A short Holiday to 'The Peak District and Beyond'

 At the end of July we set out on John Martin's coach holiday to The Peak District & Beyond'.  It is quite a long drive and we have got used to settling down on the coach and getting out our books and phones, and just gazing out of the window, whilst this time Martin, in whose safe hands we were, takes the strain of the motorway driving.

The first picture I took through the coach window was this one: having been used to absolutely no clouds, a few miles north, even though the fields tell the story, it was the clouds that stood out.  I do love good clouds! The farmer cut his field early to get some sort of crop in.

We had two stops on the way up, one being at our favourite Motorway stop at the Gloucestershire Services which has the farm shop.  There we stretched our legs and on our walk and found that although their wild flower area was beyond parched, there were still the wonderful seed heads of the wild carrot.

We stayed at The Cotton Hotel & Spa, which although under Manchester flight path, was excellent.  We only had time on the last day to enjoy their various facilities such as swimming pool, outside jacuzzi, hot room and sauna. Other days, all we felt like was a rest after our outings before dinner.

The first full day saw us being dropped in Bakewell for a few hours.  We partook of the authentic Bakewell pudding. We sat in the little riverside park close to the arched stone bridge.  It was far too sweet for our taste!

Stone Bridge at Bakewell

It was market day, with far too many people for our liking, but we did enjoy exploring and sitting outside The Chakra lounge' with good views and great drinks. Fortunately for me, we managed to get some emergency tablets from the Pharmacist: lesson double check packing of pills, yes they were all prepared but somehow failed to be packed, but also take those prescription receipts which would have made it so much quicker. 

The next visit that day was to Chatsworth House.  I had been there a couple of times, but it was the first visit for Mr S. Again it was a very hot day, with only a few puffy clouds in the sky by the afternoon. They do have some wonderful sculptures and bronzes such as these dogs in the entrance courtyard. Each dog is beautifully sculptured and cast in bronze, all having absolutely correct doggy stances. 

 Nicola Hicks dogs, titled ‘Rocket 6-1, 1987

Further along in the in the Sculpture gallery were two whippets in bronze. I wanted to share this picture with Mandy and she noted that this was so similar to how her Rupert washes Teddy every night. 

The interior rooms were splendid:

It was the smaller things that often drew my attention such as this collection of Crassula ovata 'Gollum' on a fancy marble side table where they had a piece of glass to protect their table. They must move plants to and from their various glasshouses, as I don't think the light there would be sufficient to have them permanently there. 

Here is a similar display with this very  same Crassula ovata 'Gollum' in my very ordinary home!

I suppose one's eye is taken in by familiar things wherever one goes. In the same vein, a few of their fossil, mineral and stone collections as well as  their Blue John Tazza and Urns caught my eye.

Chatsworth House Blue John Tazza and Vases

Chatsworth House- Stone table and fossil and mineral collection

The grounds are extensive and it would be easy to go for some of the spectacular areas such as the large Emperor Fountain in the Canal Pond, but having read about Paxton's first Great Conservatory completed in 1840, I wanted very much  to go and view its foundations. It was quite breathtaking in size and walking around the perimeter gave a sense of its inner dimension, where now there are no remains of the glass, but the area is well planted.  Of course Paxton through his expertise gained here was able to design and build the famous Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition of of 1851.

To get there we walked through the Rock Garden, which was breathtaking.  The gritstone all mined from the nearby Dobb Edge quarry. The blocks of Gritstone were artfully assembled, and just imagine how it much have taken feats of engineering, and hours of labourt to position the largest rock called The Wellington Rock. 

The Wellington Rock

Tom Stuart-Smith helped in the most recent refurbishment and can be read as an extract of Garden Illustrated to which I subscribe. 

We heard a great snippet from one of the room guides about how Mr Paxton would go off plant hunting or some such thing with the Duke, and Mrs Paxton being left to 'manage' the building and development of the gardens.  I found something about this on the internet .  Just as I read about Mr & Mrs Disraeli after visiting Hughenden Manor, I am intrigued and will have some good hours reading more about this from Alan Titchmarsh's Chatsworth: The gardens and the people who made them.

Day two saw the first part of the day spent on a Canal Cruise on board the 'Kittywake' along part of the Leeds Liverpool Canal from Wigan Pier. We had a guide giving us a commentary which we found less than interesting, as the speaker was more fond of telling us about her life with covid and her long covid.  I think we may be a bit harsh as everyone else seemed to be entertained.  We then went on to visit RHS Bridgewater.

