A dreckly updated blog from a long and mizzly garden by the sea in Cornwall.
Wombling & tidying
Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps
Hello m' thrifty womblers,
Something a bit different for this week. I've been super busy tidying the garden. A girl can't spend all her free time clearing mutant holly trees and making multiple compost heaps though. A wombling road trip to Redruth was needed. Muddy work clothes aside, I even slapped on a dress, some hand cream and nail varnish.
What is wombling?
The Wombles motto is "Make Good Use of Bad Rubbish".
Our version of 'wombling' is visiting secondhand shops (charity /antique/ junk shops)
Redruth, an old mining town in the heart of Cornwall.
The area is dotted with mining engine houses and industrial relics. The hill in the background, Carn Brea, is one of the highest points in Cornwall. This vantage obviously attracted our ancient ancestors, as human settlement has been traced back 6000 years to early neolithic times. On a good day, both the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and the English Channel to the south can be seen.
'Make a Mends' - Clothing repair shop on Fore Street
In the 18th Century, Redruth quickly became one of the richest mining areas in Britain, but for the workers and their families, life was tough. Copper ore was extracted and used to make the vast amounts of copper used in the Industrial Revolution. But by the end of the nineteenth century, industry had declined. Many miners emigrated to Mexico, Australia and South Africa.
On a sprawling industrial estate between Redruth and Pool, a junk shop, large charity shop and even an antique tea room can be found hiding between the fabrication and supplier units.
At Miss Molly's Tea Room, visitors are greeted with a wonderful Foot Bellow organ, a 15th birthday present for a local lady, who lived to age 95. Having had 15 children, I wonder if she ever got the time to play it!?!
Walking through the pedestrianised town centre, we popped in to five charity shops.
Some of Redruth's buildings are earmarked for heritage funded renovations.
The Celtic Cross commemorates the Flowerpot Chapel. It had once been one of
Britain's largest chapels, but it burnt down in 1975. Now a carpark sits on the site.
Here's a video, using camera phone footage taken on the day. Bobby dazzler finds are revealed at the end -
What have thoust been up to? Please send gossip, or biscuits.
Dear Lulu Thank you for taking us along on your wombling trip! You found some wonderful bargains! The art book looks great fun. I'm hoping to get into the garden today - a bit of tidying and possibly some pruning, but we'll see. Have a good week Best wishes Ellie
what a lovely video!! i really enjoyed to go wombling with you! the antique tea room looks so very cosy and full of interesting stuff...... and you found pretty clothing - pajama style is all the rage next summer i heard! - and the plissé skirt is a shiny beauty in a gorgeous colourblocking style. cute kids stuff too. the 3-dimensional book is fabulous - this kind cost a fortune in a museum shop. oh - and your blue indian dress is very chic and you styled it beautifully with the breton and the beret! enjoy your cuppa and garden! xxxxx ps: bravo for not buying more fabric but trying to use up the stash! please show what you made of.
Hello Beate, the book it turns out is expensive secondhand too! Thanks m'luverly, good to know I'll be in style come the summer too. The fabric stash is awaiting a project but I shall share xXx
Hi Lulu, I spotted your YouTube video yesterday. Wombling is an excellent pastime and the gods were kind to you. Those trousers are gorgeous! I can't get over that woman having 15 children. I could make a rude joke about organs, but I won't. xxx
It's going to be wombling for me from now on! How utterly lovely to join you on your wombling trip to Redruth, Lulu. And what great stuff you found. The pyjama or not trousers are gorgeous and that floaty skirt looks very luxurious indeed. Oh, and that pop-up book is just glorious! I love a pop-up book, and still have one or two of my childhood ones. xxx
Oh how lovely Ann to have books from your childhood - a real treasure! I am cultivating the pyjama look by wearing some other trousers today that are ambiguous ;) Thanks for coming along for a womble xXx
A lesson on wombling ~ how great! Loved the video, beautifully done. Would have sent you some biscuits but I gobbled them all up while drinking tea and watching your video. All good wishes.
