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Recent Articles
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Alton in Hampshire - All About Jane?
Jane Austen is not the only famous person to be associated with Alton, another well-known resident was Sweet Fanny Adams. Fanny Adams did actually exist but today she is more commonly associated with the phrase sweet fanny adams that translates as sweet nothing or very little. Her story is told…
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Arundel and its Castle - a West Sussex Gem
Of particular interest in the castle grounds is the Collector Earl's Garden This incredible garden is decorated with colossal green oak structures surrounded by flowerbeds bursting with colourful blooms. It was established as a memorial to the fourteenth Earl of Arundel who was a friend of the…
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The Isle of Wight Walking Festival and Some Island Lore
Our path took us to the cliff edge where we could see the wild, natural coastline on both sides of us. By this time there was a chill in the air and I could see a light mist creeping towards us. I hoped we were not about to be enveloped in the notorious Swaalien. Would be transported back in…
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The Bembridge Coast Hotel in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight
The hotel is situated so close to the coast that the beach is a natural extension of the lovely grounds that surround it. These grounds include a small pitch and putt course and a formal walled garden. Easy access to the beach means guests can walks along the beach. When the tide is out it is…
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The Isle of Wight Walking Festival and a Featured Walk
We followed a path that went into the woods before beginning a gradual ascent up the side of Sibden Hill. When we emerged at the top of the hill we had glorious views across the countryside and down to the sea. This hill is also known as the village green. When it was threatened by possible…
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Re-live the Good Old Days in Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire
There is a sign on the first house in Amersham proclaiming that the Magistrates for acting for this Hundred have given the peremptory Order to the Constables and other Peace Officers to apprehend all Common Beggars and Ballad Singers and other Vagrants that they may be dealt with according to Law …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
