Fox at the Castle

Taking a walk up Stafford Castle we saw this relatively recent addition to the perimeter path.

The fox sculpture was carved by Anthony Hammond and commissioned by the family of Rhoda Jones who lived nearby for 70 years and walked the route daily.

Fox bench
Looking west

The bench gives great views out through the woods towards Shropshire and the Wrekin.

Sun over Stafford Castle

It’s a nice touch by the family in a favourite spot.

Reading ‘A Good Heart’ in Chester

Tonight we went to the University of Chester. I was delighted to read an extract from my short story ‘A Good Heart’ which was selected for publication in their Kaleidoscope collection of creative writing.

The event took place in the Churchill Building, University of Chester, which has amazing views over the River Dee and City.

There was a great selection of work, including some fantastic poetry from teenagers in the young adult categories.

I enjoy writing but it can sometimes be a lonely pastime so I’m grateful to the University and their staff for this event which was a great opportunity to hear from and talk to other writers.

Reading at the event
The collection
Group pic

Short story inspiration

I’ve been writing a short story for a competition. It’s always worth doing some research to assist descriptive writing.  The story is set on Cannock Chase, in particular the Sherbrook Valley area.

Milford

I’ve written two new short stories after a break. Work has been busy and there have been other distractions so it’s good to be doing a bit again.

Stepping Stones

This area is a wonderful escape at this time of year in particular.  The beautiful autumn leaf colours, the tinkling brook, the sweet scent of the trees.

Sher Brook

Trearddur to Porth Dafarch

We had a few days away in Anglesey. Wonderful weather and walks. Below is Porth Dafarch, a beautiful westerly facing beach popular with divers.

I used to fish off the rocks here, climbing past the old customs post. We rented a chalet from a Sheffield couple. It was right at the front of the site with amazing views, especially when the sea crashed in.

It’s a beach that’s been painted and sketched many times. There are prehistoric stone circles just yards from the sands and standing stones, Penrhos Feilw, a mile or so away.

The sun is setting beyond Mackerel Point.

Just around the corner is Porth-y-Post. All along this coast there are huge properties dotted about with several for sale. Many have been built in the last 20 years.  Some are sites where work has been discontinued. Maybe money has run out.

The above house, Craig-Y-Mor, often known as Smiley’s, has featured in films and TV. It is perfect for a haunting movie or a guests attending dinner whodunnit.

Finally Trearddur Bay. Magnificent sands and the occasional revealed prehistoric tree root. Stop here for coffee or dinner or great ice cream at the Sea Shanty.

St Mary’s churchyard

Overlooking the demolition and once more in daylight are these clusters of graves in the corner of St Mary’s churchyard.

Sadly not all were well treated in year’s past such as poor John Padmore (bottom pic).

Unsure, but think these were moved when the shopping centre currently being demolished was built in the mid 80s.

View of St Mary’s from Church Lane (demolition beyond)

Update of former Guildhall site on December 22 looking from Earl St to St Mary’s.