Saturday, February 11, 2012
Mostly Steyning.
Was it only 2 days ago that we had a walk along Steyning High Street?
A lot seems to have happened since then.
Steyning is not a place we have been too much - not quite on the route to anywhere we go to. We must go more often - not least of all, because we have athletics friends who live there; but on Thursday I was not carrying either address or phone number.
There are many timbered houses.
The market hall......except more recent research has revealed that the medieval market hall was not this building, but another further along The High Street.
The founder of The Quakers (George Fox) preached at the old market hall - but it couldn't have actually been this clock tower building.
Lovers of poetry will note the time on the clock......"stands the clock at ten to three, and is there honey still for tea?"
The clock tower stands at the top of a hill. The High Street goes over the hill.
Church street turns off The High Street.
We are now walking down the hill the other side of the clock tower.
The old pump and Pump House.
The Methodist Church and a blue plaque noting scandal in Steyning.
Charles Parnell was an Irish Nationalist who had pursued Kitty O'Shea. She was a married woman, but her husband refused to divorce her because she was likely to come into money. The thought of the money over ruled her infidelity and the fact that three of her children were almost certainly fathered by Parnell.
Eventually after money matters had been resolved, Kitty was free to marry.
Within 4 months Parnell had a heart attack and died.
Yes, I learn something every day!
Alleyways and old cottages.
One very narrow alleyway led to some old buildings - one housing the tea shop, and then a courtyard of large garden sheds, being used as quirky individual little shops.
The sight of the tea shop, with a table set for tea in the entrance to entice you in, encouraged us to think of hot cups of tea. We bought cakes from the baker's and made our way home.
It had been a chilly day.
But not as cold as this day.
We awoke to find the temperature at minus 10 degrees. Our back garden faces north and gets no sun at this time of year and the temperature there has not gone above zero all day.
It certainly seemed wise to stay in bed, reading, this morning. Being at Ford might have felt very uncomfortable.
We did walk to the post office in the sunshine. It felt crisp and very fresh.
We still have ice and snow out the back.
A lot seems to have happened since then.
Steyning is not a place we have been too much - not quite on the route to anywhere we go to. We must go more often - not least of all, because we have athletics friends who live there; but on Thursday I was not carrying either address or phone number.
The market hall......except more recent research has revealed that the medieval market hall was not this building, but another further along The High Street.
The founder of The Quakers (George Fox) preached at the old market hall - but it couldn't have actually been this clock tower building.
Lovers of poetry will note the time on the clock......"stands the clock at ten to three, and is there honey still for tea?"
We are now walking down the hill the other side of the clock tower.
The old pump and Pump House.
The Methodist Church and a blue plaque noting scandal in Steyning.
Charles Parnell was an Irish Nationalist who had pursued Kitty O'Shea. She was a married woman, but her husband refused to divorce her because she was likely to come into money. The thought of the money over ruled her infidelity and the fact that three of her children were almost certainly fathered by Parnell.
Eventually after money matters had been resolved, Kitty was free to marry.
Within 4 months Parnell had a heart attack and died.
Yes, I learn something every day!
Alleyways and old cottages.
One very narrow alleyway led to some old buildings - one housing the tea shop, and then a courtyard of large garden sheds, being used as quirky individual little shops.
The sight of the tea shop, with a table set for tea in the entrance to entice you in, encouraged us to think of hot cups of tea. We bought cakes from the baker's and made our way home.
It had been a chilly day.
But not as cold as this day.
We awoke to find the temperature at minus 10 degrees. Our back garden faces north and gets no sun at this time of year and the temperature there has not gone above zero all day.
It certainly seemed wise to stay in bed, reading, this morning. Being at Ford might have felt very uncomfortable.
We did walk to the post office in the sunshine. It felt crisp and very fresh.
We still have ice and snow out the back.
Labels: Sussex
Thursday, February 09, 2012
The Fountain Inn
It has been a lovely day out.
The sun shone for a while in the middle of the day - once again creating sparkle on the snow and ice.
We drove to Partridge Green to swap over the crested china pieces. There was no snow there. We were told that they had had very little last weekend - could still see the green grass.
The person who had bought the Partridge Green cup recommended a pub out of that village.
So, we ventured along the road to Ashurst, to The Fountain. Ashurst is a tiny village close to the River Adur.
The pub is delightful.
It is a 16th century farmhouse.
The Guardian newspaper have it in their top ten cosiest pubs in the country.
Look who else has been drinking in The Fountain.
