Steve & Rosemary Blasdale

The MAD Museum, Stratford-Upon-Avon

Posted on March 5, 2024 by SteveMarch 10, 2024

5th March 2024

We travelled to Stratford-Upon-Avon, parked in the P&R, and took the bus into the centre. This was our first time to Stratford since 1982. The company I worked for back in those days, Altergo Software, used to hold its Christmas party in the Hilton Hotel there. The hotel is now a Crowne Plaza. We had two Christmas parties there. The first time, Rosemary and I went to see a Shakespeare play. Most of which I missed because I fell asleep. The second time was in 1982. That was the last Altergo Christmas party because in March 1983 they had run out of money, and we were not paid that month. Did they pay for the Christmas party? During both visits we never saw anything of Stratford, other than the brief visit and sleep in the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre.

So, 41+ years later we decided to visit again, and not drive past on our way to somewhere else. What had changed? Well, there was nothing much to compare, only the hotel and the theatre. No idea what had changed in the theatre, I can’t remember much about it. The hotel looked the same, outside and in. It even still had the gas fired, coal effect fire in the foyer. Yes one of the Altergo employees, thought it was a real fire and had used a poker to enhance the blaze. Yes, there was one small change, a glass screen to stop unprovoked poking and no pokers to be seen.

The MAD Museum

Today we started off at the MAD museum, the museum of Mechanical Art and Design. A small museum above the shops, entry is up some stairs.

As the name suggests, the MAD Museum showcases a collection of kinetic art, automata, and robotics from around the world. These exhibits are not just for looking at; they are designed to be interacted with, making the museum a fun and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The museum features more than 60 exhibits, including:

Rolling ball machines
Automata (moving machines)
Robots
Witty design pieces
Mind-blowing intricate moving contraptions

Many of the displays were interactive, so an excellent place to take the children. Unfortunately, there was a large group there when we entered. Thankfully their happy chatter disappeared and they left us in peace. We had even delayed visiting, ensuring we were not going there during the school holidays.

The video below, shows most of the exhibits that were working and on display.

Dirty Duck for lunch

We left the museum after nearly two hours and headed for lunch. Rosemary had elected to visit the Dirty Duck, a famous 18th Century pub, formerly known as the Black Swan and apparently popular with actors. Well, it did have an actor’s bar. We ate lunch there and I sampled a pint of Greene King Ale. The pub was not crowded, the food turned up quickly. It was Ok, but not particularly memorable.

After lunch we walked along the river, listening to the buskers in the background. Paid a quick visit to the hotel to see what had changed in 41+ years. Then it was into town and a look around the shops. Plenty of charity shops and odd curiosity shops. There was a Cat Cafe which took Rosemary’s fancy. It had a cat in the window. Thankfully, it was closed on Tuesdays.

Back at the bus stop we waited for the bus. Not a particularly frequent bus service, so quite a long wait, but R managed to dash into a nearby charity shop to emerge with four books from a series she loves.

Looking for Foxes 4

Posted on February 17, 2024 by SteveMarch 9, 2024

The regular fox sightings near our field pond and wild garden paint a fascinating picture of a thriving ecosystem in our backyard. Here’s an expansion of our observations.

The visiting fox is likely a vixen, she is displaying classic hunting behavior. Her sniffing around rabbit hole could be for two reasons:

Prey Scouting: Looking for potential meals in the future.
Den Site Selection: Foxes give birth in dens, often repurposing existing burrows like those made by rabbits. So our vixen is hopefully looking for a place to bring up her fox cubs.

The time difference between our fox and rabbit sightings suggests a well-established coexistence. Rabbits are highly attuned to predators, possessing excellent hearing and sight. They detect the fox’s presence and retreat to their burrows for safety.

Foxes are more than just cunning hunters. They play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations, including those that can damage gardens and crops. Their presence also indicates a healthy environment with a diverse food chain. Unfortunately, they do have a taste for chicken.

