We took out a long conifer hedge yesterday with the help of my Brother-in-law Mickey and a 24 inch chainsaw. The resulting bonfire was deeply satisfying. This morning I am left to survey the literal builders yard that we uncovered. Heaps of clay roofing tiles but also some very nice victorian criss cross yard "blues" which are worth selling or using. There is enough for a small patio or path section. There are several steel window frames intact with glass and a whole steel scaffolding set which I guess could go for scrap metal. It feels a bit like "cash in the attic" down there beyond the woodshed at the moment. Some other interesting finds. There used to be a grass tennis court down by the wood associated with the manor house. As well as the net itself we seemed to have unearthed much of the infrastructure that went with it.
This is the paint roller for marking out the lines. I think a brush off and touch up with paint and it could be quite an attractive item ?
The roller came from Harrods. We are obviously living in a fine neighborhood.
This contraption is the old net tensioner. You can see the handle and the bronze gear. The court is now a meadow and the site of the Spotted Orchid so I am not sure that Summer tennis parties will be back in vogue at Docklands Manor Farm (As we discover from an old sign the place is actually called).
Two very fine chicken zinc chicken waterers to go with a rotten chicken coup which we have burned. We are not able to keep any animals until we are here full time. I am here about 4-6 weeks a year at the moment and Jane a few months at best. But we have some good antique chicken infrastructure for the future.
These are made by a local company in Worcester - you fill up the central well (the top comes off) and then the drum slides round to let the water fill up the outside tray. I found the zinc food tray as well.
Chocolate is made in this part of the world - there is a big Cadburys Facility down the road on the way to Hereford. Our 3 milk pales or seem to be associated with chocolate manufacturing in some way. Cadbury Bros embossed on the side.
They make a nice set and I am sure will brush up well and can be used as planters.
I have never really been into "old stuff" despite my refusing to live in a modern house since I left home - the Barn is 150 years old and two previous houses were late Victorian terraces. I did have an idea that we could try and use old tools on site and have old pots etc. Terracotta e.g. is beautiful when it weathers. I don't know whether the original weather vein should make a comeback ! He is very fine but sadly rusted rigid. I guess if he won't free up he could stay on the roof permanently predicting North Westerly gales.
Cheryl the garden designer is coming tomorrow and Jane will be able to take forward her vision for the ever-expanding space. This year is pretty much "clearing" and next year we may get to building paths and levels and beds. It is a lovely work in progress.
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