Saturday 3rd October After a fairly slow start got away at 9 to set off for Wales. A strange journey in that 80% was on busy dual carriageways by passing just about all the towns & cities. Unfortunately crossing the Severn road bridge was marred by light fog which obscured the view. Eventually, at about 4pm we arrived at the cottage which is inland high on a hillside overlooking the sea which is about 5km away. During a quick recce outside we saw a fox wal...

Thursday 17th July - Bollington After returning the key & farewelling Sue & Ken we returned to Brockenhurst via a devious route. First to Little Moreton Hall, which unfortunately opened at 11 am, so we moved on to Sandbach, instead. Here were 2 Saxon crosses & a lively market in a lovely small town. After a coffee we returned to the hall which is a perfect example of an extremely rare, moated, 16th century, half timbered manor house virtually untouch...

Monday 14th July - Chearsley Moving north we drove up to Sutton Coldfield for lunch with Jean & John Topliss. They were both well & it was great to catch up again after a few years. After a very slow progress we eventually arrived at Sue & Ken's place in Wilmslow. Ken looks so much better after having his hips fixed. After dinner we drove on to Bollington for the night. Tuesday 15th July - Bollington Sue & Ken took us to Dunham Massey an NT hou...

Saturday 12th July - Chearsley Off to Thame, where Seona works to visit the town museum, which was fascinating. In the afternoon they took us to Claydon House which has the most impressive, painted carved woodwork. Ralph Verney, the 18th century owner ran out of funds in the process so the last room has the delivered woodwork which is still awaiting its installation in an unfinished room. A truly amazing place. In the evening we drove over to Tring for dinner w...

Wednesday 9th - Brockenhurst Set out for Dorchester, to visit Michael Bryant at his new town house arriving at 11.00. Unfortunately he had overslept & we couldn't wake him or get through on the phone. After talking to neighbours we asked the Police to help & they managed to rouse him. We all went off for lunch & left him at about 2.30 to move on to stay with Wiggy & Nicky at Coln Roger. Nicky told us all about his visit to Mt Athos, a male only a...