French inspiration, and Goodwood Revival

We had a lovely few days in France last week, and visited the Bayeux Tapestry, which must be one of the world's oldest cartoon strips. I can just imagine the 11th century women who embroidered it slipping in little stories of their own along the top and bottom borders:

'Ethelred would like to get his big red hands on Guinevere, so he tries to impress her with his great strength and hunky muscles, and by fighting the shaggy bear of Bayeux....'

It was inspiring to see the embroidery close-up, especially all the centuries-old darns and patchings. You get a very real sense of the hands of the makers.

France was at her September best- I especially love the municipal flower displays on every verge and roundabout, and almost every windowsill in Normandy has a pot of geraniums. 

Then we were home in time to go to the world's biggest fancy dress party at the Goodwood Revival last Sunday !

,http://www.goodwood.co.uk/revival/about/about.aspx

What a fantastic atmosphere- everyone dressed in the fashions of the 1940's, 50's and 60's, and how sophisticated everyone looked, especially the men in uniform. 

There were ladies in hats and furs ,

Mods and rockers,



Men in suits and spats, a whole class of St Trinian's schoolgirls, policemen, land girls, mechanics, and men who dig the road up..

Oh yes, and beautiful, immaculate cars and motorbikes, racing with passion on the old Goodwood circuit.

Some of these cars must be literally priceless but its great to see them being raced as they were intended to. The most wonderful day out, and the sun shone on us too!