Plutonium Sox
Days out

The Firs National Trust dog friendly family day out

The Firs National Trust dog friendly family day out

A couple of years ago, the Firs Elgar birthplace museum in Worcestershire became a National Trust property. This is the first time we’ve been since then. Happily, it remains a fascinating family day out. In fact, there have been a few significant improvements. Much of the museum is dog friendly and there are plenty of things to keep children entertained too. Edward Elgar and the Firs National Trust The history of Edward Elgar’s connection to this small cottage in Broadheath is fascinating. Born at the cottage in 1857, he lived there until he was just two years old. His family…

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What's on West Midlands

Adam Speaks at National Trust Croome

Adam Speaks at National Trust Croome

As the sun set over Croome, coloured lights shone on the Adam Speaks Tree House art installation. The project paid tribute to the influence designer Robert Adam had on the estate. But the beautiful landscape combined with the colours of nature seemed to insist on a nod to Capability Brown. The Adam Speaks project The project began with a search for an emerging artist. Under the guidance of national artist Hew Locke, the successful applicant would create an exciting new artwork. The theme would be the influence that Robert Adam had on Croome. The estate itself is developing according to…

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Outdoor fun

A morning stroll around the Walled Gardens at Croome Court

A morning stroll around the Walled Gardens at Croome Court

The girls leant their bikes against the wall and ventured into the secret garden. It was like stepping into the Georgian era. Being transported back to a time when the produce from this expansive garden would feed everyone on the Croome Estate. The history of the Walled Gardens at Croome Court 17 years ago, a couple by the name of Chris and Karen were looking for a project. The gardener’s cottage at Croome was perfect. Derelict and set in a vast plot of land, the property inspired visions of a transformation into an eight-bedroomed house. There would be a swimming pool, jacuzzi and tennis courts.…

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Days out

Why it is worth investing in a National Trust membership

Why it is worth investing in a National Trust membership

Our National Trust membership is one of the best investments we make each year. So far, we’ve been paying the £108 a year for joint membership because children under 5 can go in free. We’ll soon have to upgrade though to a family membership – but even this only costs £114.60 per year. And once that’s paid, our National Trust days out are free all over the UK for the year. What is the National Trust? Just in case you’re not familiar with the British Institution that is the National Trust, I’ll give you a brief overview. The National Trust…

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Our Thursday Photos

Our Thursday Photo #61

Our Thursday Photo #61

Well, the mystery of the spotty child continues. I woke up this morning and the rash had faded, to the point that I was certain it was nothing – you could hardly see it. Off we went to playgroup. By the time we got home at lunchtime, Libby was looking like SuperTed’s mate again. We’re still not sure what we’re doing at the weekend and I’ve resolved to phone the doctor tomorrow if the rash is still there. At least we can find out whether it’s contagious. No doubt it will be gone in the morning and then turn up…

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Lifestyle

50 Things to Do Before You’re 11 3/4

50 Things to Do Before You’re 11 3/4

For the last couple of years, hubby and I have been National Trust members. We love the fact that there are so many different places to visit for the cost of a membership fee.  The other advantage is that many National Trust places accept dogs, at least in the grounds. One such place locally is the beautiful Brockhampton Estate.  And it’s a sign of Libby growing up that today when we went to take back the map from our walk, she was offered a scrapbook to record her 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4.  I’ve been vaguely aware…

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Days out

National Trust Croome

National Trust Croome

I’ve always thought that days out as a family were a really important part of growing up, but with two children, it becomes really expensive for us all to go out. We’ve had our National Trust membership for a couple of years now, and it’s a really economical way to have regular days out without paying a fortune. We have visited numerous National Trust sites across the country, but one of our favourites is our local one at Croome in Worcestershire, so that’s where we headed to today. We met up with a couple of our friends and spent the morning walking…

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