Bolsover Castle Bowls Us Over

Last Sunday we stormed a castle I say stormed in the loosest sense of course , when I am in Derby or a even busier place such as London. I am all the more appreciative of the green , tranquil lush countryside that surrounds me and the further I go into it the more relaxed I become. Its wonderful to connect as a family and the castle I mentioned storming was Bolsover Castle.

No matter how many times you visit a place there is always wonderment and trepidation I like to go with the mindset I am the first person to ever see the place I am visiting.

Now I live to take pictures to capture my world in a myriad of colours.

Octagonal Lantern 

The lantern is an unusual, octagonal room beneath the central turret of the Little Castle.  The turret is circled with windows that allow light to spill down into the centre of the upper floor.

The plaster of the central area has a golden tint that gives the light in the lantern a summery quality.  This area would probably been the centre of much of the activity in this are of the castle due to this lightness.

Bolsover Castle The Lantern

This was taken completely without any filters added or any photographic trickery.

I've been to Bolsover with school before and the attention to detail by the English Heritage staff is second to none, and the children are enthralled and their minds are switched on on many a educational and creative level.

Bolsover castle is a great place for all the family to visit its interest spans the generations, you can bring a picnic and eat in the grounds or eat at the cafe that's is reasonably priced.  There is also a gift shop where you can kit your children out as nights , princess and princess also the adults can stock some very scrumptious jams, compotes  ales and wines.

There is plenty for the family to do explore the castle, play with the interactive displays , take part in the events that are often put on at the castle like Knights jousting displays taking you back to days of chivalry.

Bolover Castle has panoramic views over the vale of Scarsdale I think of no better way to spend the day soaking up the ambiance and history of my surroundings.

Bolsover castle grounds also has the rudest fountain in England without a doubt!!

Yes its a fortified house but I 'm not going to let on are you ? and in the time that it was built it was a fortfied house !! and anyways isn't an "Englishman's home is his castle"!?

Disclosure ( I was sent a pass for the purpose of this visit)

NMEH2013

Silent Sunday July 13

The Humble Poppy

On my rambles around where I live I came across the humble Poppy , which is not so humble in my opinions it encapsulates  a human sadness of the First World War. So when I see a Poppy I think of those like my great grandad who make a sacrifice for our freedom.

I love wandering through the fields.

I love the wind blowing the corn this way and that, I hear the rustle as the corn bends.

Nature does this.

Life ripples in time I like to think .

A solitary moment.

Things are not always the same just like the billowing clouds in the sky.

Play Matters Helps If You Have A Playground

Well strolling through my local park I noticed an absence of something it wasn't the dog walkers , it was the happy noise of the  laughter of children  that was missing that makes me sad as play matters. I agree our play equipment is a little tired , but it looked otherwise safe. And I certainly wasn't aware of of any notices saying it was unsafe, perhaps it will get updated one day. Yes where I live may be a suburban area tickling the countryside but that doesn't mean the play area should be shut.

No child / adult is past a play ground nowadays especially with these new fangled fitness/ play areas springing up. Now the rather tame death slide as you can see had a rather beautiful breathtaking view I love views like that.

Its a crying shame when children have no where to play....

Hand on Heart The Royal Collection

The royal baby is nearly here if you hadn't noticed you 'd have thought that a baby had never arrived before. The birth of a birth is a unique and special event that is marked by countless teddy bears, tots, rattles flowers. But it is always nice to give a gift that last one that marks the momentous occasion of a much cherished baby.

Hand on Heart Jewellery launches ‘The Royal Collection’

In anticipation of the Royal baby due in July, (Hand On Heart Jewellery) has launched its brand new Royal Collection.  A stunning array of beautiful baby-related gifts fit for a Prince or Princess – ideal for Birthdays and christenings, baby showers and as commemorative keepsakes in celebration of the Royal birth.

Items include a gorgeous key ring complete with a crown emblem, in ‘pastel pink’ or ‘powder blue’ with baby name, weight and date, on a lovely silver key chain.  The key ring is also available in pure white with ‘postage stamp-style’ emblem, Princess ‘name’ and year.

Stunning silver cuff links with baby name and silhouette baby face (in the style of the traditional ‘coin’ and year.

About Hand on Heart Jewellery 

Hand on Heart Jewellery is the UK’s premier hand print jewellery company.  Its talented team create and design a range of high quality, handcrafted, silver jewellery using the unique detail of a loved ones’ ‘true’ hand, foot or paw print.  Using a no-mess, ink less print technique, individual prints are taken quickly and easily and then used to handcraft jewellery that is finished to an extremely high standard (and without the intervention of machinery).  A stunning range of Pandora-style beads, bracelets, charms, necklaces, cuff links, key rings, and more, can be transformed into a beautiful keepsake to treasure.  Prints can be taken from babies, children, adults and pets – no hand, foot or paw is too big.

So  there you have it exquisite gifts to suit every budget I especially like the necklace with the babies precious footprint imprinted onto the silver.

Disclosure ( I was not told what to write. I received one of their postage keyring which retails at £15)