Being somewhat tight fisted we ordered just one round of sandwiches and shared. The sausage was very superior quality with onions - nice and hot.
It was enough for a light lunch.
What a wonderful old fireplace and hearth.
Just right for a winter's day.
Regulars in deep conversation by the fireside.
I took my wine and sat right in the inglenook. Very cosy.
Bill is sitting in Larry's seat ......Sir Laurence Olivier that is.
Outside there are good gardens for summer drinking, a pond (covered with ice today) and a skittle alley which can be hired for parties.
Bill heard a sparrow chirruping to him from a bush in the garden and went over to capture a photograph.
I am so glad we discovered this pub. The menu looked very interesting.
I am sure we will be back.
I wouldn't mind being back in a couple of weeks when the folk singing Copper Family will be performing there.
After our lunch we went on into Steyning for a little shopping and photography. It's a beautiful little town, full of character. I will post photos of Steyning tomorrow.
The sun shone for a while in the middle of the day - once again creating sparkle on the snow and ice.
We drove to Partridge Green to swap over the crested china pieces. There was no snow there. We were told that they had had very little last weekend - could still see the green grass.
The person who had bought the Partridge Green cup recommended a pub out of that village.
So, we ventured along the road to Ashurst, to The Fountain. Ashurst is a tiny village close to the River Adur.
The pub is delightful.
The Guardian newspaper have it in their top ten cosiest pubs in the country.
It was enough for a light lunch.
Just right for a winter's day.
Regulars in deep conversation by the fireside.
When the comfy chair was vacated, the country worker sat there and enjoyed a pint and a read.
Both man and dog enjoyed the warmth of the fire.
Bill is sitting in Larry's seat ......Sir Laurence Olivier that is.
Outside there are good gardens for summer drinking, a pond (covered with ice today) and a skittle alley which can be hired for parties.
Bill heard a sparrow chirruping to him from a bush in the garden and went over to capture a photograph.
I am sure we will be back.
I wouldn't mind being back in a couple of weeks when the folk singing Copper Family will be performing there.
After our lunch we went on into Steyning for a little shopping and photography. It's a beautiful little town, full of character. I will post photos of Steyning tomorrow.
Labels: Sussex
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Nostalgia - Boxall and Collins and Mad Mary.
Nostalgia day!
Bill was reading the Sussex Industrial Archaeology magazine and found a request for information about Boxall and Collins.
This is the garage where he did his apprenticeship and worked as a mechanic and in the stores for over 20 years.
I worked there too - in my college holidays between 1962 and 1965.
I guess we met under a car that was up on the ramp.
But I knew about this request before today - I am sure I told Bill about it.
Our friend, Pete, was also a Boxall and Collins apprentice and he had put me on to it, with a web site for a local history forum.
Today we have been reading all that people had written.
I hope that Bill can now add some memories of his own.
I certainly can.
I claimed this morning that I had worked at every branch of Boxall and Collins (there were 5 of them).
But Bill told me that I hadn't worked at Handcross. I am sure there was no B & C at Handcross when I worked there.
I am good at names - far better than Bill and I am sure I could be useful to the inquirer; but names are not being used on the history forum page.
This evening there came another blast from the past.
Crazy world that it is, this came about in a message from Frank in Canada, who had been reading the Crawley local paper.
I don't buy the paper anymore - usually pick it up to scan the obituaries, and then at some point go on line and pick out some of the stories.
Frank got there first.
The article is about Mad Mary - that's what everybody called her. I didn't know her name until after her death in 1995; she was Sheila Snelling.
It seems she had been a teacher in her youth and lost her lover/husband/fiance at some point. Killed in the war? Car accident? I have seen both scenarios quoted.
Snelling is an old Crawley name - there was a Snelling's sweet shop in The High Street. But it is suggested that Mad Mary was not an old Crawley person.
She walked and walked in her raggedy clothes and shouted at anybody who made attempts to torment her.
This appeared to be her only communication with the people she met.
Here she is in Crawley High Street.
The reason for the article today is that a local brewer has created a beer in her memory.
It sounds like it would be a good beer - so I look forward to trying it.
http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/news
The beer is Mary's Ruby Mild - and is a strong beer. It has the byline - "Treat with the Greatest Respect" - something which Mary/Sheila had to do without, though I am sure people did try to help.
In between times I have worked on clearing stock piled in boxes in the garage.
It will feel wonderful when I have finished - but it could take weeks.
I have a box full of books - 60 or 70 of them, highly suitable for EBay. I can't even remember buying them now!
