Sunday 15th June
Every year the local music shop in Derby holds a teaching day when a well known figure in the piano world comes and demonstrates their music tuition books. For the last couple of years there has been someone from America promoting Hal Leonard books, for which I am a complete convert. Their books have relatively simple tunes, but the student plays to an accompaniment on a CD. It's great fun and used as a special treat helps students to play continuously and is invaluable in promoting musical awareness and improving all aspects of sight reading.
This year Christopher Norton, who often has his compositions included in ABRSM exam pieces as the jazz element (they are excellent) and composes prolifically, has teamed up with another chap in America to promote yet another musical 'syllabus' for what they see as a gap in the market. The cynic in me believes they have jumped on the Hal Leonard 'bandwagon' and by saying that their syllabus provides the elements that are missing in the HL series, they are 'on to' a clear 'winner'.
I did buy three of his books, (so he won't starve) and I have tried them out on one of my pupils already. "I can't tell it's not butter" is the phrase that comes to mind.
However, all credit to Fould's for organising the day and for the lovely buffet lunch that was supplied. If you teach piano in the Derby/Nottingham area, get in touch with them in time for next year's training day, it's well worth it...
Thanks too for Graham for giving me a lift there and back as Hermione almost prevented me from attending, and to the new Tom Tom gadget which took so long to set up I could have walked it! (almost)
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
'Giz Us A Job'...
Saturday 15th June
Lucy stayed with us this week-end so that she could accompany us to see Robert's end of year Degree Show. Took this photo of Robert standing next to his stand. They had employers looking round and even a local television news team, but Robert has not been offered any interviews as a result. Nevertheless he has gained two awards and hopefully it's just a matter of time...
To read more about his projects, the link is here
In the meantime he has to wait to hear what degree he has been awarded.
We have our fingers crossed for you....
Lucy stayed with us this week-end so that she could accompany us to see Robert's end of year Degree Show. Took this photo of Robert standing next to his stand. They had employers looking round and even a local television news team, but Robert has not been offered any interviews as a result. Nevertheless he has gained two awards and hopefully it's just a matter of time...
To read more about his projects, the link is here
In the meantime he has to wait to hear what degree he has been awarded.
We have our fingers crossed for you....
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
I'm Turning Japanese?...
Printed Textiles Degree Show, Loughborough University, Leicestershire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
Went to Wetherspoons for tea afterwards, which could have been fun, but Hermione not having a good time and was thankful that Graham went and brought the car nearer...
IN BRIEF
Monday 9th June
Catch up day, made more difficult as I seem to have done some damage to Hermione.
Phoned up our oil suppliers to query our bill. Usually the price for 1000 litres is just under £400. This time we had a bill for £702! Our neighbour who had oil from the same delivery tank, and who ordered his a day after us wasn't charged as much money. After several phone calls, throughout this week, I finally had a result... they did eventually match the lower price, but wouldn't reduce the current bill, instead awarded us a credit note for the next time we order...
Tuesday 10th June
Lucy came with me to Alfreton for my second workshop, this time teaching glass painting. I couldn't have managed without her to open the fire doors and to assist with a student with mild learning difficulties. The majority of students were the same ones from last week, with a few friends who had been encouraged to come along. They weren't quite as enthusiastic with the results as last week, but in general there were some lovely finished items. Lucy was really happy to have come along as the manager of the Centre rewarded her with a large box of 'Heroes' for helping out...
No sooner had we arrived home when we had to leave and go to another school in Derby to make Button Jewellery as part of a Family Learning afternoon and then back home to three piano lessons... a full day.
