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.

Advent Day 10

This morning we visited the Antique Restoration workshop of Andrew Sharp, where, having been very impressed with Andrew’s skills and his establishment, I left a late Victorian chair for refurbishment.

Here are two more of Selfridge’s window displays from December 1963. The snowwoman’s garb is timeless; the models in the second, of the period, possibly dressed by Mary Quant.

“Dame Barbara Mary Quant CH DBE FCSD RDI (11 February 1930 – 13 April 2023) was a British fashion designer and icon.[2][3] She became an instrumental figure in the 1960s London-based Mod and youth fashion movements, and played a prominent role in London’s Swinging Sixties culture.[2][4][5] She was one of the designers who took credit for the miniskirt and hotpants.[6][7] Ernestine Carter[8] wrote: “It is given to a fortunate few to be born at the right time, in the right place, with the right talents. In recent fashion there are three: Chanel, Dior, and MaryQuant”.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Quant),

and perhaps worn by Twiggy, “Dame Lesley Lawson (née Hornby; born 19 September 1949), widely known by the nickname Twiggy, is an English model, actress, and singer. She was a British cultural icon and a prominent teenage model during the swinging ’60s in London.

Twiggy was initially known for her thin build and the androgynous appearance considered to result from her big eyes, long eyelashes, and short hair.[1][2] She was named “The Face of 1966” by the Daily Express[3] and voted British Woman of the Year.[4] By 1967, she had modelled in France, Japan, and the US, and had appeared on the covers of Vogue and The Tatler. Her fame had spread worldwide.[4]

After modelling, Twiggy had a successful career as a screen, stage, and television actress. Her role in The Boy Friend (1971) earned her two Golden Globe Awards. In 1983, she made her Broadway debut in the musical My One and Only, for which she received a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. She later hosted her own series, Twiggy’s People, in which she interviewed celebrities, and appeared as a judge on the reality show America’s Next Top Model. Her 1998 autobiography Twiggy in Black and White entered the best-seller lists.[3] Since 2005, she has modelled for Marks and Spencer, appearing in television advertisements and print media. She has been credited for the company’s successful revival at that time.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twiggy

This evening we dined on Ferndene Farm shop’s flavoursome pork and chives sausages in red wine; creamy mashed potatoes; tender cabbage; firm carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, with which I drank Paarl Shiraz 2023.

Advent Day 9

Beaulieu is a charming village nestled in the heart of the New Forest, allowing visitors to step back in time to explore the streets filled with character, where free-roaming ponies and donkeys wander. Beaulieu is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful escape. Visitors can explore the scenic landscapes across Millpond, at Beaulieu River and in the surrounding forest, discover the village’s heritage, and enjoy attractions and outdoor activities, all while soaking in the timeless charm of this quintessential New Forest gem. Whether it’s enjoying a riverside picnic, exploring the charming High Street or visiting the incredible motor museum, the village of Beaulieu provides a great day out.

The history of Beaulieu

Situated at the head of the tidal Beaulieu River, the village dates back to the 13th century.

The village of Beaulieu initially grew up around the abbey which was founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks on land given to them by King John, who had a royal hunting lodge at Beaulieu. It was given the name of ‘Bellus Locus Regis’, or the beautiful place of the King. King John had quarrelled with the Cistercian Order early in his reign and decided to establish an Abbey to atone for his past oppressions. This generosity made him the subject of prayers in every Cistercian monastery.

For centuries, Beaulieu flourished as the monks traded goods and tended medicinal gardens (which can still be seen to this day at the Abbey).  

The turning point of the Abbey came following Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s. The Abbey and surrounding estate were sold to the 1st Earl of Southampton, Thomas Wriothesley, in 1538 for the sum of £1,340. As religious buildings were being destroyed or defaced across the country, Beaulieu was also to be victim to this and the Abbey church, cloister and chapter house were destroyed. The refectory, domus and two of the gatehouses remained under the proviso that they were not to be used for religious purposes. The refectory is now known as Beaulieu Parish Church.

