February News

One of our afternoon walks took us to Mudeford Quay. This is a very popular  place for people to come and sit in their cars and watch the world pass by. The highlight of our walk here is a hot chocolate (deluxe) at The Beach Hut, Friars Cliff.

The Mudeford Ferry operates between Mudeford Quay and Mudeford Sandbank (famous for its very expensive beach huts) below you will see the information board for the ferry. There is a funny on it close to the bottom.  (double click the photo to enlarge).

This photo is an information board about the ‘salmon and sea trout netting’ that takes place by the Quay.

Fishing boat heading for ‘the run’, the entrance to Christchurch Harbour. The Black House, now holiday accommodation, can be see in the background.

Outside the Avon Beach cafe was this banner giving some of the history of the cafe. It started as a house boat!

Some of you know that I had to have a Basal Cell Carcinoma removed. Here is the result shortly after the removal. At the time of writing I have had the eight stitches removed (16.2.10) and everything is progressing well. Still not a pretty sight though!

Sue and I spent an afternoon doing a series of geocaches near to Downton, south of Salisbury. We managed to find all 8 geocaches the last one lead us to St. Laurence’s Church which we had a look around (not the inside – muddy boots).

 The main entrance

Knocker

 

The one that got away!

 

Close by is The Moot. We had a walk around the grounds and the snowdrops were out in all their splendour.

 Yesterday, Tuesday 18th February, we met up with friends at Blunsdon House Hotel, Swindon for a carvery meal. It was lovely to see everyone and to swap stories. The meal was excellent and can be highly recommended.  Apologies to Dave who didn’t make it into the camera.

   

January Outings

 Following the success of turkey sandwiches on the beach we did it again at Southbourne. The weather wasn’t as good as Christmas Day so we had to wrap up well. Following the sarnies we had a hot drink at the Bistro on the Beach which was very welcome. The Bistro can be recommended - it has a website.

 Not too many people on the beach – showering was not on Sue’s agenda.

The weather on one of the Sundays was superb so we spent the day in and around Poole. As you can see most of Dorset were out.

More people.


The next 3 photos were taken whilst out rambling. We started at Keyhaven car park and then walked around Pennington Marshes. This is a popular place for bird watchers. From here we are very close to the Isle of Wight and have very good views of it. Spot the ponies.

The vanguard of the group – there are some slow coaches.

The  Leaders - Lyn and David
This was taken on 1st February in Romsey Abbey.
The Abbey Church of St Mary and St Ethelflaeda can trace its origins back to 907 AD, the year in which King Edward the Elder first settled some nuns here under the charge of his daughter Elflaeda.
The first stone church and nunnery were built  c. 1000 AD and flourished as a place of education for the daughters of kings and noblemen. Work began on the present building c. 1120-1140.
 
Looking towards the high altar.

This is the embroidered curtain which was designed and made locally in 1961, showing saints with their traditional symbols.

Part of the three storey high nave.
 
St Barbe monument, a 13th century Purbeck marble effigy and a contemporary sculpture depicting St Nicholas.
On the floor in front of this sculpture is the grave of Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

Sue at one of the smaller entrances to the Abbey.