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Category Archives: Burnham-on-Crouch

English Inspiration

10 Thursday Oct 2019

Posted by pat in Art, Art Museums & Exhibitions, Bath, Burnham-on-Crouch, Cornwall, Cornwall, England, Gardens, Grasmere, Lake District, Lake District, London, paintings, sketching, The New Forest, Travel, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

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We’ve just returned from three weeks in the UK, our first visit in 3 years.  For Mike, it was a whirlwind tour of meeting up with friends and family, trying to catch up with all the news and rehash old stories. I love that part of these trips, but for me, my goal was searching for enough painting resources and inspiration to sustain me in to the future.

These trips give me the space and freshness that I rely on for months in my studio work.  Often I revisit my photos years later, and find a new vision that I hadn’t seen before. There is something about having the time to explore an unfamiliar environment, away from the daily routine.  You see things in a different way. Connections are made, insights discovered.

Whether on country strolls, or museum visits in the cities, it re-charges me for months to come.  This time I took close to 500 photos! But often I just walked and breathed in the images.

We started in Kent, in the Southeast corner of Great Britain and found a great bolt hole between Dover and Canterbury.  It was a beautiful resort, the Broome Park Hotel. Although promoted as a “Golf Resort and Wedding Venue” tucked in to the countryside, I found glorious walks in the early morning across the surrounding fields with no one else around except the birds and sheep. We had a “lodge” on the grounds with two bedrooms a living room and a washer and dryer!  A real bonus for European travel.  And we could walk to the pub in the main manor house at night along the fields for dinner. It was a mid-week bargain, and we could catch up on sleep.

Revived, we found time for a wonderful visit with family in Essex,

and joined up with old sailing mates at the Southampton Boat Show.

And then it was back to the countryside – The New Forest and the Montagu Arms.  The wild horses roam the streets in this unenclosed pastureland, heathland and forest, both in the countryside and through the towns and villages. On one of our very first trips to England together, Mike took me to The New Forest as a special treat, and I still love it.  Perfect weather that first week also helped. Mid-70s and sunny!  Could this really be September in England?

A quick stop at one of my favorite spots, Bath, then we were on our way to Cornwall and St. Ives, a north coast town that is now home to Tate St. Ives Art Museum. It was a challenge to park in the hilly, seaside town and make it down cobblestone streets with luggage in tow to our Inn, The Lifeboat. But when we got there it was worth the challenge. Reception told us it is a right of passage to deal with parking and luggage in St. Ives.  We succeeded, barely, but the reward was a room facing the sea right on the front.

We loved it here.  It was filled with galleries and art for me, and boats and pubs for Mike. It is a huge haven for artists with The Tate in the center of it all.  The exhibitions at the museum focus on the history of many local artists who came here during WWII to escape the bombings in London, and ended up starting a fresh new art colony. The tradition continues with studios tucked everywhere, many of them open during this autumn “Arts Week”.


Mike found a fabulous place in the backstreets of St.Ives, “Olives”, and we did a “lunch” of scones and cake and tea that was to die for. There were winding roads all through the town filled with many surprises, and we often just wandered, seeing where the twisted narrow roads would take us. It was a joy to explore, always looking for a new sea view for dinner.

Finally, we went down to the south side of Cornwall to visit and catch up with more family, and rediscover one of our favorite spots, Charlestown. I actually drove that day from St. Ives to Charlestown on those teeny tiny roads, roundabouts, and confusing lanes through the Cornish country. But we made it without a scratch!

The weather was changing, and fierce winds blew us along our walks from our Inn down the lane to the sea.

We then headed up the west side of England in the rain, across Bodmin Moor

and after a stop in the Cotswolds at a familiar site…The Hare and Hounds…

we were off to the north and The Lake District.

We had four days in the Wordsworth Inn in Grasmere and although the weather finally turned showery and cloudy after over a week of sunshine (very un-British) we didn’t mind. It’s the grey country, after all. And it’s what makes everything so lush and green.

I had brought my rain coat and “brollie” and managed to walk every day, visiting old haunts and discovering new inspiration.

