If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you will know that I’ve spent this past weekend across the water in Devon. Sadly it wasn’t a happy occasion that brought Eamonn and I to the village of Ashburton in the southwest of England. No, our good friend’s mother passed away so we travelled with heavy hearts. I had the great honour of reading at the service and then experienced a woodland burial for the first time. If ever a funeral was to be described as beautiful, this was it. In fact, the whole weekend was enshrouded in beauty – the woodland where the burial took place, the rolling hills, the rugged moors, the ancient churchyards and picturesque thatched cottages dotted around the countryside .
I did not expect to fall absolutely and totally in love with Devon.
Of course as beekeepers, we could not leave without visiting Buckfast Abbey and I’m already planning a return visit to take one of their courses.
The dedicated food writer that I am, it was my duty to seek out the finest Devon Cream Tea (no need to thank me!!).
Heavenly!
I picked up a couple of scone-making tips that I’ll be sharing with you shortly. And then I discover that one of the UK’s top cookery schools is in Ashburton.
Yes, you’ve guessed it – I’m planning to return in the summer for a bread-making course (life is short).
So that’s where I’ve been. Standing amongst a group of friends, each one of us there to support our friend in his hour of need. We laughed, we shed tears but mostly we celebrated the life of a lady who was laid to rest in one of the most beatiful places on earth.
Rest in Peace Barbara..
Sorry for the loss of your friend’s Mother,Fiona. Aaah..Devon….the place of my first 7 years on earth. I lived in Teignmouth and have been to Buckfast Abbey and still have the delicious taste of cream teas even 50 years on. I wish I still lived there !
It really is a beautiful spot 🙂
HI Fiona, Seeing the clotted cream puts me in mind of a real treat. Each time I find myself in Knightsbridge, I take the time to go to Harrods for coffee and a big scone, clotted cream and jam. Delicious and a real treat.
Best,
Conor
Definitely one of life’s treats Conor 🙂
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