Sea, Beach, and Sky on the North Cornish Coast

Today I return to the subject of the sea. I was there a few weeks ago, and how one can long for the sea, especially living in the middle of the UK as I now do! This area of Warwickshire has many joys – close to major historic sites such as Kenilworth Castle, and areasContinue reading “Sea, Beach, and Sky on the North Cornish Coast”

Tolcarne Beach, Newquay, Cornwall

Here I am in Cornwall and, as always, for someone who lives in the Midlands, mesmerised by the sea! I think these photos tell the story, with little need for more words. The last few photos are of Tolcarne Beach Village, and, best of all, the ‘Colonial’ beach bar and restaurant… The pumpkins will tellContinue reading “Tolcarne Beach, Newquay, Cornwall”

Book Review: ‘The Salt Path’ by Raynor Winn

I have come at last to read The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, having heard much about it. I usually hesitate to read much-hyped books, but now, finding it on the shelves in Warwick Books, I’ve given in on this one! The first thing to say is that the cover design artwork for this book,Continue reading “Book Review: ‘The Salt Path’ by Raynor Winn”

Book Review: ‘Madam’ by Phoebe Wynne

This gothic novel Madam by Phoebe Wynne held me captive throughout, despite some reservations about the plot and development of ideas. The author builds a strong feeling of creepy, sinister, weird claustrophobia in an exclusive independent girls’ school on the Scottish coast. The main protagonist, Rose, has just been appointed to the highly paid postContinue reading “Book Review: ‘Madam’ by Phoebe Wynne”

A Visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, a perfect time capsule that transports us into another world

On a recent trip to Portsmouth, we were absorbed into the lives of the great ships there, and their rich histories. The Mary Rose Museum shone out for us with its immersive experience and its astonishing recovery of details of the sailors’ lives back in 1545. But HMS Warrior and HMS Victory also enthralled usContinue reading “A Visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, a perfect time capsule that transports us into another world”

A Poignant Story from Charlestown, St Austell Cornwall

We recently visited Charlestown, a beautiful little Cornish seaport, which opened up several stories for me. Not only did we explore the moving and compelling tales of numerous historical shipwrecks and recovered artefacts  in the Shipwreck Treasure Museum: but also I learned the poignant story of the man who created, designed and built Charlestown: CharlesContinue reading “A Poignant Story from Charlestown, St Austell Cornwall”

Our Relentless Drive for Pursuit of Happiness Through Products – and the One Saving Grace

Happiness. An endless sandy beach, blissful sunshine, a turquoise sea spangled with silver, cocktails, a balmy breeze and… happiness? contentment? inner peace? I was inspired to write this post by Andy Mort who runs Haven. Andy occasionally sends out thought-provoking and discerning emails to his subscribers and I particularly agreed with him about the slipperyContinue reading “Our Relentless Drive for Pursuit of Happiness Through Products – and the One Saving Grace”

Cornwall Mini Series Part 14: Trebah Garden

A giant gunnera tunnel, lush subtropical vegetation, vibrant flowers of many colours, and a journey through an imaginative and intriguing landscape: as you will find when you visit this lovely part of Cornwall, Trebah Garden becomes a series of portals to different worlds. The path draws you into the heart of different areas which yieldContinue reading “Cornwall Mini Series Part 14: Trebah Garden”

Cornwall Mini series Part 13: St Mawes and Gorran Haven

The previous post in this series describes the glorious gardens at Trellisick National Trust, on the Fal Estuary. From Trellisick, motorists and pedestrians may take the King Harry ferry across the River Fal, and then travel on to St Mawes. We found St Mawes a peaceful and charming fishing village, on the Roseland Peninsula oppositeContinue reading “Cornwall Mini series Part 13: St Mawes and Gorran Haven”