Joan's Travels in the QCC World
On 23 April 2023 Bigsunflower posted an appeal on the Quick Crossword Forum.
Her mum was very poorly and she was looking for something that would bring her a moment of comfort.
Joan, her mum, has always enjoyed travelling and is an amazing photographer. As she couldn't travel we looked for a way in which the world would come to her. So, we asked contributors to the QC forum from all over the world to send a picture and a message to Joan.
Her mum was very poorly and she was looking for something that would bring her a moment of comfort.
Joan, her mum, has always enjoyed travelling and is an amazing photographer. As she couldn't travel we looked for a way in which the world would come to her. So, we asked contributors to the QC forum from all over the world to send a picture and a message to Joan.
From SRob66
Here is a photograph I took last week while out with my mum (aged 90) last week. I was driving down the A701 to Peebles which is a small town south of Edinburgh. It is a lovely wee place and the drive down is always delightful, no matter the weather. It was a beautiful Spring day, though could, and we were out spotting lambs. For my mum, who can't get out much now, it ws the first lambs she had seen this year. This photo was a very quick snap taken from my car (stopped at a layby) but the colours are so beautiful and I thought the image summed up 'Spring".
Here is a photograph I took last week while out with my mum (aged 90) last week. I was driving down the A701 to Peebles which is a small town south of Edinburgh. It is a lovely wee place and the drive down is always delightful, no matter the weather. It was a beautiful Spring day, though could, and we were out spotting lambs. For my mum, who can't get out much now, it ws the first lambs she had seen this year. This photo was a very quick snap taken from my car (stopped at a layby) but the colours are so beautiful and I thought the image summed up 'Spring".
From Cretansnakegoddess
"Random beauty in the rock - life will find a way' (Crete)
From SueB
Hello Joan!
Hope these cheerful Californian poppies against the background of the San Gabriel mountains near Pasadena California brighten your day - get well soon!
Best wishes from Sue B, Guardian Crossword fan from Pasadena
Hello Joan!
Hope these cheerful Californian poppies against the background of the San Gabriel mountains near Pasadena California brighten your day - get well soon!
Best wishes from Sue B, Guardian Crossword fan from Pasadena
From SpanishScot
Sunset over Debod's Temple, a real Egyptian temple in the middle of Madrid. One of my favourite spots in the city. Lots of love.
From MrsMatisse
Dear Joan, I love my holidays and this photo was taken last summer in the Muğla region of Turkey,west of Marmaris. I really enjoy the contrasting blues in this picture and it takes me back to the wonderful relaxing time we had. This hotel is set high above in a mountainous area and the view from the infinity pool is quite stunning. The hills behind are dark green with many pine trees and beehives are dotted about. The honey provides a special flavour to the baklava, and other pastries. I’m wishing I was back there now! Warm wishes to you from MrsMatisse.
From GailS
Hello , my name is Gail, I live in France and I like doing the Guardian quick crosswords. That's where I saw your message, I'm very fond of this photo of the Mawdach estuary, it's in North Wales, and I love the low evening tide and the way that the light catches the river.
I hope that you receive lots of interesting photos, it's a really good idea. Bravo !
From Susanhenna
Dear Joan
Chatsworth House and the surrounding park and estate are much visited. Maybe you have been there yourself. I love to see the effect of sunlight through trees, and took this shot on my phone late one afternoon last year while wandering round the parkland.
Sending you very best wishes, and hope you enjoy seeing our photos.
From Truthcounts
For Joan The first camelia of the year. With love from TC
From LondonBBG
Here’s a fox having a bit of a rest in my garden back in 2019 – in inner London, about 5 miles due south of Charing Cross!
From JanineC
Hello Joan. This is a pond in my favourite park in Melbourne, Australia. It's a huge park very close to the city. In the summer most of the grass in the park goes brown, but not this area as it has a recycled water system. It's a beautiful oasis that I frequently enjoy.
Best wishes, Janine.
From Redbunyip
Morning Joan ,
We’re getting ready for winter here (yes even in the mountains of Southern Queensland we have to fire up the log burner at night ).
This is a photo from my back porch at the sunset over Ravensbourne National Park .
The park is one of the few pockets of rainforest left in South East Queensland.
And to Bigsunflower , what a great idea , all the best RedBunyip .
From desconocido
From Feuille
Dear Joan
I'm sending you a photo of some spring flowers in our garden in London and an autumn view of one of my favourite trees that I look at from our living room windows. The mushroom was taken at a garden in Kent.
