Now I’ve begun work on my new book Spirit of Warwickshire, here’s a taster of what you’ll find in it. The book, which I plan to release later this year with Luminarie, will contain a selection of articles about places in Warwickshire which I’ve visited and which have spiritual resonance. These will be places whichContinue reading “New Book: Spirit of Warwickshire”
Category Archives: places I love
Oxfordshire Place of Inspiration: Castle Inn, Edgehill
A place of inspiration is any place which arouses strong emotions, or perhaps memories, dreams, or reflections. The Castle Inn at Edgehill Oxfordshire is one such place. A tavern was first built in this high location in 1742 – one hundred years after the date of the Battle of Edgehill which took place in the valleyContinue reading “Oxfordshire Place of Inspiration: Castle Inn, Edgehill”
A Visit to the Prinknash Bird and Deer Park, Gloucestershire
What a lovely place the Prinknash Bird and Deer Park is. I was very impressed with it when we visited on Easter Saturday. The park is beautifully landscaped with some enchanting gypsy caravans and playhouses for young children, and the birds and animals are very tame indeed. A word of warning – do buy theContinue reading “A Visit to the Prinknash Bird and Deer Park, Gloucestershire”
Spring is Starting to Win… at Baddesley Clinton
A few photos from Baddesley Clinton, one of my favourite National Trust properties, a short drive from my home in Warwick.
The Battle Between Spring and Winter in England March 2018
In England we do love talking about the weather and so during the last few weeks we have had several heavensent opportunities to express a wide range of thoughts and feelings about it. But beauty is everywhere, and there are few things more poignant and touching than signs of fresh new life juxtaposed with aContinue reading “The Battle Between Spring and Winter in England March 2018”
An Inspirational Circular Garden Design with an Equestrian Theme by Pershore College
Here is the design that my son Jamie’s team at Pershore College have put forward for The Young Gardeners of the Year competition at the Ascot Spring Show 13-15 April 2018 in Windsor Great Park. Personally I love a circular garden design. My ideal is winding paths, leading off behind shrub and trees so thatContinue reading “An Inspirational Circular Garden Design with an Equestrian Theme by Pershore College”
Springtime Beauty at Dunham Massey, National Trust
A few images from Dunham Massey, a National Trust property in Cheshire. These were taken on 19th February – just at that time of the year for us in England where the spring flowers are arriving, heralds of joy and new hope.
Impressions of Highgrove – How To Create an Inspiring Wildflower Meadow in Your Back Garden
I have long loved wildflower meadows, and thought how lovely it would be to have one instead of a garden. But creating a wildflower meadow isn’t just a matter of buying a few packets of seeds and scattering them over a piece of unwanted lawn. Several years ago I did just that and waited, hopingContinue reading “Impressions of Highgrove – How To Create an Inspiring Wildflower Meadow in Your Back Garden”
What do the Secrets of the Australian Swagman Have to Say to Creative Writers?
“Ashes are much hotter than flames”.This is an observation I heard online a few months ago, and you’d think, OK, what does that have to do with creative writers? Well, let me take you to the Australian Outback to explain. The ‘swagman’ of Waltzing Matilda fame traditionally goes walkabout through the Outback of Australia withContinue reading “What do the Secrets of the Australian Swagman Have to Say to Creative Writers?”
What the Tide at Lindisfarne Has To Teach a Creative Writer
During my visit to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne last year, I sat on the shore by the Lindisfarne Causeway and watched the tide come in and cover the road. Here are my insights – and a few images – from that experience. Sitting at the end of the causeway and watching the tide comeContinue reading “What the Tide at Lindisfarne Has To Teach a Creative Writer”