Category: Uncategorized

Advent Day 20

Many of us in the Northern hemisphere hope for a white Christmas. Our family and friends on the other side of the world in Australia can have no such expectation, as Louisa, Errol, baby Jessica, and I discovered when we arrived in Perth on Christmas Day 2007;

photographed by Errol in sweltering January heat https://derrickjknight.com/2014/07/25/a-manly-garment/

We were there for Sam and Holly’s wedding

in a Margaret River winery,

which I celebrated in an Independent crossword as explained, if desired, in https://derrickjknight.com/2012/07/05/the-folio-society/

This afternoon I read more of ‘Cover Her Face’ by P.D. James.

This evening we dined on tender roast breast of lamb; boiled new potatoes; crunchy carrots; firm Brussels sprouts, and meaty gravy, with which I drank Les Aumôniers Séguret Côtes du Rhône Villages 2022.

Advent Day 19

“The historic market town of Ringwood occupies a strategic position on the western edge of the New Forest with the renowned Avon Valley long-distance walking path passing through it.  Vital ancient trading links once provided by the River Avon and the Victorian railway have been replaced by excellent road systems with the town at the crossroads of the A31 and A338 offering fast journeys to and from Southampton, Poole, Salisbury and Bournemouth.

The Wednesday street market has been held in the Market Place since a charter was awarded in 1226, this charter has been held by the family of Lord Morant for hundreds of years.  Animals and agricultural goods were still bought and sold into the 1980s, but now a wide variety of merchandise can be found, complimented at the weekends by farmers and speciality markets held in The Furlong and Gateway Square.

The exact history of the town remains unknown however in 955 AD, documents suggest that ‘Rimucwude’ is mentioned which translates into the ‘rim of the forest’. A church and a mill were also mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086.

In 1725, brewing took off in Ringwood as breweries made use of the waters of the River Avon giving rise to great beers.” https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/explore/towns-and-villages/ringwood/

“After the [Civil War] Battle of Sedgemoor on 6 July 1685, [James Scott] the 1st Duke of Monmouth was arrested near Horton, just outside Ringwood. Monmouth is believed to have hid in a ditch under an ash tree disguised as a shepherd, but was betrayed by a local woman who (according to legend) later killed herself in remorse. Monmouth was then taken to the house now named Monmouth House in West Street (between the Market Place and the Fish Inn) where he wrote a letter (in vain) to James II begging forgiveness. He was brought to trial in the Tower of London by the infamous “Hanging Judge Jefferies” and subsequently beheaded. Legend relates that it was realised after the execution that there was no official portrait of the Duke; so his body was exhumed, the head stitched back on the body, and it was sat for its portrait to be painted.”( https://www.newforest-online.co.uk/ringwood.asp )

Late this afternoon we photographed the town’s main street.

Here is my gallery;

and here, Jackie’s.

As usual clicking on any picture will access its gallery. I have chosen the header mainly for its apt choice of paintings on display.

This evening we dined on chicken Kiev with garlic and parsley centres; oven chips; cauliflower, carrots, runner beans, and spinach, with which I finished the Malbec.

Advent Day 18

On Boxing Day 2014, Louisa sent me a photo presumably produced by Errol. There could be no better evidence that the family had

enjoyed a white Christmas than this so atmospheric image of my daughter pulling Jessica and Imogen on sledges in driving snow.

Advent Day 17

This morning I returned for a dental check-up for the first time since my cancer treatment prevented me from attending. There were no further concerns requiring attention.

Later, Martin Fairhurst from Dials Antique Clocks visited to collect the workings of our long case clock in order to repair the broken hands and undertake its ten yearly service.

In readiness for the next storm set to strike tonight, I laid down the few remaining items of garden furniture that Jackie had righted after Darragh’s recent visit.

Pinewood Road is one of a group of developments off Stopples Lane behind the row of shops featured two days ago. Many of the residents are keen to celebrate the season.

