Herefordshire 2023 - November Visit - Part 3: Leominster

 

On the Thursday rain was forecast but it was actually dry, if cloudy, all day.

We've moved the birdbath to the border under the hawthorn hedge so we can see it from the kitchen window.

We've put the sundial where the birdbath was at the side of the caravan.  The pot isn't as tall as I would have liked a plinth to be but at least we have somewhere to put the sundial itself.

View from the window by the table. 

D and I had talked of going to the Hop Pocket Shopping Village on the Thursday and I was hoping to stop off too at Bishop's Frome church but B wanted some things from Leominster so Leominster it was!  Sorry the posts this visit are all a bit samey and I know I post about Tenbury Wells and Leominster a lot!

As with other market towns in the area Leominster is blessed with a good selection of independent shops.  This stationer's is one of D and I's favourites.

This is the little art gallery where B bought my 70th birthday painting last year - some of you may remember it.

I spent a fortune in Rossiters bookshop.  Some presents but I have to admit a few sneaky items for me too!  I've found another print of a British Rail poster of Herefordshire - this time featuring a view of Weobley village.  I also bought a recently published book comprising The Shropshire Lad by A E Houseman illustrated with photos of Shropshire.

A yet to be decorated Christmas Tree in the market square.

We stopped off at B and Q and went a walk along the River Kenwater which was very high.

All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera. (I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone wishes to use one or one of my son's I would be grateful for an email first - thanks).

Herefordshire 2023 - November Visit - Part 2: Tenbury Wells and Burford House Garden Centre

 

B is still looking for a plinth for his sundial so on the Wednesday we went and had a look around Tenbury Wells and then onto Burford House Garden Centre.

An impressive looking boot scraper on a doorstep.

There were sandbags piled high everywhere - I know the River Teme there is very prone to flooding.

We went to have a look round the small antique centre we visited last time - it has the most amazing selection of objects!  Sorry Christmas is rearing its head again!

A rusty iron bedstead anyone?

A Green Man :)

I felt so sorry for this teddy bear languishing on the shelf - but a purchase would no doubt have put Timothy's nose out of joint!

We bought some cheeses from The Smiling Goat - somewhat expensive but they have a super collection and even had some Perl Las! The most delicious cheese ever!

The Spa and Pump House

Then onto Burford House Garden Centre

I have really missed visiting the gardens here - B hasn't been keen since they started to charge. I have decided that next year I am going to  buy an annual pass - at £15 as a concession I think its a bargain. To be honest I am surprised the gardens were free to visit for so long - they really are lovely and the volunteers do an amazing job of keeping them looking wonderful.

I know I said I don't "do" Christmas before December but it was hard to miss the displays at the nursery!

I've did a double take on these things! - perhaps the present for someone who has everything!

Callicarpa - I can really recommend this shrub - Blackcaps love the berries!  

EEK!  Not my idea of a garden ornament!

But I would love one of these - a Gryphon I think.

B did eventually find something he could use as a sundial plinth - a stone plant pot which turned upside down would be ideal.  If we ever find anything better then the pot could be used as a planter.  I'll show a photo in the next post.

All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera. (I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone ever wishes to use one I would be grateful for an email first - thanks).