Tiggy-Winkle

Sat down at the kitchen table this morning to start work, when this little visitor appeared!

It stood very still, then turned around and walked off back up the garden.

And hid in the border.

It didn't look injured, just confused, so I did a search for what to feed it. Living in a vegy household, the options were a little limited, but it said that mild cheddar was fine! I put some down with a bowl of water and, sure enough, it started munching away.

Later, I went up the shop for cat food, but it was gone by the time I got back. Still, lovely start to the day.

Had a nice ride yesterday with Hammond-hurling Simon. It was a real scorcher of a day, stringy vest weather, practically had to peel myself out of my jodhpurs - ew.

The farrier was at the yard, too.

My friends Cassie, Sean and li'le Ryanman are visiting tomorrow from London. Haven't seen them in a very long time. Can't wait.

Had a lovely last night in Northamptonshire with Mum and M. Went down to Aunty Heron's boat, Celia, at Buckby and stopped for a pint at the New Inn, which had Hobgoblin on tap.

Origins of the Buckby Can
(click to enlarge)

Also forgot to mention the obligatory Hollowell jaunty-angled hat buy this year. Rakish, and slightly more wearable in social situations than last year's.

Dundurn - The Final Chapter

Dear readers, I would like to share with you one of the strangest things that has ever happened to me.

It all began last May, with The Curious Incident of Dundurn, Part I, in which I experienced a minor mental meltdown whilst walking the last seat of Pictish power with my friend, Paul.

That in itself was so strange that I rolled up my sleeves and went back there - alone.

Determined not to be spooked by a hill, I walked all the way to the top (The Curious Incident of Dundurn, Part II) then all the way down the other side and up the opposite one (The Curious Incident of Dundurn, Part III).

Yeah! Take that hill(s)! You have been walked!

Bloody knackered, I arrived back at the old church at the bottom. As you already know from this blog, I'm a bit of a gravestone junkie. I love unusual stone carvings and weird little epitaphs. Which is why this one caught my eye.

Seriously - who gets buried with the name of their book on their headstone?

Being of a literary bent myself, I made a mental note to track down the title and have a read.

Then forgot all about it until the other night.

Approaching the witching hour, I looked up Gordon Bottomley on Wiki, and immediately found myself hooked. 

There are approximately 660 words written about Gordon Bottomley on Wiki. Within those 660 words I discovered:

• The fact that he was a TB sufferer (my debut novel was about a TB sanatorium)
• That he was born in  Keighley and lived in Bradford (Paul was born in Bradford and lived in  Keighley)
• That he moved to the village where my former amour took me for my first ever romantic birthday weekend away
• That he donated most of his works to my father's home town
• That he was inspired by an artist with my first name
• That a collection of his works was named after my under-grad university campus (minus a silent K)

Coincidence. All coincidence, I know. It took me a while to notice on the gravestone that we share the same birthday!

Thoroughly intrigued, I ran a search on Amazon and ABE (oh, sorry, what's that - same thing?) for Ardvorlich's Wife and was a little perplexed when I couldn't find the title. There isn't anything you can't find on at least one of those sites.

The plot thickened.

I tracked down the e-mail address for Crieff library, which is the next village across from Dundurn, and sent them a little message asking whether they had a copy. A response soon came back, from a local historian. Here follows the conversation:

HE

...Bottomley’s Perthshire connections are obscure. His mother’s surname was Gordon and she apparently had Scottish ancestry. She wasn’t born here though and I doubt that any of his family is buried near Dundurn. He certainly liked Dark Age subjects and legend says that Dundurn was the scene of certain struggles between the native Picts and incoming Scots. He wrote about Gruach, the historical Lady MacBeth, who appears in several romantic works and is sometimes claimed to be among the last of the Pictish royalty.

One of our previous librarians must have been aware that Bottomley had some significance to Perthshire because we keep three books of his. We only do that if an author is from here or writing about the place. “Ardvorlich’s Wife” is a short verse play that he published in a collection called “Scenes and Plays” (Constable & Co, London, 1929)...

Your original attachment hasn’t been forwarded to me, so I haven’t seen the gravestone. Does the inscription definitely indicate that his body is there? Quite a lot of monumental inscriptions – even the ones in graveyards – commemorate people buried elsewhere.

