To Hereford

Friday swam 20 and Bruce arrived from Jersey. Took car to check tyres and who walked up bur Archbishop Kevin. He was going to confession with Fr David Standley and he has an article in this week's Tablet on Ecclesiam Suam. Ann Marie took Molly to the kennels and we set off eventually at 11 a.m. Got to Chedworth Roman villa (NT) and had sandwiches and cake and Liz and Ann Marie arrived as we started going round. The audio guide for a £1 was excellent and the mosaics are stunning. We did try the musical museum but we were too late. On to Hereford with a diversion in Cheltenham. Lovely countryside and arrived around 5 p.m. The family were here and the four of us had fish at Hedley Lodge. Liz and I went to compline. Dennis's train arrived at 11 but by then I was in bed. Up at 6.15 for vigils and lauds then Mass at 8 with Liz and breakfast with everyone. To Croft castle (NT) and delighted to play the piano (30s numbers) and the Samuel Green organ (William Croft and Purcell). Lovely walled garden and had tea - there was a beer festival on but weather changeable. Boys enjoyed the castle play area. To Berrington Hall which was more formal but interesting. Good to see the Pride and Prejudice costumes and the fashion collection upstairs and a lovely lady who is an expert on tea. Tax was only removed in 1964! No doubt she would be horrified at our tea making at home! On return to Belmont Carol and Kevin had arrived and they took us to the Butchers Arms Woolhope down country lanes for a lovely dinner in a room on our own. Tom brought the boys back and we really enjoyed the treat.