If I had to invent a name for an Australian tea, I might go for 'Billabong Tea'. This was indeed the name which the Pure Australian Tea Company opted for. The word is rather peculiar and refers to an ox bow lake, though it is also a famous and iconic fashion brand. The tea tastes ‘Australian’ but that is surely the power of suggestion, for Australia does not have a taste.
The Chapel at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is just as grand as one might expect in that great mansion. Decorated in the style of late seventeenth-century baroque between 1688 and 1693, it sadly did not have the air of a place of worship when I called this summer, as it was being used as some kind of art gallery.
Phytolacca polyandra has the more memorable English name of Chinese pokeweed. It produces white or pale pink flowers which slowly turn magenta-pink as the little fruits develop a glossy, dark purple. Although a welcome addition to the later summer border, the fruits are toxic, though birdlife seems unaffected, the droppings of which spread the plants about.
Kirkconnell Parish Church in Dumfriesshire very conveniently had a datestone above its entrance: 1729. Whereas I can guess most church buildings to half a century or so, Kirkonnel’s saved me the trouble and offered a degree of accuracy I could never have attained using my own knowledge.
01282 540 562
pastor @ martintop. org .uk
Salem Chapel, Martin Top
near Rimington, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 4EG
Salem Congregational Chapel is a registered charity No. 252401 (England & Wales)
Sunday Worship 10.45am & 6.00pm