My Story

I’m Bec a 50-something southerner (not a Cockney) who accidentally arrived in Manchester over 20 years ago – it’s one of the best things that ever happened to me. I went to University in Stirling, Scotland where I met a Salford Lad – hence my move to the North in 1997 we were together 20 years until I was 40. I’ve been visiting Manchester since 1987 so I’ve seen many changes around this City.

My Home

I bought my little house in Monton, in Eccles in 2009 and have been trundling along with DIY and updating ever since. It is a 90s semi built on the site of a Victorian bandage factory by the side of the Bridgewater Canal.

My Chap

The VERY best thing that happened to me was meeting my Chap in 2010 when I was 43. We got married in September 2017, in a gorgeous Cheshire garden with our friends and family from around the world with us – and many flowers especially lavender. I wore a purple wedding dress.

Gardening and our garden

I spend time in our garden too…. weeding, watering and planting but also planning, thinking and reflecting on life. I hardly ever wear gardening gloves, these something about handling soil. I’m always covered in mud too.

Our garden is tiny and north facing; our little semi is built on a former bandage factory next to the oldest canal in Britain – the Bridgewater Canal (established 1761). We are very fortunate where we live, despite being 6 miles from the city centre there, are Worsley Woods 2 miles away. It is a 20 minute drive to the hills north of Bolton and an hour to the Lake District – It’s about 45mins to the Peak District on the other side of Manchester.

Our garden is my sanctuary – I’m ‘in the moment’ in my garden.

• My Mindful Garden – Im in the moment – 7 July 2018

Monton, Eccles, Manchester – and life in the gritty North

I love my life here – we’re in the heart of the first industrial city in the world. There is so much to see and do – music, food, heritage – close to the hills and coast too.

Outdoor enthusiast

I like hill walking, and am just getting back into it again, after a few years of severe pain, inc osteoarthritis. I do my best to get out in the fresh air for least #onehouroutside every day, even if it’s just a walk around the block.

Yoga, Mindfulness and Wellbeing

I’ve practised yoga for nearly 15 years, that with mindfulness and other techniques make such a difference to my daily life.

Women’s Institute – inspiring women

I’m a Women’s Institute member at Cottonopolis WI – Ancoats, Manchester founded in January 2014. I’ve definitely reclaimed by creativity. I’ve tried so many crafts, some I’d learnt when I was younger

• pottery
  • Making a pottery daisy for the garden – 26 September 2018
• silver clay jewellery
• decorated chocolate Easter Bunnies – or in my case – a Zombie Duck

I’ve said it many times but I’m in my spiritual home among the friendly Northerners – it’s a shame it rains so much though but my garden would be in a sorry state without it.

*****

I hope you like reading my blog – DO get in touch… I’m definitely not a conventional gardener – rather rubbish with plant names – but it makes SUCH a difference to me being out in the fresh air.

Carpe Diem

love Bec xxx xxx

Follow me:

• Facebook – www.facebook.com/viewsfrommygardenbench/
• Twitter – @becinmonton
• Instagram – @becinmonton

Contact Me:
Email: viewsfrommygardenbench at gmail.com

Want to work with me?
More information on hire me page I’m also available for photography commissions.