Market Day - Cirencester

I’m spending a couple of days in Cirencester, staying in my Campervan. I slept well and stayed warm. After a relaxing morning, including a short walk nearby, I walked into town early this afternoon. I had intended to treat myself to a nice late lunch, but it was Market day in town. I’ve been here several times, but never on Market day. It wasn’t too busy and many people (including me) wore masks outside even though they’re only required indoors in the U.K. I treated myself to a few things including something for a meal back at the van, so I skipped lunch entirely and just enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere, mostly outside.

The Christmas lights were much prettier than how they look here. My iPhone didn’t quite do them justice. I also walked along some of my favourite streets. See first Extra photo for a collection of Cirencester doors and gates.

I went into a few small stores. The prize for the best Christmas window display goes to Octavia’s Bookshop (see second Extra photo). Octavia’s is a children’s bookshop, though she does sell a few books for grownups. She seems to specialise in the Moomin books, and always has Moomins for sale, dressed in beautiful outfits. These are beautifully made by her mother. I always enjoy looking at them when I visit.

The window display was a Moomin Nativity scene. It was very contemporary with the visitors - the Wise Men and the Shepherd - all properly wearing masks. Mary and Joseph weren’t wearing masks because they were in their ‘residence’, albeit temporary. The Angel also was not wearing a mask as he is a celestial being - and anyway - he stayed more than 2 metres away!  

There were more beautiful Moomins inside the shop but I’ll have to wait to blip them on my next visit.

I walked back to the campsite after the sun had gone down and cooked the pie I had bought at the market - Pheasant and Ham with chestnut. Very yummy!