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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Not the work of an Elizabethan seamstress, but of an unseen spider and Gloucestershire's suburban mist! Glittering Sunday wishes!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Happy (belated) Lincolnshire Day! To celebrate, my non-fiction prose book 'Village' is FREE today in Kindle/phone/computer edition! The taste of past life in a North Lincolnshire village... learn its identity on the very last page! SEARCH ALISON BRACKENBURY VILLAGE AMAZON! #LincolnshireDay

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Imagine you are 18, your sibling 20. Your father, an organic farmer, has died. The landlord says you need £800,000 to buy the farm & continue...Charlotte & Ben Hollins raised this! Fordhall has had 20 years as a community farm,with pigs in the woods & brilliant local projects!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

These bright cans hold delicious ready-cooked (traditional) peas & beans I really like (yes, I'm a vegetarian who doesn't care much for beans)!They are BRITISH grown, unlike the soya & lentils formerly in my diet.(Other brands available!)Radio 4's Farming Today had a fine series on pulses last week!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

More knowledgeable gardeners may confirm this, but I think this is possibly cotinus (the 'smoke tree')? Perhaps unusually, this has grown - near Prinknash Abbey- into a mossed & venerable tree! Very best autumn wishes from Gloucestershire!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

My family stopped farming in the 1890s. But I feel for farmers,some of whom have run superb nature schemes for decades,applying to the new grant scheme. The website kept failing. The cash ran out. England is'nature-depleted', farming in crisis. Government & DEFRA must do better!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Forecasters say it will be dry. Forecasters, argue with the sky... In defence of red morning skies, and all shepherds who believe them, I think there is a forecast of rain tomorrow afternoon!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

It seems oddly fitting to read these 2 fine books from @brokensleepbooks.bsky.social in a dimly lit pub, forgetting a looming appointment... I particularly recommend @jakeareynolds.bsky.social 's dream-like journeys & G B Clarkson's imagined holiday with George Eliot!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Has your garden, or local landscape, revived with recent rain? I am just going out to plant a selection of what I hope will be drought-resistant plants... although I am worried that one variety might not resist our worst frosts! Very best gardening, or plant-appreciating wishes!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

'My poet-gardener says, sadly, I am unlikely to win a Tallest Sunflower competition.Apparently I am an accident, appearing suddenly in a primrose pot! Sunflower seeds have not been given to the birds here for a while... & they were always 'kibbled'. Have I grown from half a seed? Happy Monday!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Do you live in Gloucestershire and love taking part in poetry Open Mics? Do please look at the events at the Dobunni Poetry Festival featured in this post! From 15-17 October in Stroud,this NEW festival focuses on South Western writers. Well worth supporting, for opportunities now and in the future!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Can any kind person,with a knowledge of old UK postcards,please estimate a date for this picture of the (then tattered!) church at Markby, Lincolnshire? I'm especially interested to know when white lettering was first used on postcards.Thanks! #oldpostcards #postcardcollectors #Lincolnshire #Markby

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Cheltenham, jauntily Mediterranean (?).St Philip & St James, Grafton St(listed), designed by the indefatigable Victorian architect, John Middleton.Alas, the then English Heritage refused to list the charming little school he designed in my street, with its patterned brick & bell tower. It is lost...

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Delighted to see that October's 'Lincolnshire Life' features @rorywaterman.bsky.social 's lively account of Lincolnshire stories: 'Devils in the Details' (Five Leaves Publications) @fiveleavesbooks.bsky.social !

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

A recent issue of the poetry magazine 'Acumen' mentions Ted Hughes' admiration for the Gaelic poem 'Donal Og', translated by Lady Gregory. I glimpsed its power online (at the site of the Academy of American Poets). 'You have taken the east from me; you have taken the west from me...'

