The weather in October became more unsettled and we only made three trips out.
Our first trip was to Bluebell Arboretum
and Nursery near Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire http://www.bluebellnursery.com/ It was a blue sky day but the recent rain was a warning for us to take boots. Once more, because of bad weather, we were allowed free admission. However the attendant warned us that not even our footwear would be suitable. Everywhere we put our feet was a pond.
and Nursery near Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire http://www.bluebellnursery.com/ It was a blue sky day but the recent rain was a warning for us to take boots. Once more, because of bad weather, we were allowed free admission. However the attendant warned us that not even our footwear would be suitable. Everywhere we put our feet was a pond.
Despite this it was a beautiful place to see autumn colours and fantasic variety of trees. It was here that Irene took a photo on her phone which has become her phone wallpaper and her Facebook picture.
Our second trip was specially arranged for Irene's birthday. We started with refreshments in the Broadmarsh Centre and went on to the Nottingham Contemporary. We have become recognised as 'regulars' and members of staff home in on us like familiar friends when we enter the galleries.
The first two galleries had been combined to house one complete work. This consisted of an arrangement of objects which moved or lit up. There was both an element of randomness and of programming going on. The artist, Geoffrey Farmer had created this to carry a sound sculpture based on the work Frank Zapa. I instinctively knew that I needed to record the sound. It was talking to one of the attendants that I found at that this was the intention of the artist. I took an number of videos. I cannot upload them but the link will take you to a YouTube upload http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/art/geoffrey-farmer
In the other gallery was displayed the work of a group of 'Performance' artists under the title 'No Movies' http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/art/asco It was an interesting concept involving the artists pretending that they had filmed a movie on the streets of Los Angeles.
From here we walk to the May Sum restaurant to a filling Chinese buffet. The chocolate fountain was great fun and I found that my dish soon froze on to the table top. However I think that we prefer the Flaming Dragon.
We walked down through the sunny Market Square where there was evidence of preparations for Christmas on the City Hall frontage.
Finally we made our way back to Broadmarsh where Irene looked to purchase clothes with her birthday money.
While she browsed I went on to wander round a model shop. What a disappointment. Not only was the shop closed but Model Zone seems to be under liquidation. Together with another gentleman we bemoaned the loss before going our separate ways.
The shopping centre is even more of a disaster area. And I do not think that the placement of distorting mirrors along shop fronts does much to disguise the fact.
Home we went.
In the evening Irene was caterer at the dance and following tradition took cakes to share. I was DJ and it fell to me to lead the 'Happy Birthday' singing.
On Saturday Joni and Fiona bought cake and we found out how to play Hamburgum together.
On Sunday Jan and Lawrence bought cake.
Its a good job that we like cake.
The last outing of October was a visit to Hardwick Hall. We have visited it before as consolation for missing our flight to New Zealand in 2005.
This time we went as members of the National Trust. The first photograph I took was of the hall from the drive. The sun was shining on the building and you should not miss opportunities like it.
The car park was a mud bath, but it was a blue sky day. First came morning tea. Thank you Joe and Julia for the tea for two. To accompany this we had a slice of Guinness Cake each. It was a very dark cake with a creamy icing which looked like froth on top. The veranda made a good view point to have our refreshments. The toilets, as were all the facilities have had a first class upgrade since we last visited.
The first point of exploration was the 'Old Hall'. This was where Bess was bought up. After her return she decided rather than improve it she would build a new hall. The old hall would have been very grand. We learned that a later owner of the new hall had the old hall converted to a ruin.
We spent a long time doing the audio-tour before returning to the car for lunch.
The second part of the day was taken up with exploring the gardens and the new hall. There was still some colour in the gardens but they must have been very impressive in the summer.
Our first stop in the new hall was in Bess' filing room. We learned that one of her husbands was an accountant. Bess used his methods to keep very accurate records down to the number of nails used in the building.
It is a shame that the building has to be so dark in order to preserve the artifacts, but we had a good wander through. Earlier this year we had been in a hall (Sudbury) which had been partly converted by the Victorians.
Up until their times privacy was not a major concern. In Hardwick to go from room A to room C meant going through room B. The fourposter bed not only helped with keeping warm but gave the occupants some privacy.
We began to understand Bess' character as the second richest person in the country she was a favourite Queen Elizabeth I. She was determined and tough, but readily rewarded those who did 'service beyond the call of duty'.
Home we went. It was only a thirty minute journey for a worthwhile visit.
From here we walk to the May Sum restaurant to a filling Chinese buffet. The chocolate fountain was great fun and I found that my dish soon froze on to the table top. However I think that we prefer the Flaming Dragon.
We walked down through the sunny Market Square where there was evidence of preparations for Christmas on the City Hall frontage.Finally we made our way back to Broadmarsh where Irene looked to purchase clothes with her birthday money.
While she browsed I went on to wander round a model shop. What a disappointment. Not only was the shop closed but Model Zone seems to be under liquidation. Together with another gentleman we bemoaned the loss before going our separate ways.
The shopping centre is even more of a disaster area. And I do not think that the placement of distorting mirrors along shop fronts does much to disguise the fact.
Home we went.
In the evening Irene was caterer at the dance and following tradition took cakes to share. I was DJ and it fell to me to lead the 'Happy Birthday' singing.
On Saturday Joni and Fiona bought cake and we found out how to play Hamburgum together.
On Sunday Jan and Lawrence bought cake.
Its a good job that we like cake.
The last outing of October was a visit to Hardwick Hall. We have visited it before as consolation for missing our flight to New Zealand in 2005.
This time we went as members of the National Trust. The first photograph I took was of the hall from the drive. The sun was shining on the building and you should not miss opportunities like it.
The car park was a mud bath, but it was a blue sky day. First came morning tea. Thank you Joe and Julia for the tea for two. To accompany this we had a slice of Guinness Cake each. It was a very dark cake with a creamy icing which looked like froth on top. The veranda made a good view point to have our refreshments. The toilets, as were all the facilities have had a first class upgrade since we last visited.
 |
| The Old Hall |
 |
| A window view |
We spent a long time doing the audio-tour before returning to the car for lunch.
The second part of the day was taken up with exploring the gardens and the new hall. There was still some colour in the gardens but they must have been very impressive in the summer. Our first stop in the new hall was in Bess' filing room. We learned that one of her husbands was an accountant. Bess used his methods to keep very accurate records down to the number of nails used in the building. |
| Bess' Filing System |
 |
| Grand Staircase |
Up until their times privacy was not a major concern. In Hardwick to go from room A to room C meant going through room B. The fourposter bed not only helped with keeping warm but gave the occupants some privacy.
We began to understand Bess' character as the second richest person in the country she was a favourite Queen Elizabeth I. She was determined and tough, but readily rewarded those who did 'service beyond the call of duty'.Home we went. It was only a thirty minute journey for a worthwhile visit.
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