With only a few more weeks left in England we are keener than ever to make the most of the fine weekends. Today we drove south to the town of Arundel in West Sussex, to the castle that Martin had bookmarked over a year ago. Set high on a hill, this castle highlights terrific views across the South Downs and River Arun. Built at the end of the 11th Century, it has been the family home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over 900 years.
After lunch in the restaurant we made straight for the oldest part of the castle, the Keep, accessed by 130 stone steps. We were amazed at the similarities between this ancient castle and Windsor; Arundel being founded in 1067 by one of William I's closest nobles in his honour. At the Keep James was delighted to discover dark steep steps down to a dungeon (one would not misbehave again having spent any amount of time down there!) and was soon off again to climb up to the turrets. The view from the top was beautiful - I love the South Downs. Back down once again and we toured the rooms of the castle. It is still occupied by the Norfolk family although like Windsor they reside in a seperate part. It is obvious they do use these state rooms however when the castle is closed to the public. There are many family photos arranged about on the furniture - the Queen and Prince Charles, and the current Duchess' grand-children.
Emerging into the sunlight we sought to discover some secluded paths surrounding the inner walls. Under low-hanging trees two rabbits leisurely hopped away, and we later saw a pheasant. We followed the winding paths around until we came to the 14th Century Fitzalan Chapel and White Garden. Further on was the newest addition to the estate, The Collector Earl's Garden. The 14th Earl of Arundel (1585-1646) was so-named because he was really the first of the great English art collectors - this is evident in the decor and collections of the castle. Opened by Prince Charles on the 14th of May this year, the grand formal garden is a tribute to the Earl. Having died in exile abroad, the elaborate tomb he specified in his will was never erected, so it is now only fitting that this garden serves as his memorial. James simply adored the fountain representing the fairy prince Oberon. I thought it was bit of a folly!
We left the castle and ventured into the town outside the walls where James and Martin enjoyed New Forest ice cream.
Not a bad way to spend Father's Day. A picnic in Windsor Castle Home Park watching the cricket. Oh - and the President of the United States dropping in. Incredible!
We've just come back home from a wonderfully relaxing afternoon. We were fortunate to have an invite to attend the celebrity cricket match as part of The Lords Taverners. There were many past Nationally capped players (embarrassingly I didn't know most of them). The game was played in the grounds of Windsor Castle - the field belonging to St George's School.
We pitched up with our picnic and a few bottles of red to join the smallish groups enjoying the game. It was an amazing sight with the Castle in the background. Shortly after the game started we heard helicopters overhead. Two US Marines helicopters (one carrying the President) and an army backhawk flew overhead an landed in the Castle grounds. The President arrived in the UK today and was visiting the Queen for tea. HRH the Duke was with us at the game and departed in his Freelander for the castle.
I couldn't tell you who won but we certainly enjoyed the day. Its amazing how many times we pinch ourselves at our good fortune for living here in Windsor.
Trooping the Colour is a tradition dating back to Charles II where the regimental flag - or Colours - were paraded each morning so that soldiers could easily recognise it in battle. The tradition continues today as one of England's most regal occasions also marking the Queen's official Birthday.
Troops are selected from the Household Division which includes our local Coldstream Guards. Although we didn't make the trip in to London to see the event yesterday - serendipity did intervene when Lynne, Merrilyn, and James ventured onto the Long Walk last Thursday. There they discovered the Colstream Guards were formed along the Long Walk practicing the official salute and "bearing arms". The young soliders were scrutinised by their senior officers to ensure that everying - from their dress through their drill - was perfect.
I've popped some photos and a video up for you to see.
Yesterday James and I went to Legoland. His favourite ride was the roller coaster. We had to go on two!
