OldiesonTour

Monday 13th December

Oh dear Jane and Dave, how the hell do you manage to sleep on your bed???

Having sold Pascals Paddocks a few weeks ago and the house they were hoping to buy had fallen through, they were forced to take back one of their rentals to live in.  Pascal paddocks with 3-large bedrooms, a study and the usual living area has had to be squeezed into a traditional, fairly small,  3-bedroom house.  One bedroom is completely full of boxes, the lounge and kitchen-diner also have their fair share, so space is at a premium.   With this in mind, we were invited to use their bed, not only whilst they are away, but when they return we are staying for a further few days, so they would use the blow-up bed; how very kind and considerate, as getting up from the blow-up bed on the floor would be troublesome for us now!!!!

We think we had some sleep but not really sure, one thing we are certain about, getting up was going to be a pleasure!!!  They sleep on a waterbed, oh my goodness how uncomfortable; sitting up we hit the bottom and when laying down, the water sucked you in, in fact it was like wrestling with an octopus if you wanted to move about:  maybe tonight will be better.  Oh yes, there is no WiFi here either; it should be connected tomorrow and we have been asked to stay in to let the engineer into the house sometime between 1200hrs and 1300hrs

Our day was busy; apart from food shopping and dog walking, we headed out to the Apple Store at Lakeside, we wanted to look at replacement ‘phones.  The new i phones can use two SIM cards, which for us will be good as we both have a Spanish and an English ‘phone number.   Unfortunately we didn’t quite get to the Apple Store, as we popped into Currys PC World and was “seduced” by a very knowledgeable ‘phone specialist who persuaded us he could give us a good deal but first I had to have confirmation my existing contract had ended.   I was prepared to buy the i phone outright but his deal over two years looked good but decided to return tomorrow with the relevant information.

Back home and after our dinner we settled down in the lounge to watch TV; “wrong”, no WiFi means no TV  so we fell back to our normal pastime when away, we played Crib but it was cold so I went round turning up all the radiators,🤞🤞🤞 that works

Tuesday 14th December

After another uncomfortable “floating” night, and again “rushing” to get up poor Christine had most of her bones complaining.  Starting from the bottom, her knees hurt, her hip ached, and her left side shoulder was locked and she had been cold all night: one could say she was “not” a happy bunny, in fact we considered packing up, getting Oreo into the car and heading out to Derbyshire.   Martin had already mentioned there was an empty cottage available 

As previously agreed we waited in for the engineer to come and get the WiFi on; the appointed hour came and went, no engineer.  Late afternoon we exchanged messages with Jane, as you can imagine we were a little miffed having waited in all day for the “phantom” to arrive when Dave suggested I switch the box on anyway.  Low and behold, we had WiFi, apparently we didn’t have to wait in after all, Oh dear Jane, poor communication!!!!!  Day wasted still thought we would at least have TV,  “wrong”, no leads, packed!!!!!  Not a very good start to our week’s dog sitting and we were still cold, even though I had turned up the radiators.  I eventually found the wall thermostat and wound it up to maximum; now let’s see what happens!!!!

Tonight Christine had had enough of the water bed but before throwing in the towel and leave, tonight she elected to sleep on the couch.   Unfortunately by now her shoulder was still very stiff and painful that I had to help her undress, but at least we weren’t so cold!!!

Wednesday 15th December.

Christine had a reasonable night, more comfortable, no cold water, no nausea, less aches and pains, a good result.   I on the other hand had an even worse night fighting the “octopus” that was sucking me in every time I moved, made worse by not having Christine to balance the “floatation”; not another night in this bed, it’s the opposite end of the couch for me tonight!!!!!

Today I took the plunge and went out and acquired a new ‘phone contract with the nice man from Curry PC World, well, what used to be the Car Warehouse, but unfortunately our old provider didn’t send the correct code for the swap on time, so we parked the transfer for the day and went off shopping.

Back “home” we were still cold so again wound the thermostat right up, and after a short time; ah that’s better😍😍😍. After dinner we enjoyed another few crib hands before retiring.  Their sofa is a in two parts made into a right angle, so we slept feet to feet, both snuggled up in a double duvet each.