After the best break ever, we headed back down south through Cambridge, home of one of my favorite art museums, The Fitzwilliam, and a room with a view of the punts on the River Cam.

Then on to visit friends at Burnham-on-Crouch, Mike’s old sailing hub,

and finally the last 5 days in London.  Phew!

London meant The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, and The Royal Academy.

We did Notting Hill, Piccadilly, Kensington and Hyde Park…and I even took a rainy afternoon to see a matineee of “Downton Abbey”.  What could be more appropriate.

We even managed to fit in Sunday Roast with friends in the center of London.

Finally Heathrow, and home! To paint…where to even begin?

Now starts the time of looking for connections, sorting through images, thinking of patterns and context of not just the visual images but also the stories that connect us all.  The depth and underlying currents are just as important to me as the visual beauty of our world. Country lanes and city streets with the background sounds of Brexit on the news.  I am already looking forward to the studio season.

Burnham Week 2013

31 Saturday Aug 2013

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, Cornwall, England, Sailing

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Burnham Race Week

The end of Burnham Week, and the end of summer…August 31st is the last race of the week, and for My Beloved Brit, probably the year.

The sea wall at Burnham-on-Crouch. Photo by me.

The sea wall at Burnham-on-Crouch. Photo by me.

The town is quieter this week than in past years, but still lovely. Especially this summer, one of the warmest England has seen in years.

The view from our window yesterday at The White Harte. Photo by me

The view from our window yesterday at The White Harte. Photo by me

The shops are busy and there are not many empty storefronts. The lines for ice cream on the river front are long.

Burnham's High Street. Photo by me

Burnham’s High Street. Photo by me

But, there are fewer boats these days racing.

Day one of racing, Burnham Race Week 2013. Photo by me.

Day one of racing, Burnham Race Week 2013. Photo by me.

Many say it is the economy. Some say people can’t afford to take the time off.

The "RBs". The boat MBB was on is 80 years old, and pink. Lovely. Photo by me.

The “RBs”. The boat MBB was on is 80 years old, and pink. That’s it second from the right. Lovely. Photo by me.

Dock talk (the general banter on the sea wall about this and that) says that the young sailors are not coming along to replace the sailors retiring from the racing circuit.

The Crouch Yacht Club on the river. Photo by me

The Crouch Yacht Club on the river. Photo by me

The new sailors are here, but many less than in the past.

My Beloved Brit sails out through the fog on a small boat called an "RB". Photo by me

My Beloved Brit sails out through the fog on a small boat called an “RB”. I love that it is pink and the crew wears pink shirts under their jackets. Photo by me

When I first started visiting Burnham-on-Crouch for Burnham Week with my Beloved Brit over 16 years ago, the crowds were massive. Now it seems so much calmer with less crowds on the seawall, and fewer boats competing.

The seawall in front of our hotel, The White Harte. Photo by me

The seawall in front of our hotel, The White Harte. Photo by me

The streets are more peaceful, although bands of revellers still walk the sea wall at night going from yacht club to yacht club seeing who has the better band and the best sailing banter to relive the day.

A lone figure watches the start of the race. Photo by me.

A lone figure watches the start of the race. Photo by me.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds.

The "RBs" starting their race. Photo by me

The “RBs” and “Squibs” lining up to start to race. Photo by me

Will it come back to its former glory when the economy finally recovers?

And they're off! Photo by me.

And they’re off! Photo by me.

Or is the golden age of racing a thing to tell stories about at the local pub?

The Flower Box

10 Monday Sep 2012

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, Cornwall, England, Gardens, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

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Cornwall, Flower box, London

Everywhere we went in Great Britain on our travels there was a great profusion of flower boxes.

A perfect window dressing. Photo by me

From the simplest to the most elaborate they were everywhere.

A creative flower display in Fowey, Cornwall, England on the southwest coast. Photo by me

The English love their gardens and if they don’t have a bit of land to plant in they will create a plot to hang on a wall, …

Like a special hat over the doorway, these bright red geraniums decorate a building in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. Photo by me

…grace a pub in London,

Happy hour on a Friday afternoon made happier by the flowers over head. Photo by me

or swing from a doorway.