Saturday 24th May - at long last Mum had arrived and Martin had finished a busy week and we were off to our cottage in Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire. Our stone, 2 bedroom 'Bothy' cottage was a converted cow shed (no really, it was gorgeous!) only a 5 minute walk from the centre of Stow. Although so close it was set in a field with the main house nearby but very private. In fact our closest neighbors were the chickens who provided us with fresh eggs. We arrived late afternoon and were fortunate to catch some sun. The hawthorn-lined drive from the main road and beautiful setting amongst wildflower meadows took our breath away. We were all keen to get out of the car and explore about the dry stone walls, hedges and pathways through the rhododendrons. Martin and Mum were snap happy, James made for the chickens and I checked out the kitchen. Lucky for them my favourite view was from the main kitchen window!
The next morning we drove to Toddington as the Cotswold Steam Fair was underway. The weather was lousy but what better way to see the countryside than from your private compartment of a steam train? We ate our picnic lunch on board and relaxed as the train made its way to Cheltenham. Actually Mum got saturated just standing in the corridor of the carriage with the window open taking video footage. Talk about dedicated! Unfortunately the GWR (Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Railways') main steamie, the Lord Nelson, was unable to run today. The rain was so heavy that we didn't get to see the front of the train and who was pulling us!
In Chipping Campden Mum and I were delighted to find an antique shop full of blue and white English china. James was entertained outside in the old Chipping Campden Market by Dad! Martin had also found our lunch spot - the Eight Bells pub. This has to be one of our all-time favourites. James particularly loved the glass-covered hole in the floor revealing a secret passageway once used by clergy between the church and the pub. Hmmm! To walk off some of the meal we looked around the church of St James and then took a walk along a muddy footpath adjacent to a stream. It wasn't the greatest path in the world but pretty enough and the walk much needed. Well, all that stile-hopping certainly aided digestion!
After another 'Big Breakfast by Martin' we set out for Guiting Wood for a walk. The terrain was varied - fields full of lambs, dense dark, drippy woods and open clearings for logging. We ate our sandwiches perched on a log pile in the misty woods. Thank goodness for that thermos of coffee as the rain had well and truly set in by now. It was a big walk and James did very well. We were all glad to get back to the car but I had to jump out one more time to do the gate!
We had been waiting for a sunny day to visit the Slaughters. After breakfast Martin and Mum donned walking shoes and a pack (and cameras, of course!) and walked through Lower Swell to Lower Slaughter, a distance of a few miles. James and I followed later in the car and met them at the Washbourne Court Hotel for lunch. We are fond of this place as we visited in the first week we lived in England, and spent a lovely afternoon drinking ales in the sun. Today was no exception. The sun came out and we had a delicious lunch and drinks in the courtyard. James made some friends (another James) and happily ran about the lawns. More exercise was in order and we took the footpath through the soggy fields past The Old Mill to Upper Slaughter and back again. Poppies and buttercups made a colourful carpet in the fields and the spring gardens were full of colour - hollyhocks, tulips, roses, wisteria and clematis. However, enough energy exerted to justify an ice-cream!
Today Martin took us on a surprise GPS tour (he didn't tell us where we were going) and we had a great time just driving about through quintessential Cotswold villages. We really liked Blockley, Snowshill, Weston Subedge and Stanton, and treated ourselves to a cream tea in Broadway. I know this sounds like a gastronomic tour and yes, it was! Phew!
Our last meal on Friday we had at the Kings Head in Bledington before driving on in the evening light to visit Great Tew, a tiny village of nearly all thatched cottages. The locals and their dogs were relaxing outside the pub in the low golden sunshine.
Never ones to go straight home we packed up and left our lovely cottage at around 10am. It was a glorious day and we drove south to Bath, arriving for a timely bus at the Park & Ride and got into the town centre at lunch time. Mum hadn't been to Bath and Martin, James and I were pleased to be visiting again. We purchased a walking tour map and spent a few pleasant hours exploring. James was spurred on by the game of locating bronze plaques in the footpath and announcing their number (corresponding with the book) and the direction we must take according to the arrow. We saw lots of Bath this way! It's quite hilly too! It was a long but fun day and soon we made our way east towards Windsor. James and I fell asleep in the car but Mum stayed awake in case she 'missed anything'! She and Martin did manage one last photo session at the ancient Silbury Hill outside Avebury. They just couldn't pass it up!