Wigan Pier and redevelopment of warehouses

It was hot and dry at RHS Bridgewater, and I am sad to say I left it with mixed feelings.  I had such high expectations, maybe it will improve.  Firstly the welcome centre, cafe and gift shop seem to have been the focus rather than the plants and the gardens.  Also when I asked about collecting seeds for members, they knew nothing about this. It used to be that the RHS published seed lists for choice but this year we were to collect prechosen packets from the customer welcome desks.

There were a few interesting plantings, but it could have done with more plant labels.  

I couldn't tell what variety of lilies these were, and found the Community Garden less than inspiring. I suppose it is there as a 'workshop' so we shall pass this by.

Further on Sunflower Lemon Cutie made a great impact.  It was growing in a raised bed, I have since read up about this and it is a new form.

Sunflower Lemon Cutie

I was disappointed that most of the trial beds were just empty flat area of soil, except for those with Heleniums in.  I walked around looking at the forms, height and flowers and thought this Helenium 'Waltraut' was my favourite, though it looks as if it will need some serious staking.

Helenium 'Waltraut'

The dry garden area had some notable planting which I shall try to concentrate on next year in my garden.  Planted through the little yellow flower is Scabiosa columbaria subs. ochroleuca which I recognise having once grown it.  How lucky for me that there were some flattened stems growing over the path.  I have saved some of the seed to grow! Growing nearby too was the Vitex agnus-castus which would grow quite well, and which I have long admired. 

Dry Garden RHS Bridgewater

We walked through to view the Yangzhou - Scholar's garden but that was fenced off with builders on site, and they will certainly have a hard job getting finished in time for the September official opening. Not much there at present would entice me to return, except perhaps in a couple of years or so to see the Scholar's Garden developed and planted.  

Day  Three We had meant to visit first Buxton and then Arley Hall Gardens, but the Gardens were wisely postponed to the following day.

The Ballroom

The first section of our time at Buxton was taken up by a tour of The Buxton Crescent Experience.  Another one for which we had mixed feelings.  We would have prefered to go round at our own pace, rather than with a guide.

  

Derbyshire fossil limestone fireplaces

Everything was well explained on posters, but far too long was spent in each room with our guide, and although we were all meant to finish more or less at the same time, we finished much later.  Maybe it was just our particular guide! Then we were free and how could we not enjoy that after our earlier experience! 

After that we went out and there was a vintage car auction and enjoyed looking around.

Car Auction Buxton

After a walk through the Conservatory, we sat down in No 6 The Square cafe and enjoyed a lunch of filled oatcake. 

We arrived back at the hotel with time to enjoy the spa facilities, and enjoyed our time there before getting ready for dinner.

With it being their own business, Martin was able to reschedule our visit to Arley Hall Gardens for the morning when it was cooler. What a gem! 

Arley Hall Gardens

The Fish Garden at the right hand bottom had a relaxing peel about it, and the planting of Angel's Fishing Rod plants added a sense of humour. Later when we were walking the long border we came across the Viscountess in conversation with a gardener.  Of course we moved on, but having seen a fine plant in the border going to seed, I returned and asked him if I may have some.  He asked me if I had anything to use to hold the seed, and finally we decided that the folded up map of the gardens would do.  He snipped off some stems for me.  All the while we were talking plants and it was let slip that when herbaceous plants that had proved themselves and needed dividing, they went over to be divided and sold in their Plant Nursery.  I think the plant was Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' but didn't ask, so if the plant come up, it will be then that I will be able to identify it.

We hadn't noticed those as the coach was able to drive right up to the entrance of the Hall along the pleached lime avenue. 

I would have liked longer in the gardens and the nursery but we had a coach to catch.  Again there interesting conversations and exchanges were to be had.  I admired their Pelargonium collection and complimented them.  It was interesting to hear that the new peat less composts were not working at all with regards to the Pelargoniums, and I would have liked to have spent more time learning about what they used.  As well as the seeds given to me, I have two other souvenirs: plants of course Viola 'Heartthrob and Helenium 'Short and Sassy', which stands strong without the need of staking! 

Our journey back was uneventful, and my friend Maggie had seen to the watering in our absence.  Overall a lovely break.

 

Holiday - Secrets of Buckinghamshire - Day One: Hughenden Manor

 We feel that we have landed on our feet recently, having found a local coach company who organisers a wide choice of holidays that we enjoy.  With no driving except on some occasions such as this one, when we drive to their depot, we are both able to enjoy the countryside on our journeys, and I can see over the hedges. On this long weekend, we visited Hughenden Manor, Bletchley Park, Waddesdon Manor and Oxford.

