Dover Castle

It was sad leaving Bertie and Honey behind as all too soon it was time to leave and move onto another adventure.  This time with Victoria and her little family.  We were heading for Disneyland Paris using the Euro tunnel from Ashford in Kent.  We drove down from Norwich and stayed overnight, giving us plenty of time to enjoy Dover Castle and its surroundings.

The drive up to it was magnificent as was the white cliffs of Dover which we took time to view.  There was so much more than we had anticipated and not enough time to do it all. 

There was a train that took you around the grounds and from one exhibition to another, made it so much easier for Gerard to get around.  There were actors within the castle and the courtyard bringing life as it as in medieval times to life.

A highlight for Gerard was the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and Queens Regiment Museum.  He loved talking to Wilbur and Hector about his time in the Army and looking at the exhibits together.

There are many displays videos and recordings which took us up to the Regiment's most recent operations in support of the UN and NATO in Iraq and Afghanistan

Another highlight was a stroll around the Church St Mary-in-Castro which for centuries was the Garrison Church for the Dover and then later Dover/Shorncliffe Garrisons with military padres leading services.  The church remained active with daily services right through the battle of Britain which was fought overhead.

Although now part of the Diocese of Canterbury the military ethos remains with regular services attended by veterans groups and as repository of many memorials from units and individuals who served in the area.  It is legally an "Extra-Parochial Place" as the church pre-dates the parish system and the castle was variously a Royal or Military place.

Although a beautiful day there was a lot of wind which made it fun for rolling down some of the banks and flying a kite.

Finally, the views were spectacular you could see for miles around.

As always I thank you for your visit and for your uplifting comments.

See you soon.

Another Day, Another Day Out

The weather held and we managed to pull all the rhubarb and more herbs which are now hanging in the kitchen to dry.  The rhubarb has been cooked ready for pie or crumble fillings and in the freezer.  Rhubarb and date chutney has also been made ready for the winter months.  Not a chutney that I have made before but worth a try.  I also cooked some beetroot and chopped it down along with some shallots and pickled them. 

One cupboard is already full, we are now using a cupboard in the utility room.  I made a batch of mincemeat too as we enjoy mince pies all year round.  Still need to top up the oils and make some jam but tomorrow is another day.

Whilst away we spent a lovely day exploring Ampthill park which has three Trails to walk a short trail, heritage trail and a long trail.  It is on the site of one of King Henry VIII's favourite castles sadly it is buried underneath the ground but you can still enjoy the views from the top of the ridge.

We also had a wonderful day out to Herring Green Activity Farm and Bird of Prey Centre.  Bertie and Honey love a farm and both like their Grandad love a tractor.  It is certainly something we will need to start looking around for.  They are both so good with animals and never tire of looking and petting them.

The highlight of the day was a falcon display which we all enjoyed.  I had mixed feelings about some of these magnificent birds held captive but there as no doubt about it they were well looked after.

Bertie read all the signs to Honey and told her what each of the birds were and where they had come from.  The highlight of his day was to actually put the glove on and hold one.  The staff are wonderful, so kind and patient with the children answering all their questions.

Another job Bertie is considering for when he is a big boy.

We also took time for ourselves and enjoyed a stroll around one of the Antique Centres.  Sadly the park was been refurbished but the children still enjoyed the old water mill and we had lunch out for a treat there.

There is no doubt about it we crammed a lot into the time we had with our beloved Grandchildren, cherishing every moment we spent with them.  I hope you enjoyed this whistle stop tour of our time away.

As always I do thank you for your visit and for your comments.

See you soon.

Willow Activity Farm

My goodness what fabulous weather we have been having for the past few days.  Such perfect timing for us to get all our outside jobs done.  A fence repaired, the grass cut and pulling the final harvest of herbs and rhubarb before the weather turns tomorrow.  I did leave a lot of herbs drying in the kitchen prior to our break away, so they are now dry and have been rubbed down and bottled.

Today was the annual tractor run which meets up and drives around the district to help a local family in need.  Such a fun event and for such a worthy cause.  Everyone comes out to watch the tractors drive past, so lots of chat and laughter.  Neighbours getting together and chatting, it is quite the event.  Here are some of them, Gerard still hasn't got one, in truth he doesn't really need one but men and their toys...

Another one of our little adventures out whilst we were away was to Willows Activity Farm featuring Peter Rabbit and his friends.  It as a well laid out park with lots of fun things to do over and above the traditional farm which actually we all enjoyed.

We bought the food bags so that Honey and Bertie could feed the animals which they did without any fear at all.  Even Gerard could be seen petting and feeding them.

There were several shows throughout the day featuring Peter Rabbit and friends which was fun, encouraging the children to shout out.  A little like a traditional pantomime.  I think Honey enjoyed it more than Bertie but he is a good big brother.

There were lots of opportunities for meet and greets.

As well as umpteen play parks, indoor soft play. a digging area, funfair rides, bouncy castles and panning for gold.

Lots of fun and laughter along with wet clothes.  Another highlight was the maze called the A- maize-ing-maze such fun.  It was a wonderful day out with plenty to do to fill our day.  Perfect for little ones I don't think it would be suitable for Bertie for much longer.  It has given us so many wonderful memories of another adventure of which we will treasure as we start to prepare for the changing seasons.  Fun in the sun.

Thank you for your visit and for your comments, they are so greatly appreciated.

See you soon.