Stay at Eastbourne

Saturday 18th to Monday 20th April 2015

Gina & I decided that we would make a long weekend out of a family party, to celebrate the 90th birthday of my aunt Jean, to be held nearby to where she lives, in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

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It was quite windy, but the sun was shining and the air was very fresh.

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We stayed at a 350 year old farmhouse, which had 6 bedrooms named after the “Animal Farm” characters, and served breakfast only. Our room, named after “Boxer”, overlooked a farm, where the sheep were lambing.

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Aunt Jean’s birthday party was held at the farmhouse, which was our reason for staying there.

New home

Thursday 9th April 2015

At last we have moved into our new home, in Eastcote, Pinner.

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A nice little bungalow, in a secluded spot.

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With a view of our rear garden, overlooking the River Pinn, with Eastcote park in the background.

Kew Gardens & Thames Cruise

Saturday 21st June 2014

Today Gina & I visited Kew Gardens, via a cruise on the River Thames, from Westminster Pier, central London.

Houses of Parliament

We started off by sailing past the Houses of Parliament, and later Lambeth, Putney, Chiswick and many other places of interest.

Putney, Thames

Kew Gardens was only about 1/2 mile from the Pier at Kew, where our boat docked.

Gina & Jon (Kew Gardens)

After a quick lunch, we walked around the extensive grounds, visiting briefly the glass houses – it was a very hot day!

Temperate House, Kew

We then took advantage of an open sided land train, as there is simply too much to see in one day by walking.

Kew Gardens

Next, a nice cup of tea with one of the locals….

Kew Gardens (Peacock)

Then at the end of the afternoon, back by boat to Westminster Pier, and a walk across the bridge to the South Bank. We finished off a lovely day out with a nice evening meal, outside a restaurant overlooking the River Thames.

 

Visit to Blenheim Palace

Sunday 15th June 2014

This afternoon, Gina and I took advantage of our yearly passes to revisit Blenheim Palace, nearby to Oxford.

Selfie at Blenheim

After a quick lunch, we were treated to a rather splendid performance of First World War songs by the “Tonic Choir”, sang to everyone just in front of the palace.

Blenheim Palace

Afterwards we went for a long walk in the lovely grounds, ending up by a small waterfall.

Gina & Jon (Blenheim)

A really great day out. Not much sun, but ideal walking weather.

Visit to Henley

Sunday 27th May 2014

This afternoon, taking advantage of a break in the recent rain, we spent a very nice time at Henley-on-Thames.

Henley lock 25-05-2014

We were able to walk all the way to Marsh Lock, then back for tea, and finally onto the area where the famous regatta is soon to be held.

Henley Lock 25-05-2014

Katie’s 21st birthday party

Saturday 17th May 2014

This evening Gina, Marc & I (James unfortunately could not join us) were were invited to celebrate our niece Katie’s 21st birthday, at a party held at her home.

Katie's 21st birthday

We had a really great time, with many thanks to Sharon, Keith & Katie for all the hard work that they put in to making the party such fun.

Katie - garden  Katie - cake

 

 

Simon’s birthday party

Saturday 3rd May 2014

This afternoon we invited my brother Simon over with his sons, Scott & Alex, for his belated birthday party.

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Unfortunately, due to previous commitments, neither Marc nor James could join us. However, we had lots to eat & everyone had a great time.