When we awoke we found that the weather was wet so we decided to visit the Royal Signals Museum. The museum is situated within Blandford Forum military camp meaning we had to sign in and show photo ID. I was signed in by a former Gurkha who gave me precise details for getting to the museum and about what to do with the temporary passes when we left. He then helpfully advised that photography was allowed inside the museum (but not outside) without me having to ask.
The museum is excellent. It tells the story of military communications from semaphore to cyber. We had a cup of NAAFI tea before leaving the museum and depositing our temporary passes in the designated place.
As we headed into Blandford for lunch at The Georgian Tea Rooms the weather improved. I chose Dorset Apple Cake for lunch because I had not seen it available anywhere we had previously eaten. Afterwards Mr C visited a nearby second hand bookshop. Whilst he was browsing I noticed a book; “The RSPB Guide to Birdsong With CD” which I couldn’t resist buying. I have been enjoying the birdsong in my garden recently and have not been able to identify the birds from their songs so the CD will help (I hope). Mr C came away with another two military books to add to his collection.
Next port of call was an English Heritage property called Fiddleford Manor. It was very interesting but rather brief so we had time on our hands.
We opted to visit Sherborne Old Castle which had a lovely atmosphere and is an idyllic setting above the New Castle. As we were leaving, we got chatting to the member of staff manning the kiosk and he told us of other English Heritage properties nearby, one of which was Farley Hungerford Castle. I mentioned that, when we had visited there many years ago, I had felt a presence (not unpleasant) as I walked down into the chapel. To which he replied ‘yes there is’ and proceeded to tell me of (orb activity) that he had witnessed over the tombs when he worked there. Going on to say that the orbs acted differently, sometimes more animated depending on the visitor (captured on CCTV). He also advised that several people had witnessed a ghost dressed in black. Things that make you go “Hmmm”…
We returned to the hotel but, before chilling out, I went for a brief walk into town which upped my step count for the day. We dined in The Green for a second time and found it rather quiet for a Friday evening. The waiter advised that we should visit the Cross Keys for a drink as it had re-opened that day after being closed for a while. I thought it had a nice atmosphere but Mr C wasn’t so keen he would rather have been in a traditional pub.
You got me at “photography was allowed inside the museum (but not outside).” Usually it’s the other way around, isn’t it!
We were entering a military base. I know that photographs are not allowed inside a military base, but most people would not realise that.
I had wondered if photographs would be allowed in the museum because it was on a military base. In the NAAFI cafe were serving military personnel and no restrictions of photography there or of them. I thought that perhaps was an oversite…
It’s always good to have a back-up plan in case it rains. I’m glad it brightened up a bit later on though. I’ve never been but it looks like a lovely area to visit.
Sherborne and Dorset are well worth a visit
You had some great time there. I smiled at the man who agreed with you that there is a presence… in England I often feel “something” and often when I ask…. I am right.
It does not scare me, I often talk to “it” ….
In some of the places I have been I have felt an unpleasant presence and haven’t been able to stay in the area where I felt it.
I always enjoy the feel of a friendly presence
It sounds like a lovely day and you visited some great places Dorset Apple Cake sounds scrumptious – we all love it here and I have found a great recipe on BBC Good Food website and make it sometimes at home So interesting to read of the “orbs” – some places definitely do have “atmospheres”.
It was a lovely day It was my first taste ever of Dorset Apple Cake and yes it was delicious
I was fascinated by what he told me. I still remember what I felt when I was there
Ooh, it’s looking a bit chilly!
It was quite warm I didn’t need a coat just an umbrella
How strange…
I was reading this artible about the new £50 note from BBC yesterday.
Alan Turing went to school in Sherborne!?
Did you know that?
I had read about Alan Turing being featured on the £50 note. I already knew about how badly he was treated but I didn’t know that he went to school in Sherborne!
I am getting around to writing ‘Day Seven’. I have been busy and also keep getting distracted by my 1000 mile walking challenge
you are a wonderful photo journalist Cherie… there is so much to see and the tea rooms sound like a fine place to take a break until the rain stopped….peter:)
Thank you Peter
The tea rooms were lovely
another nice post, CP. i really liked your first shot, it came just about perfect, in my opinion.
Thank you
I rather like my last shot too
First time visiting your blog. The Fiddleford Manor looks interesting!
Thanks for visiting and saying hello