1936

The houses on our side of the street were built in 1936, a year after the ones opposite. The estate was built on open fields to replace other dwellings further down the valley that had fallen into grave disrepair. The British government was still building council "homes for heroes" at this time, and they are solidly built of incredibly tough local brick and render. No reason why they shouldn't last another hundred years, if they are heated sufficiently to prevent damp and mould taking a hold. Ours was full of silverfish (damp-loving wiggly insects) when we moved in 9 years ago. I managed to persuade them to leave, with the help of some essential oils and by turning the heating on.

My maternal grandmother lived in a very similar house in Barcaldine, Scotland, and I remember staying there every summer. Theirs had been housing for the forestry commission, and her husband worked in the forestry office a short walk away. We used to visit him in the office, bringing his lunchtime "piece" and he'd amuse us children by sitting back in his chair with his feet up on the desk.

This was never going to be a good picture because of the power lines in the way. I tried retouching them, but the efforts were ghastly. There was low-lying mist in the valley, but by using the 'stamp' effect on photogene, I've given it a vintage poster makeover, which also makes it look as if we live in the highlands of Scotland, rather than the Cotswolds!

Half term now: hip hip hurrah! Have eaten far too much chocolate at work, and had some constructive advice from staff about how to deal with a fresh set of break time 'behaviours'. After my apprenticeship in the boondocks of Gloucester last year, it makes a difference to be working in a supportive environment!

Note to self: find out what 'boondocks' really are.