I loved travelling around with you and Mumrah on your wombling trip! That pop-up book is amazing, I love it. You look fabulous in your posh artisan dress (who donates this stuff?) The Next trews & pleated midi are very cool and like you, wonder why that gorgeous kid's top isn't an adult size, it's not fair! I would send biscuits but Jon's eaten them all. xxxx
I could tell it was good quality but I I almost fainted when I looked up the Ace & Jig dress Vix! They're even over £100 secondhand on eBay! Thanks for coming a wombling :) (Please hide the biscuits from Jon) xXx
I enjoyed your video, what a nice rummage at the chazzas and some lucky finds, I think those trousers are beautiful. Your Indian made dress is a fabulous find, the original price is staggering! The tour of town was interesting, it looks a nice place to live.
Thanks Betty :) Mad for someone to pay that much for a dress isn't it!!! But I am super glad they donated it. That one was from a chazza in Truro, where there are pockets of super poshness. I always enjoy a jaunt to Redruth xXx
Your video was entertaining. Thank you for including us in your wobbly adventure! You scored some incredible deals, didn't you? The art book appears to be a lot of fun. The walking tour of the city was enjoyable, and it seems like a pleasant area to live. I hope you enjoy your week.
New post: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/02/how-to-determine-if-your-child-needs-to-gain-weight.html
Well, that was a grand day out (to borrow the phrase from Wallace & Grommet) and I hope you had some cheese with your biscuits in the tea shop. Our new dog is taking up a lot of our time so I enjoyed a few minutes reading this post. I'll view the video later. David.
Ai lad, a grand day out indeed David :) I hope your are keeping well and that new pooch is allowing you to get some sleep. They are hard work but lovely xXx
I love this!! I thought wombling was a term for picking up and keeping all the rubbish (my husband refers to my wombling) but it's much nicer for charity shopping! I enjoyed your dialogue (and jaunty red beret!). Glad you had a lovely trip with Mumra. Your Next trousers and skirt are great and I love the arty pop up book! Yes, I agree, those children's clothes in adult sized would be amazing! I smiled at your mention of Portreath in the distance. We only stopped in Redruth to visit the Supermarket but it always makes me think of Enid Blyton when I hear the name as I think there was a school book (or at least, a school was referred to) called Red Roofs! Hope you are well!x
I think that is the official, technical definition of wombling Kezzie - the Wombles keep Wimbledon clean. But we have always referred to it as picking anything secondhand up :) Ah yes, the family at Red Roofs! I'm in my trousers now - super comfy! Lovely to hear from you, hope you are well xXx
Hello m' chucky chives, With allotment duties in full swing, you may be wondering if the garden is receiving the same wanton neglect as my eyebrows?... The answer, in short...is yes... but it doesn't seem to mind. When we moved in over eleven years ago, the garden was wildly overgrown, 'lost' and magical. A lot had to be cleared for practicality - mainly the monstrous leylandi hedging, but also the wild brambles, nettles and creeping buttercup. Self seeded Foxgloves and Sweet Williams Now the new hedging has grown up and matured, the once veggie beds and cut flower beds are again partially shaded. This had led to a garden re-think. For now, nature can do what it does best. Please ignore the non-colour coordinated towels, drying from this morning's sea swim with the kiddies. My new battery powered strimmer (intended for the grass paths at the allotment) saves the day in the garden, by clearing a safe path through the wilderness of ferns, thistles and buttercu
Hello m' hot chocolates with marshmallows on the top, With the wintry frosts here, I have been taking comfort in granny blankets, good conversation, delicious food and early nights. Autumn with all its sweet nostalgia often passes too quickly. Before I immerse myself fully in the stark wintertide, let me share with your some recent bits n' bobs. Cornish Chough applique A visit to Helston's Museum of Cornish Life to see Grayson Perry's eight meter long 'Comfort Blanket'. Perry described it as "a portrait of Britain to wrap yourself up in, a giant banknote, things we love , and things we love to hate" On the plus I could spot listed a nice cuppa tea, yorkshire pudding and curry. On the negative (debatable) morris dancing, moaning and white van drivers. An endearing photo (c.1910) showing the comfort of tea and a good natter with old friends - What do you like to collect? The late Mr John Brock of Coverack had a very fine collection of Black T
