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Cumbria Adventure: The Druid Circle, Old Farmhouse Pub/Restaurant, Holly Trinity Church & Millom Castle

By Adventures, Friends & Family, Happiness & Joy, PaganismNo Comments

Cumbria View Panorama

Cumbria View Panorama

Simon and I planned an adventure out in Cumbria to see The Druid Stone Circle and Millom Castle, both sites neither of us have visited before. We found the sites on The Modern Antiquarian.

While traipsing through a field looking for The Druid Stone Circle, we found this wonderful altar:

The Druid Circle - Altar

The Druid Circle – Altar
Me sat on the altar

Me sat on the altar

Then we saw the circle. The stones are smaller than the stones at Castlerigg but nonetheless beautiful:

The Druid Circle Cumbria

The Druid Circle Cumbria

(Note to Seekers of the Circle: After the cattle grid the circle is on the right.)

Simon at The Druid Circle Cumbria

Simon at The Druid Circle Cumbria
Me at The Druid Circle Cumbria

Me at The Druid Circle Cumbria

We had dinner at Old Farmhouse Pub/Restaurant near Ulverston. The atmosphere and food were both delightful:

Me Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant Sign

Me Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant Sign
Simon Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant

Simon Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant
Me Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant

Me Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant

Then we headed to Millom Castle:

Millom Castle Cumbria Sign

Millom Castle Cumbria Sign
Millom Castle Cumbria

Millom Castle Cumbria

We thought the entrance might be through the Holly Trinity Church. The church was a little gem of ancient architecture in it’s own right:

Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Gates

Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Gates
Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church

Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church
Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church

Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church

We quickly discovered that Millom Castle is in private ownership with no access to the public. This was a huge shame as from the photos you can see that it was an exquisite ruin:

Millom Castle Cumbria

Millom Castle Cumbria
Millom Castle Cumbria

Millom Castle Cumbria
Millom Castle Cumbria

Millom Castle Cumbria
Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Information Board

Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Information Board

The information board appeared uncared for but the Castle was not. The private owners had scaffolding up and were living in the castle. This indicates that the owners want to restore the Castle to it’s former glory. Let’s hope they do and then open the doors to the public.

We had a great day out, dubbed our Cumbria Adventure.

Write soon,

Antony



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Friday 17 May 2013

Good Times: May Bank Holiday Weekend

By Creativity, Friends & Family, Happiness & JoyNo Comments

Last weekend was the May Bank Holiday weekend. I didn’t have any plans; but good times came from spontaneity. The sun illuminated the days and brought with it a warmth that holds a promise of a good summer; either that or it was being a terrible tease. Still I decided that as well as doing some writing, I would use it as an opportunity to spend time with friends.

On Saturday Steve came round and we went out on a random adventure out for tea. We ended up in The White Crow. It looked like a local pub, for local people on the outside; but was a bustling family-run restaurant pub on the inside. The food was fresh and we devoured it as we caught up with one another.

The White Crow Napkin Steve Face Masks

Afterwards we headed to a local supermarket to pick up some treats for TV time. While shopping we spotted some face masks and decided to pamper ourselves. I bought a thermal face mask and a peeling one.

On Sunday I did some writing in the morning and finished off an article for The Gay UK. Steve and I went to my mum’s for Sunday dinner, which was delicious as always.

In the early evening, Steve, mum and I stood in the back garden catching the last rays of the sun when a stray cat climbed over the fence and into the garden. He strutted over to us and began meowing. I wanted to stroke and feed him but mum said that he might have fleas; so I decided against it. As I talked and tried to ignore the meows, the cat lifted up it’s front two paws onto my leg. Very cute. I freed my leg, looked at him and explained but I don’t think he got it.

On the Bank Holiday Monday afternoon Sye, some of his friends and I headed to one of our favourite pubs to enjoy the beer garden. We had something to eat then my literal animal magnetism kicked in again and I attracted a little bird. I honestly felt like Snow White in that scene where she talks to the birds.

Sye Watts Beer Garden Antony Simpson Beer Garden

Beer Garden Bird

Monday evening came, Sye and I caught up while I applied the peel-off face mask. I felt it get tighter and tighter on my face until I could barely speak. When it came to the peel-off it mostly came off in one piece, but I will still finding odd bits of it in odd places on Tuesday.


Antony Simpson Face Mask

Antony Simpson Face Mask Antony Simpson Face Mask

I had a brilliant May Bank Holiday weekend and I hope you had a great one too. It was fantastic to catch up with friends and family.

Take care,

Antony

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Saturday 11 May 2013

Me on TV – Live To The Nation!

By Education, Gigs & Shows, Life, PoliticalNo Comments

I got asked to be a Guest Speaker on the BBC Three’s Free Speech. Free Speech is formatted like Question Time; members of the audience ask questions to a panel of politicians or others involved in politics. Yesterday was the live broadcast to the Nation from Liverpool Hope University. I arrived a few hours before the broadcast with butterflies in my stomach and a buzz of excitement.

free-speech-06.03.13-A

I realised once the broadcast had started I realised my vibrant purple shirt made me stand out, more than I had intended to do so. I listened to the questions asked, answers from the panel and opinions of the audience members. The debate lived up when we came to my topic: drugs and alcohol.

free-speech-06.03.13-B

Rick Edwards (the Presenter) came to ask about my experience working in the field.

free-speech-06.03.13-C

I had been expecting to be introduced differently and to get two minutes of air time. But because the debate had been lively, I knew I had to cut it down. So I said my piece.

free-speech-06.03.13-D

free-speech-06.03.13-E

This video clip is what I said:

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It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I learnt so much about the TV World. I think I looked good, sounded OK and did well considering it was my first time. If a simliar opportunity comes along in the future, at least I’d be less nervous as I now have some experience. I would like to thank everyone who encouraged me to do it as well as two special ladies for their expertise and advice (they know who they are!).

If you are a UK resident and want to watch the whole Episode you can for the next seven days on the BBC iplayer: Free Speech – Episode 11. You can also get involved with the debate on Facebook or Twitter.

Obligatory Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this blog are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer or any other associated company/organisation.

Blog soon,

Antony

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Thursday 7 March 2013
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