The Trusty Servant

Back a bit late in the north-west, following our trip visiting J's Mum. Very fortunate with the weather. After breakfast at our B&B this morning we had a short walk from Seatop at Highcliffe, and saw our first wheatears of the year, fantastic to see. They will be heading up to the northern hills soon to breed. The gorse covered slopes on this stretch of coast just look beautiful in the sunshine.

Christchurch BC are having 10 beach huts built at Steamer Point we noticed later on. In an estate agents window a couple of days ago we noticed that (admittedly larger) beach huts at Mudiford Spit were selling for between £185 - 245,000, so the Council may be onto something. Maybe I should suggest this as a budget saving initiative for Salford, beach huts at the Quays might have a future !

On our way back we have to travel through the New Forest (regretting that we cannot stop and go for a long walk). To avoid potential traffic problems at Lyndhurst we detour around, via Emery Down and Minstead. The Trustee Servant Inn is at the centre of the latter, and has this fascinating Inn sign. It is based on a 16th century saying (which is on a board nearby). At that time scholars at Winchester College all had servants, and the saying is a summary of the requirements - apparently this is the world's first job description. The scholars seemed to have some odd needs !

With arms outstretched, this chap seems appropriate for today.