Wednesday 11th June
Graham plane was late leaving last night and consequently he was an hour late arriving. I had yet another dental appointment as my tooth hadn't settled down at all after the course of penicillin I'd been given a week last Friday. As my appointment was for nearly 10.00am, I gave Lucy a lift to work. The dentist didn't quite know what to make of my tooth and it was only after deciding to remove the filling, it was as I had said all along, broken along it's axis. Solution...a crown...cost £200. (To take place at the end of July)
Thursday 12th June
Everyone was back at work today. Was half thinking of not going to Jewellery Class this afternoon, but was glad that I did. A lady who I'd not seen since March when she went to have her knee replaced came back. Collected Lucy from work and then we went food shopping.
Friday 13th June
Lucy came with me to the last Craft Class of term, although in the end she wasn't really needed. We made paper windmills and finished off another project and surprise, surprise filled in a number of forms...
After some lunch Lucy and I went for our customary retail therapy and then I took Lucy to Ben's.
Monday 9th June
Catch up day, made more difficult as I seem to have done some damage to Hermione.
Phoned up our oil suppliers to query our bill. Usually the price for 1000 litres is just under £400. This time we had a bill for £702! Our neighbour who had oil from the same delivery tank, and who ordered his a day after us wasn't charged as much money. After several phone calls, throughout this week, I finally had a result... they did eventually match the lower price, but wouldn't reduce the current bill, instead awarded us a credit note for the next time we order...
Tuesday 10th June
Lucy came with me to Alfreton for my second workshop, this time teaching glass painting. I couldn't have managed without her to open the fire doors and to assist with a student with mild learning difficulties. The majority of students were the same ones from last week, with a few friends who had been encouraged to come along. They weren't quite as enthusiastic with the results as last week, but in general there were some lovely finished items. Lucy was really happy to have come along as the manager of the Centre rewarded her with a large box of 'Heroes' for helping out...
No sooner had we arrived home when we had to leave and go to another school in Derby to make Button Jewellery as part of a Family Learning afternoon and then back home to three piano lessons... a full day.
Wednesday 11th June
Graham plane was late leaving last night and consequently he was an hour late arriving. I had yet another dental appointment as my tooth hadn't settled down at all after the course of penicillin I'd been given a week last Friday. As my appointment was for nearly 10.00am, I gave Lucy a lift to work. The dentist didn't quite know what to make of my tooth and it was only after deciding to remove the filling, it was as I had said all along, broken along it's axis. Solution...a crown...cost £200. (To take place at the end of July)
Thursday 12th June
Everyone was back at work today. Was half thinking of not going to Jewellery Class this afternoon, but was glad that I did. A lady who I'd not seen since March when she went to have her knee replaced came back. Collected Lucy from work and then we went food shopping.
Friday 13th June
Lucy came with me to the last Craft Class of term, although in the end she wasn't really needed. We made paper windmills and finished off another project and surprise, surprise filled in a number of forms...
After some lunch Lucy and I went for our customary retail therapy and then I took Lucy to Ben's.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
What A Cutie...
Sunday 8th June
Very overcast today and by the afternoon I'd had enough of my own company. Phoned Robert and arranged to meet at his house and go out for a walk.
We ended up going for a three hour walk to Bradgate Park near Loughborough and back...with only the aid of an ice cream!
Very overcast today and by the afternoon I'd had enough of my own company. Phoned Robert and arranged to meet at his house and go out for a walk.
We ended up going for a three hour walk to Bradgate Park near Loughborough and back...with only the aid of an ice cream!
Up, Up And Away...
Saw this balloon on our way back.
Eventually arrived home at 20 past 9. Felt so good that I decided to do something 'normal', with, you've guessed, disastrous consequences...
Eventually arrived home at 20 past 9. Felt so good that I decided to do something 'normal', with, you've guessed, disastrous consequences...
IN BRIEF
Sunday 1st June
A day spent at home. Robert helped me install the iPhoto software onto the computer, which made us a bit late having lunch and consequently Robert had to catch a later train. (I think I was forgiven) Not sure iPhoto is all it's cracked up to be...