Hello m' art clubbers, Last year I came across a Kurt Jackson painting in Falmouth Gallery called 'All Quiet Now Dorothy'. Those who frequent my blog may know I am partial to a good handsome pit. There was a beautiful, aquamarine sereneness to this painting; a spellbinding calm after a noisy, hectic day. It drew me in. For some time I couldn't quite comprehend my emotional response to it. No matter what we do to mother earth, she eventually comes to rest and reveals beauty in her scars. All quiet now Dorothy - mixed media on wood panel (60 x 60cm) Upon returning home I did some feet-up-post-dinner iPad browsing. I discovered Jackson has a whole series of 'Clay Country' paintings. Sadly I'd missed the dedicated exhibition. Jackson immersed himself in these extraordinary man made environments, working plein air to depict the less glamorous, industrial side of Cornwall, scenes you don't see on TV's 'Caroline Quentin & Fern Britton try to
Hello m' soggy bottoms, Long time no gossip! I have some rather exciting news to reveal ... After two years on the waiting list, I am now proud custodian of a beautiful allotment plot. I received a very exciting email in the last week of March asking if I was still interested in one. Of course the answer was an excited YES and I was offered the opportunity to check out three different plots. After my Sunday morning sea swim, I arrived looking salty & bedraggled to meet with the lady who manages the old farmer's field on behalf of her father-in-law. Turns out it is the same gorgeous lady that runs my favourite local charity shop. Initially I thought I'd go for a half-plot. (In the UK, allotments are classed as either full-plot, half-plot, or sometimes even quarter-plot). That was until I saw the full plot on offer, with beautiful established apple trees, gooseberries, raspberries, currant bushes and rhubarb galore. Plus, the plot had another major selling point - a pa
Hello m' trunky dunkies, Time for a quick bloggy? After an early morning sea swim (yes I am now one of those holier than thou 'wild swimming' converts!), I felt all energized, so decided to tackle the scraggly vege bed that has lay soggy and storm ravaged all winter. My first bit of gardening this year... Before - After - Fruit & vege wise, I hope to be growing more perennials this year. There are two main reasons for this: an increasing shortage of time and water. The tulip bulbs were finally planted in the blue tubs. This is usually something I try to do in November. From the slim picking dregs in the garden centre: Parrot prince, Hugs & Kisses, Copper Image Very colour coordinated darling. My laundry pile simply can't wait. The elephant is on the move, looking for its own special watering hole. Time to stop for a cup of tea and to admire the camilias. My hard trim last spring seems to have encouraged proliferous proliferations. Since taking this pit
Dear Lulu
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking us along on your wombling trip! You found some wonderful bargains! The art book looks great fun. I'm hoping to get into the garden today - a bit of tidying and possibly some pruning, but we'll see.
Have a good week
Best wishes
Ellie
Hello Ellie, I got the art book for the kids but I've been hogging it ;) Happy gardening, should be a good weekend for it xXx
Deletewhat a lovely video!!
ReplyDeletei really enjoyed to go wombling with you! the antique tea room looks so very cosy and full of interesting stuff...... and you found pretty clothing - pajama style is all the rage next summer i heard! - and the plissé skirt is a shiny beauty in a gorgeous colourblocking style. cute kids stuff too.
the 3-dimensional book is fabulous - this kind cost a fortune in a museum shop.
oh - and your blue indian dress is very chic and you styled it beautifully with the breton and the beret!
enjoy your cuppa and garden!
xxxxx
ps: bravo for not buying more fabric but trying to use up the stash! please show what you made of.
Hello Beate, the book it turns out is expensive secondhand too! Thanks m'luverly, good to know I'll be in style come the summer too. The fabric stash is awaiting a project but I shall share xXx
DeleteHi Lulu,
ReplyDeleteI spotted your YouTube video yesterday. Wombling is an excellent pastime and the gods were kind to you. Those trousers are gorgeous!