How lovely for you and your daughter to be able to look at photos from around the world. I do hope you like them and they spark good memories.
My mum's name was Joan, too.
(Click on photo to get full size)
Dear Joan
I'm sending you a photo of some spring flowers in our garden in London and an autumn view of one of my favourite trees that I look at from our living room windows. The mushroom was taken at a garden in Kent.
How lovely for you and your daughter to be able to look at photos from around the world. I do hope you like them and they spark good memories.
My mum's name was Joan, too.
(Click on photo to get full size)
From AnitaH
Dear Joan, I wanted to share my lovely tree fern with you. This was taken in the summer, it doesn't look like this now but hopefully will do soon as the weather gets warmer. Take care, Anita xx
From Deelfi
A magical, golden descent from a Scottish mountain ... Glencoe.
From Daisy
Spring blossom at Wisley. Photo by my daughter, best wishes to both for peace and Happy moments.
From MuncasterMonkey
For Bigsunflower's mum
From ChrissyK
Early morning on Kezar Lake in Maine. We could clearly hear the fishermen's voices carried across the water to us in the mist.
From FriedFish
Dear Joan,
I’ve lived in Gloucester for over twelve years and have walked along this street countless times.
Head down and blinkered past McDonald’s Golden Arches. At the beginning of this month I read the little blue plaque on the left of the building for the first time. Well I’m blowed!
Not much of a photo, more a conversation piece about all the things we filter out…
With very warm wishes from FriedFish.
(Click on photo to get full size)
From Coldaud
What a brilliant idea this is - and what wonderful contributions. I hope they bring joy and comfort.
This is called The Hammock in the Spring Garden, for obvious reasons. Taken yesterday.
With all best wishes and positive vibes, Coldaud and Eve
From ScottishElizabeth
Dear Joan
The photo of tulips was taken last week at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight on a glorious day.
The other photo of blossom was taken yesterday in Edinburgh on one of my walks. Just coming to peak blossom time here now.
I hope these photos cheer you.
Every best wish
(Click on photo to get full size)
From trickyquestion
Hi Joan,
I hope that you find this statue of a woman in a cocktail dress peering through a telescope as charming and puzzling as I do. It was taken yesterday in Santander, N.Spain.
From Manyani
Hello Bigsunflower
Following your recent request
Here are some snaps from lovely Sussex for your mum
All best wishes to you all
love
Paul Jackson aka Manyani
(Click on photo to get full size)
Hello Bigsunflower
Following your recent request
Here are some snaps from lovely Sussex for your mum
All best wishes to you all
love
Paul Jackson aka Manyani
(Click on photo to get full size)
From Comeonoaksey
Hi Joan and Bigsunflower.
What a wonderful thing to do for your Mum BSF, Bravo!!!
Now. I don’t claim to be anything more than a casual photo snapper but I do try to take a picture especially when Mother Nature presents something of beauty.
I have attached a couple of a beautiful sunrise form September last year when we visited Castelnau D’auzan in Gascogny France, I do hope that these bring you some joy.
All the very best to both of you.
Comeonoaksey (Graham)
(Click on photo to get full size)
Hi Joan and Bigsunflower.
What a wonderful thing to do for your Mum BSF, Bravo!!!
Now. I don’t claim to be anything more than a casual photo snapper but I do try to take a picture especially when Mother Nature presents something of beauty.
I have attached a couple of a beautiful sunrise form September last year when we visited Castelnau D’auzan in Gascogny France, I do hope that these bring you some joy.
All the very best to both of you.
Comeonoaksey (Graham)
(Click on photo to get full size)
From SarahF
I hope that this makes her smile.
All the very best,
Sarah and Yvon
(Click on photo to get full size)
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From Pherousa
Hello! I’m very new to the QCC, but I really love the chat, the music, the countless learning moments & even the wee squabbles! When I read Spanishscott’s posts about BigSunflower’s Mum after work & visited the page, I cried. There is so much genuine love & caring here. It’s beautiful & I’m so grateful that I love crosswords & found all of you. Thank you, Here is my contribution ... Hello Joan, Unlike you, I’m a total disaster at taking photos but occasionally I get lucky. These two photos were taken three hours apart in Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry, Ireland, during a visit back home for Easter, 2015, when the young ‘uns were much younger! The skies on the West coast of Ireland can change dramatically in a very short space of time & this was one of those days. Sending much love your way, Dee (aka Pherousa) xxx |
From Somelikeithot
Here's a photo from my kitchen sink window describing the end of the daffodils, the start of the narcissi and the new arrival of cattle in the field - having been undercover in a barn till now.
