Sara Tomlinson Designs

Sunday, 13 August 2023

First time in Oxford

So even though I have lived near Oxford for over 30 years I have never visited.

So yesterday was a brilliant treat.

Exploring such a fascinating city was so much fun. I'm not normally a fan of cities, I don't like the crowds and the built up space.

But like Norwich I found it such a great place. The buildings are stunning. I have never seen (except London) such a huge mix of nationalities.

The fact that so many academics come to study and goodness there are so many different areas of study. From music to science and art it is just incredible.

I am also a big fan of Inspector Morse. Inspector Morse embodies cultured, upper-middle-class Britishness, and enjoys the finer things in life - good beer, vintage cars, fine opera. He and his trusty companion, Detective Sergeant Lewis, solve the crimes that plague the environs of University of Oxford. Although he's a brilliant detective, Morse is not infallible - and he's often pretty grumpy to boot. But he and Lewis tend to make sure the bad guys pay for their crimes

The series ran from 1987-2000 for a total of 33 episodes. So I am going to research some of the locations for a return trip.

But for now here was the adventure done on the first visit.

Knitting outside Christchurch College on the Broad Walk

This shop was disappointing it was VERY small but glad went to have a look, but just far too much commercial knick knacks for me

This is Pembroke College which is 400 years old.

A telephone box with different layouts of the Sylvanian Families.

It was a forgone conclusion that I'd visit the wool shop The Wool Hound to see James Makes Yarn.

Some of the other eclectic finds on the trip.

This is Lincoln College with almost 600 years of amazing history.

The streets are just such a mix of architecture.

We asking for tips I was recommended by two people that must visit Blackwells bookshop which has been selling books since 1879. It is the most amazing shop I have been in and if you get the chance it has to be on the visit list.

Finally with all the hype of the Barbie movie I just had to share these Crocs, but goodness they where heavy!

Monday, 7 August 2023

Walking for Maggies Centre

So in the month of August I am taking part in a charity walk for Maggie's Centres a fantastic resource for people who have either been through, or are going through Cancer Treatment.

The event requests that you walk 31 miles wiithin the month and as I walk a minimum of 50 miles a month anyway I have up'd the anty to 100 miles walking for the month.

Today I have raised £108 which is amazing, but obviously I would like to raise more for this incredible charity.

So this weekend for a change of scene I was joined by a good friend to do a walk in a place I have walked many many times.

Brean Down is owned by the National Trust and is a beautiful place to visit. The walk along the headland give some incredible views which I have shared with you.

As part of the charity walk we have been kindly given t-shirts to wear.

I loved how the flowers on the headland matched the t-shirt.

My friend was steaming ahead of me on the walk.

The views at the end are so worth the walk.

I just loved the details found in the fortress.

Can't beat just standing and taking in nature.

After a refreshing walk we stopped off at the cafe for some delicious lunch.

The beauty of the sea is the huge expanse of just openess.

So many rock pools to discover.

The beach has a tide that comes right in and then leaves such interesting finds behind.

We were so blessed with the weather, apart from a couple of small showers just look at that sky!

The area is part of King Charles III England Coast Path which aims to open up paths around England as close to the sea as possible.

This little bungalow was one my family stayed in twice which has great memories attatched to it. You could literally walk down straight on to the beach. Sadly they no longer rent it out.

As you walk along the beach a few properties, oh my goodness this Grand Design house called Sandmore has been built. On the ground floor was an incredible white grand piano!