Paul, Another memory jogger for me in Slad. They seem to be numerous with your recent 'wanderings'. The date Saturday 6th May, 1972. There was a village Fate/Fair and my school organised a trip. Seems odd that it was a Saturday, but I'm certain Laurie Lee was guest of honour. Unfortunately, I can't recall seeing him. What I do remember and why I can be exact about the date is that the Leeds v Arsenal Centenary FA Final was being shown for the footie die-hards in a tent in a pub garden. Now I've checked, I can see it's the Woolpack. I was with my mate, a Leeds fan, and I spent 2 hours watching that rather than soaking up the atmosphere. If only I had realised, I'd have spent a more productive afternoon getting his first edition book signed 🙂 Great vlog. Keep up the excellent work. Des
Thank you Des! Yes, it is quite likely it was Laurie. He often made appearances at local fetes and village functions around the Stroud Valleys and the lower mid Severn Vale. That's a great memory. It is a lovely spot. Thank you for your kind comments and for watching 👍 Cheers Paul 🙂
Hello Paul So pleased to come across your channel. Thanks for a great video on Laurie Lee and Slad. Brings back happy memories of visiting the village many years ago. Looking forward to watching more of your videos! Happy Christmas from East Sussex! John
Thank you John, and welcome to Westcountry Wanderings! Glad you enjoyed that little video - yes, I was so lucky to have 'met' him twice. Merry Christmas to you too! Paul.
Brilliant Paul my only memory of Laurie Lee was when we dropped into the Woolpack Inn after playing Sheepcombe Cricket Club which I understand he helped fund the cricket pavillion and there he was sat in the corner supping on a pint , this is going back to approximately 1989/1990 .
Hello Paul - greetings from Poland. That was remarkable. A beautiful walk across to Slad. Gorgeous countryside, beautiful communities with pretty buildings. Then the fascinating story about Laurie Lee. A wonderful video. Thanks so much for taking me along. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Thank you Michael. The actor, Anton Lesser, has been spotted recently in the Woolpack there getting some local colour, in readyness for acting in the role of Laurie. I think it will be on Netflix. Glad you enjoyed the video. He was a brilliant writer, and left a wonderful legacy. Take care, Paul.
Very interesting video Paul, I remember traveling up and down the Slad in the 1960's and the locals mentioning Laurie Lee spending a lot of time at the Woolpack, also Whiteway Colony was regarded as a nudist commune. I remember seeing nailed together shacks of wood and corrugated iron built in the woods there.
Thank you Ted and Carol! Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I remember the Whiteway colony being called that too. However, it seems it was more like a communal version of 'The Good Life' with added politics! Thanks again, Paul 👍🙂
Thanks Paul. I have just watched this February 2022 video. What great weather you had that day. Also, lovely countryside and so nice that you shared with us about your memories of Laurie Lee. That video was a joy to watch and you certainly enjoyed reading those passages. I must now get a copy of As I walked out one midsummer morning. I have read lots of books about the Bloomsbury group and I have visited Charleston House and Monks House. 😊
Thank you so much Cathy. Glad you liked the video 🙂📷 Yes, I was very fortunate to have met Laurie twice. As you say it was a beautiful day🌞. Cheers, Paul 👍
That was clearly a labour of love. The Five Valleys is a very special area - I spent 10 happy years working there and you have captured the appeal of the place perfectly. The Lee readings were the cherry on the cake.
Thank you! Yes, I had been wanting to make that video for a while. I was lucky with the weather. I had never walked to Slad before - I definitely think that is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of the valley. Thanks for watching and commenting. Paul.
What a lovely location for a walk! Gorgeous countryside. Really interesting. Amazing that you got to meet Laurie Lee and that he inspired you to do what you do today exploring and sharing the countryside. Another lovely video. Thank you!
Thank you Roy! Yes, I did this last Friday - it seems like we have had bad weather ever since! It is a lovely walk, and I thought it'd be a good introduction to Slad. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍 Cheers Paul
Lovely video, Paul. I was 11 in 1969 when my family arrived in the Stroud area from Leeds. I was immersed into a completely alien culture and it took a while for me to accustom, but I ended up loving it there. In 1972 the M5 was finished and my dad's job took us away from the area. At Marling we read "Cider With Rosie" (of course), and it was then that I started to really understand what Gloucestershire life was about. My English teachers were Mrs. Evans and Mr. Nicklin, both of whom had been there for donkey's years (Mr. Nicklin since 1933 I think).
Mrs A Evans was still there when I was at Marling too! According to W Oliver Wicks book (my former year tutor and Latin teacher) about Marling School, Mrs Evans started there in 1957, left in 1958 and rejoined in 1965, leaving again in 1976. Mr Nicklin had gone by the time I started there in 1975. He joined in 1933 and left in 1972. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍 Cheers Paul 🙂
@@chrisbradley1192 If it's the same Mr Evans, he was my first form tutor in 1975. According to that book again, J G M Evans joined Marling in 1965 and left in 1976, but he originally started at Stroud Boys Tech in 1949. There was another Evans, a Mr. J A Evans, who joined in 1967, and left the following year. Most of the teachers at Marling stayed for decades though. Another of my English teachers was Xavier Brennan ( J X Brennan,) who joined in 1970 - don't know if you remember him? Paul.
