Forever England

The main reason I decided to return to England this time was to take a walk down Memory Lane … to reacquaint with family and friends after 23 years.

I didn’t realise how emotional this could be.

My dear friend Debbie met me at Heathrow Airport and it was wonderful to see her smiling face again. Twenty three years is a long time but for me, friendships made years ago are like comfortable slippers – we just slide in easily and carry on where we left off.

Sadly, my Uncle passed away two days before I arrived in the UK so I missed him, but was able to see my 89 year-old Aunt and of course, my cousins and their children. We had quite a few memorable get-togethers.

We had another memorable catch-up at The Old Water Mill in Ringstead, Northamptonshire.

And yet another at my cousin Sarah and her husband Dave’s house in Rushden. Actually it was Dave’s birthday and he cooked a splendid roast beef dinner for everyone – complete with the best ever Yorkshire Puddings!

Mamma Mia

Staying with my friend Debbie in Oxhey near Watford is pretty amazing. Debbie’s company makes theatrical costumes and she is currently working on Mamma Mia and creating costumes for the forthcoming international tour commencing next February. It’s very exciting to watch her and her team at work and a real privilege to be able to accompany Debbie to various fittings for actresses.

The Escondidos

Debbie also has a music room in her home and plays keyboard for the band called The Escondidos. It’s just great to hear them rehearse for their shows and these are musos in their seventies – good on ya guys!!!

Have a listen to them –https://www.lemonrock.com/jjsescondidos#:~:text=J%20J’s%20Escondidos%20%5BRhythm%20

Fireworks night was a big event and I went with Debbie’s large family group to Metropolitan Bushey on Sunday, November 5.

It was spectacular, with the band Supersonic Queen, a funfair, stalls, food, and a bar.

These are just a couple of the very elaborate fireworks displays. There was a huge crowd of people and very long queues to get a drink, but the weather held and it didn’t rain, thank goodness!

A good time was had by all.

Bath Abbey

Bath is a beautiful city and when visiting cousins in Chippenham, Wiltshire I had a memorable time walking around the fabulous buildings and shops. It truly is a scenic city, with the beautiful Bath Abbey, and the famous Roman Baths as well as various quaint and colourful shops.

Jacks of Bath

Sally Lunn

Pulteney Bridge

This has proved to be a great time to visit England as the autumn colours are spectacular and the weather is really only just starting to get cold and rainy.