I had a successful couple of hours in Plymouth’s Waterstones browsing and buying. I’m writing a new story and the purchases are ideal for accurate information about World War Two, but I need others with photographs about the social history in and around London of that period. My book search led me to the Barbican where there are secondhand bookshops, one of which has an extensive selection. After searching numerous muddled and crammed shelves with the familiar smell of old paper, we gave up for the day.

Just as well to have a gander while here, Mr Word Loft and I agreed. It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve visited the historical port, there is always something different to explore.

We started with the mural by the South West’s celebrated artist Robert Lenkiewicz, a well-known figure in the vicinity who died in 2002. Sadly, the art is in a bad state and needs renovation, but the fading Elizabethan theme was splendid when completed in the early 1970s. Then its hues were rich and similar to those used on the Round Room Mural at Port Eliot in the village where we live.

The British and American flags flutter over the columned portico commemorating the Pilgrim’s journey to New England on the Mayflower. The adventure started from the steps beyond, when just over one hundred passengers set sail to America in 1620.

Several events throughout Plymouth had been planned for the four hundredth anniversary of the voyage but were scuppered by Covid. It was moving to stand and gaze out at sea imagining how it must have felt for those dreaming of a better life and sailing into the unknown with high hopes.

I wonder what those travellers would make of the boats of today. The harbour is heaving with jostling vessels laid up for winter. A colourful and enthralling sight on a cold afternoon as we approached Boston Tea Party for hot drinks and iced sticky ginger cake. Mmmmmm …

Until next time,
Sue. X