Random thoughts and photos of my journey through life…
The North wing of Hartlebury Castle houses the Worcestershire County Museum. The museum displays the the story of Worcestershire and what life was like for people who lived there throughout the ages.
Although I am not Victorian, the Victorian school room captured my imagination. There were many familiar things from my own early schooldays.
6 Comments CherryPie on May 5th 2026
He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.
George Herbert
4 Comments CherryPie on May 3rd 2026
The land that Hartlebury sits on was granted to the Bishop of Worcester by King Burghred in the late 9th century, although the foundations of the building that now stands here is believed to date back to the 13th century. Since that time it has been a centre of ecclesiastical and administrative power in Worcestershire with its resident bishops involved in some of the major events of British history.
Hartlebury Castle tells the story of the bishops of a major see and their evolving role in English society, from political and military guardians of a frontier with Wales to active participants in political decision making in modern times. They number a pope (Clement VII) who played a key role in precipitating the establishment of the Church of England; Bishops Latimer and Hooper, Protestant martyrs of the Reformation; and Bishop Hurd, friend to King George III and creator of the Hurd Library.
When the Church of England put Hartlebury Castle up for sale in 2007 local villagers joined together to form a Trust to preserve the castle and its stories:
Hartlebury Castle stands as a timeless testament to over a millennium of history, bearing witness to the stories of 112 bishops and countless others who have called it home. From its origins as a Castle, to its varied roles as a manor house, prison, hospital, and sanctuary, Hartlebury Castle has endured the ages.
4 Comments CherryPie on May 2nd 2026
Mr C has recently retired and today, I managed to persuade him out of the house for a local walk around Apley Woods. After leaving the woods I led him back home taking the long way round. Although in a familiar place he wasn’t quite sure where he was until the local shops came into view. Then rather than take the direct route home he decided on the most scenic route home.
It is our intention to complete the Telford Coronation Walks but today wasn’t the day for one of those.
6 Comments CherryPie on Apr 29th 2026
Today we had lunch at The Granary, Weston Park. Lunch was ‘Gift Experience’ from Christmas 2024 and we had intended to use it on one of our holiday adventures last year. That didn’t quite work out so we chose somewhere local where we hadn’t dined before.
We waited until Mr C retired so that we could enjoy a leisurely lunch. As you can see the sun put its hat on to celebrate the occasion.
The dining experience was well worth the wait.
8 Comments CherryPie on Apr 27th 2026
6 Comments CherryPie on Apr 27th 2026
Mr C has recently retired and this was the first opportunity to explore what retirement is about. We were pottering around and catching up on certain household projects that required a trip to Shrewsbury.
Then, with all the time in the world, rather than lunching in Shrewsbury we took a leisurely drive through the countryside to Boscobel House. The food options in Boscobel’s café were mostly sweet rather than savoury, but the sun was out and the birds were singing; a perfect day for lingering outside in the sunshine.
We learned, from the lady who served us in the café, that the small pile of crumbs on our table had been left there on purpose to attract the birds. The tasty treat was obviously appreciated, a sparrow landed a few inches away from me assessing the possibility of a duck and dive crumb grab, only to be scared away by someone that had spotted the sparrow from the table next to ours.
After lunch we enjoyed the gardens with their lovely spring blooms. We couldn’t venture further afield because I was wearing ‘town shoes’! I always have at least one pair of walking shoes/boots (and socks) in my car. I need to get another pair to leave in Mr C’s car 
2 Comments CherryPie on Apr 23rd 2026
