Manor Farm

Almost every village I've been to in England,  this trip and the last,  has a Manor Farm - a reminder of a time long past.  This Manor Farm,  where I am staying with Lauren, is no longer a working farm but a house that gives three generations spaces of their own and yards of space to run around. This last is just as well as the children make full use of it, running in all directions as far and as fast as they can.

Lauren has a fairly full schedule planned but it doesn't include rushing around so I am in for a relaxing few days. The weather continues fine, with the exception of the occasional thunderstorm. We spent some time in the nearby township on market day. I wander around while Joshua and Lauren go to his swimming class, lunch at a very pleasing courtyard restaurant then time to collect Rose from school, which is breaking up for the half term break. 

We had a wonderful barbecue in the front yard that evening, leftovers the next. Great plan. The next day saw us heading into Norwich Cathedral just as the thunderstorm hit leaving us unaffected by it. We emerged to glorious sunshine and off to Pizza Express for lunch. Many years ago I had the Pizza Express cook book which stated that three toppings are all any pizza needs. They seem to have moved well on from that following the trend for jamming as much as possible on top, but I stick pretty close to the original rule. 

Lauren has saved the best until last.. a day at Bressingham Steam museum, not mentioning until we arrive that it also houses a Dad's Army exhibition. This is a permanent display of sets, vehicles and props from the television series. And they run the show continuously. 

Cannot stay too long as there are trains aplenty to ride. It is a great place, perfect weather for it and love the children's delight in it. My word we slept well that night. And then it's time to ride of to the train, but not without a quick return to get my camera left in the kitchen. 

In spite of the delay and missing my planned train I go ahead with a stopover in Ely to see the Cathedral there and Oliver Cromwell's house. So glad I did, both interesting, the Cathedral spectacular, the coffee in the market outstanding (went on the way out and the way back), interesting walk by the Riverside and still got the train back to London to meet Anna and Ian and go to the theatre.

Manor Farm

Font from former Nestle factory, once used for boiling caramels

Jonesie's butcher van