I arrived here safely after enjoying the train journey from Shrewsbury through the beautiful English countryside. I am trying to work out why people say it is so beautiful in New Zealand, when it is just as lovely here. In a different way of course. I think our scenery changes more dramatically and frequently as you travel through it.
But I love the green rolling farmland, with its patchwork of wheat fields, hedges and deciduous trees, and cows grazing peacefully. The old brick, or stone farm buildings and the occasional glimpse of a stately home through the trees. It all has that look about it which is unique, quite unlike the countryside in France.
While in Much Wenlock I was able to attend a Big Band practice with Lesley and David. Lesley conducts the band and David plays guitar. Lesley also plays in a saxophone quartet and on the Sunday we went to the back of beyond, somewhere south of Ludlow, for a performance. The group played the lunchtime gig as background music for people on a cross country walk, part of the Ludlow festival of food and wine. The 400 walkers stopped off at this beautiful reception lounge,(not all at once), in the depth of the countryside, for a spot of lunch; a dollop of stew, a bread roll and a half pint of ale! They each carried a beer mug on a yellow ribbon around their necks. I would have loved to have joined in the walk as it looked like a lot of fun. I just sat and enjoyed the music, providing the audience applause and reminding the walkers to show their appreciation.
We also went to a concert by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, at a huge, old church in Ludlow, also part of the festival. The concert was one of the highlights of my trip, which I had been looking forward to very much. I was not disappointed.
We all thoroughly enjoyed the music and their humour. What an incredibly professional and talented group! They are touring Britain at the moment and if you get a chance to go to a concert grab it. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying it.
Of course I have a particluar interest in the ukulele but even David (who is not easily impressed) was going off to a music shop the next day, to investigate ukuleles. I was very inspired. I can't wait to get home to start playing again. The following day on Radio Four there was an interview with the orchestra which was very interesting and filled in a lot of the history of the group.
Today, a brilliantly sunny day, I am off to explore Leeds to see what has changed since I was last here.
When I arrived, Daphne's mum Joan took me for a walk around Roundhay Park which is as lovely as ever. We used to live just down the road, at Bayswater Place, in a back-to-back terraced house and visited the park frequently. Lesley and David and I all lived there together at one stage. There is a new visitor centre which is very interesting and worth a visit.
Thank you to Jennie and Owen at Foxhole Rigg and Lesley and David at Foxglove Cottage for a really enjoyable and relaxing couple of weeks.
I loved their homes and gardens, both in beautiful settings. It was fun to share their lives again for a short time, and remember good times we shared in the past too. Altogether very inspiring.
This weekend I am hoping to go to Bradmore in Nottinghamshire and from there on to Tenby in Wales for a few days at the seaside, with Daphne and Stephen and family. It is a long way to go but I have to use up the rail pass anyway and the country side between here and there is lovely too.
I love the Pembrokeshire coast. I may be able to walk a bit further along the coastal pathway this time. Last time I visited Manorbier Castle, where The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe was filmed. A stunning spot.
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