Happened to spot that this museum was open last Thursday, 17th October (well, we actually noted it on the previous day obviously, otherwise it would have been both a little academic and pointless) and so decided we should give it a go. We had been before, although unusually neither of us can recall when it was, other than to corroborate it was definitely before the museum revamp, which we had registered at the time was already in the planning stages. Also a little bit longer to get there than we remembered, but I suspect age has a more than a little to do with memory, don’t you know.
Bears in Suffolk….
Remember the relatively recent post when we visited Jimmy’s Farm, only to discover even the overflow park was virtually full? We did say we’d return after those pesky kids had returned to their schools after their long summer break. So we did, quickly establishing that it was not quite as busy but still well attended, based on the number of cars already in the car park. And I should say at the outset that although it was £20 to get in, it was indeed worth every single shekel.
Sleeping with the Cats…
It’s that time of year again, this time for two weeks, returning last Friday – another journey up the A1, this time with a little controversy thrown into the mix. On the way up, we did not overnight at Wentbridge Hotel! To avoid those pesky roadworks we veered away from the Al onto the A57, then onto the M1 to stay at a Premier Inn just off the aforementioned motorway. Superb, as instead of the predicted three and a half hours, it took us only six hours to get there – admittedly with a one hour lunch stop included. Great decision eh. Them’s the breaks!!
Guernsey 2024
Just back from a return to one of our favourite places, albeit the first visit for eleven years. Still remembered many of our previous visits, as the old haunts featured in the collages will hopefully demonstrate. First things first – just to get it out there, the Duke of Richmond hotel is the most expensive we’ve ever paid for a night’s stay (or, in this case, eleven nights). It was very pleasant and the food was exemplary. For a rate from which I’ve only just recovered however, there were a few minor niggles that we feel should not have been present in a hotel of this ‘standing’. But I’ll let these go for now and focus on the positives, of which there were many, just like on all previous visits to the Channel Islands.
Sunderland and More, More, More…
The first of our 2024 cat sitting ventures, this time coupled with a meet up with friends in Nottinghamshire on the way back (of which more later). As usual, we made our customary overnight stopover at the Wentbridge Hotel on the way up to Sunderland; not sure if our expectations have changed but whilst perfectly fine, it no longer appears to be the special treat delivered by previous visits. Anyone else feel the same? No. Just me then 🙂
Was It Worth It Then, Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz?
And by “It“, I am of course referring to the money that even a one year stay in the Premiership affords. Not forgetting the parachute payment received after one glorious season in the top flight before a speedy return to the Championship! What first attracted you to the cash cow that is Sheffield United?
Rhone Cruise – May 2024
Returned from last week’s Rhone cruise, which was a first on so many levels. For a start, it was the first time on a flight since September 2019, after which the pandemic forced a blindingly stark retreat into home isolation and very restrictive travel options; and although we have had a number of holidays since, all but one (the Saga cruise) had been on home turf. The flights were also operated by Ryanair, a company I’d always sworn blind I would never fly with again. But, the Rhone and this particular itinerary was always on our list, we could fly out from Stansted and we aren’t getting any younger, so, ermm…. hey-ho!! To be fair the flights themselves were fine – both delayed but I don’t in all conscience blame that on the flight carrier, much as it pains me to say so. Anyway. so far so good.
Local “Landmarks”
Although it was just one at the start, when we decided we shouldn’t keep putting off visits to ‘attractions’ on our doorstep but should seize the day. So, off we went to the “Wherstead Area” to grace Jimmy’s Farm with our presence. However, when we then discovered that even the overflow carpark was overflowing, we decided the time to visit the farm was when the kids were back at school. So, watch this space….
Easter Visit
Didn’t see S&G at Christmas on this occasion so it was good to finally welcome them down to sunny(ish) Suffolk for a long weekend this Easter. They arrived on the Easter Friday and stayed for four nights which was long enough for us to squeeze in a couple of long overdue outings. In no particular order of importance we indulged in the following…
Bowler’s Bum and Other Delights
Should have been in Malta but For reasons that I am not prepared to divulge we had to cancel. As some sort of minor recompense, we agreed to a short break in Norwich ‘instead’. Only two nights, but an early departure saw us arrive at the Bowling Alley in time for the ‘nifty fifty’ three hour session. Thoroughly enjoyed it and I scored both the lowest and highest scores of the day. Naturally, as if I didn’t know (or had conveniently forgotten), I was of course struck down with “Bowler’s Bum“, a particularly savage case I have to say but one I fought manfully for the rest of the stay.
Long Time No See
Finally got to meet up with our “met in China” friends in Colchester. Had been trying to fit in an overnighter but that proved unworkable so settled for a lunch time meal at the Greyfriars Hotel. It was Valentines Day so thought it might be problematic to book but it proved to be spookily easy. It was then confirmed when we proved to be one …
Annual Aldeburgh
For what has become something of an annual sojourn after the post Christmas festivities, we took our usual trip up to Aldeburgh, for three nights on this occasion. This time around it was the Brudenell hotel, and any cursory search on this site would tell you it is one of the three hostelries in the town that we have previously had the pleasure of staying at. Took the package deal that gave us evening meal on two of the three nights which, given the vagaries of the North Sea “breeze”, we thought was a sensible option.