And I have been out to receive my Vitamin B12 injection. Ouch! These injections hurt more than most. But I am blessed to be offered it - I am so well looked after.
Bill was reading the Sussex Industrial Archaeology magazine and found a request for information about Boxall and Collins.
This is the garage where he did his apprenticeship and worked as a mechanic and in the stores for over 20 years.
I worked there too - in my college holidays between 1962 and 1965.
I guess we met under a car that was up on the ramp.
But I knew about this request before today - I am sure I told Bill about it.
Our friend, Pete, was also a Boxall and Collins apprentice and he had put me on to it, with a web site for a local history forum.
Today we have been reading all that people had written.
I hope that Bill can now add some memories of his own.
I certainly can.
I claimed this morning that I had worked at every branch of Boxall and Collins (there were 5 of them).
But Bill told me that I hadn't worked at Handcross. I am sure there was no B & C at Handcross when I worked there.
I am good at names - far better than Bill and I am sure I could be useful to the inquirer; but names are not being used on the history forum page.
This evening there came another blast from the past.
Crazy world that it is, this came about in a message from Frank in Canada, who had been reading the Crawley local paper.
I don't buy the paper anymore - usually pick it up to scan the obituaries, and then at some point go on line and pick out some of the stories.
Frank got there first.
The article is about Mad Mary - that's what everybody called her. I didn't know her name until after her death in 1995; she was Sheila Snelling.
It seems she had been a teacher in her youth and lost her lover/husband/fiance at some point. Killed in the war? Car accident? I have seen both scenarios quoted.
Snelling is an old Crawley name - there was a Snelling's sweet shop in The High Street. But it is suggested that Mad Mary was not an old Crawley person.
She walked and walked in her raggedy clothes and shouted at anybody who made attempts to torment her.
This appeared to be her only communication with the people she met.
Here she is in Crawley High Street.
The reason for the article today is that a local brewer has created a beer in her memory.
It sounds like it would be a good beer - so I look forward to trying it.
http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/news
The beer is Mary's Ruby Mild - and is a strong beer. It has the byline - "Treat with the Greatest Respect" - something which Mary/Sheila had to do without, though I am sure people did try to help.
In between times I have worked on clearing stock piled in boxes in the garage.
It will feel wonderful when I have finished - but it could take weeks.
I have a box full of books - 60 or 70 of them, highly suitable for EBay. I can't even remember buying them now!
And I have been out to receive my Vitamin B12 injection. Ouch! These injections hurt more than most. But I am blessed to be offered it - I am so well looked after.
Labels: Sussex
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Rustington
The journey to Ford provided lovely views of the countryside under a brilliant red sky. My eyes were composing and taking many beautiful photographs - but we were whizzing along and the camera remained in its case.
After that it is hard to say anything very positive about the morning.
There was no sunshine and the north wind was biting and cutting as it swept across the disused airfield.
I heard somebody say that it has been warmer at 5 o'clock.
There were many stalls set up - and on this day they were piled with things I would not want on my shelves at the shop.
I spent just £3.70 - on books to sell.
We needed some hot tea and a bite to eat.
So, off to The George in Littlehampton.
The customer base is different on Thursday mornings - lots of young mothers and housewives.
I presume our "friend" with the laptop is probably there every morning- using the free WiFi and enjoying a couple of beers away from whoever it is he needs to escape from.
We were not feeling positive about a walk on the drafty banks of the river and set off for home, via Rustington.
It is quite hard to be positive about Rustington.
Once it had been a small village close to the sea, clustered around the church.
Now it is an ever expanding south coast settlement for folks to retire to...there has been much dowdy, modern building in the 60s and 70s.
It has a bigger shopping centre than Littlehampton these days - and a fair abundance of charity shops.
So we stopped and browsed and I took a few pictures, trying to make the place look good under dull skies.
One shop we went in was called Junk and Disorderly - the name should have implied to us that it was the business of a true Del Boy. He wanted to talk and he wanted me to buy. He mostly had furniture. I escaped with a heavy wooden basket/trug, which he said was a paddy field item and imported from the far east. With some wax polishing it will look good and somebody in Dorking might want it for flowers.
Flowers is something Rustington is good at. They win gold awards every year in the Britain in Bloom competition.
Even in January they make sure the displays are filled and interesting.
The Manor House may entice you to belive that it is old.
I am sure it is 20th century.
See the snowdrops flowering to the right of the gate.
The church is old.
It dates back to the 12th century.