If it does say that he is there, it all gets a bit mysterious because I am fairly sure Gordon Bottomley didn’t die in Scotland. The registrar certainly does not seem to have recorded his death. I have seen some evidence though that he actually died in Wiltshire in 1948. It is possible though that his ashes were scattered in Dundurn at a later date or maybe he was even reinterred (though that sounds a bit drastic).

---

ME

...Funny you should mention the commemoration stone issue. I was actually caught out by that quite badly. My friend and I drove past an old graveyard in a field and stopped to take a look, as the gate had fallen off. It was completely overgrown and rather mysterious. We brushed aside one of the trees to reveal the headstone of Archibald Campbell Tait, "12 years Bishop of London" and "14 years Archbishop of Canterbury"!

We were astonished to find the grave of such a prominent character so discarded. Thankfully I took a photograph, but it wasn't until we got back that I noticed the important words "laid to rest with his wife and son," who were buried in London.

Still, the wording of this one looks fairly interesting?

What do you reckon? 

---

HE

I saw the attachment and it looks pretty clear that the grave contains his and his wife's ashes. The inscription was evidently made well over a year after the death of his wife Emily (Burton). I reckon their ashes must have been brought up from England and re-interred in accordance with his wishes. There is no doubt that he died in Wiltshire. I confirmed that from the Dictionary of National Biography.

The reason that the monument celebrated the obscure work "Ardvorlich's Wife" is because of its local significance. If you check the attachments and this link then it all becomes clearer.

The text of "Ardvorlich's Wife" is prefaced by the attached extract from Scott's "Legend of Montrose". It's a horrific tale!

And one that I cannot wait to read, having now been able to source a copy!

So, Gordon Bottomley, we now know where you rest, the mystery has been solved and I shall add it to Wiki shortly, along with our birthday.

As for the graves in the yard, I'm going to reply briefly to mention that none of the graves, despite looking like an ancient graveyard, seem to be as old as the stones would suggest. It was something that caught my attention the first time I visited, and made reference to in my adventure video. I think that there's more than a few unsolved mysteries there. Paul reckons it may have been built on a stone circle. Apparently that's a common feature of churches with circular walls.

Hollowell 2013

Wicked weekend at Hollowell Steam Rally. Seems to get bigger each year.

Went down the field with my brother and his mates. After the show ground closes, the beer tents and some of the rides stay open for locals and exhibitors. It was a weird coming-of-age realisation when I was in the car with my (much younger) brother driving me down the pub! 

Complete change from last year, when we were up to our ankles in mud. This year we're in the middle of a scorching heat wave!

Had an awesome night with friends. Far too much alcohol consumed. Our local brewer, Nobby, supplies the tents and this year there were some lethal elderflower and ginger ciders.

It's great after hours. Our friend brought her daughter down and she had a whale of a time because there aren't any queues for anything. She wanted to ride the one that goes up in the air and spins around. The boys, who had just come from the beer tent, took it in turns, looking paler and paler each time. Meanwhile, we tried to judge a safe viewing distance below, in case the worst should happen.

Also had a go at the strong arm thing where you have to ring the bell. I could barely lift the mallet! You should win a prize just for that. Nothing funnier than watching drunk blokes try to impress with their mallet-thumping prowess. Ah, if only there were pictures!

I managed to get my annual fix of the lady on the black horse. I always miss the announcement, so I have no idea who she is, but I'm a sucker for a top hat... and, obviously, a horse. Horses in top hats! That's what's missing. She oozes equine chic. I'm not the only one to think so - she's caught the eye of others on YouTube. I doubt even if I were wearing spats and tails I could make Simon look that stylish. Though it might add an extra dimension of surrealism whilst he's decking James May.

It was also a day for school reunions. Bumped into a couple of people I hadn't seen in (apparently) thirteen years. Someone recognising me is sort of in league with being IDed for alcohol, in that I suppose it's a compliment that I haven't changed that much. Although, the next questions is always 'oh crap, what did I do that was so memorable?'

