Saying goodbye to treaclechops

Wayland’s Smithy 16

Image by Jane

Jane May 28, 2007 16:50:49

Just a few days before my best friend treaclechops (http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/user/1765) died, she asked her wife Kate to scatter her ashes at as many ancient monuments as possible. On Saturday 23 June this process will begin in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.

A few of us will be leaving a little bit of treaclechops (extremely discreetly, of course, among tree roots, grasses and under hedges, and certainly NOT disturbing any archaeology!) at Avebury, West Kennett, the Uffington White horse, and finally at Wayland's Smithy.

If anyone here on TMA who knew her, would care to join us under the beech trees at Wayland's Smithy from about 2.30/3pm for a picnic in her memory and to celebrate her life and to say goodbye to her at one of her very places, you'd be most welcome. She always liked a damned good party. Bring flasks of tea, cake, Ginster's cornish pasties, real ale, a hipflask of single malt, or whatever else you fancy. We will be reading her fieldnotes of the ancient monuments she so loved and remembering together the impact she had on our lives.

As treaclechops herself would say: 'Marvellous!'

J
x

Littlestone May 28, 2007 17:13:12

Replying to Jane

Yes

whipangel May 28, 2007 17:30:21

Replying to Jane

That's a remarkable thing to do, I hope you have good weather today wherever you go.

wysefool May 29, 2007 18:42:17

Replying to Jane

That's really sad. I didn't know her, but have read some of her wonderful field notes on TMA. See you on the 23rd June to celebrate. With much love,

WF x

nigelswift May 30, 2007 09:08:40

Replying to Jane

I'd like to be there too Jane, if I can. I will probably arrive by bike and would appreciate it if straight faces are kept.

ocifant May 30, 2007 10:21:43

Replying to Jane

As I mentioned at the weekend, we'll be in Cornwall for Mazey Day on the 23rd.

We'll reserve a quiet moment for reflection at 2:30 though, and think of you all there, and particularly TC.

shanshee_allures May 31, 2007 07:35:27

Replying to Jane

Although I never contribute here, I do have a little read now and then.
So if it's OK I'd just like to say what a lovely thing to do for your friend!
I'm sure you'll all have a fine day.
Love
S_A

Wiggy May 31, 2007 07:59:26

Replying to Jane

I didn't want to risk sounding trite or something when you first posted the sad news about TC...
Just want to say though, that what you are doing is a lovely tribute.

moss May 31, 2007 11:10:35

Replying to Jane

Me and Moss would like to come Jane, I only met her the once at the megameet, but she is there in my photos someone who loved the stones and Wales ;) as much as I do....

Rhiannon Jun 21, 2007 10:53:53

Replying to Jane

thought this could do with a little bump to the top.
I'm sorry but I can't be there, though it would be very nice*. I've got the Parents staying (who I haven't seen since Christmas) and also my end of course art exhibition is on. anyway enough lame excuses, I hope it is a super afternoon and the weather holds, and I will think of you all there mixing TC up with the elements.
*nice. Well you know what I mean.

juamei Jun 22, 2007 11:34:07

Replying to Jane

Really sorry to say we can't make it either, we have a pre-arranged trip up to the Peaks to see family.
Will think of you all.

Littlestone Jun 25, 2007 21:17:30

Replying to Jane

All that remains

A tree, a branch
roots that curl and burrow
through the chalk.

A whisper in the leaves
a skylark's glorious
defiant song.

Snails along the path
rain that washes all away
and wheat again as tall as ever.

A life, a smile
reaching out and touching others
changing imperceptibly
the fabric of our universe.

Thank you Rebecca, there where we walk for a little while.

Rhiannon Jun 25, 2007 22:45:50

Replying to Jane

thanks for the 'marvellous' weblog, Jane
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/59969/weblog/

goffik Jun 27, 2007 10:02:57

Replying to Jane

Just got round to reading the blog - well done, Jane... Very apt indeed...

Shame we couldn't be there but were there in spirit...

G x

Mustard Jun 27, 2007 21:24:41

Replying to Jane

I'd really like to have turned up at Wayland's Smithy, but not having known Treaclechops beyond TMA, I felt I'd be intruding. Glad you guys got the chance to see her off in style, and in a way that had some real meaning. She'll be sorely missed, even by those whose lives she only touched through her writing.

The Eternal Jul 1, 2007 00:32:31

Replying to Jane

Jane, Moth, Kate, and all grievers,
I lost my mum on the 18th of May. The morning was dreary, but the afternoon in which she died was beautiful. Cotton wool clouds filled the sky on a westering wind, and the sun shone into the room in which she lay. As I cried, I thought about other people who had gone through a similar experience.
Loss is hard to appreciate until you experience it. "Devastation" is a word that springs to mind.
I felt a shock when you informed us TC had died. I didn't cry, as I never met her, but I felt a sense of loss. The feeling of loss came from her writing. Every note she posted on TMA was delectable. I lapped it all up, and looked forward to her every post. She was a wordsmith. I think we, on TMA, all try to find the right words to convey our experiences at the site we visit. TC had a gift in that field, and her writing will live on, not only in the minds of those who knew her, but in the minds of those who knew her writings in her lifetime, and in those who find her writings after her, unfortunately, premature death.
RIP TC,
Forever,
TE.