For the past few years, I have managed to celebrate my "Annieversary" and this 11th one was rather special.
Not only have I been able to prove the genetical links to my aneurysm, something that I was determined to do, found so much about our families, but by also being able to have researched, planned and now carried out our 40th Wedding Anniversary present. Not bad for someone who had to learn to walk, talk and relearn everything all over again, and to accept that the new me was not the old me!
So here we are in Stitchley, a little outside Telford. We thought they were all little villages, well looking at Google they seemed to be, but after driving through Telford we now know differently.
It was pouring rain but we took the park and ride to the Ironbridge Gorge, and while we were a little early, (things open at 10), we were able to look through the Ironworks Museum almost on our own. What an amazing amount of interesting things they have, from the story of the development of iron industry here, to the items on display, that were in the Great Exhibition in London in Queen Victoria's days.
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| It was back to the cold weather today |
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| Old railway bridge in the background |
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| This is where the old furnace was and behind it the brick walls of the dam |
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| Old storage shed now the museum |
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Boy on swan fountain
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| Building the iron bridge |
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| Seen a few of these in Hobart, whaling oil pots |
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| Building the Firth Bridge |
The man responsible for all the development in the Ironbridge area
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These are boots worn by the men in the furnace to protect them from the heat
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A little bit of trivea! All about Mr William Ball, who later became a circus star
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| Pretty interesting table |
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| Been to London? you would have seen these gates, we did and were stunned at them, didn't know the history |
And a lesson in stoves
Then we visited the Entiquity Hall, well it was a giant kid's paradise, based on science. I know a few little people who would have loved to spend a day here!
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| Not a good photo unfortunately but I haven't seen one of these forever |
Then we caught the bus to the next museum. The gorge is a lot longer than we thought, and the museums are scattered in the towns along both sides. You can park in a park and ridge, one pound, then buy the museum pass for 12 months entry, 21 pounds, and then you can go as many times as you like!
The next museum told about the river and pollution in the past and the future, and showed the heights of the water at some of the flooding times. An audio presentation was interesting.
Our friendly lady bus driver collected us for a bit of a wild ride to Coalport China museum. Now that was interesting, a fantastic display in their shop, (time to spend some pounds, I thought as some things took my fancy) and we just made the free tour.
Did you know that bone china is called that because they actually use dried and crushed bone in the making? I didn't, and that the bone dries out the clay to cause the translucent effect. Learn something new each day.
Coalport China started as an offshoot of the iron industry, canals were built to transport the china by water, took 3 minutes down the canal!
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| The flowers are hand made and reflected in the price |
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| Stencils are used to impart the design then hand painted |
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| Inside the kiln some pieces are fired 10 times |
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| Some of the hand painted bird designs in their museum |
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| Seen these? |
I stayed a while in the shop, because I have some special events happening later in the year, and I fell in love with some pieces. Turned them over and they were made wait for it......in China or Malaya. I felt a bit dudded. I guess that is why antique shops are overrun with people looking to buy an original, because the labour costs have almost crippled the ability for these sorts of fine works to continue.it
A bit of lunch then a bit of a drama. On the bus to the next place John found he had left the video camera at the cafe. So thinking about all that had to happen when he found that someone had walked away with it, we got back to the car and drove back to the restaurant. Luckily the staff found it, and were going to chase us but in the rain they couldn't find us. Phew! You could see the relief on his face.
We managed a park outside the Ironbridge bridge and were able to get some good photos, even though it was pouring with rain.
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| Must get a good night's sleep here! Note the iron kerbing put down for a visit from Prince Charles 1979 |
Any wonder this is a World Heritage Site, and filled with visitors. We then proceeded to the RAF Museum.
I didn't go but re-arranged our clothing and the car. Had to revert to the warmer clothes after 3 days last week which were around 21 degrees.
He enjoyed the displays and could have spent half a day there. We have found this with everything that we have been to. Living here, with things so close, you probably would live forever and never get to see everything on offer. Umm, still thinking of Broadway, but I mightn't be eligible to live here if Scotland succeed in their referendum!
Back home and our hosts provided afternoon tea, again! Then off to Little Stretton to meet with Jillett cousin Doug Hines and his wife Ros. This time we drove through Telford, and as I had said learnt that it certainly is not a small village, rather a new town. Huge buildings every where. We scouted around Shrewsbury and headed for Little Stretton, amongst a huge rain depression.
The drive took us past the Shropshire Hills. And yes, we can understand why Thomas Shone related to them when he took up his lot in Back River in Tasmania. These are probably higher, but beautiful with sheep dotted about, but unfortunately nowhere to stop and take a photo.
The pub we were eating at was very old. In an old town, and obviously very popular. The menu was equivalent to 5 star dining, with a pub price. Good choice and any wonder it wins awards.
We had a most enjoyable evening, Doug is from John Jillett's line. I haven't worked out the relationship but probably 3rd or 4th cousins.
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Isn't that beautiful, wisteria all in bloom, and a good looking statue in the front!
This whole place reminds me of Tasmania, and I love that place, and it is probably why Doug is very settled here, but perhaps Ros is the reason, she is English! Thanks for a lovely night.
We got home around 10.30 and felt like we were breaking the curfew! Sneaking in after everyone had retired for the night. Not used to late nights here, we are usually home early so I can update my blogs! But bring on Ireland, cause I might be a bit late in writing then!
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