Wed 11th Sept 2024 - Barncourt Farm, Wroxall. GG # 998.

 Terry's Photographs.

The latest GG 'must-have' piece of kit, stool/backpack/cool bag 

combined (available from Argos, other retailers are available)

Alison's Editorial.

This week we were in Wroxall, based at Barn Court Farm.  We walked, via the footpaths, through to the land adjacent to the caravan park where there are a lot of self-seeded trees.  Amongst the trees are stands of our old favourite, Himalayan Balsam.  These areas were cut earlier in the season and as a result we had lots of tiny plants to pull.  It was hard work for our backs, but those with beautiful blue stool/backpack combos had comfy seats on which to rest.....

Many thanks to Alison for the words and Terry for the photographs.

Wed 4th Sept 2024 - St Olave's Church, Gatcome. GG # 997.

 Terry's Photographs.

A slow worm.

Sir Charles Seeley, a later owner of Gatcombe House and much of the Island, commissioned the large Memorial in the nave to his son Capt. Charles Grant Seeley. The sculpture is by Thomas Brock who sculpted the Memorial outside Buckingham Palace. This was his last commission and was unveiled in 1922 by Oueen Victoria's daughter HRH Princess Beatrice, Governor of The lsle of Wight.

The church has a large and very special East window and lancet windows in the Sanctuary, containing work by William Morris and the Pre Raphaelite artists.

Alison's Editorial.

This week we were at St Olave's Church, Gatcombe.  Our main task was to rake up all the cut grass in the graveyard.  This was then taken down to a compost area at the bottom of the site.  We worked primarily in the older part of the graveyard - some of the ancient tombstones were deciphered which led to some interesting conversations!  A small group of GG-ers also worked in the newer part of the graveyard clearing back brambles and undergrowth.

Towards the end of the session Revd Steve Sutcliffe joined us and kindly showed us the church.  It was dedicated in 1292 and has a considerable history - see link -

St Olaves Home Page

Revd Sutcliffe also told us about Lucy Lightfoot - see link - Lucy Lightfoot - Wikipedia

Many thanks to Alison for the editorial, Terry for the photographs and Sue for the historical notes.