A is for…..

Back in the spring I read about something which instantly sparked my interest – a new form of dating, inspired by every single letter of the alphabet.  If you search for Alphabet Dating on Instagram or Pinterest you will indeed see that it is already a movement that is gaining momentum. But here at “My Name is Beth Anne”, I’m going to be putting a new spin on it……. I figure that not everyone has a significant other.  In fact, perhaps not everyone even has a desire to date or “be dated.” So does that mean you can’t enjoy days out or activities alone?  Does going solo mean you can’t try new things, new restaurants, new experiences?  Of course it doesn’t! In fact, if I have learned anything from being in therapy for almost two years, it’s that time by yourself is important.  Learning to love yourself and to feel comfortable with YOU is invaluable and enriching.  So in response to the idea that going on a date is a thing that only couples do, I’ve decided to write a blog series on dating myself – alphabetically.  So here we have it, let’s begin. Alphabet Dating Me – The Letter A.

The National Memorial ARBORETUM

Luckily for me, the National Memorial Arboretum is just a short distance from my home, tucked away in the humble village of Alrewas, Staffordshire.  The 150 acre site is the year round national site of remembrance.  It contains over 300 memorials and 30,000 trees. Having officially opened in May 2001, the Arboretum received a large scale revamp in 2017 and now features a restaurant, a much larger shop, a designated coffee shop and three new exhibition galleries. Earlier this year it was awarded Gold in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category by Visit England. The Arboretum is free to enter, but as a charity it does rely on donations to keep the site running.  There is also a £3 daily parking charge for all vehicles. For an additional cost you can participate in guided walks or you can experience the site via the very cute little land train. The trains run frequently throughout the day and it’s the perfect way to get lots of information about each memorial, whilst also saving your feet.  You can of course, hop off at various points too should you wish to investigate things at your own pace. You do however then need to continue your explorations on foot.

One of the most breathtaking and memorable tributes at the Arboretum is the Armed Forces Memorial. This stunning portland stone circle is dedicated to the 16,000 servicemen and women who have lost their lives since the end of the second World War.  I was absolutely fascinated to hear that at 11am on the 11the day of the 11th month, the sun shines through two tiny slits in the walls of the memorial, which in turn casts a shaft of light across the central wreath.  Even without knowing of this magical occurrence, the memorial is spectacular to look at.  As you walk around it, trying to take in the amount of names adorned upon it’s walls, your words echo in an oddly eerie but calming manner.  It’s a beautiful and peaceful place, but it’s hard to walk around it without a somewhat heavy heart.

Even if you aren’t particularly interested in history I would still definitely recommend a visit to the Arboretum.  The gardens and memorials are beautiful and thoughtful.  The volunteers are all extremely helpful and enthusiastic and the coffee shop makes a mean flat white. And perhaps such a place will in fact spark your interest in those people who lived before us.  Those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live the lives we so freely enjoy today.

We will remember them – and so we should.

Afternoon Tea

Just a short drive away from the Arboretum site is the picturesque city of Lichfield. Now there is plenty to see and explore in this beautiful little place, lots of independent shops, cute bars and coffee shops, the cathedral, the theatre…. I could go on.  But I was here for “A” purpose of course and what better “A” than the quintessential British tradition of Afternoon Tea.  I researched some of the best places to take high tea in and around Lichfield and stumbled across a quirky, vintage tea rooms Devo-Tea (see what they did there?)

Devo Tea’s interior is a treat for the eyes with a whole array of vintage items on display, books for sale, fairy lights and pom poms.  There is also an outdoor courtyard which is only small but a very nice option when we are having a British summer like this one.

My beautiful Afternoon Tea platter contained a mixture of egg and cress sandwiches, coronation chicken sandwiches, a large scone with fresh clotted cream and strawberry jam, a generous slice of red velvet cake, macaroons, lemon drizzle and a cupcake.  Oh and a large pot of tea of course, served in vintage china.  It is absolutely stacks of food for one person, in fact way more than I could actually finish but it’s a total bargain at £13.50.  If Afternoon Tea isn’t really your thing, though I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t be, there is plenty more on the menu to get those tastebuds going.

ALPACA Farm

Did someone say Alpacas???  Now I’m going to be honest, had this been a date with another actual person (and it bloody well isn’t because I’m happy dating myself thank-you) this would have been the ABSOLUTE clincher.  I’d have worked out within seconds that he or she was a keeper because animals are one of my most favourite things.  And whilst I was most excited to meet an alpaca, they aren’t the only species you can interact with here at Alpaca Park Farm in Snarestone, Swadlincote.  Having only opened 7 months ago, Alpaca farm is a fabulous new addition to South Derbyshire.  And even if you aren’t an animal nut, the site hosts a very lovely looking tea rooms and a shop selling alpaca wool. If of course you are there to see the farm inhabitants then adult entry is just £2 with family tickets also available (for 4 people) costing £9.  You are given a map, a quiz and a bucketful of food to ensure you make some new furry friends.  You will get to meet two different types of goats, a very cute pig (she was lying in a pool of mud snoring when I approached her – spirit animal?) donkeys and then the Alpacas.  The majority of the animals here are friendly and they will know you have food and they will manipulate you with their cuteness to get it.  The alpacas are naturally much more shy and whilst they may watch you with intrigue they probably aren’t going to get too close.  That was fine by me, they were beautiful enough with that little bit of distance between us, and there is something quite nice about seeing a wild animal that still has elements of caution about humans. I’d totally be cautious of us too.

It’s obvious that the animals here are loved and well cared for.  The staff are all very friendly and knowledgeable and they seem to really love what they’re doing. I would absolutely 100% recommend this as an activity and I will definitely be going back, probably again and again.

So there we have it.  Alphabet Dating Me – The letter A absolutely nailed!! I had so much fun.  Not just going to all of the places but also planning what I wanted to do.  I’m very much looking forward to the remaining 25 letters and spending some quality time with someone who matters very much and who I may have neglected for some time – ME!!

I would love to hear your thoughts or suggestions for future “dates.”  If you think you have an activity I might be interested in featuring then my email address can be found on my contact page.

Much Love

Beth Anne xoxo