Monday 2nd June
Played catch up on the website all day. Had a visitor, Karen who I know through teaching who came after lunch. She bought one of my bags from me...I think she's been promising to come for over a year. She'd just finished a year of being her mother's consort while she was Mayor of Erewash (or was it Amber Valley) Karen is passionate about politics and 'making things happen'... I just hope she can...
Tuesday 3rd June
Up early and off to Alfreton to teach a 'one off' workshop about silk painting... it was pouring with rain. I found the new Adult Education centre with the aid of a map (it's directly opposite the Leisure Centre) as there isn't one sign to it. It's a wonderful new 'built for purpose' building, but, as I found to my cost, fitted with heavy fire doors which I was completely unable to cope with. It was just so embarrassing having to ask clerk and caretaker to open the doors for me, but I didn't have any choice. There were only 6 students, and they'd all travelled miles by bus and by car in order to attend. We had a really successful morning with some beautiful results.
Wednesday 4th June
A while back I was contacted by someone from Australia who had seen my photos of Little Eaton on Flickr. During 1958 at the tender age of six, she had been in a children's home in Little Eaton. It took a while to locate the correct building, but it turned out the house had been a welcome home to many distressed children right up until 2004, when it closed. I'd found that information on the internet and then come across the website of someone who used to worked there. He was intrigued as to why I should be interested in the place, which was 'his best job ever' and was very helpful, giving me the phone number of someone else who had also worked there and who still lived in the village. I phoned last week and had a chat with a very helpful lady called Kath. She'd later phoned me back with further details of the new owners, who had been featured in the local paper as they now design Eco Houses there.
So today was my second 'photo assignment' (if you count Copse Hill). I'd arranged to meet another photographer there, one of my contacts on Fickr who lives in the village. He seems to make a living photographing local events 'with a difference'. If there's a protest going on or something similar he'll be there recording it. He's currently posting photos of a group trying to stop a nearby open cast mine being opened.
Contrary to expectations the weather was sunny and warm and the sky blue. We met at the allotted place, Gary was conspicuous by the amount of camera equipment he was carrying... I was generally conspicuous. As we walked up to the coach house to ask permission to take photos (I'd phoned twice and sent an email, but had no reply) I felt sorry for Gary out of breath from all he was carrying, but he did look the part and the owners were only too happy to grant us 'carte blanche' to photograph the building. Even the gardener took an interest and we had a good chat with him too.
An hour later we were done (how did it take that long?) we walked back along the road, shook hands and went our separate ways. Gary's photos were on Flickr by the afternoon (had I shot myself in the foot here?) I took about a week to get them ready for viewing, as I was carefully cloning out builder's skips and bits of rubble lying about. I also didn't want any photos of the Eco House included ( there is a full sized one next to the house, see image below). Since then I have been in contact with Sarah from Australia and Craig who holds the archives (only since 1990). I am hopeful that in time people will contact me with their experiences of their time spent at Eaton House.
I'd love to be the one to put them all in touch with each other...
Thursday 5th June
Two piano lessons first thing, then off to the Markeaton Street Campus of Derby University. While setting up my 'blind photography date' with Gary, I'd discovered that we knew someone in common. Gary is doing a Photography Degree with John who used to work with Graham. Because of that I'd phoned John for a chat and he invited me to see the Photography Degree Show. We only had about an hour before I had to dash off to go teaching, but it was interesting have someone talk me through the student's work. Taking photos to put on Flickr, you are acutely aware that your subject matter has to be aesthetically pleasing to others. Taking photos for a degree show - having interpreted your 'brief' relies heavily on how adept you are at printing up copies and how you choose to mount them. In the end we had to agree to disagree...
Teaching ended up having somewhat of an upsetting negative 'take'. Collected Lucy from work and went and bought lots of buttons for next week's Family Learning session, then off to do some food shopping.
Also learned today that Graham has managed to lose his new camera, which is also rather upsetting. Phoned up for advice on how to claim on our insurance.
Friday 6th June
Persuaded Lucy to come and help at my lesson, only to find on arrival that no students turned up! Instead went and took photos of another tutor's lesson so she has some evidence of the work she is doing.
