Category Archives: Out and About

Tenerife Sunset – a poem

Posted on June 17, 2012 by rosblack

TENERIFE SUNSET  Warm hues of pink, Deepening, intense, Spreading a roseate glow Above the sea.   Dramatic now, Burnished copper fronds Radiating like an angel’s wings, A promise of peace.   Wisps of orangey gold, Shimmering against a purple backdrop. … Continue reading →

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The Canvas of My Youth – a reflective poem

Posted on June 15, 2012 by rosblack

THE CANVAS OF MY YOUTH                                                                                        Curls of coal smoke hanging in the air, Friday’s fish odour;  tinned fruit with carnation cream. Psychedelic purple, swirling through emerald green, Carnaby Street meets Made in Yorkshire mini dress. “I ain’t heavy …” blasting … Continue reading →

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I don’t believe in ghosts – a poem inspired by the work of Frank Dickinson, an arts and crafts pioneer who built his own home, Little Holland House in Carlshalton, Surrey

Posted on May 10, 2012 by rosblack

I don’t believe in ghosts, But there’s a spirit within this place. A sense of purpose, of achievement. Every beam, every tile A testimony to toil and sweat; To a genius with vision And the will to craft new designs, … Continue reading →

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Lady Henry Somerset portraits by George Frederick Watts

Posted on August 18, 2011 by rosblack

George Frederick Watts was a critically acclaimed Victorian painter who was extremely well connected. His portrait of Lady Henry Somerset which appears on the cover of my biography hangs at Eastnor Castle. There you will also find other family portraits … Continue reading →

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Talks and book signings

Posted on July 19, 2011 by rosblack

I really enjoy giving talks to local groups and sharing my enthusiasm for local history and of course the wonderful story of Lady Henry Somerset. I often pick up new pieces of information from those attending. For instance, when I … Continue reading →

Posted in Duxhurst, Feminism, Lady Henry, Lady Henry Somerset, Out and About, Reigate Local History, Reigate Priory, Surrey Local History, talks and book signings, Temperance, Victorian Do-Gooders | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New not always best at Kew Gardens

Posted on August 15, 2010 by rosblack

A recent visit to Kew Gardens made me think that new interpretations of old ideas are not always an improvement on the original. Being the middle of the school holidays, we thought we should take in the major attractions of … Continue reading →

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