It was a wonderful holiday and we're so happy to have been able to share it with Mum. Memories like those last forever...
Last week when returning from Bath we stumbled upon Avebury - the site of a both a Neolithic henge and Silbury Hill.
Today we returned to Avebury to walk the henge and explore the sarsen stones. Constructed over 5000 years ago this whole area is covered by barrows (burial mounds), standing stones, and circles. Not surprisingly it is now designated a World Heritage site.
We started off with a picnic lunch to make the most of the warm sun and gentle breeze (why didn't we have this last week when we were in the Cotswolds?) James and I were interested in the 15th century Dovecot. This round building housed up to 500 nesting birds that provided a food source in the winter months. We moved on to explore St James church. This church still bears evidence of its Norman origins. Interestingly there were three small round windows which still contain the holes from which the original curtains were suspended.
After lunch we walked the short distance to the standing stones. These are located in the henge which is surrounded by a ditch dug into the chalk. You can walk amongst the standing stones and on to an avenue which extends for about a kilometre. The grass was long and waved in the breeze. James decided to walk amongst it picking off seed heads and crushing them in his hands. He then explained an elaborate story involving mills, lawn mowers, and machines that finally resulted in bread! [Last week during our walks in the Cotswold I showed him the maturing wheat crops and explained how the seeds are removed from their husks and crushed in a mill to make bread.]
Our walk amongst the Avebury henge took us through fields filled with sheep. Some were lying against the stones whilst others were scratching up against them.
Rather than return home we decided to revisit Stonehenge - only some 20 miles away. James was thrilled - although his favourite part was spotting the audio guide numbers and listening to the commentary. Merrilyn and I both enjoyed visiting this amazing monument again.
On Friday night we three walked down Castle Hill in the warm evening light into the private grounds of Windsor Castle. The Royal Tattoo was being held in conjunction with the Royal Windsor Horse Show so the park was alive with shops and restaurants and displays of everything horse and military related. James was looking forward to the "Soldier's Concert" and was delighted to be able to climb up on a real tank with the aid of Dad and some soldiers. After a refreshing champagne and with the floodlit castle as a backdrop we made our way to our seats one row back from the front. We had a terrific view right up close to the action and thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the soldiers, bagpipes, cavalry, tanks, bands and two international demonstrations from Malaysia and Russia. My favourite were the Kings Troop as they galloped about in complicated formations hauling gun carriages. Although pre-warned, we all jumped when the cannons were fired! Prince Edward took the salute on this occasion. The finale was marked by fireworks by which time James was tired out. We walked back up the hill to home and he was in bed soon after.
As I write this the guards are marching out of the barracks and judging by the unfamiliar music I think it must be the Malaysians!
It's a long weekend here in the UK. And today - Saturday - it's actually a warm day. Perfect for a ride. Packing a picnic we headed for Ranger's Gate. The spring growth is in full swing so it was lovely just walking and enjoying the park. The chestnuts are flowering and the oaks all have bright green leaves. Now that James is on his bike we can actually travel good distances quite easily. He zooms off ahead and stops - looking back impatiently. We found a lovely grassy spot near the Cumberland Lodge to enjoy our picnic; even finding time for a snooze in the sun. Perfect!
As a parent you live for these days. Where a small thing (to you) can bring so much happiness.
James has always been interested in bikes. He has access to a few at pre-school. And of course one or two of his friends have them as well. This morning Merrilyn and I surprised James with a bike I picked up on eBay. Although second hand its in good nick with new tires and brakes. And of course stabilisers. We put it in the bike shed for James to find. Well - he was over the moon. We've taken a short video below.
After showing him the basics he was off for a few laps around the car park. James seemed to get the hang of the bike quickly so it was off to the Long Walk; the perfect place to ride a bike. Once there he shot off ahead and aimed for every puddle! Along the way he told a passing couple that he was on his new bike (cute). We circled back to the Castle, then back again past the "artichokes" - communal garden - and then onto Sheet Street and home past the Barracks. Phew!