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

The grasshopper, disturbed by me, pretends rather successfully that it is concrete. Chirruping will resume later... I wish you a song-filled Sunday!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

When I retired from my day job in 2012, I began to buy hardy species cyclamen in pots, hoping they'd seed in my difficult, dry, shaded North-facing back garden. After drought, torrential rain, & possibly a little help from seed-carrying ants, here they are, in full flight!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

A local squirrel found itself encircled by three chattering magpies... I was about to intervene when much tail-lashing (and the flash of teeth?) prevailed. I hope you have a less alarming Monday!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Victorian villagers were taught geography... probably not time zones! But my well-informed villagers ask me to re-post my echoes of their school days, in a Gothic room where a cane was a fraction of its original length by the year end, & where the Master wrote one winter day 'Too dark for sewing'!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

No grim hymns! 'With Mortal Voice' has superb unaccompanied singing by Kate Witney @lincolnshirelass.bsky.social. Soaring snatches from Hildegard of Bingen,lilting medieval stories in English,Shaker songs.Joyful & uplifting, even to this non-orthodox listener! Highly recommended! See Kate's website.

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

'How can I keep from singing'? Kate Witney's @lincolnshirelass.bsky.social's singing sounds both highly accomplished & completely natural. 'Albion's Forgotten Daughters' has songs collected by women, including some of Lincolnshire"s liveliest! Highly recommended! Search for KATE WITNEY WEBSITE!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Back to school...(sorry)! A Victorian child would smell stiff new corduroy. The Vicar's visits may prove dramatic. And why is your sewing lesson cancelled? Read more in my non-fiction prose book 'Village'. Kindle/phone/computer edition FREE Sun 6 Sept. SEARCH ALISON BRACKENBURY VILLAGE AMAZON!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

In the garden of Prinknash Abbey, between rainstorms, I thought these were tiny sheltering flies. In fact, they look more like flying ants... with a distinct lack of weather sense! Earthbound or airborne, I wish you a settled weekend!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

House martins! Chunkier, darker perhaps less flashy than swallows, but I'm very fond of them. I used to see clouds of them hunting insects over our local Morrisons' roof-but,alas, not for the last 2 years. But here they are, near Prinknash Abbey, diving low for flies after rain!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Long ago, I realised I had moved into a land of orchards... Gloucestershire - and Worcestershire- and Herefordshire! This apple is a Discovery, not a Worcester, but the plate accompanying this early poem did come to me via that cherry capital, Ledbury! Fruitful best wishes!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

I'm always delighted when a bookmark falls out of a new book - & especially when it celebrates 40 years of publishing fine poems & poets! Happy Birthday to @poetrybusiness.bsky.social - the Poetry Business!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

After welcome rain, creatures rush back to the huge buddleia: the Red Admiral, the Painted Lady, the harmless Hornet Hoverfly, dozens of domestic bees & a queen bumblebee, lurking in shadow. Two Large Whites whirled off in courtship, eluding my lens.. We wish you warmth & nectar!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

If you relish music, & live broadcasting, here are two hours of delight. Between wide-ranging recorded music, @genevievetudor.bsky.social catches Shrewsbury Festival's late bustle on BBC Shropshire. And are the live sessions conducted under umbrellas? Yes! But violins & voices stay in perfect tune!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

I've read little of Goldsmith's poetry, & no prose. I was enthralled by this radio piece.'The jests of the rich are ever successful' -Goldsmith's insight rather than his trusting Vicar's?The plot tugs hard at the heart despite fairytale elements.The power of the landlord remains a sinister shadow...

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

If you love food, its lore & history, here's a radio suggestion! The Kitchen Cabinet from Spalding... full of Lincolnshire good humour. Highlights include @dranniegray.bsky.social on sage & its many traditional uses..how I wish I could grow this. And insights into Lithuanian food! A fine concoction!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Radio suggestions! I always admire Natalie Haynes' @nataliehaynes.bsky.social 's classical insights & especially recommend her 'Argonautica', her account of an epic poem I didn't know. It's also an eloquent introduction to Medea, & to all she did for Jason before he rejected her. Highly recommended!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

A stunning image... not least because I've always thought of Europa's deceptive bull as an innocently snow-white beast...

