Elgar country
In this the 150th year after his birth, eventually crossed several counties to visit Lower Broadheath, once a tiny hamlet now a suburb of Worcester. Huge thanks to Ronwen for negotiating a criss-cross journey and my navigational offerings. The place of his birth quite delightful: a tiny Victorian cottage, very well preserved, including old range in parlour as you enter the front door. Lovely rambling garden with shrubs, commemerations of E’s dogs (only permitted after his wife’s death); inside the house many fascinating artefacts: violin from his father’s music shop in Worcester, examples of his woodwork and interest in science (notably a microscope which replaced music as E’s primary interest 1920 onwards until his death in 1934). The musical museum near the cottage offered some wonderful insights into the man and the music – original score of the 2nd symphony, and a great audio tour of the museum and cottage narrated than by none other than Charles colling-thingy – Collinford? Anyway he plays Brian Aldrige in the Archers, I spose ‘Ambridge’ would be located fairly near the house of E’s birth.
Simpson patiently toured the place with us and headed up and bounded down the tiny spiral staircase solo to avoid accidents – E would very much have approved.
Afterwards to steep Malvern hills, s rolling and rolling for all his worth. Then that long drive back…Victoria Cross for Ronwen.
