RIP Dolly

This is a result of the storm yesterday lunchtime. Not very exciting, but to me it has a story.

I moved out of Figsbury Cottage a couple of months ago. I had to return this week for a number of reasons, one of which was the funeral of my dear neighbour Dolly.

She was 86 years old. She was born in the village and lived in the house that would be just to the right in this picture. She lived there until a couple of years ago (apart from a number of years during her marriage when she moved around the South West) when physical issues forced her into a local nursing home. Her nephew is currently living in the house.

Dolly had a story for most occasions. And it seems right that the day of her funeral should provide her last. About 40 mins before the service there was an almighty CRACK, followed by a loud BANG. This tree fell across the main road into the village, took down the power and phone lines and closed the road. The hearse carrying Dolly had to make a detour to the church. The story does not, however, end there. The top of the tree is resting in the chapel cemetery, where Dolly was due to be laid to rest. During the service the Minister informed us that the tree was lying across Dolly's grave. Several locals worked during the service to chop and move branches to allow her to be laid to rest. She was finally reunited with her husband in the chapel cemetery, but not without leaving a story with which to remember the occasion.

I left Figsbury Cottage and Altarnun this morning, and am unlikely to be returning, therefore the next time I get to blip here I feel that my journal will be given a new name.