BOF's Big Bucket List Trip To Anglesey! *MNHQ editing title to say that there is some very sad news contained in this thread. Sending love to all*

[BitOfFun]

AIBU to ask for some help planning this?

I've been on mumsnet almost forever, and it's my go-to place for wisdom, help and advice. I don't really have a long time alive, as my cancer treatment has stopped working, so I'm hoping that some of you can help me plan a trip to Anglesey, so that I've seen somewhere that isn't these four walls during my Liverpool Lockdown!

I don't want to go much further afield, as I would feel better being easily accessible to medical care if necessary. The plan is to hire a car with my husband, who'll drive, and stay a night or two in B&Bs, taking in some coastal views and sunsets.

I'd love to trawl antique shops.
I'd like to take the dog, if possible, though this isn't really essential.
Outdoors is good, but I'll have to use a wheelchair for more than short distances.
I like the idea of "hidden gems" in terms of places to visit (who doesn't?) but comfort is good too.
I'll wait for the weather to warm up a bit, so in a few weeks is fine (I hope!).

I don't want to annoy anybody, but I'd like to use this thread for a bit of support and encouragement, and keep bumping it for more ideas and suggestions.so I can make this trip as special as possible. As Anglesey isn't all that far from where I live, I could split the trip into a few parts.

So, can you help? AIBU?

Oh BoF. You won’t know me, I’m a serial namechanger.

But I’ve seen you around here since I found MN whilst googling pregnancy complications. Said complication is now in yr6.

You were/ are always so funny and wise and compassionate. Though I DID NOT know you were fucken smokin hot as well.

Cancer sucks rancid camel scrotum, so sorry to hear your shite news. I hope every day is filled with very many small but glorious moments of joy x

Your treehouse looks great!

Have you read the Phil Rickman Merrily Watkins books? Crime with a bit of woo, all set in various parts of Herefordshire. I'm not usually a fan of woo, but Merrily is a C of E vicar, single parent with teenage dd, smokes Silk Cut and is the official Diocesan exorcist. So it comes with the job, tho' it's now called 'Deliverance Consultant'. There's one set in Hereford, with a PC Bishop, appointed by Blair, who wears a purple tracksuit for jogging. Highly recommended.

(I'm from the other thread. Delighted to hear about your plans.)

Sorry! It's called ' Midwinter of the Spirit'

I’ll look that up- I’m due to start a new book tonight. I’ve been reading one called Madam, which is supposed to be Rebecca-esque, but I’m not feeling it.

@BitOfFun deffo! Our drunken chats will be better face to face! Still trying to find a way to smuggle u into wales! I might also just say fuck it and bring ye down anyway! Haven't been in a cell in years ! Could do with the break me self!

Bof, I’m so very sorry to see you’re news, I’ve been willing you and all the marvellous posters on the cancer thread along. I’m in a similar situation sadly, just trying to stick around to get my youngest through school.

I’m not sure ignoring you’ll remember who I am, I was one of the Shineys who met up in Manchester (remember our TWC badges and I sent you a historical patchwork book a little while ago.

I remember you posting about DD2 moving into supported living - ive just started the ball rolling for DD1.

Is there anywhere I can donate to your fabulous trips please? Sending so much love xxx

@Thymeout I just googled those Merrily Watkins books and they are free on kindle prime so I've ordered book one! My concentration and capacity to read anything is rubbish now and they look very entertaining.

I was only looking at that patchwork book yesterday! Amazing. And of course I remember you AND the badge . I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this crap too...perhaps we should convert them to medals?

I'm up for that!

I've been looking and looking for the Terry Wogan's Cock badge we used as our name tags, because I've SEEN it in the last wee while. Typically though, it has re-nestled itself into a Drawer O' Crap, and I can't find it again. I'm determined that it shall appear on this thread though. Can you imagine being confronted with that at the Pearly Gates, at the end of the tunnel of light?

@Skap

Oh good! I was a bit worried, after recommending them to Bof, that they might be too dark for the occasion, but he's brilliant at doing the sense of place thing and there's quite a bit of incidental humour. (Bof, perhaps save till after your visit.)

I am aware that I can be a bit eccentric in my tastes. For my first run-in with what turned out to be not-cancer, I binge--watched Breaking Bad, which I can see might not be everyone's choice in the circs.

Ah BoF, that treehouse is lovely and Stretton Sugwas is a treat. If you are driving down via Shrewsbury and the A49, there are some excellent places to stop off for a while and take a break from sitting in the same spot for too long. Church Stretton, while a bit hilly, has a good bistro called Berrys which (caveat Covid opening) does delicious lunches and cakes. Good ice cream place at the bottom of the hill too. There's also foodie Ludlow, full of interesting shops and a mix of Georgian and black and white architecture. Beware cobbles in some parts though.

The black and white villages trail takes you through Herfordshire's timbered houses and some really quirky sites. If you stop in Hereford for a bit, the cathedral (good access as I recall) has the Mappa Mundi. The little lane between High Town in the middle of Hereford and the cathedral has some delicious tea shops. Cider museum?

What ever you choose, sending you lots of good vibes for a fabulous trip.

Ooh, that sounds great, Crep- I never think about what's en route, but that makes a lot of sense, thank you!

Thymeout, don't worry about sounding dark- I have just arranged a live watch-along with a lovely MNer this weekend of Terms Of Endearment...

Fucking hell BoF. I’m sorry to see this.

I’m just outside Shrewsbury in Shropshire and there are some beautiful sights. Wenlock Edge, the Stiperstones, I can even meet you at the best coffee shop in town (with mask of course). It’s a stunning part of the country and I’m so proud to call it home.

@Lissiel0u

Fucking hell BoF. I’m sorry to see this.

I’m just outside Shrewsbury in Shropshire and there are some beautiful sights. Wenlock Edge, the Stiperstones, I can even meet you at the best coffee shop in town (with mask of course). It’s a stunning part of the country and I’m so proud to call it home.

It’s Lissie - SURPRISE!!

Loving the suggestions of little pockets of the North West I didn't know about (despite living in NW Metropolis for years!).

How's it going @BitOfFun? Did you manage to arrange anything?

I was just thinking about BOF. Hope you managed a trip.

She hasn't made it down to me yet, but please god she will, xxx

I am struggling to know how to post this everyone. A pp on this thread directed me to BOFs FB group 'Lost in a good book' a few weeks ago. I have followed it since. Today they posted the sad news that our darling BitOfFun passed away this morning.

Fly away beautiful Bee. You were loved by so many xx 🐝

So sad to hear this - thank you for letting us know.

I am crying over someone I have never met but have known for 13 years. She has scraped me off the ceiling, made me laugh, calmed just about every thread she touched with her wise, wonderful words. I had a total girl crush on her and had such admiration for her.

I had a feeling in the last couple of days, I thought of her and realised that she never came back to us, I wonder and hope she had her Treehouse adventure.

@JustineMumsnet I thought you too would want to know x

Oh Darling BoF, she will be missed by so many of us. She didn’t get to finish her bucket list, but at least she managed the cabin in the woods.

Farewell Bee, a fond farewell to you and your beautiful bosom ❤️

Thanks for posting. I'm so sorry to read this. What a shame she never got to go on that last road trip but I hope planning it all gave her some fun. God, this is really so sad. One of the good ones.

Thank you for letting us know VivaDixie

I too am crying for someone I never met.

This verse has popped into my head

"My candle burns at both ends
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends -
It gives a lovely light."

Edna St Vincent Millay

BoF certainly gave a lovely light.