Thursday 16 June 2011

Stratford Visit plus a Bit of Family History

Today was our last day out and about while in the West Midlands and we were going to Stratford-upon-Avon.  We took a slight detour on the way there but eventually found the right road and parked up near the river.  We walked along the riverbank passing the ferry …

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and crossing the river …

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we arrived at the Bancroft Basin …

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had a wander around and made for the Baguette Barge …

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After munching our way through sandwiches we set off for the town where I loved the old buildings …

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We’d been unable to have cake with our lunch so a stop at Cox’s Yard was called for and coffee and cake enjoyed by all …

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We’d spotted a boat trip on our arrival at the river and when we asked if dogs were allowed and got a positive response we climbed aboard.  We all settled down …

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and had a really lovely time …

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We then walked back to the car and once there we all paid a visit to the facilities while Hamish kept watch to see where everyone had gone …

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Once on the road again Jo and I gave Paul directions to Hampton on the Hill where she was hoping that we might find some relatives in a graveyard.  Once there we found that the only church was Roman Catholic and so we moved on to Budbrooke where her family had also resided.  We found the church and began the hunt amongst the graves.  She found a couple of likely ones which on checking the laptop proved that one was a definite – yay – success!  The church was locked but we got chatting with someone who turned out to be the keyholder and he very kindly unlocked it for us. 

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On the way back to the campsite we stopped for a quick look at Hatton Locks …

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In the evening we saw a lovely rainbow …

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and then Jo’s Godson Dylan arrived with his parents …

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He’s gorgeous!!

Wednesday 15 June 2011

Walk to Kingsbury Water Park

After two hectic days we decided to have a lazy time at the campsite and just take a walk into the Water Park.  We set off along the road and entered by the main entrance.  We soon arrived at one of the lakes and took a circular route around it. 

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We passed the sailing club on the way but being mid-week it was deserted …

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Back where we’d started we made for the cafe for coffees and watched the wildlife feeding …

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There were also other things to see – the farmer at rest and a bee box …

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We had a look at the map as we were hoping to go back to the campsite via the woodland walk which would bring us out at the subway and into the area where we’d walked the dogs.

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We passed the little railway …

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and walked into the woods …

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We then saw the sign for the campsite and Mike was thrilled to finally find the subway …

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In the evening we all went to Fazeley for a meal with Paul’s mum and step-dad plus the newly-weds.  We sat outside with the dogs and had a lovely time …

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