The King and his Men

I won't let you all wait too long with bated breath: so here is our tale of what we encountered in Warwickshire when we went to visit Christina to collect our marmalade. We left home around 10 am and got to near Christina's in Long Compton by 12 pm. The weather wasn't too good, and the poor Jellies were sitting in the back with their legs crossed. They needed a walk.

So John took a few turns off the main road and before we knew it we arrived at the Rollright Stones; we had seen signposting to the Great Rollrights and on the other side to the Little Rollrights. We ended up at the little ones. They weren't all that little. As John took the Jellies off , they were not allowed on the site, I went to have a look and took a few photos.

The Rollright Stones are one of the best known stone circles in the British Isles, dating from the late neolithic period (2500 - 2000 BC). They lack the spectacle of Stonehenge, but they have a stillness and reclusive mystery, hiding from the traveller like a fox in a bush. The scale is human and does not intimidate like the giant processional menhirs of Avebury, and it is still possible to have the stones entirely to yourself if you pick your time. I nearly had the stones to myself, as there was only one other couple there, who enlightened me that they liked to photograph these sites, and churches in the dark and in the evenings. When I commented that the site was only open from dawn to sunset he wasn't too worried, as there was nary an official person in sight. To be expected at this time of the year. The main circle of stones is called the King's Men. It is difficult to count the stones (legend says it is impossible) but most people arrive at a number between 70 and 80. I didn't even try.

They are most amazing: all the stones are weathered into grotesque shapes, as rotten and riddled with holes as old timber. this one looks as if he has an eye.

In a nearby field there is a large, solitary stone called the King Stone, and a few hundred yards away is a group of stones called The Whispering Knights Unfortunately I wasn't able to take a photo of these as they were further afield in a very muddy site. But I did manage to get one of the King himself In a nearby field there is a large, solitary stone a bit hard to see; I didn't really want to get my shoes any more muddy than necessary.

There is a great deal of folklore associated with the stones. Young women were rumoured to touch the King stone with their breasts at midnight for fertility. Fairies live under the stones. The stones dance. They go down to the stream to drink. The witch elder bleeds when cut. Witches have met there since time immemorial. There is no doubt that modern neopagans do meet there, and there are many accounts of nightime visitors coming across strange goings-on. Visitors should note that the main circle of the Kings Men is privately owned, and midnight frivolity could land you in trouble.

What therre is to see at the Great Rollrights I don't know, will have to leave that till when we go again that way. I hope you found this interesting, I did these places are really unique and fascinating.

Shall now sign off as we are going away on Thursday 14th till Thursday 21st to Honicombe Manor just inside the border of Cornwall, near to Tavistock. No doubt I will have something to tell when I get back . Will take my camera of course. thought you all might enjoy this pix.

PS I shall block off my email address so as not to be inundated with emails when I get back but you can reach me on my mobile anytime except in the middle of the night.

About time!!!!

So sorry its been this long, but I didn't have a lot to write about; although i have been quite busy trying to finish Nell Timms' (John great niece) sampler, and get on with my latest Altered Book. Both of which I want to put in the Wey Valley Workshop Exhibition at Guildford House in May. Everything for this has to be in on March 19th, the day before I go to Portland. Phew can just make it, that is if the work is finished. The sampler just has to have the baby's weight added, and the book on Faces its cover done. Of course, me being me, I don't go for the easy option, no not me. I use a beautiful paper which I thickened with wadding; and then stitch on it. But thats not all, no I decide to enrich it with tiny beads, all very well only there may be more beading to do that I have time for; on top of which I am not at all sure that I like it. The colour I mean. But definitely haven't time to do another
this is the better colour, its not so bluey. Luckily all the pages are now finished except for an embellishment or two.

However we did take time out to go visiting, first to Christina who had finished making my order of marmalade for the year, and the on Saturday we went down to the easide as it was such a wonderful day; a real bonus of a day, wonderful crispy sunshine; the beach was crowded with people, kids and dogs. Our two had a great time socializing and playing around in the sand dunes. There were people who were fishing on the shore, or boating the wonderful rough water.

The meerkats weren't there, or better said I only managed to snap one as you can see; Nelliebel was most interested in this one! We all basked in the sunshine, the Jellies raced aroundand a great time was had by all. Since the seaside kiosk/cafe was closed tight, we went into Littlehampton to our favourite eatery: the East Beach Cafe for one of their wonderful meals. After which we came home again by 3.30 am, tired out wth good food, and fresh sea air.

Thats it folks for now, tomorrow or soon I will return to relate our experiences and adventures with the Kings Men and the King himself on Thursday last when we were with Christina in Warwicksire, so you will just have to wait a little longer as I must get back to beading my book cover. TaTa for now