A flower basket at the front door. Photo by me

I think they get their inspiration from the rock walls nearby.  With all the rain, flowers grow anywhere. It really is special to see.

Flowers on the cliff walls. Photo by me

 

 

End of Summer

01 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, England, Sailing, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

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Summer

Seems like summer has flown by, and now it’s coming to an end.  Burnham Week is ending in England, Labor Day is Monday, the kids have gone back to school, I am back in the studio working and hurricane news floods the forecasts.

The park near the marina in Burnham-on-Crouch on a sunny summer day. Photo by me.

We are already talking about next summer in England, but in a few months, the boats will have to be put up for the winter, and the sailors will have to be content to sit at the pub and tell tales of last summer’s races. I think that has already begun.

Boats in Burnham. Photo by me.

Ye Olde White Harte Inn

27 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, England, Sailing, Travel, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

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White Harte Inn

When you are traveling, it is always lovely to come back to a place that you have stayed before, and find welcoming each and every time.  When we are in Burnham-on-Crouch, My Beloved Brit’s favorite sailing spot for decades, we stay on the seafront at The White Harte. In honor of Burnham Week this week, I thought it was the perfect time to re-visit an old favorite.

The White Harte on the seawall side of Burnham-on-Crouch. Photo by me.

The White Harte is located on the “seawall” facing the River Crouch, with easy access to the yacht clubs, restaurants and old friends who live in town.

The front door of The White Harte, “G. J.Lewis, licensed to sell Beer, Wines, Spirits & Tobacco. Licensed in pursuance of Act of Parliament for Music & Dancing.” Photo by me

On our trip this year we were able to reserve our favorite room, #6, and were pleased to find that it had been newly refreshed with classic floral drapes, and new carpet.  The room is on the back of the inn facing towards the high street rather than the seafront, but it is roomy and can accommodate our massive amount of luggage–and it is only one flight of steps up from the parking area, so easier to haul the luggage to the room.

Almost all the comforts of home, room #6 at The White Harte. Photo by me

One of the best parts of our stay is the full English breakfast in the dining room that looks out on the seafront walk.

Outside the front door of the old inn–the seawall is the perfect place to gather if the sun comes out. Photo by me.

So as we eat our breakfast, we can watch the dog walkers and the odd boats sail out for an early morning move up the river.

My Beloved Brit managed to get a full English breakfast with sausage and bacon, almost every morning. I loved watching early morning walkers along the sea wall. Photo by me.

There is an active pub downstairs from our room…

A corner of the White Harte’s pub, a favorite gathering place in town. Photo by me.

…where most evenings you can find a friendly face to share a pint with and catch up on the latest “dock talk”, the grapevine of information that constantly runs through Burnham.

The pub downstairs from our room. It’s quiet in the morning, but by lunch it comes alive. Photo by me.

Of course, as the saying goes, what starts at one end of the seawall changes considerably by the time it gets to the other end, but it still keeps the lines of communications open.

The seawall stretches from one end of town to the other and is a great place to run in to friends and find out the last news…”dock talk”. Photo by me.

MBB has known John Lewis, the inn’s proprietor, for many years, and his father before him. I love Burnham.  It is like coming home for me, and with the sailing involved and the old familiar faces, it’s even a better stop for MBB.

Burnham Week 2012

24 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, England, Sailing, Travel, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

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Burnham Week 2012, race week

The sailing regattas of summer are an annual event met with great enthuiasm by English sailors–men and women.  The tradition continues starting this week on the East Coast of England in Burnham-on-Crouch, from Saturday August 25, through Saturday the 1st of September. It’s Burnham Week 2012.

The boats stand ready for race week in Burnham. Photo by me.

I know My Beloved Brit would love to be there, but this year he’ll have to be content to follow his mates on the internet.

Burnham was quiet when we there in June, but next week it will be a mad house. Photo by me.

He’s already been in touch with the line up from his yacht club, The Crouch, always steely competitors.