Thursday 16th December

Wow, what a comfortable night we both had.  Yes the size of the sofas are like being in a narrow single bed but that small compromise was nothing to what we gained in comfort and warmth not to mention the “octopus”, Christine could even move her shoulder.

During the week we dutifully took Oreo out for two walks a day, fed him at the appropriate time and numerous treats and affection but he was one sad doggy.  The loss of Doogle was hurting badly not to mention after a couple of days, his “mum” disappeared; one never knows hat goes on in a dogs head😢😢😢.

We went back to Curry PC world and completed everything and now my new iPhone 13 Pro is working with its electronic SIM card for my U.K. number and the Spanish physical SIM card in the slot, I’m good to go and only one device and a contract which has saved me money, win-win😂😂.  Unfortunately Christine had to pull the plug as her current contract was still running and she would have had to do an expensive “buy-out”, so a re-think was necessary.

We have decided to stay here as we had sorted most things and as always we can live without the telly. 

Friday 17th December

We are heading into London today to meet Andrew and Elton but did not rush as the cheaper day returns don’t start ‘till 0930hrs.

Parking the car at the station was easier than we thought; no doubt fewer commuters due to Covid.

Using our pensioner travel card we got our discounted tickets and boarded the fast train to Liverpool Street.   Naturally we were very apprehensive about being on a crowded train but low and behold, our carriage was reasonably empty so we could sit, albeit with our masks on, in isolation.  So far so good but we had to get to Marylebone and the tube didn’t impress us so we jumped into the first taxi we found, hopefully no-one with covid had been in there🤞🤞🤞🤞.

This is the first time we’ve visited Andrew in his new flat so had the grand tour.   It is situated in the mews behind Harley street, very private a quiet but only a three minute walk to the back entrance of John Lewis in Oxford Street, very central.   We went out to “2 Veneti”  for lunch, an excellent Italian , thank you for an excellent lunch Andrew. Later in the afternoon Holly returned having finished work, probably till the new year 🥰🥰🥰 and we left just before the rush hour.  Again the thought of a crowded train didn’t inspire us but hey, we’re both jabbed up, we wear our masks and at some point we have to get back to normal living.  So jumped into another taxi, walked into LiverpoolStation, “ran” to the platform and caught the fastest train, first stop ours😂😂.   Fortunately the carriage wasn’t overcrowded and we had two seats away from most folk.  Being the fast train to Ipswich, with no commuter stops ‘till Shenfield helped.

Saturday 17th December

Another warm and cosy night, and when they return they are welcome to their waterbed, but they will have to find a third duvet, we’re not giving one up!!!!!   Having been in London and on trains etc., we took our lateral flow test, the results were negative, we were so happy; how ever careful one is, one never knows.

Today was sorting last minute shopping and wrapping Christmas presents, walking Oreo and doing nothing much. 

Our dog sitting responsibilities end tomorrow, sometime, the “threesome” return!

Saturday 11th December

This particular Travelodge supplied an excellent breakfast which was “slightly” unexpected, still we enjoyed it knowing today was going to be boozy and we wouldn’t be eating ‘till late.  After breakfast we put our “glad rags” on and headed out.

We were booked into this Travelodge for two nights, but yesterday Lee and Sarah dropped us a note offering us a bed Baddow Park House, the venue for the wedding.   One of their guests had cried off so rather than waste the room we were offered it, which was extremely kind as the room rates are well above our “pay grade!!”.

We arrived at Baddow Park House at the prescribed time, unloaded the car and joined the party which though a little early, was in full swing.   Whilst waiting for the bride to arrive we enjoyed copious amount of bubbly whilst chatting to their friends.   The moment then arrived and we all filed into their wedding room to await the bride.

Because of Covid the actual marriage ceremony took place last year, alone and no guests so today was a re-run when they could eventually have their friends and family around them.  With the actual marriage ceremony having been completed, this time the happy couple recited their own “special” vows, composed by themselves, independently of each other.  The result was amazing and apart from what one would expect to hear at a  wedding, they both brought humour to the proceedings, especially regarding “Jasper”, Sarah’s best friend, her Labrador: it was particularly re-assuring to hear Lee acknowledged his place in the hierarchy!!!!!  