Snowdrops at Swyncombe and Greys Court

Posted on February 5, 2024 by SteveMarch 10, 2024

5th February 2024

We decided on an earlier trip this week. Monday, weatherwise, seemed a better day than Tuesday. This trip was looking for Snowdrops, and I had been given a recommendation to visit St Botolph’s Church, Swyncombe. This came about during a chat with a fellow Kingswood gun club member on Sunday. She had visited St Botolph’s Church on Saturday, and mentioned the Snowdrops were gorgeous. On a Saturday and Sunday, the church volunteers were selling tea and cakes. We visited on Monday, so missed out on the victuals. Amazingly there were several people at the church viewing the Snowdrops. It is a lovely small, Norman church in a remote area of Oxfordshire on the Ridgeway and Chiltern Way footpaths. We looked around and photographed.

National Trust Greys Court

Next, we headed on to the National Trust house of Greys Court, renowned for its Wisteria and Bluebells. Here we had an early lunch, the seemingly standard winter menu of all National Trust house at this time of year. Both Rosemary and I ate the Vegan spiced bean pot, made not vegan by a slab of butter in my case.

We had a walk through the house, which had been in use up to a few years before. It is still maintained in a state such that you could think of living in the premises. You would need quite a lot of money to keep the place warm, lack of double glazing and large drafty rooms.

The gardens are not at their best at this time of year. There will be a visit for the Bluebells and Wisteria later in the year. There were though a couple of patches of Snowdrops, not as expansive as St Botolph’s Church, , Swyncombe. There is a maze, easy to navigate because you can plan your route, no tall hedges to restrict the view. Rosemary and I walked around it, unlike one chap who cheated!

Before we left, we paid another visit to the cafe for coffee and a cake, as well as the mandatory visit to the secondhand book shop.

Looking for Foxes 3

Posted on February 3, 2024 by SteveMarch 9, 2024

3rd February 2024

Another week of fox hunting. Camera in a slightly different position, hoping to see more investigation by the fox. Plenty of rabbits feeding at night. During the day, a group of starlings came to feast amongst the leaves. There was just one sighting of a fox, she looked to be investigating a home amongst the ready built dens. Still, plenty of time before she has her cubs. Next week the camera has been moved to show a wider view of the likely den area. Let us hope for some foxy pictures.

National Trust Basildon Park

Posted on January 30, 2024 by SteveFebruary 4, 2024

30th January 2024

Another trip out. This time it was to Basildon Park (yes, the writing paper was named after it). Built in the 1700s with newly acquired wealth, Basildon Park has weathered many storms. By World War II, it had fallen into disrepair. The grounds became a prison camp, and sadly, American soldiers damaged parts of the house. Fires, water damage, and neglect took their toll. Yet, the house persevered. In 1952, when a woman with a keen eye saw its potential and embarked on a revival mission, eventually gifting it to the National Trust in 1978.

We joined a short, guided tour of the house which was the only way to view inside. Perhaps this is in the winter only.

After the tour, we enjoyed a light lunch. The winter menu offered a few hot options, perfect for a chilly day. Next, we explored the gardens and woods, marvelling at a magnificent Holm Oak tree. Dog owners will be thrilled with the 400 acres of space to roam, and there’s even a designated dog-friendly area in the house restaurant for those who really must bring their furry friend along.

The park boasts two restaurants: one by the house and another near the entrance, where you’ll also find the National Trust shop. Interestingly, Basildon Park is one of the few National Trust sites where you don’t have to exit through the shop (bonus points!). While the second restaurant was closed for the winter, the one by the house was open and ready to serve hungry visitors.

