Quite a lot of the essential (i.e. pubbed) Sussex and Kent is doable by train from Rye, but there’s a few new Guide entries, and lots of National Trust properties, miles from a station. Good luck, Si.
I took Mrs RM on a “mystery trip” just before the Trust cards ran out, and enjoyed her panic as we left the A21 in the direction of Tunbridge Wells.
This bit of the High Weald is a bit of a mystery, even to someone born here like Mrs RM, all places called xxxxxHurst and barely a boozer for miles.
“Oh, Bateman’s” she says, as we leave Burwash and follow a sign for Bateman’s.
“Why the banana 🍌”.
We shall find out shortly.
This is an exemplar of “Lil ol’ England“,
the home of Rudyard Kipling and his car collection.
A Retired Martin car collection would be quite something, let me tell you.
I only know Rudyard from “If“, that poem beloved of public school boys for generations.
But for Mrs RM it means “Jungle Book” and a misspent childhood.
Bateman’s is really lovely,
though the tiger and snake overload is quite something,
even by National Trust standards.
Mrs RM, bless her, has actual questions for the volunteers, who are thrilled at her interest.
I just stare at the screen like Bagheera *,
wondering whether I ought to book a table at the pub.
*Did you know who it was ?
retiredmartin 
The trouble with Flemish bond brickwork is that – although it’s strong and looks pretty – the headers (that is, bricks with the longer length at right angles to the wall line) draw rainwater through to the inside. So I can see why the round tower is clad with rosemaries against the prevailing wind and rain.
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It’s the unexpected detail we appreciate, Etu.
I did ask Mrs RM to ask if they had XXXB on but she was wise to it.
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Ah, THAT Batemans!
(slow golf clap)
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Old Rudyard obviously did alright out of his literary efforts, even if the only one I am familiar with is the “Jungle Book”.
Bateman’s looks a nice place, though.
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It’s more family home than stately home, and more a history of Rudyard than a display of medieval stuff. I liked but, partly because you can whizz round in 10 minutes.
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Paul, “Jungle Book” suggests India but baby Rudyard was named after Lake Rudyard in Staffordshire where his parents John Lockwood Kipling and Alice Macdonald had met in 1863.
The Staffordshire connection continues with Mr Kipling products, exceedingly average cakes in my opinion, being baked alongside the A34 in Newcastle under Lyme. One can occasionally get a whiff of them from the 101 bus en route to Bass in Newcastle or up ‘Anley.
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And Kipling suggests cakes. Those yellow marzipan ones, personally.
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I wondered if there were a connection every time I drove past it, which I did about twice a week for some years.
Thanks Paul.
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“but there’s a few new Guide entries, and lots of National Trust properties, miles from a station. Good luck, Si.”
(slow golf clap) 😁
“and enjoyed her panic as we left the A21 in the direction of Tunbridge Wells.”
Is that a dig at Mr. Bailey? 😉
““Oh, Bateman’s” she says, as we leave Burwash and follow a sign for Bateman’s.”
I see the sign gave it away.
““Why the banana 🍌”.”
(looks down)
They were all out of yellow ribbons?
“This is an exemplar of “Lil ol’ England“,”
(looks down)
You got that right mate.
“A Retired Martin car collection would be quite something, let me tell you.”
I wait with ‘Bateman’s’ breath. 😎
“I only know Rudyard from “If“, that poem beloved of public school boys for generations.”
For me, I’d add Gunga Din, The Jungle Book (animated Disney movie) and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.
“But for Mrs RM it means “Jungle Book” and a misspent childhood.”
Pfft. You haven’t lived till you’ve sung along to the Disney movie. 😇
“though the tiger and snake overload is quite something,”
(looks down)
Does that explain the bananas?
“I just stare at the screen like Bagheera *,”
You put on black face and started singing?
“*Did you know who it was ?”
Duh!
Cheers
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It was nerves about being close to her parents rather than our Paul B ! (they’re literally less than 2 miles apart).
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I was wondering why Paul would elicit such a reaction. 😎
(and I can understand why ailing parents would elicit such – sigh)
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What wonderful images! I read The Jungle Book for the first time this year. I kept seeing it in charity shops so finally got one. Loved it 🙂 I will read If today … if I have time.
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I strongly recommend not having enough time, Lana.
It means you’re making good use of your retirement!
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I suspect you’ve heard “If”, most likely read by Des Lynam over the closing images of a sporting event!
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I listened/watched last night to the Michael Caine spoken version along with imagery.
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I remember those books of the film from about 5 years, incredible colours.
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“If” doesn’t make me think of Kipling do much as Lindsay Anderson’s film (with Malcolm McDowell) or the jazz-rock group, well known for their albums If, If2, If3 and, you guessed it, If4. Probably the hardest 70s band to find on Google, though Man (drug fiends from South Wales) run them close.
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Me too, Will.
It also featured Arthur Lowe, playing Arthur Lowe as usual, I seem to recall.
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The film “If” has a rather “memorable” finale!
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I have an original copy of “Tea Break Over – Back On Your ‘Eads” by If. Bought a job lot of vinyl off a hippy.
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That was a later version of If, with I think just one member of the original line up. He was apparently convinced that using more words than just “If” in the album titles would lead to improved sales.
He was wrong.
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I think you’re getting confused with the Black Lace line-up changes, Will. Easy mistake.
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