UK 2024
Vyne House is a Tudor mansion of ancient origin but refurbished for Henry VIII as a centre for governance, Winchester being the storehouse for Royal treasure at that time (I think). It has been refurbished again but retains Tudor oak carved panelling and other structures. There is also a Roman
UK 2024
A visit to childhood friend Myra in a very nice retirement village-St Oswalds, near the Cathedral. We spent a lot of time catching up on five years and also explored local streets and pub restaurants. The next day we visited an an ancient crypt in the Cathedral, now a
UK 2024
We stayed with long-time friend Robert in Rowledge village.We a lunch time drink in garden of a local pub, with Robert and friend Jo then went to a choral concert held inside a magnificent church on a site dating back to medieval times. There were extensive grounds and
UK 2024
Here we stayed with friend from schooldays and scouts, Clifford and sister Rilla joined us As you can see, Cliff has taken up forging, specialising in kitchen knives and Samurai swords!! He also is a member of Wokingham Art Society for painting and took us to an exhibition there. That
UK 2024
Disraeli's pithy comments still adorn the walls and there was one by Gladstone I hadn't spotted before. The gardens were still good as was the cafe. TBC
UK 2024
Now more restored and with lovely gardens, near Henley on Thames, this NT place is well worth a visit. Interestingly for me, it was bought by Heinrich Brunner, in 1926, who was the technical partner who started the company with humble soda ash production,that became the giant ICI. The
UK 2024
Following a lovely country walk with them, we thoroughly enjoyed a dinner, cooked by Jenny, with our friends Chris and Jennifer. Chris's brother and wife, Mike and Vicky, also joined us fore us all to reminisce and discuss new experiences. Our favourite Inn-The Red Dragon, had been
UK 2024
We visited our niece Philippa and family -Nick and boys Sam and Mathew and walked part of the Basingstoke canal after lunch at a pub. We were seated in a tiny cabin like the ones at English seaside resorts that were erected for Covid conditions to separate groups. Alongside the
UK 2024
A visit overnight to Rilla and Shirlaw. Rilla has published a booklet of songs for children as well as Christmas 'Camels', in addition to her existing works of Love Came down and a train song based on environmentalism- all featured on a 'page' on this blog.
UK 2024
The first thing to say is that we were very fortunate to be hosted by friends Ann and John in Ashtead. We enjoyed their company, garden and the ancient common at the back. I was also able to meet my cousin Keith and Australian wife Petrea there and enjoy a