Aylesbury, England
Okay. Third of my location threads. I do move around, don't I?
I've always been interested in what my fellow Dwellars see every day anyway - I just happened to live somewhere tourists visited last time.
No longer. So at least the title of the thread should stop anyone not interested in becoming intimately acquainted with a market town (County Town!) in Buckinghamshire from wandering in. FTR, any Dwellars are welcome to a tour of Bucks if you happen to visit here. In fact I'd offer a tour of London if the existing walking tours weren't so damned good.
Right. We start with two pics of the clock in the Market Square. I'm afraid I am of the point and shoot school of photography, but when I saw how the first shot came I thought it was suitably gothic, so I kept it. The second is so you can see it properly. It is draped in lights at present, which gives the lighter picture a blurry appearance - they're not on, but they are hung in strands in the middle third.
Taken from two slightly different locations, but both Market Square.
Again, two pictures of essentially the same place.
The first is taken with the (sinking) sun behind the County Offices - of which more later - the second from the long shadows.
In the first you see the clock as before. The cobbled square is Market Square, there are markets four days a week - I just caught it on an off day. The building on the lower left is the County Court. Gorgeous building. The thing looming in the right is the County Offices - evidence that Aylesbury fully embraced the style of brutalism in the 60s. I love it because it was always there in my childhood, because I think we should learn from our mistakes and frankly, because other people hate it.
The second simply shows the view up Market Square if you stand in front of the Court.
A better view of the County Court. We have it because Buckingham (the obvious choice for County Town) refused to have a railway station back in the Victorian era of industrialisation. So we're County Town, and we have the County things - courts, museum, library etc. Like State Capital, but smaller.... way smaller.
Again, first pic is from the entrance of the main shopping centre. If you swing round 45 degrees (ish) you'd have the view of the clock in the lighter picture above. You can also see - barely - the arch through which you go to get to the next picture. And if that gingery fellow in the glasses wasn't there, you'd be able to see the lion which I will show in another photo.
The second pic is through the arch (built to honour the visit of Queen Victoria). It's the back of the County Court and used to be part of Aylesbury Gaol. Again, the concrete of the County Offices loom brutally over the soft red brick. I love them.
Beautiful. I always perceive your towns as quaint and homey. Can't wait to visit. ;)
I should do something like that, since you said I've always been interested in what my fellow Dwellars see every day anyway - I just happened to live somewhere tourists visited last time.
There might be some interesting things to show you!
And finally...
The arch mentioned above from the outside (with my back to the clock). And one of the lions at the bottom of the Square. This is the lion of peace - note how he lolls. The lion on the other side of the Square is the lion of war - he roars. Same sculptor who made the lions in Trafalgar Square.
The second pic is a statue of
Disraeli. I meant to couple it with the picture of
John Hampden opposite, but got caught up in other things. The Victorians were big on statues. Anyway, when I was twelve, the legend, "I [heart] CR" (my initials at the time) were spray painted onto Disraeli's statue. Yup, the school badboy fancied me. Sadly, it was the summer holidays by then, and we went to different schools after that. I still dream about him - literally. Still, Mark did less damamge over the years than the pigeons, who make the Jewish firebrand look like Francis of Assissi.
I should do something like that, since you said I've always been interested in what my fellow Dwellars see every day anyway - I just happened to live somewhere tourists visited last time.
There might be some interesting things to show you!
Please do! Honestly, just your local supermarket would be strange and foreign to me! And just seeing something you see every day would be interesting.
They finally remodeled an old turn of the century hotel and it is now our public library. There are a lot of backstories there so I will try to get some pics this weekend and will explain my love of the place.
I need to get off my butt and get home internet...it's hard to do those kinds of things here.
Beautiful. Now if you could just make it sunny there I would pick up and move immediately. No I'm not kidding.
I meant to couple it with the picture of John Hampden opposite, but got caught up in other things.
The towns of Hamden, Connecticut and Hampden, Maine, as well as the county of Hampden, Massachusetts are named in his honour.
Hey, they left out the
town of Hampden, Massachusetts. My Mommy lives there. :D
Ha!
Well there you go.
My first ever job was washing up and prepping at The John Hampden Restaurant on Aylesbury High Street. That's when I learned that Hampden is pronounced Ham-den. Unlike Hampton Court which is pronounced as it is written.
Yeah, in Hampden you have to p silently. ;)
The pics in the first two posts look a lot like Ponteland, near Newcastle upon Tyne.
I may have asked this before, and it may be none of my goddamn business, but...why the new relocation, SG?
Sorry Els, I missed your question.
As I'm sure you know by now I lost my job in London. Came back here because I was knocked off my feet by the news and terrified of getting into debt and a new spiral of despair if I couldn't find a job to pay my rent. I've been allowed a wonderful breathing space by my parents and am ready to face the challenges of the new year now.
Okay.
I don't know if you have carveries in the States. I would assume you do, so I won't explain. If you don't, please ask and I'll enlighten you.
They are rare here now, having reached their eminence in the '80s and '90s.
But they work.
We went to an estate pub (a pub on a council estate aka the projects) at a time when smoking in pubs is banned, tax on alcohol is high, just after Christmas/ New Year and people are uncertain in their jobs.
The place was packed.
And with a mixture of people, but I would say the majority were families. Some older children treating parents (some "children" the age of my parents!) some parents younger than me. Most had the air of a regular treat.
It was good value for the food - £7.95. The surroundings were clean and comfortable. It's not an attractive venue from the outside, but we (and by the carpark, everyone else) could walk there. It's a convenient place with decent food.
First pic the Carvery table
Second pic my meal.
I had venison.
Clockwise from top on my plate: stuffing balls, peas and sweetcorn, mashed potato, yorkshire pudding, venison, roast potatoes. The yorkshire was pre-cooked and probably frozen, it's not a classic of its kind. But the roast potatoes were divine. I was light on the veg as I had a fruit shake for breakfast - also I didn't fancy the other veg on offer (I hate brussels and the beans were boiled to buggery).
First pic is Dads' dinner.
He had roast beef and it was more or less the same as Mum, so as she had started before I got back to the table I didn't take a pic. Greedy mare.
You should be able to recognise everything from the above, except they had brussels and roast parsnips, which I didn't.
Second pic is the usual suspects.
Heh, your dad looks like he could be from any of the male persons of my family.
That's a handsome family you have. How lucky you are to have them.
Aw Man I Missed Lunch !!???
Sunday !! I thought you were going to call when you guys headed out so I could Meet you guys at the Pub !!! ;)
Looks Good !!!
Oh my Goddess, that looks YUMMY! How I LOVE the gravy! Sundae, your mom and dad look so wonderful and happy - no doubt you are their daughter!!!!!
Some more town shots for you today.
There is an older part of town than I have previously shown.
The whole town centre was originally small lanes with small shops (except the High Street, natch).
The majority was bulldozed in the 60s for the new wave of brutalist architecture, which consisted of concrete, concrete and a bit more concrete. And when it rains (not a rare occurrence here) it goes the colour of sadness. They've since tried to repair the damage with revamps and facades and enclosing the shopping centre, but of course you can't replace history.
Anyway, here are some of the bits the planners managed to miss.
The Kings Head pub - was a coaching in as I'm sure you can tell be the entrance.
Sorry bout the wheely bin, no way to keep it out of the shot.
As you can see from the second pic, the pub is well and truly hidden. It has its own courtyard too.
Temple Square (where my Mum's dentist is actually)
The lovely Temple Street, Castle Street and Church Street all meet here, and the not so lovely Rickfords Hill. Although The Saracen's Head (our only gay pub) is there, so it has its uses.
The second photo is looking up Church Street with Temple Square behind me. I'm sure you can guess where the name comes from.
St Mary's Church and environs.
Old pub in St Mary's Square, now converted into flats (shame!)
I remember going there once and sitting on the wall with a soft drink and a packet of crisps because children weren't allowed inside.
It was converted into flats in the early nineties and I always wanted to live there. Maybe one day :)
The Masonic Hall just round the corner.
Yay! I love Sundae Girl picture threads. These are great pictures.
I love the history of the UK.
Cheers!
A bit of old and old/ new.
The Wesleyan Church on Buckingham Street. Looks like the God business is booming as they are having an extension built - hence all the vans and solitary lazy workman.
The second is further up the same street, showing the old and new side by side. The Emperor's Lounge used to be The Buckingham Arms - quite an old pub. Very rough though. As you can see it's been tarted up, but unless the clientele has changed it will probably still be rough!
Kingsbury. A mixture of old and new.
Currently noteworthy because when the town planners decided to give it a revamp and more relaxed feel, they spent a lot of money on a water clock and fountains. I mean it's okay, but in a country that only gets over 20 degrees in one month of the year they do give a bit of a bleak effect. Personally I'd have grassed it over with benches and a small fountain in the middle.
Still, what do I know?
John Hampden, missing from the previous set of photos.
And Lloyds bank just behind him.
Wow that bank looks old.
And you are right, all that slate in the square seems to give it a certain bleakness.
... and finally.
Old but modern - the now defunct 3 screen Odeon cinema.
Which has been treated with great respect as you can see :eyebrow:
And The Odd Fellows Arms - modern but old.
They took a whole corner out to put a new traffic system in. Gone was The Windmill (the other gay pub, where Sir John Gielgud used to drink) and the Nags Head that still had an outside toilet. But I have a feeling the Odd Fellows was listed. Lord knows it couldn't have survived otherwise!
Another coaching inn, as was The Buckingham Arms - there were still stables at the back of it (disused) even in my memory. It was a cute little place - stiflingly hot in winter and packed with old giffers. Well, about 5 people was enough to pack it, as it was still divided into two bars - the Saloon and the Snug.
Excellent thread, SG. Lunch looks tasty.
I had been saving this thread for a lazy morning with a hot cup of coffee. Looks just wonderful. How much ambiance and character there is to see & experience there. When I think of the cities I visit here, they just don't seem to have that same type of feel. I know, I know - its the age and all. They are just wonderful, SG. I wanna go to Europe badly, its in my 5 year plan. Has been for about 10 years :shrug:
in my 5 year plan. Has been for about 10 years :shrug:
:D
I hope this might be interesting to you just for its foreign-ness.
For me its exciting just because it's SNOW!!! We just so rarely get it here. This mostly follows my walk into town with a detour round the older area.
- Front garden
- Path we live on
The main road.
- looking down the hill
- looking up
- Walking past the prison - this is a main road
- Cambridge Street, home of takeaways and restaurants. The barn-like building in the distance, mid right - in the picture it's underneath the bus stop - is the closed Odeon.
- Top of Cambridge Street - cafes and bakers and small clothes shops now. Dinky little street that is usually hard to cross because the cars are constant, but not slow enough for you to weave between
- Top of Market Square. Bollards have been deactivated due to the weather.
- Market Square all snowy. County Offices loom in the background
- Rickfords Hill - I was unfair to it before. As long as you position yourself not to see the garish red/brown bricked '80s buildings, it is a lovely place.
- Top of Rickfords Hill, looking towards Temple Square
- Castle Street from Temple Square
360 degree view of Temple Square.
I was trying to capture the snow (big fat flakes at that point) but it was obviously shy.
[youtube]Y2w23HJDN-g[/youtube]
Absolutely beautiful. And so quaint.
Bollards have been deactivated due to the weather.
Spoil sports.
Great pictures. Thanks for sharing!
No plowing or salting in sight!
Gorgeous pics Sundae:)
Here's one from Northowram: The village church
In front of it, not so much the village green as...
I want to see the inside of that church!
I guess you'll have to repent then, won't you?
No plowing or salting in sight!
I was working in Charolotte, NC and awoke to 3 or 4 inches of snow. When I got to the plant the place was deserted, so I asked the plant super how they handle the rare snowfalls.
He said, "We wait".
I was working in Charolotte, NC and awoke to 3 or 4 inches of snow. When I got to the plant the place was deserted, so I asked the plant super how they handle the rare snowfalls.
He said, "We wait".
Which reminds me of a jazz club in New York. In the early evenings they offered free soft drinks. These were set out in jugs on the bar.
I wanted to be polite and asked someone how this thing with the free drinks worked. He said "You drink 'em"
Couple more for ya's.
- Even a council estate looks good in teh snow.
- No Ball Games. Doesn't say anything about Snowball Games.
Is that snow on the wall? It reminds me of the ceiling full of spit wads in Jr year chemistry. :p
It was snowing again today..
... and finally.
Old but modern - the now defunct 3 screen Odeon cinema.
Which has been treated with great respect as you can see :eyebrow:
And The Odd Fellows Arms - modern but old.
They took a whole corner out to put a new traffic system in. Gone was The Windmill (the other gay pub, where Sir John Gielgud used to drink) and the Nags Head that still had an outside toilet. But I have a feeling the Odd Fellows was listed. Lord knows it couldn't have survived otherwise!
Another coaching inn, as was The Buckingham Arms - there were still stables at the back of it (disused) even in my memory. It was a cute little place - stiflingly hot in winter and packed with old giffers. Well, about 5 people was enough to pack it, as it was still divided into two bars - the Saloon and the Snug.
WOW! that picture of the pub takes me back well over 40 years. my mum and dad were landlords there in the 60s . i have a few memories but was only about 3 years old.
what i do remember though is the place was definately haunted. there were rooms above this spiral staircase we would never ever use and the celler was worse. only my dad would go down there to change the barrels etc. but our alsation dog would go no where near it but if the flap was up he would wimper . very odd.
there used to be a cemmetary next to the pub , not sure if it still is. and there was also a school and many many years ago - there was a fire and many children died there.
there is two or three ghostly stories i will tell you about this pub later. got to log off now .
... and finally.
Old but modern - the now defunct 3 screen Odeon cinema.
Which has been treated with great respect as you can see :eyebrow:
And The Odd Fellows Arms - modern but old.
They took a whole corner out to put a new traffic system in. Gone was The Windmill (the other gay pub, where Sir John Gielgud used to drink) and the Nags Head that still had an outside toilet. But I have a feeling the Odd Fellows was listed. Lord knows it couldn't have survived otherwise!
Another coaching inn, as was The Buckingham Arms - there were still stables at the back of it (disused) even in my memory. It was a cute little place - stiflingly hot in winter and packed with old giffers. Well, about 5 people was enough to pack it,
thanks sundae girl, lovely pics has broght back some nice memories for me . my mum and dad were landlords of the oddfellows pub for a few years in the mid sixties . i was about 2 or three and have some very vivid memories myself . one thing i will say about that pub is as much as it is pretty ii was most definately haunted . the very upstairs to the property had this spiral staircase which lead to other bedrroms . none of us would ever go up there . realy had a cold cold atmosphere about it .
thejn there was the celler itself . my mum would never ever go down there , only my dad. but the odd thing was our big alsation dog would wimper like cray if the cleler door was open and he never went down there or near there ever.
from stories i remember , there was a school next /close to the pub ( early 1900s) and a huge fire which killed many children . also ther was a cemmetary next or close to the pub . not sure if still there as i havnt been there for over 40 years. but 1 thing i will never forget was, i was asleep in my bed above the pub i awoke for one reason or another . i looked at my curtains and could see many silhoettes of small people climbing outside my window .
i told my mum the next day and she said nothing . but when i was older she told me of the stories of the children in the school fire and that was there ghost trying to escape the fire.
another story i remember , my sister and i with my mum were staying with my gran for a little break. my father was running the pub alone . one evening a local said "bill" your kids are noisy upstairs tonight running around . there was no one up there ... we were at my grans .
theres a few more little things but my mum will have to remind me as i was so young back then . i do remember playing in its big yard that had horse stables . had alot of fun too.
realy nice to see a picture of it now as i only had very vague images of it from years ago . thanks sundae girl .
Thanks Memories - it's always good to know that somethign I chose almost at random can mean something to someone else :)
In my memory it has only ever stood next to the Telephone Exchange - with the carpark right next to the pub. I'll ask Mum & Dad, but as they only moved to Aylesbury in the 60s they might not know about the cemetary either. In fact they only moved into the house we are in now just after I was born (1972) so they wouldn't have had any reason to pass it before then.
I took a couple more pictures for you today.
First is just a close-up of the area behind the building.
As you might know, the door in the picture has the sign Gents on it. I assume they were outside when you lived there too.
I honestly don't remember the Ladies being outside, but I did only drink in there once or twice and just might not have needed to go. Behind is the Telephone Exchange as mentioned above.
Second shows the busy junction it is on. It's completely and utterly different even to when I grew up. The sorting office is on the left of course, but they pulled a lot down to open up Upper Hundreds - you're seeing all the way down to the Vale Park. To your right is Cambridge Street, and there would have been a row of shops and the Nags Head pub.
One more to show the position.
Standing with my back to Cambridge Street - New Street runds away to the left, Cambridge Street continues down in front of us. Again, the lower part of Cambridge Street has changed enormously (I remember houses where there is now a retail park, even the Fire Station has moved). The County Arms used to stand halfway down the street, that went with the houses.
And finally...
Fading, but still there, an advert for the Aylesbury Brewery Company - long since defunct of course.
Of course you were very young when you lived there, so the chances are you would not recognise the streets around it anyway. But I thought you might still like to put it in perspective the way it is today. Hope these bring back happier times for you!
What do they sort in the sorting office, the mail?
Yes - in the larger version of the picture the Royal Mail sign on the building is quite clear - it's not all that obvious on this one.
It used to be a main sorting office, but that is done in Hemel Hempstead now - theirs is HUGE! Our little one gets the post from there and further sorts it for Aylesbury and the surrounding villages. It's also where you go if you have to pay additional postage or if you weren't at home for a signed delivery or something that doesn't fit through your letterbox.
Sundae, does the shop that sells Oddfellows Arms sell his legs too?
Thanks, SG for all these wonderful pictures. Better than a travelogue.
Sundae, does the shop that sells Oddfellows Arms sell his legs too?
I'm afraid you are confusing Dominos with a kebab shop.
Kebab.
Think of carving thin slices off a vertical meatloaf on a spit.
It's often lamb-based, highly seasoned.
Serve on pita, sauce with cucumber-yogurt sauce.
Right, from buster's link
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the name gyros is not widely known; the Turkish "döner kebab" is more common, and the general term "kebab" is more common still. However, soldiers ("squaddies") who have served on the British bases in Cyprus often refer wistfully to the delights of gyros. Doner are a very popular post-pub/nightclub food with many high streets in the UK having a kebab house. The meat on the rotisserie is usually a poor quality ground-meat concoction, rather than the slices of actual meat used in Greece.
These kebab shops were initially primarily owned by Turkish Cypriots, hence the use of the dry, hard "pocket" Cypriot pita in place of the typically doughy, more naan-like Greek pita. The small pocket pitas are difficult to fill without breaking, and so the dish is usually served as a loose assortment in a polystyrene container. Tzatziki is rare, and replaced by generic garlic and/or chili sauce.
[edit] United States
Gyros were introduced to the Chicago area in 1968,[6][7][8] and have since spread to all parts of the country. In the United States, gyros are usually made from sliced lamb, minced beef or possibly a combination of the two. Chicken is a common alternative in many restaurants serving gyros. The pita resembles a Greek 'plain' pita. The most common fillings are generally tomato and onion. The sauce is usually tzatziki, sometimes called "Cucumber", "Yogurt", or "White" sauce. These sandwiches are often served in luncheonettes or diners.
In the United States, many restaurants (and even Greek-American festivals) sell gyros with meat which is pre-formed into strips (as though they had been sliced from the rotisserie) and frozen to meet USDA health standards. Gyro meat is essentially seasoned lamb or beef and sometimes mixed with pork. Some gyro meat is cooked on a rotating vertical spit in the same fashion as Doner Kebab. Some establishments, serving varied menus, choose to grill or pan fry individual strips of the gyro meat to prevent waste.
Corrected for accuracy:
The small pocket pitas are difficult to fill without breaking, but staff in kebab shops are experts and have no trouble. The dish is very occasionally served as a loose assortment in a polystyrene container with chips instead of pita, but this has to be asked for specifically. Many shops also offer the option of an Indian style nann, in which the meat and salad is wrapped, althoug it is a more expensive option. Kebabs are always served with full salad unless otherwise specified and a choice of garlic and/or chili sauce.
A small point of amusement - the proper contraction of kebab is 'bab.
This is also Northern for poo.
Therefore the sentence, "I was out on the lash last night and ended up having a great big bab" can be taken more than one way.
Kebabs are usually called donners though.
Damn. Just for the point of education, I might just have to have one over the weekend!
My favorite chip/kebab/pizza joint in Newcastle gives you the option of chips or salad. But they always throw that soggy-ass pita in there. Sadly neither the garlic or chili sauce taste like much, so you always have to get both for any reasonable flavor.
Ah well, Newcastle is a foreign country ;)
I've yet to reaccquaint myself with the 'babs here, but the ones in Leicester and London... you could taste the garlic sauce for two days. And enjoy the chilli sauce twice, lets put it that way ;)
My evil ex took me to his favourite kebab shop in Nottingham when we were there to visit his family. He'd raved and raved about their kebabs for ages. He even told a story (ad nauseum) about turning his saintly vegetarian ex back onto meat again just from the smell of his kebab from that shop. So we had one. It was okay. Nothing special. I guess it's all down to what you're used to.
My favourite old shop is right opposite St Josephs at the bottom of the High Street. I might get Mum & Dad to pick me one up after mass on Saturday night! But perhaps it was my favourite because the owner used to spoil me. The first of a long line of fast food outlets which would treat me by feeding me up when I quite obviously didn't need it! I think it's because even if I'm drunk I still say please and thank you and treat them with respect.
hang on....'bab' is northern for poo? Nobody told me...unless your counting Nottingham as 'northern'?
Thanks Memories - it's always good to know that somethign I chose almost at random can mean something to someone else :)
In my memory it has only ever stood next to the Telephone Exchange - with the carpark right next to the pub. I'll ask Mum & Dad, but as they only moved to Aylesbury in the 60s they might not know about the cemetary either. In fact they only moved into the house we are in now just after I was born (1972) so they wouldn't have had any reason to pass it before then.
I took a couple more pictures for you today.
First is just a close-up of the area behind the building.
As you might know, the door in the picture has the sign Gents on it. I assume they were outside when you lived there too.
I honestly don't remember the Ladies being outside, but I did only drink in there once or twice and just might not have needed to go. Behind is the Telephone Exchange as mentioned above.
Second shows the busy junction it is on. It's completely and utterly different even to when I grew up. The sorting office is on the left of course, but they pulled a lot down to open up Upper Hundreds - you're seeing all the way down to the Vale Park. To your right is Cambridge Street, and there would have been a row of shops and the Nags Head pub.
thanks for more pics "sundae girl" your a gem !.i do remember the outside gents toilets as i was often playing in the yard and locals would say hello. but ill have to ask my mother about the ladies,. was only about 3 ish when we moved on to portsmouth. i dont remember the outside scenery at all, so its realy nice to see what its like now. as you said i bet it has changed an aweful lot .
ill try and get a few more facts of mum about the pub and she willlove your pictures too . cya
Mem, I've asked my parents about the environs - I'm printing off your post for them to read.
In the meantime - back to kebabs :)
I was holding out pretty well... then my sister, niece and nephew came over this afternoon. They had all had kebabs for lunch. Well, it's half term.
That was it - it was meant to be. I got Dad to drive me up before dinner - Mum succumbed as well, although she had chicken, while I had that old standby, the donner.
Perry, you were right. The garlic had some pungency (I can taste it now) but the chilli didn't even raise a tingle. The sausage and chicken casserole I made last night had more heat and flavour!
Anyway, documented below.
1) OOOH! The anticipation!
2) 'Babs on plates - mine is closer to the camera.
And the yumminess transferred to my plate, ready for the second stage of its journey.
Bellybound.
Chav food ......
I thought people only ate Kebabs at chucking out time when pissed
:rotflol:
I know, I know.
It's received wisdom. People have often said to me, "... like kebabs - you can't eat them sober...!" only to have me reply, "I do. I like them!" Which sorta leaves them nowhere to go ;)
I figure they're good enough for half the Meditteranean countries, they're good enough for me!
