Since my retirement
from school in July 2013 I have been in a whirlwind of events -
Not a minute to
reflect on my huge decision.
First off was the
holiday in the glorious Medoc with friends, Emily and Lawrence. On our return it was Drayton’s turn to
host the twinning exchange from Lesparre, France.
A wonderful occasion. Places we visited included Rousham
House, Oxfordshire and Portsmouth Historic Docks. In between, of course, was much feasting and quality testing
of the Medocaine wine.
September arrived,
beautifully warm and sunny - just right for apple picking (or scrumping) from
friends’ gardens! Now what do you
do with apples after the freezer is full, jam is glowing in pots in the pantry
and tummies are well full of crumbles and pies? Our Lady’s Abingdon had the solution. Apple juice. At their Autumn Fair, amongst other goodies, was a group of
children working an apple press. I
provided a carrier bag of ruby fruits and after a few turns of the screw
emerged a glorious golden liquid.
Absolutely delicious.
The Abingdon Carbon Cutters provided the press and mincer for just £10. Thank you.
Next came the piece
de resistance - my enrolment at Emma Cavell's’s Mosaic Workshop in the grounds of
St Ethelwold’s House in Abingdon. If
you have never visited the house, do put it on your list. It nestles in the heart of the town and
is a little corner of paradise - tranquil and the gardens, which lead to the
river, are beautifully tended.
Never having done any
mosaic work before I was, to say the least, a little nervous. No need - Emma’s calm demeanour removed
all anxieties. Unlike traditional
mosaic work made with uniform keystones, my work is made from old china. Its a wonderful feeling to pick up a
plate, decide on the exact piece required and then break it - albeit in a
controlled manner with specialized tools.
The panel is now
finished and is displayed proudly at home. Needless to say I have started another project. Quite different this time and using
some Masons Green Fruit Basket - a memory of our dear friend Jill.
What next? A trip to France, decorating the kitchen,
upholstering chairs - who knows.
Barbara xx
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