Thursday 25 July 2019

BODGER IN THE SHADE OF A TULIP TREE

Tulips in Full Flower
Mid-week sessions with local schools at Valence House in East London between Romford and Dagenham for what was loosely termed a Pre-History week of crafts and other interesting skills.  We were turning with gusto and each class made a story stick for use in the schoolroom.  Other activities were archery, cheese making, cave painting and investigating dinosaur poo!
Mrs Bodger Giving Directions

Valence House is beautiful.  It's the only surviving manor house in Dagenham and dates back to medieval times and still surrounded by a moat to keep invading marauders at bay.  It's almost sandwiched between Romford and Dagenham with the large grounds now a public park and the house run as a free museum.  The only reason it wasn't knocked down in the sixties when everyone was still trying to clean up after the bloomin' German bombing raids (and folks wonder why we want to leave a European so called 'Union' that's run by unelected Germans) and the local mayor took a fancy to it for his new Dagenham Town Hall and his own personal residence!  He didn't get his wish but the House was left untouched and abandoned until Havering Council and lots of volunteers realised it's historical value and set about sorting it out.
Caveman Will Lord Discovers relic of Ford Capri Whilst Hunting

The weekend was open to the public and we had queues of young would be turners having a go on the lathe with a bit of guidance from Vanessa who has the patience of a saint where kids and their parents are concerned although she does put a stop to folks who think she's a free creche!  We couldn't take many action pics as parents don't want their kids photos taken - we always ask first.  they don't hesitate to photo us though (without asking) and get the hump if one of us says, enough is enough, we are not exhibits at the museum in ourselves!
Let The Force Be With You

Ness with the local constabulary at the weekend event and getting this lovely lady to grips with a chisel. 
  

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