Although I woke up with kebab mouth (it's the raw onions) and am now doing very meaty farts. TMI? Sorry.
Hey, I love kebabs too, and I don't drink.
I've been wracking my brain about this, and I still can't remember. What is the slang term for people from Sunderland?
Can't help you there chick. They're all Geordies to us soft Southerners :)
Okat - a couple for Mem.
Photos of photos; sorry, don't have access to a scanner these days.
Thanks to my Mum who trawled through all of her Old Aylesbury books to find them.
Pic 1 - Caption: St John's Church, Cambridge Street, opened in 1883 as a daughter church of St Mary's and demolished in 1970. The site was bought by the Post Office for an extension of the telephone exchange and its car-park.
Pic 2 - Caption: Pictured in 1947 is the Cambridge Street junction with New Street. The pub on the corner is the Oddfellows Arms.
And one more.
Caption - St John's Church of England School celebrated its 100th anniversary in July 1956 by dressing in the style of clothes which would have been worn when the school first opened and having a procession around the town.
This picure is taken outside the telephone exhange (see the lawn outside) along New Street and the pub in view is the Nags Head. At the end of this street and to the left is the Oddfellows Arms, although the angle of the photo does not show it. What it does show, however, is the church.
Mum & Dad don't remember the church or the school (being Catholic and living on the other side of town at the time) but Mum worked as a cleaner in Tindal Hospital after I was born, and many of her fellow cleaners were Italian, because of the Italian POW camp set up nearby during the war (the men stayed, and sent for their female relatives). She remembers a cleaner called Louisa and both her children went to the school. She was older then Mum, and although staunchly Catholic, the convent I went to was still a private school, and the Catholic school my niece and nephew went to were too far away in a time when poor people couldn't afford cars.
I've reached the end og my Oddfellows observations. Hope you enjoyed them. Stay around for the other topics. This is the best forum on the internet in case you didn't know.
The sky was blue today - not a given in England - so I went out and played with my camera. All pictures are from the Alfred Rose Park on the Elmhurst Estate in Aylesbury. It's what we call a Council estate, what you might call The Projects. Many homes are now owner occupied (like my parents') but the centre of the estate is still a a poor neighbourhood. Not the poorest in town though, and certainly not dangerous.
Alfred Rose left this piece of land for the benefit of the estate. There isn't an awful lot that can be done with it. But it holds happy memories for me. And it's a good place to go just to hear birdsong - you can't hear any of the main roads from here.
There used to be trees in a strip all the way across the park. And bushes and undergrowth. We used to run wild there, only steps from the real world on either side. Sadly, in later years, so did drug addicts and possibly paedos, or at least the fear of them. Still, the remaining trees at least show some of the climability that we rejoiced in.
Oooooooooooo! I love that tree! It just needs a big full moon caught up in its branches!!
More climbing trees.
And I probably did.
And spring is coming.
Now here I am playing with my panoramic setting.
Bear with me, it's new to me, and exciting.
Pic 1
Looking up the hill to the top of the park. See what I mean about not much can be done with it? It used to have a pitch 'n' putt 9 hole golf course, on which my (late) Uncle Charlie would thrash my Dad twice a year when he came up down London. No more, no more. I have always craved one of the houses at the top of the park though.
Pic 2
The bottom of the park from the bench I was sitting on. It looks washed out because of the direction of the sun. It's the more useful end of the park, with football pitches, a cricket ground and to the left the community centre where I went to playschool (kindergarten).
Not in the park. Shots from a council estate.
Everyone who lived here originally - and almost everyone up until the '80s - lived in Government sponsored housing. These estates were built to house low income workers. Included in such estates were a doctors' surgery, a pharmacy, a pub, a school and a row of shops, including a launderette. A sports' ground and/ or a park was also a given. Wide open spaces - greens - were part of the plan, even if they all ended up with signs saying "No Ball Games".
The first shot is on Hilton Avenue. It might not look like it, but it's really steep! My sister, our next door neighbour and I used to ride down it endlessly in the summer holidays. I started the dare of putting my feet on the handlebars... Idiocy of course, but until I went to Alton Towers it was the biggest thrill I could fathom.
The second pic is Elmhurst Road, which we live off. We're tucked away down a path, but at night I can hear the lorries shake the house. It's part of the ringroad round the town (the A41). We learned traffic skills very early.
And one more.
Caption - St John's Church of England School celebrated its 100th anniversary in July 1956 by dressing in the style of clothes which would have been worn when the school first opened and having a procession around the town.
This picure is taken outside the telephone exhange (see the lawn outside) along New Street and the pub in view is the Nags Head. At the end of this street and to the left is the Oddfellows Arms, although the angle of the photo does not show it. What it does show, however, is the church.
Mum & Dad don't remember the church or the school (being Catholic and living on the other side of town at the time) but Mum worked as a cleaner in Tindal Hospital after I was born, and many of her fellow cleaners were Italian, because of the Italian POW camp set up nearby during the war (the men stayed, and sent for their female relatives). She remembers a cleaner called Louisa and both her children went to the school. She was older then Mum, and although staunchly Catholic, the convent I went to was still a private school, and the Catholic school my niece and nephew went to were too far away in a time when poor people couldn't afford cars.
I've reached the end og my Oddfellows observations. Hope you enjoyed them. Stay around for the other topics. This is the best forum on the internet in case you didn't know.
thanks for more oddfellows pics and its history sundae girl. i remember tindal hostpital very well. i had my tonsils out ages abour 3 and screamed the place down .... didnt want my mum to go , remember it like yestyerday. strange how some things stay so vivid in your mind from 40 years ago .
Can't help you there chick. They're all Geordies to us soft Southerners :)
Okat - a couple for Mem.
Photos of photos; sorry, don't have access to a scanner these days.
Thanks to my Mum who trawled through all of her Old Aylesbury books to find them.
Pic 1 - Caption: St John's Church, Cambridge Street, opened in 1883 as a daughter church of St Mary's and demolished in 1970. The site was bought by the Post Office for an extension of the telephone exchange and its car-park.
Pic 2 - Caption: Pictured in 1947 is the Cambridge Street junction with New Street. The pub on the corner is the Odllows Arms.
cant wait to show mum these great old phototos sundae girl , especially the church next to the oddfellows .
i always remember that church towering over the yard wall when i used to play in the yard.
Now here I am playing with my panoramic setting.
Bear with me, it's new to me, and exciting.
Pic 1
Looking up the hill to the top of the park. See what I mean about not much can be done with it? It used to have a pitch 'n' putt 9 hole golf course, on which my (late) Uncle Charlie would thrash my Dad twice a year when he came up down London. No more, no more. I have always craved one of the houses at the top of the park though.
Pic 2
The bottom of the park from the bench I was sitting on. It looks washed out because of the direction of the sun. It's the more useful end of the park, with football pitches, a cricket ground and to the left the community centre where I went to playschool (kindergarten).
Looks like a great place for a rugby pitch.
This takes me back, I lived and worked in the Odfellows when I was 18 back in 1989, I don’t know how much longer it lasted after that time as it was pretty much on its last legs then. It was tenanted from ABC brewery by a former drag artist who lived and ran the Prince of Whales as well, which was out of town. We ran it as a ‘Gay Friendly’ pub and had some really crazy times. Apart from memories the only thing I have left from the pub is my Rock-ola juke box which was in the side bar along with a pool table and dart board. I remember the cellar was huge with an old area for storing barrels and wine. It was interesting that it had the old entrances to three tunnels down there, one you could still get along, that just went across the road to the Nags Head I think it was called, the others we inaccessible but I remember an old punter telling me that one went to another pub along the road and the other went into town. I think the pub even back then had a preservation order on it due to the windows? Up stars was a simple flat with two bedrooms one in the loft, a bathroom and a sitting room that held more than its share of after hour drinking parties. I could go on. I think someplace I have a photo of the bar if anybody is interested. Oh and yes the Ladies and Gents was outside, I remember both had a drain cover that we removed at the end of the day and just used a hose to clean the mess out. Sorry Ladies no loo rolls in those days.
Welcome to the Cellar, Mike. :D
I'd like to see that picture.
Welcome to the Cellar Mike! Nice to see a fellow Brit:)
This takes me back, I lived and worked in the Odfellows when I was 18 back in 1989, I don’t know how much longer it lasted after that time as it was pretty much on its last legs then. It was tenanted from ABC brewery by a former drag artist who lived and ran the Prince of Whales as well, which was out of town. We ran it as a ‘Gay Friendly’ pub and had some really crazy times. Apart from memories the only thing I have left from the pub is my Rock-ola juke box which was in the side bar along with a pool table and dart board. I remember the cellar was huge with an old area for storing barrels and wine. It was interesting that it had the old entrances to three tunnels down there, one you could still get along, that just went across the road to the Nags Head I think it was called, the others we inaccessible but I remember an old punter telling me that one went to another pub along the road and the other went into town. I think the pub even back then had a preservation order on it due to the windows? Up stars was a simple flat with two bedrooms one in the loft, a bathroom and a sitting room that held more than its share of after hour drinking parties. I could go on. I think someplace I have a photo of the bar if anybody is interested. Oh and yes the Ladies and Gents was outside, I remember both had a drain cover that we removed at the end of the day and just used a hose to clean the mess out. Sorry Ladies no loo rolls in those days.
did you experience anything paranormal - noises, sightings ,cold spots etc. in your stay there .were the spiral stairs there to the upper room. i hated them !!very eerie and our dog wouldnt go up them like the celler he hated too.
my mum told me stories of the history of the celler that had been handed down from landlord tol andlord that the celler was known to of have witchcraft practiced down there in the early years of the pub. they say dogs can sence the paranormal ande he wouldnt dare go down there.
i do vaigely remember the celler being very very big. why did they have these tunnels. what were they for .
t
So memories I take it you spent some time there to, when was that if you don’t mind me asking?
I’m not sure but I was told that the tunnels all linked up under the town church. And that they were used for the population to get to ‘sanctuary’ if needed? I did have one regular who was a cab driver, (aren’t they always) who told me that when he was a boy the vicar had told him that under the church they had cells that were used by monks at one stage, and that they went of into tunnels. I hate to think what the church got up to in cells if this was true.
I remember the stairs as been very narrow, the ones that went to the loft room were a real pain. This was the domain of the manager’s son. As for the celler’s, yes they were creepy, hardly any light, and with the smell of very old pub celler.
As for anything paranormal, it would be difficult to say, as my whole time there was very strange. I learnt a lot about life there, and a lot about drinking, I lived there a while working as assistant manager, and the manager did not serve coffee with breakfast he served a double Vodka and coke, the day then went on like this, rack up the bar, open the pub, at least 4 doubles over lunch. Close. Sleep till five, another drink, opens at six….. Yes you got it more to drink. Close at 11, the curtains that is. And then carry on drinking until 2 in the morning with any punters that wanted to stay. He was a heavy drinker and expected those around him to do the same.
Oh I can remember one place that used to get me twitchy; there was a door that went of the bathroom into a hay loft that was over the big side gate. I left a lot of my stuff in there, Cine films, projector, records, all kinds of stuff. It was easier that rummaging around in the dark when I left the place.
I will try and find the photo of the bar, I'm sure I still have it somplace.
Well now there's a coincidence... I've been doing a lot of walking over the last week, and one of the walks I did took me through Broughton Crossing, home of the old Prince of Wales pub. It's now The Dog House as you can see. Shame - it's an ungainly name for such a lovely looking place.
We (very occasionally) used to go for a drink there when I was a child. It was more of an excuse for a walk to tire us out (it's about a five mile round trip from my house). Because it had/ has a large garden, it was a lovely place on a summer's evening.
Sadly the walk was not as pleasant as I remember it. The road is so much busier than I remember, even from 10 years ago. The country lanes are rarely quiet any more, and as there are no pavements (sidewalks) for half the route and the speed limit is 60, I spend a lot of time jumping onto the muddy verge.
Still, there are some lovely cottages that way and I did my best to capture them for y'all.
First, for Mike - The Dog House from the side and front.
Picture 1: Broughton Crossing is just a wide place in the road.
There are about 8 cottages and a pub, but they're cute little things.
Sadly, the 21th century need to drive - especially in the country - does make them a little less picturesque!
Picture 2: Further along the same road, now into the village of Bierton, a more substantial place. It's mostly along a main road, which stops people thinking of it as a village proper, and many drivers speed through in the belief they are still in Aylesbury and there is nothing to see. I prefer to stop and smell the gardens from time to time!
Picture 1: Literally opposite the picture above is a park. My sister, my next door neighbour and I used to cycle up here sometimes. It was much better than the Alfreed Rose because it had a proper playground. Also, because it was out of the way it was always empty, and had the sort of exciting things that were banned elsewhere. Barrel rolls, a very high slide, polished to a terrifying gloss over the years, and a rocking horse.
Only the horse remains, the rest has been tamed and replaced. But the horse... if you get on the back when some big boys are on it, you will be clinging on for dear life. You WILL leave your seat at the peak of the swing. Well, you did when you were a skinny little girl, can't say for sure now.
Picture 2: The Eagle pub. No, not a casualty of the smoking ban - this has been a house for as long as I can remember. It's funny to think just how many pubs this part of the world used to need though...
Picture 1: Another conversion, this one in my lifetime. The back of the Wesleyan chapel, including graveyard.
Picture 2: The front. It's now offices.
Picture 1: This house is in the top right of Picture 1 above. I've just always liked the look of it. Perhaps because I knew when it came into view that we were at the turnoff for the playground and therefore nearly there! It's on the corner of Brick Kiln Lane, so named because... well, we can't always be quaint. It is olde worlde though.
Picture 2: Another chapel which hasn't stood the test of time. Baptist this time, but sgain, this one was desanctified in my memory. It's funny to think just how many churches this part of the world used to need though ;)
Picture 1: This pub is still a pub. The Red Lion - incidentally the most common pub name in Britain. It's a lovely pub inside, all real-fire-smell and heavy slanting sunlight and low uneven ceilings. It used to do really good food (it even had real napkins) but I haven't been in there for a good ten years so I can't make any promises. Send me £20 and I will review it properly for you ;)
Picture 2: And almost directly opposite, a church which is still a church. I wonder if there is a connection? And I don't mean a tunnel under the road either! This is St James the Great. My Mum's friend goes here. I sued to live near a church in Leicester that was St James the Lesser. Poor chap.
I thought you might like to see some thatch.
This is still a working farm, although it doesn't smell as much as when I was a child.
I used to dread going past it because the yard was awash with muck, and I connected it in my mind with a terrifying Child Safety film about a kid drowning in slurry. Honestly, it was a grim and frightening place to me, I actually remember the sun going in every time we went past.
The cows used to graze in the field across the road, and come across twice a day for milking or stabling, or whatever you do to them ;) They'd have a job now - the road is so busy.
Photos show the farmhouse and yard, and looking back at the farmhouse to show some of the old outbuildings.
And finally, just a couple more from Aylesbury itself.
Picture 1: One of the locks on the Grand Union Canal
Picture 2: The New Zealand pub on Buckingham Road. My abiding memory of this pub is being in there the day we came back from a festival. It was early afternoon and it felt terribly decadent. Someone told a joke and Johnny laughed so hard his elbow slipped off the table and his finger went up his nose. He withdrew his bloody finger and said in horror, "I've speared my brain!" I laughed until I hurt.
Picture 1: The cemetary. I was there with Mum, putting some pots plants on graves of friends.
Picture 2: The bottom of Parson's Fee - part of the conservation area in the centre of town.
Picture 1: Top of Parson's Fee. With Mum.
Picture 2: Royal Bucks Hospital. It was a real hospital when I was a child - with an A&E, a maternity ward (my sister was born there) and an ENT department, where I spent a lot of time. It's been closed down piece by piece - it's a physical rehab centre now. When it was first built it was the first hospital thats design was heavily influenced by the ideas of Florence Nightingale.
It was interesting that it had the old entrances to three tunnels down there, one you could still get along, that just went across the road to the Nags Head I think it was called, the others we inaccessible but I remember an old punter telling me that one went to another pub along the road and the other went into town.
I'd forgotten about this. One of my close friends was a regular in The Nag's Head, and he used to crash there sometimes. He told me about the tunnels too, although I was never really sure whether he was just having his leg pulled. That answers that I guess!
In fact, thinking about it, something of the sort was mentioned when I had a tour of St Mary's church (when I was in the Brownies). Too long ago for it to be anything other than a vague memory though.
So memories I take it you spent some time there to, when was that if you don’t mind me asking?
I’m not sure but I was told that the tunnels all linked up under the town church. And that they were used for the population to get to ‘sanctuary’ if needed? I did have one regular who was a cab driver, (aren’t they always) who told me that when he was a boy the vicar had told him that under the church they had cells that were used by monks at one stage, and that they went of into tunnels. I hate to think what the church got up to in cells if this was true.
I remember the stairs as been very narrow, the ones that went to the loft room were a real pain. This was the domain of the manager’s son. As for the celler’s, yes they were creepy, hardly any light, and with the smell of very old pub celler.
As for anything paranormal, it would be difficult to say, as my whole time there was very strange. I learnt a lot about life there, and a lot about drinking, I lived there a while working as assistant manager, and the manager did not serve coffee with breakfast he served a double Vodka and coke, the day then went on like this, rack up the bar, open the pub, at least 4 doubles over lunch. Close. Sleep till five, another drink, opens at six….. Yes you got it more to drink. Close at 11, the curtains that is. And then carry on drinking until 2 in the morning with any punters that wanted to stay. He was a heavy drinker and expected those around him to do the same.
Oh I can remember one place that used to get me twitchy; there was a door that went of the bathroom into a hay loft that was over the big side gate. I left a lot of my stuff in there, Cine films, projector, records, all kinds of stuff. It was easier that rummaging around in the dark when I left the place.
I will try and find the photo of the bar, I'm sure I still have it somplace.
my mum and dad were landlords thyere in the early to mid sixties. my memories of the place start at around at the age of two/three ( about 1966/67)
i used to love the jukebox on loud and a drink called hubbly bubbly- a lime fizzy drink.
i take after my mum and dont drink but my father was the total opposite . my mum said he always had lock ins which seems to be a bit of a tradition of that pub - very heavy drinkers indeed.
i remember once i had this toy gun and it was so loud and looked so real. i aimed it at the locals and starting fireing it and they all shat them selves... i can imagine the names they were calling me under there breath, lol.
Some more from our walking.
We got Dads to drive us out to the hamlet of Hulcott. It was a 2.28 mile walk back according to Multimap. We assumed this would give us our 30 mins recommended exercise per day.
Well.... it did - but not by much! It only took us 40 minutes. We both assumed it was further in terms of walking because it is out in the country. In fact, we've been out for far longer just around the outskirts of town.
Still, at least part of the walk was in proper country surroundings, and I took a few pics for you too. Hulcott is very small, but is off the main road (via a one car track) so it has escaped any modernisation. The school and church would have served all the farms thereabouts.
More from Hulcott.
As tweens, we used to cycle to the church. Our next door neighbour wasn't Christian, but it was a fun ride, and at the end of it a cool (temperature) destination. The church was generally open, but if not you could collect the key from a local cottage.
At the time I was a devout Catholic, and cogniscant of the fact that this would originally have been a Catholic church (it has pre-14th century parts) long before Henry VIII split with Rome to marry his whore. Although the history interested me more than the schisms even then. There is something about being in a building devoted to worship for 6 centuries that would probably move me even still. Oxymoron intended. [COLOR="White"](rather clever I think)[/COLOR]
Wow Sundae... I love all these pictures. Please keep going...
Born in Quarrendon, Buckinghamshire (at that time part of Mercia), she was the daughter of Frithwald, a sub-king of Mercia in Surrey, and was the niece of Saint Edith and Saint Edburga of Bicester. Her mother was Wilburga, the daughter of the pagan King Penda of Mercia.
Raised in a convent in Warwickshire under the direction of Saint Modwen her ambition was to become an abbess, but she was too important as a dynastic pawn to be set aside.
Forced by her father into a dynastic marriage with King Sighere of Essex, she did her dynastic duty and produced him a son. While her husband ran off to hunt down a beautiful white stag, Osyth persuaded two local bishops to accept her vows as a nun. Then, eventually, perhaps after Sighere's death, she established a convent at Chich, in Essex, where she ruled as first abbess.
She was murdered by Danish Viking marauders in 653.
The site of her martyrdom became transferred to the holy spring at Quarrendon. The holy spring at Quarrendon, mentioned in the time of Osyth's aunts, now became associated with her legend, in which Osyth stood up after her execution, picking up her head like Saint Denis in Paris, and other cephalophoric martyrs and walking with it in her hands, to the door of a local convent, before collapsing there..
Town planners in the 60s - may they be damned for many reasons - used the name Quarrendon for a council estate. I was born there. My sister went to Quarrendon Secondary School (supposed by many to be little better than Borstal, but she disproved that) amd I've just heard my nephew is bound there too.
But the well was in what is now known as Bierton, and is there still.
Well and village pump and Mum. You can work out which is which ;)
If you look at the first pic then turn slowly to the right you will see what is in the second. I tried panoramic but it didn't work as well as two separate ones. And Mum kept moving.
What a beautiful day for a walk in a beautiful location.
Wow - I would love to have a view like that to see while walking! Absolutely beautiful.
Henry VIII split with Rome to marry his whore.
village pump
One and the same? :haha:
Back to modern Britain.
Other posters, and me of course, have mentioned the dire future of British pubs. There are many doom-sayers in this country who don't believe they will survive another 20 years. RUBBISH! I say. Unless alcohol becomes illegal there will always be pubs, and people to drink in them.
But pubs do have to work harder. I got these menus for Mum & Dad (esp the over-60s one) because I know how much she loved going out for their 41st anniversary lunch. And they are in the key target group - people who wouldn't go into a pub during the week or during the day.
Excuse the shakey camera work on the first pic. It was a much smaller menu and I was trying to sneak a photo while eking out a diet coke.
Anyway - here for your information.
Dani, I missed your post previously re poo and bab!
I'm going by The League of Gentlemen of course. Given their diverse Northern credentials, I stand behind my claim. But of course I accept that it's not a common term in your neck of the woods.
We had a conversation about polite (children's) terms for farts when I worked in Asda in Leicester. Even people born and brought up in the same city had very different views. One lady would never let her son say "trump" while another thought that "pump" was rude. We said "pass wind" when I was growing up, which they thought was dead posh. They didn't realise that it came from Nan who only went to school til she was 12 because she had to look after her younger brothers and sisters...
great pics, Sundae! You live in such a picturesque town...
what is weird is how often peas show up on the menu... I don't think I've ever seen "peas" listed as a side in America...weird, huh.
Is a "hand held burger" a burger that's been hand shaped???
The difference between where you live and where I live is that YOUR town has a sense of itself as a community and looks like it was charmingly planned. MY suburb is a post-WW II sprawling utilitarian zombie town, utterly devoid of any charm, community, history or pride. Everything that is here was built in the 1950's and is gross. My house is one of about only five different styles in the neighborhood and while there is an arts center and a lovely park (with made-made lake they had to drain once a little girl went permanently missing) at one end of my street (Rosewood Park) there is a low ceiling'd 1960's-style bowling alley round the corner of the other end of my street. It's a schizophrenic kind of place.
The difference between where you live and where I live is that YOUR town has a sense of itself as a community and looks like it was charmingly planned. MY suburb is a post-WW II sprawling utilitarian zombie town, utterly devoid of any charm, community, history or pride. Everything that is here was built in the 1950's and is gross. .
You live in Coventry?
Slough
by John Betjeman
Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough!
It isn't fit for humans now,
There isn't grass to graze a cow.
Swarm over, Death!
Come, bombs and blow to smithereens
Those air -conditioned, bright canteens,
Tinned fruit, tinned meat, tinned milk, tinned beans,
Tinned minds, tinned breath.
Mess up the mess they call a town-
A house for ninety-seven down
And once a week a half a crown
For twenty years.
And get that man with double chin
Who'll always cheat and always win,
Who washes his repulsive skin
In women's tears:
And smash his desk of polished oak
And smash his hands so used to stroke
And stop his boring dirty joke
And make him yell.
