Curly's Capers

On Friday 22nd of July, I was in Uley again, this time not to walk the ancient site (the bury); but instead to walk to the village of Owlpen; which lies about two miles, in the valley below. Once again walking instructions let me down; but this time instead of bringing me to a road, near the edge of a small wood; I was brought to a bench, which afforded me one of the best views in the Stroud valleys. Judge for yourself. Over to my left I could see, Owlpen Church, my next point of call. Having such a good visual sighting, I really soon made my way by woodland paths to the church and this  included going through a property, which had a sign outside, giving permission to access the churchyard. The church was named the Holy Cross  and had a surprise  for the visitor, in the shape of this wonderful Angel. It was a truly inspiring picture. From this church, it was, but a short walk down the road to my starting point in Uley, where a pint of the local bre...

One of the curiosities in the Forest of Dean, is PuzzleWood, near Coleford. It is a 14 acre site filled with ancient woodland. http://www.puzzlewood.net/index.htm It has been used as a location  for the television programmes "Dr. Who ' and 'Merlin'; it feels different with its old paths and moss- encrusted trees. As you see it is an especially enchanted place; well worth a visit. However, you should note the woodland paths are worn and one can slip on them. I would strongly advise walking shoes/boots and sturdy out-door gear. Have a good week; Glorious Goodwood ahead, so panamas are required, especially as there will be plenty of sun this week. Enjoy: and as always, love the one you're with. Ck.

So it was, that I came to the village of Eastville Turville, living cheek by jowl, with Eastville Martin. The walk, of 4.5 miles in duration was "The Leach Valley." It was taken from '  Short Walks in The Cotswolds  ' Pub. Collins June 2010. The reason, dear readers, why I am giving this information, is that unfortunately, although a recent publication, I had difficulty in following the route. By chance I also met with a couple , on the walk, using this book, who like me,  lost their way. This is unacceptable; instructions given, should give no room for doubt, not giving reason for miss-interpretation, and thus spoiling the event. That's the raspberries. But, of course like nearly all Cotswold jaunts, there are views to be shared and joys to be had. The walk started by the lovely River Leach and came round the bend to  The Keble Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds; lovely when adorned with daffodils in the Spring The inter...

" Respected Sir,                         I am normally a patient, calm, citizen, only getting a triffle agitated, when boundary catches are dropped, warm beer is served and Edward 'Weddingband' comes on the goggle-box.  But enough is enough. I feel compelled to send this missile to your worthy newspaper; in the hope that, in  doing so, it will vent some of my bile. The facts are these: Last Friday , on the first  of July, I was taking the dogs Macmillian and Eden for their morning constitutional. I was just getting over a bout of the 'Delhi Belly', blowing hot and cold, so to speak, when upon  an green island , by the Pub, I espied a bunch of job-seekers and general slackers. They were smoking, leaning against vehicles, playing with  'boy-toys', taking up the oxygen and making the place look untidy. Putting my dogs on full alert, I made my way through this motley bunch, until I was stopped ...

Last Wednesday (22/6), after my MOT on my gums (failed again), I found myself at the National Trust owned property of Newark Park, near the quaintly named Ozleworth. I find it a deeply satisfying place to visit, because it has trees, a lake and most importantly to me, a view from the top storey, towards the Mendips, unsurpassed in the Cotswolds and pretty much anywhere. To get an idea of the elevation of the house, here is the view from the back. Now here are two views  from  the upper windows. If you enlarge the first view, you should be able to see the  tower, that is Tyndale's Monument. ( See Way Ahead 30/06/'09 ) Impressive view, which has remained, thankfully, unchanged. Newark Park, has a lake, which appeared to be well stocked with fish. I think you can see the evidence of the above remark from this picture. Finally, walking away from the lake, on the rising ground towards the house,  I found all by itself, in the sunlight this fi...

Last Saturday 11th June, I went to The King's School Cricket Ground in the City of Gloucester; to watch a 20/20 game of cricket, between Gloucestershire and Surrey. The game started promptly at 5:30p.m., even though during the day there had been drizzle and rain showers. 20/20 is the new 'gung-ho' form of cricket tailored to the demands of television, with each innings concluded in an hour and a quarter and thus a result certain within a time-frame of four hours. A white ball is used, allowing floodlights to be switched on if needed. Sleep is not permitted in this form of cricket as there are loud public address announcements, with regard to bowlers, wickets and fours and sixes dispatched by the home team. Sound bites are used including a pernicious " Yo- Ho " at the start of each over. What amused me was that the crowd never really responded to all these exhortations, immured  to Glos losing, and even during the final overs, when, because of the run rate t...

Last Saturday, pitched up at Cheltenham Racecourse, the site of The Wychwood Festival; with the main idea of seeing Robyn Hitchcock and his Imaginary Band play their tribute to Captain Beeheart ( who as you probably know I'm more than a little keen on).  As my friend K. and I entered the site down came the rain (penance for enjoyment), but by the time we reached the BBC introducing Tent,( for new acts,) with friendly bar (reward!); the rain was easing to a light shower. A pint of 'Tunnel Vision' soon revived flagging spirits and we made our way out of the tent and began to look at the stalls. Right, from the start we could sense the laid back atmosphere and the calm peaceful air, which pervaded the festival. I'm pleased to report that this initial  reaction to the festival, remained unchanged throughout the time we were there. It was always a family-pleasing, pleasant place to be. This  shows the way to the main stage (the silver and white structure to the...