Great Grandma Was Here!

We are in London for the Annual Baptist Assembly Meetings. This morning we will be joining the Methodist congregation at Westminster Central Hall for our morning worship. WCH was opened exactly one hundred years ago this year. It was built to commemorate the centenary of the death of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Close by the houses of Parliament, it is a well known building and has been used by many groups down the years for different meetings. Grade 2 listed, it has many rooms – the Great Hall has a capacity of 2160 according to the website

I have been there many times [and Bob preached at their Ladies’ Meeting in 1983!]

But we are staying with Liz and Jon,at their flat in Elephant and Castle, just round the corner from this building

The “Met Tab”, or “Spurgeon’s Tabernacle” as this edifice is known, was first built in 1861 to house the growing congregations who came to listen to Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the great Victorian preacher from Essex. The building burnt down in 1898, leaving just the Front Portico and the basement- and was rebuilt. In 1941, Hitler’s bombs again destroyed all but the portico – and again it was rebuilt. I do not think I have ever been inside. But at the end of the 19th century, my great grandmother used to attend Mr Spurgeon’s Bible Class here.

I wonder if she could have imagined that all these years later her great-great-granddaughter would live just a couple of streets away – or that there would be so many preachers among her descendants?

Too Tired To Post Much Tonight

The Baptist Assembly is brilliant. Liz and Jon's hospitality is marvellous. We are just a little concerned that the eatery in the basement of Westminster Central Hall is called 'Wesley's Cafe'. Does that mean the coffee is 'strangely warmed'? [explanation here]

Cinco De Mayo

As I’m sure you all know, Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for May 5th. This day is normally confused with Mexican Independence Day (el Dieciseis de Septiembre) which is celebrated on 16th of September. Cinco de Mayo is the anniversary of a battle that took place between the Mexicans and the French in 1862. It was the victory of a small, poorly armed force of around 4,500 soldiers over a well-armed, professional army led by Napoleon III with 8,000 French soldiers. The legendary Battle of Puebla lasted for 4 hours and ended in the victory of the small Mexican army under General Zaragoza.

Cinco de Mayo is hugely celebrated with pomp, gaiety and fiestas in the traditional Mexican style. Good food, and fun for the children.

Apron Senorita posted earlier in the week about Piñata Cookies. Full recipe details here. Are they not absolutely fabulous?

If I had known about this recipe twenty years ago, I’d have made these for Liz and Steph! But I would not have crammed quite so many sweets inside. Two dozen M&Ms is far too many!

CONFESSION When my girls were small, if I bought tubes of Smarties for them, I’d tip all but about six into a bag before I gave them the tube. That way I could keep topping up the tube throughout the week and make the sweets last longer. I didn’t think it was good for them to eat a whole tube of sweets in one go, and we couldn’t afford to buy sweets every day. They’ll tell you that this thriftiness of mine has scarred them for life!

Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone [with or without Piñatas!]

Are We Nearly There Yet?

Fortunately we have been to stay with Liz many times, and so navigation is not a problem. But thanks Carole for this great picture!

Going For Goals

This is Mariette Rix, Goalkeeper for the South African Women’s Hockey Team [though how you can tell it’s her under all that clobber, I don’t know] This is what she looks like out of her helmet

She came to our school this week to talk about being an Olympian – the children loved it [sadly it was not one of my teaching days, so I missed it]

Afterwards my colleague and I prepared a display – about Mariette and the mascots.

It is a whole year since I blogged about Wenlock and Mandeville – and I listened with interest this week to Michael Morpurgo talking on Radio 2 about the animated film of these two characters.

What s confusing is that they chaps appear to have two websites –  one here which is full of games and fun stuff for kids – and one here which initially looks pukka- but then you realise it is a] unofficial and b] horribly out of date.  It is unlikely that the school children in your area will have had a visit from the ‘official Olympic mascots’ as it costs upwards of £850.

I am getting awfully cynical about the money involved in all this, and the absurd sponsorship regulations. What happened to ‘celebrating British sporting traditions’ ??

But I am really glad that Mariette was willing to come and talk to our children about her achievements and encourage them to pursue their goals. [even if she isn’t part of Team GB!!]

You Paid HOW Much?

Is this

a] Sue, realising that there has been a mistake with her grocery bill for Live Below the Line

b] SfT on discovering that Mr SfT had broken into her Sealed Pot in order to pay the electricity bill

c] Frugal Queen, in a discussion with another quilter about the price of Jelly Rolls

d] Jane, when Chris announced the size of their latest cat-food bill

e] PomPom, on hearing of Postal Costs for the Willows Three

Finding Fun #1

Carolyn has suggested walking for this week. I was a little unsure, after all, much of the week has been like this

[btw don’t you just love all these Jessie Willcox Smith illustrations?]