But spare the bald young clerks who add
The profits of the stinking cad;
It's not their fault that they are mad,
They've tasted Hell.
It's not their fault they do not know
The birdsong from the radio,
It's not their fault they often go
To Maidenhead
And talk of sport and makes of cars
In various bogus-Tudor bars
And daren't look up and see the stars
But belch instead.
In labour-saving homes, with care
Their wives frizz out peroxide hair
And dry it in synthetic air
And paint their nails.
Come, friendly bombs and fall on Slough
To get it ready for the plough.
The cabbages are coming now;
The earth exhales.
Not being rude about Aylesbury here, just Bri's comments made me think of this poem.
The difference between where you live and where I live is that YOUR town has a sense of itself as a community and looks like it was charmingly planned.
The responses of two other Brits speak volumes. Aylesbury is nasty, nasty, nasty. If you grew up here and therefore have no choice but to love it, you'd find flattering angles too. Visitors generally focus on the nasty though.
Picture Aylesbury as a country virgin. Pretty, unworldly, charming and innocent. Then picture the town planners as evil, spiteful, malicious rapists. There you go, that's pretty much the 60s situation. Okay, not really fair, but those of us living with the consequences would love to smack them upside the head.
Until now I've taken pics of Olde Aylesbury because I'm trying to show you what you don't have at home. And because I do love my home, despite everything. I'll take some Nasty pics though. Just to show how badly those that call themselves Town Planners can plan. And it
is bad. From the 60s onwards.
The responses of two other Brits speak volumes. Aylesbury is nasty, nasty, nasty. If you grew up here and therefore have no choice but to love it, you'd find flattering angles too. Visitors generally focus on the nasty though.
Picture Aylesbury as a country virgin. Pretty, unworldly, charming and innocent. Then picture the town planners as evil, spiteful, malicious rapists. There you go, that's pretty much the 60s situation. Okay, not really fair, but those of us living with the consequences would love to smack them upside the head.
Until now I've taken pics of Olde Aylesbury because I'm trying to show you what you don't have at home. And because I do love my home, despite everything. I'll take some Nasty pics though. Just to show how badly those that call themselves Town Planners can plan. And it is bad. From the 60s onwards.
Ahem ... "Not being rude about Aylesbury here," ...
Oxford is worse.
Because parts of it are so damned beautiful.
And modern parts are ugly enough to make you heave.
Do I really want to hold my home town up to ridicule?
Yes. Although I might start another thread to do so.
Rude About Aylesbury maybe ;)
I didnt say anything bad about aylsebury....I said something bad about Coventry
The problem with Coventry and Oxford is the don't have SG in residence.
I didnt say anything bad about aylsebury....I said something bad about Coventry
I didn't think you did darlin'. You can say it after you visit ;)
The problem with Coventry and Oxford is the don't have SG in residence.
You lovely chap.
Time your visit to match Dana's. Except the night time :joylove:
I have seen Aylesbury IRL - just not the lovely bits as shown here by SG!
All my bits are lovely ;)
The truth is I do live in a town hammered by the 60s. I decided overnight that I will show you some of the badness in this thread, after all it's not called "Lovely, lovely Aylesbury". I'm at the charity shop tomorrow (in the town centre) so I'll take some pics then.
But it has been nice showing some of our beauty. Many people that drive through or stop off here only see the bad parts. And we Brits do love a good moan after all. So I've felt very positive about showing the decent parts to people who wouldn't realise that the rest isn't like that.
I can beat all this; I am sadly now living in a dreadful city, if you can call it that by the name of Leicester. After living around the country and a few years overseas, I have ended up in Leicester, How….Why, what did I do to deserve this? The people are full of themselves, not to mention aggressive. Oh well, I have my little house, and the only other good thing I found in Leicester I married. Now where are those lotto numbers?
um....mike?
Sundae is from Leicester! Not originally! just lately.
She went from Leicester to London (Greenwich) and now is in Aylesbury. You'd count yourself lucky if you ever ran into Sundae, no matter where it was - she's a real gem.
what Bri said. Don't be dissin' SundaeGirl
Mike probably got run down by some crazy chick jumping off the bus and walking around with a camera in front of her face. :lol2:
Argh - too true, too true! I just hope he wasn't the man who randomly called me a cunt because we walked into eachother! (sans camera)
Mike I have to say I loved Leicester.
I was unhappy there, but not because of the city.
I did maintain she was most beautiful from the first floor up - a gorgeous concoction of red brick Victoriana and overwrought decoratin. And who looks at the fire when stoking the mantlepiece.... oh damn, wrong way round!
I have a Leicester thread
here.
I'd be happy for you to post an alternative Leicester thread of course - but I doubt you want to give that much time and attention to a negative :) Anyway, it's lovely. Housing is cheaper, everywhere is walking distance, there are so many bars and restaurants - at near "Northern" prices, the public tranport system is great and people look at you and speak to you in queues! Come back to Leicester after a few weeks in London and you'll feel blessed, I promise.
This thread has brought back a few memories. I know Aylesbury quite well, many of my family come from Aston Clinton, just outside of Aylesbury. This photo is from a visit back to the area last year. Aylesbury is somewhere in the distance. It is taken from Coombe Hill overlooking Aylesbury Vale.
Lost some image quality in reducing the file size to about 1.5MB (original image 10.5MB)
Oh lovely, lovely!
No that's a view I'm familiar with. Thank you.
I once rented a flat in Aston Clinton. I got the bus (or walked) up the hill into Tring many times.
This thread has brought back a few memories. I know Aylesbury quite well, many of my family come from Aston Clinton, just outside of Aylesbury. This photo is from a visit back to the area last year. Aylesbury is somewhere in the distance. It is taken from Coombe Hill overlooking Aylesbury Vale.
Lost some image quality in reducing the file size to about 1.5MB (original image 10.5MB)
Beautiful Pic!
OH, I hope the pics arent all done...I was really enjoying it.
what is weird is how often peas show up on the menu... I don't think I've ever seen "peas" listed as a side in America...weird, huh.
Yes, I was positively perplexed by the preponderance of peas, personally. (whew!) Seems like that's the most popular 'veg' they have -- odd, since in my house they're considered a starch, not a veggie at all!
I used to have this British guy as a cow orker, and he would bring peas in for lunch. Just eat them out of a tupperware container. I'd never seen anyone else do that before, or since. Not every day, but often.
Frozen, canned, or fresh?
Never mind. Different thread. :D
I've taken some pictures to document the Spring here for you. The Easter weekend seems an appropriate time to post them.
Cherry blossoms close to my home.
My walk to the day care unit.
Still walking in - the turn off down beside the prison walls.
The prison walls from the unit.
Now a series of a horse chestnut tree in the grounds.
I love horse chestnuts. They have fat and sticky buds, the earliest and freshest green leaves, then flowers like candles, they are huge threshing castles all summer then herald autumn by turning brown first of all the trees, then hand out conkers!
These were all taken on separate days. Spring creeps up on you, you know!
I'll continue the sequence tomorrow when I'm back there, and might even pop back at key points even after I'm discharged.
A couple more of my horse chestnut.
I swear I'm going to go back and take more pics as the year goes by. It's allegorical for me now.
The first two are a couple of days apart.
A close up of one of the "candles" in its infancy.
And a later blossoming tree also on my walk.
thanks, Sundae. I'm really enjoying this!
I found this;
Misconception: It always rains in Britain.
When people think of Britain, we all tend to immediately think of bad weather. We see rain clouds, storms and bitter wind. General misery. However, compared with many other parts of the world, Britain enjoys comparatively pleasant weather!
During the winter the average temperature can become bitterly cold, between 0 and 6 degrees C, (32F to 43F), but the average summer temperature ranges between 15 and 23 degrees (59F to 74F), often higher. Britain ranks a comfortable 46th in a chart of worldwide average rainfall, falling well behind such countries as New Zealand (29th) and even the USA (25th).
Why does Britain have a reputation for bad weather? Most likely because winters tend to be longer than summers in Britain, most artwork of Britain depicts the weather based on expectation and we all like to dwell on a period of bad weather, even if the weather is generally good.
It was part of a list of misconceptions about England and I must admit I had some, like this one.
32 F to 43F is not bitterly cold. Sheesh, thats considered balmy during the winters in Indiana.
Meh, it was written by a limey. :lol2:
Thing is Pico, we haven't really got the hang of heating yet.
0-6 degrees with a gas fire on in one single room of the house can make you quite bitter.
The houses are all made of non-insulating stone, unlike the insulating wood that the US learned to use because it was plentiful in the new world.
Well that explains it. Being stoned makes the cold more intense. Having wood makes the ambient temperature irrelevant. ;)
Britain ranks a comfortable 46th in a chart of worldwide average rainfall, falling well behind such countries as New Zealand (29th) and even the USA (25th).
Pshaw. Average rainfall across the entire US is a meaningless number. I'm sure Britain gets less rain than, say, Seattle, but compared to my neck of the woods it's still a completely sodden marsh. ;)
Yeah, but you live in the damn desert. :p
Never mind the US, different parts of the UK get hugely different amounts of rain. It does always rain in Manchester (on the wrong side of the Pennines), but when I moved 90 minutes South to Birmingham, they thought I was nuts for taking an umbrella everywhere regardless of the current actual weather or forecast.
It's been sunny here for a while, and set to continue into May, or so they say.
Here is my path. I think I took one from the same place in the snow, earlier this year. Excuse our neighbour having their recycling out early.
Second picture is just some tulips in our front garden, making a brave show of colour.
Yesterday, walking to acupuncture.
The first is the entrance - lovely and peaceful, although I am heading for a bungalow further down the path and the session is held in the Portacabin behind it!
Second, looking through the trees to the main unit. It's locally called Tindal, because it was originally built by the Tindal family as a hospital for the local area. It's not been a general hospital for a long time, it forms the backbone of the services for mental health and addiction counselling these days.
And my friend the duck.
I don't know where his wife was - they're usually together.
And I usually see them in a more inconguous setting - like the carpark at Cornerstone or walking along the Bierton Road together.
I wanna take a walk there!
I wanna take a walk there!
:eek: Better get started. And bring a boat.
;)
I love ducks, nice pics.
Some photos I took on the Riverside Walk with Mum last week.
I'm sure the greenery has advanced even further since then.
We're having a scorcher of an April! It was supposed to rain all this week, but we've not seen it during the day. We're even having a BBQ on Saturday... will take pics of that if it comes off.
Here is the eponymous river - the River Thame.
Poor beleagured thing that it is, diverted from its flood plain, hemmed in by new housing, littered by louts. Still, the walk allows people to enjoy what little free flow it still has. Even if (for safety) it's been made nigh on impossible to get to. Not like my childhood, running wild alongside it - over it on tyre swings, dangling feet in ot from a cow-bridge, taking home sticklebacks from it with sunburnt shoulders...
And here is a lovely ground cover, which frothed like water around the trees in this clearing. No idea what it is, never seen it before.
Oh I forgot I filmed this!
This is from the bus I got home from MK the other weekend.
We come into Aylesbury via Bierton, which is where I took pictures earlier in this thread.
It's a bouncy bus, and I only filmed on a whim, so that quality of the filming will not win me any prizes.
But for anyone interested, you can see two of the churches, the Red Lion pub and catch a glimpse of the Eagle not-pub. I had to stop filming because my stop was coming up fast and I had all my belongings to gather together.
[youtube]409IUwkQgT4[/youtube]
now I'm all suspicious about where that duck's wife is... ;)
nice stuff, SG! I love to see it!
OMFG - He's on the wrong side of the road! lol
Looks like parking is at a premium.
Bruce - yes.
As with many villages spread out along a main road. The houses are too old for cars to have been thought of, and land is at too much of a premium for people to have room behind their houses.
A couple of pics to show how Spring has progressed.
Pretty much Summer now.
Same walk as previously.
Coming out of the walk, I was greeted by the sound of a big dog barking.
You know the heavy, deep, almost subsonic ones?
And arcing merrily over the top was a hoarse woman's voice, "Shaaadddup yer barking!"
Lovely, I thought, you can tell I'm on Quarrendon.
Quarrendon is where we lived just after I was born. We moved to the house I am sitting in now when I was a couple of months old. It isn't the worst of the council estates, it's just not the best.
Recognise anyone?
I think this probably reflects the date the estate was built, because it's never been called anything else as long as I know.
This is what is known as an estate pub.
Very different in appearance to the other pubs I have taken pictures of.
Different in feel too. Obviously their core drinkers are people living in the immediate vicinity. They seem to attract more trouble too - perhaps because people are living together, socialising together, getting drunk with neighbours? I might be being unfair - I'm going on reputation rather than hard facts. I've never been in the Kennedy.
Walking home along the Bicester Road I saw something to make LJ's blood run cold... There used to be a whole line of car salesrooms, but they seem to have been hit by the current economic climate. One closed and one closing down.
Still - one obviously open. I've zoomed in so you can check our second hand car prices.
Oh! I wish my camera was working. I went for a walk in the woods today. Oh but the bluebells looked beautiful; carpeting the woodland floor, dappled by sun light. Lovely.
Gorgeous pics Chez :) very lovely
They seem to attract more trouble too - perhaps because people are living together, socialising together, getting drunk with neighbours?
What do you expect from a pub named after an Irishman. :haha:
Headed down to Watermead, as they advertised"Larks on the Lake" and it was a very sunny day. Usually it's rained off. Poor things, they get a few hardy souls in wellies and windcheaters. This year, Aylesbury town descended en masse. No doubt there are some burger van owners even now sitting and cursing their luck, having earned nothing in previous years and not bothered to get a pitch this year!
Going through the arch onto the Plaza. That's my Dad more or less centre in a Commander Riker pose.
Looking back at the Plaza and bandstand
Watermead is a nice enough place when the sun is out.
It's just not as good as it was supposed to be.
It was conceived as a community on and beside water. But half the shops on the Plaza are closed and the local pub is now a Thai Restaurant (not so great for sitting by the lake with a single pint on a summer evening). The cricket pitch and the artifical ski slope were built on the wrong kind of ground - they suffered subsidance and were abandoned. The cricket pavilion is therefore now a private nursery. The running track was never built for similar landscaping reasons and is now just a muddy walk. The bandstands are never used except by the ducks, and the residents complained when the lake they moved next to was used - too noisy - so no boats allowed, except model ones.
So Aylesbury got a new housing estate with no facilities of its own and nothing for the wider community either.
I'm not bitter. I just bear 16 year grudges when I feel I've been gypped.
The English at play.
Crossing to the other side of the lake.
Picnicking and the climbing tower.
Some of the attractions for the children.
Note - this is part of the "Larks on the Lake", not a permanent feature (otherwise my whinging above would be in poor spirit).
Crooked House with mini wheel and detail.
Spooked child made me smile because I am teh evil.
General lake scene.
Detail - this boy had an ice cream as big as his head!
Model boats are allowed on the lake.
Have just realised I'm buying into their conceit by even calling it a lake. It's a pond really.
Anyway, Dad was really excited by this, as he has one himself. I thnik he might be going down there sometime soon.
As you can see - you DO NOT TOUCH the models.
Very unfair on children of course ;)
Is that LJ lurking behind the models?
Wouldn't be a day in the sun without a band.
I took a quick clip, will attach it once its YouTubed.
Roundabout for the kiddies.
I love all the colours.
The roundabout I mean.
And finally - this chap cuaght my eye.
But I didn't have £1.50 to spare.
ah! All the fun of the fair. Looks like a jolly good time was had by all, SG. Thanks for sharing!
huh....i always though England was in black and white.
and..I don't do hats, SG. that looks more like BigV......and he IS lurking...
The burger van guys will have more chances, global warming and all. ;)
We went on a walk through the woods today.
We walked over varying terrain for over an hour - it was a lovely way to spend a morning.
We took a shortcut on the way back - always our intention and it was marked on the map. Unfortunately, because it's just a little woodland map, and not an Ordnance Survey, it didn't show just how steep the path was. So 5 minutes prior to the second picture we were all panting, with hammering hearts. I'm pleased to say that hours on the stepper made things much easier for me than my parents. Being 30-odd years younger helped a bit too!
Anyway - our before and after.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep...
Well, they are in places.
There are four different walks - we took a meandering route which took in a bit of all of them I think, including the bridleway and cycle track. Dad and I wanted to follow the proper routes, but Mum wanted to go the way she had with Laura, and with Dawn, and the time they'd come up here before. Sigh - it's easier not to argue. We saw all the bits she remembered anyway.
Next time we go up, Dad is just going to drop us off so that we don't have to pay £4 parking. £4! And we'll do the Firecrest Walk. 1.5 hours. Yay! Dad isn't great on uneven ground, so I didn't even suggest it this time. All credit to him for happily tackling the steep flint path shortcut though. He came up it better than Mum - not bad for a man in his 70th year!
Okay, the top photo was obviously a mistake. I got Dad to take it without really thinking it through, and he assumed there would be a flash.
But I like it, so I kept it, rather than have it retaken.
And from the edge of the woods - the rolling hills of Buckinghamshire.
Midsomer Murders country.
That's really pretty countryside.
From the woods, Dad drove to a local pub.
It's close to one of the places they house-sit, and they'd dog-walked there before.
I was delighted - the 'rents don't eat out very often, so this was a real treat. Also, taking me to a pub showed a lot of trust and love. I've never got steaming drunk in a pub with my parents, never shown them up or caused a scene. But I know Mum doesn't really understand the reasons I drank, or the specific circumstances, so this required faith on her part, which I do appreciate.
For the record - Diet Coke :)
I won't worry about the caffeine content, it was the Smallest Diet Coke in the World (tm)
Three sandwiches, one chips, two Diet Cokes and half a Stella. How much? £18. HOW MUCH?! Blimey. Good job there was a lovely view from the garden.
Then onto the village of Cholesbury.
There was an
Iron Age fort there. We walked round the earthen ramparts. I took some pics, but in the end they do just look like a ditch. When you're walking it, you are very aware it is man-made though.
And onto the church of St Lawrence. 12th century I think.
It was gorgeous anyway - a little oasis of calm surrounded by trees.
I could easily imagine a shuffling group of parishioners from years gone by.
It has a place in history, actually. Following the Poor Laws (where individual parishes became responsible for supporting their own poor) it was declared bankrupt. There just wasn't a good enough living to be made from the flinty soil of the Chilterns, and too many starving because of it. It lead to the laws being reviewed by Parliament from 1833 onwards.
And these I took the other day, but forgot were in my camera.
I've taken photos of these locations in the town centre before, but thought you might as well see them in summer too - they don't look quite so grim.
Kingsbury - with fountains and the English at drink.
Market Square.
Yes, much more cheery in the summer sun.
Splendid pictures all 'round!
BTW: in 20 minutes time there is Flog It! on BBC TWO from Aylesbury.
Damn, I went away to have my tea and missed it!
Shame - bet there were some right drones on there...
It has a place in history, actually. Following the Poor Laws (where individual parishes became responsible for supporting their own poor) it was declared bankrupt. There just wasn't a good enough living to be made from the flinty soil of the Chilterns, and too many starving because of it. It lead to the laws being reviewed by Parliament from 1833 onwards.
Interesting factet! Thanks for that.
Yesterday we decided to go on a Family Walk as the last one went pretty well.
We were forecast heavy rain and storms, but Dad decided at 10.30 that the weathermen were lying and we headed off anyway. It was the right decision - we didn't get our storns until gone 18.00.
First pic shows where we are headed.
View across the fields en route.
Ivinghoe Beacon is a chalky outcrop, standing on a ridge of similar makeup in the flat clay hills of Bucks. It was formed by glacial deposit or something like that. I didn't listen on my Geography field trip, I was too busy being glad to be out of the classroom. Don't get me wrong, I liked school. I just hated Geography.
And there did used to be a beacon there. One of a line of warning beacons which stretch across the country to warn of invasion.
A couple of pensioners out for a stroll (they let me go ahead at my own punishing pace - the leg shaping hasn't all been for show you know!)
And A view up the final hill.
Here we are!
Beacon!
They still light one occasionally, but it's a temporary thing.
I think the last one was for the millennium? Or maybe the Queen's Jubilee? I'm sure one will be lit for the Olympics anyway.
We're in the wrong place to see it, tucked away in our little Vale. But it can (obviously) be seen for miles, and must have engendered fear when it was used as a warning.
And if you look carefully in the second picture you might just see a rabbit.
Excuse my enthusiasm - I did grow up surrounded by countryside but feel I've lost all contact with it now. So feeding the squirrels, seeing a heron or rabbit (or fox!) is something very special.
Then, as last time, on to a pub!
And as last time, I was very good and asked for a Diet Coke. Even before Mum did, although she showed solidarity by ordering one too.
We ordered a cured meat platter and a cheese platter between the three of us. They came with two bread rolls, butter, olives and a salad garnish. Why-oh-why-oh-why do "they" not listen to me! The cheapest part of the whole meal was the rolls. Not enough! There never is. Or biscuits (crakers) if you're having cheese.
Anyway, as you can see I forgot to take you a photo until it was almost too late :)
£8.75 per platter. See what I mean about they could have managed a few more bloody rolls? Very nice though, and I got to eat all the olives.
The Greyhound is in a pretty little village called Aldbury.
In the summer - especially at weekends - it is rammed with walkers, cyclists, families, tourists. It wasn't so bad yesterday, only village traffic.
And finally.
Notice the 'rents scurrying back to the car to prevent my hair from damaging local property prices. People with serious money live in places like this. Old money, you know - they don't have to buy their own furniture :)
Mum said, "They probably think you're American" which was mystifying, but made me grin.
Oops - I forgot this one.
Just to prove we were where I said we were.
Wiki proves it.
Oh I love those stone markers.
I expect to see Mr Steed and Mrs Peel, passing through that village.;)
Mum said, "They probably think you're American" which was mystifying, but made me grin.
Obviously a compliment. :D
More Aldbury
I expect to see Mr Steed and Mrs Peel, passing through that village.;)
I remember the very episode with that pond. Emma was subjected to a selection of medieval tortures including an iron chastity belt and a ducking stool (a hinged wooden beam really, serving in its stead) rigged on that pool. Also thrown in was a helicopter chase and a cream pie battle.
Well done both!
It hasn't changed...
But alas, Emma has. :(
In her younger days she was smoking hot.
Back to menus again.
The original plan for my birthday was to go to the Wetherspoons in Berkhamsted. It had to be close to Berko because me parents are house-sitting and can only be away from the house for a limited period of time. They'd walked up and down Berko High Street and realised that all the restaurants were very expensive - it's a dormitory town for city high fliers and there is serious money flashed by the ladies that lunch.
I was disappointed, I'll admit it.
Wetherspoons are great for let's-have-a-treat-meal. Sod-it-I-don't-want-to-wash-up-meal. I've-got-an-unexpected-ten-quid-let's-eat-meal. But they're hit and miss in terms of quality and give no sense of occasion.
Now of course I didn't tell the 'rents this. What kind of ungrateful brat turns her nose up at a meal out, especially when I only pay the minimum rent and contribution to bills in the first place. Also I didn't want to embarrass them - I've had people sneer at my iea of a good time before and it bloody hurts.
SOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
We didn't end up eating there.
Not only did they not have what my parents wanted to order (Dada for one was really looking forward to it, having checked the menu out in advance) but the lady on the table next to us sent her meal back, and even the replacement was apparently dry and tasteless.
But for your delectation, here is a typical Wetherspoon's menu.
When they get it right, it's good plain cooking at a decent price.
Oh - it's a pub btw, not a restaurant. So the beer's cheap too.
Just a note - the value meals come in at cheaper than a McDonalds. Without a drink though.
I was going to have the gourmet burger which comes topped with bacon, Stilton, Shropshire Blue & spring onion sauce and onion rings (hold the skliced tomato). No, it's not healthy. It's my birthday!
Gotta love that mileage. And that does come with a drink.
And here is the bus ride through Tring, as promised.
Heady stuff!
Fast forward from 3.35 to 4.42 (if not all of it) as we're just sat at a bus stop.
Oh and the sound is not a taxi driver weeping like a wounded beast - it's the bus.