Saturday 7th June
Day of catch up. Managed some gardening, so rather than go out, weeded and transplanted some happy parsnip plants.
In the evening drove up to Alfreton with Gail to see a concert of duets held in the church. On the whole it was very enjoyable (if a little too much Mozart) and in aid of new bells for the church. The only reason I knew of it was I'd seen posters advertising the event when I'd come up on Tuesday to take the silk painting workshop.
Sunday 1st June
A day spent at home. Robert helped me install the iPhoto software onto the computer, which made us a bit late having lunch and consequently Robert had to catch a later train. (I think I was forgiven) Not sure iPhoto is all it's cracked up to be...
Monday 2nd June
Played catch up on the website all day. Had a visitor, Karen who I know through teaching who came after lunch. She bought one of my bags from me...I think she's been promising to come for over a year. She'd just finished a year of being her mother's consort while she was Mayor of Erewash (or was it Amber Valley) Karen is passionate about politics and 'making things happen'... I just hope she can...
Tuesday 3rd June
Up early and off to Alfreton to teach a 'one off' workshop about silk painting... it was pouring with rain. I found the new Adult Education centre with the aid of a map (it's directly opposite the Leisure Centre) as there isn't one sign to it. It's a wonderful new 'built for purpose' building, but, as I found to my cost, fitted with heavy fire doors which I was completely unable to cope with. It was just so embarrassing having to ask clerk and caretaker to open the doors for me, but I didn't have any choice. There were only 6 students, and they'd all travelled miles by bus and by car in order to attend. We had a really successful morning with some beautiful results.
Wednesday 4th June
A while back I was contacted by someone from Australia who had seen my photos of Little Eaton on Flickr. During 1958 at the tender age of six, she had been in a children's home in Little Eaton. It took a while to locate the correct building, but it turned out the house had been a welcome home to many distressed children right up until 2004, when it closed. I'd found that information on the internet and then come across the website of someone who used to worked there. He was intrigued as to why I should be interested in the place, which was 'his best job ever' and was very helpful, giving me the phone number of someone else who had also worked there and who still lived in the village. I phoned last week and had a chat with a very helpful lady called Kath. She'd later phoned me back with further details of the new owners, who had been featured in the local paper as they now design Eco Houses there.
So today was my second 'photo assignment' (if you count Copse Hill). I'd arranged to meet another photographer there, one of my contacts on Fickr who lives in the village. He seems to make a living photographing local events 'with a difference'. If there's a protest going on or something similar he'll be there recording it. He's currently posting photos of a group trying to stop a nearby open cast mine being opened.
Contrary to expectations the weather was sunny and warm and the sky blue. We met at the allotted place, Gary was conspicuous by the amount of camera equipment he was carrying... I was generally conspicuous. As we walked up to the coach house to ask permission to take photos (I'd phoned twice and sent an email, but had no reply) I felt sorry for Gary out of breath from all he was carrying, but he did look the part and the owners were only too happy to grant us 'carte blanche' to photograph the building. Even the gardener took an interest and we had a good chat with him too.
An hour later we were done (how did it take that long?) we walked back along the road, shook hands and went our separate ways. Gary's photos were on Flickr by the afternoon (had I shot myself in the foot here?) I took about a week to get them ready for viewing, as I was carefully cloning out builder's skips and bits of rubble lying about. I also didn't want any photos of the Eco House included ( there is a full sized one next to the house, see image below). Since then I have been in contact with Sarah from Australia and Craig who holds the archives (only since 1990). I am hopeful that in time people will contact me with their experiences of their time spent at Eaton House.
I'd love to be the one to put them all in touch with each other...
