Jack in the Green: a Cotswolds TR
Jul 20th, 2023, 09:16 PM
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,533
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Want to thank BB, ANUJ, HaggisKaren, Geetika, TDude and Kleeblatt for joining the good ship Zebec again.
It was asked 'how often do these above events occur?' The Olympiks and their immediate day after follow-up Scuttlebrook Wake are annual. Covid cancel a year or two of that and the feel of the village to finally have it happen was palpable.
It was also asked 'how far we got?'
Our itinerary is back on page one. We actually did (that word) London after the Cotswolds.
I hear flowers calling...
It was asked 'how often do these above events occur?' The Olympiks and their immediate day after follow-up Scuttlebrook Wake are annual. Covid cancel a year or two of that and the feel of the village to finally have it happen was palpable.
It was also asked 'how far we got?'
Our itinerary is back on page one. We actually did (that word) London after the Cotswolds.
I hear flowers calling...
Jul 20th, 2023, 10:13 PM
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,533
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is a region rich in gardens. World-class ones. Above, a friendly staffer at Kiftsgate garden. Its location is directly across the road from the more well-known Hidcote. It is also located on the edge of the Cotswolds Escarpment. There were more tour buses at Hidcote. Kiftsgate had but one.
As the rainclouds approached, that tour bus took off. For the final 90 minutes til closing, we literally had the tranquil place to ourselves.
We enjoyed Kiftsgate but were disappointed to learn that their namesake Kiftsgate Rose (Britain's largest) was out-of-season. This garden has been created and run by 3 generations of women gardeners.
We agree with those who view such gardens as therapeutic.
Kiftsgate had a modest cafe and a modester gift shop. Shoots and plants were for sale out front.
Never trust anyone who does not enjoy flowers.
The decor touches were tasteful.
A friendly staffer at Hidcote. Pundits comparing the pair of gardens sometimes pose Hidcote as the more commercial, touristy one, with Kiftsgate claimed to be the cooler underdog or 'number two tries harder'. Not true in our experience. Both gardens were marvels, with their well-cared-for trees, shrubs, flowers, pools, borders, vistas, greenways, gazebos, pavilions, secrets and cafes. Note the sense of humour above: she wears a witch hat.
Hidcote is a National trust Grade 1 listed garden. American Major Lawrence Johnstone created this 11 acre wonder. Seen to the left is his manor, open to tour. His old antique radio was playing music, which was a deliberate ploy to add period-appropriate audio to the atmosphere.
The Glass House. Both gardens scored top marks for variety and also harmony. There was always something interesting to see. That included great views from Hidcote's edge out to the Malvern Hills.
At Hidcote, we lay on the lawn beneath a massive holm oak. And this pavilion was a convenient shelter for all of us visitors during a brief rain shower. It was interesting to see how different tourists behaved towards one another squashed in there, after hours of assiduously trying to avoid any eye contact with each other onsite!
It was touching to see how well his three older siblings looked after 8 yr. old Noah. Noah was hearing impaired and his mom never let him out of her sight. When she needed a break, her teen kids took over. All of that English family were intrigued by the water lilies, as were we.
As I snapped this one, a retired NY couple saw my *Cameron-brand monopod and said that I must be a 'serious professional'. I chuckled and set them straight that I was not. They were friendly, unlike the unshy Florida gal who'd earlier seen me lining up puddle-reflection shots. "WHAT'R YA FOTOING?!" she'd thundered. After I'd explained, she'd added her final judgement:"WELL THURZ NUTHIN' THERE NOW!!" Actually, there were in fact puddles everywhere. (*get it? camera-on)
The gift shop PA was playing the Beatles early hit 'Please Please Me'. I put on a pretend stern face and muttered to the young cashier, "Hmmph! They'll never make it!"
We'd also gone for a brief visit to nearby village Hidcote Bartrim. It had horses, haypiles and much Cotswolds rural beauty. **Next: our traditional Quiz then Cotswold House.
Last edited by zebec; Jul 20th, 2023 at 10:18 PM.
Jul 22nd, 2023, 10:51 AM
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,533
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
COTSWOLDS QUIZ
1) Which UK celeb left their original Cotswolds cafe job in haste after being caught in an affair with the owner's wife?
(circle correct answer)
a) Pierce Brosnan b) Gordon Ramsay c) Piers Morgan d) Jimmy Saville
2) Which of the above UK celebs once dated Mrs Zebec's friend Becky back before he received dental attention?
(underline correct answer)
3) Which word or phrase does not belong?
(scoop it out with your gardening trowel)
a) David Austen b) Kiftsgate c) Lady of Shallot d) Purple Beech
4) 'Yubberton' is a derogatory term meant to belittle which Cotswolds village?
(circle with your pitchfork)
a) Fodorstone b) Scarborough c) Stow-on-the-Wold d) Ebrington
5) At which store will you pay the most for the exact same allotment of Cotswolds tomatoes?