National Trust Hanbury Hall

Posted on January 28, 2024 by SteveJanuary 28, 2024

24th January 2024

Our scheduled Tuesday excursion was postponed to Wednesday due to inclement weather, characterized by persistent drizzle. Fortunately, Wednesday brought overcast skies but remained dry, prompting our visit to Hanbury Hall, a National Trust property located near Droitwich. Prior to this visit, we had not explored this estate. Google Maps directed us via by motorways before navigating single-track roads leading to the estate. This last part was scary, necessitating one reversal for an oncoming truck. Luckily, the sparse traffic alleviated any significant inconvenience. It is worth noting that alternative routes, such as a cross-country path from Stratford-Upon-Avon, offer a better approach. This is the way we left Hanbury Hall.

Hanbury Hall, constructed of brick, presents an impressive facade while exhibiting a disordered aspect from its rear vantage point. Within the estate grounds, two adjacent cafes cater for visitors. Additionally, during the summer months, it looked as though a mobile trailer would offer refreshments such as ice cream and coffee.

Originally there were formal gardens, but these were later transformed into Capability Brown style parklands. Now, those original formal gardens have been faithfully recreated by the NT and complement the relaxed later gardens, with orangery, orchards, and walled garden. The estate also still encompasses expansive parkland, offering many walks. The reconstruction of the original gardens was helped by a painting commissioned by the original owner, Thomas Vernon. The painting prominently features Vernon himself overlooking the estate from a high point. It could be thought of as an “18th-century photoshop” creation, because there is no miniature hill overlooking the estate

Within the main hall, a striking staircase adorned with wall murals by the English painter Sir James Thornhill commands attention. Paintings in other rooms, have concealed symbolism; for instance, a portrait featuring a greyhound flanked by two young brothers carries historical significance. The two boys are dressed as girls, but cannon balls and a military hat hint at their masculinity. Painting the two boys as girls, could also perhaps help thwart kidnap attempts. A greyhound denotes that the heir to the estate is present in the painting. Notably, in the case of Hanbury Hall, this symbolism proved prescient – both brothers ultimately assumed ownership of the estate, following the premature demise of the elder sibling without heirs.

Exploring the outdoor environs, we walked around the formal gardens before venturing into the expansive parkland. While we arrived slightly ahead of the full bloom of snowdrops, their imminent shoots promised a picturesque sight upon subsequent visits. The estate’s diligent gardeners were observed preparing the grounds for the forthcoming spring season. A magnificent orchard looked as though it will be a mass of bloom in spring. Among the architectural features, the 18th-century Orangery stands out, housing lemon and orange trees, with many likely to be relocated outdoors during the warmer months.

The primary cafe had a somewhat limited menu comprising sandwiches, jacket potatoes plus a few vegetarian options, with my personal selection being red dal.

Anticipating a broader array of offerings on the menus, a return visit is certainly warranted also to more fully appreciate the splendour of Hanbury Hall, particularly amidst the lush backdrop of trees, formal gardens, and orchards.

Looking for Foxes 2

Posted on January 27, 2024 by SteveFebruary 4, 2024

27th January 2024

Another week by the pond, and not much to report. Plenty of rabbits, a definite need for an AI application to filter them out of the videos. A grey squirrel, an import from the USA, unfortunately it has found the bird feeders now, but has not learnt to climb. A sighting of a Muntjac deer most evenings. One sighting of a Fox.

Looking for Foxes

Posted on January 20, 2024 by SteveFebruary 4, 2024

20th January 2024

As the new year begins, it is the season for foxes to find a home to raise their young. Next to our field pond, there is a large mound of earth that is friendly to wildlife. Rabbits use it to dig their burrows. In early January, when the weather was sunny, many birds came to feed amongst the fallen leaves. We saw starlings, redwings, fieldfares and garden birds, including a cheeky blue tit that pecked at the camera. We also had many rabbits, a squirrel who luckily has not discovered the bird feeders, and a mouse. The fox visited several times, inspecting the holes. It won’t be long before the rabbits move out for a while when the fox cubs arrive.

Please ignore the date on the camera, the day and time are correct, but the month is wrong. This is January, not March.