After the ceremony we fell back into the hall with its magnificent staircase rising up from the large hall, then splitting both ways and opening up into a ministerial gallery, where there was a string Quartet playing background music.   Off the hall was a beautiful oak panelled drawing-room, also full of guests, but more importantly, in here there was comfortable seating!    Whilst sipping further amounts of bubbly, we enjoyed a continual supply of excellent “Canapés”, and the particular one everybody seemed to enjoy the most, was the Baddow Park version of a sausage roll, sausage meat infused with herbs etc., then made into sort of “Sausage Wellington”, all wrapped in flaky pastry and cut into thick slices, superb!!!   We were told there were groups of guests; their family, their university friends, their work friends, and last but not least, their other friends, and as we were very fortunate to be invited, that is where we were.  It was very interesting mingling, meeting friends of Lee and Sarah from a previous life and getting to know them better; not too many secrets Lee and Sarah, ha ha!!!!

After enjoying far too many canapés, we were invited to head to the main function room where we sat down to a full wedding breakfast followed by speeches.   Lee had several university friends who were collectively his “best men”, and all going to say something and obviously he was quite nervous!!!!!

Everything went well and after the clear up from the dinner tables, the band moved in then music and dancing was the order of the evening, accompanied of course by the bar!!!   

Later in the evening we couldn’t believe our eyes.   We had enjoyed numerous canapés all afternoon, we had gorged ourselves with a wonderful three course meal and now, more food was produced.  The food was on the table for some time before folk ventured up, and after everyone had had their fill, the amount returned to the kitchen was nearly as much as came out!!!

After a wonderful and memorable day, we headed up to our rooms, tired, full, and “very” happy.

Our room and en-suite could have been out of a “Homes and Gardens” magazine, very elegant, spacious with a classic look, oh yes a very comfortable 2-meter bed, shame it was gone midnight and we had to go to bed and sleep.

Sunday 12th December

Following a very comfortable, but short night in this lovely room, we headed down to breakfast; a little early for a Sunday we thought but hey, a small price to pay for such a great place.

Today we had to head to Pilgrims Hatch (Brentwood) as Jane and family had headed out very early to catch a flight to Finland and we had agreed to dog-sit for the week.  Under normal circumstances we wouldn’t have rushed but we had been invited to join Sarah and Lee to watch the final F l Grand Prix of season.  This Abu Dhabi GP was going to be particularly exciting as Lewis and Max were on equal championship points and there was everything to play for.

Back at Jane’s I emptied the car whilst Christine took Oreo for walk.   We think he was pleased to see us, perhaps he wondered if he had been abandoned, only a week ago his companion for 15-years, Doogle, had to be put to sleep and he was missed.   Once chores completed we headed back to Chelmsford in time to settle in front of the tele ready for the green lights.

We were expecting an unusual race with so much at stake, but “my-my”, no one could have predicted the outcome.   We were so riveted to the tele the race just seemed to end as soon as it started.   Following Latifi’s crash 5-laps from the end and the field bunched up cutting Hamilton’s lead, at this point Max went in for new tyres, the result let lapped cars between Lewis and Max and with no time to let them through, the final result should have been a fore-gone-conclusion, so everybody thought; but, the race stewards thought differently.  They changed the normal “back marker” procedure and just let the cars between Lewis and Max through giving them one lap to race for the title.   Though Lewis was in front when the green light came on, Max with his new tyres soon overtook him and won the race and the title but then the controversy started the moment the chequered flag fell.   This I have no doubt will run for some time.   Thank you again Lee and Sarah for another memorable occasion.

We headed back to see Oreo and have a reasonably early night to catch up with sleep after a really enjoyable weekend.

Tuesday 7th December

OK, Exeter here we come.  We are staying with Geoff and Rowena, a couple we met watching rugby, England V Scotland at Cloggy’s bar in Falmouth Harbour, (Antigua).  We shared a table right in front of the TV, and after the game had lunch together.  Jane was with us at the time and the 5-of us hit it off so well that we met up a couple of times during our stays.   Unfortunately due to covid we haven’t seen them but kept corresponding during the past couple of years, so we are really looking forward to catching up.