That is the Crouch Yacht Club on the far left (with the flag pole) facing the river, and the seawall of Burnham-on-Crouch beyond.  Photo by me.

There are 21 categories for the different fleets, but entries so far are lighter than when he sailed them in “his youth”.  The combination of a tough economy, and lack of available crew has cut the number of boats entering for the full week, but not the spirit of the sailors and spectators.

The “race box” on the top floor of the Burnham Sailing Club. A committee member sits up here to sound the horns, check the times and be in contact with the racers. The Crouch Yacht Club is right next to it on the sea wall. Photo by me

Let the races begin!

Inn Spirit is a worthy competitor for Burnham Week, and one of several boats My Beloved Brits will be following next week. Photo by me

 

All Good Things…

18 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, England, Sailing, Travel, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

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It has been an incredible 4 weeks in the UK, but I suppose it does have to come to an end sometime.  As miserable as the weather could be at times, as they say here, wait 5 minutes and it will change.

Burnham on a misty morning. Photo by me.

It is time to say goodbye, and what better way than to go out racing with your mates. I am perfectly happy waiting on shore.

It is 7am in the morning, and MBB is with his crew getting the boat ready to start the race. Photo by me.

I can’t remember a better trip.  It was a combination of old favorite places and friends, and new discoveries and fresh faces.

 

MBB with his sailing mates, walking along the sea wall. Photo by me

I have stories to tell for months, so I get to relive my time with all my British memories.  Brilliant, as they say.

It will all be here when we return. This part of England changes very slowly. Photo by me.

At the End of the Day

16 Saturday Jun 2012

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, England, Sailing, Travel, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

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I love that very British saying ”at the end of the day”. It means  “when all is said and done” in American, and people use it often here to say that when everything is finished, the important thing is this. Appropriate as our trip draws to an end and we reflect on how wonderful everything was.

Young sailors out on the River Crouch. Photo by me

Late yesterday evening we watched a group of young sailors race on the Crouch River outside My Beloved Brit’s yacht club.  The wind was picking up, the light on the river spectacular, and the children having an absolute laugh.

The river has never looked more beautiful. Photo by me

The race for the older sailors this morning has been postponed 24 hours because of high winds expected this afternoon, probably 40-50 mph.  Disappointing for our last weekend in England, but they will try again tomorrow, and, at the end of the day, the safety of the competitors is the most important thing.

Putting the boats away for the night. Photo by me

I understand why MBB loves coming home.

The Sailor Returns to the Sea

31 Thursday May 2012

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, Sailing, Travel, United Kingdom

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The first evening we came in to Burnham-on-Crouch, My Beloved Brit’s old sailing haunt, we were two beats ahead of showers. It was wonderful coming around the corner in the familiar village.

Burnham-On-Crouch...the high street. photo by me

One of the first things we did was drop off our luggage at the Inn and walk down to the seawall for a stroll…lovely as ever.

The Crouch River escaping the storm. photo by me.

MBB will be sailing this weekend in Burnham with all his mates, while I take the train in to London to witness the Diamond Jubilee celebration there.  We will both be very happy even though it has gotten quite a bit cooler and there is some rain predicted.  It is, after all, the grey country.

The marina stands ready for the weekend races. Photo by me.

 

 

Happy Easter

08 Sunday Apr 2012

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, England, Sailing, Uncategorized

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Easter

It’s Easter.  And you know what that means…

The English sailing season officially begins!  There are intense calls on skype back and forth across the Atlantic discussing the pros and cons of the different races for the season…who has what boat…who might need a new set of sails…which crews are organizing for which races.

In honor of the beginning of the season, a photo of the "mates" from years gone by. Photo courtesy of My Beloved Brit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then there is the webcam down at the marina on the Crouch River at My Beloved Brit’s favorite racing spot. Each morning he can tune in to it and check the weather.  I have been hearing for weeks about boats being worked on, readied for the season.

He won’t make it over until May to join his mates, but I know he is feeling the excitement.  If it would only get a little warmer, it would all be perfect.

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