Weekend jaunts

Today I'm posting about a weekend trip I made to a beautiful natural area in Surrey that I didn't even know existed until Saturday: Painshill Park. The park dates back to the 18th century and boasts a number of interesting features like a gothic tower, a ruined abbey, a Chinese bridge and more. It is definitely worth a visit if you're in that neck of the woods.

This is the Gothic Temple at Painshill Park:


The Turkish Tent:

My favourite part was the Grotto- only open at weekends - but with some beautiful crystals in it. The wood in the Grotto came from Windsor Castle after the fire there.

The Gothic Tower in the distance:


The ruined abbey:

Summer time update

I realise it has been a while since my last post so here I am once more for those of you who return to read my blog. Facebook appears to have taken over the world and my blogging is suffering as a result. However I am here to share the news. First bit of writing news is that I redrafted my Evans book on careers in retail, aimed at KS3 and KS4 students, and sent it off to the editor yesterday.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the publisher will be happy with it. Today I received in the post a package from Philip Allan outlining my next project and including the contracts for what will essentially be a GCSE student literature guide and teacher resource pack on a play.... more details later.

I thought I would also post today (rather belatedly)about a visit I made about a month ago to Blenheim Palace which was lovely. It's home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and Churchill's ancestral home. The palace itself is really beautiful and interesting - rich in history, but the grounds and surroundings are truly picturesque.


I would highly recommend visiting this place either on your own or with your family. There really is enough to fill a whole day and the way the palace is organised means it caters well for children- it's highly interactive and could even be used as a location for a History trip. Ever the teacher!

With writing as it is, I am considering postponing my dissertation submission until next year. I don't want to rush it and not give it my full attention. I will of course weigh up the pros and cons of this, as I do with every decision that I make!