Satalite Navigation says it will take a little under 3-hrs, traffic permitting, but we have to stop en-route to visit a retirement village, Grove Place near Romsey, Hampshire; we are un-decided as to where our future lies so have started to investigate all options.

As we approached Grove Place we couldn’t help but be impressed by the long entrance drive and security gate system, and then by the magnificent old building straight in front of us.

This beautiful Grade 1 listed building, built in the 16th century is the “social centre” and the “administrative block” for Grove Place.  The amenities include a full size snooker table in a beautiful oak panelled room, a restaurant in similar surroundings, a bar, numerous lounges and reading rooms and in another building, there is a swimming pool, gym and a small general store; everything is open to all the village residents and their guests.   All the residences, ie apartments or bungalows, are away from the main building; and though the buildings are of a different era, they blend in sympathetically.  Inside they are modern and designed for folk in later life.  All this is within 27-acres of formal gardens and fields, and I have to say we were mightily impressed though mentally, we don’t feel we’re not ready yet.

We now headed to Exeter, fortunately it wasn’t raining for a change and there were times, albeit short, when the sun popped out.   Our run down was un-eventful, traffic was reasonable and we made good time, then bang, we hit Exeter.   Prior to getting to the outskirts we sent a message saying we had 20-miles to go so should be there in about 25-minutes, “wrong!!”, the traffic in Exeter was as bad as it has been everywhere, fortunately Geoff realised I hadn’t a clue as to how long it would take and made his own calculation; he was right!!!

Arriving at their home, it was as if we hadn’t been apart for the past two years or more, we hit it off just as it was when we were in Antigua.     We chatted, laughed, had a meal, put the world to rights and suddenly realised it was nearing midnight, oops, past everyones bedtime.

Wednesday 8th December

Next day after a late breakfast, we had a tour of their one and a half acre garden; cultivated with numerous fruit trees of every variety known to man, a vegetable plot that would probably produce sufficient produce to feed the entire royal family for the year, and several formal flower beds for good measure, not to mention the lawns; ouch, it takes Geoff 4-hours to mow them all!!!

Following our tour of the “market  garden!!!!!”,  we walked down into the town and en-route strolled through several old alleyways and narrow streets passing the 15th century pub,  “The Ship Inn”, one of Exeter’s oldest, and ”where Sir Francis Drake” apparently partook of a few ales or more!!! eventually arriving at Cathedral square where we enjoyed our own’ couple of pints of local Devonian beer in a marquee set up as part of the Christmas market.   The square was bustling with students from the university as well as locals and there was a good atmosphere all around.  Next was a visit to Exeter Cathedral.

Exeter Cathedral doesn’t necessarily “pop” up as one most well known, but it is certainly impressive.  It was originally started in 1050 but due to wars and some checkered history, it was finally opened in 1400.   There are many points of interest regarding this building but notably, because it doesn’t have a centre tower, it is mostly known for having the longest, uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling in the world, about 96-meters long (315ft).  It was magnificent, and how they constructed such a high vaulted ceiling when technology as we know it hadn’t been invented, unbelievable, what an achievement.  It was well worth a visit.

The best of the day was coming to an end so headed back up the hill to Geoff and Rowena’s home for a late lunch.   This “light” lunch was a spread for the “5,000” and again we ate far too much.  Time just passed and soon it was dinner, I know when we looked at the clocks several hours had passed, but it only seemed like 10-minutes ago we’d finished lunch!!!!  This was how engrossed we were in conversation.

Thursday 9th December 

The following morning, alas we had to say our goodbyes but  said we’d return and they agreed they would visit us in Spain🤞🤞 this can happen.  We left mid-morning and headed straight back to Portsmouth, tonight we are dining out with Tom and Kathleen as they were unable to join us for the festivities in Crick the previous weekend.

