Stage 1: Nottingham to Camberley (Surry)
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Monday, 23 July 2012
Visit to Chester – 21st July 2012
Chester is a city in Cheshire, England.
Lying on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales, and was granted city
status in 1541. It was founded as a Roman fort with the name Deya Victrixin the
year 79 by the Romans. Chester's four main roads, Eastgate, Northgate,
Watergate and Bridge, follow routes laid out at this time – almost 2,000
years ago. After the Romans left in the 5th century, the Saxons fortified the
town against the Danes and gave Chester its name.
Chester has a number of medieval buildings, but
some of the black-and-white buildings within the city centre are actually Victorian
restorations. Chester is one of the best preserved walled cities in Britain.
Apart from a 100-metre (330 ft) section, the listed Grade I walls are
almost complete
The more unusual landmarks in the city are the city
walls and the black-and-white architecture. The walls encircle the bounds of the medieval city with the full
circuit measuring nearly 2 miles (3 km). On East gate is East gate clock which is said
to be the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben.
The Rows
are unique in Britain; they consist of buildings with shops or dwellings on the
lowest two storeys. The shops or dwellings on the ground floor are often lower
than the street and are entered by steps, which sometimes lead to a crypt like
vault. Those on the first floor are entered behind a continuous walkway, often
with a sloping shelf between the walkway and the railings overlooking the
street. Much of the architecture of central Chester looks medieval and some of
it is. But by far the greatest part of it, including most of the
black-and-white buildings, is Victorian.
The most prominent buildings in the city centre are
the town hall and the cathedral. The town hall was opened in
1869. It is in Gothic Revival style and has a tower and a short spire. The
cathedral dates back to the Norman era, with additions made most centuries
since. A series of major restorations took place in the 19th century and
in 1975 a separate bell tower was opened.
Roman remains can still be found in the city,
particularly in the basements of some of the buildings and in the lower parts
of the northern section of the city walls. The most important Roman feature is
the amphitheatre just outside the
walls which is undergoing archaeological investigation. Roman artefacts are on display in the Roman
Gardens which run parallel to the city walls from New gate to the River Dee.
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
John 65th Birthday London trip: 6th-8th July 2012
Wellington Arch: also known as Constitution Arch or
(originally) the Green Park Arch, is a triumphal arch located to the
south of Hyde Park and at the north western corner of Green Park (although it
is now isolated on a traffic island).
View from the arch across London to the London Eye where
John and Sue were at the time, and the Shard
Selfridges shop
displays – English theme
Birthday meal at
the Spaghetti house – with a surprise visit from my parents
St Pauls – The cathedral is one of the most famous and most
recognisable sights of London, with its dome, framed by the spires of Wren's
City churches, dominating the skyline for 300 years. At 365 feet (111 m)
high, it was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1962, and its dome is
also among the highest in the world. To reach the top we had to take 500
stairs, and thanks to his new bionic hips John was able to reach the top with
us.
2nd stage of the dome:
The top: Photos:
Matilda the Musical - It is based on the novel by Roald Dahl. It
received its West End premiere on 24 November 2011 at the Cambridge Theatre. Matilda
has received widespread critical acclaim, fast becoming one of the most
successful British musicals in modern history. The show won seven Olivier
Awards including Best New Musical, at the 2012 ceremony - the most awards ever
won by a single show. It really was an amazing show for adults and children
alike.
Night time entertainment – the laser lights at the bar we went to
were amazing
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Parents BBQ Sat 16th June
The layout – location parent’s new cottage and garden
(I)
BBQ area
(II)
House for the comfy beds
(III)
Eating and seating area
(IV)
The tent area
Nicks first attempt at a birthday cake for mum
Afternoon and the BBQ in action
Charlie tries to steal another beer/ or pop another pebble in the water
Family photos:
Charlie with his dad Tom
Mum and Dan having a drink
Gale and Mum with Charlie Photo
Tom and Alfie
Mum, Kathy and Harry
Around the camp fire in the evening
Happy camppers at breakfast time
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