Hartpury Mill

“The sound of water escaping from mill dams, etc., willows, old rotten planks, slimy posts, and brickwork, I love such things.”
John Constable
A day out with BobsBlips for more exploring, beginning with our obligatory cooked breakfast in Ross-on-Wye. Bob had a few places planned for us and we headed off for Hartpury and St Mary’s Church with its Bee Shelter. As we were approaching the church I was, as usual, looking out at the surrounding countryside (one of the benefits of being driven is I don’t have to keep my eyes on the road) and saw this old waterwheel nearby – that’s got to be my photo for the day I told Bob. Shades of Flatford Mill and The Haywain I suppose, but it just drew me. We visited the church first of course – plenty of photo opportunities there - and the bee shelter was superb, beautiful craftsmanship. A short walk back down the road and the photos of the old Mill across the millpond just did it for me, lovely setting and just right at this time of year. There was a corn mill shown on the 1883 O.S. map of the area, so it’s got a bit of history to it.
Next stop St Oswald’s church in nearby Lassington – just the tower remaining now after the church was demolished on safety grounds. A warm welcome from  a volunteer and his two dogs who keep the grounds looking beautiful – the snowdrops had gone over but the daffs were warm and welcoming! We’d intended continuing to another St Oswalds in Gloucester but a collision cut short our day out and we limped back to base for coffee, fortunately all involved walked away from the impact. An eventful day out and thanks to Bob for getting me back in one piece!