It didn't take long for him to ask us for another ride. So out we went and this time it was off to Bachelor's Acre. Oh what freedom - riding your bike to the playground. There he was telling all the children that he had a new bike - and wasn't it lucky that he had bacon & eggs for breakfast so he could ride all that way!! After a play we circled back along Park Street, onto the Long Walk again, then back via the artichokes.
I'm sure he'll get much pleasure from the bike. And we'll be able to take him into the Great Park and let him go wild!
Oh - and in case you're wondering - we'll be picking up a helmet for him in the morning.
Yesterday the whole town of Windsor celebrated the homecoming of our Coldstream Guards after a 6 month tour of duty in Afghanistan. These are the guards are situated in the Victoria Barracks over the road from us. We secured a place to stand on High Street opposite the Guildhall an hour and a half before they were due, and the crowd was thousands strong. James asked "Is the whole of Windsor here?" to which we replied "Yes!".
There were families with placards lining the streets to cheer for their men, and we all had flags to wave. James had bought his flute and kept us entertained for a bit! Although quite a wait it was lovely to soak up the sunshine on the warmest day of the year (so far). Just after 11.30 the marching parade of desert-uniformed soldiers trooped from their barracks, along the river and up Thames Street then into High Street past the Castle, giving their salute to their Colonel and the Lord Mayor of the Borough. They were accompanied by flag bearers and their regimental band.
The atmosphere was one of a great occasion, and the faces of the soldiers reflected the pride and appreciation of the British people. I think a few may have been a bit overwhelmed but it was obvious they were loving the adulation and very relieved to be home. It was very moving but for me brought the reality of war to Windsor. These weren't just guys parading around in fancy red uniforms, they has risked their lives. It was a befitting celebration and we are so fortunate to have been part of it.
Returning home we bought a picnic and took it out onto the Long Walk where we ate, played soccer and lay in the sun for a couple of hours.
Today, April 21st, is the Queen's 82nd birthday. She is here in Windsor and her 'duvet' (biggest Royal Standard they have!) is flying proudly. James and I began the morning by taking the card he made for her to the Henry VIII gate at the castle. A lady warden took it and assured us it would be delivered to the Queen. James was thrilled and I have to say I was a little surprised at her assurance! Another 'pinch' moment!
We then met up with Annie, Mariella and Oliver (in full uniform, of course) and after stopping to pick up and little picnic walked down to the Long Walk at Brook Street. A salute of 21 cannons was to take place at 12 midday, presided over by the Mayor of Windsor in full official costume. There was a small crowd and we got a good spot along the line of cannons lined up along the Long Walk, facing Frogmore. There was no warning and when the first shot was fired we all got a huge fright! It was so loud, from these tiny little cannons! It took some time to fire 21 of them, and as the 'lighter' made his way down the line James and Oliver were asked if they too would like to participate and light an actual cannon. Of course they would! The looks on their faces were terrific, and James couldn't wait to get home to tell Dad all about it. What a lucky boy! Happy 82nd Birthday Queen!
We've just arrived home from a fabulous day. James has been beside himself! Although a little wet a gloomy, we spent the day on the Watercress Line with Thomas and some of his friends: steamies and diesels alike.
We told James about the adventure over hot eggs this morning. He couldn't wait to see the engines. Of course, they had to travel all the way from Sodor Island to the Line in Hampshire. What a journey!
Arriving at Ropley (you can see all the stations on the line here) we bought our all-day tickets and jumped on the train that was waiting at the platform about to depart for Alresford. This train was Daisy - a diesel. After a 10 minute journey through the fields - and with the sky a little threatening - we arrived at our destination. Crossing over the footbridge to the opposite platform we met Donald - a big black steamie. He was offering short rides down the line in his brake-van (or caboose). After our short ride I showed James the signal mounted on the footbridge. Donald passed beneath us and we were immersed in a huge steam cloud.
