The ballroom had been cleared upstairs, a tearoom was due to open downstairs and there was a much more optimistic atmosphere around the Mansion. I happened to visit on a bright day, with the sun streaming through the windows, and the lighter weather coincided beautifully with an optimism I hadn't felt at the Mansion in a while.
signs of work - a new doorway being created
The tearoom. This failed to materialise during my visit, despite fanfares about the grand opening. It also failed to open on two subsequent visits, bringing visitors to the tearoom.
signs of life in the office
and a note of gratitude from a homeless man who had stayed at the Mansion for a week, reinforcing the goodwill of the people who run the place
The Ballroom
emptied, devoid of rubbish, and glowing with light
