Saturday 24th August 2024 - Swirling Leaves, a Blow for the Village and a Tranquil Walk

We’ve been lucky here on the North Norfolk coast to have escaped being battered by the recent storm, Lilian.  This, I have seen on gardening Facebook groups, has caused considerable damage to gardens in other parts of the country.  It has, however, certainly been windy resulting in leaves swirling throughout the village.  The wind has now abated but today it’s raining (typical Bank Holiday weather!) so I will have to wait before I can clear the leaves in our garden.  August Bank Holiday is usually a busy one in the village with visitors flocking in to enjoy the beach and make the most of what seems to be perceived as; the end of summer and the holiday season as well as the beginning of structured days as schools return.

Yesterday, we stopped off at the Garden Centre, on our way back from shopping in Mundesley, to purchase a couple of bags of potting compost.  At the cash out we were only charged for one bag, so I pointed out there were two bags in the trolley.  It was not a mistake – we were told the Garden Centre is closing for good and everything is now 50% off.  This took a bit of taking in and with Gary, the manager, standing close by with his eyes welling up, we took in the gravity of this news.  Yes, I have purchased plants from other sources but these have been the kind not stocked by the village Garden Centre and of course there have been the impulse buys from other stockists and car boot bargains.  However, we have been regular visitors to the centre and Barney (our dear dog, who departed this world two years ago) loved to visit as he was assured a treat at the cash out.  Since we moved here, nearly sixteen years ago, we have purchased all sorts of garden items, from table and chairs, to potting compost, patio slabs, plants, seeds, a tree, a garden ornament, pots, fencing and so the list goes on.  I really don’t know how villagers would have managed during lockdown without their delivery service, which they provided us with at no cost.  What more can I say other than to thank the original owners and subsequent managers and staff for the great service they have provided and to express our best wishes for the future to the eleven members of staff who are soon to be without a job.

Today’s photo was taken when we enjoyed a tranquil early morning walk with just the company of a few passing gulls.