Trelissick and the King Harry Ferry
After Storm Goretti swept through the Southwest, I was unhappy to hear that Trelissick was closed due to fallen trees and debris. It is one of my favourite Cornish National Trust properties. The weather had...
Up and Around Kit Hill
After a hectic few weeks, it was wonderful to exercise in the green outdoors. I’m passionate about Christmas and relish festivities with family and friends. But once the New Year has been celebrated, I’m eager...
Magical Mistletoe
Mistletoe might be my favourite word. It rolls off the tongue with a musical lilt and has connotations of mystique. Steeped in legend, it first came to my attention as a child, when there was...
Elf Encounters
“Come and see Elfie,” my grandson greeted me on arrival at my daughter’s flat a few Decembers ago. I was immediately taken to their lounge, fragranced with pine from the Christmas tree, and shown a...
Birmingham’s Enchanting Corner
Not a typical destination for a relaxing weekend break, but after visiting an exhibition on Saturday, we spent Sunday exploring the heart of Birmingham, enjoying it at a leisurely pace. I had stopped off at...
Funchal Favourites
“What an unusual harbourside venue,” I said to Mr Word Loft. One minute, we were ambling along watching a regatta, and the next, the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum came into sight. The world-famous footballer is our...
Madeira’s East
The varied landscapes of Madeira make it a superb holiday destination. There is much to see spread over its thirty-five by fourteen miles of terrain. And I soon discovered the east was my favoured part,...
Pumpkin Memories
I sent my pumpkin poem off a little while ago and had forgotten all about it, so it was lovely to have it published in the latest People’s Friend Special. What a wonderful reminder of...
Off in a Jeep
It was a thrilling and bracing trip. Our driver collected Mr Word Loft and me from our hotel to see the north-west of Madeira. ‘Inspired by Nature, True Spirit, Just Feel It’ was the jeep...
Fabulous Funchal
Yellow buses are the best way to see the city’s sights at a leisurely pace. “Take number one to Funchal centre and number two back.” Our holiday advisor’s words about local yellow buses stuck in...