I might walk to Tring someday soon (and get the bus back!) because it's got some great Victorian architecture. This film is nowhere near high enough quality to show it - and that's without the bouncy bouncy bus and rampant speed bumps.
[youtube]5pjVqZDFmf4[/youtube]
BTW - just realised... yes, we do like peas.
Peas with everything.
I noticed the pea thing....
I love looking at menus (yeah, so?!) and furrin ones are ever better... moar!
Your (+ Jim's) documenting of food encourages me in the belief that this isn't just a family abberation :) I love me some foreign cooking/ menus/ websites/ food links, and always follow them up when you're going somewhere. In a non-stalkerish way.
Either of you got any Robinson in you?
[COLOR="White"]And being female, no I'm not going to ask if you'd like some.[/COLOR]
what an awesome idea for a video, SG. great work.
No... I'm russian/german and Jim's brit ancestors were named Janney... they were well known quakers.
But I do love all things food. Wanna see where we went for Fathers Day
brunch?
Oh I checked that out the day Jim posted it, don't worry!
And salivated. And envied (s'okay, I don't believe in Hell)
ETA - I think he just listed some things from the menu, because I don't remember the layout/ colours.
Now I'm just MORE envious.
Not least because brunch is an American concept, so the best I ever had was in San Francisco, and I rave about it to this day. Tell you what, you've just got yourself on the list. The visit list. Monster will drive me over to see you. [snort]
Thanks Monnie. I've done a coupla bus videos now. I might have to change my middle name to "Interesting".
BTW - just realised... yes, we do like peas.
Peas with everything.
do you ever stuff peas up inside penne ala arabiata?
[youtubewide]hp69rg6Hdlo[/youtubewide]
All'arrabbiata? Yeah okay I looked it up, but I knew Arrabbiata wasn't right because it's my fave sauce :)
And yes, we do. If y'all pay me a salary I will sneak into work canteens for your benefit. Peas with all, even on teh Death Star.
Is it shallow of me not to fancy Izzard in drag? I dated a man who looked very like him in mufti. I fancied the cock off him. But put some slap on Eddie and all of sudden he's still funny... but not sexy.
Is it strange of me to still fancy him when he is in drag? :P
Yes. You are strange.
Then again, I didn't fancy Ianto before he got it on with Captain Jack, and now I think he's the eye-candy Captain John claimed he was.
So we can be strange together.
As discussed in chat last night - I took a walk as the sun was coming up.
I have no idea what was wrong with me last night - I'd had a wonderful birthday, I was just a bit out of sorts. Stayed up all night to counter the fear of trying to sleep, but then ended up having a horrific guilt-dream about my bro - who is so rarely in a bad dream of mine. All dream: He wanted to know why I'd borrowed £1000 off him when I could have sold Diz instead. He said he lent it to me because he thought I'd never seen so much money before, but then he found out Grandad had given me £1000 and he'd seen my bank statements and I got nearly that amount every month anyway. And then had a go at me for bidding for something for £12 on eBay. He said I was funding international terrorism.
ANYWAY.
These came first.
The park next to the canal is so cool.
Given my druthers I'd sit there with a camera and enjoy the kids enjoying it. But sadly, these days that would get me arrested. So I enjoyed it alone at 05.00 or thereabouts.
[youtube]gspb3HzPbbQ[/youtube]
The canal. And a snail.
Greetings everyone………..
First of all, I should explain that I have been dipping in and out of the Cellar for some time and when I last ‘lurked’ I was surprised to find this thread by Sundae Girl as I too was born in Aylesbury. I haven’t been able to make a contribution until now, due to family illness and ultimately a bereavement.
I was unleashed on an unsuspecting world at the Royal Bucks Hospital, (Post #108 Page 8) longer ago than I care to admit and I had my tonsils removed at Tindal Hospital (Post #163 Page 11) when I was about seven years old! I wonder if they still have them?
I’ve spent my entire life in the area and now live only about five miles from Aylesbury. My dad’s side of the family established themselves there in the 1890s and I have a photo of my great grandfather and his daughter (my grandmother) standing outside a well known Aylesbury landmark. I don’t often post on forums so when I have worked out how to display photos, I’ll do so in a separate post.
Change of gear…………….
I’ve had the good fortune to visit the USA on four occasions since 1999 starting from Denver.
So, anyone here from north eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, western South Dakota or Wyoming (all of it!)?
Best wishes,
Carruthers
Welcome to the Cellar, Carruthers. :D
I'd love to see that picture of your great grandfather and your grandmother. If you have a problem posting it just give a shout and we'll give you a hand.
Hallo Carruthers! Welcome to our happy band. :)
Thanks for the welcome, Bruce and DanaC.
As promised ………
The main picture shows the Horse and Jockey pub on Wendover Road, Aylesbury, my great grandfather Henry, who was the licensee, his daughter Hetty, a dog called Bob (honest) and a lad, so family legend has it, called ‘Lazy Lambourne‘. Hetty appears to be about three or four years old which dates the photo at 1895/6.
The original has a postcard backing which leads me to believe that it was an advertising medium and, since it has appeared in a couple of local books, other examples do exist.
The second photo shows the establishment as it now stands.The site of the pub is at a crossroads of sorts, although these days you would be hard pushed to describe it thus. I think it was in the seventies that the junction was ’improved’ by carving a new connecting length of road from Stoke Road to Walton Street. This marooned two pubs, several businesses and a number of houses on what is essentially a traffic island. It rejoices in the name of the 'Walton Gyratory System’ and it must be sheer hell living or working there.
Incidentally, the pub was renamed ‘The Aristocrat’ some years ago which I imagine was to avoid confusion with another pub of the same name situated on the Buckingham Road on the north side of the town.
Something there which I hope will complement SG's great thread.
All the best,
Carruthers
very nice addition to the thread. Welcome.
Excellent, Carruthers. Thank you very much. :thumb:
Wonderful - I love old pics like this!
Wonderful contribution Carruthers! Welcome to a modern day version of an internet Horse and Jockey pub. Keep those contributions coming from your local neck of the woods. We love SG's pics and it would be great to have some more from you, with great stories attached as well.
*laughs @ "gyratory system"*
Cool! Welcome again Carruthers.
I worked for years in the Bricklayers across the road, and for two years at Equitable Life just behind (the "Elephant House" which was pulled down a few months ago).
Lovely to have another Brit on board.
And one with such a connection to my place of birth! We're interlopers in this family, came down from London in the 60s.
Great pics! I love to see photos of today/yesteryear juxtaposed.
Hallo SG,
Thanks for the welcome.
My dad worked at Equitable Life and retired in 1985 so I think that would probably be well before you were there. He worked in the 'Elephant House' and then moved down the road to the 'Blue Leanie' when that was opened. I remember when the 'Elephant House' was built and now it has been demolished as you say. A waste of a good building. If I'm not mistaken, an extension to the court next door is being, or will be, built there.
As you also worked at the Bricklayer's Arms you might have known Tony May from the shop next door who compiled 'Aylesbury in Old Picture Postcards Vol 2'. His father, Ralph, compiled Vol 1.
All the best,
Carruthers
For those interested in more old photos of Aylesbury, visit
Bucks County Council then select 'Aylesbury' from the drop down menu.
If you wish to explore further, then Wendover (where I live) should be your next port of call.
Carruthers
I was in Bucks County last weekend... er Pennsylvania.
I was in Bucks County last weekend... er Pennsylvania.
I've always wanted to visit there.
I'm ashamed to say that, although I only live about twelve miles from Penn, I have never set foot in the village. I'm fascinated by all the British, but mostly English, place names in the US. Having been to the US on a number of occasions, Pennsylvania would have been my next port of call but, for a number of reasons, unfortunately I didn't manage to get there.
In 1999 I decided to visit Wendover, Wyoming. As it is on the Oregon Trail, I assume that it was named after 'my' Wendover.
There wasn't much there apart from a railway junction and an old dilapidated school building but it satisfied my curiosity. I went on to visit Mt. Rushmore and, on other trips, Yellowstone Nat Park.
Carruthers
For those interested in more old photos of Aylesbury, visit Bucks County Council then select 'Aylesbury' from the drop down menu.
If you wish to explore further, then Wendover (where I live) should be your next port of call.
Carruthers
But there's only 3300 photographs. :haha: Buckinghamshire County? I didn't realize you had counties, although I'm from New England and that was patterned after Olde England. :smack:
Buckinghamshire County? I didn't realize you had counties, although I'm from New England and that was patterned after Olde England.
Oh yes, we have a more than adequate supply! They form the top tier of local government and the origins of most are lost in the mists of time. There was a reorganisation of local government back in 1974 and some only date from then. For instance, Westmorland and Cumberland were amalgamated to form Cumbria.
I imagine that as those counties were fairly sparsely populated by UK standards, there were economies of scale to be had from their amalgamation.
In the case of Buckinghamshire, (Bucks), the southern boundaries of the county were changed and the town of Slough (as grim as it sounds) found itself in Berkshire. No doubt the impoverished Royal County* needed the income that Slough generated.
Incidentally, we usually only refer to Buckinghamshire, Essex, Norfolk, Herefordshire etc. We don't use the word 'County' in their titles.
I was looking at Bucks County, PA, on Google Earth last night and was struck by how similar the field patterns are to ours here. Google Street View reveals the roads to be the width that we are also used to.
Carruthers.:)
*Windsor Castle, one of HM Queen's residences, is in Berkshire, hence the title.
Wikipedia: English Counties.I think 'counties' replaced 'shires' as top tier of local government at some point. We also have buroughs and burghs. Again though, there's a difference between old-style buroughs (some sort of permission given by the monarch to a particular area) and new boroughs (convenient label given to amalgamations of parishes and towns).
[SIZE="5"]Slough[/SIZE]
Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough!
It isn't fit for humans now,
There isn't grass to graze a cow.
Swarm over, Death!
Come, bombs and blow to smithereens
Those air -conditioned, bright canteens,
Tinned fruit, tinned meat, tinned milk, tinned beans,
Tinned minds, tinned breath.
Mess up the mess they call a town-
A house for ninety-seven down
And once a week a half a crown
For twenty years.
And get that man with double chin
Who'll always cheat and always win,
Who washes his repulsive skin
In women's tears:
And smash his desk of polished oak
And smash his hands so used to stroke
And stop his boring dirty joke
And make him yell.
But spare the bald young clerks who add
The profits of the stinking cad;
It's not their fault that they are mad,
They've tasted Hell.
It's not their fault they do not know
The birdsong from the radio,
It's not their fault they often go
To Maidenhead
And talk of sport and makes of cars
In various bogus-Tudor bars
And daren't look up and see the stars
But belch instead.
In labour-saving homes, with care
Their wives frizz out peroxide hair
And dry it in synthetic air
And paint their nails.
Come, friendly bombs and fall on Slough
To get it ready for the plough.
The cabbages are coming now;
The earth exhales.
John Betjeman (1906 - 1984)
http://www-cdr.stanford.edu/intuition/Slough.html Thanks for sharing the pics, SG! Honestly I've never been outside of my home state except to visit Florida a few times. One day I plan on seeing something besides my own backyard!
Slough
Sounds like New Jersey. :lol:
and a lot of other places, to be fair.
[SIZE=5]Slough[/SIZE]
Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough!
It isn't fit for humans now,
There isn't grass to graze a cow.
Swarm over, Death!
As featured on an episode of The Office (original version), set in Slough.
Hey Monkey! Long time no write.
Yes - The Office was set in Slough as a perfect example of a grey, non-industrial town.
Also, Ricky Gervias was born just down the road in Reading. Reading, hmmmm. When I went there they were having a festival of litter and 16 yo mothers. At least that was my assumption as I saw pretty much nothing else.
I lie - I've just remembered I bought a lovely bra and knicker set in an independent shop there. Then again, the woman treated me like I was Princess Diana (still alive at that point) so I figure she had few customers for her luxury lingerie.
I figure if Gervais set The Office in Slough it must be worse there.
Reading, ah the memories saw some great bands at various Reading Festivals in the 80's when i was young and stupid such a long time ago Sob...........:D
Take heart, be-bop... we aren't young anymore but we're still stupid. :lol:
Take heart, be-bop... we aren't young anymore but we're still stupid. :lol:
I'll drink to that...:drunk:
I was in Bucks County last weekend... er Pennsylvania.
A couple of days ago, the postman defeated the weather and delivered a copy of "Place Names in Bucks County, Pennsylvania". I managed to track it down via Abebooks and bought it from a bookseller in North Carolina. I headed straight for entries concerning Wycombe, Chalfont, Solebury (Soulbury) and Buckingham. I know that English place names on the Eastern Seaboard are not exactly uncommon, but I find the stories behind the original settlements absolutely fascinating.
Carruthers.
I know people in Buckingham, Bucks County, nice(but expensive) place. Also, I grew up in Hampden (see Sundae's post #5).
Whereabouts is Hampden, Bruce? I can't find any reference to it in the above book.
FWIW, Hampden House is about 3.5 miles to the south west of your humble correspondent.
Carruthers
At the John Hampden link, in Sundae's post:
The towns of Hampden, Maryland, Hamden, Connecticut and Hampden, Maine, as well as the county of Hampden, Massachusetts are named in his honour. Also, Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia is named in his honour and that of Algernon Sydney, another English patriot.
It fails to note the town of Hampden, in the County of Hampden, Massachusetts. Not in Bucks County, PA, but you mentioned, "English place names on the Eastern Seaboard", and Hampden has a connection to Aylesbury. Sorry for the confusion.
Ah! OK Bruce, thanks for that, I'm obliged to you.
One is investigating further:thumb:
Carruthers
do you ever stuff peas up inside penne ala arabiata?
♪♫
I've seen a tinker up a tailor
and a soldier up a sailor,
but I've never seen a salmon
up a dead sardine. ♪♫I've just been looking at some photos from Spring last year and came up with this one:
It is a view from the opposite side of the valley to that shown in Sundae's posting here:
#195
I keep an eye on a couple of farms on a nearby estate for the manager and his wife, when they take the opportunity to get off the place once in a while. As you can see, I was giving the farm dogs a run. (30th May 2009)
Hey SG, sorry, I really wanted to personal message you but I'm not allowed to until I've proved that I'm not odd by responding to several threads in a way that is not deemed weird! (Akin to being asked to prove you're not mad)Anyway, my email is the same as it ever was (there's a song there somewhere), we both hated Cockroach Joan and you introduced me to Jasper Fforde (or certainly his books) and I was wondering how you were? Sorry to barge in, I'm still in the same hot/dusty country as I was before!
OMG! Is that my warthog?!
I was thinking about you just the other day.
If it's not you (and it would be so weird if it's not. God, you weirdo if it's not!) then you'll get a mail from me in the next 24 hours.
ok - I'm a little freaked out by that.
Sorry to [COLOR="Blue"]sarge[/COLOR] in, I'm still in the same hot/dusty country as I was before!
Why the new face?
It's not Sarge, Shawnee. It's an ex work colleague and very good friend of mine.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh. :blush:
Sorry. I'm a bit dense. Just that you WERE just asking about sarge, and I jumped to the Island of Conclusions.
As you were. :)
I guess it might have sounded a bit kissy-kissy at that :)
But she obv wanted to stay anonymous, so I couldn't resist a bit of code in return.
Still haven't heard from Sarge re coming home or his health though :(
Am starting this post to say I STILL haven't heard from Sarge re his health or coming home.
But I HAVE received a returned card from the US Forces address I send them to.
If he posts I'd be really grateful for a heads-up PM. As far as my correspondance is concerned he's dropped off the face of the earth.
Anyway, this is all about me (as usual) and my birthday.
So expect lots of pictures of me. Just be grateful I'm not starting a new thread!
Dinner photos are in the What's For Dinner Tonight thread.
Okay. Last night (Thursday) we went to the Bugle Horn, just outside Aylesbury.
"We" were Mum, Dad, Steven, Erika [my brother and his wife] and family friend Maureen.
First pic 1 is the pub itself.
This is a link to the menu.
Pic 2 is Stevo dreaming. Just to prove I don't have to be in every photo.
Hey, my camera, my birthday! I originally wrote "looking dreamy" but balked at the double meaning - see below.
I creeped myself out when we were leaving. Ste came straight from work, so was in work clothes except I'd forgotten that. I was walking behind what I thought was a businessman and thinking, "Nice butt! I wonder if he looks as good from the front!" I wanted to bleach my brain when I realised I'd been eyeing up my brother. I had to have a rum & coke when I got home to get over it.
Me with the 'rents.
There is another one of me and Dad, but he looked really tiny next to me, by some trick of the camera.
I looked like some big bloated spider who had sucked all his spirit out - so I took another one. We're in better proportion in this one (which shows you how bad the other one was!)
My hair is currently blonde, I just had coloured spray in the front. All washed out now.
And here is our lovely waiter. He was a bit young for me, sadly - I was afraid I'd break him, so I left it at good natured banter :)
And this is the photo he took of our table, we're all stuffed with food.
Dad appears to have a diamond tooth, something that struck me as hilariously funny last night. It still makes me smile today, but I rather think it suits him.
I also got a free bottle of champagne because it was my birthday and there were more than 4 of us.
So for anyone in the Aylesbury area, or who is close to the chain of Vintage Inns, it's worth signing up for emails if you fancy going there on your birthday (or up to two weeks after). They advise you to bring ID, but I wasn't asked for any. I guess they thought woman with pink hair, tiara, cards and presents on the table - probably not just trying to pull a fast one.
No-one wanted dessert except me. I will admit that I didn't really want it either, I just didn't want the meal to be over (boo hoo!) I offered to share with anyone, anyone? No-one? Not even a spoonful? Nope. I didn't sulk though, just ordered a liquer coffee. Lovely waiter made it at the table, which I thought was a great way to do it. It was his first time as well - nothing like being someone's first time to make a birthday go with a zing!
A good time was had by all I believe. It was clean, friendly, the service was good, the food was simple and tasty.
And of course I didn't pay :)
Looks like a nice family time. You look a lot like yer mum.
Just a link to The Bugle Horn's
Burns Night menu (that's the pub as shown above).
Except that as we're not Scottish you don't have to go
on Burn's Night, they're running it from Monday 24th to Saturday 29th. All the better to fleece you with my dear. Actually, it looks pretty good.
I'd love to go on your behalf and report back, but I'd be too ashamed to go without having a drink (Talisker single malt £1!!!) so this year I will decline.
that Burns Night menu has waaaaaaaay too much haggis IMHO.
thanks, as always, for the pics!! :) I love seeing them!
A walk to the shop, to show you where I live.
From what I gatjer, a Council Estate equals The Projects.
I'm not sure that's true, so I thought a quick vid might be helpful.
[YOUTUBE]JFSB0N8X6Xs[/YOUTUBE]
The poor mike makes it sound mucho windy, but wouldn't you know, as soon as I got home I tried to fly Tiger's new kite (to replace the parachute that got strung up in a tree) and couldn't get the damn thing beyong arm's length!
thanks for the walking tour of your 'hood.
I don't think Council Estates=Projects.
1) Where's the gun violence?
2) where are the drug dealers?
3) Where are the women with 6 babies on the porch?
4) Where are the pitt bulls?
5) Why are there cars and garages? People in the projects use the bus.
6) Why is there a shop you can walk to that doesn't have coolies hanging out front harassing potential customers?
7) Where is the sound of sirens and wailing?
8) where is the television crew?
9) where is the vomit?
10) Where is the ambulance?
:)
Depends on the council estate.
I have known a few like you describe Bri. The distinction between estates and the projects is probably more to do with the different history behind them. Ours weren't developed to house the poorest, so much as provide affordable housing to all, including the poorest. So, the estates have been working-class homes for a long time. They vary greatly from area to area. Places with a large underclass tend to have more roudy and troublesome estates.
I lived on the edge of one in Salford in the 90s. Used to have to walk through to the little precint in the centre to use the cashpoint (ATM). I recall walking past the wreck of a burned out car, still smoking, and with a small gang of kids clambering about and smashing what was left of the glass. There was the obligatory collection of unleashed fighting and guard dogs wandering about.
The main estate in the ward I represent as a councillor is like the land that time forgot. It is perched on the top of a hill, the back of the estate literally overlooking a cliff. It feels like a forgotten place. And it sounds like a war zone at night. The police more or less leave it alone unless they're actually called out. They've given up patrolling it entirely. When the fire brigade have to go up there they face gangs of youngsters throwing rocks at the fire truck windows as they approach. Nobody goes to the shops after dark if they can help it. The kids have fuck all to do and basically wander the streets looking for trouble. Every other house is dealing with addiction problems. The entire place simmers with tension.
Dana, your description made me think of the TrainsPotting song, Miles End:
We didn't have no where to live, / we didn't have nowhere to go
'til someone said / "I know this place off Burditt Road."
It was on the fifteenth floor, / it had a board across the door.
It took an hour / to pry it off and get inside. / It smelt as if someone had died;
the living-room was full of flies, / the kitchen sink was blocked,
the bathroom sink not there at all. / Ooh, / it's a mess alright, / yes it's
Mile End. / And now we're living in the sky! / I'd never thought I'd live so
high, / just like Heaven / (if it didn't look like Hell.)
The lift is always full of piss, / the fifth floor landing smells of fish
(not just on Friday, / every single other day.)
Below the kids come out tonight, / they kick a ball and have a fight
and maybe shoot somebody if they lose at pool.
Ooh, / it's a mess alright, / yes it's / Mile End.
[mumbled mutterings... you love it...]
Oo-ooh / Nobody wants to be your friend
'cause you're not from round here, / ooh / as if that was
something to be proud about. / The pearly king of the Isle of Dogs
feels up children in the bogs. / Down by the playing fields,
someone sets a car on fire I guess you have to go right down
before you understand just how, / how low,
how low a human being can go. / Ooh, / it's a mess alright, / yes it's
Mile End. / (don't do that! Leave it out!) / Bababa...
Lalala...
Merkins would prolly call that an apartment complex. It looks like you're at least a generation from becoming "The Projects". Most of our Projects start as apartment complexes...
Depends on the council estate.
I have known a few like you describe Bri. The distinction between estates and the projects is probably more to do with the different history behind them. Ours weren't developed to house the poorest, so much as provide affordable housing to all, including the poorest. So, the estates have been working-class homes for a long time. They vary greatly from area to area. Places with a large underclass tend to have more roudy and troublesome estates.
I lived on the edge of one in Salford in the 90s. Used to have to walk through to the little precint in the centre to use the cashpoint (ATM). I recall walking past the wreck of a burned out car, still smoking, and with a small gang of kids clambering about and smashing what was left of the glass. There was the obligatory collection of unleashed fighting and guard dogs wandering about.
The main estate in the ward I represent as a councillor is like the land that time forgot. It is perched on the top of a hill, the back of the estate literally overlooking a cliff. It feels like a forgotten place. And it sounds like a war zone at night. The police more or less leave it alone unless they're actually called out. They've given up patrolling it entirely. When the fire brigade have to go up there they face gangs of youngsters throwing rocks at the fire truck windows as they approach. Nobody goes to the shops after dark if they can help it. The kids have fuck all to do and basically wander the streets looking for trouble. Every other house is dealing with addiction problems. The entire place simmers with tension.
"Harry Brown". Love this flick.
Thanks for the vid, Sundae. I enjoy getting a taste of England.
If it wouldn't get you into trouble, I'd love to see a vid of the inside of the shop. Is it more of a convenience store or would people expect to do most of their weekly shopping there?
I hadn't watched it back - I might not have posted it if I had. What hideous sound quality! I pretty much remember what I said (rambling as it was) and even I can't work out some of it.
I'll make another one when it's not blowing a gale force wind.
Pete - it's definitely a convenience store.
Some of the old people on the estate might do quite a bit of their shopping there, and you could live from it as it has a decent selection. But most people use it for newspapers, mil, booze, fags, lottery tickets. With the added benefit that if you've run out of something (from baking powder to toilet paper to garlic) they'll probably have it in stock as well.
When I make my next film, I'll iclude a bit of the shop, but I assume they're the same anyway.
