To be honest I didn’t know what ‘quilled’ meant until I visited the incredible star exhibition in All Saints, Castle Cary. And even then I may have forgotten if it had not been for the fact that they all ended up in our living room afterwards. But before I enlighten you about Gabriel and the quilled stars let me first share a few shots from the art exhibition, it really was quite extraordinary and beautiful.
In the 13th century a terrible Dragon was terrorising both livestock and villagers in Dinder in Somerset, fortunately for them though they had a Bishop not far away (not something I ever thought I’d say!).
I’ve been wanting to visit Hadspen House ever since I first drove past its entrance in 2012. However back then it was a private home, so highly unlikely I would ever have the opportunity. Then five years ago the estate was sold by the Hobhouses and the new owners initiated a £millions restoration programme, including new buildings, hedges and even a slight rerouting of the A371 from which you catch a glimpse of the estate. Mum told me the house was going to be turned into a hotel, and I began to hope . . . . . .
Five years later the work is nearly finished and the Hadspen House estate has finally opened to the public and become a rather splendid home for some feathered friends!
The Newt in Somerset
Tish has reminded me today of the art of waiting. An art that seems to be disappearing in our world of next day deliveries and instant communications. It is an art we should cherish as waiting is all about anticipation, something James Reeves captured perfectly in his poem Waiting. A poem that also brings back very happy childhood memories for me, as it was the first solo work I ever performed on stage! And the final line; Continue reading
