Spring bulbs at West Green House Gardens

 Although we've been National Trust members for a few years now we had never visited our closest National Trust property - West Green House Gardens - until today.  Our good friends Tony and Pauline suggested a visit - and we wished we'd visited sooner.

The house isn't open to the public but the gardens are absolutely beautiful and well worth the visit, especially at this time of year to see the daffodils, tulips and apple blossom.  It's a real hidden gem, just perfect for spending an hour or so strolling the grounds.  The surprises range from a chinoiserie chicken pavilion to a restored 18th century walled garden with a striking moongate.  This is the gateway to a staircase framed by rills which rises to an unusual folly - the Nymphaeum - designed by neoclassical architect Quinlan Terry.  A Persian-style water garden provides a change of mood.

West Green House is an 18th century country house built by General Henry Hawley who as a strict disciplinarian went under the sobriquet 'Hangman Hawley'.  The house is listed Grade II and is known for its gardens and for its summer season of opera.  The National Trust owned the house from 1971, after being left the property by Victor Sassoon in 1957.  Alistair McAlpine then acquired the lease in 1976 and restored the gardens and monuments.  In 1990 the House was damaged by an IRA bomb attack.

Marylyn Abbott - who was formerly marketing and tourism manager of the Sydney Opera House - bought the lease from the National Trust in 1993 and has instituted an opera season which is held annually in July and August.  She has also extensively remodelled the gardens at West Green House.

As we were leaving we spotted the greenhouses and decided to have a look in - they're actually used as an event space as well as greenhouses and would be a truly magical place to have a gathering or function.

Such an enjoyable visit with Tony and Pauline and stopping for bubbles and cake in the picnic area was just perfect, if a little chilly!

Easter Joy

There were tearful scenes in Bournemouth as we were reunited with the grandchildren for the first time in months over Easter.

With the official stay at home order ending on Monday, 29th March we travelled to Bournemouth for an emotional reunion with Emmie.  We saw signs on the motorway saying to minimise travel but I thought, that's not going to happen today.

Emmie was looking forward to riding the Snow Bobs and Ringos on the ski slope at Snowtrax with her friends but she didn't know we would be watching.  Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre was one of the first places to open up and we thought it would be a fun thing for Emmie to do.  We were so happy to be able to meet up again, I can't even describe the feelings.  It's the longest we have ever gone without seeing each other.  Obviously, we have seen the grandchildren on Houseparty and Facetime but 3D is better!!

We then treated Emmie to a Snowboarding lesson as she missed out on her annual visit to the slopes.  She was amazing.

We also returned for Chloe and Jamie to have ski-ing lessons and a go on the tubes and ski bobs.  Such fun.  Very impressed with how well they did in the ski-ing lessons too.

Then on Easter Sunday we headed back down to Bournemouth again for a reunion with Caroline and family.  We didn't meet up for Christmas, Jamie and Mike's birthdays and Caroline's 40th birthday so it's been tough but we've really stuck to the rules.

Chloe and Jamie had been playing tennis but when they saw our car parked outside their house they set off running home at high speed.  What a welcome.  We then headed to the beach after a delicious lunch for an ice cream.

We also spent an afternoon with the grandchildren on a nice walk in Hurn Forest, Matchams  Geo-caching.  A game of hide-and-seek using GPS technology which was a joyful distraction, especially as Jamie loves maps.  Players hide caches - waterproof containers, usually a small plastic box - in out-of-sight spots for others to discover using GPS technology.

We were all so excited when Chloe found it.  The cache had a logbook tucked inside showing everyone who had been there before us.  Sadly no treasure in this cache but Chloe did leave a trinket.

A great way to get children outdoors and hiking.

Easter isn't Easter though without chocolate so more exploration of the great outdoors took centre stage for our National Trust Easter Egg hunts this year as we still have to meet outdoors.

Our first visit was to Kingston Lacy, built from 1663 to 1665, and is likened to a Venetian palace; the estate grounds are equally as magnificent, with over 8,500 acres of land and beautiful gardens that spring to life with the coming of warmer weather.

Next it was off to explore the Easter egg trail at Knoll Beach, Studland Bay on an adventure along the beach, through sandy dunes and heathlands.  The beach is absolutely stunning with soft sand backed by a beautiful nature reserve of pink heather and sand dunes with sensational views of the entrance to Poole Harbour and Old Harry.

Another tasty picnic rounded off the day nicely.  The other great thing about Studland, is that you get to ride the Sandbanks Chain Ferry, which is always a hit with the children.

 

The jubilant atmosphere at the ski slope and beach were certainly helped by the warm weather.

Sadly the mini-heatwave over Easter quickly disappeared as an Arctic cold snap brought frost and my magnificent magnolia suffered.

Caroline celebrates her 40th birthday in Lockdown

Yes my darling Caroline turned 40 this week.

Being 40 feels like a major milestone - not just for Caroline but also for me because she really isn't a child any more but, of course, she will always be my little girl.

Sadly, we are now in a third national lockdown and Caroline had to celebrate her birthday at home.  Gatherings and celebrations planned for milestone birthdays have been cancelled across the country as people follow the guidance to stop the spread of coronavirus.  Seeing friends and family, heading to the pub, dancing until your feet hurt - none of that's possible right now.  And while that's sad and difficult any day, it can feel especially bleak on a birthday.  But with a little ingenuity celebrating during these strange times can still tick almost all of the boxes.

That's right - jetting off on a ski-ing holiday is not on the cards.  But it should have been.  Caroline's birthdays nearly always occurred during the half term.  So off we would head to The Alps and this is exactly what they had planned with friends for her 40th birthday.

But Mike still made this lockdown birthday special by putting together video messages for Caroline from friends and family.  Sooooo good.  Friends also treated the birthday girl to the truly unique experience of a hot tub in their garden.

Although Caroline's birthday celebrations were thwarted there was no reason we couldn't get together and have a bit of a party with the family.  Onscreen, of course, and with cocktails.  Mike also arranged for Caroline to celebrate in style with cake and champagne and a delicious Italian dinner delivered to their door.

                                                                                 

                                                                                   

                                                                                      

So, for what it's worth, here are my thoughts about whether "Life really does begin at 40".

Enjoy your children's childhood.  Children can drive you mad at times, but they do need you to give them time and attention.  They grow up so quickly.  Are you sure you are 40!!!!!

Nowadays 40 really is no age at all.  So- you are now embarked on the second half of your life.  I hope you have a very happy, fulfilling and satisfying next 40 years and, like me, that you will have few regrets whatever choices you make.

It's been amazing watching you grow.  Thank you for the laughs, the kindness and the magic moments you bring to the World.  So proud of you EVERY day.  No matter how old you are you will always be my little girl.  Love you lots.  Wish I could give you a hug.

Happy 40th Birthday. XXXXXXXXX

Snow brightens lockdown

The gloom of lockdown was lifted today by the unfamiliar glow of snow in Sandhurst.  By 11.00 a.m., much of Sandhurst was blanketed in a thick layer of snow. 

 Snow seems to bring out the big kid in everyone so we wrapped up warm, pulled on our boots and enjoyed a walk in the snow.

Even Milo and Rigby dressed up for the snow. (Sofia sent this photo).