Chance Encounter
“That’s where they sat.” My sister pointed to lawns edging Plymouth Hoe Promenade. I had strolled there often, been to the top of nearby Smeaton’s Tower, and written about the area, but had never noticed...
A New Lease of Life
The shabby little desk appeared sad in the corner of our local charity shop, and I knew someone who was the ideal size to sit at it. My six-year-old grandson. Instantly, I started to visualise...
Beach Life at Gyllyngvase
“I’ve been here before,” I said to my son, as we drove down a road dotted with palm trees and superb coastal views, and parked outside his new apartment. Mr Word Loft followed behind in...
Little Noel
It’s a splendid Christmas treat to see my short story, ‘Little Noel’, printed in The People’s Friend this week. It’s one I couldn’t resist writing and originated from a true family experience decades ago. I...
Counting the Days!
It’s like meeting old friends. After the boxes have been hauled from the loft and I start sifting through the ornaments, I exclaim with joy as favourites come to light. A few are handmade by...
Entrancing Trerice
Although smaller than the majority of National Trust properties, Trerice exudes magnificence, but on a reduced scale. The delightful Cornish Elizabethan manor house is enchanting to visit on a cold winter’s day with its open...
Music and Memories
“It’s upsetting, but we just can’t take them with us,” I said to Mr Word Loft when tidying out the loft because we are moving to a smaller place, and he agreed. Among heaps of...
Charming Olive Trees
Tidying fallen russet and golden leaves from around my potted olive tree was a wonderful reminder of summer holidays. Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Croatia instantly come to mind. Growing singular or in groves, olives are...
Charismatic Crantock
The coastal village of Crantock is signposted on the way to its neighbouring town of Newquay, a popular destination with my family. I had always wondered about the place when we sped by, but for...
A Seal Called Nelson
“I remember him!” I said gleefully to Mr Word Loft when we turned a corner of a coastal promenade heading out of West Looe, Cornwall. The statue of Nelson the Seal is a fond reminder...