A Day Trip to the Forgotten Casualty of War

After spending our break away at Limestone Hotel we decided to do a little day trip to this beautiful forgotten village.  Malcolm had read about it and suggested we go explore.

So pleased we did.

A beautiful location lead to the downfall?

One of the forgotten casualties of World WarII on the Isle of Purbeck is a small coastal village in a beautiful location. It is situated near the Bovington military firing range.

Sadly the location of the village lead to its downfall.

It all began back in 1943 with a month's notice

World WarII, the military's preparation for D Day was well underway and the Army needed more space.

On 17th November 1943 the people of Tyneham Village received a letter from the War Office giving notice to the 225 residents to leave their homes by 19th December!

We're sure you'd like to help

The letter they received said

 "The Government appreciate that this is no small sacrifice which you are asked to make, but they are sure that you will give this further help towards winning the war with a good heart." (taken from Tyneham feature)

They were advised that a special office would be made available in Wareham for questions from the residents of Tyneham.

So Tyneham Village was evacuated and has been deserted ever since.

Most of the village is now derelict,

with little pieces of history pinned to the walls.  It is very humbling and incredibly interesting to walk around this beautiful place.

The Church has been restored with its beautiful stained glass windows. It has become a museum for the small village. 

Pinned to the door is a reminder of how the villagers felt and their hopes of returning one day ..... sadly which was not to be.

Although the school actually closed in 1932, long before the evacuation. It is still lovely to see and a reminder of how schools used to be.

The school has been left as if the children had just gone out to the playground.  Loved it :)

The exhibitions in the Church and School are open from 10am to 4pm when the village is open to the public.

It is well worth a day trip to Tyneham Village.  Entrance is an honesty box for donations.  I do hope visitors use it as it would be sad for it to close.

This was a memorable visit and one we would have been sad to miss.

When we were there pretty snowdrops had started to bloom in the grounds.  The snowdrop is aptly named 'the flower of consolation'.

Thanks for joining us on our day trip to Tyneham.  If you go be sure to let us know what you think too.

Where to next?

Safe travels all

Jan and Malcolm :)

Could this be the Ultimate Escape to the New Forest

About a 30 minute drive from Southampton and, in fact, for us about the same from Lymington, this beautiful hotel nestles in the heart of the New Forest.

For me, this is a place I visit quite often for coffee with friends, but today was a special treat.  We were here for lunch.

Even more of a treat in store for Malcolm has he has never been here.

A drive through the New Forest is always a pleasure but when you live somewhere you rarely do any sightseeing, which is a pity really.

The drive, of course, can be slow sometimes ....

so if you have a deadline give yourself time to drive slowly!

We did, of course, set off early and arrived with time to start the lunch with a welcoming glass of fizz!

and there was more .....

This cute little pan of delicious scrummy nibbles were delightful.

Please forgive me.  I have forgotten what they were called, just trust me when I say they were a gastronomic delight.

We were looked after incredibly well and were shown to a very stylish restaurant, with views of the gardens.

We opted for the Seasonal Set Lunch menu.  There was the option of two or three courses and very reasonably priced.

A quick peek down to the bottom where the deserts caught my eye so the three courses would probably be the order of the day!

I always think it's rather rude to get the professional camera out in a restaurant (unless of course you're working on a commercial shoot) so I tend not to do it.  Please take our word for it .... the food was delicious.

Of course, if you don't believe us, you can always go and try for yourself.

After lunch Paulo very kindly took us through to the lounge for coffee, after which we thought we ought to try and walk a little before getting back in the car.

A wander is a must.  These gardens are full of surprises.

And the view of the building is stunning from many angles.

 It is truly beautiful, so I'll let you wander with us for a while .....

 I sat on this bench in a secluded area of the garden and watched the butterflies and bees.

But if you want to be a little more energetic, there's a forest ramble.  Not for us on this occasion..... I do wonder where it goes though?

You could always extend your lunch to an overnight stay?

  

There are many options here.  All seem to be quiet, private, and unique.

 No Malcolm, not today ...... maybe another time though :)

 Lodges, cottages, forest suites, hideaways ........

with a little more wandering and we came upon the Lake Cabin.  

Looks like the sort of place you could peacefully curl up with a book or stay a little longer and even write a book!

If it's peace, tranquillity and luxury you are after, then this is your ultimate escape to the New Forest ......it is, of course,

 Lime Wood Hotel

You've Got to Admit at 90 years old It's Impressive.

And we're off!

 And just over 20mph it feels more like 90mph :(

 Whew!  Thank goodness we're only going just around the corner.

It's the 19th Lymington Rotary Summer Spectacular.

In the past I have visited this spectacle with my son and his family.  My granddaughters have enjoyed the bouncy castle and pony rides in their time.  My son has enjoyed looking at the cars and my daughter in law and I have quite liked the gift and clothing stalls would you believe :)

Never did I think I'd be taking the road to Lymington Summer Spectacular in a 90 year old Austin 7!

Co-owned with a couple of friends and now named Myrtle.

I have to admit she is rather cute and quite fun.

A bit of marshalling required...

As Malcolm had been asked to help with the marshalling it was an early start for us and we arrived at 8.30am.  

We pulled up beside another chap who had bought three Austins of different makes and ages.  

Nope!  Don't even think about it Malcolm!

All sorts of cars turned up for this event.  All shapes and sizes and different ages.

Of course, Malcolm was in his element getting up close and personal with these vehicles. 

Although he got a little confused when .......

the Bentley joined the lineup?  

Oh I'd like to bring to your attention the extra passenger on the back seat.

(explanation = my Essential Images Teddy Bear, with photography prop of hat which I thought was very appropriate and a little hamper that my grandchildren used to play with many years ago!)  

Well, we all know what a softy I am and we thought it was a bit of fun.

Essential Images Teddy got a lot of 'ohs' and 'ahs' - almost as much as the car - well nearly :)

But not quite as many as this little chap to be totally honest.  How cute is that?

I don't think this chappie was interested in Ethel the Essential Images teddy bear either, do you?

Umm?  Think it might have been the engine?

No interest in cars or teddies for this little dog.  He was only interested in keeping cool and found a place for doing just that.

Well, of course, this is not all about cars.  There are plenty of things to do and lots to see.  Also plenty of food and drink choices.

It was a boiling hot day so I opted for some iced coffee from Taste the Bean.

And a piece of Blueberry and Lemon cake from Fiona @realfood

Fiona's food is truly scrumptious and there was no way we were leaving without having a piece of her cake.

I think the handmade fudge must have been quite delicious too.  It certainly got the attention of these two gorgeous little girls.  Aren't they cute.

Time for the off then.

Ah I think someone wants a lift?  Be my guest.

I took a much more comfortable ride in a much later model - quite a new edition of a Discovery actually :)

Sweet Myrtle is very cute and at 90 years old is very impressive. 

I'm sure she has some stories to tell.
Now that would be interesting wouldn't it......could we find out d'you think?

Until the next time .... safe travels all.