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...
Majestic Madeira – Funchal
“He’s not going to make it.” I nudged Mr Word Loft in the ribs as I referred to the pilot attempting to land our aeroplane, affected by the Trade Winds. We had been circling above...
Summer Reading
I’m thrilled to have ‘To Catch a Thief’, published in this week’s The People’s Friend. I love the illustration by Jim Dewar so much; it captures the spirit of the story perfectly.
From St Ive to Africa
Intrigued by a leaflet’s content, I picked it up. It advertised The Story of Emily experience, honouring the 19th-century welfare campaigner and humanitarian’s life. The interactive museum is set in the village of St Ive,...