My photography isn't good (light!) but the orchid was a gift from a member of the QCC.
Here's a photo from my kitchen sink window describing the end of the daffodils, the start of the narcissi and the new arrival of cattle in the field - having been undercover in a barn till now.
My photography isn't good (light!) but the orchid was a gift from a member of the QCC.
From PhilipM
I am an anonymous regular to the QC, but happy to add a picture or two for Joan.
(Click on photo to get full size)
From FionaR
Living in The Netherlands windmills are a common sight.
This one is part of the Keukenhof gardens that are only open for a few weeks every year and all the more special for it.
From Encre Violette
Dear Joan,
I'm sending you a picture of the bluebells in my garden, because they make me smile.
My very best wishes to you and your family.
EV x
From Satanstango
It's that time of year when the Wisteria starts to blossom..this is from a couple of years back looking up from my partners flat.
Hope you like it sunflower and mum xx
From EestiGalinOz
Hello Joan,
Here’s a photo I took last week of a very pretty flowering gum situated in a nearby park. The tree itself is about 15 metres high and from down below you can hear a cacophony of birdsong coming from the canopy, mostly green lorikeets, native to where I live in south-eastern Australia. When you walk by the tree you can also hear the lovely rich low hum of bees who are equally attracted to the flowers. When the flowers fall from the tree, they make a very pretty pink carpet underneath! Sending all good wishes to you from Melbourne.
Warm regards,
EestiGal (in Oz!)
From Sarriette
Hello
I looked at the pictures and thought a bit of snow might help you feel
cosy. So a picture of the Montagne de Lure.
Bises, Sarriette
From MrsMatisse
Hello again Joan
I took this yesterday when I went to the Post Office in a neighbouring village. I imagine there are many of these about now in England. I’m not a royalist but it did make me smile. Hopefully it will amuse you too. MrsM
From Zeph
Dear Joan,
Please know that you are in our thoughts, and that we wish nothing but the best for you and yours. I hope the image attached may bring you some comfort.
Regards, Zeph
(Click on photo to get full size)
Dear Joan,
Please know that you are in our thoughts, and that we wish nothing but the best for you and yours. I hope the image attached may bring you some comfort.
Regards, Zeph
(Click on photo to get full size)
From ChrisS
I have just finished today's Guardian quickie and read your comment about your mum. As I was doing the crossword I took a photo of our magnolia tree in the garden at my home in mid Wales.
I hope she likes it.
Kind wishes to you both
Chris
From JaneR
Best wishes to your mother - a rangoli I made with my granddaughter for Diwali last year.
From Bill
Hello Bigsunflower,
I regularly do the Guardian crossword and am often amused by the comments section although I’ve never contributed.
Having read your comments about your Mum Joan, I felt compelled to send you this photo taken on the river Soar near Kegworth in N.W. Leicestershire.
Please give your Mum my best wishes.
From Blogwriter
Here is my contribution for Joan, with best wishes for comfort and joy.
BlogWriter (Anthony)
They are all from Thessaloniki, Greece. The first is a small lake outside the city, the second part of the Byzantine fortifications, and the third a small but beautifully preserved church of St Nicholas.
(Click on photo to get full size)
Here is my contribution for Joan, with best wishes for comfort and joy.
BlogWriter (Anthony)
They are all from Thessaloniki, Greece. The first is a small lake outside the city, the second part of the Byzantine fortifications, and the third a small but beautifully preserved church of St Nicholas.
(Click on photo to get full size)
From Silverword
We spent last weekend in the Cotswolds. The weather forecast was rain all day but as you can see the sun came out. Best wishes to you both.
From Springtimeflowers
Dear Joan
I thought you might like to see this photo of our amazing violas. They are in several planters up and down the steps leading to our back garden fence, and they receive a huge amount of sunshine there. Combined with all the rain we have here, followed by sunshine, they have bloomed and bloomed all through this last autumn, winter, and spring. This photo was taken around a week ago and they are still the same!
Their beautiful colours have gladdened us all through the gloomy dark days. I hope this photo gladdens you too, and I’m sending you our love and our very best wishes XX
Anna (aka Springtimeflowers) and Roger.”
From jgrchexgw
From one Joan to another.
Sunset over the water from a window in Fife, and sunset over the Jura from a window in Geneva.
With all good wishes.
(Click on photo to get full size)
From one Joan to another.
