POST REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY!

It was a short walk, for Jenny and I, out and about in Shepton this morning, as I was working in the One Craft Gallery at ten. It was the day after a special Remembrance Sunday, which celebrated the 100 years from the ending of World War One.  We saw the red iconic poppy everywhere...

On our trip around Shepton, we had a good look at all the shops to see what was new.  We noticed our posh interior design shop had its elegant Christmas window - see top right, and there was a new shop in town - a traditional Turkish Barber.  Soon we are going to be able to go 'apres-ski' in a new Ski-Bar!  It looks nearly fitted out with an interesting alpine exterior- see centre pic.  There isn't too long to wait to see the inside, which I have had good reports about, as I believe it will be open this week on Wednesday, which is Carnival night...

POPPIES LOOK FABULOUS IN THE SUNSHINE!

Today, was a beautiful day for a walk -  frosty, bright, sunny, and the coldest morning so far this Autumn.  Next Sunday is Remembrance Sunday, and the Church of St Peter and St Paul had poppies lined up along its railings in preparation.  The long red line look fabulous in the early morning sunshine.  The Royal British Legion have taken over an empty shop (see above), in the middle of town as their local headquarters and to advertise their wares.  You can now get poppies of all different sizes...

For the walk, I was joined by Jenny and Belinda.  It took us up onto Barren Down and then onto open fields.  We followed a footpath which took us over a stone stile and through someone's garden. As the centre left pic shows, the gardener had prepared for the frost by covering the veggies with some ghostly fleece!

Jenny and I walked from Tadley Acres into the centre of Shepton to call for Belinda. On the way there and back we went through Collett Park, which was looking as splendid as usual.  We also walked passed the allotments - full of interest, whatever time of year...

IT IS NOW OFFICIALLY WINTER!

Today, I had to get up early to take my car in for service.  I wore my walking boots and warm clothes so I could go home the long way round, and make it into a proper walk, as my walking companions can't join me at the moment.  It was grey, cold and foggy, and according to the metrological office, now officially Winter...

As we are now into the first week in December there are Christmas decorations everywhere.  Last Friday was the turning on of the Christmas tree lights which happened in the Market Square, directly outside the One Craft Gallery.  The pics above show the gallery's Christmas window which I helped put together.

I walked back through Collett Park which always looks beautiful, whatever the weather.  There was still some ice on parts of the lake.  A small boy was poking it with a stick - see photo above, bottom left.  Can't say that conditions were ideal for walking but it was good to get out into the fresh air and exercise. As Gene Tunney, the American boxer,  who won both light and heavyweight world titles in the 1920s said, 'To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise'...

A DARK START!

I have some busy friends so it was out on my own today!  When I left Tadley Acres at seven o'clock it was still dark and the moon was shining.  I like getting out early before the world is awake.  However, the main roads were already busy with traffic...

It was the coldest walk so far this Autumn.  I think I will have to get my gloves out soon!  But the dark soon gave way to the sunrise...

I wanted some fresh air and exercise so it was a quick trot around the outskirts of Shepton with views of the Charlton Viaduct and by the time I came back to the Church and Market Cross they were bathed in sunshine...

I find all walks interesting.  There is always something different to see.  Around Shepton there are a great variety of places to walk, from countryside, woodland, urban streets to housing estates, shopping centres, factories etc.  There are some great views but the one thing we haven't got is the sea!

However, I rectified that last week on some coastal walks in Cornwall - see below.   There is nothing like walking by the sea - the smell, sound and changing landscape. I think most of us love looking at the sea.  After all we are an island nation... 

STROLL TO CHURCH!

Today the weather forecast threatened heavy rain and winds but it was unexpectedly benign.  However, we did not stray far from Shepton as Jenny was expecting an early client.  So it was a stroll through the park, past the allotments, through to the Church and up the High Street!

We paused to look at the oldest building in Shepton, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, which has parts dating back to the 12th century and is Grade I listed. Although we can see the spire miles away when on our walks and looking down from high ground, it is hidden away, due to the ugly Amulet building which was allowed to be built directly in front of it in the 70s.  The Amulet has had several incarnations and it currently houses a gym.  However, we are told that in addition to this, work has started creating a microbrewery complete with pub...

The allotments still have a colourful appeal, even without flowers! We love looking at them any time of the year as there is always something interesting to see and signs of great industry.  I admire people who grow their own fruit and veg and I am very grateful when given any surplus!  The great thing about a juicer is that you can utilise large quantities of produce, especially fruit.  I have recently used apples and pears from my parent's fruit trees which were either too small or ugly to look good in a fruit bowl!!

Although there is still 6 weeks until the actual day, the High Street shops have started displaying their Christmas goodies.  I will be doing the gallery's window on Monday week.  Inside, we currently have a display of Christmas cards, including my handmade collaged ones.  We saw some great re-cycling ideas - the Father Christmas made out of polystyrene cups (above right) and for exterior display on an outside wall, how about this tyre made into a colourful planter!  There were, in fact, two of them, looking very effective.  The Father Christmas (middle bottom), is one of Sophie's Cakes.  She is an award winning cake baker and decorator based in Shepton. She has a great display in the window of a hairdresser!