(point with your diamond-encrusted cigarette-holder)
a) Harrods b) Tesco c) Sainsbury d) M&S
6) A 'Nigel' is:
a) a scholarly person b) a soft-spoken gent even after several ciders c) the former drummer for 'Slade' d) a stereotypical dickhead whose treatment of others makes them less then popular
7) Vanity license plates in the Cotswolds cost:
*prices in pounds
a) 40 b) 400 c) they are free d) 30,000
8) Finally, which animal is a protected species in the Cotswolds?
a) rabbits b) hares c) octopus d) non-rabbits
BONUS
Zebec would never have known what a 'haha' is if not for the following Brit:
a) Monty Don
b) Monty the WWII General
c) Millicent Montgomery of Paxson
d) I.M. Gothlamm the black sheep
*Next up: Shakespeare
1) Which UK celeb left their original Cotswolds cafe job in haste after being caught in an affair with the owner's wife?
(circle correct answer)
a) Pierce Brosnan b) Gordon Ramsay c) Piers Morgan d) Jimmy Saville
2) Which of the above UK celebs once dated Mrs Zebec's friend Becky back before he received dental attention?
(underline correct answer)
3) Which word or phrase does not belong?
(scoop it out with your gardening trowel)
a) David Austen b) Kiftsgate c) Lady of Shallot d) Purple Beech
4) 'Yubberton' is a derogatory term meant to belittle which Cotswolds village?
(circle with your pitchfork)
a) Fodorstone b) Scarborough c) Stow-on-the-Wold d) Ebrington
5) At which store will you pay the most for the exact same allotment of Cotswolds tomatoes?
(point with your diamond-encrusted cigarette-holder)
a) Harrods b) Tesco c) Sainsbury d) M&S
6) A 'Nigel' is:
a) a scholarly person b) a soft-spoken gent even after several ciders c) the former drummer for 'Slade' d) a stereotypical dickhead whose treatment of others makes them less then popular
7) Vanity license plates in the Cotswolds cost:
*prices in pounds
a) 40 b) 400 c) they are free d) 30,000
8) Finally, which animal is a protected species in the Cotswolds?
a) rabbits b) hares c) octopus d) non-rabbits
BONUS
Zebec would never have known what a 'haha' is if not for the following Brit:
a) Monty Don
b) Monty the WWII General
c) Millicent Montgomery of Paxson
d) I.M. Gothlamm the black sheep
*Next up: Shakespeare
Last edited by zebec; Jul 22nd, 2023 at 10:57 AM.
Jul 22nd, 2023, 11:55 PM
#30
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,956
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What kind of camera did you use. Lot of zoomed in shots of people. These were strangers willing to pose for photos?
How close was the cottage to town center or where the shops and restaurants were? I'm going in September and I chose a place through booking.com which seemed to be close to everything but still offered parking, which seemed like an issue in some of these small towns.
I didn't want to walk at least a kilometer to everything but that wouldn't be so bad, if not for the unpredictable UK weather.
One reason I chose it was from watching the second season of Slow Horses, though I wanted to get out from London for this trip, spend some time in Bath and then into the Cotswolds.
How close was the cottage to town center or where the shops and restaurants were? I'm going in September and I chose a place through booking.com which seemed to be close to everything but still offered parking, which seemed like an issue in some of these small towns.
I didn't want to walk at least a kilometer to everything but that wouldn't be so bad, if not for the unpredictable UK weather.
One reason I chose it was from watching the second season of Slow Horses, though I wanted to get out from London for this trip, spend some time in Bath and then into the Cotswolds.
Jul 23rd, 2023, 01:55 AM
#31
a Nigel is just a nice posh wealthy problem with an interest in having fun. Comes from the "Archers" radio programme. Famous for dying by falling off the manor house's roof and taking 20 seconds to fall 20 feet as in "Nigel............................................ .........................."
"Piers Morgan" isn't a celeb
"Piers Morgan" isn't a celeb
Jul 23rd, 2023, 05:15 AM
#34
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 18,108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No doubt Monty Don explained a haha at some point on one of his programmes,
Vanity plates cost from 150 GBP up to a whopping 518,000 GBP. My brother and SIL had them on their cars. Now hers is with a niece and SIl drives his vanity plate since he is blind.
Ebrington is Yubberton (or Yabberton). Craft beer brewer of that name.
A Nigel is probably nowadays d - after Farage. Wash my mouth out a second time.
Vanity plates cost from 150 GBP up to a whopping 518,000 GBP. My brother and SIL had them on their cars. Now hers is with a niece and SIl drives his vanity plate since he is blind.
Ebrington is Yubberton (or Yabberton). Craft beer brewer of that name.
A Nigel is probably nowadays d - after Farage. Wash my mouth out a second time.
