I am a man who on 7.7.12 reached his three score years and ten, and is living on the Biblical bonus time. Fortunate enough to be able to look forward to a hopefully healthy future and back to a fully involved past I have been encouraged to produce a blog based on my ramblings. These ramblings were on foot when I began in May 2012, and in my head, reflecting on a lifetime, aided by a large collection of photographs. Arthritis now prevents me from doing long walks, so Jackie drives me somewhere I can have a short wander. I have led an active life; have suffered losses in adulthood which have helped to make me who I am; have five children and nine grandchildren; my career has been in Social Work and personal therapy; as Mordred, I set cryptic crosswords for twenty years. I have homes in The New Forest and The Dordogne. The New Forest home is a former village shop shared with Jackie near New Milton; I would like to sell the French village house.
Since my family life can be a little confusing, I have provided this post: https://derrickjknight.com/2014/01/05/my-branch-of-the-family-tree/
This is a map of the garden: 
What a beautiful blog! I am a clinical social worker and psychotherapist as well and enjoy rambling and taking a pic or three. Nice to meet you~
Thank you very much, Cindy. You too
As a Wimbledonian (and a fan), it was lovely to read your reminiscences of Sandy (Denny), and see a lovely picture of her with David, who himself died tragically young, in 1980, having supported her and Fairport in their American tours. Their father also lost his wife around the same time. Very sad. Sandy’s daughter Georgia lives in Australia.
Many thanks, Steve, although more tragic news. I have a son in Fremantle in Australia.
Thanks for follow!
Hi Derrick, I found your blog when I looked up Kings huts (pennington). I was walking around the open gardens there today and passed this intriguing gateway, taking a gander I saw this wonderful sundial on the side of the house. And I thought “how does a fabulous object like that appear on the side of a cottage at the arse end of pennington?”. Your post answered all my questions. Then I read some other posts and realised you live at castle malwood lodge. I live in Sway and have wondered what castle malwood lodge was as I have seen it from the forest when walking the dogs in that area. I did not know what it was called and when I tried walking up the road on google maps I couldn’t find it (I wasn’t sure at what point on our walk we had seen it) I thought I must be the house of someone pretty important, and I wondered who lived there. So you have solved two mysteries for me today. Thank you very much.
ps. Does the lodge have open days or anything like that? or is it just a private residence. It looks to be an architectural gem.
Actually, Martin, we left Castle Malwood Lodge two years ago and are now even nearer you, at Old Post House in Downton. Thanks for the interest
What a fascinating blog! I found it from a quick google of friend Jeanie Mellersh. We lived in April Cottage, on Seaman’s Lane, in 1996-98, had our first child there, still in love with the place. I shall read more of your ramblings, especially from the Castle Malwood era! Lynette
Very many thanks, Lynette. I remember Jeanie
Hi Derrick,
I’m an amateur animator and I was wondering if you would mind me using on of your photographs as the background to an animation? The photo is called “gorse-and-trees.jpg”. My animations are just hobby and not used for anything commercial. I generally post them on YouTube. If you are happy for me to use the photo I will of course send you the link to the animation on once it is finished.
Thank you and regards,
Jim
I’m honoured, Jim. Thank you for asking. Be my guest. I look forward to the link
Hi Derrick,
I have finally completed my animation with your photo featuring as the background. Thank you for your permission to use it. The animation can be seen at https://youtu.be/UBrJTzsvX3Q
Regards,
Jim
Thanks, Jim. I am embedding your work into today’s post
I am going to enjoy follow such an interesting blog. Happy Blogging
Thank you, Elizabeth
Good Evening Derrick;
Unfortunately, most stamps are not very valuable,! This is great if you are interested in them for their historical value. They also are a great war of teaching grandkids about the world, without spending much $$.
I still find some of the geography I earned in the 50’s collecting stamps useful!.
My Salem collection has shoebox of junk mail from the Civil War onwards.
By gathering anything & everything relating to Salem, new or old, I was able to
really give a time capsule, that the pro’s/ historians did not bother to save.
We had a full century of all sorts of commercial & manufacturing activity, and the
pos are just now waking up to what the missed. You cannot imagine how scarce
any of local paper is relating to this era. NO catalogs, photos, paper
of any sort can be found,yet is was once free for the asking!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aa1mo
Thank you, Nelson
I can see why you would like my poem about gardens…yours is breathtaking…thank you for liking my blog…but more, thank you for the pictures of your garden…stunning…breathtaking beauty. Katie.
Oh my goodness – I have to thank Lynn at Lynz Real Cooking very very much for introducing your blog. It’s look so far up my street that I might move in!
Thank you very much, Osyth
Oh I’m convinced the pleasure will be all mine!
