The Wheatsheaf, Bough Beech

After a post-Christmas/holiday break from our traditional English Sundays we took up once again and drove Sunday morning to Kent. We chose the 'Wheatsheaf' in the hamlet of Bough Beech. It is one of a handful of pubs in Britain that has been in every Good Pub Guide, that is, for the last 25 years. It was a glorious day and we chose a table next to the window with the sun streaming in. To our delight we helped ourselves to chestnuts and a roasting pan over the open fire. It was a nice touch in this comfy snug pub. The building was originally a hunting lodge belonging to Henry V. He spent some time in this part of the country courting his second wife, Anne Boleyn who lived at nearby Hever Castle. The ceiling beams and walls were adorned with typical hunting lodge paraphernalia - namely stuffed heads and hunting weapons. I tried not to look at those, especially the beady-eyed monkey. Above the fireplace was the inscription '1607 Foxy Holamby', graffiti left by a cheeky local squire. In its many forms the Wheatsheaf has also been a smithy and a 'beer shop'.

After lunch - truly home-made and delicious! - we donned our wellies (I've learned my lesson from the last few pub walks!), and parked the car by the nearby reservoir and set off along a Nature Trail in the afternoon sunshine. There were quite a few families and dogs about. James loved the Oast House we came across at the edge of a field. Every time he looked at it he laughed - he thinks their conical roofs and lopsided 'chimneys' are funny. Anyway it turned out to be the Bough Beech Visitors Centre and it was a very busy spot. We didn't hang around long, and making our way back through the fields to the road passed a farm with an unusual weather vane - Winne the Pooh & Piglet. James had his 'long eyes' on and spotted 2p on the road. Needless to say he slept all the way home.

Photos are here.

Air Forces Memorial, Runnymede

Each day I drive from Windsor to Staines via Runnymede I pass the Memorial standing on a ridge at the edge of the Great Park. It's one place that seemed always to be on the "todo" list. Saturday was such a perfectly clear day that we took the opportunity for a visit.

The Memorial itself commemorates over 20,000 airmen from forces across the Commonwealth. For those interested there is a comprehensive pamphlet here.

An observation tower provided us with stunning views from Windsor Castle, across Runnymede, and through to Heathrow, Wembley Stadium, and London itself. It gave us a wonderful perspective of our neighbourhood. We would have loved to have shared it with family.

We finished off the day with a picnic lunch and walk at Virginia Water lake. Again - another "todo". Although winter with the tree stripped bare, this is such a beautiful place to walk. We chose a path that circumnavigated the lake. James did so well - it took us two hours and a few cups of coffee. Along the way we enjoyed varied landscapes of dense woods, grassed formal areas, and cascading waterfalls. It seemed every dog in the area was out enjoying a romp. And why not! We will have to return in early spring.

Photos of the Memorial and views are here.

A flying visit

Our very good friends Todd & Clare spent Wednesday night and Thursday with us on the last leg of their month long honeymoon. You may recall that we spent four days with them in Copenhagen just before Christmas. We had a wonderful time together. James particularly loved seeing them again. It was certainly hard to see them go and I guess emphasized to us the family and friends we miss so much back in Australia.

On Wednesday night we went to the Hinds Head pub. It's a bit of a favourite of ours in nearby Bray and serves superb food in a 15th century pub. It's owned by Heston Blumenthal, whose 3-star Michelin star restaurant, the Fat Duck, is next door.

Thursday was rather gloomy so we toured Windsor and on to Eton. As we approached the college students appeared from the narrow alleys dressed in their formal uniform; dark gray pin strip trousers, white collars with bow ties, and black tails. Amazing! They appeared to be on the way to class and were all carrying notebooks and texts. No bags or satchels to be seen. Teachers were similarly dressed in black suits and white bow ties.

Following on the pub theme we had lunch at the Royal Standard of England pub in Forty Green. It claims to be the oldest ale house in England at over 900 years old. It has tremendous atmosphere with wonky exposed beams and and eclectic assortment of ornamentation. The food is good too. I had rolled lamb shoulder and Todd the kitchen made pork sausages. Washed down with a pint of Chiltern Ale it was the perfect way to spend the afternoon.