The old village school is next to the church.
It is now used as a village community centre. The caretaker lives in the cottage bearing the plaque.
Not very exciting is it? But all the shops you could want for daily needs are there....and many others.
I do like a thriving green grocer's shop.
The Milennium clock - and more winter flowering pansies.
Officially the village is called Rustington on Sea.....so here is the sea.
As you can see this was not taken this morning.
Two world air speed records were set on the date 7 September over Rustington sea front.
Record 1 - set on 7 September 1946, by Group Captain Teddy Donaldson, flying a Gloster Meteor Star. Donaldson also became the first man to break the 1,000 km/h barrier.[4]
Record 2 - set on 7 September 1953, by Squadron Leader Neville Duke, flying Hawker Hunter WB188, at a speed of 1170.9 km/h.
To celebrate, on 7 September 1996, Neville Duke returned to Rustington to unveil a plaque, marking the event. He was joined by a Gloster Meteor and a Hawker Hunter, which flew over Rustington sea front.
And so I learn something - this information comes from Wikipedia.
Now we must find the Neville Duke plaque.
I know of 2 other plaques marking the homes that had belonged to Hubert Parry and J M Barrie.
This evening we will be timekeeping - indoors, though it still might feel chilly.
It is a sprints evening in "the tube".
After that it is hard to say anything very positive about the morning.
There was no sunshine and the north wind was biting and cutting as it swept across the disused airfield.
I heard somebody say that it has been warmer at 5 o'clock.
There were many stalls set up - and on this day they were piled with things I would not want on my shelves at the shop.
I spent just £3.70 - on books to sell.
We needed some hot tea and a bite to eat.
So, off to The George in Littlehampton.
The customer base is different on Thursday mornings - lots of young mothers and housewives.
I presume our "friend" with the laptop is probably there every morning- using the free WiFi and enjoying a couple of beers away from whoever it is he needs to escape from.
We were not feeling positive about a walk on the drafty banks of the river and set off for home, via Rustington.
It is quite hard to be positive about Rustington.
Once it had been a small village close to the sea, clustered around the church.
Now it is an ever expanding south coast settlement for folks to retire to...there has been much dowdy, modern building in the 60s and 70s.
It has a bigger shopping centre than Littlehampton these days - and a fair abundance of charity shops.
So we stopped and browsed and I took a few pictures, trying to make the place look good under dull skies.
One shop we went in was called Junk and Disorderly - the name should have implied to us that it was the business of a true Del Boy. He wanted to talk and he wanted me to buy. He mostly had furniture. I escaped with a heavy wooden basket/trug, which he said was a paddy field item and imported from the far east. With some wax polishing it will look good and somebody in Dorking might want it for flowers.
Flowers is something Rustington is good at. They win gold awards every year in the Britain in Bloom competition.
Even in January they make sure the displays are filled and interesting.
I am sure it is 20th century.
See the snowdrops flowering to the right of the gate.
The church is old.
It dates back to the 12th century.
The old village school is next to the church.
It is now used as a village community centre. The caretaker lives in the cottage bearing the plaque.
Not very exciting is it? But all the shops you could want for daily needs are there....and many others.
I do like a thriving green grocer's shop.
The Milennium clock - and more winter flowering pansies.
Officially the village is called Rustington on Sea.....so here is the sea.
As you can see this was not taken this morning.
Two world air speed records were set on the date 7 September over Rustington sea front.
Record 1 - set on 7 September 1946, by Group Captain Teddy Donaldson, flying a Gloster Meteor Star. Donaldson also became the first man to break the 1,000 km/h barrier.[4]
Record 2 - set on 7 September 1953, by Squadron Leader Neville Duke, flying Hawker Hunter WB188, at a speed of 1170.9 km/h.
To celebrate, on 7 September 1996, Neville Duke returned to Rustington to unveil a plaque, marking the event. He was joined by a Gloster Meteor and a Hawker Hunter, which flew over Rustington sea front.
And so I learn something - this information comes from Wikipedia.
Now we must find the Neville Duke plaque.
I know of 2 other plaques marking the homes that had belonged to Hubert Parry and J M Barrie.
This evening we will be timekeeping - indoors, though it still might feel chilly.
It is a sprints evening in "the tube".
Labels: Sussex
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Littlehampton in Blue
Lovely day!
Still dark when we left home, but soon the sun was shining.
By half past nine the shopping trolley was full of treasures to investigate and then sell on - plus a skirt and cardigan for me, some jam and a cabbage.