Bri - if I didn't think it would have repercussions I'd take a few shots of the garden belonging to our neighbours-across-the-close. It's still a council property (most of the older houses you saw in my vid are now owner-occupied) and is a classic "council tenant" garden. Where all that's growing is the rust on the abandoned toys and kitchen appliances...
Pete, as it turns out something quite hideous happened in that shop just the other week. I'd be wary of trying to film in there now that they are all on high alert for anything odd going on. I'll try it later this year.
From the Bucks Herald:
Horror as Man Stabs Himself With Bottle in Aylesbury Shop
So, yesterday was Fathers Day.
But before that, Ste came over to drop off a card and pressie.
I had the camera on the wrong setting, (oop!) so it's blurry.
But I did nothing to enhance the colour and I just thought the blue of his eyes came out really well.
Ste + Diz.
So. Off to the Dairy Maid for lunch.
We've been there a couple of times recently, so I bought a book of vouchers from eBay with various deals in it. Of course they were given o9ut/ sent out free, but we didn't get one and anyway it cost me 49p.
So we got a free round of drinks (about £9 worth) and everyone was very pleased with me.
Also, Dad got a free pint glass (Number 1 Dad) which he is also pleased with.
No starters. The meals were HUUGE!.
Dad had the rump steak. Ordered it well done. Fool. It was like a piece of shoe leather. But that is how he likes it and he ate every bit.
Mum was the piggiest of us all and had Surf and Turf and Cluck. Steak, scampi and chicken. She couldn't finish it. I had meant to bring a tupperware box for leftovers, but forgot. The only thing she left in the end was her steak - same as Dad, she ordered it well done. I declined it on behalf of Diz.
I had steak and ribs. So yeah, I was a pig too.
But I didn't have any tea afterwards, because I ate the lot (apart from the grilled tomato) and was stuffed as a tick.
I asked for my steak rare, in the hope it would be medium rare. It was, and in fact was the nicest steak I have had in a long, long time.
Absolutely gorgeous.
We only go to this place because it is the nearest pub to the house, but we've been very lucky with our meals. Oh except the last time, when Mum moaned about everything. But the portions are large, the staff attentive and the prices prettty good.
Yumyum
Someone got the dessert order wrong.
I won't say who, but it is someone who posts on here.
There are two different Raspberry Ripple desserts.
I know - stupid, right?
One of them is tiny and costs 79p.
The other is a full sized dessert.
The nameless person ordered her own dessert, only to find that they'd run out. She then changed her order, and ordered for both her parents. Only in the confusion (not) she ordered the really ickle dessrt for Dad.
Look, I did offer to go back up and change the order. I would have been happy to do that. But Dad doesn't really like "fuss". He realised he was getting the tiny dessert because of the price, and accepted it.
I just felt awful when my Knickerbocker Glory turned up, alongside his teeny weeny Raspberry Ripple :mecry:
Still, back home and as you can see, all was forgiven.
Happy Farters Day for yesterday Dads.
Not too far away from the unfortunate incident outlined by Sundae (above)
Camera feels the heat after second attack
One of my colleagues, at my last place of work, was heading home when he was caught by the above camera.
Not sure how fast he was going, but the limit is 30mph so the camera was probably set at 35mph.
Now, if you have read the article, you will see that the camera is positioned on the central reservation (median).
Overnight, the powers that be turned the camera to face in the opposite direction. My erstwhile colleague, in a rush to return to his place of work the following morning, triggered the camera
again!
I'm not sure what the penalties were, but I believe that a fine of £60 plus three penalty points on the licence is usual.
I can categorically state that the gentleman concerned was not guilty of arson as he died about three years ago. Although perhaps he intervened from the great beyond.:rolleyes:
The Elmhurst Road is awful for speeding cars, vans and motorbikes.
It's an estate road, going through an area with two schools and the houses are generally occupied by old people and young families. Add pets into the mix and it is so obvious why the speed limit is 30.
I've seen a couple of near misses with kids on bikes. Yes the kids were technically to blame - appalling road safety - but it would be the speeding drivers that would bear the burden if they connected. And both my dog and my brother ran out into the road on this stretch. This is years and years ago (I learned to keep them both attached to me after the two incidents) but the same rule applies. If you are driving through a housing estate, the speed limit is there for a reason.
Bad luck on your ex-colleague to get done twice in 24 hours. But if was speeding twice in 24 hours he did get his just desserts. Not to speak ill of the dead of course.
Bad luck on your ex-colleague to get done twice in 24 hours. But if was speeding twice in 24 hours he did get his just desserts. Not to speak ill of the dead of course.
You're quite right, Sundae. He said that he 'didn't know that it (the camera) was there.' A somewhat bizarre explanation/excuse as he should have been observing the posted speed limit!
Did I mention that he was employed as a driver?:o
Went to see the Grandad today.
This is not an unusual occurrence, except that my bro doesn't come, and that I haven't brought my camera before.
I had the camera this time to take photos for the family in Aus. As Mum says, if I hadn't seen my Dad for over ten years his current appearance would come as a shock. So it's only fair to let Jimmy see how things are.
Mum is silly in that she thinks I should have taken the photos on the sly. No. I take photos so often I really don't see the need for subterfuge. Still, she's his daughter, so I took some when he wasn't looking to make her happy. It's probably best to have a selection.
You'll be able to tell the difference between Mum and Steven and Grandad. Although he's not bad for 88.
And then out onto the terrace...
Off with the hat.
Mum was out drinking til 00.15 last night (girlie get-together a a friends')
She says she hasn't had a hangover for over 10 years and felt really rough. Snigger.
Ha! Your mom is still partying and we don't anymore. Tsk...tsk....You and I need to get together, Sundae. :D Btw, thanks for all the pictures! :D
Went into town on the orange bus today.
The stop is about 7 minutes walk, but I needed to go to the cashpoint beforehand, and that's next to the stop.
This route runs on time, and not only that, it has a handy touch screen to let you know when the bus is coming. Nothing like that on the green line that runs closest to my house! They probably don't dare, as the timetable is essentially a work of fiction for that bus.
Check out my nails in the reflection! I used a sparkly grey nailvarnish that one of Mum's friends gave her, but it wasn't very sparkly, so I rolled my nails in very fine glitter. Gives almost a chrome effect. Love it.
Got off at the bus station, at the bottom of the Market Square.
Only a partial market today, so I took a couple of photos of the stalls for you.
Fruit & veg at the bottom of the Square, with the Court buildings behind.
More stalls.
The bag stall, and the bird feed/ dried pulses & seeds stall.
The stallholder on the latter noticed me taking the pic and insisted on posing. He asked me what I wanted the photo for and I lied. Why do I do that? I said, "Oh just for an assignment" hoping he would think I was taking evening classes or something. It just seemed easier than saying, "Oh I log onto a website where most of the participants have never been to England and I like to share photos with them".
Still, at least I didn't lie and tell him he was going to be famous...
The bread stall, where you would expect to find yummy mummies, but in fact it gets it's share of old giffers because there is no bakery in Aylesbury now. There were at least three when I was growing up.
And a travel agent's window - with reflections.
We're at the top of the High Street now.
Shops at the top of the High Street.
And the Jacket Potato trailer (potatoes baked in their jackets ie skins)
Smells divine.
Although it's called Just Jackets, like any potato outlet there are a variety of fillings available. Standard classics are baked beans and/ or cheese, tuna mayo, coleslaw (at least in Leicester) and chilli.
mrs. and I had jacket potato's with chili a couple of nights ago ! ( and then last night I had the leftover chili the proper way.. with rice and cornbread :P )
My introduction to cornbread came from Ass Kickin Corn Bread packet mix.
I'd read lots of American fiction, but not been there, so I was delighted to find an American mail-order store in England (in pre-internet days this was pure chance) that supplied things which puzzled me.
I made it, I loved it, I craved it.
More recently I got a recipe from the Cellar and have used it more than once.
The first time was just too bland, I forgot that the one I was used to was highly flavoured.
I've adapted the recipe to my taste since.
Turns out my fave is Aunt Jemima's Easy Mix, which surely makes me hellbound. I either have to travel 20 miles or pay postage for it. It's cheaper to make it, but only if I already have polenta in the house.
I do love me some cornbread!
I do love me some cornbread!
try mixing it up abit... finely chop some red peppers into the batter ( jalapenos' if your of that persuasion )
or abit of maple syrup
Oh I always jazz it up if I make it now.
My fave is cheese & Italian herbs, but that hardly makes it a low fat side.
Mostly because the 'rents aren't convinced by cornbread, so I have to eat most of it myself!
I 've made cornbread mini-muffins for the staffroom and they've gone down a treat.
Well, not as quickly as anything chocolate. Nothing is ever eaten as quickly as something with chocolate in, at my school.
Still, anything edible rasises my profile :yum:
I was just with some friends who had put banana peppers in some cornbread and some jalapenos in another batch. I don't like peppers, but they really enjoyed them.
I like corn in my cornbread. And cornbread casserole is the YUM.
OK... I know you're on a diet now but how do you feel about deep fried?
corn fritters............ pretty much the same mix as cornbread... little more flour, bit of baking powder and a tin of corn ... tablespoon at a time into the chip pan.. drizzle with honey.
ohhhh... .... thats got me going now... *L*
Infi, I know banana peppers have nothing to do with bananas, but I still cringe reading it :) Jalapenos in cornbread - esp with herbs and cheese - YUM!
I have no facility to deep fry anything, and I can't say it really appeals to me either.
I has 2 x doughnuts when we were in Great Yarmouth. Yumyum, hot doughnuts from a bag. But that's about it.
Mexican cornbread is da bomb. Try it sometime. BTW, I love the pics.
BTW, I love the pics.
Thanks darling.
Standard classics are baked beans and/ or cheese, tuna mayo, coleslaw (at least in Leicester) and chilli.
I thought I was the only person on earth who put baked beans on his baked potato. Not too hip on the tuna mayo (whatever that may be, never heard of it, prolly explains itself, tho), but might try cole slaw on mah tater.
99% of baked beans here come in tins.
All supermarkets and many other companies have their own take on it; they are ubiquitous. Heinz is seen as the British staple, and if you holiday in coastal Spain you will often see cafes stating that they only serve Heinz beans.
I refuse to have cold toppings on my hot potato.
It's a personal issue.
But yes, tuna mayo is tinned tuna with mayonnaise. Sometimes with sweetcorn, sometimes with onion, mostly just tuna & mayo.
Pete, as it turns out something quite hideous happened in that shop just the other week.
From the Bucks Herald:
Horror as Man Stabs Himself With Bottle in Aylesbury Shop
Looked at their site for thirty minutes, couldn't find that story.
But, I did find
this one. I lol'd. Twice.
BTW, how do
I get the gov't to buy weed for
me?
Also...a friend used to have a Staffordshire Terrier/Pit Bull mix named Razz. When he chased cars, he caught 'em. And ate 'em.
I was thinking tuna-flavored mayo. :lol2:
The self-stabbing story will be archived by now.
In any newspaper article where the "villian" is identified, any benefits received are usually exaggerated.
Typical rent in this town is £600 per month.
So an additional £200 per month has to pay for Council Tax, water rates, gas & electricity, TV licence even BEFORE food & cleaning products.
True, if he spends £70 on weed then something's got to give, but that's his choice.
No-one on benefits lives the hi-life.
Alcohol and drugs help ignore bills that need to be paid and things that need to be faced.
ANYWAY.
This is a photo thread and I want you all to ooooh and aaaaah and love me.
Sunshine and lollipos and rainbows etc etc......
(yeah, good points)
...and I want you all to ooooh and aaaaah and love me.
We are, and, we do.
Sunshine and lollipos and rainbows etc etc...
Don't ferget puppy dog tails!!!
Pete, as it turns out something quite hideous happened in that shop just the other week. I'd be wary of trying to film in there now that they are all on high alert for anything odd going on. I'll try it later this year.
Yikes. Yes. Best wait.
Great pics Sundae. Thanks.
Drumroll please...
I would like to introduce you to Messrs Tiger and Tennant!
I had permission to take photos of the children I saw at the Family Fun Day in Vale Park today.
After all, the organisers had their own photographers, and the Bucks Herald was there. But I was polite and checked with the parents anyway.
I went with Tennant's Mum, both Tiger's parents and his little sister (who we will call Kitty, because she's a kitten compared to him but it sounds a bit stripper-ish). We saw plenty of other people there - some children from our school (Tiger-Mum told a lot of people about it yesterday apparently) and my Grandad's ex-next-door-neighbour, who is Tiger's Grandmother. And one of Grandad's nurses, who is the mother of Tennant's mother's BFF from school.
I forget how many connections people make when they have children. This was pretty much my first exposure to it. Also it turns out Tiger-Grandmother used to live next door to my sister & family (not that side for those who remember) and Tiger-Dad came to do some repair plastering when the 'rents' bathroom flooded the downstairs toilet. Long before I moved back.
Small town. Never experienced that before either.
Anyway.
The parents parked at mine and we walked down to the Vale Park. Even with kids it's only about a 20 minute walk. The day was a joint event funded by a church coalition and the Council. Everything was free. There were some queues, but it was very well done.
Face painting, two bouncy castles, balloon modelling, sumo wrestling, BBQ (well, sausages and burgers on a grill) tea, coffee and cake, organised games. It was like being at Butlins in the 70s.
Tennant and Mum "making" a biscuit. Rich Tea biscuits (very plain cookies) with a shedload of icing, sweets, sprinkles etc to be lobbed on top. T gave me the "hair" which in my honour was a strawberry lace.
Tiger taking part in a sponge race. Run to the bucket, dunk your sponge, come back and squeeze it out in the bucket at the other end. Team with the most water wins, boys vs girls.
Kitty with her painted face. That was the longest queue by far.
But the Lady wanted it, so the Lady got it! Good for her.
Tiger doesn't need face paint, he can growl at me anyway.
The doughnut on a string game.
Tiger was taking tiny nibbles, as he does when eating anything. But we were all so pleased that he was trying it at all.
AND he ate most of his hot-dog. Tennant only had the sausage, and he doesn't have any eating issues. Although he ate more of the doughnut :)
The park has a small playground. It's better than it looks just walking past - lots of swingy and shakey things.
No slide though. I used to adore slides - the higher the better and the best were bumpy ones. Being small and skinny I would actually get airtime going over the bumps.
Still, I would have wrecked this place (figuratively speaking) if it had been around in my time.
By this time we had met up with AL and her dad and brother. Mum is Brazilian, but she was working. I actually thought she was step-Mum when I saw her at the school fete, because she is really quite dark-skinned and AL is blonde. I've looked more closely since and can see the resemblance - she has dark brown eyes and makes me look 100% Irish when it comes to a tan.
Here she is surfing on a tilting board (she's surfed for real on extended holidays to Brazil) and proving her pirate chops while Tiger and Kitty look on. Seconds later, Tiger was climbing the rigging too, of course. That "seat" is about 6 feet off the ground - Tiger is already stood on a climbing frame there.
Last one of Tennant.
Apparently he is Christmas-mad.
He got a dog from the balloon modeller, and promptly decided it was a reindeer called Check (shrug). Sadly, Check was blown away and caught too often, and checked in his lucky reindeer chips. One of his legs popped.
I offered to queue up again, which we did, and this time got a burgundy coloured one that had the balloon nozzle on his schnozzle. What else could he call him but Rudolph?
I staged an intervention and took Rudolph into custody after a little while in the playground, fearing he might meet Check's fate. Tennant found a piece of foil ribbon and fashioned him a lead. All the way home I either held Rudolph or I held the end of the lead.
All the children behaved beautifully - although like children of course, not complete models of deportment! I had such a wonderful afternoon. And it was cool to be able to do things like tickle them and turn them upside down and all that, which isn't appropriate at school.
Oh, and it does feel a little odd letting you see them and still giving them code names. But code names can't be Googled. Unless you know them. And by then it's too late.
Sundae these are wonderful. I really love the pics of your kids!! Really a great post
I know some pretty great kids.
Awwww.
Just going back a bit ... 70 quid of weed per week? Jebus. Or is weed really expensive over there?
Everything is expensive there. Except tea and bread and butter. And riots. It's like a fire sale on riots.
It's great to see the kids of your days Sundae.
They are adorable, Sundae! I can see why you love your job.
As a side note, how is Tennant's mom doing?
No bad news back at least.
I know she has a number of follow up appointments, but I assume they have all gone as hoped so far.
She's taking Tennant over to Lapland in December!
They weren't able to get away over the summer, so that's his special holiday.
He's never said anything about this Christmas-fixation at school, it might be a recent thing. I imagine it's because he's had such an unsettling year and Christmas last year was bright and happy and Mum didn't have cancer and Grandad was still alive and they weren't moving house.
Still, it made me laugh. Tiger is chatting away and he says he is going to be a builder just like Daddy. I'd heard that before. And J is going to be a fireman like his Daddy - which I already know - everyone in the school knows too!
"I'm going to be a builder and J is going to be a fireman and Tennant is going to be Father Christmas." Said in a very matter of fact tone.
Thank you for the pix of the kids. They are great! I was wondering about your day and had hoped you would post pictures and tell us about your day. It turns out you already did but I didn't go through enough threads to see everything that's happening.
Walking to school, Aylesbury to Bierton.
I took these knowing they would contrast.
We woke up to mist on Tuesday, but the weather reports said it would clear by mid-morning to give us a brief Indian summer.
So I knew it would be fine today. And so it was.
Roll on foggy November and crisp December I say.
And snow.
Snow, snow, snow-snow-snow.
Back to September.
Looking up Aylesbury Road.
Technically in Bierton (as Bierton Road is in Aylesbury). It makes sense, roads are named for their destination.
Tried to take them in the same place. Forgot that I had the camera vertical!
Tuesday morning.
Wednesday morning.
A view acroos the fields on my way to work.
Tuesday then Wednesday.
And then this afternoon, just for another contrast.
Fungus. I would never pick and cook wild mushrooms myself.
I'd love to go on a mushroom hunt with a real expert though.
I took these knowing they would contrast.
I like them both. I'm always amazed at how narrow the roads are there.
Two more Tues & Weds shots.
See how the aliens leave their laser death ray in full view in the second photo!
And now just some of the walk during the sunshine.
St James the Greater as posted before.
This thread gives me a smile. :)
Yea!!! Thanks Sundae! I love your pics!
I was very surprised on Thursday afternoon when Mum said they were going to take me for lunch on Friday. She said (more than once) that we could go wherever I wanted, it was my choice.
Well I assumed this pretty much meant Wetherspoons, as it had to be town centre and we would be on a budget. In fact, even if not on a budget it would have to be a pub as we all have overlapping food tastes and need a wide selection of dishes.
Given my lack of answer (aside from a genuine thanks) Mum decided for us. We went to the new Italian restaurant in Kingsbury. More expensive than I would have considered, because it's an independent, and is owned and managed and run by the same people, so not a chain.
We had a great time!
Mum said it was the last of Grandad's money, and he would have wanted them to treat me.
No arguments from me :)
I bought us a bottle of Prosecco to kickstart the party.
Dads didn't fancy a starter, but when Mum & I saw sardines on the menu we decided to share.
Then, so Dad didn't feel left out we ordered Garlic and Cheese Pizza bread.
Both were yummy, and we even persuaded Dad to have a piece of sardine.
In fact I wonder if this was a standard portion or whether they cooked three because we were a table of three...?
Have since learned the name of the restaurant and should therefore include it - La Salute, Kingsbury, Aylesbury. Excellent Italian restaurant.
Dad had ravioli (I think). He seemed to enjoy it anyway - he was the only person able to finish his dish, and his appetite has shrunk so much over the last few years that it's a real compliment. He is waiting for black pepper in the photo, hence his slight look of wary trepidation.
Mum had Penne Salmona, which I remember having vodka in it!
Following my experience in Sapporo Teppanyaki, I asked about doggy bags early on. Once I knew we could take away the remains I just settled on enjoying what I wanted there and then.
And I had Pizza Americano, which was huge and lovely.
It's real Italian style pizza, so the toppings are limited. Not a complaint, but ideally I'd have liked onions as well. And probably pineapple. I am such a philistine.
It was great as it was though, and I'm glad I didn't mess with it.
So here we are, en famille.
We had a lovely meal - the staff were attentive and kind. The final picture was obviously taken by our waitress.
We had Limoncello afterwards, and she poured with a liberal hand. I also ordered another Limoncello (when we were settling the bill and Mum was in the toilet) and it came gratis. What a lovely gesture when we were first time customers!
I would like to go back. Now I'm off to have pizza for breakfast. Nom nom nom.
Just as I was uploading the last photos, Mum called up the stairs.
"Can I bin that pasta and pizza now? Only it's stinking my fridge out."
Sigh.
I responded cheerily, to say that I would be down to eat it shortly (I always wait for them to eat first on a non-school day). I also added jovially that it couldn't be worse than the BBQ chicken they had last week, which left me reeling at 06.45 when I opened the fridge. Garlic and anise and all the rest.
She really just wants it gone because I didn't have it for tea last night and she worries she won't be able to start loading the fridge with Christmas food. I'm going to decant the pasta into a different container as my SIL, E will love it - they're coming round tonight. The pizza might be mine alone to tackle though.
You look more happy as a family in those pics than you have described in previous posts. Well done. Looks like everyone was in a cheery mood and it was drama free. Nice pics and thanks for sharing. :thumb:
Looks like a Nice time !!
Tell Dadz to eat up !!!!!
Merc, I am probably the most sensitive member of the family.
I try not to be, and I try to get over perceived slights and insults.
I don't always do very well.
This Christmas we are all making an effort to get on and enjoy eachother's company, because of Grandad's death. We raised two toasts to him yesterday - the first came from me. I could see Mum was equally upset and grateful. She needs to know we remember him too, and loved him, but the fact of losing her father hurts of course. She raised the second over the Limoncello.
And here's another one:
To Jim Doyle - a hard working family man who adored spectacle, but was happiest watching it from the wings.
Mum can be a cow sometimes. It's true. It might be that her friends think I am insensitive to her needs too - I do catch myself out sometimes and realise it is the case. But we are a family. I can live with my parents and that has to credit all three of us (mostly them).
I'm glad we look happy. We were. And it was completely drama-free.
It was a good meal and I did have pizza for brunch and it was good.
Everything and everyone looks great!
hhhmmm Pizza..... ;)
Pizza for breakfast, classic, just classic. You and your family look wonderful, and a delicious drama free family meal is hard to beat. I raise my glass with you!
That pizza Americano looks fab. I'm glad they named it after us. :)
Isn't that weird, though? A truly authentic pizza made by Italians and they call it Americano? Looks absolutely yummy, though. :yum:
That was a preeety good-looking pizza.
Isn't that weird, though? A truly authentic pizza made by Italians and they call it Americano? Looks absolutely yummy, though. :yum:
The Italian pizza my family makes is square, I think the round is Americano.
My "local" pizza joint is called Amigos. It has a Mexican decor. They make pizza. I remember having the "Persian" pizza, which wasn't very good. The guys who work there look South Asian, maybe Indian or Pakistani.
I'm confused.
My sister saw me looking at your posts and said, "Why are you looking at food pictures?!?" Hihi...We're on a diet, of course. Anyways, I showed her your picture and she said, "She looks familiar. Is she the one from England with pink hair?" Hehehe....I think I've talked about you the most and showed her pix of you that she knows who you are. It's a compliment. She usually don't care and pay attention to my ebuddies.
I raise a glass to you Sundae. Well done.
Our Christmas tree.
My Christmas wrapping this year. The Financial Times is (surprise!) a financial paper, that prints share prices. This - as well as the distinctive soft pink colouring - makes it ideal as wrapping because of all of the small even print.
Everyone I used it for seemed to get a kick out of it.
In cross thread fertilisation, Dana and Limey got the cheap santa paper I used for Tiger and Tennant. Why? I can't honestly remember.
We opened our presents at about 10.30, then headed down the Dairy Maid at about 12.15.
We weren't due to eat until 13.00, but it obviously made it easier for them to seat people and offer them food as they could, rather than have a massive influx at 13.00. So we got our starters about 12.35.
Dad was really quite cross at anyone who arrived after 13.00.
"Oh, here's another latecomer!" he'd say, with no appreciation that he could be heard! Then again, he said it so jovially I doubt they would have understood his point.
