Smashing pumpkins

Halloween is a justifiable excuse for some flamboyant decorations and these are some of the very best on show this year.

A large tree is coming down

The mature tree on the junction of Dukes Avenue and Broughton Avenue is coming down. While this is obviously sad I am happy to accept that the experts know what they are doing. It is a big tree on a busy junction and if it did fall down then it could be quite disruptive, and dangerous.

 

The fungi growing from the base of the tree are a symptom of its poor health.

 

When the tree comes down, so will these shoes.

LV15 XLC

Dartboard

I do not expect to see children playing in the street with hoops any more and I did not expect them to be playing darts either. The large wooden gate makes this a safe place to play though the owner of the gate might not be as impressed with the idea.

This unexpected game can be played at the very far end of Martingales Close, far away from all but the most determined to prying eyes.

Gate House Garden in October

I have almost been taking Gate House Garden (on the corner of Ham Common, opposite The Hand and Flower) for granted despite the pleasure it gives me whenever I walk past, which is many times a week. I am rectifying that by posting some seasonal photographs to show that it is still delightful in late autumn.

These are the two main views of the Garden and I plan to take similar pictures through the seasons to show both the changes and the enduring charm.

Visitors welcome to Ham Polo

Ham Polo has placed a few signs like this on the border of their site to advise that they are open to various kinds of hospitality business.

It had been my attention for several years to go to one of their play days but I have never managed to do so. When that plan started, a non-member's ticket was only £2 and could be bought on the day but now it is £16 if booked in advance and £26 on the day. I suspect that I will never get to go there now.

Hornbeams

I have posted a picture of the Hornbeams at Ham House before but that was over ten years ago and was of the path on the other side of the Cherry Garden. Besides, the light was ideal and I had no option other than to take a picture.

Topiary

This topiary is a little hard to find but is worth the effort. The wall on the right is the east wall of Ham House and the hedge on the left is one side of the path past the Cherry Garden. I also had to stretch a little over another hedge to get a decent view.

Extending The Cottage

The Cottage in Sudbrook Lane is being extended but it is frustratingly difficult to see what they are doing thanks to the very tall hoardings across the front of the property, the high wall next door and a large tree. I spent several minutes walking up and down Sudbrook Lane suspiciously looking for the best angle to take a picture and this was the best that I could come up with.