Sussex

The trip to Alfriston Sussex was to Consulo's funeral and it was very strange to find oneself among so many people who she had introduced at parties, lunches, dinners, theatre, holidays and so strange not find her there.  She had style and class and was a special person in my life.  The service was in a 14 century church, St. Andrew's.  The Cuckmere River had broken its banks and many fields were flooded. I stayed at  Dean's Place and visited Seaford Head.  I parked at Hangman's Barn from where I walked down to Seaford Head, Seven Sisters Country Park and the Cuckmere River. I then drove to Birling gap where I joined many others watching wind surfers battling with the waves.  The gate to the beach had been locked as the sea was really rough and it was really cold and windy.

 

Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant - the Font

 

Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell painted in Berwick Church Sussex (A grade I listed church). It was such a dark day when I visited it was difficult to see the artwork.  They were influenced by the Renaissance, Italy and transformed the church with frescos.  The only visible artwork the day I visited was on the font and the colours of the columns so I shall only have to visit again.  There is a great pub "The Cricketers Arms" up the lane from the church and a great place for lunch. http://www.cricketersberwick.co.uk

Browsing in an Antique Shop was an eye opener as Taxidermy was certainly a feature.  I was pleased to see the wooden rocking horse after discovering the pig, dog birds and a deer. I never realised that there is a Guild of Taxidermists that was established in 1976.