National Trust – Baddesley Clinton

Posted on January 17, 2024 by SteveJanuary 17, 2024

16th January 2024

Our regular Tuesday adventures resumed after a short break, and what a crisp, sunny, yet undeniably cold, day it was! The journey up the M40 was smooth, leading us to a pleasantly bustling car park at Baddesley Clinton, an imposing moated manor nestled in the Warwickshire countryside.

Stepping through the grand entrance, we were immediately drawn to the house itself, a captivating blend of Tudor and Elizabethan architecture with a rich history. Despite the valiant efforts of the National Trust volunteers, who were adorned in layers to combat the barely double-digit room temperatures, the house retained a distinct chill, a poignant reminder of its turbulent past. One volunteer said one of their number was wearing a heated gilet. Sensible type, we thought.

The knowledgeable room guides, ever eager to share their insights, expertly navigated us through the maze of chambers and corridors. Among the treasures, the priest hole captivated our imagination. Hidden behind a bookshelf, its intricate construction, crafted by one Nicholas Owen, spoke volumes of the Catholic refuge Baddesley Clinton offered during a period of religious persecution. Owen was described on an information board as “the renowned” builder & designer of priest holes. Presumably, that was a posthumous accolade?! He was canonised in 1970. One of the priests, Father John Gerard, who sheltered there, led a highly adventurous life. He was one of few people who escaped from the Tower of London and later wrote “The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest”. But was he sheltered at Baddesley? R needs to read the autobiography.

After venturing through the historical tapestry of the house, we craved warmth and sustenance! Two steaming vegetable and bean chillies later, we felt suitably fortified for further exploration. The bookshop beckoned, and while R searched, I found a science fiction section, adding to my enormous collection of To Be Read books.

Finally, before bidding farewell to Baddesley Clinton, I couldn’t resist capturing the house’s reflection in the moat. The stark contrast between the frozen waters on the north side and the ice-free surface on the south was a curious reflection of the house itself – a microcosm of history’s uneven flow, where secrets lie hidden beneath a seemingly placid surface?

Baddesley Clinton offered more than just a pleasant excursion; it was a journey through time, a glimpse into the resilience of faith and the ingenuity of those who sought solace in its walls.

National Trust – Chedworth Roman Villa

Posted on December 21, 2023 by SteveJanuary 9, 2024

21st December 2023

On a damp, dark, cloudy day we visited Chedworth Roman Villa. This villa has been partially excavated, with protective shelters built over the top of some of the remains. Viewing of the floors and hypocausts are from walkways above. There’s a smallmuseum of finds.

We arrived along some narrow roads and parked beside the road some 200 meters from the site. The main parking was full, and there was a coach party of schoolchildren. Guided tours were available, but Rosemary and I, seeking a self-paced exploration, opted for the audio guide. It offered various options, from factual narrations about the villa’s history to playful dramatizations of life during Roman times. We decided to stick to the plain facts, eager to unravel the secrets embedded in the ancient stones.

Before delving into the ruins, we refuelled in the cozy cafe, relishing a warming coffee. After the tour we ate a light lunch there amidst the clean and cheerful ambiance. I imagine on a sun-drenched summer day, the surrounding areas would transform into a delightful picnic haven, the open air adding to the charm of the place. Somehow R managed to find their small secondhand book shop.

Our exploration along the raised walkways, overlooking fascinating remains showed us:

o – Roman Mosaics: Exquisite floors crafted from tiny coloured stones

o – Hypocausts: These ingenious underfloor heating systems, utilizing hot air channels, warmed the Roman floors and baths, offering a glimpse into their sophisticated approach to comfort.

o – Toilets: These were explained in all their glory details to the listening school kids.

Our online research unveiled a curious detail – Chedworth Roman Villa is apparently home to a thriving population of Roman Snails! These intriguing creatures, protected by their unique status, add a touch of biodiversity to the historical site.