A dreckly updated blog from a long and mizzly garden by the sea in Cornwall.
Wombling & tidying
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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' piskies, Shhh, not many people know it, but there's a little fairy colony on the outskirts of Truro (spot the Enchanted trail on the map here ). High up in the trees a wise owl presides over the comings and goings and all is at peace. Wooden trip trap bridges lead beside a stream and the path is edged with fallen branches. The fairies are shy, but the occasional creature can be found. Why are owls deemed to be wise? Although their brains are no bigger than any other birds' (in fact their eyes are so flippin' big, there may not be much room for brains, and they are positively slow compared to the cunning crow) ... they sit silently, watching and listening. Their nocturnal nature and spinning heads make them appear like an omnipresent all seeing eye. The Ancient Greeks believed owls' night vision and stealth flight abilities lent them a mystical inner light. Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and War adopted the owl and was often depicted with one. When to be we
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' shiny orbs, See here - https://youtube.com/shorts/K3ohA8jAaR4?feature=share Do you sing to your seedlings? I do, whether the like it or not. I did audition for a part in the choir singing 'Zadok the Priest' at the weekend's Coronation. I even had the right getup - teapot for orb, soup ladle for sceptre . I stole my youngest daughter's crown. Strangely I didn't get a part, but I thought I'd share my beautiful singing anyhow. The neighbours are treated daily to this mock operaticness reverberating from my bathroom. Just like Jimi Hendrix, that's my preferred practice space. So I might not be here next weekend. Monsieur thinks I'll be locked up in the castle for treason. I'll just argue that a fortnight of Covid plus cabin fever have altered my normally perfect state of mind. I also suspect the music used in the clip will flag a You Tube copyright strike, but we shall see. I shall leave you with some lovely pictures of my convalescence
Eh up ducks, A super quick bloggy post today. Gritty life and endless rain seem to have been getting in the way of gardening. Monsieur got me a new tent for my birthday. It's a great improvement on my old festival tent that only qualifies as 'three man capacity' if packed like sardines. The new one has a living room area with windows and a porch canopy at the front. We even put some bunting up. Posh tent heaven! Moodiness over Long Mizzle Fed up with the constant foreboding weather forecast and restricted time off from work, I decided to brave it and take the kids on an outing on the Lizard, Cornwall's rugged southern peninsula. Little did we know Storm Betty was ominously approaching. On the advise of an old camping mad school friend, I had pre-ordered some serious pegs and extra guy ropes (cross storm peg revelation - thanks Shauno!). Some old tights were joined together and and used to strap our tent either side to the base of nearby low growing trees. Rainy day d
Hello m' sunny June berries, Please forgive me for my naughty blogging absence! Before May disappears in a purple haze, here's the garden turning slowly from starry blue to fiery orange. Above: Tree Echium Below: Cordyline flowers Forget-me-nots going over. Californian poppies and Sweet Williams coming into bloom. Above: the 'Faraway Tree' Poor sad frost damaged succulents - out for their summer hols! It's been a busy half term 'holiday' week, involving not one but two job interviews for me, together with the associated swatting & stressing. Aside from some sea swimming and a carbooty jaunt, we've mostly been pottering around the garden and enjoying the unseasonably dry hot weather. On Thursday, Long Mizzle had a very special visit from author Sue Kittow (Pen name 'SL Roswarne'). I know Sue from following her Flowerpot Days blog here . Isn't it lovely when bloggers can meet up in person for a proper natter! We sat on th
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