I enjoyed this one, Paul. Cider with Rosie was a set book in my school too, in London; quite a different place. I’ve read it several times since. I’ve had a pint and sandwich in the Woolpack and was surprised how unpretentious it’s remained, not cashing in on its literary fame. Though it must be 10 years ago I went. I hope it’s the same today. Funny how these things work on youtube; after watching your video, it recommended this one which is a nice one featuring Laurie Lee speaking about his valley. ua-cam.com/video/59mqqX19wE0/v-deo.html
Ah, an introduction by the fabulous poet Roger McGough. Thank you for watching and commenting Ian - glad you enjoyed it. Yes, happy to confirm that The Woolpack is still very much unchanged. The Slad Valley is still unchanged too, although only superficially. The community has gone alas, and I very much doubt that residents work in and around Slad nowadays. Very many holiday and second homes too. 🙁 Thanks again, Cheers, Paul 👍🙂
@@westcountrywanderings I’m curious now about his friend of who he talks fondly in that film towards the end - Frank Mansell. He said he’s buried in Miserden churchyard which is very close to where I am. Do you know anything about him? According to my google search, he is, or was, known as “the Cotswold Poet”.
@@ian4iPad2 Yes, I only know of Frank Mansell through Johnny Coppin - he's covered many of his poems into songs. Frank played cricket for nearby Sheepscombe. Perhaps try 'Find A Grave' website if you can't locate it in the churchyard. Hope this helps. PS - Miserden is one of my favourite villages - my mum's sister used to work on one if the farms there. Lovely community, still, I think.
I really enjoyed your vlog. Very informative and lovely scenery. Good research and you were lucky to meet Laurie Lee. Take care x
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Paul, Another memory jogger for me in Slad. They seem to be numerous with your recent 'wanderings'.
The date Saturday 6th May, 1972. There was a village Fate/Fair and my school organised a trip. Seems odd that it was a Saturday, but I'm certain Laurie Lee was guest of honour. Unfortunately, I can't recall seeing him.
What I do remember and why I can be exact about the date is that the Leeds v Arsenal Centenary FA Final was being shown for the footie die-hards in a tent in a pub garden. Now I've checked, I can see it's the Woolpack. I was with my mate, a Leeds fan, and I spent 2 hours watching that rather than soaking up the atmosphere.
If only I had realised, I'd have spent a more productive afternoon getting his first edition book signed 🙂
Great vlog. Keep up the excellent work.
Des
Thank you Des! Yes, it is quite likely it was Laurie. He often made appearances at local fetes and village functions around the Stroud Valleys and the lower mid Severn Vale. That's a great memory. It is a lovely spot. Thank you for your kind comments and for watching 👍 Cheers Paul 🙂
What a wonderful video, you have given such a great picture of Laurie Lee & his life.
Thank you Faith. Yes, as I mentioned in the video, I was lucky to have met this great writer twice. His writings touches me still. Cheers, Paul.
Oh to be back in Slad, in the Woolpack for a pint and some of Uley's best!
Hi John, yes, it is a brilliant location and they serve a great pint. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Paul.
Hello Paul
So pleased to come across your channel. Thanks for a great video on Laurie Lee and Slad. Brings back happy memories of visiting the village many years ago. Looking forward to watching more of your videos! Happy Christmas from East Sussex! John
Thank you John, and welcome to Westcountry Wanderings! Glad you enjoyed that little video - yes, I was so lucky to have 'met' him twice. Merry Christmas to you too! Paul.
@@westcountrywanderings you were so lucky Paul, to meet Laurie Lee twice!!
Fantastic presenter!! So engaging and natural. Will gladly spread the word!
Thank you. It is a very special village, thankfully still unspoilt. Cheers, Paul.
Brilliant Paul my only memory of Laurie Lee was when we dropped into the Woolpack Inn after playing Sheepcombe Cricket Club which I understand he helped fund the cricket pavillion and there he was sat in the corner supping on a pint , this is going back to approximately 1989/1990 .
Ah, that's a lovely memory! Thank you for sharing this 👍🙂 Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Paul
Hello Paul - greetings from Poland.
That was remarkable. A beautiful walk across to Slad. Gorgeous countryside, beautiful communities with pretty buildings. Then the fascinating story about Laurie Lee. A wonderful video. Thanks so much for taking me along. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Thank you Michael. The actor, Anton Lesser, has been spotted recently in the Woolpack there getting some local colour, in readyness for acting in the role of Laurie. I think it will be on Netflix. Glad you enjoyed the video. He was a brilliant writer, and left a wonderful legacy. Take care, Paul.
Very interesting video Paul, I remember traveling up and down the Slad in the 1960's and the locals mentioning Laurie Lee spending a lot of time at the Woolpack, also Whiteway Colony was regarded as a nudist commune. I remember seeing nailed together shacks of wood and corrugated iron built in the woods there.
