Category Archives: National Trust visits

Furry and the Playing Place

Posted on June 30, 2022 by Gary

In Helston there is a roundabout called Furry. It took me a while to find out why. Apparently there is, in Helston, a traditional dance performed on May 8 every year called the Furry Dance (‘furry’ may have come from … Continue reading →

Posted in Cornwall 2022, Gary's Posts, National Trust visits | 1 Comment

We didn’t have tapas

Posted on October 9, 2021 by Gary

One of my favourite people on Twitter is The Man in Seat 61. We’ve been following him for years. He loves public transport even more than me. Which, in and of itself, is extraordinary. He created an amazing website full … Continue reading →

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Where once were dragons

Posted on October 8, 2021 by Gary

When you spend a lot of money renovating your home, I think it’s a good idea to look after your servants. It might annoy you having to pay for bathing facilities for them, but you should weigh up whether the … Continue reading →

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She made them flow with silent sweetness

Posted on October 7, 2021 by Gary

I was correct regarding the nightmare effects of the ginormous cherry Eton mess I devoured last night. I spent the night being constantly harassed by dreams of what to do about sorting the rubbish when we leave on Sunday. There’s … Continue reading →

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When NT made me eat a pastie

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Gary

In 1930, the Great Depression created an almost 100% unemployment situation on Tyneside. Commander Clare Vyner wanted to do something for the boys who had nothing and even less to look forward to. He wanted to give them a future. … Continue reading →

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Who dun what?

Posted on September 10, 2021 by Gary

The crane flies in the part of Devon we’re staying in, are big and numerous. More than once I have mistaken one of them for a sparrow as it flew into a lamp. Then, this morning, I was surprised in … Continue reading →

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Well, the wipers worked

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Gary

High up on the rocky hill of Brentor there stands the lonely little church of St Michael de Rupe. It is thought to have been built in around 1130. Why anyone would want to build a church in such a … Continue reading →

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No room! No room!

Posted on September 7, 2021 by Gary

Back in 2008, we almost visited Castle Drogo, the last castle built in England. We were looking for somewhere to take a break but, instead, met a bus in a narrow lane. It was a harrowing experience and, as it … Continue reading →

Posted in Devon 2021, Gary's Posts, National Trust visits | Leave a comment

Black bellied white sheep

Posted on September 5, 2021 by Gary

Violet Pinwill (1874-1957) was one of those Victorian women who didn’t subscribe to the theory that women should leave everything to men, stay at home and have babies. In fact, she became an expert wood carver, didn’t marry and, as … Continue reading →

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Buses and babies

Posted on June 3, 2018 by Gary

We haven’t been to the Big Easy for ages (the last time for me was when Sally and family had lunch with us and Will ate all the lobster) so it seemed the best choice for lunch today ahead of … Continue reading →

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