Thursday 5th June
Two piano lessons first thing, then off to the Markeaton Street Campus of Derby University. While setting up my 'blind photography date' with Gary, I'd discovered that we knew someone in common. Gary is doing a Photography Degree with John who used to work with Graham. Because of that I'd phoned John for a chat and he invited me to see the Photography Degree Show. We only had about an hour before I had to dash off to go teaching, but it was interesting have someone talk me through the student's work. Taking photos to put on Flickr, you are acutely aware that your subject matter has to be aesthetically pleasing to others. Taking photos for a degree show - having interpreted your 'brief' relies heavily on how adept you are at printing up copies and how you choose to mount them. In the end we had to agree to disagree...
Teaching ended up having somewhat of an upsetting negative 'take'. Collected Lucy from work and went and bought lots of buttons for next week's Family Learning session, then off to do some food shopping.
Also learned today that Graham has managed to lose his new camera, which is also rather upsetting. Phoned up for advice on how to claim on our insurance.
Friday 6th June
Persuaded Lucy to come and help at my lesson, only to find on arrival that no students turned up! Instead went and took photos of another tutor's lesson so she has some evidence of the work she is doing.
Saturday 7th June
Day of catch up. Managed some gardening, so rather than go out, weeded and transplanted some happy parsnip plants.
In the evening drove up to Alfreton with Gail to see a concert of duets held in the church. On the whole it was very enjoyable (if a little too much Mozart) and in aid of new bells for the church. The only reason I knew of it was I'd seen posters advertising the event when I'd come up on Tuesday to take the silk painting workshop.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Out And About...
Saturday 31st May
With Robert home for the week-end, it seemed like a good idea to plan a trip out. I wasn't sure I was 'up to it' but we decided to go to the National Trust's Longshaw Estate, the other side of Chesterfield. We weren't sure of the way and didn't have a map, but as luck would have it (?) Graham had ordered a Tom Tom for when he arrived back from America and it had arrived early!! Robert had great fun programming our destination although I wasn't that keen on the route it chose...
With Robert home for the week-end, it seemed like a good idea to plan a trip out. I wasn't sure I was 'up to it' but we decided to go to the National Trust's Longshaw Estate, the other side of Chesterfield. We weren't sure of the way and didn't have a map, but as luck would have it (?) Graham had ordered a Tom Tom for when he arrived back from America and it had arrived early!! Robert had great fun programming our destination although I wasn't that keen on the route it chose...
Away From It All...
It soon became clear that Robert had his 'walking breeches' on. Having been working so hard over the last couple of weeks, he saw this outing as a literal way of 'getting away from it all'. First we cleared the perimeter of the estate, across the road, over a stream up a wadi-like feature, across another road and then began the serious clambering over huge boulders. I had to take this stage at my own pace, Robert waited up ahead on 'his' boulder (it was surprisingly comfy!) From there we surveyed the view and only then was he able to get things off his chest. I like our chats. Both my children are way ahead of me in the intelligent stakes, but I do try to listen when needed and offer sound advice.
Know Your Limits...
It was here, while we sat and ruminated that we became aware that we were not alone. Up there, almost on top of the world and along came four mountain bikers!...
On Top Of The World...
Clambering up some more we did reach the highest point and not to be outdone I managed it too! I should have taken a 360 degree panorama, but as I turned round it did feel rather precarious, so just for once I thought it best to ensure I didn't lose my balance.
Back To Base...
Once down again, the sun came out and provided a perfect ending to a near perfect day...
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Appointments...
Friday 30th May
Had to ring the dentist first thing as I think I have broken another tooth! Lucy came with me to the hospital for my appointment with the Pain Management Clinic. We came out with a 'high tech' TENS' machine. It's not any different from the one I already have, except that it does have four pads so can deliver it's blocking electricity to twice the area. Didn't leave until 11.00am, went round to the dentist and walked straight in. My dentist was on holiday so another one diagnosed an abscess and prescribed a course of antibiotics. (£7.10). It was at this point that we phoned Robert and arranged to meet in Birmingham.
