Lest We Forget

Our Tommy, on the wall of the dovecote in the Peace Garden

Sunday was Remembrance Sunday. We marked the commemoration with a private family two-minute silence standing beside our Tommy, in the Peace Garden. It is always quite moving to stop everyday activities to reflect upon those who have lost their lives in war. We could hear the church bell of St Margaret’s calling the faithful to prayer, and the tolling bell at 11 o’clock. From a vantage point in an ancient lime tree, a robin filled the Peace Garden with its song, which seemed rather fitting. 

Detail showing Tommy's poppy, made by Charis Jones

Our Tommy is viewable from Court Walk, on the side of the dovecote, although we would ask people not to enter the garden at all, just to view from the road. 

Our last, battered copy of This Old House

We were approached by a publisher this week out of the blue. They were interested in republishing some of Professor Brown’s old books. Professor Brown enjoyed a long and successful academic career in education. He wrote many specialist books on education and history in Africa – you can find them on a well-known internet bookshop site! The book we would like to reprint is very different to his academic output. This Old House tells the story of the Brown family and how they came to restore Betley Court. It is a lovely blend of family stories, and how they saved the house but of course the Professor being a keen historian, the book is crammed with his research into Betley Court’s history too.  

The book has been really useful as we set about rebuilding Betley Court. Nigel made an electronic copy shortly after the fire, so it could be distributed to the conservation architect, other contractors and planners. It’s the best document we have to show why Betley Court means so much to us as a family. Godfrey’s even written several chapters updating the story, so if we did reissue This Old House, they could be included. 

Leaves, leaves, and more leaves!!!

Its blowing a hoolie here tonight. I fully expect to find all the leaves Melvyn and Shane have painstakingly swept up to be redistributed back around the gardens by morning! I do feel for them at this time of year. Leaf sweeping is something of a Sisyphean task! 

All best wishes 

Ladybird Su