One such encounter occurred at kebab o'clock (that point in the night where you're completely baked and stuffing down a cheap burger to soak up enough alcohol to keep going). A very tall, dashing gentleman materialised beside me, said hello, then gave me a kiss on the cheek before disappearing back into the crowd, leaving me wondering exactly what had been in that cider?

I spent the next morning trawling through school photographs with a big frown on my face, before contacting my best mate from back then - only to find out she became a mother two days ago!

I mean, seriously. Where on earth does the time go? 

A strange and mysterious night.
 

Very privileged to have such a fun festival on our doorstep. Was lovely to see everyone, as I don't see my brother that often. His mate, Richard, is a talented guitar maker. He brought down a ukulele made from white wood. It practically shimmered. The sort of instrument a unicorn might play whilst floating on a cloud above a rainbow. Mythological. Check him out at M&R Guitars.

I'm hoping he can also make the cars to go with it.

Mirror Mirror...

Monday is officially the best day of the week so far.

Firstly, because it's the second week of Wimbledon. Robson, Murray and Djokovic all playing.

Secondly, because when I went up the shop to purchase supplies, I got IDed for alcohol!

YES!

Made my day. I think it's because I was buying a Frijj with it. Whatever the reason, I practically skipped home.

And, no, Tas, cheeky boots - I did not stop to pat the guide dog.

Just winked at it.

I spent yesterday working away. There's a place handing out free distance learning college courses. Recently completed one in Equality & Diversity, now moved onto Business & Administration. It's a bit of a walkover, having worked as an Administrator once upon a time, but I like collecting qualifications and I thought the Business part might come in handy for instilling confidence in my Social Enterprise clients. They don't need to know that one of the units is literally 'how to answer the phone'.

I was just about to fall asleep on my keyboard when this li'le guy flew in through the door. Ain't he cute?

 

 

Not sure what it is. Just e-mailed UK Butterflies to find out.

[UPDATE: apparently it's a Scarlet Tiger Moth. This is incredible as we found a Tiger Moth chrysalis in a plant pot a couple of years back and watched it hatch. Apparently they come back to breed in the same places, so it might even have been born in our garden! :) ]

And, naturally, more of the garden. The strawberries are finally ripening. Everything's about a month behind schedule with the weird weather.

Nomnomnom

Sweet Peas

Corn Flowers

Oriental Lily

Pansy

Fire and Rain

Alright chaps?

Boom, boom, ching.

Weekly catch-up.

It's not just my luck pants that have a hole. Looks like I need some new boots, too. Bit miffed about that, but they've served me well. Picked these up a few years ago at Matalan for about a tenner. Riding boots went through a fashionable phase but the cheap knock-offs in the shops were actually perfectly fit for purpose. They've lasted a long time.

That's almost as big as the hole in my pants, which I was also wearing. I was right. The luck leaked out. I met Clint today, who is by far the most forward-going mount I've had there. He's about 20, an old man by horsey standards, but twice as energetic as Andy and Lump put together.

Halfway up the hill we had a little 'altercation'. He spooked at a swarm of flies and decided to do a tap dance. I'm embarrassed to report that I shrieking like a girly girl, but proud to say that I recovered quickly, stayed in the saddle and regained control. Luck very nearly wasn't the only thing leaking out of my lucky pants.

That wasn't the end of the adventure. We ended up going down a trail that starts by passing a clearing someone uses for fly tipping. We've been there a few times, and it's a bit creepy. Today, some guys had turned up and were burning the rubbish on a massive, petrol-induced bonfire. The flames were almost as high as the trees.

The horses weren't too certain about going past. You could feel the heat from it. Then, just as we are passing, something on the fire exploded with a massive bang.

Yeah. That was fun.

Gives you so much respect for police horses that go through riot training.

Finally... it bucketed down.

All in all, an eventful ride. 

Got back and someone had nicked my parking space, so had to walk a block in the downpour. Couldn't have been more drenched. Would have traded my jodhpurs for a wetsuit. I soaked it off in the tub, then settled down in front of the telly with beer and a bag of Kettle Chips, just in time for Djokovic.