Sunset over the water from a window in Fife, and sunset over the Jura from a window in Geneva.
With all good wishes.
(Click on photo to get full size)
From SteveG
Sunset from our garden window taken in July 2022, in Central France.
From trickyquestion
Not a great photo, I’m afraid, but a beautiful courtyard in one of the Alhambra’s palaces.
From Satanstango
So here we have Banjo and Jemima the duck ,enjoying their retirement..seems todays glorious weather suits;)
Second shot is from our street in wonderful bloom .
Hope you enjoy this Joan
Satanstango x
(Click on photo to get full size)
So here we have Banjo and Jemima the duck ,enjoying their retirement..seems todays glorious weather suits;)
Second shot is from our street in wonderful bloom .
Hope you enjoy this Joan
Satanstango x
(Click on photo to get full size)
From Subernoj
I've attached 2 photos for the 'Jean' collection.
One is of a Sydney sunset, and the other is of a coastal view near to where I grew up.
(Click on photo to get full size)
From MoreTeaFather
Dear Joan,
I read ‘below the line’ In the Guardian that you are unwell: that must be very difficult and I do hope that you will soon be feeling better. I also read that you enjoy the beauty of nature. The spring this year has been a good one here in North Wales, and on a walk last week the verges were full of the most beautiful wild flowers- the early purple orchids were up, but there were still wood anemones and primroses out too. There were also a pair of goldfinches, some fat bumblebees and a comma butterfly. I have attached a couple of photos from that walk and hope that you might like them.
Sending you all best wishes,
Take care
Sarah (More Tea Father)
(Click on photo to get full size)
Dear Joan,
I read ‘below the line’ In the Guardian that you are unwell: that must be very difficult and I do hope that you will soon be feeling better. I also read that you enjoy the beauty of nature. The spring this year has been a good one here in North Wales, and on a walk last week the verges were full of the most beautiful wild flowers- the early purple orchids were up, but there were still wood anemones and primroses out too. There were also a pair of goldfinches, some fat bumblebees and a comma butterfly. I have attached a couple of photos from that walk and hope that you might like them.
Sending you all best wishes,
Take care
Sarah (More Tea Father)
(Click on photo to get full size)
From Feuilles
Feeding the birds today!
I wonder if Joan has any photos she’d like to share?
From Encre Violette
Here's a picture of the bonny apple blossom for Joan.
Sending very best wishes,
EV x
Here's a picture of the bonny apple blossom for Joan.
Sending very best wishes,
EV x
From Deelfi
A silvery estuary ...
My favourite local tarn ...
(Click on photo to get full size)
A silvery estuary ...
My favourite local tarn ...
(Click on photo to get full size)
From Siouxsie
I'm the world's worst photographer but Google chose this picture of my feet in the sand at low tide! I won't say "enjoy" Joan, but I hope it makes you smile! Buena suerte y cuidate
From SeaSal
Dear Joan,
I hope you will be feeling better soon.
And I hope you are enjoying all the different views of the world that are appearing here.
The Moufflon (my husband) and I had a short break in East Anglia's Fenland a couple of weeks ago. We are fascinated by the watercourses that keep the reclaimed land drained. Many of the channels were built in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, long before there were any mechanical devices to assist with excavation or pumping.
These views are of the quaintly named Three Holes, where the Middle Level Main Drain meets two others, the Sixteen Foot Drain, and Popham's Eau (one of the oldest).
With kindest good wishes to you and BigSunflower,
SeaSalx
(Click on photo to get full size)
Dear Joan,
I hope you will be feeling better soon.
And I hope you are enjoying all the different views of the world that are appearing here.
The Moufflon (my husband) and I had a short break in East Anglia's Fenland a couple of weeks ago. We are fascinated by the watercourses that keep the reclaimed land drained. Many of the channels were built in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, long before there were any mechanical devices to assist with excavation or pumping.
These views are of the quaintly named Three Holes, where the Middle Level Main Drain meets two others, the Sixteen Foot Drain, and Popham's Eau (one of the oldest).
With kindest good wishes to you and BigSunflower,
SeaSalx
(Click on photo to get full size)
From MrsMatisse
Tedrik
It’s so lovely to be sending pics to you Joan. I don’t have to worry too much about why I do, other than you might enjoy. For one reason or another.
Here you find Tedrik Tedrikksen. When I was very young I came upon a much overworn, and much overloved bear left behind by my estranged mother. He was bald in all places. I felt a companion was necessary.
