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Published: August 10th 2012
Methinks that many a relationship breakdown in the UK probably begins while travelling, when one person is driving and the other navigating. We've had our moments but have managed to weather the storm despite a few cranky words from both parties! Mind you, for all that, we haven't really got lost so we should feel pretty pleased with ourselves.
After saying our goodbyes to Michael & Nora we drove to The Bradgate Arms at Cropston where we met my three siblings, Karen, Charlotte, Stuart, and Sylvia (our brother-in-law John's sister) for lunch. Apart from Charlotte, who we met at Sutton Coldfield, I hadn't seen Karen & Stuart since we were in England four years ago and I'd never met Sylvia. It was great to catch up with the latest news over our meal. Luckily for us Rothley, where we were staying with friends Ann & Chris, was only just over two miles from the pub. It was a relief to get there though as, once we left the pub it absolutely poured down. Again we hadn't seen Ann & Chris for four years so it was lovely to catch up. We had two full days at Rothley, mostly with Ann
Michelle, Karen, Stuart & Charlotte
In the family pecking order, me being the eldest.since Chris was at work during the day and, lucky for us, Ann had a few days off work.
First we went to the village of Rearsby, where I grew up. What was my childhood home is rented out at the moment and the farm, which was next to our house, has been developed so now has 29 houses on what were once milking sheds and fields. The old farmhouse has been refurbished and is for sale so, as 'prospective buyers' we were taken around there, plus the show house and two others also for sale. That was very interesting! Then it was off to Thrussington, where I lived when I migrated in 1966, and where we had lunch in The Star Inn. In the evening Ann cooked a delicious meal to which her sister Sally and Cynthia Woods, an old school friend, joined us. As always chewing the fat about times gone by is a great pastime and went well with a delectable repast. Too much to eat and drink I'm afraid but who's complaining!
Day two involved a visit to the market town of Melton Mowbray. First cab off the rank was King Edward V11 Grammar
School which both Ann & I attended. Unfortunately the school is now closed and no-one knows what it to happen to it. Sadly it was all boarded up but we were able to walk across what were our old playing fields to the main building and reminisce about those 'happy school days' of ours. From there we went down the hill from our old school to see what had been done to what was another school called Craven Lodge. Originally a hunting lodge, it was one of the places which Edward, Prince of Wales took Wallis Simpson during their love affair and before the British public found out what was happening. Again we became 'prospective buyers, looking around one of houses that had been developed out of what was the school. I'm hoping that the same will happen to our old school. Lunch at a Melton pub followed before we headed back to Rothley. Later, being our last night, the four of us went to have a meal at The Red Lion pub just across the road from Ann & Chris's place.
Thanks Ann & Chris for your fantastic hospitality - it was greatly appreciated. We'll be back! Really
looking forward to you visiting us in Sydney too.
By about 9.15am the next day after fond goodbyes we were on the road driving towards Portsmouth.
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Neta
non-member comment
Memories
Michelle, lovely sharing your childhood memories. Looks so lovely and sunny it's blowing a gale here and with the wind chill factor it is freezing. It snowed in the Blue Mountains yesterday about 5cm, so enjoy the warmth. xx