Apologies for not being around much over the past week. I have been trying to catch up with life a bit.
Today myself and some friends went to a production which was put on by Chipping Norton Theatre Company. It took place at Asthall Manor which for some time in the 1920's was home to the Mitford family.
Actors were stationed around the house and Gardens and were in the roles of the sisters. They read extracts from letters, books newspapers etc giving an insight into the unusual/unorthodox/eccentric/politically diverse lives of the sisters. It was such a fascinating event and was completely absorbing. What a bunch they were!
The house itself was built in 1620 and was beautiful, and the grounds with their fishpond with thatched boathouse and coracles stunning. I love this sort of roof which is often found in the Cotswolds. The tiles are made of Cotswold stone and get smaller and smaller as they get towards the ridge. This is the window to the room that was once the Mitford's nursery. It was such a lovely afternoon, and we were so lucky to be blessed with warm sunny weather at this time of year.
Pieces in the papers and on Radio 4 today about a friend from the village who is an identical twin and has donated a kidney to a stranger on the understanding that should his remaining one ever fail his brother has the perfect match. Altruism at work.
I know Maggiemae, I am now fascinated by them. They sound like the same sort of free spirits that your grandmother must have been when she travelled round the uk. You never know, maybe they met! This part of the house is covered with rambling roses. They must look beautiful when they are all in bloom, but I can see why you think it looks run down. In fact it is still a very grand house, and is in what must be very wealthy private hands now. It is only open to the public very occasionally.
@jantan thanks Jan! It was actually my mother who did that trip - I've written up most of her diaries and she doesn't mention them at all but I think it must have been at the same time!
Sounds like you had a really nice time there.