Day out in Bridge of Allan

We call her “Miss Marples” a tiny bird-like woman who must be nearer 90 than 80 and appears at all Open gardens travelling by bus or train from Glasgow. Then she walks.
 
So I was delighted to see her in our garden this afternoon. She had walked up the steep hill, about a mile from town, having already visited another outlying garden.
 
 
M offered her a life back but she refused.
In fact I think she was insulted. She is taciturn and difficult to engage in conversation.
And she is always immaculately turned out carrying an umbrella and wearing stout walking shoes.
 
She is reputed to be a retired matron from a Glasgow hospital. Once M did manage to engage her in conversation over Sudoku.. Apart from that she remains a mystery, a tiny figure flitting from garden to garden.
 
 
As for Bridge of Allan Open Gardens, it’s over for another year. Despite some earlier panic over signs it turned out to be an enjoyable afternoon for all.
We were lucky with the weather. Although it rained yesterday and this morning the skies had cleared by this afternoon.
 
Have yet to hear the total number of visitors, probably around 150-200.  All money raised will go towards Strathcarron hospice, St Saviours church and Scotland Garden Scheme Beneficiaries.
 
Photo: Julie, Volunteers Co-ordinator (left) from Head Office with visitors.
See extra for more photos.