Chapter Twenty Three - In Good Society

Colonel Lougher and Lady Bluett take a September afternoon coach ride to Sker beach, expecting peace, quiet, and the gentle warmth of late sunshine. But Blackmore has other plans: their outing brings unexpected company, turning a genteel visit into something far less predictable.This chapter shines with contrasts — the elegance of high society against the rugged sands of the South Wales coast, and the surprise of chance meetings that can change the tone of an afternoon. Colonel Lougher and Lady Bluett are based on historic South Wales families with deep roots in Glamorgan. The Loughers were prominent landowners, while the Bluetts held estates near the coast. Blackmore’s inclusion of these figures reflects the local social hierarchy of the 19th century and adds a touch of historical authenticity to the seaside setting of Sker beach.For listeners in Cornelly, Pyle, Kenfig Hill, Porthcawl, and the surrounding coast, the chapter paints a familiar picture of the late summer light on Sker beach. On Sundays, street by street, groups of families would put children in prams and push-chairs, dogs on leads, buckets, spades and old inner tubes, bottles of squash and pop and sandwiches in Tupperware boxes and make their way to Sker, Pink Bay and Rest Bay. Mams would talk, Dads would smoke and kids would play…..and then they’d all stop to pick Dewberries and Blackberries from the dunes and Lock’s Common to be made into pies for Sunday tea - ready for school and work on Monday.