Colesbourne Park

Yesterday, after Owen attended Open Day at St. Edward's where he participated in a robotics demonstration and then a science demonstration and after Finn attended his art class at the Cheltenham Art Gallery, we all headed to Colesbourne. This village is approximately 20 minutes outside of Cheltenham and is best-known for its display of snowdrops in late January and early February, especially at a private residence called Colesbourne Park.

First we opted for a pub lunch at the Colesbourne Inn (www.thecolesbourneinn.co.uk), just next door to the park. The Inn was packed and the service was somewhat slow, but the food was really delicious and the ales were flowing. The chef worked with Gordon Ramsay for 18 months which might explain the yumminess. While waiting, we taught the kids how to play Hearts and had a game of dominoes. It was a truly pleasant lunch.

Here is some history of Colesbourne Park from its website (www.snowdrop.org.uk): "John Elwes, son of the celebrated miser, purchased the estate of 1600 acres in 1789 and over the next few years more land was added to make a total of 6000 acres. The original house comprised a very elegant Queen Anne front built onto an ancient manor house in 1703 by the Sheppard family, clothiers of Minchinhampton. Their other estate was Gatcombe, now the home of the Princess Royal. In 1850 the Elwes family decided that the old house was too small for a family of ten children, demolished it, and built a grand Victorian mansion on a new site nearby. This house was requisitioned in the last war and then lay, half empty and devoid of furniture until inherited by the present Henry Elwes in 1956. With no prospect of re-furnishing the huge house, Henry pulled it down in 1958 and built a smaller one on the same site, incorporating one room from the old mansion.
The estate now comprises 2500 acres including four farms, 900 acres of forestry and most of the village property. The lake was created in 1922 in a deep wooded valley near the house to provide hydro-electric power for the big mansion. The wonderful blue colour is believed to be caused by the colloidal clay in the water."
We had a great day in the weather that couldn't decide what it was (sunny, sunny with sprinkles, complete downpour, sunny, sunny with sprinkles, cloudy - in that order).

There were flowers,
paths,
(A total "No DUH!" sign)

grottoes,
long meadows,
lakes,
waterfalls,
streams under bridges,
a church
and a graveyard.
It was a fabulous place to take the kids and I got my flower and graveyard fix in one fell swoop. Some more photos follow. Enjoy the views as much as we did!
The Ice House
The chimney clock
The stables
The obligatory Jaguar
The feral pig
The altar cloth in St. James Church
Pretty window
Cool grave monument
Me, at the bridge
Awesome lonesome pine
This photo is for my Mom who loves pussywillow.
Lawn roller
Garden gate with welcoming pineapple

As an extra special treat, both Owen and Finn were allowed to ring the bells in the church. Very cool.

Lookee What I Got!

For over a year now, I have been going to a monthly auction in the nearby town of Tewkesbury. There is usually one or two items which I fancy. This past Thursday, there were a few items I had my sights on and I won them without having to go overboard on my bidding. Here are some photos of what I won.

This is a small salt cellar in the shape of a Viking ship. It has a glass insert and is stamped on the bottom with some sort of cathedral or university crest. I need to get out a magnifying glass to read what it says.

This is a silver inkwell with a beautiful porcelain lid.
Finn purchased an ink pen and ink in Venice and has been asking for an inkwell.
I think I found a good one.

This is the cutest little Chinese rickshaw all in silver.
Even the seats are textured and the wheels spin.

Cider and yeast flagons - a must have item for the Cotswold homeowner

This is my favorite flagon. The top portion says: "To buy, to sell or make use of this bottle is illegal. Please return bottle when empty - 1951." In other words: RECYCLE!

In addition, I won two tea sets for way cheap - six cups, saucers and tea plates in each set (one of which I will probably donate to the local thrift shop because even though it's nice - just not my style) and a set of cherry wood nesting tables for 50 GBP! The tables are newer and came with the original receipt with a price of 260 GBP.

Brockhampton Hike

Last Saturday morning, Craig, Owen and I went on a hike with a large group of American and British people. It was led by a woman with whom Craig works. The day was crisp, clear and bright and the trail was muddy, frozen and snowy all at once. Owen had a blast romping in the snow, instigating snowball fights and getting incredibly muddy. We ended the hike at a pub called The Craven Arms with good food and company.

Emus peeking over the wall




Owen wandering above and goofing off below


Happily waiting for his meal

Everyone needs a Butcombe.