disused airfield like a knife.
We wore gloves for the first time this winter!
I bought books and maps to sell.
I have resolved that there should be a small section of books in the Dorking shop - subjects connected with the area.
So I was very pleased to find a History of Leatherhead, the next town to Dorking.
I really need to use some thought to decide what people want from this shop that we are in. It is clear that there is a need to develop a theme of less glass and china and to concentrate on interesting items that people might collect.
Having said that, I do know that I sold a good glass vase today.
Bill bought some interesting old cameras - and as cameras seem to be attracting a steady stream of customers to Pilgrims we hope for a good return.
By half past nine we had had enough of being outdoors in the wind. I think most people felt the same and stall holders were beginning to pack up.
And as we drove away the rain began.
It has rained steadily since then.
Our purchases have been written up now.
Bill has moved the chest of drawers from the dining/office end of the kitchen. The drawers have not been emptied, though of course I sorted out three of the five yesterday.
Bill has half an eye on the Grand Prix qualifying session. I suppose I do hope that our own young Louis Hamilton will win the world championships tomorrow - I wonder who has been earmarked to knock him off the track so that the Brazilian can win instead!
So now, I turn back to the Isle of Wight; to a lovely day in autumn sunshine.
We went to Shanklin and walked down the chine.
"Chine" is a local word for deep ravine where a stream has cut through the sandy cliffs.
Shanklin Chine can claim to be the first Isle of Wight tourist attraction, having been made safe for visitors in 1817.
But first we walked through the old village of Shanklin with its many thatched roofs.
But first we walked through the old village of Shanklin with its many thatched roofs.
My photos show the upper parts of the buildings - because it is actually quite a busy road through the village and I didn't want cars to spoil my pictures.
It just might be a bit hellish there in high summer.
Now we have 2 old engravings which show the chine very well.
The fisherman's cottage on the beach is still there.
The stream winds down between the steep, tree covered sides of the chine.
At the bottom were slightly more formal gardens, a museum and a small cafe.
The museum was devoted to the history of the chine and its connection with smuggling.
And also it told more of the connection between the chine and the war effort (second world war).
We frequently found that this peaceful island has had a long connection with defence.
I had heard of PLUTO - but had never taken on board what it was and what an amazing achievement during war time it was.
Pipe Line Under The Ocean - PLUTO - took oil to Cherbourg after the D Day landings, from August 12th 1944. The planning had been intricate (taking over 2 years) and became a great success story.
It is just a pipe by the pathway but says a lot about what can be achieved when politicians, financiers and engineers opt to work together for the common good.
Next time we will walk on Shanklin beach.