I can't get over that woman having 15 children. I could make a rude joke about organs, but I won't. xxx
Thanks Claire, it was a happy wombling day. Would have been even better with a go of that ol' foot pump organ :) xXX
DeleteIt's going to be wombling for me from now on!
ReplyDeleteHow utterly lovely to join you on your wombling trip to Redruth, Lulu. And what great stuff you found. The pyjama or not trousers are gorgeous and that floaty skirt looks very luxurious indeed. Oh, and that pop-up book is just glorious! I love a pop-up book, and still have one or two of my childhood ones. xxx
Oh how lovely Ann to have books from your childhood - a real treasure! I am cultivating the pyjama look by wearing some other trousers today that are ambiguous ;) Thanks for coming along for a womble xXx
DeleteA lesson on wombling ~ how great! Loved the video, beautifully done. Would have sent you some biscuits but I gobbled them all up while drinking tea and watching your video. All good wishes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike! Never mind about the biscuits, please bring some next time :) Hope you are well xXx
DeleteI loved travelling around with you and Mumrah on your wombling trip!
ReplyDeleteThat pop-up book is amazing, I love it. You look fabulous in your posh artisan dress (who donates this stuff?) The Next trews & pleated midi are very cool and like you, wonder why that gorgeous kid's top isn't an adult size, it's not fair!
I would send biscuits but Jon's eaten them all. xxxx
I could tell it was good quality but I I almost fainted when I looked up the Ace & Jig dress Vix! They're even over £100 secondhand on eBay! Thanks for coming a wombling :) (Please hide the biscuits from Jon) xXx
DeleteI enjoyed your video, what a nice rummage at the chazzas and some lucky finds, I think those trousers are beautiful. Your Indian made dress is a fabulous find, the original price is staggering! The tour of town was interesting, it looks a nice place to live.
ReplyDeleteThanks Betty :) Mad for someone to pay that much for a dress isn't it!!! But I am super glad they donated it. That one was from a chazza in Truro, where there are pockets of super poshness. I always enjoy a jaunt to Redruth xXx
DeleteI've loved watching your wombling video. You made some great finds. Xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Jules :) The bobby dazzler gods were shining that day xXx
DeleteYour video was entertaining. Thank you for including us in your wobbly adventure! You scored some incredible deals, didn't you? The art book appears to be a lot of fun. The walking tour of the city was enjoyable, and it seems like a pleasant area to live.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your week.
New post: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/02/how-to-determine-if-your-child-needs-to-gain-weight.html
Thanks for visiting my wee blog Melody. Glad you liked it :)
DeleteWell, that was a grand day out (to borrow the phrase from Wallace & Grommet) and I hope you had some cheese with your biscuits in the tea shop. Our new dog is taking up a lot of our time so I enjoyed a few minutes reading this post. I'll view the video later. David.
ReplyDeleteAi lad, a grand day out indeed David :) I hope your are keeping well and that new pooch is allowing you to get some sleep. They are hard work but lovely xXx
DeleteI love that you call it wombling! Such a great use of the word. You seem to be good at finding bargins in your local charity shops.
ReplyDeleteYears of training from ol' glass eyed Mumrah! Thanks SM :) xXx
DeleteI love this!! I thought wombling was a term for picking up and keeping all the rubbish (my husband refers to my wombling) but it's much nicer for charity shopping!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your dialogue (and jaunty red beret!). Glad you had a lovely trip with Mumra.
Your Next trousers and skirt are great and I love the arty pop up book! Yes, I agree, those children's clothes in adult sized would be amazing! I smiled at your mention of Portreath in the distance. We only stopped in Redruth to visit the Supermarket but it always makes me think of Enid Blyton when I hear the name as I think there was a school book (or at least, a school was referred to) called Red Roofs!
Hope you are well!x
I think that is the official, technical definition of wombling Kezzie - the Wombles keep Wimbledon clean. But we have always referred to it as picking anything secondhand up :) Ah yes, the family at Red Roofs! I'm in my trousers now - super comfy! Lovely to hear from you, hope you are well xXx
Delete