The house at Blackshore Corner – Southwold, Suffolk, where I’ve just spent a lovely lazy week with family, was designed by a London architect in the 70’s . We discovered,from Danni Church a young woman who will row you across the river Blyth for 90p from Southwold to Walberswick (and who I was delighted to remember from a Woman’s Hour feature – she said it was her ‘ultimate,’ being on WH) that the locals called it ‘the funny house.’ It was certainly unusual. There was something dutch about its exterior lines and most of the living space had been created in the roof, making it flood proof. It was perfectly positioned for watching the comings and goings on the river and full of windows looking out to the town and the marshes.
The first night there I dreamed of a woman in black – Victorian black – who definitely seemed to want me to leave. So much so that I cried out in my sleep and had to be shaken awake. 
In my family I’m famous for such holiday dreams. I later discovered that the last owner of the former house on this corner site had been a female author! I have yet to discover who she was but over the week I hope she got to know me better, at least she didn’t appear again and we found the house warm and welcoming – a great living space that worked really well.
As always when I’m with my sister-in-law Jan, creative juices were flowing! Here we are collaging and using acrylic transfer prints (notice the glass of wine and easter egg) – thank you Jan for the lesson and inspiration! I’m hooked and hope in the future to combine this with text from my work.
I also started what for me was my first long poem – something about the desire I think we all feel to escape to a simpler life – here is a brief extract
That night we drank Adnams Ghost* in the Harbour Inn, ate potted shrimps/fell out at closing, stood on the dyke, supped thick black water./ Later he dreamed of wilderness of living on the edge of Tinker’s Marsh, the sea / a step away, marram grass holding back the sand…
* The pub next door sold Adnams Ghost – a delicious pale and flowery beer.
…In the end, despite initially getting off on the wrong foot, I like to think that Blackshore Corner’s ghost was a creative soul, who recognised a kindred spirit.
Hi Avril. You’ve just got to find out who the authoress was. Could it be she had a flair for poetry also? I’ve been pounding the streets of Barcelona on the Gaudi trail. Not such a relaxing weekend but just as inspiring. Looks like you had great fun. Judith
Ah Barcelona! It’s such a wonderful, vibrant city. I loved it when I visited and knowing you I’m sure you will have found inspiration on the Gaudi trail – can we expect poetry in mosaic rather than knit and in those beautiful flowing lines and Spanish colours?
Ax
I remember a novel called The Blackwater Lightship – but only the title. Must look it up. The ‘Woman in Black’ reminds me about Susan Hill’s novel. I also remember that Walberswick is a nest of well known writers going back many years., You have certainly linked into something strong here. I love the poem draft.- very evocative, wx
You’re right about Walberswick Wendy – I think Emma Freud lives there also Bill Nighy – didn’t see them tho! When I told everyone about the dream my brother Mark straight away mentioned The Woman In Black – I’ll have to read it as I’m ashamed to say I haven’t – one for my to read pile!
Lovely blog Av, really evocative. Spending time with you is always inspirational, am glad I’ve been able to add to your many skills! Looking into dates for an exhibition next Summer, will be in touch next week, xx
Thanks Jan – here’s to next summer!!
A x
A hose with a writer ghost – what could be better for the creative juices?