Had to ring the dentist first thing as I think I have broken another tooth! Lucy came with me to the hospital for my appointment with the Pain Management Clinic. We came out with a 'high tech' TENS' machine. It's not any different from the one I already have, except that it does have four pads so can deliver it's blocking electricity to twice the area. Didn't leave until 11.00am, went round to the dentist and walked straight in. My dentist was on holiday so another one diagnosed an abscess and prescribed a course of antibiotics. (£7.10). It was at this point that we phoned Robert and arranged to meet in Birmingham.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The Calling...
Friday 30th May
Lucy and I travelled home on Tuesday evening. Lucy was at work Wednesday and Thursday, so by Friday it seemed a good idea to have another outing and to somehow include Robert.
We caught the train from Derby and Robert from Loughborough and met up at New Street station. Had a quick sandwich and then walked the short walk up to the Town Hall where we found this pylon under construction. Contrary to popular belief, this pylon was not for conducting electricity, but to publicise a Climate Change Festival. The base had been made to look as though it was in a wheat field. I couldn't help but think that this was a total waste of funds and I bet the wheat they used had been especially imported!
Lucy and I travelled home on Tuesday evening. Lucy was at work Wednesday and Thursday, so by Friday it seemed a good idea to have another outing and to somehow include Robert.
We caught the train from Derby and Robert from Loughborough and met up at New Street station. Had a quick sandwich and then walked the short walk up to the Town Hall where we found this pylon under construction. Contrary to popular belief, this pylon was not for conducting electricity, but to publicise a Climate Change Festival. The base had been made to look as though it was in a wheat field. I couldn't help but think that this was a total waste of funds and I bet the wheat they used had been especially imported!
Window Shopping...
After a couple of hours shopping, Lucy and I decided that Robert had had a much better idea when he'd headed for the picturesque canal, so we made in that direction and met up for a cup of tea.
Walk Way, Water Fountains, Birmingham
All too soon it was time to head home, but all in all we'd had a very reasonable afternoon...
Half Term...
Monday 26th May
Graham off to America early this morning. During his two and a half
week stay he’ll be visiting Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles
and New York (in that order). Lucy and got up at a much more
leisurely time and I drove down to see my parents – making history as
this is the first time I’ve been able to drive down to see them since
July 07.
We set off with reasonable weather, if a little windy. By the time we
arrived just after noon, it was seriously raining. Undeterred by the
weather we nipped off to see the delights of Bourton-on-the-Water and
made several purchases (most from the gem shop – brilliant shop, but
no website to share with you)
Graham off to America early this morning. During his two and a half
week stay he’ll be visiting Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles
and New York (in that order). Lucy and got up at a much more
leisurely time and I drove down to see my parents – making history as
this is the first time I’ve been able to drive down to see them since
July 07.
We set off with reasonable weather, if a little windy. By the time we
arrived just after noon, it was seriously raining. Undeterred by the
weather we nipped off to see the delights of Bourton-on-the-Water and
made several purchases (most from the gem shop – brilliant shop, but
no website to share with you)
Copse Hill, Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire
Tuesday 27th May
Had an early lunch, home grown pheasant (Lucy’s favourite) and then we took mother to Bourton to have her blood pressure taken. On the way back we stopped off at Copse Hill to take some photographs of this magnificent house. Built in 1872 (over 11 years) from the proceeds of building railways in England, the Continent and in Canada, it’s is truly an amazing building. Thomas Brassey was almost as prolific a builder of railways as Isambard Kingdom Brunel, but somehow history has not honoured him in the same way. When I was little, we had permission to drive through the estate as it was a short cut to our house. On barmy summer evenings my dad would saddle up Cinders (our pony) to the tiny trap we owned and we’d travel along the leafy drive in such style. At that age, I couldn’t appreciate just what a privilege it was, but I knew it was something special – even if we did have to get out and walk up the very steep bits! How I used to pester to hold the reins, after all, at eight, I was practically an expert!