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Reposted by Alison Brackenbury

Natalie Haynes @nataliehaynes.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Thought no one could look depressed while riding on a magic bull? Allow me to correct you

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

I hope your dinner is not as storm-tossed as the Red Admiral's! Very best butterfly Bank Holiday wishes!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Don't fight duels! Here is the man who built Whittington Court, a fascinating Tudor house near Cheltenham, his unfortunate wife & an older, calmer face, from their church near the Court. House open daily 2-5 till end of 31 Aug - see Whittington Court's website. (Cake, too!)

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

'I Have a Literal Mind'... 'A teacher says take a seat, I pick up the chair and walk out.' I rediscover the poems of Karl Knights @inadarkwood.bsky.social- frequently funny, & sharply illuminating. 'Kin' is available from the Poetry Business @poetrybusiness.bsky.social

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

In Whittington Church near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire: a 1775 memorial to a 'Servant', John Taylor,praises his 'Fidelity' & his courage in illness 'worthy to be imitated in every Station of Life'.I think John's employer,at nearby Sandywell,was Mary Tracy, a rich widow (who'd lost her son). Unusual?

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

In Whittington Church, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, you can see the blank faces of 13th century Crusaders, their elegantly crossed ankles, a distant Lady, & two loyal stone lions, perhaps mangled in England's own religious conflict! Near Whittington Court, house open to end 31 Aug-see website!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

'She had no more of what later times call individuality than has the rose, her rival... She never really intended ..to be a shepherdess...' 'The Lady of the Lyrics' Wise & witty readings of poetry by Alice Meynell, 'Selected Poems & Essays' ed. by Alex Wong, intro. Laura Mulvey @carcanet.bsky.social

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

'She had seated herself suddenly upon a place of detachment between earth and air....She had made herself, as it were, light'... Alice Meynell watches 'A Woman in Grey' cycle in the hubbub of Oxford St. Alice Meynell, 'Selected Poems & Essays' ed Alex Wong, intro Laura Mulvey @carcanet.bsky.social

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

'Bees, humming in the storm, carry their cold Wild honey to cold cells.' Alice Meynell, 'Selected Poems & Essays' edited by Alex Wong, introduced by Laura Mulvey, (her great-granddaughter), @carcanet.bsky.social. Eloquent and piercingly unexpected...

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Just reposting this pointed post, since, without their herbs or their 'spells', my 'witches' now find themselves flying into different time zones! Very best wishes to all!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Whittington Court, near Cheltenham. A small Tudor manor where Elizabeth I 'dyned', with dark oak furniture, treasured china & the art of past owners. A great tithe barn, a fascinating early church...& tea & cake. Highly recommended! Open daily 2-5 till end 31 Aug. Search 'Whittington Court website'

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Following #worldfolkloreday, a reminder that 'folklore' has stories sharper than pins! For tales of the local 'witch', Betty, from my mother's lifetime, read my non-fiction prose book, 'Village'. Kindle/phone/computer edition FREE today! SEARCH ALISON BRACKENBURY VILLAGE AMAZON.

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Blackbird has had morning bath & eaten a particularly ripe blackberry & now prepares for a nap in the sun... I hope you have a fruitful weekend!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

If you're a poetry-lover within striking distance of Stroud, please do come to the new Dobunni Poetry Festival, 15-17 Oct. This could be a marvellous event for the S. West - please buy ticket(s) as soon as you can & any donation, however small, to the crowdfunder would be a huge help! Thank you!

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Has anyone else ever (vainly) searched crammed shelves & tottering bookpiles for the excellent book they need to re-read tomorrow- then remember that it was sent as a PDF? By the way, this old photo is unrelated to my post, but I found it by chance. It is the sea. It is wet..

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

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Alison Brackenbury @abrackenbury.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Survival strategy (during week) during necessary trip to town , on the day Cheltenham reached 35 degrees. Earl Grey tea on the Promenade- apologies for shoes, not quite fitting for Edwardian gentility! I wish you a gently cooler weekend! #heatwave

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