Spring has finally arrived, and about time too! “I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high over vales and hills, when all at once I saw a host of golden daffodils.” (Wordsworth, born 1770, around the same...
Spring has finally arrived, and about time too!
“I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high over vales and hills, when all at once I saw a host of golden daffodils.” (Wordsworth, born 1770, around the same time that Holly Lodge was built in Swaffham!)
My father’s brother was one of the world’s leading Astrologers, a gentleman called Patric Walker, who’s daily column was read by over a billion people worldwide. He explained that astrology was an art, not a science and would point out “So why do daffodils only appear in the spring?” I will leave you to ponder that particular thought!
Do you remember how cold it was back in December?
Was it freezing or what! “Brrr…” this is a photograph of the tree next door first thing in the morning, in all it’s frosty glory!
Our return visitors from the USA
Two of our favourite guests stayed with us again in December, the lovely Heidi and Billy – all the way from Virginia, USA. Heidi stayed with us back in June last year, visiting family locally. Billy, funnily, has the uncanny look of the singing country legend that is Kenny Rogers!
We are thrilled to have been re-awarded our airbnb Superhost status – that’s now 5 times in a row!
Business has remained brisk for us – unbelievably busy during January, traditionally a quiet time of the year. We have continued to meet guests from all walks of life and professions.
Even with a lifetime of experience in the hospitality business, the nerves remain set in anticipation of a newly arriving guest, (those of you that know me, will not be surprised to hear there is an amount of pacing completed!). Anyhow, I guess the practiced routine of arrival procedures “kicks in” and we continue to be marked at a 5 star arrival.
Swaffham is now poised to be Norfolk’s first 20 mph town, although nobody is sure how this positive “local people power” results of this campaign, will be enforceable!
The town of Swaffham sits at the top of East Anglian Breckland (an area of outstanding natural beauty) that stretches across Norfolk and Suffolk.
It is hoped this planned action will vastly improve the quality of life for everybody in Swaffham, that is home to a weekly, vibrant market, stunning Georgian Architecture and TRAFFIC, including both HGV’s and a selection of unbelievable heavy agriculture vehicles.
Swaffham sits on the busy A1065, a road used by holidaymakers making their way to the north Norfolk coast. The enforcement is backed by Swaffham town Council and Norfolk County Council and is to be place this summer and will cover the whole urban area, including the outlying areas of the town.
It’s estimated some 18,000 vehicles pass through the town weekly, given the number of school children that pass by Holly Lodge each day during term time, the below graphically demonstrates the need for a reduction in speed.
We receive numerous e-mails daily, though it was a wonderful surprise to read a note we received from FeedSpot, only to find out that we appeared in their top 100 Bed and Breakfast Blogs!
“My name is Anuj Agarwal, I’m the Founder of Feedspot. I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of B&B blogs on the internet – I’m honoured to have you as part of this!”
We are showing as number 77 when we last looked, I really didn’t think anybody took any notice of my ramblings!
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Warm and toasty!
We are lucky enough to have a log burner in the dining room at Holly Lodge. We decided to have the chimneys swept and use the log burner at breakfast. Given the unbelievable cost of gas this winter, it seemed to make economic sense. The wood is locally sourced, provided by South Pickenham Estate, old-fashioned service received with a smile and top-quality diving skills.
Our entrance way to the guest car park is not the easiest to reverse into with a trailer, off the busy A1065. I spent an age constructing two wood stores – where was my carpenter son when I needed him!
Progress on the palm!
A little while back, we wrote about our juvenile palm we planted when we arrived here some 8 years ago. Well… every year it produces these amazing looking “growths”. We will up-date you all with a new photo in the autumn blog. Watch this space!
King Charles III coronation
Holly Lodge in all its patriotic glory, to mark the coronation of King Charles III. Let’s all enjoy witnessing something the British do particularly well!
We look forward to a busy season, welcoming guests from near and far…
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