Our visit to Angelsey Abbey yesterday took us within striking distance of a place called Swafham Prior. My Uncle lived here when he was first married to Else. They rented a floor of a Grade II listed house called Baldwin Manor. We thought to try and find it yesterday and eventually located the house a little further back of the road than Dad remembered.
Sadly, it was unoccupied and the windows were boarded up with sheets of hardboard rendering it quite useless for photographs. Dad is recalling memories of cycling from London to visit his brother here. During this time he made a drawing of the house and the gate in front (which he is leaning on here).
I put a few pictures on facebook and my cousin (who was born there) enjoyed the memories. Apparently she has the original of the drawing and was 'impressed by his draughtsmanship'. She tells her own story of this place - "I was 1 year old when they moved. (1953) Alan decided to move on coronation day (he thought it would be easier). They put me in my Pram while they packed, but it was below a yew tree and I helped myself to the nice red berries. So off to hospital for me, and general chaos and family legends."
Apparently my cousin remains friends with the daughter of the family that rented the other floor in the house - as the two families continued to stay in touch. She also joined in the conversation and recollections on facebook
Such a special portrait of your father, Helen. Your narrative brings so much meaning to the image. Hopefully the experience brought about some happy memories for him.
These are the kinds of photos that I find more precious than the staged ones. You know the story attached and can to a certain extent imagine what he was contemplating as he was leaning on the fence. It's an instant story.
@evalieutionspics you are right. The pensive moments are often good to capture. I'm hopeless at staged photos - so will only do so when absolutely essential.
April 28th, 2017
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