The Earl of Southampton was one of the present Lord Montagu’s ancestors and the estate has remained with the family ever since. Wriothesley converted the former Great Gatehouse into a modest manor house. The estate developed over subsequent generations and included the development of Buckler’s Hard in the 1720s. (https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/explore/towns-and-villages/beaulieu/?bounds=false&view=grid&sort=qualityScore)

Jackie and I visited the village lights after dark this afternoon.

This is my gallery;

and this, Jackie’s. As usual, each image bears a title in its gallery which may be accessed by a click on any one.

This evening we dined on hot and spicy, salt and pepper, and tempura prawn preparations on Jackie’s savoury rice, with which I drank more of the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Advent Day 8

Especially when young, many of us dream of a white Christmas.

The last memorable ones for us in London were in the early 1980s, when

Matthew and Becky built a festive snowman in the Gracedale Road garden;

and, in 1986 Matthew pushed Sam and Louisa scrunching over the icy snow wrapped in warm clothes and a blanket,

and later for a sledge ride over Tooting Common’s frozen lake. Click on any image to access the enlarged gallery.

This afternoon I read more of ‘Gentian Hill’.

For dinner this evening we finished Jackie’s delicious chicken curry and savoury rice, with which I drank Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.

Advent Day 7

Lymington is now an elegant largely Georgian town, but its history, as described in https://derrickjknight.com/2019/12/07/the-charter-market/ is much earlier.

As reported yesterday, that is when Jackie and I carried out the photoshoot for this day because Storm Darragh was expected, and did in fact beset the town while I drafted this post.

Jackie parked in the carpark at the bottom of the hill that is Lymington High Street, and began by photographing me (about one third up on the left side of the pavement) setting off to the top; while she, being the more able to manage it, set off down the cobbled Quay Street, the

subject of my first picture, before I had begun my upward climb.

In fact my actual first had been taken through the car windscreen as we searched for a spot to leave the Hyundai.

Otherwise I focussed largely on shop windows.

Jackie made her way down, through the bollards, to the quayside at the far end of Quay Street, also concentrating on windows, such as those of

Dials Antique Clocks, where we bought our own some years ago https://derrickjknight.com/2016/02/05/phases-of-the-moon/ ;

the Old Customs House winery, dating from c1680;

Blu Bambu furniture and The King’s Head pub.

Rounding the corner of the hostelry

she closed with two views of Captain’s Row.

This afternoon I read more of ‘Gentian Hill’.

For dinner this evening we enjoyed Jackie’s chicken curry and savoury rice with which she drank Diet Coke and I finished the Albali.

Advent Day 6

I believe these two displays from December 1966 adorned the windows of Selfridges in Oxford Street.

Selfridges is a Grade II listed retail premises on Oxford Street in London. It was designed by Daniel Burnham for Harry Gordon Selfridge, and opened in 1909.[1] Still the headquarters of Selfridge & Co. department stores, with 540,000 square feet (50,000 m2) of selling space,[2] the store is the second largest retail premises in the UK[1] (after Harrods).[2] It was named the world’s best department store in 2010,[3] and again in 2012.[4] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfridges,_Oxford_Street

These Christmas lights are from Oxford Street and Regent Street in November 2013.

Given the anticipated 80 m.p.h. winds of tomorrow’s Storm Darragh we carried out the photoshoot for Advent Day 7 late this afternoon so that we could maintain our sequence and I can post our trip to Lymington as planned on Day 7.

This evening we dined on cod and parsley and cheese centred haddock fish cakes; mashed potato; carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, and runner beans, with which Jackie drank Diet Coke and I drank more of the Albali.