Hasn't it been an incredible Wimbledon so far? Di and I talked about it most of the ride. Wednesday saw the most player withdrawals of any of the four majors, ever. Nadal's gone, Federer, Hewitt, Sharapova, and Tsonga! Truly bizarre. They played the theme tune to Casualty during the daily round-up. Even Darcis is out, the guy who beat Nadal. That's always slightly annoying when someone comes out of nowhere, takes out a top seed, then disappears again. It's incredible to watch them do it, but then you're denied the fun of watching the big names later on in the tournament.

Still, Murray's in, and Laura Robsen. Plus, really liking Dustin Brown's style.

Probably going to be a Djokovic/Murray final, but so far things have been a bit unconventional, so anything could happen.

I'm all stocked up. Have beer, chocolate, crisps and sandwiches. Plus this awesome double chocolate spread stuff, and a good book to unwind with after the excitement.

No riding for a couple of weeks as I have an AGM next week, then off to Hollowell Steam Rally.

Happy Solstice

Geraint, Suki (and babs), Moi

What an incredibly wonderful way to spend the longest day of the year.

Slightly emotional reunion.

Headed to my old stomping ground of Cardiff to meet up with my friend Martin at Chapter Arts. They've completely revamped the place since I used to frequent it. Opened it all up, bright and breezy, really beautiful. If you're ever in the area, do go!

Had a lovely lunch with Martin, author of a must-read book on Social Enterprise and a consultant to the Voluntary Sector. Fantastic catch-up, learned a lot about co-operatives, and fascinating conversation on imagination and the mind.

I'd mentioned that I was in town to a couple of old friends on the off-chance they were about for a Friday afternoon drink.

The photograph above is kinda special.

Many years ago, back in my 'married' life, I fell over Geraint (Gedge) in a pub. Meanwhile, whilst working for a charity in town, Suki appeared on secondment as a trainee Social Worker. I introduced them to each other, and thus began an incredible few years of drinking. There was a gang of us - so close (and so drunk!). A couple of golden years.

Towards the end, my partner and I split. Extremely amicable, but a little bit of heartache moving out of the gorgeous house we were living in. We both stuck around in Cardiff for a year, and I did my MA at the uni there. Then I signed up for VSO and headed off to Africa.

Before I left Cardiff, we had a leaving do at one of our favourite pubs...

Me, Phil, Suki, Gedge and Gareth
(Spot the famous one!)

Strike a Pose

Gedgy Breasts!

You get the picture.

Anyway, there was a beautiful sunset the day I left Cardiff, and I saw Suki again for a last goodbye in Gloucester about a week before getting on the plane.

A couple of years ago, soon after getting back, I popped to Cardiff to see Gedge, but Suki was out of the country. I knew she'd had a little boy as I went to see one of her favourite performers, Greg Trooper, soon after she gave birth and got him to sign a baby grow.

Thing is, I'd not actually seen her in six years. I had absolutely no idea she was coming out to see me today, and no idea she was seven months pregnant with baby #2!

So, the picture up top is really wonderful. Two years and six years respectively, for a gang of people I spent almost every other day with for three years.

Most of the gang is no longer there. Everyone's either moved away or drifted off into domestic bliss. 

But for Suki, Gedge and I, it was like we'd never been apart... err, other than the soft drinks! Me because I was driving, Suki because she was pregnant, and Gedge out of sympathy. 

Home now with a large glass of red.

Never so long again!

So, thank you Martin, Gedge, Suki and baby for a lovely day, and lots of nommy food. Now that I have rubbed the sacred lucky baby belly, I am excited to see what the future holds.

Flower Power

Thursday catch-up. Been a pants week, but just back from the stables. Talk about speed dating! Stepped out with Andy today, had an incredible ride. Di and Julia were there, too. We decided we're Robin Hood's band of merry (wo)men. The green woodland we went through is so oldy worldy. 

Really, really humid, overcast day. Severe case of sweaty helmet hair. Thunder storms forecast.

No matter how crap a week you're having - horses are the answer. Don't care what the question is.

Took some more pictures of the garden yesterday. So pretty.

 

Hop Vine

Decided to start re-blogging my time in Africa a while back. Feeling a little wistful for times gone by. Added a new Africa tab to this blog. 

Think it's time for me to have a bit of a think about the future. But Wimbledon starts this week, so no need to rush. Might just focus on strawberries and cream instead.

Hmm. We'll see.