Abolitionist arch, Farmhill Park, Stroud

Stroud has an abolitionist commemorative arch. It's the only one in the UK. (Stroud also has a controversial clock on a public building, showing a small African child in a grass skirt striking a bell to mark the passing of the hours. This may eventually be relocated to the museum).

The arch formed part of the entrance to Farmhill Park, which was a country estate. Now it's a social housing estate and the site of Stroud's comprehensive school, named Archway. The arch itself began to crumble in the early 2000s and was restored with the aid of a grant. It's such a part of the local landscape, and the school, that I'm amazed to hear that it is unique.

I passed the arch on the way back from Gloucester, where I'd attended a morning course. After the course, I scooted along the street to look for a bed for a friend who is moving, then popped into M&S for some gluten free goodies. Had to run all the way back to the bus station, because the checkout ooerators aren't as fast as at Aldi, but I caught that bus and got a great seat upstairs.

My colleague, S had had a frustrating day, but also got on top of a few more things, so I wasn't worried about having left her this morning. We carried on till she left, then I left an hour later. Walked home and had the tedious task of trying to photograph some packs of Christmas cards to send to a potential customer. Santa's grotto briefly reappeared in our living room! Put it all away again. Hope some of it will sell.

Watching a ghost documentary now on BBC3.