Harry Birthday Happy!

Almost unimaginable that it could be three years today since Lucy's twins, Harry & Christopher were born and that the premature tiny sack of breathing bones could have grown to be a fully fledged monster with such alacrity!

Last Saturday, Irene, Harry and I made the trip to Silverdale Glen which is situated probably about a mile outside Ballasalla (which is a 20 minute drive from The Welbeck) and it's a lovely walk via Rushen Abbey if you've travelled by bus or train.

There is a boating lake, (not yet open last Saturday) a mixture of businesses (more of which later) a large field with picnic area, some pretty areas to walk around and of course the main purpose of our visit, the children's play area, the main feature of which is a Victorian Carousel built in 1890. This roundabout is powered by a water wheel originally from the Foxdale mines.

Not the best picture, I'm afraid but most of my time was spent chasing Harry, so it was a matter of positioning myself to block the routes of escape/danger rather than finding the best photographic angle.

The buildings are part of an old mill and there has always been a cafe which has enjoyed varying degrees of success. They make their own ice cream but their menu is somewhat limited at the moment. https://www.facebook.com/SilverdaleGlen

Our view while we enjoyed a pot of tea and an ice cream outside

Over the course of the last ten years or so other businesses have opened and there is a gallery: garrettsgallery.webs.com run by local artist, Karl Garrett.

There is a studio where you can paint your own ceramics and pottery: www.craftworks-studio.co.uk/

On the level of the boating lake is Dolittle's which houses a small selection of animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs that you and the children can stroke as well as a big selection of toys for the little ones who haven't the slightest interest in small furry things (no names mentioned ;) )They had a little puppy too. The cost was £2 per adult and £1 per child.



There will also be a shop selling hand made and second hand toys opening in the near future.



Whilst I was trawling the internet looking for information, links and perhaps some photos better than my my feeble efforts with my phone, I found a virtual tour of Silverdale. Have a look:

http://www.vrisleofman.co.uk/isle-of-man-virtual-tour/Silverdale-Glen.html