Here we find Tedrik, who was bought for me in a wonderful London Regent’s street store, maybe Derry and Toms, by a dear boyfriend of the time. Sadly the store (and the boyfriend!) is no more. Anyway …..Tedrik was relieved of his misery and has been much loved since. So much so that he acquired this special sweater. Knitted by my Norwegian mother for my cousin Steve, who was born in the US six months after me. When my aunt passed away I recovered his attire:)
He sits resplendent in my bedroom. He likes to get out a bit, so thank you for this opportunity. My grandchildren love to see him, as does my mother ….now aged 90!
From Susanhenna
Dear Joan and Big Sunflower
I'd like to add a travel memory, to maybe transport you away for some moments. Far too many photos to choose from, but I particularly remember this special evening when we went back to our cruiseship after a day on Santorini. We decided to walk down the steep 'donkey trail' to catch the tender boat to our ship, which lay out at sea waiting for us. We passed this bright, fragrant vegetable stall at the top of the track, not realising that after a day of donkeys carrying tourists up and down that trail, we were going to be walking in the dark on a bed of soft dung. It was like a velvet carpet underfoot. The lights, plunging into darkness, the after-effects of having watched a wonderful sunset, and our comfortable ship and good food awaiting us on our return on board - it was all a perfect finish to the day. I'm glad I took this photo as a memento.
From mummi5
I like this photo, Joan, as I can imagine all the different textures, smells and noises in this place! What’s your favourite?
From Moon1874
Hello Joan, Here a couple of photos photo of a tiny lake I went to yesterday. It looks a bit mystical, as we were in the clouds, high in the mountains. It’s near Chamonix and is known as the "Lac Vert” - the Green Lake and really does merit its name. Spring hasn’t quite arrived there, but the weather was mild - no sunshine unfortunately, though. But we had a good stroll, walking off our Sunday lunch!
(Click on photo to get full size)
From Joan
I noticed yesterday a suggestion that Joan might like to send some
photographs of her own for Joan's page... well, always one to rise to a
challenge...
A message to go with the boat sculpture:
This gorgeous boat sculpture was taken in Reykjavik. I love the steely
shades of blue and the moody light. Iceland has a special place in my
heart - I am drawn to its lunar landscapes and other-worldly feel.
A message to go under Hisley Bridge:
My daughter and I stumbled across Hisley Bridge by accident last year,
while on holiday in Dartmoor. I was pleased with this picture that
captured the intense heat of that day- the dappled light, the reflection
of the water under the bridge and the soft sandy tones. My daughter has
it has the wallpaper on her phone.
To everyone who has sent in pictures. Thank you for taking the time out
of your day to post a photograph to a complete stranger.
And thank you, Dieca, for making the whole project happen.
Joan and Jeanne x
(Click on photo to get full size)
I noticed yesterday a suggestion that Joan might like to send some
photographs of her own for Joan's page... well, always one to rise to a
challenge...
A message to go with the boat sculpture:
This gorgeous boat sculpture was taken in Reykjavik. I love the steely
shades of blue and the moody light. Iceland has a special place in my
heart - I am drawn to its lunar landscapes and other-worldly feel.
A message to go under Hisley Bridge:
My daughter and I stumbled across Hisley Bridge by accident last year,
while on holiday in Dartmoor. I was pleased with this picture that
captured the intense heat of that day- the dappled light, the reflection
of the water under the bridge and the soft sandy tones. My daughter has
it has the wallpaper on her phone.
To everyone who has sent in pictures. Thank you for taking the time out
of your day to post a photograph to a complete stranger.
And thank you, Dieca, for making the whole project happen.
Joan and Jeanne x
(Click on photo to get full size)
From trickyquestion
These rather dramatic stalactites are in cave in S.Spain.
And a couple more more from trickyquestion.
A couple of very different photos. One is an undignified photo of our lab enjoying her holiday in England while we’re enjoying ours in Spain. There’s a risk that she’s rolling in something unspeakable, but she’s having a good time and we’re several hundred miles away so we don’t care.
The second is a tree in Andalusia carrying some very fine gourds.
All the best.
(Click on photo to get full size)
A couple of very different photos. One is an undignified photo of our lab enjoying her holiday in England while we’re enjoying ours in Spain. There’s a risk that she’s rolling in something unspeakable, but she’s having a good time and we’re several hundred miles away so we don’t care.
The second is a tree in Andalusia carrying some very fine gourds.
All the best.
(Click on photo to get full size)
From satanstango
Hi sunflower and Joan
Sending my warmest wishes xx
Sketch of back garden.
