Diary w/e May 18

Sun 12 May

A great 73rd birthday. Laphroig from Katy and four good books from the family as well as a new watch bracelet. Gorsley Baptist - very contemporary songs which are not my cup of tea at all especially when female lead but the pastor gave a good expository sermon on Daniel's prayer and the after chichi coffee was a treat with the gift of a mug to welcome visitors. Lunch in the garden of a pub with a cider shop - the best I have ever visited for generous sampling and a bargain second hand book stall. A walk in the Forest of Dean and a visit to the local stem railway but unfortunately the steam engine for the day had broken down and one did not stay to see a mere diesel.

Mon 13 May

Gloucester Cathedral - magnificent. Tomb of the wretched Edward II. Visited the memorial to Bishop Hooper, burned by Bloody Mary. Lunch at Painswick, the only Rococo gardens in England.Then an arduous ascent up Niblet Hill to the Tyndale Memorial. A worthwhile pilgrimage to the tower built near his birthplace.

Tues 14 May

Tintern Abbey in glorious sunshine. Thank God for Thomas Cromwell! It has been a run for longer than it was a RC temple. Picnic in the sun on top of a hill overlooking Monmouth. Failed to find a mechanical organ museum. Peter out farmer host showed John and I the silage making with machine collection of hay which was new to me and John got to drive it.

Wed 15 May

To Gloucester on a Whitefield pilgrimage but all I found was his birthplace, The Bell Inn, now a Costa coffee shop and the church where he first preached and had been baptised. It has his pupil and a memorial chapel to Robert raises, founder of Sunday School's whose house is opposite the church.Visited Higham the church built by the father of Parry who composed the tune for' And did those feet' but it was locked. Nearby the tower of an 11th century church, the only surviving structure and on the farm pond a pair of swans with six cygnets Dinner with the Clarks and shared many memories of Nigeria.

Thu 16 May

Symonds Yat Rock to see the view than Symonds Yat East for a cruise on the Wye. Tea room lunch then back through the Forest of dean to the Awre Severn Cider farm shop and our holiday cottage. Bought local fish and chips but when we opened them back at the cottage we were a fish short. Huge plaice but too much batter.

Fri 17 May

The Braithwaite's left us after we visited Westbury on Severn Water gardens together. We went on to the Forest of Dean heritage Centre. In the evening our hosts treated us to village supper in Awre village hall. Good home cooked food and very hospitable. A real sense of community so lacing in London.

Sat 18 May

Home safe and sound in two and a half hours.