4 - 9th August

Mary Arden's Farm  Thursday 4th 

As we have not been spending much time out of the house, today we decided to further our education and head out to Mary Arden's farm, which is only aobut 15 minutes away.

Mary Arden was Shakespeare's mother and the farm she inherited from her father is one of the properties managed by the Shakespeare trust. It is very well run and staffed by people who seem to get fully into their roles as Tudors.

The kids got to try their hands at geese herding and the bird shows were informative.

Aidan got lucky when the Master asked for an apprentice from the audience and he got to experience flying Millie the barn owl.

A good hour was passed watching the Tudors enjoy their meal as they explained to us all the manners and rules at play in a Tudor household

Friday 5th

got dropped off at Shrewley and walked home through the tunnel then along the canal and through Kingswood Junction.

Saturday 6 August

Saturday dawns bright and sunny and it is the day of the Lowsonford and Rowington Annual Village Show. Doesn't start until 2pm.  We arrive bang on time and are directed into the field to park.  The weather has really heated up and the sun is shining brightly.  The band is playing and the produce tent is well supplied. Their are teas, a tombola stall, coconut shy, Pimms and icecream..

The highlights of the afternoons event are the childrens dog show, with prizes for the waggiest tale and cutest couple, then the main event of the day, the Rowsonford vs the rest of the world in the tug o war.  The call goes up for volunteers to compete on the rest of the world team to even the numbers, so Aaron is up.  Best of 3 tugs and rest of the world comes up trumps.

Afterwards the kids and I made the walk home. We are a km or 2 higher than the Kingswood Junction, so it is a good walk home, but very pleasant to be out on a sunny afternoon.

As it was such a glorious afternoon we rang Aaron on our way and he walked up and met us at the pub. Had a great chat with an lovely elderly (91 years old) gentleman staying in the lock cottage opposite the pub for the weekend with his family while we were waiting for Aaron.

Ended up staying for dinner then walking home in the stunning evening light.

8 August

last day at Bucket Lock Cottage. Spent the day working the lock and packing up ready to leave. :(

The kids and I went for a walk in the afternoon through the field following the path we walked earlier in our visit. Made it all the way to the pub at Lowsonford, then returned the way we had come.

Went out for an evening walk again to catch the lovely light in the other direction as the sun has been shining again today.

9 August

packed up, one last check of the mole traps for Aaron, then we were sadly on our way at about 12pm.

Driving up to Newcastle today with the plan to catch up with Kate for dinner.  The trip goes smoothly and we arrive at our Premier Inn in good time. Rang Kate and arranged to meet for dinner at Mama Rosa which is on the beach front.  It is pretty cold up north here.  Lovely meal with Kate and Matilde before heading home to bed.