I photographed this gallery;

the stand-out display, also included in Jackie’s collection, should be easy to spot.

This evening we dined at Rokali’s, where I enjoyed Garlic Chilli lamb and mushroom rice while Jackie chose her favourite Ponir Shashlik. She drank Diet Coke and I drank Kingfisher beer. Food was excellent as always, as was the friendly, efficient service. White roses on the tables were still fresh.

Advent Day 16

Jackie is now into her third decade of maintaining her tradition of making fairy dresses for Flo, granddaughters and now a great granddaughter.

She began with Flo’s first in 1999.

Our granddaughter’s last was produced when she was about 10.

Here the creator displays her own mother’s petticoat material bulking

out the dress, and Flo’s last alongside Ellie’s first, including wings,

which she wore last year.

Because Flo refused to take off her dresses, even in bed, much repair was usually needed as can be seen when the images are enlarged.

Maybe ten years ago Mat and Becky gave us the fireplace fender for Christmas. After Jackie put up the decorations I just had to supply a good polish.

This afternoon I finished reading ‘Gentian Hill’, which I will feature within a few days.

This evening we dined on tasty baked gammon; cheese and mustard white sauce; firm carrots and cauliflower with its chopped leaves; and tender runner beans. I finished the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Advent Day 15

Fortunately my leg has healed enough for me to take the lead on this

display of Christmas lights on Stopples Lane. I also grasped the

opportunity of conversing with owner Nick and his lad, Charlie. Nick explained that he likes to move things around each year, and picks up new items wherever he finds them. The reindeer beside Santa on the sledge came from a skip; the sledge had been in his garage for years. Note that the Santa on the wall in the first picture bears a countdown to Christmas Day.

The windows in a small row of neighbouring shops were similarly

decorated. Here are those to Silver Thread & Golden Needles and Everything Pets.

Jackie photographed Hatherley’s Hairdressers window; close-ups of that of Silver Threads & Golden Needles;

and me in action.

For some years now it has been a tradition for us to dine on Mr Chan’s Hordle Chinese Take Away fare on Christmas Eve, regardless of the numbers present. Mr Chan has retired, so having been able to say goodbye,

Jackie also photographed the darkened window and the closed sign.

Kings House is a perfectly adequate alternative, but we will miss Mr Chan.

This evening we enjoyed the third and final outing of Jackie’s wholesome liver casserole meal with new potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, accompanied, in my case, by more of the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Advent Day 14

Every Christmas Jackie and her sisters lay a wreath on their mother’s patch in the Walkford Woodland Burial Ground. They paid their tribute as usual today. Afterwards, also with Ron and Bill, we enjoyed Shelley’s excellent meal of beef casserole topped with fried potatoes; broccoli stems, carrots, and beans, followed by apricot crumble, and accompanied by red and white wine. Quizzes and convivial conversation then kept us amused until it was time to go home.

It therefore seemed appropriate to feature past Christmases in my family. The first two of these images are of Vivien and me in her parents’ home in Sidcup in 1963; then come my Grandma Hunter and Sam, my brother Joseph, and my parents, all in Mum and Dad’s Morden home in 1982.

Needless to say I had no further need for nourishment this evening.

Advent Day 13

“Nestled deep within the expansive wilderness of the New Forest in Hampshire lies the picturesque village of Brockenhurst. With a history that spans countless centuries, this charming village is inseparable from the very fabric of the New Forest, the royal hunting ground established by William the Conqueror in 1079.

“Traces of human presence in Brockenhurst stretch back to the Bronze Age, around 4,000 years ago. Burial mounds, or tumuli, scattered across the landscape bear silent witness to these early residents.

“Originating from the ancient words of Old English, the name of the village is thought to be a combination of “broc,” meaning badger, and “hurst,” meaning wooded hill.