But on Monday we had to go to the Bank, and the sun was actually shining! I decided to take my camera and show you that even a walk through the busy Leicester Shopping Centre can be full of interest. The secret is to look up. Above those plate glass and concrete and plastic shopfronts, there is so much beauty from an earlier age. Look at these…

High above a gift shop in the High Street, a “Chemist’s by Examination” urges us to drink Sea Breeze for our headaches!

I wonder what picture shows were watched at the Electric Theatre?

Thomas Cook started his travel business in our fine city, taking Teetotal Baptists by Train on Temperance Trips to Loughborough!

If you needed a cuppa, there was always the Turkey Cafe, guarded by two fine specimens flanking the entrance.

When we first moved to Leicester, a very elderly gentleman in the village told me to go in this bank [sadly closed now] and admire the wood panelling “My Dad installed that a hundred years ago” he said, proudly. The fine stained glass windows remind me of a Liberty Print.

We did go inside the new centre briefly [I had a voucher for free coffee from Starbucks!] and checked out the latest shop to open.

Patisserie Valerie!

Stunning cakes – beautiful to behold- but too expensive to buy. Anfd furthermore they are laden with calories.

However, Bob splurged on a couple of Belgian Buns in Greggs when I was in Boots. We enjoyed them just as much with a cuppa when we got home.

It was a fun walk, and I enjoyed strolling through the city, looking for interesting sights, and architectural treasures. I hope you have had fun strolling with me!

Next time, shall we go into PV and share coffee and a gateau?

Waiting for Carolyn’s Fun Suggestion for next week now…

Indulgence

There are days when a woman needs a little treat.

Like after an Inspection in school.

Forget the diet. Forget the calories [I’d even say ‘forget the expense’ but they were only 69p, on offer, in Wilkinsons]

Tunnock’s Caramel Wafers [five million sold every day!] are a simple pleasure – and it was utterly, unspeakably delightful to sit down with Bob, a pot of tea, and a Tunnock this afternoon.

If you live in a far flung outpost of humanity that does not have these wondrous comestibles, then you have my deepest sympathies! But I understand they have spread far and wide across the globe. The website is bi-lingual [and would be a good tool for encouraging children with their French!]

Please don’t expect anything more coherent from me this evening, I am in that blissful state of utter collapse that comes at the end of a stressful day. However I have TWO consecutive meetings tonight [not sure I shall make any meaningful contribution to either of them!]

On Being A Muxloe Woman

Liz has alerted me to this waistcoat in the Joules catalogue. I confess that I was not aware that my village had a specific garment. Personally I feel it costs about ten times as much as I would want to pay – and I don’t think I have seen any of these being worn round the village. And I am not sure it is my style [love the red wellies, tho]

“Muxloe Women's Gilet

Steeped in country charm and as ridiculously charming as it is practical, this women's tweed waistcoat will be a delightful addition to your wardrobe. Nothing says classic British country style better and with a floral print lining it's sure to satisfy your need for tweed. Semi fitted for a feminine edge. Reduced from £99.95 to £49.95”

It comes in a sensible navy, or a brown described as ‘Hardy Tweed’ and the lining is a fabulous floral print. I am endeavouring to live up to their idea of a Woman Of Kirby Muxloe -

• ridiculously charming
• practical
• delightful
• classic British style
• with a feminine edge

Oh yes, that sums me up perfectly, don’t you think?

[well, the “ridiculous and practical” bit is definitely true]

Wild, Wet, Windy Willows

After their traumatic adventure down in Sussex, the Willows Three found themselves deposited on a doorstep in the East Midlands.

“Eey Oop Me Duck!” said the cheerful postman – which confused the trio inside the box- after all none of them displayed anatine characteristics. Or had he spoken in a foreign language?

But soon their hostess returned, and opened the box with excitement. The three were picked up, squeezed – and put back.

“Is she going to leave us in this box?” said Ratty “This tissue paper is awfully itchy”

“I am expecting the finest bedlinen, and my own ensuite bathroom” said Toad “This is the Old Rectory isn’t it?”

“No, it’s the New Manse” said Mole “Baptists and nonconformity and all that. Don’t get your hopes up, Toad”

The three were taken up to the guest room, and initially offered the main bed. They found the large pillow a little bit uncomfortable.

“Oh hang on” said their hostess “Can you fix the loft ladder, for me darling?” and she rushed out of the room. They heard the pattering of tiny[ish] feet, and waited anxiously…

Within minutes she was back with a tiny wooden bed.

“It’s no good, they will have to share. I trust none of them snores” And so saying, she tucked them up carefully and bid them goodnight.

“Why am I stuck in the middle?” said Toad.

“Oh do stop complaining” muttered Ratty “You are warm and comfortable, and nobody has started preaching at us yet”

Mole said nothing, he has rolled over on his side with his back to his friends. He was dreaming happily to himself of Pork Pies, and Red Leicester Cheese, and a crock of finest Stilton.