Back in our temporary home, again we re-arranged the contents of our cases.  We have one big case and two carry-on’s and if we plan it right, we don’t need to take the “big ‘un” out of the car whilst visiting.

With this exercise completed we collected Tom and Kathleen and headed to the “The George” at Finchdean, a   A pub restaurant for a meal.  We were quite surprised how empty this very popular place was, but as there was a choir practicing in the conservatory, talking at table was difficult; perhaps the word had got out and folk kept a away!!!!!

After a pleasant evening we repatriated Tom and Kathleen to their abode and headed back to our temporary home for a good nights sleep as we have another hectic weekend approaching. 

Friday 10th December 

Another driving day today, and looking out of the window, the weather looks a lot better so that should be good.

Our first port of call was to visit Dougie and Jill, a very old and dear friend of Christine.  Douglas was the “man” who brought back Christine’s sailing confidence many years ago, though I find it hard to think she ever had any time in her life when there was any lack of confidence!!!  Poor Douglas, 93-yrs old, fell down the stairs breaking his hip, not a very clever thing to do at this age.   He is back home now but has to take things very easy, and with Jill also in advancing years, they have very wisely put a lift into their house.  During the 2-yrs plus since we last met up, poor Dougie’s hearing has also deteriorated and it was easier to write questions down.   Not withstanding everything it was great to visit them and catch-up with their news.

Eventually we headed to Chelmsford where we have been invited to Lee and Sarah’s wedding, the wedding that is being held a year late;  well they did actually get married last year but this is the second part, wedding breakfast etc.

The good news is we can stop off at Oakham Bites for our customary bacon baguette, again!!! We never seem to tire of them and it is of course lunchtime!!!  But first we have to register our car registration and pay some money into the Dartford Crossing website as this is our route to Essex.   You can’t pay at the booths, they have been removed; it is all about number plate recognition cameras and a fine if not paid within 24-hrs of using the crossing.   Anyway after a few aborted attempts, I managed to deposit some money and register our registration number, 🤞🤞🤞🤞 it works!!!

As usual we thoroughly enjoyed our double Bacon Baguette and rejoined the M25 and headed to the crossing.  Traffic was reasonable and progress was good until we caught the back of the queue for the crossing.  Heading North we filter through the original 2-tunnels, always a slow process.  Heading South is much easier and faster over the Queen Elizabeth Bridge.  

We eventually arrived at the Travel Lodge in Chelmsford, our bed for the night.   Christine wasn’t happy I’d booked it as she had heard bad things about them but upon arrival things didn’t seem quite so bad; perhaps she was thinking of the Holiday Inn Express!!!

We ventured out to eat later and after wandering about looking at various restaurants we settled upon an Italian where we had a very nice evening, returning back to the hotel at a reasonable time.  Tomorrow could be a long day and evening!!!!

Monday 6th December

We woke to awful weather, rain, and the clouds were so low it looked like fog, still after breakfast it may well improve, ever optimistic!!!!

Heading down to breakfast we bumped into Adrian and was rather taken by surprise as it was his morning off.  When questioned his reply was simple, short staffed.   Who would want to be a hotel manager these days???  I asked who his boss was; “Ross Ferguson” was his reply, I then asked for his e-mail address so I could record our thanks, and to complement Adrian to his boss for his hard work and attention to detail.    During breakfast, Adrian produced the e-mail address.

After breakfast it was time for the big “settle-up”, fortunately the function had already been taken care of when booked: this morning was about our rooms and the extras!!!  When presented with the account; firstly we were stunned into silence, followed by a nervous laughter, then nonplussed as this bore no relationship whatsoever to our expectations.    Fortunately I trawled back through the various e-mails I had exchanged with the Olivia (Conference and Events centre) and found the original booking and the agreed room rate, not only that, I had forgotten it showed an additional 20% discount!!!!    After the receptionist looked at my e-mail she had a job on her hands!  Whilst all this was happening a rather smartly dressed chap walked behind the reception desk and looked at me and said “good morning”, I immediately replied, “good morning are you by any chance Ross” and he looked at me somewhat worried and I could see his brain working, was I from head office or something!!!