Silly old sod, like it mattered to us.
But it shows were I get my obsessive timekeeping from. I'd always thought it was from Mum. Then again, being married to her for this long would be anough to make anyone take on her values.
As you will see in a later photo, all the tables were reserved and everything paid for in advance.
It was a lovely relaxed meal (again!)
Mum and I had pate to start, Dad had Torpedo Prawns.
We saw Tiger's Grandmother there.
It was nice because she mentioned that Tiger's Mum had received my text in the morning. Of course I knew that, because Tiger Mum replied, but it was sweet to hear that she'd mentioned it to other people :)
Mum on her starter (she'd throttle me if she saw this, as she is looking down and would hate her chins)
Mum & Dad.
Mum and Dad had traditional Roast Turkey.
I had ordered T-Bone steak and was almost envious.
Then mine turned up and if anything it had even more food on the plate.
Steak with Yorkshire Puddings?
Odd. But no complaint from me.
Except, Jeez...
So much FOOD!
Peas ALL ways Peas !!! ;)
Looks Yummy
Oddly, we got a complimentary bowl of Pigs In Blankets.
We call them sausages wrapped in bacon, but hey - foodie terms are good for pub quizzes (Pigs in Blankets, Devils on Horsesback, Angels on Horseback etc)
No idea where they came from or why.
It gave us a couple of silly jokes and some banter though.
Note - I already have a full complement on my plate already, as did Mum & Dad. In fact I left half of one as it was, despite them being my second favourite part of Christmas dinner.
And a picture of all three of us.
Taken by a busy waiter who stepped back into the next County to take it I think.
I've had to crop severaly as you can see my legs under the table in the original. I'm not sure I'm ready for that.
Yes I am more florid than my parents, but this is due to general internal temperature as opposed to alcohol consumed. I was lagging behind at this stage, but off the charts when it came to feeling hot.
Dana and Limey can assent to me not being on the normal scale of human heating.
Oh and Dad brought a Father Christmas hat to wear, but didn't put it on because no-one else had it on.
I didn't know this until afterwards, otherwise I would have made him wear it. This is not how we roll! Mum & I had our Christmas cracker hats on the whole time. Although bizarrely not in the photos. But we did, honest.
Dessert.
Mum had Christmas pudding with normal custard, Dad with brandy custard.
I had to go and have the chocolate brownie. It easily dwarfed their reasonably sized pudding slices. And to think I'd avoided them because it's such a rich dessert!
I did not finish it.
Peas be with you always at Christmas.
And finally, a photo of me trying to show off the back of my dress.
I had it covered up with a shrug in the pub, as I have flabby arms.
But it was designed to have a lovely drop back.
You can also see the sparkles in my hair :)
And that horrendous bruise on my arm?
It's not. It's just a shadow for once.
Merry Christmas one and all.
And Peas be with you as well
That is a lovely dress you had on. Looks like y'all had a great time, and the food looks yummy! I'm jealous. :( Hihihih....:p:
Great stats, great looking meal
I enjoyed reading and watching this! Yummie!! ;)
Guess you enjoyed it a bit more! :D
Peas be with you always at Christmas.
And finally, a photo of me trying to show off the back of my dress.
I had it covered up with a shrug in the pub, as I have flabby arms.
But it was designed to have a lovely drop back.
You can also see the sparkles in my hair :)
And that horrendous bruise on my arm?
It's not. It's just a shadow for once.
Merry Christmas one and all.
Peas be with you!!
I love it. And you look lovely in this picture, very nice!
Went to see The Woman in Black with Mum today.
Details in Post Whore thread.
We didn't plan it for Valentine's Day, but we joked it was our date once we realised.
Mum and Dad don't make a big deal out of the old VD, because their Wedding Anniversary is on the 17th and that's always meant more to them.
They saw it on stage, and I've read the book, so we weren't really surprised by the story. Although Mum was caught out by some of the "jumps"!
Beforehand we went to the JD Wetherspoons very close by, The White Stag. It's right across from our new theatre (I'll have to take a photo for you) and just behind the cinema, so it's perfectly situated for trade. As usual it was hard to find an empty table - they either had people sat at them or were used as a repository for dirty glasses/ dishes. I swear the chain keeps its prices down by being under-staffed.
The barmaid serving me was exceptionally rude to some old wifies calling for service from the other side of the bar. They were in the right IMHO, because they'd been waiting longer than me. But this is a pub that allocates staff to certain areas of the bar, and they were really quite rude to her first.
Anyway, meant I got served quickly.
Mum had a panini with Wiltshire Ham and Cheddar. I had a Reggae Reggae (type of spicy sauce) wrap. We shared a portion of chips between us. I hadn't reaslied mine came with sliced tomato, so had to hoik it all out.
It was a lovely and friendly session before the film.
My second date this week!
I ordered a pizza a couple of months ago from Pizza Hut and complained via email about the quality.
I received a £5 gift card a few weeks later - long after I expected a response.
So, with it being half-term, I went to Pizza Hut with Mum and Dad and my gift card.
They have an Early Bird Special which is a pizza, unlimited salad, garlic bread (or potato wedges) and a soft drink, all for six quid.
We had the same deal in Cardiff and again with my bro in London.
This time we chose to have two between three, which was perfect, we all finished what we had and having skipped lunch (the deal is 15.00-17.00) we have now also skipped tea!
Again, good conversation, good laughs and a lovely time out. The total bill was £13.50 after my gift card, but that's because Dad and I had a beer. I paid for my beer, but Mum put the money forward as a tip, which was fine by me.
Garlic bread and half my portion of salad.
Jalapenoes were a free addition to the limited options for pizza toppings, so I added them to the pepperoni pizza.
Then picked them all off for Mum's sake.
The other one we had was chicken & red onion. That one was a bit tasteless actually. I've had it with jalapenoes before...
I caught Mum & Dad out a bit with this photo.
OMG Dad looks gaunt :sniff:
A slightly better picture of them.
And me, glorious me, of course.
Just for reference - Dad 3 years ago
He doesn't really look that different. And most importantly he looks just as happy.
Is there a reason you and your mom wear your hair the same style? It looks cute, but for some reason I don't remember too many moms and daughters doing that.
Mum's and my hairstyles are always in a state of flux.
If they look similar now it is simply coincidence.
Mine really needs cutting, I'm just waiting til payday, whereas Mum had hers cut on the day the photo was taken (Great Aunt Emma's funeral today, so she wants to look her best).
Her hair is much thicker than mine and needs a lot of taming.
Mine is the opposite - I haven't had it this long in a while because it's so flyaway and does my head in.
He doesn't really look that different. And most importantly he looks just as happy.
He's lost about 3 stone since then.
Maybe I see it because I'm his daughter and I've never known him so skinny.
Went out for lunch - alone - the other day.
Kinda payday/ end of term/ Easter treat.
Went to the Slug & Lettuce as Wetherspoons was more than usually full.
Decided to try their Philly Steak Sandwich and Chips.
Now I knew it would be nothing like a Philly Cheesesteak! But both the connection and the description drew me to it.
Description: A 6oz flat-iron steak, served in ciabatta, with BBQ sauce, melted Cheddar, lettuce and sautéed red and spring onions – served with chips and coleslaw (asked for no coleslaw, that was about the only thing they got right).
Everything else was NO. No no no no.
The steak shown in the menu photo was a single piece of meat. Mine came in strips, which were very chewy and had gristle and fat on them.
The cheese was not lovely melted cheese, but a few grains of something solid. I say something as they had not melted in any way despite being in contact with hot steak.
The chips! About half of the cup of chips was edible. The rest are what we would have called scraps back when we went to the chipshop. They used to sell these over-fried pieces of potato off with the remnants of batter from the fish. Mucho cheapo.
It arrived.
No concerns, I was only taking photos to show you.
Although I realise the steak has been chopped at this point.
Then I started to dissect it.
Top photo exploratory.
Complained.
Got refund.
Left feeling sad.
Bottom photo the remains.
Luckily, meal out with the 'rents on Good Friday went much better.
Their choice and their treat.
I'd offered to pitch in for a family trip to the Dairy Maid a week earlier. The day I ended up at the Slug & Lettuce. But they were already bound there before I finished school and were reluctant to change their plans - Dads has a better appetite at lunchtime sez Mum (not sure this is true)
Anyway, they offered me a Good Friday lunch and I accepted.
They went for a meal from the Two For £8.49 menu - two plates of fish & chips. Same as hey had the week before, and I suspect a few more times before that given the barstaff knew what they were going to order :)
I went for something from the Favourites Menu - the smaller Chicken New Yorker option, which was plenty big enough. I have a better appetite at about 10.15 (break time, when I am always ravenous!).
And yes, we were all happy with our choices. As when we've been there before - simple food, cooked as expected, friendly staff, no drama.
Partly demolished main courses.
Obligatory pics of the 'rents and me.
I curled my hair specially for you.
Chocolate Brownie Sundae for dessert.
I got it free as I am signed up to for Hungry Horse emails.
This is the first one I haven't finished, but then given the last two freebies were Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort...
Dad and I made an attempt. But as written above, neither of us are used to a main meal at lunchtime, let alone a main meal with dessert.
Mum was tempted but declined as Good Friday is a day of fasting and abstinence (Dad is immune because of his age). I didn't realise how odd my family's interpretation of this was until I encountered people fasting for Ramadan. Basically, in my house, fasting meant sticking to three meals a day, no snacks and no dessert. Hang on - that's every day? Also we had a soup starter before our main meal to compensate, as soup counted as a drink.
Never mind.
Here is the all conquering Sundae.
Dad's 72nd birthday today.
After some to-ing and fro-ing we went to Wetherspoons and had a good relaxed, chatty time.
My battery ran out after taking photos of the food!
Shocking - I am usually so good at checking it, unlike my mobile battery, which dies for days at a time before I notice.
Anyway.
Having discussed burgers so much I felt I had to have one.
I had the Gourmet Beef Burger
Topped with two bacon slices and a Stilton, Shropshire blue & spring onion sauce. Includes six beer-battered whole onion rings.
Mum and Dad decided to have the All Day Brunch
Two fried eggs, two rashers of bacon, two sausages, baked beans and chips.
Mum's arrived without sausages. Luckily she was served first and was able to point this out to the server - who brought two sausages on a separate plate immediately. I say lucky because no-one approached us for the rest of the 2 hours we were there...
Looks like smashed giant shrimp. :vomit:
Sorry, but none of that looks really appetising. I think I'd have a hard time switching back to British bacon, even though it took me a couple of years to switch to American. But at least all y'all didn't fight.
That bacon looks too pink. I daresay it's much healthier cooked that way, but i prefer mine fried to within an inch of its life and golden;
I think I forgot to post about Fathers Day!
Down to the Dairy Maid as usual. If you booked in advance you got free glass when you bought a point. They were kind enough to let Dad have one anyway, even though we didn't book. We had a lovely time together - Mum was still in Australia. Dad bought lunch, I bought a round of drinks. His choice.
Lunches - ribs for me, gammon and egg for Dad.
I had to nip next door to get some foil trays to take my leftovers home in. Silly me, forgot a plastic box. Still, they come in handy anyway.
Me coming back from the bar.
Made it a weeny shot as it's incredibly blurry.
Closer up pic so you can actually see me.
Super Dad's super pint glass
Love that top! Looks great with the 3qtr length trews...or is that a skirt ...whichever, looks really nice.
Thanks :)
Yes, 3/4 denims. I like it too. Even Mum likes it!
I expect it will see a lot of wear.
Okay. So I do not always go to the Dairy Maid. Honestly.
This was my trip to Hartwell House for afternoon tea. A member of staff is leaving at the end of term and this is much more her kind of thing than a night out in town.
This is where I used to work as a breakfast waitresss when I was young and poor.
I had a full time job, worked in a pub from 19.00-23.00 on Fridays and Saturdays, then arrived here at 07.00 Saturdays and Sundays too. But the pub used to feed me cheese toasties because I was still quite slim then and they knew I had 3 jobs, and at Hartwell I stuffed myself with leftover petit-fours from the night before and as much toast as I could cram in my mouth without being spotted by Chef.
It was the home of the French King Louis XVIII who lived here in exile with his Court for five years (1809-1814).
Walking down from the carpark, and the statue and avenue from the front door.
We were the first arrivals (many people went home to get changed but I had my glad rags with me and got changed at school).
This meant I could wander about taking photos and not worry too much about people hiding their faces or getting all silly about being accidentally in a photo.
We had a room to ourselves as we were such a large party (28 I think) and it was laid out in a series of tables and sofa areas. Worked well I thought.
Room details including cheeky fireplace lady.
That rib plate looks absolutely amazing.
And here I am with my li'l thing of soup for lunch. Suddenly, it's not enough.
We were on a table for five, but two other tables had joined together. This caused some concern to one of our waiters, as he had delivered the serving for five people to them. He was mortified and apologised profusely that he was bringing us tea for three + two.
Of course we didn't mind at all, and I was quite jolly about it, as the serving for two was put on the occasional table right next to me. I didn't take advantage of it of course - everyone got precisely one of everything so I didn't dare ;)
Sandwiches - ham, tomato and mustard, cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise (the richest, yellowest eggs I have ever tasted - and I've had home laid). We swapped them about. I ended up having four smoked salmon, yumyum.
Two scones each, one plain one fruit with strawberry preserve and clotted cream. Then a strawberry tart, an orange & lemon eclair, a chocolate layered wafer thing and some sort of choux bun, again with strawberry.
I don't think anyone finished their allotted food. Then again, we swilled down four pots of tea at my table! We asked for takeaway boxes but they had run out. We weren't proud, we asked for foil which was duly delivered. I snaffled a good haul for Mum and Dad, but then I only ate one scone and a strawberry tart that afternoon. Full up with other people's sandwiches...
This is where other people were seated for afternoon tea on the day we came. Ideally they serve it on the lawn and croquet is set up. The day we visitied was sunshine and showers.
The room is nowhere near as blurry as it appears in my picture.
When I came for a meal here a good few years ago, we waited in this room until all our party arrived, sitting in front of a blazing log fire. Even I appreciated the spectacle, if not the heat.
Family Fun Day in the park.
Not as good value this year. Last year it was organised by a coalition of churches and was all free including a burger and a drink.
This year it was paid for by the council, so although there were free make-and-do tents, the biggies like bouncy castles and face-painting were charged for.
I have to admit they kept the costs down though.
The big hits with Tiger and Kitten were the bouncy castles and the sand.
Tiger insisted on first going in the playground, which is a proper established free playground there all year. I managed to produce a giant bubble wand from my Mary Poppins bag and we lured him away with that.
Excuse the quality of the shots.
They were high-action!
Another bouncy castle - this one laid out as a "challenge" - children went through in pairs.
Despite it being for over-5's only, Kitten at 3 was able to pass easily. She managed the netting before the slide like a little pro.
Tiger is very focused when playing with sand.
Mum says he is happy for hours on a beach with a bucket and spade.
I had to lure him off just to eat our sandwiches. I had a gruyere bagel. Nom nom nom, until the evil people next to us got chicken and chips from takeaway shop across the road. The smell drove me crazy, so I flicked sand all over them and laughed when they cried.
Not really.
Last of the bouncy castles - the big slide.
I counldn't believe Kitten's fearlessness.
Well, yes I could because I know her. But it still made me widen my eyes.
Tiger and I occupied ourselves in the (25 minute) queue by identifying sliders, bouncers and screamers. He said he wanted to be all three. And so he was.
Final go on the assault course.
Then up the hill to my house for ice-pops. Mum had parked at her MIL's (she lives next door to Grandad's old bungalow) so once I was home they were practically there anyway.
There was a little grumbling on the way home, but it was a very physical day for a little girl. And of course once she got some attention by complaining, Tiger started too. So I gave him a piggyback and sang "I want someone to give me a pony..." which made him laugh. Except then Kitten wanted a piggyback from me too!
Children, who'd have them?
A great day had by all I believe.
Certainly by a tired but happy pony.
Wonderful, Sundae! Kitten is very much like Minifobette, fearlesness and blonde curls and low muscle tone and everything. :)
Awesome pics!
So nice to see you back in the pink again :p
Mum loves the photos of you with your pink hair. She says you suit the bright pinks and the vibrant reds most of all. Whenever we see someone out and about with startlingly bright hair she says 'Oh look, she looks like your mate Cherry'
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A piece of serendipity that came my way this week: Noted Aylesbury on the back of an LP cover of the British art group "Welfare State". It states the address of Lol Coxhill, of Brit improvised music fame, who sadly died last month.
According to
Wikipedia he grew up in Aylesbury.
Only saw him in London last September:
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[SIZE="2"]Lol Coxhill (right)[/SIZE][/CENTER]
[COLOR="White"].[/COLOR]
Thanks, Scriv. Small world.
Went to Thame (pronounced Tame) on the bus with Mum yesterday. Her treat.
Got pole position there and back (upstairs front seat) which is great for looking into people's gardens, bedroom windows and at men's bald spots which they haven't even noticed themselves yet.
Mum wanted to go to the market, I wanted to go to Waitrose and we both wanted to have lunch out.
I didn't take many photos. I don't often when I'm out with her, I think it's because I have someone to talk to! Now I've come back and thought of loads I could have taken of course. Never mind, maybe we'll go back another day.
Thame is a lovely place, just over the Oxon border. I used to live and work there. I'm sure all the local yokels will say it's gone to hell in a handcart, but those of us coming from Aylesbury just see a market town the way it should be. Small independent shops, especially catering to the tastes of nearby (wealthy) villages. Tea shops and cafes, butchers that sell hand-made pies, local eggs, game. High-end jewellers that don't need to display their prices, a chocolaterie, an Aga shop (for goodness sake!). And all that and everything.
We wandered the shops first. The bookshop is still open, which delighted me. I could spend hundreds in there, much of it on wrapping and cards. I didn't have a penny on me, so I couldn't even be tempted. They've moved the children's section though. It used to be in the back room, magically lit even on the gloomiest days by a large skylight. I used to creep in there to worship all the magical books. NB I was 19, not 9!
I dragged Mum into a kitchenalia shop - wonderful. It was like being in Heal's (Tottenham Court Road). Just the sort of things you never see in a town with only retail park tastes. An electric blue mixer with a see-through bowl - POW! When I win the lottery and can afford too many gadgets this is the kind of place I will head to. Lovely local staff (local accents anyway) helping people in a friendly way buy armfuls of things on their platinum Amexs. I did gaze wistfully at the Gruffalo and Very Hungry Caterpillar melamine sets though. Within my price range if the twins get baptised.
The old shoe shop had gone, as had the shop selling clothes by Ghost (I was skinny back then, they suited me). The jewellers where Mum bought me a watch for my 21st birthday was there though. Mum found a ring she liked. Then again, what's not to like about a diamond ring that costs over two grand without being ostentatious?
On to the market. Again, I could have spent lots of money. I really wish I'd taken a photo of the sign for American Cherry's though. The market wasn't as large as I remember, but then it was much busier than Aylesbury and seemed to have more serious shoppers, come in from the villages in their smart little cars for the day, or on the bus (there's a reason the rich stay rich!) Fruit and veg stalls, bread and bakery, cheese, eggs, a meat stall (sealed cuts in generator run refrigerated units - this isn't Egypt!). Saw some nice kaftans for me to waft about the house in on hot days, again should have taken a photo - labelled Kaffans. That was the same stall selling Linnen Trousers. I could have bought five or six bags too. Not handbags, bags for toting things to school now that mine is giving up the ghost. Needs to carry lunch, book, camera, purse, mobile etc as standard, and double as a shopping bag when I go into town. Not as easy to find as you think - except on Thame Market!
The flower stall was large and well stocked too. Like being back on Columbia Road in East London. Mum already has freesias in the hall, but I'd have bought some of their glorious pinks and sunflowers for the living room and kitchen respectively. Should have taken a... ah well.
Back via the bakery stall. They sold Rum Babas! Mum and I have been looking for these since I moved back home. When Mum & Dad were first married, they used to buy them as a treat from a delicatessan in Kingsbury. That closed when I was a teenager, but supermarkets still sold them. Now, nowhere seems to. I tried to make them some using a recipe I found online, but they turned into a sodden mess. As did I, finishing off the leftover rum.
Turns out they weren't that great - they were a bit dry. Still, it was a bit of excitement. And it would be hard to live up to the memory of the early rum babas, bought at a time when the 'rents couldn't even afford a television and went to bed at 21.00 to save on electricity.
And so off to find somewhere for lunch.
We had a look at a couple of menus, but nothing took our fancy.
We stopped at The Birdcage because there was outside seating and I really need a wee. I had a pint of Hoegaarden - it's not usual to find that on tap.
We debated the menu. The landlady came and spoke to us - very polite without being unctuous, very helpful. South African I think. They served a large menu of steak, cooked on volcanic rock at your table. I've had this before in France and in London, it's all good fun. They also had an exotic steak menu including Springbok, Eland, Camel, Zebra, Bison, Wildebeest, Kangaroo, Impala, Oryx, Ostrich, Crocodile, Wild Boar, Kudu and Llama [subject to availability].
The lunch menu looked nice. I would have happily settled for the grilled whitebait and shared chips with Mum, but she wanted to try somewhere else. Fair enough.
A sign outside a sweetshop, taken specially for Ali, Ducks, Zen, Sandy (did I miss anyone?) oh, Kagen.
The blackboard outside the pub.
Thame High Street in both directions from the front of The Birdcage.
It was a warm sunny day - the photos don't do the sky justice.
The Spread Eagle Hotel across from the pub.
When I worked in Thame we had all of our Christmas Parties there. And this was back in the days when companies paid for the whole shebang, including a free bar.
I was on the Christmas Party Planning Committee from my first year (they were themed, we worked hard) and every year the hotel threatened to ban us and every year they checked the bill, settled witout question within 14 days and every year they let us back again. The company I worked for is still doing business, but I can't imagine that they pay for such a perk these days.
We wandered off to Waitrose, keeping an eye out for somewhere to eat along the way. walked past a little place called Cafe Bobo which had a good choice of fish on the Specials Board outside. Grilled sardines caught my eye especially.
So we went upstairs (always a gamble because it could be grim) and found a pleasant place, 3/4 full, all windows open and good and airy. We sat by the window and checked out the menu. I debated over all the fish and also quite fancied the potato skins. But when the waiter arrived - who I also quite fancied - I found myself ordering the breakfast! It was just the perfect breakfast for me, once I'd asked for no tomato.
Mum had the potato skins, so neither of us had fish in the end anyway!
Little niggles. The menu was lacking in detail. If I order a salad I want to know what is in it. Ham Salad is not a full description. Same with the breakfast - when it arrived I was disappointed to find one of everything. Certainly for the price. In the end it was as much as I could manage (they gave me double beans to make up for the tomato). Mum's loaded potato skins were pretty much a jacket potato cut in half. And she had to play Search the Bacon - although the slab of mozarella on top was certainly generous.
And the woman in the kitchen! OMG what a moaner! We could hear every word. An order came in for take-away and she told the (polite, efficient, handsome, young) waiter, "Well you'll have to do it yourself, I've got too many orders already!"
We waited 25 minutes for our meals. Not appalling, but I honestly think she started each separate order from scratch, rather than being able to handle multiple orders. And the couple next to us received the wrong omlette. She came out to make excuses. No, really. She showed them what was written on the order slip. Like they gave a damn. The old chap genially agreed to eat it anyway and she condescended enough to say she wouldn't charge him for the extra ingredient he hadn't wanted.
Anyway, here is my breakfast.
Don't start with the bacon mockery.
Off to Waitrose to browse exotic and strange and lovely things.
I wanted the edible flowers for my salad days, but aside from eating them on the bus I acknowledged they were't really appropriate.
Got the ingredients for my fish stew - yay!
Also talked Mum into buying some blinis so next time the girls come round she can have them as canapes. I think they sell them in Sainsbury's, but you can never guarantee items will be in stock there. Anyway they were on special offer and freeze well. She also got some uncooked prawns for the Gambas Pil Pil recipe her SIL gave her.
And then she had to dash off to the toilet, leaving me with her card!
Oops.
