Childhood Memories

 

You could be forgiven for thinking these two pictures were taken in some lush Mediterranean city. But no ! It's Clapham Junction no less.

 When I was a child it was always very exciting to visit the hallowed halls of our local department store, Arding and Hobbs. When something very special was needed or when on the rare occasion as children my brother and I were taken to see Santa  Claus it was always here.

I have a fondness for the building. It was built in the late 19th century and had a bit of remodelling after a fire in the early part of the 20th century. It stands now as an Edwardian, Baroque influenced edifice.

It sadly closed its doors during covid. No longer a department store, it holds many little concessions and the top floor now houses a luxury members club. These pictures are of the roof terrace. I cannot tell you how excited I was to visit last weekend with the Mr and my brother, who still lives locally.

How as a child could I ever have imagined being on top of the roof at Arding and Hobbs? It is quite astonishing to me. 

An early photo of the building. What history!

Make Do & Mend A Thrifty Post

 Years ago I followed a wonderful blogger called ' A Thrifty Mrs'.  She would pass on pearls of wisdom that were honestly life changing. She set me on the road of good value and no waste. I miss her thoughtful  contributions. I believe she sold the rights to her brand and probably went on to better things or at least things that required less dedication and hard work.

I have oft mentioned my resentment of companies and manufacturers who are constantly dipping their beaks in my pockets. Items that are poor value or which do not last a reasonable time, really get my goat!

 This week I took offence with my shower puff. I use a plastic puff, I know not good, but the sustainable ones don't work and frankly become unpleasant after a short time.

The problem with my chosen puff is that after a while it starts to unravel, then of course is not so efficient and starts to annoy me. At which point in the past I have purchased another. You can see where this is going.

Well no more I say! I have drawn a line in the sand, so to speak , and I have learnt from the all wise Youtube how to reassemble my puffs. A quiet revelation. Most satisfying.

Plus I have been darning my favourite pure wool socks in preparation for the cooler months, yes they will come.

These socks are ultra thick and cosy but wear through in one particular spot. So now I darn and don't purchase new pairs.

As they say up T'North, money saved is money earned. What thrifty tips would you pass on to other folk at this time of year? Do tell.

Happisburgh Norfolk

 This poor quaint English village is slowly falling into the sea. I believe it has been doing so for many decades now. Measures have been taken over the years to stop the erosion but alas it still progresses.

There are signs along the coastal areas to warn folk of imminent danger.

Famous for it's red and white striped lighthouse built in 1790, and St. Mary's, a beautiful 15th century church.

I was very taken with the medieval stone octagonal font, featuring carvings of Angels, symbols of the Evangelists and my personal favourite, Wildmen (woodwoses) and funny faced adorable Lions.

It would be so sad if all this was lost to the sea. Let's hope the local powers that be continue to fight the erosion.

Harvest Time

 More to do today. My chamomile beds were a fail this year, but I've found some that have self seeded elswhere in the garden. Yippee.

Beatrix Potter 160 Years

 Good morning dear hearts. Did I remember to tell you that I joined a little known society early on in the year? A little society celebrating a Great Briton.

Beatrix Potter had an enormous impact on my childhood, her little books took me to magical places which were an especial delight to me. A complete contrast to the bookless house I grew up in. It was years before I fully realised everything she had achieved in her life and what a wonderful human being she was and how in so many ways she touched so many lives.

This July 28th sees the 160 year anniversary of her birth and of course is a major cause for celebration. Emma Bridgewater who has a special place in her heart for Beatrix Potter has produced a lovely Peter Rabbit collection. It launched yesterday and I flew to the website to order a keepsake. I wasn't planning on making such a big purchase, but................

An heirloom piece to add to my collection. I'm super pleased with it. Not that I will need to employ it any time soon :)

If you have a chance do pop over to the Beatrix Potter Society website beatrixpotter.org.uk

Wiveton Hall A Jacobean Manor House

 

The Mr and I visited the wonderful Wiveton Hall in Norfolk last week. Actually it was a tour of the grounds and gardens led by the most eccentric and lovely man, Desmond MacCarthy, whose family have owned the house for several generations. 

He charmed and captivated the large group of about forty people with stories and tales of the past. It felt like he held our collective hands and took us back in time to meet the interesting and characterful folk who share his history with the house and gardens.

An eminent story teller and a deeply kind and authentic man, and as the website says the Hall is a place that is genuinely special, quietly beautiful and entirely itself. I don't think the word magical is too strong.

If you plan on visiting Norfolk please do try and book ahead for one of Desmond's tours. He will delight you and restore your faith in humanity.

Hello and a very warm welcome to Wanda a new follower, thank you muchly for pressing the Follow button.

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Bette Davis