A Visit or Two to Penzance.....

*******************

*******************

Hello from the Hovel. Having planned to post daily as events occurred in my life I find myself yet again leaving it nearly a week before doing so but at least this time it’s not eight weeks...lol....

*******************

Penzance Harbour (Chris Downer)

******************

I visited Penzance again today for the purpose of an optician’s appointment, which was nine months overdue. Fortunately Andy was not at work until this evening so I was chauffeur driven by dear hubby today. After a pleasant lunch together I went on my way to the opticians while Andy went to tow his friend’s car. I meandered on my way enjoying the sunshine after the rain of yesterday (reminds me of the song by Elkie Brooks...lol...I was lucky to see her perform in Nottingham some years ago, she’s amazing). I was a few minutes late because I stopped to make a fuss of two lovely English Setters. I finally made it and fun was had as always while choosing my new glasses, purple of course. Fortunately they know me well at Reynolds Opticians and had plenty of warning to arrange the day off for when I visited...hehe...seriously though, they are excellent. I’ve also booked an appointment to go and try contact lens, now that should be fun.......

*******************

St. Mary the Virgin, Penzance.

*******************

The church above is same church you see in the background of the picture of Penzance harbour. I was only inside that church yesterday lunchtime with my friend Charlotte. Her mother Liz is a brilliant musician and plays the viola as well as teaching the violin. Liz is a member of The Aston Ensemble who were performing in the church yesterday. I really enjoyed it and the church is beautiful.........

******************

The Aston Ensemble

L to R: Maria Heseltine (Mezzo-Soprano), Sarah Glayzer (Cellist & Composer), Hilary Tyreman (Violin),Douglas Cook (Piano), Elizabeth Gregg (Liz, Charlotte’s mum, Viola), Pippa Drummond (Flautist) and Sue Aston (Composer & professional Violinist)


*******************

The East Window

*******************


The East window is beautiful and must be seen to be appreciated, this picture is not very clear. The colours are vibrant and sadly my picture doesn't do it justice. It was designed by Alfred Fisher in 1987 to replace the original one after the interior of the church was devastated by fire in 1985. The organ, built by Crabb of Exeter in 1769, was also destroyed along with the High Altar and Reredos.....


*******************




Charlotte with my trusted brolly....

*******************

Note the brolly in Charlotte's hand....The rain came down in buckets and more buckets prior to our visit so we were somewhat wet when we arrived at the church, the left side of my skirt being particularly wet. While walking up towards the station earlier I had stopped to let a car go by and wouldn’t you know it I was stood next to the only pothole in the road......you can imagine. How can so little water wet a person so much...lol....

*******************

The Branwell Family's Former Home, Chapel Street, Penzance


********************


This is the brick house seen behind Charlotte in the previous photograph. It also happens to be the house where Maria Branwell, mother of the Brontes, was born on April 15th 1783. The Branwell family were very prominent in Penzance and their name can still be seen in such places as Branwell House, Branwell Mill and Branwell Lane...

*******************

Maria Branwell

*******************

Further along the same Chapel Street is one of the oldest inns in Penzance, The Admiral Benbow, which has been in existence since the 17th century. It was also a haunt for smugglers...

*******************

The Admiral Benbow, Penzance


*******************

Now legend has it that the inn itself is haunted. One of the stories told is that one of the previous landlord’s daughter fell in love with a sailor. Fearing that he was lost at sea she committed suicide and her ghost is said to seen at the window waiting for her lost love to return. Is this true? I will need to do some research, I do so love a good ghost story...

~~~~~~~~

By now Charlotte and I were in need of a coffee and so off we went. Having secured the very much needed coffee we sat outside to enjoy the chocolate brownie that followed, oops naughty, naughty. Couldn’t help it, it looked so tempting...yummy...

*******************

Charlotte enjoying a much needed coffee....where's the Brownie......


*******************

Also did lots of ‘looking’ around the shops and got some lacy gloves and a couple of books. I know, I do not need any more books.......I really enjoyed my day but was glad to get back home and rest my weary legs. Had a good chat with my mum on the telephone who has finally had a diagnosis. It appears she has Polymyalgia Rheumatica and is being treated with steroids. She has a long way to go and there is no guarantee that she will ever be fully recovered. I wish her all the best and wish I lived nearer so I could help her....


*******************

Well that’s all for now. Still lots to tell you but that can wait....oh yes, my son and granddaughter were initially diagnosed with swine flu on Tuesday but the GP is not 100% sure. As you can imagine I am extremely worried as it appears Jane and Dylan have now got flu. It’s the little ones I’m concerned about, especially Dylan as he is so ting. Will update later....Until next time...Hugs Chrissy x