Joys of Summer

(Image courtesy of Steven Morris)

Post Olympics and the incredible spectacle of the closing ceremony there's a collective chance to relax, reflect and rejoice in this special time.  A memorable Summer for many reasons and not just the vagaries of the English weather.  August traditionally brings the chance for taking some time off and celebrates Lammas, the ancient festival of transformation.  For crops planted in the Winter this is now the start of farmers' busiest time of year and harvest.  A chance for us too for metaphorically taking stock of our own lives. 

Whilst enjoying time at the beach walking along the shore and swimming in the refreshing ocean, I've re-read a gem of a book I discovered years ago "Gift from the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.  As the cover succinctly states: "A modern-day classic...wise meditations on youth and age, love and marriage, solitude, peace, and contentment...ways to reconcile our most deeply personal needs with obligations to family, friends, lovers, and work, ways to separate loneliness from replenishing solitude, and ways to find solace in the simplest of daily tasks...Gift from the Sea serves as a spiritual compass guiding us toward inner tranquility in the face of life's deeper questions".  Personally I think this slim volume and treasure of a book is beautifully written.  It opens your mind in the gentlest of ways, provides a different perspective and with it the chance to give thanks for all that is good in our lives.  A welcome pause for thought.

Hastings, East Sussex

Having lapsed a couple of weeks since my last blog the motivation to spotlight Hastings as promised has waned, but I do feel compelled to still share the few hidden gems I enjoyed discovering in case you have a chance to go too.  Hastings is like the proverbial curate's egg and 'good in parts'.   Probably an impressive place to be in it's Regency heyday, the faded grandeur and down-at-heel appearance of so much of the town is now rather sad.   Tucked in the more appealing old town the cookery writer and photographer Alastair Hendy has painstakingly renovated a Georgian house to create his Homestore.  Like stepping back in time, the wooden floors, authentic shop fittings and general sense of living history provide a unique backdrop for his stock.  On the ground floor is a collection of household brushes for every possible use from cleaning bottles to radiators.  The impressive full spectrum display from feather to hard bristle brushes makes you want to buy at least one for chores you never previously considered. Unfortunately the kitchen annexe was closed when I was there, but Alastair cooks on site and it would have been a wonderful experience.  A compelling reason for me to return as I'm a total fan of his excellent book "Food and Travels Asia". 

The East and West lifts, a celebration of Victorian engineering, take visitors to the cliff top for views along the coast.  Along the beach front is the curious site of historical tall, narrow wooden black sheds housing fishermen's nets.  The fishing fleet is still active and the shore is crammed with huts selling the catch of the day.  Apart from the fishing and shipwreck museums, the new Jerwood Gallery for contemporary art is in stark contrast to the traditional architecture.  Closed when I was there, this space will really bring Hastings into the 21st century, probably with a jolt.  A trusty band of Hastings supporters is striving to uplift the offering of the resort.  Jo Fairley's traditional Judge's Bakery is a mecca for residents wanting fresh bread and traditional cakes; her Pomegranate restaurant looks very appealing and the Wellington Centre offering natural therapies is worth a visit.  There are some quirky individual boutiques and with some careful editing a short trip to Hastings is to be recommended.  I didn't manage to go to Maggie's on the beach, but for the best fish and chips in town that's where I'll head next time.  Just beware of the low flying seagulls that are apt to swoop and steal your ice cream cone straight out of your hand as you innocently walk along the shore.