All Articles
Recent Articles
-
Winchester College - a Medieval Marvel
The buildings surrounding this courtyard were constructed between 1392 to 1394. They were built around a courtyard for defensive purposes as the college was established a year after a big rebellion in the town. Designed to be self-sufficient the buildings in the outer court included accommodation…
-
MiFi – A Little Gem
As the MiFi is so small it fits snuggly into my pocket ready for action should I suddenly need internet access. The only drawbacks I have found so far is that I have to be able to connect with "Vodaphone":https://www.vodafone.co.uk but this network is so widespread this is not really a problem. …
-
Time to Revive our Planet
We were privileged to have two speakers who are passionate about the need to protect our biosphere and counter the effects of global warming. Both have devoted their time and talents to creating public awareness of these issues. Ashley Cooper on Global Warming … Kate Rawles and the carbon bicycle…
-
Some Highlights of Windermere-Bowness in the Lake District
I re-traced my steps to the bottom. But, inevitably I did not come out where I started but I did find a wooden sculpture of a Gruffalo – not that he was much help. However, I did meet up with a local farmer and his excitable border collie, Ben. We had a chat and then he gave me directions to…
-
Cedar Manor Hotel in Windermere
I was warmly greeted by its owner, Jonathon, and immediately offered a cup of tea. He made the tea himself and brought it to the lounge. I had noticed a beautiful stained glass church-style window behind the bar at the far end of the lounge. I was not surprised to discover that the house and…
-
The Road to Bournemouth Pier
By the time I got to the top the wind had increased in strength and I had to wait for it to drop. Once the all-clear was given the gate in front of me was opened so I walked to the edge of the platform and stepped into thin air. Any apprehension I had felt was immediately replaced by elation as I…
-
The Bournemouth X Factor
some characteristics of Bournemouth make it a very special place to visit. As I was walking towards the crowded sea front that I could see in front of me I noticed a garden below me and decided to visit that first. At the bottom of a flight of stone steps I had a lovely view of the Town Hall…
-
Step into Christmas at Bournemouth
I followed the unique festive trail of over one hundred glittering trees and illuminations to the "Christmas Market":https://christmasinbournemouth.co.uk in the town square. I particularly enjoyed walking through the huge conical Wonderland Tree and watching it change colour. The Christmas…
-
Dunes, Amber, Boats and Forests on the Shores of Lithuania
As the day was drawing to its close I met the well-known amber hunter and guide Igor Osnač. After learning about this precious stone I set off with Igor to see if we could find some. He marched along the shore of the Baltic Sea looking for waves dark with sea weed while I trotted along beside him…
-
Juodkrantė and the Curious Curonian Spit
It is an extraordinary place. Leaving the sunny sea front I was soon deep in the forest with weird faces peering down at me. Some of the structures provide places to sit and enjoy the eerie beauty of the place. I particularly liked the bench being carried by two wooden figures. I had this weird…
