Destination: Manningtree
Sculptures visited: 4
Swans spotted: At least 7 a’swimming
Times we lost Bubs in Townsends: More than we’d like to admit
Well, my favourite time of the week has come again – the chance to write about all the adventures I’ve been having across the land of Tendring. It’s almost as much fun as being out there… but not quite – it’s just the best meeting new people and exploring new territory. Let’s see, what have I learned this week?
For starters, Manningtree is a marvellous place to spend a morning! The First Mate Crew and I set off first thing, with the sun shining and birds singing, and joy in our hearts as we reached the shimmering River Stour. I have to say, the water hasn’t looked this inviting since I arrived on land to help the Octopus Ahoy! project and it really made me reminisce about the refreshing tides of my underwater home. Mondrianopus has the right idea; this colourful sculpture buddy of mine has a wonderful view of the river from his spot on The Walls, but I hope it won’t give him any ideas about ducking off for a dive any time soon!
One of our very first stops was Ragmarsh Farm Shop – this was my very first time visiting a butcher, and although I was a little bit nervous to begin with, I was amazed at all the different types of meat (and FISH!) that they had on display for humans to buy. They don’t even have to go out and catch their food, someone else does all the hard work for them! I guess with no beaks and only 2 limbs, hunting would be a bit difficult for them…
We had a little time to pass before our special appointment with Bubs, so we meandered along to nearby Mistley to check out the breakfast situation at The Mistley Thorn and clocked a friendly swan just across the road… I have met a couple of swans before, but they are usually not as patient with me as this one was. Really, it’s a good thing that octopus limbs grow back if they become detached… sadly bird pecks are no joke. We’ll stick to admiring them from afar, I think!
In town we met with the lovely owners of Townsends of Manningtree, where you can find Bubs, the littlest octopus in the trail, this summer. Townsends has been in the heart of the town, selling books and collectibles to customers from far and wide, since 1950 and extended a warm welcome… I can see why Bubs has got so comfortable here. Wonderful Michael and Nicola showed us around the shop, including the selection of underwater and octopus themed items (they’ve heard I’m a fan), and even let us play some games with Bubs – he loves to hide, but being so dinky he is difficult to find. I did my best, but he had me beat – it was all hands on deck uncovering him amongst the Jellycat toys!
On to The Wholefood Store, just across the way – which I whole-heartedly loved! They have more than you can imagine in their magical shop, and like their sign says, it’s all good things; you can find over 1,000 organic products from food and drink to toiletries and candles. Small sculpture, Omnipotent, who lives here, was telling me all about the shop – what’s best is their zero-waste commitment and refill station (just bring your own container and fill as much as you need) where you can grab seeds, cereals, pasta and even household products, whilst avoiding using unnecessary plastic bags and containers. I’m all for it – anything that helps keep our oceans clean and healthy!
It was fascinating browsing the store (whilst trying to keep all of my limbs close to my body)… but I could hear the stage and the limelight calling me once again. I’ve had a small taste of treading the boards and I had to get back to my audience… luckily the Manifest Theatre, mere minutes from the water’s edge, were ready to receive us with open arms – and feather boas! On catching up with the ladies in the theatre bar, we discovered their current attraction for the weekend is a Mamma Mia singalong! The First Mate Crew sang a couple of the songs for me… I didn’t know any of them, but the show must go on. Here’s me learning some of the most iconic moves – how do you think I’m doing? I might not be quite ready to perform, but I hear there are a couple of tickets left for the event this weekend so I could always give it a go! Time to start learning those lyrics…
Our wrap party was back down by the river with Mondrianopus to cool off and hand out some more Octopus Ahoy! stickers (literally no one can resist them). A lot of happy smiling faces on this happy smiling day.
We can’t wait to see more and more octopus seekers across the trail this summer, readers – do help me and the team spread the word to your friends and families and follow us on social media to keep up to date with our plans and to share your photos! #octopusahoy
Until next time – ahoy! CJ x