Nottingham, part 3: Homeward Bound

Sunday, May 25th.

Considering how easy it had been to get to Nottingham, getting home would prove to be a mission as, for some reason, we couldn't travel directly from Nottingham to St. Pancras, although we had done the reverse the day before.

[caption id="attachment_1425" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nottingham Railway Station.[/caption]

Instead, we had to catch an East Midlands train to Skegness and change at Grantham. As we boarded the 14:03 train to Skegness, Erin suddenly announced that she needed the toilet. A quick look along the four carriages informed us that this little train had no conveniences. A look at Erin told us that she wouldn't be able to hold it until Grantham.

Now, anyone who has ever been to Nottingham Station, and had to catch a Skegness train, you will know that it usually leaves from platform 2, which is the furthest platform from the toilets. Typical.

So I had to run, while carrying Erin, back along almost the full length of the platform, to take her to the toilet. Then, when she had finished, I had to run all way back to the train, arriving one minute before it was due to pull-away. Keilyn was oblivious to the fact that her dad and sister were nearly left behind, as she was fast asleep in the battlewagon. Forty minutes later we arrived in Grantham.

Grantham lies in Lincolnshire and is famous for having the first female police officers in the world, after London. The RAF Bomber Command's No.5 Group and the Operations HQ were based there, which organised the Dambusters Raid, of May 1943, among others. Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris also lived in Grantham, for a while. The Beehive pub has the country's only 'living' public house sign: A beehive of South African bees, situated directly outside the pub, since 1830. Isaac Newton went to school in Grantham and it is where Margaret Thatcher was born.

Due to 'problems with the overhead power lines' (read, due to some ethnic group stealing the overhead power lines) our connecting East Coast train at Grantham was delayed by about ten minutes. When the train did finally arrive, we clambered on, having already collapsed the battlewagon, and looked for our reserved seats. As it turned out, a young student couple had decided to take them. After getting them to move we settled in to our seats. Once again it wasn't long before Keilyn was asleep in my arms and Erin was watching Cbeebies, before needing the toilet, again. Emma and I are both convinced that anywhere that you take Erin, she will say that she needs the toilet, just to check out the cleaning facilities. 

Sure enough, not long into our journey, the message came over the speaker that there were 'problems with the overhead power lines' just south of Stevenage. Thieving b*s*a*ds! Because of this our train was diverted on to the Hertford Line, aka the Hertford Loop, where we got stuck behind a First Capital Connect train, that obviously had to stop at every station. Not once did anyone at Network Rail, or whoever it is that checks these things, decide to have the slower train pulled into a siding, so that we could pass? No. We just dawdled along, adding an extra half-an-hour to our journey.

[caption id="attachment_1478" align="aligncenter" width="225"] King's Cross station, on a sunny Sunday afternoon.[/caption]

Eventually, though, we did arrive at London's King's Cross station. We waited, on the platform,for the other passengers to clear through the gates, before heading out into the afternoon sun ourselves. With Keilyn strapped back into the battlewagon, Erin helped me with the suitcase, as we took a low stroll to London Euston. After a quick check of the train departure times, we went back out to the plaza and had a bite to eat.

When we did head back in to the station, we discovered that the arrival and departure times were all wrong, due to 'problems with overhead power lines'. I am saying nothing. With time getting on, and the London Overground being suspended due to engineering works, we boarded a packed London Midland train to Watford Junction. Within twenty minutes we arrived and promptly jumped into the back of a black taxi, on our final leg home.

The journey must have taken it out of the girls, as there was no whining or playing about, when we got home. We put Sofia the First on the TV, while we got them changed, and then they went straight to bed. After something to eat, Emma and I were not far behind, either.

All in all it was a great but long, weekend.

May It Be Well With You.

Nottingham, part 2: A Race and A Castle

Sunday, May 25th.