Had an early lunch, home grown pheasant (Lucy’s favourite) and then we took mother to Bourton to have her blood pressure taken. On the way back we stopped off at Copse Hill to take some photographs of this magnificent house. Built in 1872 (over 11 years) from the proceeds of building railways in England, the Continent and in Canada, it’s is truly an amazing building. Thomas Brassey was almost as prolific a builder of railways as Isambard Kingdom Brunel, but somehow history has not honoured him in the same way. When I was little, we had permission to drive through the estate as it was a short cut to our house. On barmy summer evenings my dad would saddle up Cinders (our pony) to the tiny trap we owned and we’d travel along the leafy drive in such style. At that age, I couldn’t appreciate just what a privilege it was, but I knew it was something special – even if we did have to get out and walk up the very steep bits! How I used to pester to hold the reins, after all, at eight, I was practically an expert!
Front View, Copse Hill, Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire
Colonel Brassey (Thomas Brassey’s son) inherited the estate and lived there on his own until his death towards the end of the 70s. The
estate was then broken up and sold off in lots and sadly, our cut
through was cut off. Many wealthy and not so wealthy people have
bought/sold/built on the estate since then. The one famous person
there currently and the owner of what was the stables is the bass
player from Coldplay (but I didn’t tell you that!) The stables are
also famous for an incident involving Ian Flemming’s nephew, but
again, I wouldn’t want to give details here!
The reason for our visit was because the last time I mentioned
Copse Hill in my blog I was contacted by a lady who in researching
her family tree, found that her great aunt was in service there at
the beginning of the century and she had asked me to take some photos (any excuse?). The present owners are a ‘jolly’ couple (92 and 86) and because they have met my parents before, gave us a warm welcome.
The wife showed us a book she has of Lutyen's architecture with a
photograph of the hall which he designed. It has been slightly
modified now, if only through incorporating a Stanner stair lift, but
it is essentially the same.
If the weather was dull on that day, the building certainly wasn’t
and Colin the gardener added some sunshine with his many anecdotes of local ‘goings on’…
estate was then broken up and sold off in lots and sadly, our cut
through was cut off. Many wealthy and not so wealthy people have
bought/sold/built on the estate since then. The one famous person
there currently and the owner of what was the stables is the bass
player from Coldplay (but I didn’t tell you that!) The stables are
also famous for an incident involving Ian Flemming’s nephew, but
again, I wouldn’t want to give details here!
The reason for our visit was because the last time I mentioned
Copse Hill in my blog I was contacted by a lady who in researching
her family tree, found that her great aunt was in service there at
the beginning of the century and she had asked me to take some photos (any excuse?). The present owners are a ‘jolly’ couple (92 and 86) and because they have met my parents before, gave us a warm welcome.
The wife showed us a book she has of Lutyen's architecture with a
photograph of the hall which he designed. It has been slightly
modified now, if only through incorporating a Stanner stair lift, but
it is essentially the same.
If the weather was dull on that day, the building certainly wasn’t
and Colin the gardener added some sunshine with his many anecdotes of local ‘goings on’…
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Where There's A Wheel...
Saturday 24th May
There was an old photo of Ashford In The Water in the paper today, which prompted me to suggest we make it our destination. Robert rang mid morning, desperate for some 'bits' from Maplins. Could we please collect and deliver?
How could we refuse...
There was an old photo of Ashford In The Water in the paper today, which prompted me to suggest we make it our destination. Robert rang mid morning, desperate for some 'bits' from Maplins. Could we please collect and deliver?
How could we refuse...
Well, Well Well...
Ashford In The Water, is indeed a very picturesque village. After a welcome cup of tea in the school, we made our way round the circuit of Well Dressings, watched cricket and then embarked on a long walk.
Up Hill And Down Dale...
The footpath which leads you past the river is full of interesting features. We saw two weirs, a swan, sheep and lambs and at the last style, a field of Lamas!