Well, I was good. I did buy some ribs, but that's for the Sunday dinner I'm cooking for Dad & Stevo while she's away house-sitting, so it's not like I bought hard liquor and drank it in the bathroom or something. Ribs is in freezer awaiting September.
I went through the self-checkout and the lady monitoring it sidled up to me and told me my hair had brightened up her day. Which pleased me no end. Except I was a bit paranoid that she was checking out the name on the card and the fact I have no wedding ring on. Ridiculous - my own card has Mrs on it and I've never been asked about my lack of ring!
An old lady on Thame market complimented my hair too. VERY well to do, tweed skirt & pearls. She didn't look me in the eye and disappeared into the crowd immediately, as if she'd been passing underground information. It was great.
Now, see, that bacon looks tasty to me :P Just the right amount of golden brown.
Great pics and write up chika. Thame looks great. I love those highly individual little market towns. And yes, I can smell the money from here lol.
Off to Waitrose to browse exotic and strange and lovely things.
When I was in Waitrose just before Easter, I thought it was cool that they had goose eggs for sale.
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I used to like goose eggs. But then I went off them. Just a bit too...eggy.
[eta]my local Sainsbury's sells a lot of odd stuff. Local produce and 'world foods'. i noticed that Cherry often seems to struggle to find less common items in her local sainsburys and I wonder if it's because there are fewer places like waitrose around here.
It's more because we have a very small Sainsbury's, in an area with highly restricted delivery times. I worked there, as did my brother. deliveries seemed to turn up randomly, with fifteen kinds of liversausage and no sugar. It's just unreliable.
They sell world foods and more than your local corner shop. Just no edible flowers or lobster tails.
Some Waitroses sell ostrich eggs!
We definitely don't get ostrich eggs :p
Quail eggs though, sure.
I used to like goose eggs. But then I went off them. Just a bit too...eggy.
I would have liked to try one, but they were pretty expensive. Sure, they are bigger, but you could buy two dozen chicken eggs for the price of one goose egg.
The last time I ate goose eggs, they weren't that expensive. They were about the same price as a half dozen free range chicken eggs. Mind you, they were smaller than those goose eggs.
You can get goose eggs and duck eggs around here, but they're mostly only purchased by people who are allergic to chicken eggs (most people with a typical chicken egg allergy can eat other fowl eggs just fine.) They are expensive here too.
Yeah, duck eggs are a bit too eggy for my taste too.
Went to Oxford with Mum on Friday.
Her suggestion - I think she likes to get out of the house as much as she likes me to be out of the house.
Dad was invited but he had too much to do.
Got the 280, same as we did to Thame. It's a lovely bus ride.
Got pole position again - front seats at the top.
Bus left late because it changed drivers. I've always noticed this - the drivers don't get on until the ETD and then spend time faffing about as well as the time it takes for the passengers to get on. We left at 11.15 instead of 11.00 and then the man drove like an old granny. Meh. Like to see how supermarkets or schools coped if the staff didn't start prep until they were paid to.
As we approached Oxford, Mum wanted to get off before Cornmarket. No point sez I, we're off up the Woodstock Road. We'll get off at the bus station. She's the one with the gammy knee after all.
She didn't like this. Tuts and mutters and then outright comments like "Well! I hope you know where we are because to me we're heading out of Oxford now!"
Must admit, a bit confussed about the route we were taking, but I did know where we were, perfectly well. The route obviously went via the railway station now. I mean, I know Oxford, I'm not exactly an innocent abroad there. Then we stopped, and the miserable old giffer came huffing and puffing up the stairs and looked at us and the other two passengers with disgust. "RAILWAY STATION!"
I felt like saying, "Yes dear, I can read." But instead said, "Is this the last stop?"
"Yes. Railway Station."
"You don't go to the bus station then?"
"No. Never has."
No thank you or goodbye from me then.
They certainly used to go to the bus station in the days I went to Oxford every weekend. Mum pointed out this was a long time ago - well, yes. Still made the miserable old git ignorant or a liar though.
I swallowed my pride, apologised to Mum. Told her we were still closer to our destination than if we'd got off earlier and tried to brush off her sulks. It worked, I think. By the time we crossed the road she recognised where we were - I think coming in by road, via a one-way system, she probably did feel like she was miles away. Once she spotted Yo! Sushi and the theatre she realised we were to the West of the centre and going in the right direction.
Things got better from here.
Mum wanted to go to the Oratory.
Last time she went was in the Winter and some sort of relic was being displayed.
The whole place was lit with lights and candles, all the gilt was shining and there were flowers everywhere.
FFWD to August 2012 and an ordinary day. No special flowers, a few candles lit for prayer and no lights on as it was a fine day.
She knelt to pray but was disappointed. I did feel for her. Still, I had a good chat with the Caretaker (Olympids and Paralympics) and he gave me carte blanche re photos. The only person praying was Mum, so being careful of her mood I still only took a few.
Outside.
From the entrance.
I thought it beautiful anyway, but I suppose when something doesn't quite live up to your memory, it's disappoint.
Fresco. Which hasn't been updated by a mad old biddy.
Side Chapel.
Then off to Browns, which is more or less next door.
NOW.
I have been to Browns more than once. In more than one location and more than once in Oxford.
I came out happy, but it was not a completely happy experience. Little, little things. But when you pay what we did for bar snacks (and cocktails ;)) I think you should feel wonderful. Harvey Nicholls was great. Browns is not Harvey Nicholls and I felt... out of place. Uncomfortable. Unwelcome, to an extent. Hmmmmm.
When I've been before, I've been dining. Had a reserved table. Waited in the entrance for a server and been seated. This time we wanted the bar snacks well-advertised on the website and were unsure whether to wait or ask at the bar. We walked in hesitantly only to hear the people coming in after us say to the approaching server, "Yes, table for three." Rude gits.
The chap behind the bar noticed and sprang out and offered to seat us. Walked us into a section of the restaurant and started to hand us the menus. I said, "We were hoping to see the bar menu? The finger food?" Slight pause. I am obviously now a time waster. "Of course!" he recovers and takes us into the central area, telling me that there is no menu, the food available is on the blackboard. Leaves us to seat ourselves. I suppose for bar snacks you are supposed to walk straight in to do this, but how were we to know? I hate the staff superiority that comes from having to repeat the same thing over and over to customers. It means it's not clear in the first place.
Anyway, I accosted him a few minutes later to ask if we could order flatbread from the main menu as well as bar snacks. It even suggests it on the website. He acted slightly confused, as if I'd asked for kippers and jam. Yes, yes I could of course. He even deigned to get me one of the menus that had been whipped away from us earlier.
Oh, forgot to say that apparently the table sat next to where we were originally going to sit were all staring at me as if I had two heads. Mum was kind enough to tell me so after we sat down. She said to them, "Had a good look did you?" Now that doesn't sound like Mum, so I'm not sure. But it did make me feel very out of place, especially given the other little issues. I was too fat, too brash, dressed in too much colour and man-made fabric. Amongst those muted, linen, cotton and wool dressed people in their layered clothes despite the warmth of the day I wasn't a butterfly, I was an aphid.
So, we chose our cocktails and food.
And waited.
Not long, but our server hadn't indicated to us whether we ordered at the bar or were waited on, so for me it was a twitchy time. I hate not knowing the rules.
By this point I was feeling like that section in Sons and Lovers in the teashop, which they always used to use for English Comprehension, where the protagonist and his mother try to have a treat they can't really afford and are immediately spotted as such by the waitress.
I lied earlier, on reflection.
This is where things got better.
The server who in the end was very nice, and friendly, and seemed to run the bar as well as the bar area, came to take our order. No pen, paper, electronic pad. Just memory. Colour us impressed.
I had a Kajuma to drink.
Disaronno Amaretto, Chambord, blueberry, pomegranate, lime and a touch of Shiraz
Oh it was good. I could have gulped at it like a drowning woman - tangy and fruity and Autumnal.
Mum has a taste for Champagne cocktails.
She had a Browns Bellini
For those whose bubbly must be French, Mercier Brut NV and white peach
(did I tell you I've had a Bellini in the place they were created - Harry's Bar in Venice?)
Mum seemed to have relaxed completely.
She went into Browns in Cardiff for afternoon tea, so I don't think she felt snubbed at all. It's not all that. She was probably just a trifle irritated and got over it. So I did too.
We chose three items from the bar snacks menu (like tapas, but available in multiples of 3). Smoked salmon blinis, salt & pepper squid and honey & mustard chicken.
It arrived within 10 minutes, but our server advised us that the prosciutto, chorizo and pepper flatbread would be a little longer. We weren't fussed - we had enough to be getting on with!
Wow! It came on a hot tray, perfect for dipping into with fingers. The chicken was SO moist. And not like cheap chicken which has been pumped full of water. Just a taste explosion, quite extraordinary. The blinis were topped with such succulent salmon. Soft and velvety. The squid was good and not rubbery, well seasoned but it simply stood no chance of praise against the other two. Not a crumb left of course.
The flatbread.
Ten minutes after our bar snacks had arrived.
We had finished them.
Now the order it was served in was not an issue. But it should have all arrived together, so it was them taking their eye off the ball. Naughty.
Anyway, it was good. So good that even though I thought I was full by that point I managed some more food. So good that I have bought the ingredients to make one for Mum and I tomorrow night. I'll report back.
Apols from the server, took another cocktail order from us.
Me with my Havana Breeze.
A Havana Breeze is Havana 3yr Rum blended with St Germain Elderflower liqueur, melon, sugar & lime. Served with lots and lots of ice. And I kept trying to drink it too quickly and kept getting stabbing ice-cream headaches. This I do not blame on anyone but myself!
Sticking with champagne, Mum had a Browns Champagne Cocktail
Our twist on the classic with Grand Marnier and an Angostura infused sugar cube
Now, final gripe. When the bill was presented it turns out that any coctails ordered from the Browns Signature Cocktail Range were £4.50. All the signage suggested this was a deal only available before 16.00 Sunday-Thursday (we went on Friday). Now both of my cocktails, by coincidence were from that menu. But Mum's weren't. Although she wanted a treat, I think had she realised she could save nearly £4 per drink she might just have changed her mind about champagne.
I didn't express ANY of these gripes to Mum.
I wanted her to have a good time - specially as she was paying! - so I am venting here a little bit.
I just feel sad when the details are neglected and you still get a £42 bill (service not included) at the end of it.
We then wandered around the streets and the covered market.
One mildly amusing thing was that I saw a shop with lots of little trinkets and sparkly things and dived in. Mum stayed at the window.
I saw some rings that I thought she would might like, and as I'd been struggling to find her a birthday present I had a eureka moment and beckoned her in.
Just passing was a tall bearded chap in a red jumper.
When Mum came in the shop I was cracking up because he'd seen the movement and looked in.
I'd like to tell you he had a complete sit-com "who, me?" moment, but he didn't. Just looked puzzled and carried on walking.
It still tickled my funny bone though.
And yes, Mum loved the rings and I bought her one. Not her usual style, but we were there at the counter and she would have said if she didn't like.
About half an hour later I'd steered us into Paperchase (lovely card shop chain that I miss from Leicester and London).
I queue up to pay and who is the person at the till in front of me?
Tall bearded chap in a red jumper.
Thank goodness he wasn't also getting the Oxford to Aylesbury bus.
I might have had the police waiting for me at the bus station.
It looks like you had a lovely time, though, gripes'n'all!
"I was not a butterfly, I was an aphid,"
Stuff like that goes down in my notebook (never fear, I credit the person who wrote/said it) but you are wonderful my dear, and if you are an aphid, I am glad because I am an aphid, too. :flower:
Yeah, duck eggs are a bit too eggy for my taste too.
Back to school and walking past a farmhouse that sells free range duck eggs. Honesty system (and cheaper than Waitrose)
Oddly, your complaint against them makes me curious enough to think about buying half a dozen. I used to buy them from Leicester market because they were sold individually and I could never get through 6 eggs before they went off. I honestly don't have a fixed memory of their taste. I want some more egginess in my life.
if you are an aphid, I am glad because I am an aphid, too.
Happiness.
Friars Square, Aylesbury circa 1986.
I may be off on the date there, but it's how I remember it from that period in my life.
The sunken area is the market. Underneath that and completely covered is the underground market. Not as exciting as it sounds, but it always felt a little risky to me as a child.
When Nanny and Grandad came down from London we would sometimes eat in the Wimpy. It was so exciting. Instead of taking the escalator down to the underground market as we did every other time, we opened the Wimpy branded door and were hit by a heady wave of burger smell, climbed up the stairs and emerged into the bright world of plastic chairs and fake tomatoes. All the staff were Asian, with varying degrees of English. I honestly assumed that Wimpy, although faux-American, was some sort of Indian business. I mean the only curry I'd seen in those days came from a box by Vesta. By the time I was old enough to go to a Wimpy elsewhere I understood the concept of minimum wage and had had real Indian take-away.
But back then, Coke Floats, Brown Derbys and Beefburgers (served on china plates with knives and forks) were foreign in many ways, and an outstanding treat however you looked at it.
Oh, if I haven't already mentioned it (surely I have?) a few external scenes in A Clockwork Orange were filmed in the concrete modernity of Friars Square. And yes, when I picture it, it always looks like this - wet and grey with the buildings and sky in shades of clotted porridge.
clotted porridge
That conjures up images that would keep small children up at night. :eek:
Ummm... clotted blood candy ... maybe kids would love it.
I'm not sure clotted has exactly the same resonance here.
It's not always about blood. Cream teas come with clotted cream after all. Yummy.
But I do love the idea that my words have enough power to keep small children up at night.
Yeah, clotted is a little different here :p
Clotted cream has been described as having a "nutty, cooked milk" flavour,[3] and a "rich sweet flavour" with a texture that is grainy, sometimes with oily globules on the crusted surface.[4][5] It is a thick cream, with a very high fat content (a minimum of 55%, but an average of 64%); in the United States it would be classified as butter.[6] Despite its popularity, virtually none is exported due to it having a very short shelf life.[6]
-snip-
Clotted cream is an essential part of a cream tea, a favourite with tourists in Cornwall and Devon. It is served on scones—or the more traditional 'splits' in Cornwall[35]—with strawberry or raspberry jam, along with a pot of tea. Traditionally, there are differences in the way it is eaten in each county: in Devon, the cream is traditionally spread first on the scone, with the jam dolloped on top; in Cornwall the jam is spread first with a dollop of cream.[36] Cream teas spread to southern Australia as early immigrants from Cornwall and Devon took their traditional recipes with them.[37] In 2010, Langage Farm in Devon started a campaign for "Devon cream tea" to have protected designation of origin similar to "Cornish clotted cream".[38][39] One variation on a cream tea is called "Thunder and Lightning" which consists of a round of bread, topped with clotted cream and golden syrup, honey or treacle.[40]
-snip-
It can be used as an accompaniment to hot or cold desserts. Clotted cream, especially clotted cream from Devon, where it is less yellow due to lower carotene levels in the grass, is regularly used in baking. It is used throughout the south-west of England in the production of ice cream,[41] and fudge.[42
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clotted_creamNow I wants me some clotted cream.
I know. Between this and the giant spliff I jst smoked, I arnt half got the raging munchies.
"I know. Between this and the giant spliff I jst smoked, I arnt half got the raging munchies".
Is that you hogging the spliff again, yer supposed to pass it around
:bong:
Our free commuter paper this morning had a little thing on
an art exhibit in Aylesbury. I was all like "Hey! I know someone there."
Have you had a chance to see it yet, Sundae? It's at Waddesdon Manor.
[ATTACH]41713[/ATTACH]
I should go, shouldn't I?
Tickets are only £8.
I might see how generous Mum is feeling - there's a Christmas Carol evening on in said gardens on the 8th December.
You know I have never been to Waddesdon Manor.
Everyone I knew from that side of town (when I lived very near by in the village of Quainton) had already been. School trips and woth visiting Aunties and Grandmas and picnics ad nauseum. Ditto Claydon House. The 'rents have been to show other people around though.
Throw a stone round here and you hit a National Trust property. Or a setting for Morse or Midsomer Murders. We're so replete with the picturesque it makes us lazy.
I know what you mean. We've never taken the kids for a tour of the White House, and that's even free. Or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where they make the money. Or Archives, where the Declaration of Independence is.
The list goes on and on. No excuse really.
You need out-of-town visitors to precipitate such trips.
That's one of the reasons I love visitors coming to my island.
Sent by thought transference.
That's one of the reasons I love visitors coming to my island.
Sent by thought transference.
I'm there!
We'll go together one summer, Tril - I promise.
You would adore it.
We'll get Limes to drive us from one set of stone circles and standing stones to another, spot deer and seals, eat clotted cream and make mischief with Limey's loveable cats.
Oh and stay in a B&B not the bunkhouse as I'll be rich by then I tell, beyond my wildest dreams!!! Anyway, you haven't lived without a full cooked UK breakfast.
Sad that Arran is at its best when John Barrowman is not in Glasgow. You'll have to make a second trip to experience him. Pantomime I mean, yes, it's panto you have to experience. And The Alamo for Christmas.
again: I'm IN!
There are three places i want to see before I kick- your place, Sundae; limey's island (with side trip to Ireland/Scotland natch) and Iceland. I want to go to Iceland because they consult the fairy folk before making a road or building something. If the fairies say no dice, they have to build elsewhere. I admire that sort of civilization.
We have to think of a real way to achieve this rather than fantasy.
Maybe when we get to 92 we can appeal to a feel-good show by Oprah's daughter.
Damn, that's another fantasy.
I have been to Iceland and the area we were in was just flat and cold with a constant twilight. I was really bummed
I spent 26 hours in Iceland in the summer of 1983, and the area was flat and cool, and sunny until late, late, late. I liked it. Except we drove a little too far and ended up sleeping in our rental minivan near some bubbling mud pit, and had no dinner or breakfast.
We had flown Iceland Air from Luxemburg to NYC and the stopover in Iceland was either 2 hours or 26 hours. Your choice. But your checked bags had to stay checked. So we didn't have any of our camping gear and had to just sleep in the car.
Were you a tourist, Sarge?
Probably not ;)
I'm saving Northern Europe and Japan until I have major ducats.
One of my dreams is to see the lights, but my goodness Norway is expensive.
My bro and SIL are cruising to Alaska next year but I don't have to kill them because 1) they're not going far enough to see the Aurora Borealis and 2) they're not going South.
Even more than the Northern Lights I want to see the Aurora Australis because I am obsessed with the voyages of Scott and Shackleton. 'Specially Scott. On my Top Ten of books is The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard.
And I tell you, if you have the desire for knowledge and the power to give it physical expression, go out and explore.
If you are a brave man, you will do nothing: if you are fearful you may do much, for none but cowards have need to prove their bravery.
Some will tell you that you are mad, and nearly all will say ‘What is the use?’ For we are a nation of shopkeepers, and no shopkeeper will look at research which does not promise him a financial return within a year.
And so you will sledge nearly alone, but those with whom you sledge will not be shopkeepers: that is worth a good deal.
If you march your Winter Journeys, you will have your reward, so long as all you want is a penguin’s egg.
Is that where the "nation of shopkeepers" phrase comes from?
Anyhoo, you're all welcome, whenever.
No, that phrase dates back to the mid eighteenth century I think.
[eta] first used by Adam Smith in the 1770s according to wiki :P
I have been to Iceland and the area we were in was just flat and cold with a constant twilight. I was really bummed
What? No Wildings?
I need to meet one (preferably female) and learn their sex secrets.
Apparently they have some major moves.
And no White-Walkers?
I don't think you were in Iceland, Sarge....maybe Greenland?
Dad's photos of the Christmas lights this year.
I think I could have taken better (the County Court looks amazing) but... well I didn't bother and he did.
Looking up the High Street.
From halway up hte Hight Street, where it curves.
I always wonder if the trees miss their strange fruit when the lights are taken down.
They might feel melancholy that their garish clothing was only borrowed for a short time.
Slightly further up to the top of the High Street where the Christmas tree is. No worries about the Christmas tree worrying, she's a seasoned old campaigner.
Off to Thame yesterday (Saturday) to have a general poke about and go to Waitrose.
My Mum's cousin was supposed to be coming today, so we wanted to get some tempting little nibbles for them.
Sadly, as it's turned out, Mum was very ill last night and had to cancel.
Shame for all of us - especially her being poorly. But also especially me as I was going to be taken out to lunch :neutral: Not to be sneezed at you know.
There is a new fleet of buses on the 280 route, which goes all the way to Oxford.
Leather seats, wi-fi, plug sockets for recharging etc.
Still no air-conditioning though...
But it was fun to get on a dedicated new bus.
And yes, we got the premier seats, at the front on top.
In fact we selfishly took up all four, but it wasn't a busy bus anyway.
Oh, there was something wrong with the ticketing system. Many people were advised that their ticket couldn't be issued so they could just take a seat.
Guess whose ticket went through just fine?
Oh yes. Mine. I can hardly write a letter of complaint about it though.
Thame only has a market on Tuesdays.
The rest of the time the market ground is a car-park. As this was a Saturday I thought the least I could do would be to show you some of the individual shops.
- The shops abutting the market in general.
- The sort of place in which I will shop when my ship comes in. Actually that counts for 90% of shops in Thame...
- Florists with hanging garden decorations.
- Swan Hotel, where I used to drink as a callow youth. We didn't go in, but it used to be a marvellous warren of a place full of secluded inglenooks and surprisingly large sofas. The Management didn't approve of using optics, so everything was measured freehand with jiggers; a very good reason to stay on the good side of the bar staff.
An AGA is a solid fuel stove. It's kept burning 24/7. I don't know if the name is known elsewhere, but only very well-to-do people have them here.
Thame has its own dedicated shop. Say something?
It also has a dedicated chocolaterie.
The sister shop is in Wendover, so we'd already checked it out.
Too sweet for me, too expensive and County for Mum to enjoy.
Just to clarify, Thame is pronounced without the H. It's Tame. As opposed to the Thames, which is the Temms.
And also, I wouldn't call a single shop in Thame twee.
They cater for an income bracket different than mine, but it's not a touristy or over-inflated prices place. Which is why it's good to go there and see how the other half live.
They have proper fish and chip shops!
Everywhere else I've lived, the fish and chip shops have been f&c and kebabs, or f&c and Chinese etc etc. These are old-style. You can even eat-in in one of them. And I bet they serve warm cola in thick glasses and white bread & butter as a side too.
Even the Indian is pretty.
I think this is where the Prince of India used to be.
I lived almost opposite and although it was more expensive than I was used to, you really were treated very well in there. By the time you had a complimentary dish and a free drink at the end you were on pretty much the same cost. We went in about every ten days and were therefore recognised and valued as polite customers.
This was my Lottery Dreaming house.
Bri and I were going to live here together.
It's the whole of the front and it goes back a long way. It has an amazing conservatory linking the old stone-flagged passageways with the modern kitchen extension. It was also on the market for £895k
Even the public toilets are posh.
Although we didn't try them out. Unusual for Mum, but she'd just been in Waitrose.
Okay. The cows.
No idea.
Mum thinks they were hidden and/ or chained up to stop people stealing them as a prank.
I think they needed to be restrained as they come alive at night and wreak havoc.
Either way, they were a bizarre find.
Cow in the open and hiding cow.
Thame is in full bloom.
Mum wanted a photo of hanging baskets. Not sure why.
But I indulged her.
Window-lusting.
Bread & cakies.
I know that children often get useless presents to mark "special" occasions. Which usually don't occur until well after said present has disappeared. But this little tooth holder snagged my imagination.
I do not expect to acquire it in any form other than a photo, because it looks like I won't even have the excuse that the twins are being baptised.
Last time we came to Thame, we ate at Cafe Bobo.
We didn't this time - didn't eat out at all, but here are the menu boards outside.
Mum and I were accosted merrily by a "charity" worker on the High Street on the numerous times we walked up and down.
Now I rarely give on the street unless I can identify the charity. Far too many people take your money for "good causes" when in fact the majority of money simply funds bonuses for people collecting money.
But he was so jolly and complimentary that I thought it was worth a handful of coins to get some photos.
And finally...