Considering how late the girls were up until, the night before, they were both awake before 07:oo, ready to party again. Breakfast, at the hotel, was being served between 08:00-10:00, so we headed down at just after 08:00, which made us the first in. Emma and I had a Full English, while Erin satisfied herself with Rice Krispies. Keilyn was being fussy and, having turned her nose up at Weetabix, decided on yogurt, followed by some toast. When we had finished, we headed back up to our room and, making sure that everything was packed, checked out of the hotel.

The rain wasn't as heavy as the previous day, instead it was that fine rain that soaks through even the most waterproof of clothing. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait long for the bus to arrive. It dropped us at Upper Parliament Street, at which point the rain stopped and the sun came out in all its glory. With the time close to 10:00 the city was deserted and, as we headed down to the Old Market Square, we realised that many of the roads were sealed off, due to the arrival of the Milk Race. Also, because of the road closures, the trams weren't running, so there were buses on Tram Replacement.

[caption id="attachment_1440" align="aligncenter" width="300"] No trams were running due to the Milk Race[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1441" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Buses were on Tram Replacement, for the day.[/caption]

The Milk Race was a multistage cycling event that toured Britain between 1958 and 1993. This year the Milk Race returned, to Nottingham, with the elite men’s race and elite women’s races, featuring numerous world and Olympic champions.

[caption id="attachment_1442" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Milk Race began as the rain was still coming down.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1443" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The cyclists at the mid way point.[/caption]

After watching a few of the cyclists, we continued on our way to Nottingham Castle. It is a castle that I have not visited since I was little, although every time I visit Nottingham I do take another photo of the statue of Robin Hood. By now the sun was shining down and drying up the pavements and grass, so off came the jackets. Erin came out of the battlewagon and Keilyn moved into the front seat, as we made our way through the gatehouse and in to the gardens, of the Lower Bailey.

[caption id="attachment_1465" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Outer Bailey wall and part of the gatehouse.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1466" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nottingham Castle gatehouse.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1462" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Looking back towards the gatehouse.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1461" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Looking towards the medieval bridge and the castle.[/caption]

The Lower Bailey is now a manicured lawn with a bandstand, a statue to Albert Ball V.C. and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross Memorial. The south path gives some stunning views down on to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, the Brewhouse Yard Museum and out over the River Trent.

[caption id="attachment_1444" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The memorial to the World War I flying ace, Albert Ball V.C.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1445" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross Memorial.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1446" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Looking down on Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, from the Lower Bailey.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1447" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A view of the castle rock, and Nottingham, from the Lower Bailey.[/caption]

From here we followed the path around, back toward the Medieval Bridge, which led us up to the Middle Bailey. The Middle Bailey is now a lawn and function space, with a 'Lookout' playground, with forts, sand pits, slides and a medieval throne room, complete with throne. From here you can see the remains of the North-east Tower and the Obelisk monument.

[caption id="attachment_1448" align="aligncenter" width="180"] 'Orf with his 'ead.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1449" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin protects her castle.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1450" align="aligncenter" width="225"] This memorial commemorates the dead of the Afghan Campaigns 1878 - 80.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1460" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Looking towards the castle from the Middle Bailey.[/caption]

We then followed the path up and around to the Upper Bailey and the castle itself, which contains the museum and art gallery. Before we entered the castle we took a walk around the outside, taking in the spectacular views south and west. As the sky had cleared, we could see Wollaton Hall, East Midlands Airport Control Tower and much more.

[caption id="attachment_1452" align="aligncenter" width="225"] This is the entrance to Mortimer's Hole. One of the many tunnels under Nottingham Castle.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1451" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This is the Rock Cottage, as seen from the Upper Bailey.[/caption]

On entering the castle, we bypassed the shop and headed straight into the museum. The museum is full of objects from all over the world, including; a Chinese ivory chess set from the nineteenth century.an iron stirrup from Japan, a South African walking stick, a Samurai sword (wakizashi), the Wedgwood collection, ceramics, silverware, and so much more. One thing that did strike me, as we walked around the museum, was the amount of signs that read PLEASE TOUCH. Having a chance to physically interact with pieces of porcelain, 300 year-old pieces of iron and ancient fabrics was brilliant. (A little disappointed that I wasn't able to handle the Samurai sword, though).

