Mid-July Blog of Colour and History

Due to overwhelming demand, Susan is bringing back Gingerbread House building for the run-up to Christmas. This year promises more creative freedom than ever before. You are no longer restricted to traditional holiday designs. Instead, you can craft anything your imagination allows, from classic snowy cottages to spooky haunted houses.

Butterflies

It is a time to reflect and relax. 15 minutes every day for a month, sitting in the garden counting butterflies. I usually do my count at around 5 pm. The routine is: 4:30 pm, go to Tesco to buy dinner; I always buy fresh if possible. Get back and pour a glass of wine, take my iPad and sit in the shade and count butterflies. Life is what you make it, and this is one of those times you just sit and enjoy the peace, calm and coolness of a summer's day.

I have done some counts with others. I remember a Butterfly count with Sally Mead at Longthorns Farm; that was quite a few years ago, but still we had a great time. Robert and I did one; not sure he noticed at the time, but as we only saw a few Small Whites, it was not that memorable. Susan did spot a Gatekeeper while walking Jenson and managed to photograph it, I do not ever recall seeing one.

Over the years it has become a habit that brings its own joys. This year I photographed a ‘Comma’ Butterfly. Quite distinct wings; never seen one in the garden before. My favourite is still the Red Admiral.

Tyneham Village

Tyneham is a ghost village in Dorset, England, evacuated in December 1943 during WWII for military training. Because it remains part of the Ministry of Defence's active Lulworth Ranges, access is restricted. 

We decided it was time to go further afield for our Sunday tea and cake. We go to Compton Acres most of the time, and we needed a change. Tyneham Village with the Salt Pig mobile coffee and pastries kiosk was our destination. The last time we were there was the first 52 km Maverick Run Michael competed in. Matilda and Be did the shorter course of 21 km. 

Quite a lot has changed, 

the telephone box. Now it is white with posters. Seems strange as it was completely restored in 2012, not sure I agree.

We walked around the ghost village and found that most of the ruins are now fenced off. Not sure why, but it does change the feel of the place. The historic romance of walking into what was in 1943 a laundry can only be viewed through a sturdy, green fence. This is a pity, as it has lost the charm and the tactile history that you felt in the old ruins.

The church is still in very good condition and has regular services.

Still a pleasant outing but will not rush back. Although I must say, the coffee was good and the service friendly. Sometimes it is not the destination but the journey, and this is a beautiful part of Dorset, well worth the drive.

History of the village.

In November 1943, during preparations for the D-Day landings, the 225 residents of this peaceful rural village were given just 28 days to evacuate their homes. They left with the promise that they would be allowed to return after the war. Sadly, the land was compulsorily purchased by the War Office in 1948 and absorbed into the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Gunnery School. The villagers were never permitted to return, and the village has remained deserted ever since.

History - The Telephone Kiosk.

Tyneham got its first public telephone kiosk during the winter of 1929. Before this date, the villagers would keep in touch with the outside world by telegram or later by using the telephone in the back room of the Post Office.

We drove there via Creech and then through Creech Grange, passing the beautiful mansion in the valley. We came back via Steeple, Church Knowle and then down into the village of Corfe Castle. Church Knowle is an interesting place to visit.

The name Knowle ‘Cnolle’ comes from Saxon origins, meaning hilltop, alluding to an ancient settlement. But Church Knowle’s history predates even that. A Roman villa was discovered nearby, and the surrounding landscape features several prehistoric artefacts, dating back thousands of years. It appears in the Domesday Book (1086) as Cnolle.

Weekend Madness: BBQ Flowers, Jet-Wash Wars, and Cricketing Disappointments

If you think your weekends are busy, sit down and read about ours. We packed so much into the last 48 hours that we are still recovering from the sheer pace of it all. It was a whirlwind of sensory overload, garden warfare, and sporting tragedy.

Here is how we survived our latest bout of weekend madness.

Friday: Gary’s Floral Culinary Sanctuary

We kicked off the weekend on Friday evening with what was supposed to be a simple Burger Night. Naturally, it escalated into a full-blown BBQ.

The highlight of the evening wasn't just the food, but the ambience created for our chef. Gary is a sensitive lad, you see. To ensure he remained in the ultimate zen state required to superbly grill the meat, we surrounded him with a vibrant, colourful floral arrangement. It turns out that calm vibes and bright petals are the secret ingredients to a perfect burger.

Saturday Morning: The Great Patio Battle

Saturday began peacefully enough with our daily swim, but the tranquillity didn't last long. Next up was a brutal bout of weed fighting. We showed no mercy and managed to clear the vast majority of the green invaders before moving on to the main event: the patio.

We had never actually tried cleaning the paving stones before, so we brought out the heavy artillery. Alex and Susan teamed up on jet-washing and sweeping duty. Alex was, let’s say, a little cavalier with his aim.

Between the rogue water streams and the flying dirt, a few things happened:

• The paving stones look absolutely brand new.

• The patio has never been cleaner.

• The odd dog accidentally got a high-speed bath.

It was all for a good cause, even if the local canine population disagrees.

Saturday Afternoon: Blueberry Picking and Cricket Blunders

After the hard labour, it was time for some fruit picking at Brothers Farm. I strictly insisted on everyone eating beforehand—no one wants a hungry fruit picker baking in the hot sunshine. The fuel worked wonders, and Alex and Susan successfully filled the box with beautiful blueberries.

With our harvest secured, we rushed off to support Gary in his cricket match against Broadstone's formidable foe, Corfe Mullen.

We expected an afternoon of tense spectating, but Gary’s time at the crease was... brief. He faced an absolutely exceptional ball, got caught at silly mid-on, and just like that, his batting innings was over. At least it meant we didn't have to sit out in the sun for too long! Sadly, Broadstone came second overall, but Gary gave it his all.

The Verdict

By the time we headed home, we were exhausted but triumphant. We checked off a mountain of chores, rescued a patio, dodged rogue jet washers, and picked enough fruit to last us a while.

This coming weekend we are off for a family get-together in Somerset. Robert and Lauren are travelling down from Nottingham, and the Middle Smiths will leave after Alex finishes school. Should be fun having all the family, well, those living in England, together for the weekend. We will miss those living further afield.

Talking of those living further afield. Michael is now beginning to understand that marriage is like a workshop; Michael works and Matilda shops.

Will keep you posted on the weekend's mayhem: 6 adults, one child and one and a half dogs. Can only be fun.

T20 Women’s World Cup Final

I watched the Women’s T20 World Cup final from start to finish, and I have to be careful with my words. Angela and Michael would be cheering on Australia, while I am cheering on England. Australia started well and were clinical in their game plan. They had done their preparations and within 5 overs were on top. England battled on bravely, but too many wickets were lost in the power play, too many dot balls. Australia were the better team, and once England were finished on 150 runs, the game was lost for our girls. Australia were triumphant in the runs per over, and we did not have an answer. So to sum up, well done Australia.

Thinking about it, I was probably the only one who watched the game. The game started at midnight in Australia, so a non-starter for those down under. Robert would not be aware of this final, and Gary has too much on his mind after losing to Corfe Mullen.