News & Views

2 December 2009

Ever thought it was a good idea to use an environmentally friendly paint? Don't. We used Nutshell paint, whose price is clearly intended to punish those foolish enough to buy it. Looks lovely, but, if you leave the window open and some rain catches it, it immediately absorbs the moisture and once it dries, you find a little pile of powder on the floor. Not the best of paints, you might think, for a bathroom. And that's why I redecorated with something a bit more resilient. Drawback 2 of Nutshell Paints: as the surface is unstable, you can't paint over it. So, I had to rub it all off - and the house was filled with dust. Halfway though, a friend called, took one look at my white face, roared with laughter and said I would go down well at a Hallowe'en party.

Got a good supply of logs in from Dave the Logs, who inhabits a moral grey area south of Evesham. Not only was the load  smaller than before, but his response to my "Sorry, I haven't any change," was to pocket the money and walk off. I reiterated: "I didn't have £55, only £60. Have you got change?"  He stops in mid walk, shakes his head, bends at the knee and laughs uproariously. He continues walking away. Embarrassed, but obstinate, I persist with: "Well, put in some extra logs next time."  "No problem." Do you agree that anyone who says that is beefing up their own image at the expense of yours? Anyone got a suggestion on how not to be rooked by people who make a living that bypasses Revenue and Customs?

November 2009

OK. We admit defeat. We love our chaise longue - me, in particular, because I would lounge on it, listening to music with a bowl of salted almonds and a glass of something restorative within reach. But some of our guests (who presumably have not been together as long as we have) have said they would prefer somewhere to cuddle up on.  Odd, don't you think? So, I pursued a pretty little two-seater settee on Ebay that had previously featured in a wedding shop. It's now in situ, complete with a handmade patchwork throw and comfy cushions. And, yes, it is very comfortable, but we stand by our affection for the chaise longue, which is now back home in Devon - complete with easy access to (please supply the missing words).

21 October 2009

Lantern Cottage is featured in the November issue of Period House. To download a copy, press here: Period House Article.

Friday 4 September 2009

We saw a terrific production of The Winter's Tale at the Courtyard (RSC). In-the-round stagings always increase intimacy, and it worked beautifully here, particularly in the first half, where you could see Leontes' jealously swiftly taking over his features and body. Appalling and convincing. The second half, with its change to a country setting with its fairy-tale happy ending provided an almost perfect antidote. The comic scenes - sometimes hard to carry off in Shakespeare - were genuinely funny, though Perdita was a little weak. That aside, it all gelled, with the simple and effective scenery and props proving particularly effective in the first half. Won't specify, as this could reduce the impact, but it will make you start.

Those of you who don't know the play, be reassured that RSC actors are highly skilled at illustrating the meaning of tricky passages. Those of you who do know the play might like to know that the most extraordinary stage directions in the Shakespeare canon - 'Exit pursed by a bear.' - were imaginatively followed. And the statue scene? Well, no one would believe the living, breathing Hermione was a statue in this production, but it was immensely moving. I cried. 

Tuesday 25 August & Thursday 27 August

Up for a few days, we took the opportunity to go up a dress (or trouser) size with the help of afternoon tea. We had both heard of Juri's in Winchcombe (www.juris-tearoom.co.uk), which was featured in one of the  Saturday Independent's The 50 Best . . . and has won two awards, including a national Tea Council one. Well, it was enjoyable, but not the best I've come across. The range of teas was impressive, the cakes were good and baked on the premises, but the lunches were bland with salads spoiled by the ubiquitous tasteless, crisp tomato. It is certainly, though, a local mecca, so much so that, if the tables are full, they pull down the blind and tell people quite politely to wait. If you think that's not quite English, it might be because the owners are Japanese, entranced by English culture and cooking (Juri is Cordon Bleu trained), but combining English manners with Japanese regard for what is proper. It certainly appeals to tourists as much as to locals: I have never seen so many Japanese families in one spot outside London.

Two days later, we went to Chipping Campden to browse the antique shops and hit upon another tea shop at lunchtime. This one called Bantam's (www.bantamtea-rooms.co.uk) is in the high street opposite the covered market hall. Unlike Juri's, it does good simple lunches: Phil had an organic beef burger and I had carrot and coriander soup with a side salad and a freshly baked scone. Both good, and the cakes were absolutely superb, particularly a huge chocolate confection covered with tuiles of dark and white chocolate. It's better laid out than Juri's and a better atmosphere, attracting people whose conversations you are happy to eavesdrop (one of the many pleasures of eating out). Not such an impressive range of teas, but they stocked the one we liked. So, that was OK then.

Friday 21 August 2009

Lantern Cottage was featured on the front cover of Period House (September, 2009). If you would like a pdf, just email us at sue@churchill-associates.co.uk. There will be an article plus lots of pics in the October issue.