Battlesbridge and beyond

Up earlier than usual to give Rufus a walk before bro came at 11am for us to go out, destination Battlesbridge. Our plan, to have brunch at the Barge inn, followed by a wander around the "antiques" center which seems now to be mostly bric-a-brac, handicrafts, and (reproduction) vintage inside the old mill, and a yard sale outside near the green and carpark.  I was looking for something - old G plan sideboard maybe? - to use as a 'media centre' for my new TV and old stereo - but nothing. Should have kept Dad's.  Nevertheless, after a delicious meal and a good ol' gander, I came away with a reproduction candle lantern and bro bought a vintage air rifle so we were both satiated and satisfied.  I also took several photos of the River Crouch adjacent to the old mill/antique center.  A tidal estuary that flows to the North Sea, at low tide it was a fairly bleak but evocative scene on this completely overcast, very cold, windy,  blustery day. Very Essex. I think these views (extras) would make a good subject for a water colour.

Information about the River Crouch here and here. For such a little known river, I find the facts about it really rather interesting. 

Also interesting was BBC 4's broadcast of Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Gondoliers' this evening. Haven't seen a G&S performance for, Lordy, forty years? More? 
Credits and information here: The Gondoliers





 Gondoliers on bbc4