Discover Ospringe: An Unforgettable Trip with Grandad

Envision a picturesque English village nestled in the heart of the countryside, where history, tranquility, and warm hospitality blend seamlessly together. Ospringe, a hidden gem located in the county of Kent, embraces visitors with its quaint charm and rich heritage. Join us on a remarkable journey as we delve into the charm and history of Ospringe, made even more special through the eyes of my wonderful grandad.

Beginning of an Adventure

It was a sunny Saturday morning when my grandad suggested we explore his beloved hometown of Ospringe. As a child, I always cherished our adventures together, and this outing promised to be no different. We hopped into his vintage Austin Healey, ready to embark on a nostalgic journey through time.

Step Into History

Arriving in Ospringe felt like stepping into a storybook. The narrow, cobblestone streets lined with charming cottages spoke of a bygone era. Our first stop was Ospringe Church, an architectural masterpiece dating back to the 13th century. As we wandered through the churchyard, Grandad unveiled fascinating stories about the tombs and memorials, bringing history vividly to life.

Ospringe: A Visit with Grandad

by Izabella Mancini(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1504 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	182 pages

FREE

Uncovering Mysteries at Ospringe Castle

A short stroll away stood the imposing ruins of Ospringe Castle. Its mighty stone walls whispered tales of ancient battles and medieval grandeur. With each step, Grandad transported me back in time, vividly describing the castle's history and the turbulent events that unfolded within its once-mighty fortifications. It was truly an enchanting experience.

Tasting Tradition

No visit to Ospringe would be complete without sampling its culinary delights. Grandad led me to a cozy, centuries-old pub named The Bell, renowned for its delicious home-cooked meals. The fragrant aroma of roasted lamb and freshly baked bread filled the air as we indulged in a traditional Sunday lunch. The flavors danced on our taste buds, perfectly complementing the warm ambiance and lively conversations around us.

A Stroll Through Time

After our satisfying meal, we embarked on a leisurely stroll along Ospringe's High Street. The quaint shops and their colorful facades invited us to explore their treasures. From antique stores to charming gift shops, we discovered unique souvenirs that would forever remind us of this remarkable day.

Embracing Nature

Ospringe is not only renowned for its historical significance but also for its stunning natural beauty. As Grandad guided me towards the peaceful banks of the River Swale, we drank in the idyllic scenery that unfolded before us. The gentle gurgling of the river mixed with the harmonious melodies of birds created a truly enchanting symphony, rejuvenating our spirits.

Grandad's Final Revelation

As the day drew to a close, Grandad had one more surprise in store for me. We ascended the steps of Ospringe Windmill, a towering structure that overlooked the village. The panoramic view from the top revealed the true splendor of Ospringe, capturing our hearts with its timeless beauty. Grandad's eyes sparkled with pride as he confessed that this would be our last visit here, and he wanted it to be unforgettable.

A Lasting Connection

Leaving Ospringe with tearful smiles, we knew that our adventure had created memories to cherish for a lifetime. The bond we shared only grew stronger during our Ospringe visit, as we reveled in the beauty of a village that holds both our hearts. Ospringe will forever remain etched in our souls, an enchanting place deserving of all the love and admiration it receives.

Plan Your Ospringe Visit

Ospringe welcomes travelers from near and far to immerse themselves in its charm. Whether you're a history enthusiast or seeking a tranquil escape, Ospringe offers the perfect blend of past and present. Explore the remarkable Ospringe Church, wander through the centuries-old streets, savor traditional cuisine, and let the scenic beauty recharge your spirit.

Remember to check the local events and festivals happening during your visit to add an extra touch of magic to your experience. Ospringe is waiting to embrace you with its open arms and transport you back in time with its fascinating stories.

Don't miss out on this hidden gem, plan your Ospringe visit today and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Ospringe: A Visit with Grandad

by Izabella Mancini(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1504 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	182 pages

FREE

Ospringe - a novel
On a Saturday morning in May 1920, two of the Davies children – eight year-old Gertrude Violet Davies and her thirteen year-old brother, Claude Laverne Davies – leave their home at the Mill House, on Water Lane in Ospringe, Kent, and walk to 2 Middle Row, in the nearby market town of Faversham, where their grandad, Henry Kennett, lives. After polishing the firemen’s buttons, the three of them go for a walk, during which they share their cheerful chatter and think their private thoughts.

The Kennett / Davies Family

Henry Kennett – the children’s grandad
Melina Clothilda Ellen Kennett – grandmother, deceased in 1920
Lina Kennett - the children’s aunt
Eltrida (Triss) Kennett Davies - the children’s mother

Walter Davies – the children’s father
Eltrida (Triss) Kennett Davies – the children’s mother
Claude Davies
Gertrude Davies (later Passfield) – the author’s mother
Sydney Davies
Harry Davies
Edna Davies – born after the date of the story, in 1921.

Family History
This novel is based on interviews which I made with my mother, Gertrude Violet Davies Passfield, in 1983, when she was seventy-two years-old, and with my uncle, Claude Laverne Davies, in 2000, when he was ninety-three years-old. The Davies home of 1920 – The Mill House – is now a private residence which faces Water Lane, in Ospringe. The home of Henry Kennett and his daughter, Lina Kennett, of 1920 – 2 Middle Row, in Faversham – was originally a police station and is now known as The Age Concern. Henry Kennett lived there, as a widower, from 1915 until his death in 1935. It was a very emotional experience to visit both buildings while I was exploring my ancestral roots in Ospringe and Faversham in 2000, 2002 and 2004. The Davies family left England for Canada in 1923. The Passfield family left Poplar, Middlesex, for Canada, in 1908. My mother and father met and married in Canada.

The Making of Ospringe – a reflective journal
This journal records my reflections on the process of the crafting of the novel as it evolved through the stages of planning, writing, editing and polishing. It constitutes an effort to be as conscious as possible of the process whereby the single idea that suggested the topic of the novel was expanded into a complex work of art. Topics range from the nuts and bolts of novel-building to the nature of the novel as an art-form.

Planning Ospringe – a planning notebook
During the writing of the novel, I kept a hand-written notebook which records the day-by-day development of the novel as it found its shape and style. The notebook – now in print form – reveals how a vast cluster of thoughts was sifted, selected, structured and polished into novel-form.

The Project
Together, this novel, journal and notebook comprise the fourteenth installment in an on-going novel-writing project in which I am exploring the concept of form and meaning in the novel, and of the novel as a form of expression in the 21st Century. All of the published journals and notebooks are available for free download at www.johnpassfield.ca.

John Passfield
Cayuga, Ontario, Canada.