IN BRIEF
Monday 19th May
Had email on Friday which kept me busy all day. Knitting needed for Hampton Court Flower Show. Could have been great for publicity, but unlikely to 'come off'.
Wednesday 21st May
Lucy at work today, - must get used to this new routine. Sent off cheque for holiday, can't believe that in six weeks time, we'll be in Italy again...
In the evening went for a long walk around Little Eaton. I have been contacted by someone in Australia, who saw my photos of Little Eaton on Flickr. She was at a children's home there during 1958 and would like some photos. Searched Eaton Bank for clues, but didn't find anything conclusive.
Thursday 22nd May
Lucy at work. Taught jewellery class this afternoon, we made handbag charms and they loved it! Picked up Lucy on the way home.
Went for another long walk around Little Eaton. Graham had already found a much more likey place having used Google and Google maps. Turns out the house is on Alfreton Road and is now called Eaton Hill Therapeutic Community. We followed a footpath close by that took us up Eaton Hill. It was quite magical walking through fields full of daisies and celandines, a quick burst of 'The Hill Are Alive'... would not have been out of place! It must have been a well trodden footpath in it's 'hay-day' as it crosses with another one at the top which follows the highest point to Coxbench and beyond. We made our way back via Rigga Lane, past old quarries which now secrete a house or two. There's even a bridge to take you across a point where the footpath would have lay before the quarry was there.
Friday 23rd May
Just managed to get Lucy up in time to come and be a Learning Partner today for my class. "Is that allowed" I hear you ask? Theoretically she should have been trained and have a CRB check, but without her I would have struggled to cope. As it was she was a real star (she had been well briefed) - I couldn't have managed without her.
Disappointment! I was just about to write back to Sarah in Australia when I found a link to Eaton Hill Therapeutic Community on the internet saying it was closed in 2004. However... I also found someone who used to work there, so dropped him a line not quite knowing what to expect...
Excitement! He didn't really know anything, but gave me the telephone number of a lady who used to work with him and who still lives in the village...
Monday 19th May
Had email on Friday which kept me busy all day. Knitting needed for Hampton Court Flower Show. Could have been great for publicity, but unlikely to 'come off'.
Wednesday 21st May
Lucy at work today, - must get used to this new routine. Sent off cheque for holiday, can't believe that in six weeks time, we'll be in Italy again...
In the evening went for a long walk around Little Eaton. I have been contacted by someone in Australia, who saw my photos of Little Eaton on Flickr. She was at a children's home there during 1958 and would like some photos. Searched Eaton Bank for clues, but didn't find anything conclusive.
Thursday 22nd May
Lucy at work. Taught jewellery class this afternoon, we made handbag charms and they loved it! Picked up Lucy on the way home.
Went for another long walk around Little Eaton. Graham had already found a much more likey place having used Google and Google maps. Turns out the house is on Alfreton Road and is now called Eaton Hill Therapeutic Community. We followed a footpath close by that took us up Eaton Hill. It was quite magical walking through fields full of daisies and celandines, a quick burst of 'The Hill Are Alive'... would not have been out of place! It must have been a well trodden footpath in it's 'hay-day' as it crosses with another one at the top which follows the highest point to Coxbench and beyond. We made our way back via Rigga Lane, past old quarries which now secrete a house or two. There's even a bridge to take you across a point where the footpath would have lay before the quarry was there.
Friday 23rd May
Just managed to get Lucy up in time to come and be a Learning Partner today for my class. "Is that allowed" I hear you ask? Theoretically she should have been trained and have a CRB check, but without her I would have struggled to cope. As it was she was a real star (she had been well briefed) - I couldn't have managed without her.
Disappointment! I was just about to write back to Sarah in Australia when I found a link to Eaton Hill Therapeutic Community on the internet saying it was closed in 2004. However... I also found someone who used to work there, so dropped him a line not quite knowing what to expect...
Excitement! He didn't really know anything, but gave me the telephone number of a lady who used to work with him and who still lives in the village...
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