Silchester

During my tour of Berkshire, I've spent most of my time in the area surrounding Reading. With all due respect to Reading, it's not a place I would have expected to find such a rich array of subject matters for watercolour painting. I have been pleasantly surprised - especially by the villages dotted around the surrounding area.

One of these such villages - Silchester (which technically lies within Hampshire) is a lovely little village with an old Roman part - the ruins of which lie just outside the current site of Silchester. One of the local residents informed me that the old Roman settlement mysteriously came to an abrupt end due to possible invasion and that the new settlement grew up on a site half a mile or so away.

I was advised to pay a visit to the village of Yattendon, which I did. Another delightful little village. I soon discovered that most of the properties here were owned by Lord Iliffe. I took a photo of a beautiful spring scene which caught my eye.

I also have to mention the outstanding accommodation which I stumbled upon during this particular visit. The task of finding accommodation at short notice invariably results in an interesting story to tell. My usual B & B in Hampstead Norreys was fully booked but they kindly directed me to some friends of theirs - Peter and Tricia Monro, who were running a b & b out of their delightful home in Compton in what can only be described as a more 'informal' arrangement - which I have to say was a refreshing change from the usually sterile and boring atmosphere of a B & B which attempts to 'tick all the boxes' and comply with all the regulations etc etc. Peter and Tricia adopted more of a come as you find us attitude towards B & B service which was friendly and enjoyable - they made me feel like part of their home. I would highly recommend a stay there - www.monrohomestay.co.uk