Gay Pride Brighton 5 August 2017

This post was chafing at the bit!  It published itself as I was setting it up, or perhaps it was a bit of finger trouble.  Sorry about that, here's the real thing.

Now this was a fun day!  Brighton on a warm, sunny, late summer's day, full of colour and laughter and good cheer.  Just a couple of stops down the line from Haywards Heath, and Bob's your uncle.

We were early enough to check out the 2nd book shops and the street markets.

Shoes, apparently the problem with (owning too many) shoes is genetic. We have to be ushered away from shoe shops firmly.

The bunting is flipping in the breeze, there's a buzz in the air, families come out to play. Things are getting going.

A quick stop to try on gorgeous dresses - not me, they would look ridiculous ...

I'll stick with a remote selfie ..

Almost time ...

Take your seats ...

5 minute call, find your spot ...

Get your supplies ...

And let the show begin !

It's all theatre...

Action shot!

Africa represented.

All the emergency services were there 

This was a fabulous day full of colour and music and goodwill and, above all, tolerance. We left with a spring in our step and a song in our hearts.

Avebury 29 July 2017

My last weekend in Buckinghamshire - I had to get to Avebury.

Situated in Wiltshire in the southwest, this is a Neolithic henge containing 3 stone circles around and through the village of Avebury.  After Stonehenge, it is one of the best known prehistoric sites in Britain and contains the largest megalithic stone circle in the world. What makes it different though, is that it is so accessible - you walk through, alongside, in amongst and next to the stones, so it's a much more personal experience. Quite special.

The henge was constructed over several hundred years during the third millenium BC (3000 to 2000 BC) and is part of the larger prehistoric landscape containing the West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill. Today the weather wasn't great so inbetween showers I just did the stone circles.

The sheep weren't bothered by the rain.

Despite signs everywhere, there were still kids climbing on the stones, being photographed by their parents. No surprise then when monuments are fenced off and you can only view them from a distance.  Morons.

These are Copper Beeches with their amazing root system.  Word is that JR Tolkien used them as inspiration for The Ents.  There are ribbons tied to the branches.  Offerings, apparently.  I like the idea of tree gods.

During it's history, the site has been abandoned, broken down, and rebuilt. Right now it is owned and managed by the National Trust. 

Time for tea .. National Trust Cafe - reliably good scones.

Then on to the Manor. Built in the 16th century, on or near the site of a Benedictine Priory founded in 1114, the house is apparently haunted. There was no evidence of this on the day.

In 2011 in the BBC1 series The Manor Reborn, the house was refurbished by experts in collaboration with the National Trust. Many of the rooms were renovated in the style of one of four eras - the series illustrated the story of British design across 5 centuries.  In a surprising move, visitors are now encouraged to sit on the chairs, test the beds and make themselves at home. Very unusual.

 

Leading out to the garden ..

 

 

Definitely Jack and the Beanstalk beans!

Lots of photographs, I know, but there was so much else to see which I haven't shown. If you are ever in the area, spend the day here. You'll be amazed.