A Day in the Life of a Travelling Author – The Market Cross

It is difficult to imagine that  My brother-in-law and I arrived via cab to bask in the area’s history. As a professional photographer and long-standing supporter of my writing, Hush made the ideal travel companion. It has been a dream of both of us to visit some of the historical castles and churches of the world. I was going to only attend the Business Speaking Summit, but David Sand from Uwin Iwin encouraged me to pursue my dream at the same time. I am grateful for his nudge. It is a reminder that your chosen tribe has the power to propel you into manifesting your dreams.

So there we were, baggage in hand, looking for a coffee shop or inn to do baggage storage, a service many of the establishments in bigger towns offer. The exercise reminded me that beauty does not always come prepackaged with kindness. The plan was to check in the luggage, doing a quick tour, take photos and then settle in for whatever local fair was on the menus.

However, the innkeepers would have none of it. The 2021 census records show that this town has a population of 356. I had the distinct feeling that there are no PR professionals in the population. Perhaps locals may have wanted to retire in this tranquil spot, but quickly realised retirement requires money. Money that would have come from tourists or perhaps book royalties. Only tourists are annoying. Or at least that is the way it felt.

We each tried charming the owners. Yet the dour-faced innkeepers were having none of it despite our protests that we would have lunch at their establishments.

I elected to have my “Been-There-Done-That” photo taken at the Market Cross. In medieval times, this would be the location of the weekly market. The cross consists of an Oolitic limestone pedestal of 1.11m square, on top of two steps in the center of a raised stone platform measuring 6.05m square. The pedestal’s panels are carved with shields and roses. From it, a slender column reaching towards the tiled roof.

We then headed towards St Andrew’s church. I revelled in the history of this small church, which was funded by local wool merchants. Hush left me as custodian of our luggage and set off to The Manor. This left me to shower the handful of tourists with some South African friendliness after they mistook me for the church’s tour guide. I informed them they could donate something towards the church’s roof repairs. I was ever so grateful when my travel companion arrived, announcing that the folk at the Manor would be delighted to assist us with our luggage. The manor staff had mastered the art of tourism and we felt welcome and blessed to be in such a beautiful setting.

It made the ideal filming location for my interview with Chantal Cornelius and William Buist about their books. I even found several places where a small dragon from my medieval fantasy series may land on a sunny day. With a delicious sandwich and a beautiful view, I imagined Lady Christine from my novel, “The Last of the Silver Wings,” checking on her guards.

The Manor was in startling contrast to our earlier reception. The barman spent some time training his apprentice on creating intricately curled garnishes on glasses. Castle Combe’s reputation was restored.

I admit, I briefly flirted with the thought of buying one of the beautiful village cottages as my personal writer’s retreat. Hush asked me if that meant I had to become as grumpy as the residents. However, I vowed that I would have tea at the manor at least once a week to restore good humour.

#writing #tourists #castlecombe #authors #writingretreats

Thank you to Hush Naidoo for capturing these memories. Thank you to Chantal Cornelius and William Buistfor getting us to the Business Speaking Summit safely.