The glasses vases are by Whitefriars.
There is a Denby pottery jug.
A pottery vase by potter unknown (as yet), but signed.
A small piece of Venetian glass.
The pig is fun.
No books!
We breakfasted in the George - our Wetherspoons haunt in Littlehampton. We were surrounded by people we have got to know.
My breakfast, some would consider was unusual. It suited me just fine. I love the sweet chilli noodles that they have - almost no fat and low in calories. Excellent.
And then we took our walk - our normal walk along the river and out to the beach.
I had an idea in mind for my photography to make it feel different.
I was photographing things blue.
It might have been in honour of Littlehampton's blue flag, which they temporarily lost, but today regained. In fact I didn't hear about it until our return - so a serendipity blue theme!
We begin at the beginning.
Surrey Street - the road from the town centre to the river side.
The George is in Surrey Street.
Lots of new development by the original port.
The look and Sea centre houses a cafe, a shop, a museum and a viewpoint.
Look at the wonderful blue sky.
Some of the new flats are clad in wooden weather boarding and painted. These are the blue flats.
Blue and red reflections. This is the cafe we went to with Pete and Jean and din't think much of.
A little blue boat chugs out to sea on the outgoing tide.
Paula and Bill in blue. Well actually my coat is a mauve colour.
Child in blue hat.
Man in blue jacket, sitting on a blue bench.
Blue doors and window frames and yellow door. This is a cafe in the summer, with chairs and tables on the beach.
Sea and blue sky.
Bill and the blue telescope.
Blue sign by the milennium beacon and blue sky, with aircraft trails.
Blue (purply blue) flowers.
Man in blue hat chats, whilst his dog waits patiently.
Blue sea for Nelson.
Pub sign.
Blue sky over the river.
Blue tops to the floats hanging on side of boat by the yellow planks of the walkway.
Blue and white flats with blue balconies, by the river.
Blue porthole window on the blue balcony.
We took other pictures - but that will do for today.
I hope we might have photographs with a different theme tomorrow, for we plan to go out again. This time to the Woking Collectables Fair.
Whilst sorting photos and chatting with friends this afternoon I was keeping an idea on the football scores.
Crawley were at home in this FA Cup match - they knocked out the higher rated club, Bristol City.
I wonder who they will get in the next round......a prestigious team would be really good; it would bring more money to the club and help build a positive spirit in the town.
Still dark when we left home, but soon the sun was shining.
By half past nine the shopping trolley was full of treasures to investigate and then sell on - plus a skirt and cardigan for me, some jam and a cabbage.
The glasses vases are by Whitefriars.
There is a Denby pottery jug.
A pottery vase by potter unknown (as yet), but signed.
A small piece of Venetian glass.
The pig is fun.
No books!
We breakfasted in the George - our Wetherspoons haunt in Littlehampton. We were surrounded by people we have got to know.
My breakfast, some would consider was unusual. It suited me just fine. I love the sweet chilli noodles that they have - almost no fat and low in calories. Excellent.
And then we took our walk - our normal walk along the river and out to the beach.
I had an idea in mind for my photography to make it feel different.
I was photographing things blue.
It might have been in honour of Littlehampton's blue flag, which they temporarily lost, but today regained. In fact I didn't hear about it until our return - so a serendipity blue theme!
We begin at the beginning.
The George is in Surrey Street.
Lots of new development by the original port.
The look and Sea centre houses a cafe, a shop, a museum and a viewpoint.
Look at the wonderful blue sky.
Some of the new flats are clad in wooden weather boarding and painted. These are the blue flats.
Blue and red reflections. This is the cafe we went to with Pete and Jean and din't think much of.
A little blue boat chugs out to sea on the outgoing tide.
Paula and Bill in blue. Well actually my coat is a mauve colour.
Child in blue hat.
Man in blue hat chats, whilst his dog waits patiently.
Blue sea for Nelson.
Pub sign.
Blue tops to the floats hanging on side of boat by the yellow planks of the walkway.
Blue porthole window on the blue balcony.
We took other pictures - but that will do for today.
I hope we might have photographs with a different theme tomorrow, for we plan to go out again. This time to the Woking Collectables Fair.
Whilst sorting photos and chatting with friends this afternoon I was keeping an idea on the football scores.
Crawley were at home in this FA Cup match - they knocked out the higher rated club, Bristol City.
I wonder who they will get in the next round......a prestigious team would be really good; it would bring more money to the club and help build a positive spirit in the town.
Labels: Sussex
