It was always going to be a hectic May, and I am so pleased we escaped to Suffolk for two days at the beginning of the month. Not only was it a Bank Holiday weekend, the weather was fantastic.
We stayed in a delightful village with our friends Mary and Andrew, not too far from Aldeburgh where Mary and I went to school together. A lot of catching up to do whilst the boys took part in a charity golf match to raise money for the church roof.
A spring meadow with cowslips.
Swiss chard growing in Mary's garden - wonderful colours.
And, of course, sheep!
Two of Andrew's ewe, waiting for their supper.
Mary and I had a great day our visiting Snape Maltings, now home of the Aldeburgh Festival, situated on the river Alde. Oh, those fabulous big skies, and reed beds stretching into the distance, with glimpses of Suffolk churches on the horizon. Lots of interest here, art galleries, craft centres, bookshops. etc. Amazingly, apart from purchasing a few inspirational postcards, I controlled myself. Sort of tempted in the clothes shop, but the prices were prohibitive!
On to Aldeburgh to have a mooch around the town and along the seafront. Nothing that much has changed in the town since I was a child - the main difference, the cars parked everywhere.
Behind the fishermans' hut.
Not unlike the state of my workroom on a good day.
Looking from Aldeburgh north to Thorpness, about three miles away, is the majestic sweep of shingle and the North Sea. Not to mention Sizewell B in the distance! About five years ago, Maggie Hambling"s Scallop was installed midway. This still arouses great emotions from those who think it spoils the vista. It has been vandalised many times, still remains of paint can be seen. So, viewing the Scallop with an open mind, what did I think?
Magnificent - from a distance it could be driftwood, nearer, perhaps a boat wreck on the beach. Close up - wow.
The Scallop, as viewed from the sea side.
From the land side,
The words written across the top read - I hear those voices who will not be drowned. It was made with Sam and Dennis Pegg. I went to school with his sister, Pamela. Their house was next to the school, and his father was also a blacksmith.
What nicer after a busy day to return to Earl Soham, meet up with the boys in the Queen Vic, supping beer brewed in the village - perfect!
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