[caption id="attachment_1453" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A Japanese sword.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1455" align="aligncenter" width="225"] A plundered Japanese Temple Bell.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1454" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Part of the inscription on the plundered Japanese Bell.[/caption]

We then headed in to the Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters' Regimental Museum, which displayed uniforms and memorabilia from this famous regiment. With uniforms and private belongings dating from the 1750s through to the present day, there was a lot to see and take in.

[caption id="attachment_1456" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Some of the regimental uniforms.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1457" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Some of the memorabilia from the regiment.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1458" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The Regimental centre-piece.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1459" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The current uniform of the Regiment.[/caption]

There was so much more to see and do within the Castle, but time was against us, so next time we will do The Caves, Mortimer's Hole and the Brewhouse Yard Museum.

[caption id="attachment_1471" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nottingham Museum and Art Gallery.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1470" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Erin chills out with a packet of crisps.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1464" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Castle Rockery, which incorporates flowers from all around the world.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1463" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Following the path beneath the Medieval Bridge.[/caption]

We decided against visiting the Art Gallery, but instead headed to the Museum Shop. A few cards, postcards, toys and pins were purchased, before we headed out of the castle. We took the path around the castle, which led us passed the entrance to Mortimer's Hole and down along wooded paths, beneath the Medieval Bridge and out to the Castle Rockery. We then left the castle and headed for the Robin Hood statues, for the obligatory photo shoot. After getting a photo of Erin with Robin Hood's statue, we headed off to get some lunch.

[caption id="attachment_1467" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Looking up at the gatehouse and part of the old bridge.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1468" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Erin has her obligatory photo taken with Robin Hood.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1469" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Robin Hood.[/caption]

There was only place that we wanted to go for lunch, and that was to the Wimpy restaurant, as Emma and I hadn't had one in many years, After waiting to be seated, we ordered a thick shake each (large) and then ordered our food. The shake was exactly as I remembered and was perfectly thick. The burgers, Fiery BBQ Chicken for me and Mushroom Burger for Emma, were very tasty and filling. Erin busily tucked into some Chicken Chunks and chips, washed down with a drink of squash. On leaving, both girls received a magic string picture, to complete.

With time getting on we made our way to the station, ready for our trip home. And that's when the problems began...

To be concluded...

Nottingham, part 1: A Church and A Party

Saturday, May 24th.

We arrived at Watford Junction at around about 07:45, where we caught a London Midland train into London Euston. We then took a stroll to St. Pancras station where, after enjoying a Latte, we boarded our train to Nottingham. The journey was uneventful with Keilyn sleeping in my arms, for the entire trip, while Erin watched some CBeebies programmes, that Emma had downloaded Friday afternoon.

[caption id="attachment_1425" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nottingham Railway Station.[/caption]

Arriving in Nottingham at just before 11:00, we headed towards Nottingham Castle, just so that I could see the statue of Robin hood and the Castle gatehouse. Then, as the rain got heavier, we headed into the city centre so that we could change Keilyn, before finding a place to have lunch. It was while we were standing under the shelter of a shop front that Lol, Deirdre's partner, spotted us. He was with his grandson, Cameron, so we teamed up and headed for Caffe Nero, for a coffee. I fed Keilyn, while Erin had some tomato and basil soup.

When we had finished, we headed into the Intu Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, to stay out of the rain.  Lol decided that we should head to a restaurant, to wait for Deirdre who would be joining us straight after work, and led us out of the shopping centre and towards...

[caption id="attachment_1426" align="aligncenter" width="180"] This Grade II Listed Church is now a bar & restaurant.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1428" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The ceiling of the Pitcher & Piano.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1429" align="aligncenter" width="300"] We sat just below this window, where the altar once stood.[/caption]

A church. A Unitarian church, at that! As it turns out, this Grade II Listed Church, in the heart of the Lace Market, is actually a bar/restaurant named the Pitcher & Piano. We found a table and secured a high chair, for Keilyn, and, while we waited for Deirdre, ordered some drinks. A large rosé wine for Emma, while Lol and myself had a real ale, served in a proper glass tankard. It wasn't long before Deirdre arrived and food was soon ordered. We all ate, including Erin who, having already had lunch, tucked into some chicken goujons with chips and peas.

