Our neighbour, Gordon, who lives in Old Rode House, Downton Lane this morning gave us this typed version of an article from The Mansfield and Sutton Times of 29th June 1928:
The highlighted paragraph is the one that specifically features our little hamlet, and is, incidentally evidence that our house was certainly built before the 1930s, as we had been given to understand. I have also scanned the next two pages which describe the life of our area a hundred years ago. Apart from the volume of motor traffic this has not changed much in the intervening years. We do have electricity, but not gas. We are not on mains drainage and dispose of our waste by means of a septic tank. These continuation sheets can be enlarged by access to their gallery.
The few fluffy clouds creeping away from a clear cerulean sky above our garden earlier heralded the cold, bright, day that we were to enjoy. The last image in the above set was produced by looking down on the kitchen skylight from our new first floor sitting room.
We began with a visit to Pilley’s lake where my usual seasonal view bore signs of autumn and a number of ponies
drinking and reflected in the clear, still waters.
Some of the animals wandered across Jordans Lane until a woman left one of the cars and shooed them off.
This was Jules who called her pony over from the far side of the lake and gave him treats – this soon had me surrounded by other equines hoping for the same from me. I had engaged this friendly person in conversation in order to ask her about the foal with the stick in its collar that we had seen yesterday. She had obligingly parked behind Jackie where we enjoyed talking. Jules thought it likely that the small branch would become dislodged. The love between pony and owner was patent.
Assorted equines gathered on the other side of the water.
Donkeys with a foal gathered at East Boldre, where
robins flitted about.
More ponies, casting long shadows gathered on the verges of the beginning of South Baddersley Road. These, we thought, were the group that we often see at St Leonard’s Grange, with their little attached Shetland,
today enjoying an extended scratch on a post, while
one of its taller companions was able to use its hoof.
Hauntingly beautiful photos of fluffy clouds and cerulean skies. Captivating and magical!
Thank you very much, Sofia
Such peacefully pastoral scenes – just what is needed after a hectic day!
Thanks a lot, Anne
I particuarly like the series of trees silhouetted against the morning sky. And another winsome robin photo!
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Such adorable ponies and donkeys! I would be taking that Shetland pony home with me for sure.
Thanks very much, AnneMarie
Wow! What a splendid post. Thanks for showing all the photos. Hugs on the wing.
Thanks very much, Teagan
Your little Hamlet sounds beautiful both then and now. I’d love to live in a place like that. 🙂 I remember when Norm worked on crystal sets as a bit of a hobby at work back in the 1980’s and they were way outdated then. I wonder what happened to them. Perhaps he could start up the hobby again but then again…our house wouldn’t have the room for such a set up.
When we moved to Newark in 1987 Sam chose his bedroom on the strength of 18 power points left by the previous owner who was a Citizen’s Band Radio enthusiast. Thanks very much, Chrissie.
🙂 Sam is a bright spark. 😉
What an interesting article – both in terms of the glimpse into life in your hamlet all those years ago, but also the glimpse into the holiday options of the day… Funny, too, that it was the ex-smoking carriage that was reclaimed as guest accommodation!
Beautiful autumn sunshine – so lovely to see Jules’ connection with her pony. And the fact that she did not need a coat today – a treat for December!
Thanks very much, Emma. Yes. It was a lovely encounter
Interesting historical information! Fun to think of how the character of hamlet is very much the same. Great pictures of the donkeys and ponies!
Of course there is no longer a village shop and post office 🙂 Thanks very much, Laurie
That’s too bad. Every village or hamlet, not matter how small, benefits from a village shop and post office. Provides a center. I would also add a library to the mix.
The blues and the depths of those first two sets of images ae amazing, Derrick.
I am SO glad to hear that the “owners” of the ponies are attuned to their needs. I was never sure, as they all seem to be wandering about wily nilly. But, of of course, that’s what anyone would want to do, as long as they are cared for.
It was so good to see this relationship in reality, Jodie. Thanks very much
<3
Adore your donkey and pony photos Derrick, the are calm and soothing … ouchie, my elbow is aching a bit this morning .. and reading about your wonderful hamlet area is definitely a good distraction for me…
I hope the pain goes off soon. Thank you very much, Ivor
Soon would be good 😊
I like the instruction to holidaymakers to be early to bed and up with the lark. I like a bit of a holiday when I go on holiday so I leave the lark to it.