I explained about our weekend and how diligent Adrian had been and that as a company they should reward such people well or they will be poached!  Anyway after some chit-chat he asked whether there was a problem with my account, “yes” I replied and showed him the e-mail, at this point his jaw dropped but had no answer so showed the receptionist how to credit us around £250.   Sometimes it pays to hold onto out-of-date correspondence!!!

Once everything was sorted and we had left our rooms etc., the weather was still appalling and our plan was to head to Foxton Locks for coffee before heading to East Midlands Airport to drop Jane off: What actually happened was a coffee at East Midlands Service Station followed by dropping Jane off early at the airport and heading South.  We made reasonably good time under very “trying” conditions but decided to stop off at the Bicester Village Shopping Outlet to pick something up as it was on our way.   What a shame, every car park was completely full, and this was a Monday!!!!!  The decision was quickly taken and we continued back to Portsmouth.

Tonight we were invited to Tom and Kathleen’s (Christine’s middle sister) for dinner and later headed back to our temporary home for a good night’s sleep after a very enjoyable few days.

Sunday 5th December

Today is actually Christine’s birthday and though last night was the celebration, it doesn’t end here.  Today we have arranged to meet up with Holly and most importantly Elton and have an afternoon tea with all the trimmings.  To enhance  Christine’s day, Jersey Jane  was also joining us.

Following last night, the arrangements for breakfast were quite simple,  just get there and surprisingly most did, and even more surprisingly, everybody was chirpy, obviously I hadn’t done my hosting bit as well as I should 👹👹 ; That’s everybody except my late night drinking partner, half a bottle of Soberano and 0300hrs was too much.   Practice makes perfect Lee!!!!!

It was rather nice as most people weren’t in any hurry and though the breakfast restaurant had closed, we were left alone to continue socialising, and this gave us the opportunity to share out the huge pile of cheese we still had, left over from last night.   Some guests probably left with a fortnights cheese in their bags!!!

Having had a late full English, lunch was by-passed as we looked forward to our afternoon tea at the Talbot Hotel in Oundle.   The Talbot hotel is a grade 1 listed building from the 1500’s and known then as either the  “Talbret or Tabard”, no one can be sure which.   Much of the timber-framed building has been incorporated into the current building when the façade was built in 1626.    This was a fitting place for Christine to meet up with her Grandson again.

With excitement bubbling the three of us left in plenty of time to get to Oundle, and as things turned out with the weather and traffic etc., it was a good decision.   We were gobsmacked by the amount of Sunday traffic; oh dear, all these issues are certainly helping us make our decision on whether to stay in Spain or not!!!!!

The high point of today so far was, not only arriving with a couple of minutes to spare “but” finding a car parking spot directly opposite the hotel entrance.

On entering this oldie-worldly building we were certainly impressed, and after trying a couple of tables in the restaurant we finished in a lounge area, with a huge dining table where we could spread out and Elton would be able crawl about safely; he is not quite walking yet.

Once Holly with Elton had arrived the five of us settled down to a superb traditional afternoon tea accompanied with Champagne whilst Christine was enjoying her grandson.   Though we were fortunate to meet up with Elton when he was 6-months old earlier in the summer on Andrew’s boat, it was a long time in a baby’s life, and there were some very big changes.  He had gone from being a baby, to a crawling, bubbly, inquisitive, chattering, smiley little boy, a big moment for us all.

The afternoon soon passed by and we had to go our separate ways, but we did make arrangements to meet up before we left U.K.   At this point we must thank Jane, as she kindly treated us all to the splendid afternoon tea.

Back at the Holiday Inn and very satisfied with the afternoon tea and food was the last thing on our mind, so the 3-of us headed up to our room where Jane and I enjoyed a Soberano or two, Christine went on to the hard stuff, “a cup of tea”;  this was followed by an early night, it had been an enjoyable but hectic weekend

Saturday 4th December

After yesterdays trouble with traffic, rain, fog etc, this morning was about taking it easy; a late breakfast and a potter to a local location for a coffee and a mooch about.  Christine and Karon had decided a walk along the canal towpath was the answer, but after a few short yards she believed me when I said, “it’s too muddy to walk without your boots”, the penny then dropped whilst Jane and I watched on and felt very “smug”😂😂.  We then headed to “Darlington’s” a small quaint and cosy tea rooms establishment in the “Heart Of The Shires Shopping Village”, a set of converted farm buildings renovated into an area of “niche” expensive shops; well worth a visit.  

