Kilted Houseguests

[Hamish]

Last weekend I enjoyed the company of two of our X Marks brethren here in West Sussex. On Saturday/Sunday Jiminak (Jim) came down from Surrey, and on Monday/Tuesday dwg69 (Derek) visited from Norfolk.

The weather was not at its kindest but we managed brief outings into the surrounding area.

On Sunday afternoon, Jim and I ventured on to the seafront promenade at Brighton/Hove, and here is Jim videoing the scene towards Brighton's piers:


Before long the weather began to change:
and we just made it back to the car before the Heavens opened!

[cessna152towser]

Great pictures, Hamish, as you have said the weather has been very changeable of late. It was good that you managed to get out for a walk along the sea front during one of the windows of fine weather which we are getting between the gales, rain, sleet and snow.

[Hamish]

Next morning, the rain cleared away for an hour or two so we ventured inland for a walk to take in what was left of the Autumn colours after the storms. My personal photographer, Tripod Self-Timer, was unable to be with us so we had to take it in turns with my camera!

Here is Jim, relishing his new Isle of Skye kilt from Geoffrey (Tailor), when we paused for a breather:


and me, in the Cornish National, doing likewise:
.

Further along the lane we had this view of the old windmill at Shipley. Hilaire Belloc lived there for many years, and the BBC used it for the TV series, "Jonathan Creek" a few years ago:

[Hamish]

Since the weather was likely to change again (and we were in danger of being late for our pub lunch!), Jim strode out purposefully along the lane:


This gateway offered itself as an attractive photo opportunity:


and, just around the corner, we came up to Shipley windmill itself. It is no longer lived-in, but is being restored by a local group of mill enthusiasts:


Fortunately we made it to the pub, and our lunch, before the weather broke. Sorry - no pictures of the pub as we were too keen to eat!!

[Hamish]

On Tuesday morning, Tripod Self-Timer was again conspicuous by his absence and so we managed to get shots only of Derek (dwg69), who had driven down from East Anglia, when we drove to Arundel, seven miles from my home, for lunch.

Here he is in front of the famous Arundel castle, home to the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl Marshall of England. The castle is often used in films to represent Windsor Castle, which it closely resembles. It featured in "Mrs. Brown" amongst others:


This is the 'post card' view from the town bridge over the River Arun:


.......and here is Derek on that same bridge:


After which it was off to lunch at a favourite Bistro restaurant!!

A hugely enjoyable weekend - but I have only just finished the ironing and getting ready for the next visitors, whoever they might be!!

[Jimmy the Celt]

Thanks for the great pics! Truly beautiful country, that is.

~James

[MacHummel]

Those are some great pics when my daughter is a bit older we will be making our way to the UK to visit some friends in Ireland, Scotland and if there is a invite to maybe Hamish I promise not to come empty handed.

[jiminak]

Thanks for the day, Ham. It was a excellent day out, and we did manage to dodge the weather. Although bright, it was windy and cold, athough it did finally relent. The boots were assential for the country walk as there was plenty of mud and standing water about. And I love that Kilt.

Jim

[Freelander Sporrano]

Great shots ..as usual guys. I know Brighton well and Arundel too . Brought back a few memories for me thanks.
Did you go to the Swannery at Arundel ?

[Hamish]

Great shots ..as usual guys. I know Brighton well and Arundel too . Brought back a few memories for me thanks.
Did you go to the Swannery at Arundel ?

I think you mean the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, David. No we had very little time at our disposal and, besides, I am not absolutely certain that it is open on weekdays at this time of year; I know the castle closes to the public during the winter months. Confession: I have never visited the W&WT myself!

When (and if) I get around to organising a summer 'Kilts Weekend' based on Storrington, we can take in many places such as Arundel, and perhaps Chichester, Portsmouth and Brighton too.