Suddenly the door was flung open “Sorry, lads, forgot to say – you’ll have to fend for yourselves tomorrow. Got an Inspection at School and I am a little busy getting myself prepared for that. Can you fix your own snack? There’s plenty of yogurt in the fridge if Bob hasn’t eaten it all. And muesli in the dining room”

“Yogurt, Muesli, Inspections? Even that crazy woman in Belfast never offered us such bizarre things!” Toad harrumphed.

But the friends on either side of him were silent – they were worn out from travel and enjoying the clean bedlinen and quiet room.

Zzzzzzz…

High Fliers

The theme this term for the children at my school is the O*****c G***s. So the teacher of the youngest class has created an airport check in desk for O*****c Airways. She was showing me last week – it looked great – she’d prepared baggage labels, passports, tickets etc.

“What will the airport staff wear?” I asked. She showed me.

“What’s IR?” she asked – I told her it was International Rescue, from Thunderbirds [she’s so young!!]

“ Let me take them home tonight” I said – and got out the embroidery machine. I used the built in font, and a motif which comes already installed in the machine’s memory, to create a logo. I sewed that on to some denim scraps, then handstitched the patches to the gear.

The children were thrilled with their new uniforms on Friday.

Over the weekend, I used some navy fabric from the stash to make a second tabard and couple of waistcoats, and more forage caps.

In case you are wondering about all the asterisks, I am anxious to avoid infringing any copyright laws. Bob has warned me of the dangers of ‘unlimited fines’ for people using OG things when they haven’t paid!

Steph tells me that the bar at the Lords Cricket ground has had all its beer taps removed, because only Dutch Heineken beers can be sold at O*****c venues! Marston’s [the British brewers] has the beer concession at Lord’s, to sell Pedigree Bitter and is the official sponsor of the England cricket team, but their handpumps will be removed while the archery competition takes place during the Olympics. Portraits of cricketer Matthew Hoggard, Marston’s “beer ambassador”, will be covered up. Visitors to the world-famous cricket ground, with its long tradition of ale drinking, will be offered Dutch lager and anonymous keg bitter and cider. Shops within the O*****c Zone will be able to sell Coca Cola, but not Pepsi.

I believe the whole ‘protection of the O*****c brand’ thing is quite ridiculous. Check out the draconian rules here, and these news stories here and here.

I have read the rules carefully, and I think we are OK with these costumes because they are part of a school project and not commercial and will not be worn outside school. [Please come and visit me in Holloway if I get sent down, won’t you!!]

You would be forgiven for thinking I was posting this on April 1st not May 1st – but I am not kidding. The LOCOG are apparently cracking down very hard on misuse of their brand, and no other brand names will be allowed anywhere near the events.

“What if I have a teeshirt that says ‘Jesus’, you have one that says ‘loves’ and Steph has one that says ‘you’ and we sit in a row?” I asked. Bob said even that would not be allowed because Jesus is not one of the brands who is sponsoring the OG. As far as I am concerned, Jesus is the ultimate brand leader!!

The Thrill Of What You Already Have #4

Oh dear – here we are on the last day of April and I have yet to post about TTOWYAH. Sorry!

Floss posted a picture of Aberdeen.

There have been some great posts already – and many seem clothing related.

Jane showed a picture of clothes in the same shades, Nana Gogo had a great story about her visit to see Barbra Streisand and the tee-shirt, and Floss herself said she loved “the purpley-blue colours and the two relaxed yet stylish day-trippers. My going away-outfit was a bit like their daywear!” And I suddenly remembered my going-away dress. This afternoon I went up into the loft, and dug it out of the ‘dressing up box’. Yes I still have one [well, actually, there are four boxes of costumes up there] even though the girls have grown up and moved out. There have been at least four occasions since Christmas when young friends have needed to borrow stuff!

Here’s my dress

It is looking a little the worse for wear, and one or two seams are coming unstitched [it is nearly 33 years old, after all]

But the whites and the blues of the voile and the plain blue lining reminded me of the pale bridge reflected in the water, and the blue sky above.

And I still have the original Style pattern which I used to make it. It is labelled “Ang, Dereham, April 79”.

I borrowed Mum’s sewing machine to make the dress.

I made three dresses from this pattern that year

1. one in a deep blue floral cotton [unlined] with the little collar, but no flounce on the hem [the middle style]
2. one in wine red corduroy in the style on the right, which I wore as a pinafore dress.
3. the going-away dress, as the middle style but with a flounce.

Half an hour ago I tried on the dress again [for the first time in years] From the waist down it is absolutely fine. But my arms are not quite as slim as they were and the sleeves fit, but snugly. The main area of difference is the bust. When I got married I was a 31”AA size. [“Very flat, Norfolk” said Oscar Wilde]

Thirty years and two babies later, I would say that my cup runneth over! There is no way the zip will fasten above the waist now.

I had a black velvet blazer from M&S to wear with the dress[although my wedding day was warm and fine and it wasn’t needed] and on my feet I had my white patent four inch stiletto heels.

I may have grown up in Norfolk, but I was born in Essex, after all!