Photo of pier at Hastings.
Semi-abstract painting of Tower bridge,oil,acrylic & ink on paper.
(Click on photo to get full size)
Hi sunflower and Joan
Sending my warmest wishes xx
Sketch of back garden.
Photo of pier at Hastings.
Semi-abstract painting of Tower bridge,oil,acrylic & ink on paper.
(Click on photo to get full size)
Messages for Joan from the Edinburgh Gathering
At the Edinburgh Gathering we thought of you, Joan and wanted you to be part of it. Each one of us chose a moment of the gathering to share with you. Below are our pictures and messages. Lots of love from Edinburgh.
From FriedFish
“On the streets of Edinburgh some people are just not taking this ‘ere Coronation seriously!”
From AuntyCraft
We saw these elegant, red, silk stockings in Gladstone's Land, a National Trust for Scotland property, while at the Gathering. I think they must have been party wear, albeit eighteenth century, but they represent the many fabulous get-togethers we have had and all the fun!"
From Brontebiro
A group of us went on a trip to The Georgian House in Charlotte Square. Sunlight painted the Spring-green park, outside. A lovely afternoon.
From susanhenna
There's nothing special about this as a photographic image, but it captures a moment during our activities which gave me pause for thought. In The Georgian House, this lovely, lithe young woman on the left was like a breath of fresh air. She was waiting in The Drawing Room as a guide, to answer our questions and tell us more of the history. She moved expressively, like a dancer or gymnast. Bright and obviously artistic and talented, she played a short piece for us (I think, Beethoven) on the 'square piano' in the photo.
As our generation passes, it's good to see that there are intelligent young people coming along, who will do well and be a force for good.
There's nothing special about this as a photographic image, but it captures a moment during our activities which gave me pause for thought. In The Georgian House, this lovely, lithe young woman on the left was like a breath of fresh air. She was waiting in The Drawing Room as a guide, to answer our questions and tell us more of the history. She moved expressively, like a dancer or gymnast. Bright and obviously artistic and talented, she played a short piece for us (I think, Beethoven) on the 'square piano' in the photo.
As our generation passes, it's good to see that there are intelligent young people coming along, who will do well and be a force for good.
From Deelfi
The culmination of a few days of another incredible Edinburgh Gathering. What better way to end, other than with a plate of egg and chips !!
From Seasal
I did not take any pictures at the Gathering itself, but I did take a picture of 'Sunshine on Leith', from the hotel on Thursday morning.
I did not take any pictures at the Gathering itself, but I did take a picture of 'Sunshine on Leith', from the hotel on Thursday morning.
From LondonBBG
(LondonBBG was not allowed to bring her coronation spoon she was given at school in 1953 to the gathering, but she is sharing it with you and us all here)
Here’s the spoon – it’s not valuable or anything, but it’s decently designed and made by Mappin and Webb and I think it’s interesting that at least some local authorities/ schools felt able to splash out on this sort of thing in 1953. I left at Easter 1954 when we moved to Gloucestershire. My school was pretty middle class, in those days a ‘Direct Grant’ (it opted to go independent in 1976 when forced to choose between that and going comprehensive), but the spoon clearly relates to Middlesex (the local Education Authority) and Acton, rather than to the school itself.
(Click on photo to get full size)
(LondonBBG was not allowed to bring her coronation spoon she was given at school in 1953 to the gathering, but she is sharing it with you and us all here)
Here’s the spoon – it’s not valuable or anything, but it’s decently designed and made by Mappin and Webb and I think it’s interesting that at least some local authorities/ schools felt able to splash out on this sort of thing in 1953. I left at Easter 1954 when we moved to Gloucestershire. My school was pretty middle class, in those days a ‘Direct Grant’ (it opted to go independent in 1976 when forced to choose between that and going comprehensive), but the spoon clearly relates to Middlesex (the local Education Authority) and Acton, rather than to the school itself.
(Click on photo to get full size)
From spanishscot
It is difficult to choose a moment from the gathering as the whole thing was truly special and memorable, but probably this picture says it all. All these wonderful people, my friends, together in my house. All thanks to our love of language and words.
It is difficult to choose a moment from the gathering as the whole thing was truly special and memorable, but probably this picture says it all. All these wonderful people, my friends, together in my house. All thanks to our love of language and words.
From redsnapper7788
This is my grandson, taking his first steps. What a shame he won’t remember this beautiful scene.
This is my grandson, taking his first steps. What a shame he won’t remember this beautiful scene.