We spent a little time at Alresford seeing Bulgy (a double decker bus with Windor as the destination) and George (a steam roller) before getting aboard for a return trip to Ropley. There we met Thomas - and James was in heaven. Thomas was offering short rides so in we hopped. On the way inside James stopped at Thomas to show him his little toy Percy. For those not acquainted with Thomas - Percy is one of his best friends. James told me that Thomas was very happy to see Percy!
We jumped aboard Henry - a large express steamie - for a longer run to the end of the line at Alton. We shared a table with another family and James and the other little boy played with their trains all the way to the destination. James and I watched Henry shunt back to the front of the train - with a top up of his water tank - before re-coupling to the carriages. Henry was an impressive steamie - and let off huge bouts of steam before departing once again for Ropley - and our final destination today.
It was raining when we returned. But that didn't damped James' spirit. He was keen to ride on Diesel - a cheeky character in Thomas. We got to ride in the driver's carriage for our short trip. Then one last ride in Toad (a truck I think) that was hitched to Diesel. Then it was time to leave. James was asleep before we left the carpark. His favourites: Diesel, Douglas, and Thomas!
Today I returned to Battle; the site of the defeat of the last English King Harold by the Norman king William. I had visited there last May (blogged here). This time we went as a family. Although a grey day it was nonetheless atmospheric. And for Merrilyn it was a chance to see the place where Harold was defeated. We have visited Bayeux and the Somme Valley in France where William launched his fleet. We have seen the tapestry that depicts the battle and the crowning of William at Westminster. So it is all the more poignant to visit such as place.
We all had audio guides for our walk around the battlefield. James set out in front and ran to each commentary point to tell us the number we should use in our guide. In fact - he told anybody else that happened to be nearby too!
I haven't taken as many photos this time around. They are here. You can also take a look at the ones we shot last time here.
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.
We have just arrived home from a five day holiday in Copenhagen in time Christmas. This was a trip we had long looked forward too. Although we visited Copenhagen last Christmas we had never dreamed of the opportunity to return so soon. The catalyst was visiting with my oldest friend Todd - himself born in Denmark.
We arrived on the afternoon of the 20th after a rather characteristic delay of 2 hours leaving a congested Heathrow. It was dark by the time we landed at 4pm but had no problem grabbing a taxi to our hotel - Marriott - along the Harbour. As soon as we had unpacked we gave Todd and Clare a call - also staying at the same hotel - and we headed out to explore.
Although the temperature was hovering around -1 degree the locals we telling us that it was rather warm for this time of year. Rugged up we walked the 10 minutes journey into the centre of Copenhagen and the Strøget shopping district. This part of Copenhagen characterises Christmas to me. Filled with street vendors, wonderful lights, and crowds of people, it epitomises a Scandinavian Christmas. We found ourselves a funky little street restaurant away from the cold and caught up over a Carlsberg.
Friday morning we caught a taxi to the northern end of Copenhagen to visit the famed Little Mermaid. There were only a few other like minded travellers braving the cold. We made our way to Amalienborg Palace via the Kastellet - original fortifications guarding the harbour entrance - in time to see the changing of the guard. Todd struck up a conversation with a policeman. His Danish is actually quite good!
Not far from the palace is the popular Nyhavn. This canal is fronted by colourful terraced homes and lcaed with restaurants and street vendors. We grabbed a warming glass of Glogg - mulled wine - together with a traditional polser (Danish Hot Dog).
We all spent the evening at Tivoli. What a wonderful place to spend Christmas time. We strolled the stalls and dabbled in Glogg, sweet treats, and perusing Christmas decorations. Of course, no trip to the Tivoli is complete without the rides. James and Merrilyn braved the "big boys" swinging chairs - a favourite of James' at Legoland in Windsor. Todd, Clare, and I went on the rather more adventurous chair ride that capapults you to a great height over the park. I freely admit to vertigo that had me questioning my sanity not long into the ride. But it soon settled and I was left with the screaming cold wind as we were flung through the evening air. After all the fun we found a warm nook in a restaurant to tuck into some more traditional fare - Danish Christmas Pork.