Nominated you for the quotes challenge. You may accept it or reject it, no pressure!
https://lifeofmon.wordpress.com/2016/06/14/reading-love-3dqc/
Thanks for the honour, Mon, but I am hard-pressed to keep up my daily blog, respond to everyone, and read those I follow, to be able to do justice to challenges. This comment of yours, like others, was in my Spam folder
Totally understandable 🙂 Thabjs for replying back. Love, Mon
Thank you Derrick for visiting my blog, glad you liked it. I will be exploring yours, it looks interesting, lovely photos too. Kind regards, Agnes
Thank you, Agnes
DEAR DERRICK came across your blog while looking for images of a FERULA.
I assume your very worthy Lidl does not have these in stock, but I am looking to acquire one, or make a reproduction (with plastic whalebone).
Do you know of a source, or the Dimensions for a maker to use.
I am John Gosling, e mail goz747@gmail.com
I was at wimbledon, leaving in 1966, and I am sure we have many of the same recollections
Have e-mailed you, John. Thanks
I have discovered your photograph of Elm Cottages, Coldharbour Road, Lower Dicker in 1910. In the 1911 Census my grandparents, Alfred and Elizabeth Kirby, and their six children lived at No. 3 Elm Cottages. Do you have any other information/photos relating to this property?
My son and his wife lived at number 5 and still run the village shop. I will check for you.
I have seen your comments around on several blogs I follow so decided to stop by for a visit to meet you in person! I am retired from the field of social services with a bunch of kids and grandkids, and a wonderful husband so sounds like we have a few things in common! Hello! !
We certainly do. Thanks, Jan. I’ve been over to yours and followed (I don’t always 🙂
Thank you. I agree about following ‘Just cause’ and I appreciate it. I am now following you too.
I am loving all the beautiful photography and your detailed accounts!!
Thank you, Daniella
Really nice blog Derrick. The video “Abandoned” teared me up.
Many thanks, Jim
hi Derek I wrote a story that was inspired by your photograph, the one you graciously lent me. https://ellenbest24.wordpress.com/2016/11/05/only-the-bird-was-witness/
Hi, Derrick. I just wanted you to know that I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger award. I love your posts and photos and believe you deserve to be recognized. If you choose not to participate, I do understand; however, I hope that you do – even if you don’t pick 15 people 10 or 5 will do! The details are at https://beinglydiadotcom.wordpress.com/2016/11/08/another-nomination/
Lydia!
Many thanks, Lydia. I am honoured, and grateful, but have to decline because I already have my work cut out keeping up with posts I follow and comments on my own.
Derrick, just decline the work, not the recognition. I almost didn’t accept either and will now be going award free!
You sister Liz put me onto your blog, so I am new to all this. I am hoping to write a book of the dog walks I have done in Hampshire and Wiltshire, so Liz mentioned your blogs and to have a look at it. Amazing pictures
Many thanks, Joanne. Are you Rob’s sister?
No, I clean for Liz and your mum. Sorry for late reply, but Liz and I could not find where I had made this comment, but at last found it, told you I was new to this. Lol.
Thanks for that Joanne. And welcome
Hi Derek,
Stumbled on your site while trying to find info regarding the former GLC/ILEA sports ground I frequented in around 1980.
Had a walk in Morden park today, and “found” the nets and tennis courts, and thought I was in the right area.
Lovely blog, thanks for your effort
Hi Derek,
Stumbled across your Blog while trying to find info regarding the former GLC/ILEA sports ground I frequented as a lad arounf 1980.
I found the cricket nets and car park while having a walk there today, so guessed I was in the right area,
Anyway, lovely Blog, thanks and well done
Liam
Thanks a lot, Liam. Is this the Morden Park ground?
Yes indeed it is Derek, the Morden Park Ground.
I Have some very hazy memories from there, playing Rugby, Pole vault and Long jump.
Wow – small world
Hi Derrick – I loved reading your ‘Get Two’ post featuring my father – he is indeed furthest right and closest to the net. If you’re willing, i’d love to chat briefly? – purely from a family / historical / friendly perspective.
That would be wonderful, Phillip. As soon as I saw your name I thought you may be Bryan’s son. I was very fond of him. 07801458282, any time tomorrow
Good evening – just discovered your blog whilst trying to find out about the horse trough near Wootton Bridge which someone was telling me about today – he said it had an inscription saying it was a gift from Brighton something or someone but he couldn’t see it properly. I remembered there is a Brighton Road in Sway, wondered if it might be connected, haven’t had time to go and look for myself though I’m not far away (near Bransgore). Wondered if you knew anything. Love your photos – and descriptions, esp the food and wine!
Many thanks, Anne-Marie. You’ll find the answers in the comments on this post: https://derrickjknight.com/2013/02/27/why-did-the-chicken-cross-the-road/
Thanks Derrick – if I find out any more about its origins I’ll keep you posted.