Back in Aylesbury I pose with Norman Stanley Fletcher.
Well, a statue of Ronnie Barker.
He's looking up at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, as he had his acting debut in this town.
Excuse the background; they are building the supermarket I start work in on 8 August!
Those meringues look to die for.
What does the term "free house" mean?
Most pubs in England (can't speak for the rest of the UK) are affiliated to a brewery.
This means they stock the brewery's chain of beers. Even the chain pubs will often have a "Guest Ale" these days, but that's quite recent.
A Freehouse is where the pub is owned outright by the Landlord, even if he does not manage his own pub. The menu will be set by the pub if they serve food, they can choose when to serve food and when to stop. And they can source their drinks purchases from wherever suits them (although many will buy in "packages" - like you get on satellite TV but instead of sports-drama-free telephone calls it's Fosters-Tetley-Schweppes)
I'd always rather go to a freehouse if it's managed well.
But some chains have set their stalls out as cheap and consistent. The McDonalds of the pub world, but with better decor.
that sounds like my local brewpub setup. I think you can usually get other beers besides the house brew when you go though.
I think that you'll probably remember the Maggi Soups factory at the bottom of the High Street, Sundae, but when I was a kid it was known as Nestles. That might be before your time. God I feel old!
Prior to its Nestles incarnation, it was known as the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company and my grandmother, who died some years ago, always referred to it as 'the milk factory'.
Anyway, here it is showing suppliers arriving with churns of milk. I think it must have been prior to WW1 when the picture was taken, but I wouldn't want to say that for sure.
I've added a screen grab from Street View, of the site as it now stands, and sections of the original perimeter wall are still quite evident.
Google Street View - Aylesbury.Not seen this thread before!
I used to live in Tetsworth (a small village about ten minutes from Thame) and my best mate's wife used to work in the Spread Eagle. Now I live in a village just outside High Wycombe. Great seeing all these pics!
Hey, Carr, thanks for the photo.
It was always Nestles to us (not Nest-lay!) and a friend's Mum worked there. In fact one of her colleagues was the advocate of walloping children with a spoon, mentioned in another thread. When my friend's sister made a hash of mashing the potatoes, so there were still lumps in them, said friend told her Mum the next day that she should have dumped the hot pan, contents and all, on her daughter's head. Ah, the eighties...
Dads worked at Hazell, Watson & Viney, and his warehouse was pretty much opposite there, although set too far back to see it.
Mum and I have speculated since that Dad's extraordinary fondness for Tesco is that it allows him to follow what was his old route to work. Illness is making his visits less frequent now, and moving to the town centre might stop them altogether. Which is sad, really because he obviously enjoyed them.
There was something like a visitors' day at Hazells when I was about 12.
Of all of us, I was the one closest to my Dad and the one who really wanted to see where he worked.
But it was in the Summer, and I'd been out in the sun too long the day before and had sunstroke. They all trooped off merrily, leaving me with a sick-bucket, a glass of water and closed curtains. I would have cried but it would have hurt too much.
And hey, Bloke.
Maybe one day we should have a Bucks GTG!
I know Tetsworth. I had driving lessons when I lived and worked in Thame, so I drove around the countryside endlessly.
Thanks for your response, Sundae.
My dad's uncle, long since departed this mortal veil of tears, also worked at HWV. He lived opposite Nestles and never walked more than a hundred yards or so to work all his life.
All the big employers like HWV, International Alloys and the Rivet Works, have gone haven't they?
Must dash, lunch is on the go. Will post another pic this afternoon.
Carruthers
As promised another old photo, this time of the cattle market in Exchange Street where the cinema is now.
Using only my finely honed fashion sense, I think that the photo was probably taken in the 1930s. The ridged building right at the back of the shot was the town hall which burned down some years ago.
I was a kid at the time and have a vague recollection of it happening.
The partially visible writing between the buildings was the sign for T. Loader, corn merchants. They also had a shop in Kingsbury Square which is now an arts and crafts outlet.
It's a pity that the photographer didn't stand a bit further back so the whole market could be seen in the context of the street scene.
After the market was closed, the pens were removed and the place was used as a car park for some years before finally succumbing to full scale redevelopment.
On balance, I preferred the cattle market.
And finally...
There is a collection of old photos on the Bucks County Council website which might be of interest. They are organised by parish selected from a drop down menu. Hours of entertainment await you.
Buckinghamshire photographsI remember the cattle market very well. Not the Town Hall though.
The photo of Wetherspoons is a perspective I see at least five days a week.
The 'rents new flat.
Building with the red door, first floor (second floor to Americans)
Oh, just noticed the extra windows below. It's the floor ABOVE where the red door is. I forgot there is another flat below, which is currently being reburbished.
It's above the offices of the charity they will be renting from.
It's in an area which has many solicitors' offices with some residential properties.
You can see clearly that no-one currently occupies the flat.
Mum & Dad will have curtains/ blinds, although they are in no way overlooked. It is such a light property, with windows facing in three directions. Nothing like this dark little house, they'll have natural light all day.
The second photo is looking up Rickfords Hill.
It's a flattering shot, but this part of Aylesbury is almost completely attractive.
The view from the front of the property. Street level because I just stopped off on my way home, so I wasn't inside the flat.
The first photo shows what was previously The Saracen's Head, which was a gay pub.
All I hope is that the building doesn't re-open as a pub. Gay or not, it will stress Mum out because the room they've chosen to be their bedroom is at the front of the flat. She hates street noise, and there will be some if it's a licensed premises. There is another room they can use as a bedroom though. They've decided not to because it contains their only access to the garden, so if they have people to visit in the summer they don't want them traipsing through their bedroom.
Without the pub, the area will be very quiet at night. It is in the Town Centre but is not en route to any taxi rank, buses, trains or carparks.
In fact the other shot, which is only slightly to the right shows the Quaker Meeting House.
And I've sat there in the silence of a Friends' Meeting quite a few times.
The less flattering view down the hill.
You wouldn't refuse a property because of it, it's just not really in keeping with the Old Aylesbury vibe. Damned town planners.
And the more flattering view further up the hill.
See what I mean?
Through the arch there is a garden gate, to which they have a key.
It has a bit of a Secret Garden vibe, because you wouldn't know it was there.
The garden is ENORMOUS and completely maintained for them.
There's a section of old masonry from St Mary's church at the far end, and a little portico. And it's only shared with the offices (which keep regular office hours) and one other flat. And it's plenty large enough to accommodate two large garden parties, should the 'rents ever take it into their heads to have one. Unlikely.
Neither of them enjoy gardening. They only do it out of a sense of duty, and to have an attractive place to sit. So this is perfect.
Of course I will get proper photos when they move in, this was taken with my camera sat on the wall!
That looks very nice for them. Especially all the natural light.
Have you seen the 'Britain From Above' collection of aerial photos mostly from the 1930s and 40s, Cherry?
I've just had a quick look and whilst there doesn't appear to be any of the Rickford's Hill area, there are some of the Market Square and several very good views of Hazell's.
Britain From Above.Further to my post #500 above.
If you go to
Historic photographs and click on 'Advanced Search', then enter 'Rickfords Hill' (no apostrophe) in the 'Place' field, you'll see a number of results which I hope will be of interest.
The site doesn't allow a link direct to the results page, unfortunately.
It's a pity that the photographer didn't stand a bit further back so the whole market could be seen in the context of the street scene.
Any better?
Any better?
Absolutely perfect!
In Sundae's post #58 in
You, RFN 2014 we would be roughly in the spot where the lad is standing with his back to the camera.
I'm sure they presssure washed it first though;)
Yeah, must have been very early in the day. :lol2:
So, yesterday I left work and bumped into Carruthers eyeing up some birds.
Well, okay, we'd agreed to meet up, and in fact he was checking out the canal basin, so if there were any birds they were of the web-footed variety.
We headed across the road for a mid morning coffee.
Carr took my advice on which one to order, as he hasn't drunk coffee in years. Which will make Dani and Limey laugh as they know I don't really drink it either!
Carruthers was tempted by some breakfast, but I'd eaten earlier, so I declined and he decided against it too. Probably didn't want to drip egg yolk down his chin and have it reported back here ;)
Carruthers is very easy to talk to, we spoke of string and sealing wax and cabbages and kings. You know, the usual Cellar stuff. He has been through many of the same family situations I have, and of course is local, so we have the same geography.
I rambled on too much, of course. Hopefully I didn't come across too odd. Bu if I did then maybe it's because I am. It's hardto tell sometimes. We certainly agreed that there's nothing new under the sun. And although the weather came up, it has been extraordinary recently. And we didn't talk about the telly at all, except in a very peripheral way. S that's proper grown up talking. Okay I talk telly with Dani all the time, but it's because we suggest things to each other, not because we both watch Holby City or anything equally dire.
I had a good time, and it was great not just to connect with someone from the Cellar, but also to talk to someone who I know understand what it's like to be an adult livingn with a family member(s) and dealing with some of the restrictions and liberation that leads to. Even if that rug is being tugged for me now.
Oh, Carr, Mum was right about that bread.
It was gorgeous. I had the leftovers for breakfast this morning. 04.30, but once I woke up I couldn't sleep in anticipation of another fun morning in Bakery...
Thanks for that account, Cherry. Cellar writing at its best.
I also enjoyed our chat very much and the relaxed atmosphere that went with it. Thanks for your company.
Coffee v Tea. I am a dedicated tea man, but the trouble is, and I think many people will identify with this, is that no-one else can ever make a cup of tea just the way you like it, hence my electing to try a Latte or two.
I was pleasantly surprised by the taste and quality of the coffee you recommended. I might just change my allegiance…
By the way, I am flattered that you think I am easy to talk to.
The semblance of a blush has risen, unbidden, to my manly cheek. :blush::blush::blush:
All the best,
Carruthers
Sorry about the poor typing above, I was being slack and using my iPad, and I'm never quite as accurate as I am on a "proper" keyboard.
And I'm plenty inaccurate even on one.
So, off home to start putting dinner together.
Self deprecatory comments (aka whinging) in a later post.
Cooking the main made the house smell delish. Even Dads commented on it. I got us a pizza, because I wanted something I could bang in the oven and not have to worry about washing up (one oven tray). Colour him unimpressed. He had a measly token slice then claimed to be full. Still, we gorged on the leftovers as the courses came back.
Wait - getting ahead of myself.
I bought candle bags a while back because I saw them in Poundland I think.
I had a vague idea of giving a pack to my bro to bump up his Christmas present, or using them at Halloween or maybe when "the girls" came round. I achieved the last anyway. Weighed them down with powdered mortar. No idea why Dads had it, but I knew it was a given it would not be used by him again. Worked well.
Two views of the front path.
All the girls appreciated it and commented on it.
So they flipping well should - I set them out when it was barely twilight, 15 minutes before they were due to arrive. It was full dark bty the time they were all here. 18.00-18.30 means 19.05 apparently. Still, it was technically a one-pot meal, so nothing was spoiled. I'm just a punctuality-Nazi.
Note For Sale sign in garden :sniff:
Table set ready for action.
Detail. Yes, the chap on the camel was from eBay for 99p.
I posted before about looking up ways to fold paper napkins.
The instructions on how to fold one into a rose sent me fruitloop - I swear there was at least one stage missing. So I went with a classic fold that I already knew how to do with linen napkins, although I admit I did brush up on it online.
The main course made me disappoint.
I did sort of cobble it together, in that I had all the ingredients I could possibly need, but I was not following a set recipe and hadn't practised it, lamb being as expensive as it is.
So although it was very much Moroccan Lamb in flavour, it was quite wet, like some curries, as opposed to the drier, more tagine feel I'd hoped for.
Still, it went down very, very well and was complimented most highly. Mum and Dad are finishing off the leftovers as I type and as soon as they are finished I will go downstairs and finish it off myself.
I pat myself on the back for the flavour, because of course I taste as I go along, it was just the consistency I was dubious about.
Me in my uniform.
At this point I am wearing my hijab incorrectly.
I corrected it.
It's oddly liberating having all your hair covered up.
I do prefer to have the choice though.
I also had a CD of Moroccan Lounge Groove (?!) playing.
All instrumental.
And some Frankincense & Myrrh incense burning. Although you get what you pay for with that - I didn't want an overwhelming scent, but it wasn't exactly what I'd hoped for.
Still. Better than buying the really good stuff and having to put it out.
Starters
Bread with dipping oils
Chips & dips (and by chips I mean crisps - no, really, flavoured crisps - brought by a guest)
Home made falafel
Main
Moroccan lamb
Cous cous
Potatoes
Green Beans
Dessert
Blueberries in Cassis inside Meringue Nests with Crème Fraiche
Cheese & Biscuits (brought by another guest, who took home the remaining cheese, including the very nice Cornish Quartz I'd added to the board because it looked pretty sparse)
Baklava & Turkish Delight, Coffee
I present The Girls
I travelled down the country on Friday, to be with Dads on his 75th birthday.
Family things being what they are, we are having two separate celebrations. It's not so much about the whole my-sister-has-disowned-me blahblahblah, and more about the fact Mum offered a choice about which of the two weekend days everyone was free. The Wrights wanted Saturday, Ste wanted Sunday, so guess who I sided with?
Yup. Going to have Italian with the 'rents and my bro today. Looking as Sophia Loren as a fat middle aged woman with wild lilac hair can manage.
Dads loved the boot-sale cat. He doesn't know where it came from (Mum does but she loves it too).
They've called it Queenie.
The inflatable crown was from me. He wore it out for the meal yesterday and it was a hit.
Mad old Dad. I feel like Cordelia.
The buses were so confusing. I gave up and went on the train. More than I intended to pay, but so much quicker and easy to work out.
I will confess from the outset that I wore the wrong shoes.
This is so unlike me... :rolleyes:
But I believed the church we were meeting at (because it was having an open day, and I like ecclesiastical architecture) was right on the High Street. Nope, it was along a gravelled path. Note to self, next time you meet Carruthers, wear flat shoes and rely on conversation to impress him, not in platform wedges and height.
Cornflowers and clematis.
Poor Carr. He's such a gentle man.
He's not responding to my calls this morning. This may be because I ended up going barefoot and making him carry my shoes.
Nature in all its glory.
Church photos now.
Lots and lots.
It was really rather marvellous I have to say. And Carr is such a genial host; I swear he knew every twinkly eyed lady there...!
I know, I know.
I can't help it. They call out to me.
Main display and detail.
Stern stony looks from lady who does not approve of my footwear.
Flowers, God and railways.
Always a winning combo.
I'm not mocking - the whole outing was delightful.
We went on the tombola. I think it was seven tickets for a pound?
Why can't I remember? Because Carruthers paid :hug:
I don't mean that in a materialistic money-grubbing way, it was a kind gesture.
And of the seven tickets we got four prizes!!! (or maybe three - I was too excited after the first!)
One was even a bottle of wine.
I gave it to my Mum, unopened, undrunk, as soon as I got back here. Just so you know. Even though I went home via the pub and had loads of fags and booze and steak and kidney puddings. Not. Although I did pick up a discounted roast chicken at Morisson's so Mum didn't have to cook.
And we had tea n cakies too. Mine was a mini cream scone, the unhealthiest thing I've eaten in weeks. Flipping lovely. But that might have been the fellowship. Sitting under canvas in the watery sunshine, barefoot and blethering on.
Just realised I had a hotdog too!
What a fat pig.
Me and the sausage I mean.
Ketchup and mustard.
In a white dress?! This girl knows no fear.
Except fear of collapsing on a weak ankle. Remember how I said Carruthers squired me? He very politely allowed me to take his arm back down the uneven gravel path, so there were no spills and spillages on the way back.
What a lovely day. Shame it's bucketing down now!
I love the new hair color, Sundae.
Nice one you two! Looks like you had a great day! Despite the footwear fail!
Sent by thought transference
Mad old Dad. I feel like Cordelia.
King Dad!!
[SIZE="1"]There's a movie title for ya.[/SIZE]
"platform wedges and height"
so funny, though I'm sure he was impressed nonetheless, as you're never without your conversation, irrespective of your footwear.
I went through my photos when I was recharging my camera, and realised I hadn't posted the ones I took of the guest bedsit I stay in when I visit the 'rents.
It has its own street entrance, but can also be accessed across the garden, which all the flats share. It is for friends and relatives of residents who want people to stay overnight or longer, and is rented out at £10 per night.
It's a lovely little place - I want to live there. It's perfect for one person, although I'm sure it would be fine for two. Fully equipped kitchen, long and deep bath (there is a shower too, but I usually indulge in a bath). All linens provided, although Mum usually supplies them for me because that way she can bring them back and wash them at her leisure.
Bedroom - separated from the living space by a partition wall.
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The "dining" end of the living space. I was packed to leave at that point, hence my things in the middle of the room. I use the table for make-up, as I don't tend to eat alone when I'm there.
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Sofa end of same room, including the balloon (Welcome Back!) that Mum brought to greet me at the bus station with.
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Kitchen - which is L-shaped and has a table-top oven with a two ring hob around the corner. Mum does my washing for me, because her machine is faster and more efficient. She also has better drying facilities. Again, I've only ever used the fridge, for fruit, leftovers and cold drinks.
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There's no TV, but that's not a hardship for me, and Mum always lends me a radio.
I think of it as my place, it's funny to think other people probably feel the same!
It is for friends and relatives of residents who want people to stay overnight or longer, and is rented out at £10 per night.
What a great idea!
I've mentioned somewhere on here that I'm going down to London/ Surrey/ Aylesbury at the beginning of August.
My brother is taking part in a 100 mile bike ride, and wants someone to whoop and holler on the hardest part of the course (climbing Box Hill).
Going down the night before, staying in London - courtesy of my bro - then travelling down to Surrey. I really want a shooting stick, so I have somewhere to sit if it rains. I'll have to carry my overnight bag with me, but I learned my lesson from Arran. I'll take two outfits and clean knickers, and a roll-up plastic mac and that's IT!
Because after London I'll be travelling back via Aylesbury, where I'm booked into the bedsit for two nights. Yay! We don't have any plans, it's just silly to travel more or less past Aylesbury and not take the chance to see the aged p's.
And I'm hoping to meet a dashing young Dwellar for lunch - or at least a cup of tea - on Monday. Wearing my flat shoes this time of course.
Steven's given my permission to share any photos, so no doubt there will be a lot of me, and some of Surrey :)
He says:
And if you want to share any of my photos with your friends on the Cellar, please feel free, but there are even more of my suffering on my sponsorship page (http://tinyurl.com/steve100miles), so if you direct them to that with, maybe one of them might feel it's worth chucking a fiver my way at the same time!
It's not begging if it's for charity and not for me, is it?
Although really it is for me; Steven chose the charity for my benefit, bless him. My Brother the Superstar.
Anyway, if you're interested in cycling, photos of my family, pictures of Englishmen suffering, check out the website. It's a Virgin Fundraising page, but there's no strings atttached.
Boychik in his team colours.
Am so proud.
Thank you to the Dwellars who have contributed to his charity. It's not too late:
http://tinyurl.com/steve100milesYay!
Sent by thought transference
A week to go, and my baby bro is now £60 over target (again, thanks Dwellars)
Every penny goes direct to the charity Mind, not to him, so feel free to contribute.
Been looking at the terrain he'll be riding. Despite the fact that it's one hundred miles (ONE HUNDRED MILES!) I can see why he wanted me at the hill climb stage.
Even embarrassing sisters whooping and hollering are better than fighting uphill alone.
Very nearly bought a chair to take with me today. Only £10. I hefted it about and it weighed nearly nothing. I even took it inside to pay. But then saw a dress on sale instead. I'm actually a bit too top-heavy for it. Ask Carruthers, he saw the photo!
Anyway, I figured a dress would be more useful long-term than a chair. So I put back the latter and bought the former. I'll take a plastic bag to sit on.
And it is a lovely dress. Got me a discount at the carboot sale..
From a Yorkshireman.
That's saying something!
I can see why he wanted me at the hill climb stage.
Even embarrassing sisters whooping and hollering are better than fighting uphill alone.
A slingshot might help too. :haha:
I'll write up my London/ Surrey/ Aylesbury trip when I have more time.
I had a wonderful day - if a little upsetting at times (this is me, remember - currently unable to cross the road without tears and drama). However the boy wonder had really planned everything well for me. And the lovely Mr Carruthers provided a telephone support line to make sure I didn't lose my nerve at any point.
Steven didn't complete the 100 miles, sadly...
Nah - he completed the course! It just wasn't technically 100 miles in the end, that was all. They had to close off a section because of a fatality, so I shouldn't joke about it.
He once again asked me to thank the Cellar for your support. £400 - $625 - raised in straight donations. Plus the charity can claim back tax money when the donors are British tax payers. The boy done good.
Mr Robinson with his new prize.
Steven, I'm so proud of you.
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And then me messing about in the bedsit last night (I'm in Aylesbury until tomorrow).
Guess who isn't careful about sunscreen any more? Well I never get to see the sun in Otley!
Reflection in kitchen window.
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This is what I was actually there to take a photo of.
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That towel photo made me take an extra dose of blood pressure medicine!
You shoulda seen the out-takes :blush:
Anyway. Had a mini, short GTG with Carruthers last night. First time he's been to my 'rents since last December, when things were very different.
We exchanged pens (his gift to me) for Penguins (chocolate covered biscuit bars) and chatted and laughed and generally got on as well as any two Dwellars could. I took him on a tour of the estate. By which I mean the garden. But it's a decent sized one by town centre standards.
Received this mail from my bro. He apologised in a follow-up for sending it (why?!) because it's generic, but I completely get that there are a lot of people who he wants to update.
I DID IT!
And it was fantastic.
Okay, due to the unfortunate incident that closed Leith Hill, we were diverted and I wasn't able to do the full 100 miles, but 92 miles is still by far and away the longest ride I've ever done and I still felt great at the end of it as well (unlike some of my shorter training rides!)
My official time was 5 hours 56 minutes - if I'd have done the full route, I estimate that I'd have finished in about 6:30, which would have been 30 minutes up on my estimated time (and that includes longer stops at the water stations than I'd planned as well), so obviously I'm pretty chuffed.
The best moments were definitely flying up Box Hill (1 min 30 secs better than my recce ride), the huge crowds in Kingston town centre (cheering so loudly!) and sprinting down the Mall (24 mph average!)
If you want to see the full details, I've uploaded my GPS data to Strava - https://www.strava.com/activities/360248140. I've also added a few more photos to the gallery on my sponsorship page if you want to check that out (tinyurl.com/steve100miles), but I've attached two to this e-mail of the start line and my medal.
Definitely putting my name down to do it again next year!
Maybe I should stop calling him Boy and start calling him The Man.
My visit to see Sundae was highly enjoyable but far too brief.
I can't really leave my Dad for very long as his balance is not too good and the possibility of a fall is a constant worry.
I know Aylesbury very well having been born there and I live only about fifteen minutes drive away.
The old town, where Sundae's parents live, probably hasn't changed much in the last couple of centuries.
Almost inevitably, it's on a hill, and not far from the parish church. It's astonishing just how quiet it was out in the garden despite the proximity of a major road.
We had a good old chinwag and more than a few laughs and it was great to see her again
I went into Aylesbury for the usual shopping foray this morning but zipped around in double quick time and headed home before the sunshine reduced me to a frazzle.
That said I did make time to take this picture.
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It isn't the first time Ronnie Barker has graced the Cellar with his presence.
LinkThread resurrection approved!
Neat, I take it he's a celebrity of some sort.
Neat, I take it he's a celebrity of some sort.
Yes, he was a comic actor who started his theatrical career in Aylesbury and was noted for his comedy partnership with Ronnie Corbett in the imaginatively titled TV sketch show 'The Two Ronnies'.
I think that he really shone in the series 'Porridge' in which he played Norman Stanley Fletcher a prisoner at HM Prison Slade.
He's depicted in the sculpture as that character wearing prison issue dungarees.
'Porridge' is still being shown and I recorded an episode earlier this week.
Ronnie Barker statue unveiled in Aylesbury[YOUTUBE]pV1IP4N9ajg[/YOUTUBE]
Using youtube's closed captioning allowed me to figure out about alf of that.
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