Jul 23rd, 2023, 07:26 AM
#36
Fabulous, zebec, fabulous! Dare I even say outstanding.
Coincidentally, it was 20 years ago this month that we based ourselves in CC for I think it was six nights. Sadly we had missed the Olimpick Games.
But it was always on the "places to return to" list. Although we haven't yet, thanks for bringing me there now!
I leave it to the experts to answer your quiz.
Coincidentally, it was 20 years ago this month that we based ourselves in CC for I think it was six nights. Sadly we had missed the Olimpick Games.
But it was always on the "places to return to" list. Although we haven't yet, thanks for bringing me there now!
I leave it to the experts to answer your quiz.
Jul 23rd, 2023, 08:49 AM
#37
Jul 24th, 2023, 02:09 PM
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,533
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Unusual Moments during our Cotswolds visit:
Whilst dining inside the Kiftsgate cafe, we heard an ongoing commotion. Down the hall, a 20ish young man was shouting. At first we couldn't quite discern his words, but as time passed we 'got it'. The shouter was an autistic young fellow who may or may not, have had the most unusual sense of humour. He evidently did not like his own name and kept screaming, "Emma. Emma! I WANT THE NAME 'EMMA'! I WANT THE FUCKING NAME 'EMMA!!' "
The second unusual moment actually dovetail's with SCRB's above cottage queries. *Scrb, I'm here to help. May I ask your cottage name or just the rough location? I still have a pretty clear remembrance of the various lodgings in town and would be happy to remark on proximity---closeness was a paramount consideration for us. So the second moment...
We rented a very nice cottage, a splurge so close to one of the delis that it took less than a minute to walk there. But upon our return to Toronto, we were stunned to receive an email from the rental agency informing us that Mrs Z and I had just been rated poorly as renters by our CC landlady. Her main concerns, never communicated to us during our stay, apparently had been 'cleanliness and following house rules'. My wife's immediate reaction was, "She must have us confused with another couple renting one of her other properties'. Mrs Z and I are borderline obsessives when it comes to keeping things clean and respecting house rules too. Understand, we lose little sleep worrying about what others' star-ratings have been about us in any walk of life. Its just that one never knows whether a future landlord might check that rating and make excuses to not give us their rental. Luckily for us, every single one of our previous landlords across the globe had given us 5 stars as renters. Unluckily for us, that landlady's poor rating was made known to us on the day of my dad's death. That felt unseemly, in addition to being simply untrue.
Please don't ask us about that cottage. For the first time, we will not be recommending our rental property, given that landlady's odd attitude. I refuse to breathe one more breath into that balloon. *Those who've read the recent Lounge post about country singer Miranda Lambert and her incident: she looks a lot like her.
Whilst dining inside the Kiftsgate cafe, we heard an ongoing commotion. Down the hall, a 20ish young man was shouting. At first we couldn't quite discern his words, but as time passed we 'got it'. The shouter was an autistic young fellow who may or may not, have had the most unusual sense of humour. He evidently did not like his own name and kept screaming, "Emma. Emma! I WANT THE NAME 'EMMA'! I WANT THE FUCKING NAME 'EMMA!!' "
The second unusual moment actually dovetail's with SCRB's above cottage queries. *Scrb, I'm here to help. May I ask your cottage name or just the rough location? I still have a pretty clear remembrance of the various lodgings in town and would be happy to remark on proximity---closeness was a paramount consideration for us. So the second moment...
We rented a very nice cottage, a splurge so close to one of the delis that it took less than a minute to walk there. But upon our return to Toronto, we were stunned to receive an email from the rental agency informing us that Mrs Z and I had just been rated poorly as renters by our CC landlady. Her main concerns, never communicated to us during our stay, apparently had been 'cleanliness and following house rules'. My wife's immediate reaction was, "She must have us confused with another couple renting one of her other properties'. Mrs Z and I are borderline obsessives when it comes to keeping things clean and respecting house rules too. Understand, we lose little sleep worrying about what others' star-ratings have been about us in any walk of life. Its just that one never knows whether a future landlord might check that rating and make excuses to not give us their rental. Luckily for us, every single one of our previous landlords across the globe had given us 5 stars as renters. Unluckily for us, that landlady's poor rating was made known to us on the day of my dad's death. That felt unseemly, in addition to being simply untrue.
Please don't ask us about that cottage. For the first time, we will not be recommending our rental property, given that landlady's odd attitude. I refuse to breathe one more breath into that balloon. *Those who've read the recent Lounge post about country singer Miranda Lambert and her incident: she looks a lot like her.
Jul 24th, 2023, 03:51 PM
#40
Zebec- You pictures have brought back so many memories of our time there in 2022. In fact, we were probably in the same delicious deli’s shopping. I didn’t realize we would be there at the same time. What a coinkydink.