We are not long back from our holiday, and looking through the pictures I took brought it all back.  On our outward journey our first visit was to Hughenden Manor which was once the country home of the Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.  There was so much to see both in the building itself, the grounds and the church. What an amazing man: Disraeli has so many facets. It is definitely on our list for a return visit, and  I'm looking to read one of his books soon too.

Hughenden Manor - Statuary

We started with the grounds, and enjoyed the classical statuary along the main lawn, the formal gardens, as well as the walled garden. Even from when we stopped with the coach, I was particularly impressed with the apple orchard and how well the trees had been pruned over the years. 

Hughenden Walled Kitchen Garden

Looking at the estate map and the time we had before our Introduction Talk, we decided to walk down to  St Michael and All Angels which as many older churches, was restored during the Victorian Period.  Unusually for a Prime Minister,  Disraeli is buried here as he left instructions that he wanted to be buried quietly at Hughenden alongside his wife Mary Anne. When visiting the house later we came to read about their close and supporting relationship.  

Coincidentally only recently I found out that the 19th of April was celebrated for many years as National Primrose Day, marking the death of Prime Minister Disraeli, and although it was not form for the Queen to attend a Prime Minister's burial, she did visit several days later to pay her respects. Since both her and Disraeli's favourtie flower was a primrose, it was a primrose wreath which she sent from Osborne House for his funeral.

Inside the house as well as the furnishings, there was a room dedicated to Disraeli's literary endeavours, and I rather like this strapline.

May I add is that for me the best way to review things and enjoy them later is to post on my blog! With many visits to other sites for further private reading.

Hughenden Manor has been occupied over the years by a number of people. Thanks to a exhibition in one of the wings the story of  the top-secret mapping unit codenamed Hillside which only emerged in the early 2020s,  was well worth visiting and fascinating. The property was requisitioned by the Air Ministry in 1941, and over 100 men and women worked there.  There were touching descriptions of the effects of the work on the cartographers. The manor’s secret wartime role was only revealed when a volunteer guide overheard a visitor telling his grandson about his wartime service there.

Top secret unit codename Hillside exhibition 
Target Maps

The creation of these maps and the many copies printed helped to improve targeting of bombing during World War II.

Books I would like to read: Mr and Mrs Disraeli: A Strange Romance

Spreading out things Christmassy

For friends and family who know me well, they will understand that I normally distance myself as I am somewhat overwhelmed by the overt materialism displayed in shops,on  television, and extravagant consumption egged on by fear of missing out, keeping up with the outside world etc.

For a number of years I have gradually reduced by Christmas Card sending, and this year I did not send a single one.  I was sorely tempted during the early part of the  month to get out the old fountain pen and the cards I have left over in my stationary drawer, but I held firm.  I simply asked my family what they wanted, and was relieved to be given exact wishes, and they all had exactly as asked for.  All I wanted in return simply as a little gesture was one box of quality sugared almonds and that is what I got. Mr S and I just enjoy a quiet day with nice food.

Several months ago we decided to opt for a one night break taking in Blenheim Palace and Oxford.

At Blenheim, we were somewhat disappointed that almost all of the accessible part of the house was completely decked out as if a theme park with a variety of tableaux depicting The Wizard of Oz.

Later we followed the light trail and I was greatly impressed by the efforts to create a wizardry of moving lights and music.  It was more that I have ever experienced and I don't think there would be many in the crowds who had flocked to see these who would not have been thoroughly impressed. However I feel that this is not quite our scene.  We did go one evening to the Bishop's Palace in Wells when Somerset Flutes were playing and had a walk around the grounds where there were some nice lighting. Walking to and from the Palace on a cool winter's night was really lovely, far better than driving miles!

We did enjoy the  exhibition about Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace, which on our return home gave us the impetus to start to listen to 'Walking with Destiny' by Andrew Thorne.  The narrator Stephen Thorne has an excellent way of portraying with voice the character of Winston Churchill.

We had a fair chunk of the following day in Oxford, which we know fairly well.  However we had never visited The Weston Library.  It was not until we asked about visiting the hall of the Divinity School and were directed to buy the tickets at the Weston Library on Broad Street that we saw there was a special exhibition situated in the library.  Treasured was absolutely fascinating. 

Inside the Hall of Divinity the late gothic stonework was impressive.

We had a little time to spare before the coach pick up time, and we enjoyed our lunch in the cafe in the basement of the Ashmolean Museum, followed viewing of a few of their cabinets.  This was one which I am continually drawn to: Bronze ritual vessels from the Shang dynasty 1200 to 1050 bc.  