The three studies of the tree and Pilley’s Lake were my favourites today.
Thank you very much, Tootlepedal
From dramatic skies to bucolic scenes, all fabulous photos, Derrick.
Thank you so much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
The Shetland brought back memories from when I was a little girl. One Christmas I begged my father for a Shetland. Great photos, Derrick!
I’m pleased to have stirred the memory, Jill. Thanks very much.
Really lovely to chat to Derrick today
Fabby pics of the ponies and the beautiful forest that was just revelling in glorious winter sunshine. Such a beautiful day . The ponies are all looking super healthy – well fattened from summer and autumn grass ready to take on whatever winter throws at them – hopefully it will be kind.
Thank you so much, Jules. You have provided another eloquent description of the day.
You have some devine equines.
We do, Pat. Nicely put, thank you
I loved the description of the coach/cabin. I’ve spent a couple of lovely weeks in an old railroad bunkhouse, and I know someone from the Texas panhandle who used to stop after school to get fresh tortillas from a woman who lived in a repurposed railway car. I daresay the lifestyles had some similarities!
These are nice parallels. Linda. Thanks very much
So many ponies! If I lived there, I’d be drawn to make friends with them. They seem a bit like big dogs, but more independent. I like the cerulean skies, too!
Thank you so much, JoAnna
The ponies all look nice and furry ini their winter coats! I especially love those little Shetlands.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Derrick, you’ve beautifully captured the texture and color of the ponies. They look like an amber velvet. I love your caring heart.
Thank you so much, Alys
Lovely woods, ponies and the robin. The article is quite interesting.
Thank you very much, Rupali
What a wonderful article! Such great history! Love the part about the music of the birds. 🙂
You know I love the donkeys! And the robins! And the ponies! (all having a good hair day! 🙂 )
So nice to meet Jules and her pretty pony! 🙂
Love the little Shetland scratching what itches! 🙂 What a cutie! 😀
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Four -legged friends out enjoying the sunshine
Thanks a lot, Sheree
There seems to be virtually every possible combination of colours and patterns on those horses. I like the white one with a brown face, I’ve never noticed one like that before.
We get all sorts here, John. Thanks very much.
More of your fascinating ‘rustic delights’, and beautifully adorned with your photographs. Thank you, Derrick.
Much appreciated, Roland
Your little hamlet is to be envied!! Of course then being surrounded by ponies of all breeds, horses with their auburn coats glistening in the sun and friendly neighbors!!
“Lots for GP” said Jackie. Much appreciated
Thank you, Jackie!!
You certainly live in a beautiful area. I particularly like the first set of ponies at Piley Lake photos.
It looks like it was a very pleasant day for walking around.
It was, Merril. Thank you very much
What a plethora of ponies! Very entertaining set of photos, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Maj
How lovely to read the 1928 article.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the pony images.
Thank you so much, Sue
delightful ponies! gorgeous photographs of skies, water and reflections.
Thank you very much, Lola
Always interesting to turn up a nugget of history such as that.
Gordon is good at that. Thanks very much, Andrew
Your home has an interesting history. Those idyllic photographs are fruits of immaculate exposure and framing. The one captured looking down the kitchen skylight is ingenious. The equestrian population is enjoying being themselves, unbothered by the business of the bipeds, odd treats notwithstanding.
Thank you so much, Uma
Ah, this post takes me to another world, Derrick, and I love it.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Your photographs are always beautiful entertainment
Interesting history about your home.
Thank you so much, More
You’re welcome Derrick
What a lovely day surrounded by so many cute souls! I think is great living in a piece of history 😉
Thank you so much, Ribana. It really is
Fascinating to read of daily life back then.
Thanks a lot, Lindsey
How fun that 1928 letter was! I love tht you keep learning about the history of the Old Post House!! Great photos of those wonderful ponies, {{{Derrick}}} !! Have a great week. I’m busy trying to catch up on my WP reading. I got a little behind as I was working on writing Christmas cards and buying, wrapping, and mailing off gifts to family overseas.
Thanks very much, Jan. I intend to start on Christmas cards today. X
I love the photographs of trees. They are one of nature’s finest gifts.