Decided to start a new regime of gentle exercise, having forfeited the old rambles back in 2017 after the “incidents”. We decided to keep the walks tight, no more than 3-4 miles and with some kind of incentive to keep the interest. So, on Friday, we undertook the first of these less than gruelling challenges by revisiting RSPB Minsmere on the coast up past Yoxford.
General
Parham Airfield Museum
You know the thing. You’ve been promising to go somewhere for what seems like an eternity but you never make it. You’ve read a few reviews documenting how impressive it is, despite being free and entirely staffed and run by volunteers. You know, partly because of the volunteers that it’s only open on Sundays, with a Wednesday addition through June, July and August. That!!! But yesterday ‘that’ all changed for Parham Airfield Museum….
Sunday at the Tower
On discovering this long promised day trip was only open on Sunday and Wednesday, we decided on a late morning trip to Layer Marney Tower and Gardens just beyond Colchester. Expected a ‘tall tower’, got the ‘statement house’ befitting a VIP in the reign of Henry VIII, along with very fine landscaped gardens, a small farm holding, a good tea room and the lovely adjoining church of St Mary the Virgin.
Three Hours In Orford
On a whim, decided to return to Orford to remind ourselves again just how many lovely villages are on the doorstep if you can just be bothered to make the effort. This return visit allowed us to revisit the village centre with all its attendant lovely and stereotypical architecture, a selection of local hostelries and the fine quayside café, where we had a surprisingly sophisticated …
Artful Norwich
Just back from a couple of nights in Norwich, staying at the Assembly House just round the corner from the Theatre Royal where we went to the appropriately named ‘pensioners matinee’ of the excellent Art. (well, I’m sure I was one of the youngest in the audience)!
Visitation
Scott down for a long weekend from the grim Wearside footballing area, lovely to see him again. Friday night at Milsoms, a Saturday morning bowl at which no-one disgraced themselves and Scott managed to catch up with some of his Ipswich mates, which included a visit to a local escape room. Even managed a bit of home cooking after a bit of a lapse.
On With The Show…
Just returned from two nights at the Hotel Felix on the outskirts of Cambridge to combine a short break with a trip to Papworth Hospital for an Outpatient appointment. Managed to include a visit to the very fine and recently re-opened Kettle’s Yard, ‘a living place where works of art could be enjoyed… where young people could be at home unhampered by the greater austerity …
Lunch for the Infirm
Didn’t fancy booking an evening Valentine bash so decided on the more civilised lunchtime bash instead. Yesterday at Kesgrave Milsoms proved to be the usual excellent choice. Wine, starter, main and liquor coffee all very fine – we even passed on dessert. Duty manager perfectly civil but his welcome and overall ‘demeanour’ the only downside, hopefully an isolated aberration.
Birthday Bash
An overnighter for Denise’s birthday, including a superb afternoon tea, an excellent dinner and, because we hadn’t eaten enough, a lovely breakfast the following morning. With a suite, complete with massive bathroom included in the package and excellent company, we all thoroughly enjoyed the break I think. Not the first and hopefully not the last visit to Wivenhoe house.
The Red House
Spent a portion of yesterday at the Britten – Pears home at the Red House on the outskirts of Aldeburgh. Worth a visit, £5 entry gives you a yearly pass to catch any exhibitions that might be running so good value for the locals. Another ‘twenty years and finally go there’ sort of scene but more than just a tick in the box…..although the more …
Wednesday “MEAL”
After 20 years or so in East Anglia we decided that was long enough to give it due consideration and went along to the Museum of East Anglian Life at Stowmarket. Never inclined to rush, it didn’t start out too well as we worked incredibly hard not to find a major tourist venue that turned out to be smack in the town centre. After the …
Birthday Break
Spent the night in yet another unknown corner of the world we’ve spent the last 20 odd years calling home. Decided to have an overnighter in Clavering in Essex. Went with friends and so we split the birthdays, post mine (6th September) and prior to my mate’s. We were initially drawn by the overnight stay and promise of good grub at the home of the …