Hidden Treasures of Humberside coaching holiday

 A couple of months ago we went on a coach holiday which with two days travelling gave us three days up in the Humberside area.  Again we used the excellent local Coaching Holiday and Days out John Martin Coaches. I had missed out on downloading the photographs, and it was only when I started to tidy my desk and go through all the papers in the holiday pile that I started to mull over the days we had there. 

Princes Quay Hull

We were only given one day in the City Center of Kingston upon Hull, and I wish I would be magicked there to spend a few nights in the City Center and have time to really enjoy the atmosphere, architecture, museums, galleries, churches and aquarium.  It is not an easy place to get to from the West Country, and I may well have to further enjoy my time by reading about the City and places which appealed to me.

We were dropped off on Victoria Pier in front of the former booking office for the ferry which sailed from Hull to New Holland across the Humber.

There were some interesting street art such as this sculpture called Voyage along the shore.

Just on the other side of the River Hull is the renowned aquarium 'The Deep'.

The local guide who gave us a running commentary as we toured the city suggested that even if we did not have time to visit the aquarium we at least enter the building to admire the view of the estuary.  We might just have spent more time there except being the last few days of the school holidays there was far too much noise from excited children, so having admired the views we decided to continue with our walking tour.  Not before I tried out the super sized deck chair!

There are so many places of interest to visit and we could only visit a few so the fact that the Maritime Museum was closed for refurbishment didn't worry us.  Here is Mr S in Queen Victoria square with the handsome Maritime Museum in the background.

Designed by architect Henry Wilson in 1935, for the founder of the Burton fashion brand Montagu Burton, this lovely art deco building recently refurbished with new polished granite cladding made such a statement reflecting the blue skies. It is just to the side of the Maritime Museum at the start of Whitefriargate which is the way we walked through to the Old Town.  

Burton House Hull

We entered through the Hepworth Arcade which I felt this picture did not do justice to. It is an L shaped arcade and this is where Mark and Spencers started up with their penny bazaar. I mentioned Burton's earlier and now Hepworth: both well know in  retail clothing. 

We then slipped through a corridor into the Trinity Market and were very impressed with the selection of different businesses offering an excellent array of tasty things to eat and drink, which would do us nicely for lunch later. There was also a pleasing seating area under cover within the market where one can sit and enjoy eating what one had bought.  I already had in mind what I was going to have, but would leave that for later after we had visited a couple of other places.

First we dropped into the Streetlife Museum had a quick walk around and very much admired the shop fronts and their contents, particularly this tin of Needler's Buttered Brazils. Needler's factory was in Hull. My mother particularly liked buttered brazil nuts and it was the one thing she would remind me to take for her when I visited. 

The next Museum we visited where we spent quite a bit of time was Wilberforce House. The building itself is well presented and of great interest.  It was built for a merchant with the back yard leading onto the river. Built around 1660. it was already 100 years old when William Wilberforce was born there. 

It would take more than the hour or so we spent there to even visit a couple of the areas and take in the exhibits and their relevance to Hull and the abolition of slavery.  Here at the top of the stairs the family added their crest of the black eagle to celebrate William's birth in 1759. 

In the West African collections there were some magnificent textiles. This one described as follows:

Man's robe Nigeria 1930-1960

A rayon and silk version of a traditional man's robe usually made in cotton, this luxurious robe has a finely embroidered' knife' and spiral pattern centre front and a second spiral on the back.  These designs were originally inspired by Islamic symbols of the Hausa and Fulani, and are now popular across the region. 

Details of the embroidery show the stitches and overall patterns.

We retraced our steps to have a late lunch at the Trinity Market but sadly the things we had been after were sold out!  During our quick peep into Hull Minster. we noticed that they had a rather nice looking cafe called Trinity Room Cafe, so went back there are enjoyed refreshments sat at the outside tables where a few mums and young children were enjoying the sun, and we were entertained by the little children running through the mirror pools in the large pavement area.

After that we meandered around the area taking in the vibrant rejuvenation projects and ending up at the Ferens Art Gallery. Again another excellent Civic establishment of the highest quality.  We could have spent a whole day there!  Here is just one of the pieces which appealed...

'Isabel' by Jacob Epstein viewed through the Sculpture Icon II by Barbara Hepworth

There are certainly many Hidden Treasures in Hull itself, I only wish it was easier to reach from where we live, and would recommend Hull as an excellent place to spend a few days, and would suggest choosing a hotel from which you can just step out into the City.

Days 2 and 3 I shall write about separately.