Advent Day 5

Burley is a small village in Hampshire’s New Forest often featuring on my posts, with a reputation for witchcraft and demonology based on legends which are given in https://derrickjknight.com/2013/06/22/witchcraft/

It is a venue popular with our visitors, especially the younger ones, for what is to be found in its shops, especially ‘A Coven of Witches’ opened by Sybil Leek in the 1950s, shortly after the UK’s prohibition of witchcraft was lifted. Inside this shop I had a good long conversation with the owner who was hanging decorations. Last year we had bought a polished malachite stone for Malachi, so it was fascinating to learn that there are many fakes on line but that the provenance coming with those supplied here is guaranteed.

Here is my gallery from our visit at twilight this afternoon;

and here is Jackie’s.

This evening we enjoyed more chicken and vegetable stewp and crusty bread rolls, with which I drank Vina Albali Valdepeñas Gran Reserva 2017

Advent Day 4

It was in December 1963 that Mike Vaquer, a work colleague in the Yorkshire Insurance Company, introduced me to colour slides, of which I produced thousands when still using film, and we began

a series of annual trips to photograph West End Christmas lights together. These hung over Regent Street that year.

I spent the afternoon continuing my reading of Elizabeth Goudge’s novel ‘Gentian Hill’.

This evening we dined on Jackie’s nourishing chicken and vegetable stewp and fresh crusty bread with which I drank more of the Bediani.

Advent Day 3

This morning we transported another surplus water butt and 14 more bags of garden refuse to Efford Recycling centre and returned with an

apparently unused IKEA child’s wicker chair which we have placed beside the curtain behind which Ellie stood looking out of the window until the grandfamily moved away, waiting for their arrival for Christmas.

“Every year, one road in Hampshire takes Christmas cheer to another level with every house on the block transformed into a winter wonderland. In total, seven houses in Byron Road, New Milton, band together to light up the street with dazzling fairy lights to raise money for the NHS.

“The annual tradition was started by one couple just under 20 years ago and their enthusiasm for all things Christmas. 75-year-old Ged Hollyoake was a builder before he retired and he and his wife Susan Burley, 75, began decorating their home in 2004.

“Since then, the pair’s festive spirit has become infectious with neighbours helping and beginning to decorate their homes with roof lights, icicles, nativity scenes and giant life-size snowmen. Conveniently, the garage next door has offered out its car park as a place to store all the equipment to keep the road clear.

” “The display takes around two months to plan and Ged leave[s] all kinds of hooks and tacks up all year around so the lights can go straight on. He changes it up every year and there’s always plenty of decorations inside too. It’s very well organised and Ged helps the neighbours with theirs’ too. “

“The road sees thousands of visitors every year and on November 27, families piled in to see the countdown around 5pm. The annual event has not been without its challenges however as it was forced to close in 2020 due to Covid restrictions.

“In past years, some houses have stopped, or refused to take part because of the busy crowds that can gather. On the whole however, many people are supportive, especially as the display has raised around £90,000 for the NHS.” (Extracts from http://Hampshirelive.news/whats-on/family-kids/how-one-hamp…

Earlier this year Jackie and I met Ged at the Recycling Centre where he told us his wife had recently died.

The tradition is being continued by their son, Dax, although the charity being supported is now the Oakhaven Hospice.

“Dax said: “As the display became more of an attraction, we decided to start raising money around 15 years ago. This was largely to do with my mum who had been in ill health and Bournemouth Hospital were fantastic. We wanted to try and raise as much money as possible for the NHS, even more so after the Covid pandemic.”

“To find out more information on the lights, please visit the Byron Road Lights Facebook page.” (Hampshirelive news)

I have posted on these lights several times in recent years and therefore updating the story today.

Here is tonight’s gallery.

We enjoyed a long conversation with Ged and his 5 years old grandson, Dillon (?sp)

This evening we dined on Jackie’s wholesome cottage pie; moist spinach; tasty Brussels sprouts; tender runner beans; and crunchy carrots with which I drank more of the delicious Georgian red wine.