Font of all knowledge

Several things emerged during my first season. The signage needs addressing. The tea rooms is a long way down a bumpy track and several people commented that they were afraid they were going the wrong way. I also need to sort out a way of telling people that Witley Court, the Baroque Church and the tea rooms are all in the same place. I've lost count of the numbers of folk who ask the best way to get to the Court. I point them in the direction (walk 100m, turn right, another 100m, oh. there it is) and they say: "What? We're already here? We thought we'd have to drive to it." I'm thinking of trying to produce a leaflet. I have no knowledge of such things but George is reading a book about fonts (Just My Type) so that qualifies him to help.

Ouch

On Tuesday I was in London for a memorial service. In attendance were dozens of BBC friends and colleagues, many of whom I hadn't seen for years and who wanted to know about cake and the first season and whether I missed radio. Among them Louise who left at about the same time as I did and who is now doing up houses for a living. One of the reporters based outside London sat next to me. He didn't even know I wasn't working there anymore. We chatted and I mentioned Louise and her departure from radio. "Oh I know," he said, "now that's a REAL loss".
I used to like him.

Xtraordinary

I've been at home a lot more this week (ironing) and am surprised by how many times the 'phone rings.
It's rarely a friend.
Yesterday a lady called Shilpa rang to ask if I'd take part in a survey about the Halifax. I couldn't think of a reason not to, so for the next 11 minutes I responded to statements with the words "strongly agree", "slightly agree", "slightly disagree" or "strongly disagree". I can't imagine what possible benefit my comments will be to the bank.
Most of the statements were mundane. Then this one:
"In the past 3 months I have recommended a Halifax card machine to someone."
I've never recommended any card machine to anyone. And I've never had a card machine recommended to me. Are some better than others then?
Shilpa laughed (thankfully).
But she still needed a response.

Crumbs of Comfort

It's over. Despite looking forward to it I felt very sad yesterday as we headed towards the witching hour and the final door closing.
The weather was great for October so we were pleasantly busy for the last weekend. The trick was to end the season without lots of stock, while still having enough so that it didn't look like a closing down sale.
We sold out of tea cakes. And scones.
We have half a granary and half a white loaf left.
We've a four pinter of milk (bought yesterday afternoon in a panic that we'd run out too early) but that'll be fine for the gathering tomorrow. Freda, Mary, Nancie and Kate and I will be putting the tea rooms into hibernation. Bringing in the tables from outside, defrosting the freezers and fridges. That sort of thing. Then I'll start on the leftover cake.
On Friday we're going on a works outing - a day trip to Oxford with high tea for all. We'll see how they do it in Oxon and chat on the train about how much better our scones are.


As for this blog. I reckon I might update during the closed season on pertinent purchases or decisions. I have several issues to address before April 1st 2011 which will keep me busy. And all that leftover cake to get through.