25-29.06 - Days 162-6 - Buckingham to Chelmsford to Buckingham
Tuesday 25th June - Buckingham - Chelmsford - Buckingham (162)
Following school work we head off to Chelmsford - where we had planned to stay with Gwynneth and Graham (Kate’s sister and brother-in-law) but unfortunately the former has adult chickenpox - so instead it’s just a day outing for the kids and me, whilst Kate will stay at her parents for a few days. The four of us enjoy lunch at Kate’s childhood home with Grandma and Grandad and after relaxing in the garden and a walk to the park, the kids and I head back leaving Kate behind.
Wednesday (Day 163, 26th Jun) in Buckingham it’s mostly a day of schoolwork (this is surprising news to me - Kate, as when we finally reunite there is a fair amount of Seb’s school work not completed), Lego and dolls house and we’re joined by Corinne for lunch. Some not-used-in-a-while bikes appear from the shed and after a clean up, Sienna and my dad pop out for a bike ride; Sienna trailing her first fold up bike.
Thursday (Day 164, 27th Jun) is daycare day, mum and dad in charge of Lily and Sophie each week (Corinne’s 2 year old twins). Just as I get to grips with which twin is which based on their onesie, mealtime mess means they’re just in their nappies and I’m back to square one. They're a very cheerful pair, toddling about the house and it’s fun for Sienna and Seb especially to spend proper time with them, including a walk to the playground.
Strawberries in summer seem to be a staple diet and to make this even more English, I take Sienna and Seb to Lilingstone , a farm 10 minutes away where we Pick Your Own. There’s a handful of other families slowly working their way along the fields as we seek out the perfect strawberries, only testing a few, juicy and bright red throughout. 2 kgs of strawberries later the kids have a play in the mud kitchen at the farm before we head back.
On Friday (Day 165, 28th Jun) the three generations, still missing Kate, bundle into the car for 10 minutes for a tour around Beachborough. One part to maintain Sienna and Seb’s interest in education and one part curiosity from me, this was my school from 1989 - 1995, ages 8-14.
It’s sports day so most of the kids are out and about leaving the classrooms empty for us to explore with Emma (secretary at the school). The school has twice as many pupils as when Corinne and I were there and new buildings to accommodate them.
We meet Mr Saunders (History and P.E.) and Miss Smith (Matron) who after 30+ years are retiring next week yet still remembers the Saturday afternoons watching 5 Nations as it was them waiting for pick up (Mr Saunders) or the frequent migraines (Miss Smith).
There are plenty of memories flooding back, of how the rooms have shifted purpose and also a couple of the punishments such as Rounds or Changes. Emma graciously walks us for an hour and a half and Sienna and Seb really believe I attended when we find one of the wooden boards with my name on it for the Challenge Cup in ‘93/’94.
Saturday (Day 166, 29th Jun) I return to the ParkRun in Buckingham posting a slight improvement even as my race rank falls down a few spots.
Today is Madeline’s 93rd birthday - my mum’s mum’s sister - who lives in Bourton-on-Water in the Cotswolds. Sienna, Seb and I collect Kate on route, who’s got the train from Chelmsford to Kingham Station.
Driving around Middle England after many years away gives you a tourist view, and what’s not to love about this quaint countryside with villages of large sandstone bricks or thatched roofs, with names such as Marston St Lawrence (an old cricket foe), Lower Slaughter, Upper Oddington, Over Kiddington, Stow on the Wold, Little Rollsight.
Madeline is having a very good day for a 93 year old which then has the kids wondering how many letters the King has to sign everyday for those turning 100.
