Tom's Field ramblings

I have been searching high and low for the leaflet I made about Nissen huts, cannot find it anywhere either on real paper or digitally so am going to have to start the history of our Walker's Barn at Tom's Field all over again, that is not too much of a problem so shall make a start soon. Meanwhile here is a link to an interesting site about Nissen huts.

Coming Event 2011

One of our customers is to undertake a 4000 mile cycle ride around the coast next year for Sutrans and Mind. We wish him all the best and will keep up to date with his progress through a link to his blog.

Frost in Purbeck

What an amazing scene today that I saw when walking to The Artist and Stallholders event in Worth Matravers Village Hall. There was such a thick hoary frost that coated every leaf and blade of grass and was stunningly beautiful even though bitterly cold.
There were a fair number of visitors come in for a coffee and hot mince pie.

The re-decoration of the Walker's Barn is going well at Tom's Field and should be finished soon. We don't have this open over Christmas or the New Year so it is a good time to get the work done.

Will write something about the history of the Walker's Barn and Nissen Huts .It was from the dilapadated Nissen Hut, that has been on the site since the year dot, that the Walker's Barn grew.

Related articles

• Weather latest: Heaviest snowfall in 17 years brings chaos across Dorset (dorsetecho.co.uk)

Snow hits Tom's Field

Along with the rest of the country snow came to Tom's Field and Swanage last week. This is a rare event in this sheltered part of the world.It was thick, meringue soft and inviting. We were at the campsite as the Walker's Barn is being decorated and we also had to check for any frozen pipes even though in fact everything is drained down. So here are some pictures taken on the way to Worth Matravers for the setting up of the Purbeck Atists and Stallholders Christmas event and on the campsite where it was fascinating to look at all the tracks that had been made by various animals and birds.

Events

This last week has seen two nice events. The annual Christmas Bazaar was held in Langton Matravers, just up the road from Tom's Field, at the village hall. This is always a delightful event with many interesting items on sale. Particularly the reindeer which are always popular simply constructed from local wood with no glue or nails.
We also visited the new shop that daughter, Judy, has opened with her husband Ian. This is in Clifton Arcade, Clifton and is called Couch selling bespoke 'couches' designed by Ian. In fact they too are endeavouring to fill the shop with British made items.
I seem to have lost my picture of the reindeer, will include it when it is found

Winter work progresses at Tom's Field, the Walker's Barn is to be redecorated, we are also looking to construct a toilet/shower room to go with the Stone Room. That will be a great facility.

Tom's Field Terrace Tree

The high winds on Sunday night blew down the lovely old tree that gave the shop terrace shade. This tree had been there as long as we can remember and had rich red blossom in May, in fact I can remember arguing with Tom one winter about the colour of the blossom as I had remembered it as white.
He put me right in no uncertain way clearly regarding me as a foolish incomer with no idea about the countryside. I think he would have been sad too and would, no doubt, have had a good story to tell about it.

Goodbye to Colin

Last night we had a farewell meal with Colin We looked back at all the changes in 17 years.
Colin arrived in 1994 , during that time there have been many happenings including both the driest and wettest summers on record,the rebuilding of the Nissen Hut, the reconstruction of The Stone Room. The movement toward a greener and more environmentally friendly world which we tried to reflect in the approach at Tom's Field.
Colin remained a constant during many changes, staff who have come and gone. Good times and not so good.
We wish him very well. He tells us he may take up bowls again and enjoying his own garden in his own home town.