“In the historical record of 1086, the Domesday Book, the name “Broceste” is first associated with Brockenhurst. This village’s medieval origins are showcased through the presence of St. Nicholas Church, the sole New Forest church mentioned in the famous historic tome.” ( https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/24357327.brief-history-brockenhurst-hampshires-new-forest/ )

“Visit Brockenhurst for a wonderful experience of a proper New Forest village, where you will find ponies, donkeys and cows roaming down the high street and poking their heads into local shops and cafes! 

“Brockenhurst has an interesting military past and in WWI was the location of hospitals for injured Indian and New Zealand soldiers. During WWII, what is now Balmer Lawn Hotel was often used as a Divisional HQ and was the location of many meetings between Generals Montgomery and Eisenhower as they planned the D-Day Landings. In 1944, ancient oak trees in the village hid military as they gathered to do battle in Normandy.

“Within the graveyard [of St Nicholas Church mentioned above], you will find the grave of Brusher Mills, the legendary New Forest snake-catcher. Find out more about this famous local resident in the public house named after him, The Snakecatcher at Brockenhurst.” (https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/explore/towns-and-villages/brockenhurst/ )

Still car-bound I offered a small gallery of photographs of the Christmas lights.

Jackie produced the rest.

This evening The Culinary Queen served second helpings of yesterday’s liver casserole meal with the addition of cauliflower. I drank Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.






Advent Day 12

We didn’t quite manage a white Christmas in 2012, but

we were treated to a settling blizzard in early January 2013, rendering all the images virtual monochromes. The entwined hearts were created by car tracks; the blizzard-bound field horses showing the faint traces of the red rug worn by the larger one; and tinges of stone forming the gravestones in All Saints Church, Minstead. Enlargements and identifications may be found by clicking on any gallery picture.

After drafting this, I read more of ‘Gentian Hill’.

This evening we dined on Jackie’s flavoursome lamb’s liver casserole; boiled new potatoes; moist spinach; firm carrots; and tender runner beans, followed by Tesco’s finest lemon drizzle cake, with which I finished the Shiraz.

Advent Day 11

“Lyndhurst is the largest village in the New Forest and became the natural ‘capital’ of the area when William the Conqueror established his hunting grounds here.

“For centuries, Lyndhurst was the haunt of royalty, nobility and commoner alike. Kings and Queens regularly visited Lyndhurst’s own manor house. Now known as Queens House, the former manor is still home to Verderers’ Hall, the meeting place of the ancient Verderers’ Court whose history stretches back to at least the 13th century.

“Find out more about Lyndhurst

“A must for any visitor is the New Forest Heritage Centre which is home to the New Forest Museum, Gift Shop, Reference Library and Visitor Information Centre. The museum gives a unique insight into the Forest’s history and heritage.

“Lyndhurst’s famous connections

“Captain Arthur Phillip RN, First Governor of New South Wales and founder of Sydney, lived in Lyndhurst in 1763. He sailed from the Solent in 1787 to set up an agricultural colony for convicts at Botany Bay in New South Wales. It was here that he discovered Sydney harbour and founded the colony of New South Wales, later to become Australia. During his time at the colony he planted the first grape vines in Australia from plants taken from Cape Town, which began the Australian wine industry.

“Alice Liddell (later Hargreaves), the inspiration for Alice in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, lived in Lyndhurst and is buried in the graveyard of the church of St. Michael and All Angels. With an impressive 49 metre spire, this magnificent Gothic church is worth a visit.” ( https://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/explore/towns/lyndhurst )

Having somehow managed to strain my left thigh yesterday, it soon became very clear that I would be unable to ascend the High Street in this village this evening to photograph the lights.

Here are the few I managed before Jackie stepped up to the plate;

and here are hers. Father Christmas in the last image was projected onto one of the upper windows of The Mailman’s Arms.

This evening there was one portion each of lemon chicken on savoury rice and sausages in red wine with vegetables; I chose the first and Jackie also enjoyed the second. I drank more of the Shiraz.