🙂
Hi Derrick. It’s nice to meet you. Blessings. 🙂
Thank you, Kathy
I liked your blog,good continuation, I invite you to my blog:
http://dishdessert.wordpress.com
Thank you, Khadija, Done
Hi Derrick
Great to find your blog, and I’m enjoying your reminiscing (being nearly as old as you!)
I am writing a blog this year – ‘1967: Diary of a Posh Schoolgirl’ – and wonder if I may use your picture of Mitcham fair? I would credit you, of course.
With best wishes
Jo
poshschoolgirldiary1967.net
joboissevain@gmail.com
Certainly, Jo. I’m honoured. I look forward to seeing its relevance to you 🙂
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Many thanks, Elizabeth.
Hi Derrick:
I came across your blog as a result of reading a different blog – “Still the Lucky Few”. In paging through your blog site though, I know I will be coming back and will be following your travels through the blogosphere. I, myself, will be turning 77 this year and began blogging about five years ago. Blogging and my daily Facebook quips to get people smiling is one of my main purposes in life these days along with keeping the wife happy and visiting our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whenever we can. Hope you get a chance to drop by my site and hopefully enjoy my rants and raves which are all done in fun. Take care.
Thanks very much, Irwin. I began my working life at Lloyd’s of London in 1960; my 5th blogging anniversary is on 9th May this year. I enjoyed your site and am following.
How interesting – I started my insurance career in 1963 (before that I bounced around from job to job until insurance found me as the saying goes) and was able to make a career of it until 1995 when I was down-sized out at age 55 and again down-sized out by another company just before my 56th birthday. But, we look at it as one of the best things that happened to us as we have been retired now 20+ years and have never looked back. Been blogging since 2012 but only became more active with it over the past few years. I am enjoying your site and I too will be following you in these, our twilight years.
How very interesting. I’m seventy myself, and initially trained and worked as a medical social work, both in the US and in Liberia. Now? I varnish boats for a living, and amuse myself with writing and photography. Since I don’t have any grandchildren as delightful as Poppy to use as subjects, I have to content myself with the natural world. I’m looking forward to seeing a part of it through your eyes.
Very many thanks, Linda
Mr. Knight, my name is Lawrence Pray. I was taught French at Vincent Massey Secondary School in Windsor, Ontario, Canada by a Bryan Snalune. I wonder if it is the same Mr. Snalune. He taught here for several years and then returned to England. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I’m sure it must have been. He brought the Canadian Air Force volleyball team to Wimbledon College, which confirms a Canadian connection. I assume you have read this post: https://derrickjknight.com/2014/01/18/get-two/ The man in the picture has been identified as Bryan. Should you wish to learn any more I suggest you e-mail me at derrickjknight@btinternet.com
Many thanks for reading and liking my little ditty Derrick. I am also a big cryptic crossword fan, cheers
My pleasure, Terry
Hi Derrick
It’s Shirley, I have thought of you often, my saviour, would love to get in touch with you again.
My phone number is 07846 366 905
Leah still remembers you, and Courtney sends his love too, Been nice to read about you and would love to get in contact.
So good to hear from you, Shirley. I, too, think often of you. I will phone tomorrow
Hi Derrick
I’m a local website designer (Seajar Digital) based in Christchurch and I am working on a website for a business in Wimborne. I found your fascinating blog and particularly your post about Wimborne Minster (https://derrickjknight.com/2013/11/23/then-the-tableau-spoke/) whilst looking for good images with a flavour of Wimborne. We wondered if you would be happy for us to use the shot of the Minster with green leaves on the homepage of the website? If you are able to email me (cress@seajar.com) I would be very grateful, then I can give you more details.
Many thanks!
Cress
Many thanks, Cress. I’m happy for you to use the photograph. I’ll confirm in an e-mail
That’s where I’ve gone wrong, trying to call parts of the garden lawn, they are clearly grassed – or more accurately mossed – areas.
Honesty should prevail, Hilary 🙂 Thanks very much
I have also reached my three score years and ten! Would love to follow you and see more of your garden etc.
Thanks for this. Have been to yours: liked, commented, followed.
Thank you Derrick. I look forward to seeing more of your blog. Also, I love doing cryptic crosswords.
Derrick, your comment on my blog drew me to your website. I think we are similar in age and interest in the natural world. Your photos are lovely. 🙂
Very many thanks, Marian
Not sure I’ve visited your actual site before, Derrick – I usually view you in my reader.
I’m building an author site at present, so am interested in the look of things at other blog locations.
Congratulations. Lovely clean layout. I hope to do as well with mine.
I’m sure you will, Frank. Thanks very much