Saturday morning we took a canal tour around Copenhagen. It gave us a different perspective on some familiar landmarks and an opportunity to see sights such as the Opera House at close range. We had not realised the extensive canal network within Copenhagen. There are now many housing developments that take advantage of the water access together with the central location. The afternoon was spent shopping for clothes and Christmas decorations.
Todd and Clare left early Sunday morning to visit family in Odense. We took the opportunity to join a bus tour of North Zeeland to see three magnificent castles: Frederiksborg, Fredensborg, and Kronborg. Frederiksborg is also a National Museum housing many cultural treasures such as paintings, and the constitution. The palace church is used for crowing the monarchy and is adorned with many coats of arms - including Crown Princess Mary and Lord Baden Powell.
Perhaps the most interesting castle was Kronborg. It was constructed in the 1420s along the cost only 4kms from the Swedish mainland. It is also the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet. Although Hamlet himself is fictional we were told that Shakespeare spent time at the Castle which then inspired his work. Fokelore perhaps - but very interesting. To add to the atmosphere, cauldrons of fire were burning outer walls. And floating on the moat were clumps of candles - placed there by well wishers rather like the prayer candles in a church.
Last Thursday the children of Little Rainbows performed their nativity play "The Sleepy Shepherd". It was standing room only at the back of the hall as parents and grandparents braved the rain and cold and arrived at 11.30am. James was a sheep and had to skip about then fall sleep on demand. It was a great success and the children had been practising their lines and songs for weeks. He was a little uncomfortable wearing his sheep head and couldn't wait to take it off at then end! You'll see in the video little Flora who has broken her leg (at Bachelor's Acre!). I think the teachers did a lovely job of including her by decorating her wheelchair with tinsel! It was also a terrific fundraising event with Tombola and refreshments and we raised a lot of money for the school.
James is the 3rd sheep to appear in the play at about 50 seconds into the video...
This afternoon we joined our community to welcome Santa to Windsor. We met Santa as he appeared through the gates of the Castle led by the Rotary Band and with elves on hand. The children all rushed forward to see Santa. James shouted "hello Santa" and was rewarded with a save and smile. We followed Santa down St Alban's Street as oar as the parish church. We then ducked through to the Guildhall and watched as Santa looped past on High Street.
Traditionally Santa's sleigh is pulled by Reindeer from Scotland. This year - because of the foot & mouth disease, he was pulled by a team of huskies.
You may recall that a little over a month ago the Great Park was closed as it fell within the exclusion zone for foot and mouth disease. This was a big disappointment to us as the park is gorgeous during Autumn. To our relief, the Park re-opened during the week. James was happy too. We told him it closed as the cows were sick. So he was glad they were now feeling much better.
We started off at Bishops Gate around 4pm and made our way into the Park and down a bridleway. By the time we arrived at the Copper Horse the sun was setting. James was looking forward to clambering over the rocks and spent time finding lots of little hiding places.
Most of the leaves have now dropped giving us lots of opportunities to play in the thick blankets. We all had fun kicking the leaves.
By 5pm the sun was set so off home we went. We all enjoyed walking the park again. It is such a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
I've just finished compiling the video of our Llangollen canal boat holiday. It's split into two parts. The first takes you from Chirk Marina to our turnaround point and then back to Grindley Brook staircase lock. The second picks up from the locks and takes you through to Llangollen.
This blog allows us to share in our UK assignment with all our family and friends. We intend to keep it updated will all our experiences (including photos) as we start our new life in London.
With only a few more weeks left in England we are keener than ever to make the most of the fine weekends. Today we drove south to the town of Arundel in West Sussex, to the castle that Martin had bookmarked over a year ago. Set high on a hill, this castle highlights terrific views across the South Downs and River Arun. Built at the end of the 11th Century, it has been the family home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over 900 years.