Thank you Ted and Carol! Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I remember the Whiteway colony being called that too. However, it seems it was more like a communal version of 'The Good Life' with added politics! Thanks again, Paul 👍🙂
Thanks Paul. I have just watched this February 2022 video. What great weather you had that day. Also, lovely countryside and so nice that you shared with us about your memories of Laurie Lee. That video was a joy to watch and you certainly enjoyed reading those passages. I must now get a copy of As I walked out one midsummer morning. I have read lots of books about the Bloomsbury group and I have visited Charleston House and Monks House. 😊
Thank you so much Cathy. Glad you liked the video 🙂📷 Yes, I was very fortunate to have met Laurie twice. As you say it was a beautiful day🌞. Cheers, Paul 👍
That was clearly a labour of love. The Five Valleys is a very special area - I spent 10 happy years working there and you have captured the appeal of the place perfectly. The Lee readings were the cherry on the cake.
Thank you! Yes, I had been wanting to make that video for a while. I was lucky with the weather. I had never walked to Slad before - I definitely think that is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of the valley. Thanks for watching and commenting. Paul.
What a lovely location for a walk! Gorgeous countryside. Really interesting. Amazing that you got to meet Laurie Lee and that he inspired you to do what you do today exploring and sharing the countryside. Another lovely video. Thank you!
Thank you Louise! Yes, I was very fortunate to have met Laurie Lee. Glad you liked it. 👍 Thank you for watching and commenting. Regards, Paul 🙂
Hi Paul a nice video ,nice views great place for a walk 👌
Thank you Roy! Yes, I did this last Friday - it seems like we have had bad weather ever since! It is a lovely walk, and I thought it'd be a good introduction to Slad. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍 Cheers Paul
Lovely video, Paul. I was 11 in 1969 when my family arrived in the Stroud area from Leeds. I was immersed into a completely alien culture and it took a while for me to accustom, but I ended up loving it there. In 1972 the M5 was finished and my dad's job took us away from the area.
At Marling we read "Cider With Rosie" (of course), and it was then that I started to really understand what Gloucestershire life was about. My English teachers were Mrs. Evans and Mr. Nicklin, both of whom had been there for donkey's years (Mr. Nicklin since 1933 I think).
Mrs A Evans was still there when I was at Marling too! According to W Oliver Wicks book (my former year tutor and Latin teacher) about Marling School, Mrs Evans started there in 1957, left in 1958 and rejoined in 1965, leaving again in 1976. Mr Nicklin had gone by the time I started there in 1975. He joined in 1933 and left in 1972. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍 Cheers Paul 🙂
@@westcountrywanderings Mr. (Pop) Evans was my form teacher in year 1.
@@chrisbradley1192 If it's the same Mr Evans, he was my first form tutor in 1975. According to that book again, J G M Evans joined Marling in 1965 and left in 1976, but he originally started at Stroud Boys Tech in 1949. There was another Evans, a Mr. J A Evans, who joined in 1967, and left the following year. Most of the teachers at Marling stayed for decades though. Another of my English teachers was Xavier Brennan ( J X Brennan,) who joined in 1970 - don't know if you remember him? Paul.
@@westcountrywanderings Yes, I remember that very distinctive initial!
Brilliant as always, thankyou.
Glad you liked it 🙂Thank you for watching and commenting. Paul.👍
THANK YOU PAUL . REGARDS R .
Thank you! You are most welcome. Regards, Paul.
I like your video
Thank you! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🙂
I enjoyed this one, Paul. Cider with Rosie was a set book in my school too, in London; quite a different place. I’ve read it several times since. I’ve had a pint and sandwich in the Woolpack and was surprised how unpretentious it’s remained, not cashing in on its literary fame. Though it must be 10 years ago I went. I hope it’s the same today.
Funny how these things work on youtube; after watching your video, it recommended this one which is a nice one featuring Laurie Lee speaking about his valley. ua-cam.com/video/59mqqX19wE0/v-deo.html
Ah, an introduction by the fabulous poet Roger McGough. Thank you for watching and commenting Ian - glad you enjoyed it. Yes, happy to confirm that The Woolpack is still very much unchanged. The Slad Valley is still unchanged too, although only superficially. The community has gone alas, and I very much doubt that residents work in and around Slad nowadays. Very many holiday and second homes too. 🙁 Thanks again, Cheers, Paul 👍🙂
@@westcountrywanderings I’m curious now about his friend of who he talks fondly in that film towards the end - Frank Mansell. He said he’s buried in Miserden churchyard which is very close to where I am. Do you know anything about him? According to my google search, he is, or was, known as “the Cotswold Poet”.
@@ian4iPad2 Yes, I only know of Frank Mansell through Johnny Coppin - he's covered many of his poems into songs. Frank played cricket for nearby Sheepscombe. Perhaps try 'Find A Grave' website if you can't locate it in the churchyard. Hope this helps. PS - Miserden is one of my favourite villages - my mum's sister used to work on one if the farms there. Lovely community, still, I think.
@@westcountrywanderings Thanks for that, Paul. I’ll have a look. 🙂