A visit to Worth Matravers

Worth Matravers is famous for the small pub, The Square and Compass (pie and a pint) pub. Lovely little pub where the pints are good and you have a selection of pies and pastries to choose from. To me, that was the main attraction, and we have visited this iconic pub many times. Recently, we decided to try the only little tea room in the village square. 

The first surprise was that Worth Matravers town council has teamed up with a private car park management firm. Such a pity as these modern-day mafia-style companies operate just above the law, sometimes, but mostly always expect the worst and save your payment screen.

Getting back to the tea room. Quaint, family-run takeaway tearoom with very tasty pies, pastries and the coffee was worth drinking. Actually, this little tearoom is up for sale. As you walk in, you are in what would have been their dining room, this small area is where they serve from. There is a lounge to the right, closed off, but I did take a peek. If you are in Worth Matravers and fancy a pastry or cake, it is worth a stop.

St Nicholas of Myra, the local church, is two houses away and was open, so we decided to take a look. Turns out this was the day it opened after three years of renovations. Beautifully restored stained glass windows and a completely new roof. Very classic rafters that draw your gaze upwards. 

More on the church here - https://staldhelm-purbeck.org/st-nicholas-of-myra-worth/

Hope you enjoy the photos I took.

But this hamlet has another secret. The village was chosen as a base for the research and development of radar systems, owing to its proximity to the English Channel and the potential threat of enemy invasion.

During the Second World War, several radar stations and research facilities were established in and around Worth Matravers. These sites housed scientists, engineers, and technicians who worked to refine and improve radar technology. One such facility was the Air Ministry Research Station, which significantly developed radar systems for aircraft detection and defence.

Worth Matravers became a hub for radar trials, where scientists tested and refined radar systems in real-world scenarios. The surrounding coastal cliffs and panoramic views offered a unique advantage in assessing the effectiveness of radar in detecting enemy aircraft and vessels. These trials led to crucial advancements in radar technology, ultimately contributing to the success of British military operations.

Given the sensitive nature of radar development, the work at Worth Matravers was shrouded in secrecy. The facilities were heavily guarded and the village became a restricted area, with access limited to authorised personnel only. 

Residents only moved back after the end of the war. 

A man, who mixed 1 pint of full-cream milk with 3 pints of water to create skimmed milk, has observed that there is no snap, crackle or pop to his cereal. Interesting!

Stop letting your ego and vanity impede your passion. Who knows, you might find yourself along the way. 

Not sure if this whole Israel-Iran conflict is good news. Israel seems to want to completely destroy Gaza and starve the people into leaving. Now they are going after Iran. Make no mistake, Hamas and the Iranian government are no angels. The whole of Palestine is a wreck, and the way Israel is going about their stated quest of getting rid of all Hamas fighters does seem extreme. Maybe the leaders of the different factions should read or listen to the words in this song, Blowin' In the Wind by Bob Dylan. 

Yes, and how many ears must one man have

Before he can hear people cry?

Yes, and how many deaths will it take 'til he knows

That too many people have died?

If a car is first at a red light and there are sirens coming from behind and the car has nowhere to go to move out of the way, can the car go through the light if it's safe?

In the UK, it's a bit different. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind with its blue lights and siren on, and you are at a red light. If you choose to go through, I have, and you set off a camera, it is an offence. Apparently it is not a legal excuse to pass a red light to let an emergency vehicle pass. Now this is where it gets interesting. It is an offence to hold up an emergency vehicle with its blue lights on. Not sure you can win either way, the cash-hungry council will go after you.

The summer is slowly creeping in, bringing with it sun, a warmer sea and some rain. Our garden is thriving with this kinder climate, the orange trees are bursting with pure white flowers from purple buds. The mulberry bush is covered with red berries, soon to turn a dark red, almost black as they ripen. The question on everyone’s lips is, will the orange tree actually give us oranges that we can eat? Last year they were very small and very sour.

What a day, early swim, wind not that great, mowed the lawn, fertilised the plants, printed baby faces for GSP, had lunch and walked the dog. Now I am making a Cajun Chicken dish with a twist, my twist. 

Angela is having a rough time in Australia, cold, 2.5 deg C, no rain and not sure about the wind. My thoughts are with my darling child as she navigates life’s challenges, maybe some are more challenging then others, but if she would only come home to sunny England, where we swim all year long and have Blue Star Beaches. 

Susan is going to a baby shower, well, not really, this one was planned by the lady having the baby. Certain protocols must be observed, and there are many. She has slaved away to make a disposable nappy cake. What is that? Well, it is a cake made of disposable nappies, no darling, not to eat, made with real disposable nappies, but to throw away. Expected mothers have high standards, and these nappies have been touched by foreign objects in unhygienic conditions, and it is safe to say, will not be used. Michael will bear witness; they will not see the light of day.

Talking of Michael: He, Gary and Daniel went to London to watch the cricket. Big match, South Africa playing Australia in the World Cup final. Well, South Africa won, not sure how the Australians feel about that, I would be really annoyed. Does this mean that South Africa will be going back to apartheid? Australians are in mourning, and I grieve with them. Chin up, Australia, you are still the number one cricketers in the world.

The money plant, beautiful and decorative, but a misdemeanour, in that there is no money, just round leaves and stalks. Not sure if I am a fan.