Thought For Today

Do not accustom yourself to use big words for little matters.
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

The Rockery - Blankney Park

The Rockery (1999)

The Rockery (Around 1899)

In the middle of Blankney Park there is a small coppice, known as The Rockery, which has been excavated out to an area of approximately 80 yards square. At the east end of this area there is a man made structure consisting of huge boulders with a shallow cave at its centre. The top picture shows the modern day rockery which unfortunately is overgrown with moss and saplings. The picture below shows The Rockery as it was, possibly a hundred years earlier, though the actual date of the photograph is unknown. I have never seen any reference to The Rockery that would explain its purpose, but I would guess it was a retreat for the occupants of the Hall, where during the summer months they could walk, relax or possibly picnic. What is evident from the bottom picture is that the area was immaculately kept, probably by several gardeners, and would have been a tranquil haven for those who spent time there. Along the bank at the top of The Rockery, on the south side, are the graves of many horses and dogs. When I first visited The Rockery, as a teenager, these graves were marked by scattered gravestones, on which was carved the names of the animals. Some of the names I remember were Sunbeam, Dumps and Caro. One very special grave was marked with a large white marble slab which bore the following inscription:

In memory of a very favourite horse Fidget which died May 10th 1879

Many a time o'er hill and vale

I've carried my lady close to the tail

Of hounds which ran a rattling pace

To kill their fox by such a chase.

Then think of me when here you rest

For when alive I did my best,

To carry out the kindness shown

By one who places here this stone.

The Lady Florence Chaplin

Interestingly, there is another reference to a horse called Fidget, in the book, 'Henry Chaplin A Memoir', prepared by his daughter the Marchioness of Londonderry. This makes reference to Lady Londonderry, then still a small girl, being taken out hunting. Chaplin recalls the young girl driving Fidget at a fence much to big for a pony and recalls her falling into a ditch. The book then goes on to say, the little girl remembers the episode very well-the beloved fat pony, shaped like a pig, the anxiety of keeping her eyes on the hounds,and of eluding her father and the groom. In the same book a reference is made to Caro Lady Florence's hunter. During their first year of marriage Henry visited Blankney alone to entertain his usual bachelor house party for the Lincoln meeting, while his wife was at Trentham. Whilst at Blankney he wrote to his wife everyday. On the Monday he wrote. Horses all very well. Caro [her hunter] much admired by every one, a great wonder that so small a Poppet can ride him. I tell fine tales about the way she goes on him, after me, of course. Some of the gravestones were broken by vandals, others, that survived were removed for safe keeping

Today's Smile

Fifty one years ago, Herman James, a North Carolina mountain man, was drafted by the army.

On his first day in basic training, the army issued him a comb. That afternoon the Army barber sheared off all his hair.

On his second day, the Army issued Herman a toothbrush. That afternoon the Army dentist yanked seven of his teeth out.

On the third day, the Army issued him a jock strap.
The Army has been looking for Herman for 51 years.

Beware Of Modern Day Tooth Fairies

A German dentist has been fined 6,000 euros for taking a woman's teeth out. The problem was the woman was wearing false teeth at the time. It transpired that the woman owed the dentist 700 euros for treatment not covered by insurance. As a way of recovering the debt the dentist went to the woman's home and physically removed her false teeth from her mouth. His lawyer issued a statement, on behalf of the doctor, saying he apologised and that he blew a fuse because he was under a lot of professional and personal stress. The woman appeared in court with no teeth and said she did not want to wear dentures again because of the stress the incident had caused.