National Trust


A Tribute to Rosemary

Rosemary Bobby’s mobile phone rarely rings away from Laurel Cottage. His endless communication with the rest of the world being by all those other means at our disposal now. So when it rings it is usually important. Just twice in fact in nearly three months. Both, by coincidence, while sitting in the sunshine at the…


The Treasures of Sutton Hoo

Sutton Hoo Bobby stood on top of the burial mound of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. The marvellous tour guide was ending her tour of the Royal Burial Mounds to the gathering by asking “Does anyone know where the treasures of Sutton Hoo were kept during the war?” Naturally, he responded:…


Covid-19 Guided Walk for One. Number 8: Gower. Rhossili to Mewslade Bay.

Gower. Rhossili to Mewslade Bay. And so we finally got to the Gower. Driving west from Swansea as far as you could go to beautiful Rhossili. Memories of the early eighties came flooding back. The weather was glorious and we decide to do the simple walk to Mewslade Bay that we had done half a…


Covid-19 Guided Walk for One. Number 7: The Watercress Walk

The Watercress Walk. Everyone is affected by the pandemic. Some far worse than others. Many have had to change their lives completely. Find new ways of enjoying themselves. Keeping sane and, most importantly, keeping fit. One thing we have done here at Mindfully Bertie is share our love of the beautiful world in this series…


Covid-19 Guided Walk for One. Number 1: Denbies Hillside Nature Trail.

Number 1: Denbies Hillside Nature Trail Dear friends We live in strange times. It seems only right that Mindfully Bertie should bring you some sunshine. There has been plenty this week as we write this. At present, the government is allowing us one walk, cycle ride a day. We thought you could use your daily…


Swift’s Hill. A Nostalgic Return.

Swift’s Hill Each year, in February, we make a nostalgic return to the Cotswolds around Stroud. The Friends of the Islands of Skomer and Skokholm always have their reunion at Bishops Cleeve, near Cheltenham, in Mid February. This year’s was on 16 February. We come to re-enact our commitment to Diddley’s ashes on 15 February,…


A Morning with the National Trust Volunteers.

A Morning with the National Trust Volunteers.


Frank’s Walk.

Frank’s Walk. The fun and laughter of the Teddy Bears’ Picnic was wonderful. But a quiet and pensive mood has its devotees as well. A time to think about life and the world we live in. A time to appreciate the beauty of that world and those who have shared it with us. And enjoy…