Heading back to the hotel we suddenly realised it would be a long time ‘till dinner is served so popped into the “Wheatsheaf” in Crick, a lovely old pub but modernised inside 🥵.  The four of us shared a rather scrumptious platter of various starters, and a couple of good real ale 😍😍; just right for the occasion: then back to the hotel.

The “program” for Christine’s party was: welcome drink upon arrival at 1830 hrs and dinner served at 1730hrs, however that didn’t quite go to plan, the party was in full swing by 1600hrs for the majority, just the stragglers missed out!!!

I was very apprehensive as to how everything would work out having done the booking and made all the arrangements on line from Spain with who I thought was the contact at the Holiday Inn, in Crick.  This apprehension was further raised when we had booked into the hotel on the Friday as their Computer system wasn’t functioning at all well.   It was now I realised the person who I thought was a member of the Holiday Inn staff, in fact wasn’t, she was from the “events and conference centre”; probably very obvious but there was no clue given to tell me this; when I rang the hotel direct it turns out I was put through to a central place!

On our return from the pub I  met up with Adrian, the person I was told would look after us during the evening and when he took me into our function room; what a pleasant surprise, the tables were laid out as requested, he confirmed our meal menus and the correct quantity of booze ordered 🥳🥳🥳 and the 25 place settings for family and guests; my anxiety level dropped immediately, I could now relax.   It transpired Adrian was in fact the manager, and he was not only a very efficient, he was also a very nice chap from Eastern Europe.   Marian then “volunteered!!!” to set up a a scrolling picture collection of Christine over the years, many, many thanks Marian, though I fear Christine wasn’t too happy!!!!  Also many many thanks to Leisha for producing such a magnificent birthday cake, again.  I also want to thank Monica and David, our friends with feet both camps, Spain and U.K. who kindly took the pictures on the night.  Where would I be without such good [useful!!!!!!] friends.  Anyway Adrian provided a suitable and a magnificent cake stand to display this masterpiece.

After getting into more suitable clothing we went downstairs to join the guests who were already well ahead partying, and by 1830hrs, with everybody present we headed to our function room, collecting some bubbly on the way in.

Tonight wasn’t a surprise party for Christine and therefore she put her “twopenneth” in and we decided that with the issues over the past two years, we wouldn’t have music etc., we would spread the dinner out over the evening and enjoy catching up with family and friends.

Our starters arrived on time and to the correct person as ordered and after a suitable interlude, the main course.  The wine was flowing very well and the 3-tables were all laughing and enjoying themselves.   Two years was a long time not being able to catch up with friends and family but most importantly the grand children.

Desert was followed by a cheeseboard, accompanied by several bottles of Port.  This cheeseboard was the like-of-which none of us had ever seen before.  I had ordered 1-per table, in fact one would have been more than enough for everybody, the vast majority of it went back to the kitchen, still we can share it out tomorrow!!!   Then the “piece de resistance” arrived with firework candles shooting up from the cake; Christine was unable to blow them out!!!!

The evening just flew by, suddenly it was midnight and several called it a day and and left but most carried on ‘till about 0200hrs leaving just Lee and myself to drink a bottle of Soberano; we left the room at 0300hrs, unfortunately there was a couple of fingers left in the bottom, never mind “must do better” next time!!!!

The format worked well and by the time the evening had eventually ended, everybody knew everybody.  What we don’t know tonight was how many, if any, will actually have a clear head in the morning!!!!

Footnote:  During the function we only saw Adrian attend to us.  He served and cleared everything as we went, he was attentive, helpful, courteous, efficient, polite and worked his socks off as the hotel was short of staff, but thanks to Adrian, the service was seamless.   Thank you very much Adrian, tomorrow I will write to your boss and tell him.