Women and Power
2018 is the centenary of the armistice. It’s also one hundred years since women were given the vote. National Trust houses are few and far between where I live but Killerton, near Cullompton in Devon, is a favourite. This autumn it played host to an exhibition, Women and Power: The Struggle for Suffrage. As it […]
Night soil, lice and all things nice
You know me, can’t pass by a museum or historical house – or as my grandmother used to say, in fine Mrs Malaprop tradition, ‘hysterical’ house. The National Trust has its fair share of grand hysterical houses and magnificent gardens but, every now and again, you come across a more unassuming little gem. Shute Barton […]
Night soil, lice & all things nice
Over on the award-winning oapschat today: https://oapschat.co.uk/south-west/the-national-trust-shute-barton-a-hidden-gem-in-devon Hope you all had a great Bank Holiday and didn’t suffer too many storms! Love, Georgia x
A Love Letter Revisited
Dear Reader, We may just be hurtling to the final fence in this house selling saga. But you know what they say, it ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings. And I’m not singing! Mixed metaphors aside, we’re deep in sorting, sifting, de-cluttering and packing. The dogs are hiding. Meanwhile, in cruel disregard to our cares, the […]
Herefordshire: a love letter
I’m writing this at the close of another incandescent Herefordshire autumn day. The clouds are gathering temporarily before a cold, starlit night and it’s time to light the wood-burner. When I took the dogs out earlier, it was one of those glorious mornings which made everyone greet us with a smile and a cheery hello. […]
Rudyard Kipling and his writing sanctuary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Boy_Jack_(film) http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans/ Following on from yesterday’s post about where I write, I’m delighted to say I have persuaded some other writers to share their secrets too. Look out for the first guest blog next month. In the meantime, I’d like to share Rudyard Kipling’s study. I went to his house, Bateman’s, a few years ago. […]
Going Galanthophile
It’s that time of year, at least in the U.K., when the first snowdrops appear. These little white flowers, with their delicate grace, drooping heads and slivers of leaf, herald the very beginnings of spring. They are the first sign that the weather is warming and the days are lengthening. Occasionally known as Fairmaids of […]
Black dye, riches and tragedy.
I’m lucky to have many fascinating National Trust houses within easy distance and one of my favourites is Berrington Hall in Herefordshire. Berrington is a pretty 18th century house, with Capability Brown designed grounds, set amongst beautiful rolling hills and commanding impressive views. I visit frequently and always find something new. My most recent trip […]