[caption id="attachment_1427" align="aligncenter" width="300"] My lunch at the Pitcher & Piano.[/caption]

With time getting on, we headed towards a bus stop and caught the 79A, towards Nuthall Road, where the Commodore Hotel was situated. Keilyn was happy in the battlewagon, while Erin sat on my lap. In the short space of time it took us to reach our destination, Erin was sound asleep and snoring in my arms. This made it slightly more difficult as I carried her and the rucksack, while Emma had the battlewagon, with the suitcase in Erin's seat.

[caption id="attachment_1430" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Our hotel for the night.[/caption]

After checking in, I placed Erin on her bed, where she carried on sleeping for another hour, while we sorted out Keilyn and got ourselves ready for the party. Erin finally awoke, a little confused at the strange surroundings, but happy. With both girls dressed in pink skirts and tops, we headed downstairs to await our taxi.

We arrived at the Fiveways Pub just after 19:00 and made our way to the function room that had been hired for my cousin Sean's 40th birthday. Sean is a soldier in The 2nd Battalion, Mercian Regiment which, up until 2004, was known as The 1st Battalion, Worcestershire and Foresters Regiment. After finding a seat and getting the girls settled, Suzette, Sean's wife, spotted us and came over for a chat. Sean was busy talking with and greeting other friends but, when he saw us, he did come straight over. Katherine, Sean's sister, arrived a little later and we had all had a really nice time. Erin and Keilyn, who are normally in bed 19:00, were busy running around the dance floor and chasing balloons, with the other kids.

[caption id="attachment_1431" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin and Keilyn dance with their mum.[/caption]

Around about 21:30 the girls started to get a tired, so we said our goodbyes and ordered a taxi to the hotel. Shortly after we got settled in our room, Keilyn passed out, followed Erin and Emma, leaving me to watch Live at the Apollo, before deciding to turn in myself.

To be continued...

 

 

21st Rickmansworth Canal Festival

Saturday May 17th, 2014

With food and drinks packed, the girls strapped in to the battlewagon and cameras charged, we left the house at 10:00 and headed down the Ebury Way towards Rickmansworth.

[caption id="attachment_1389" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This is blossom lying on top of the still flooded Croxley Common Moor.[/caption]

We reached Lock 80, also known as Lot mead, at around 10:45 and dropped down on to the Grand Union Canal towpath, which we followed to Lock 81, at Batchworth Lock, where we met my mum and uncle Martin.

On the south bank of the Grand Union Canal, in front of the Little Union Canal model canal system, believed to be the only one of its kind in the country, a Side of Phoenix Morris Dancers were entertaining the crowds.

[caption id="attachment_1390" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A Side of Phoenix Morris Dancers entertain the crowds.[/caption]

We then made a donation to the festival organisers and followed the towpath, under Bridge 173, to where narrowboats of varying size and colour were berthed, sometimes three-or-four deep. Each of them had polished their brass and metal fixings, while the paint jobs had been touched-up, making them positively vibrant in the morning sun.

[caption id="attachment_1385" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The narrowboats, some of which had travelled hundreds of miles, berthed on the Grand Union Canal/[/caption]

With Erin walking along the towpath, while Keilyn stayed safe in the battlewagon, my mum and Martin kept themselves busy looking at the various wares that were for sale, speaking to the boat owners, taking photos and just generally immersing themselves in the atmosphere of the waterways. Meanwhile, kids played about in their canoes/kayaks.

[caption id="attachment_1392" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Kids mess about in canoes/kayaks.[/caption]

With lunch time approaching we headed in to the Aquadrome, so that we could find a spot to feed the girls, while my mum spoke to the owner of the Raymond. We found a spot by a Green Goddess Fire Engine, where Erin tucked in to her lunch, under the watchful eye of Keilyn, who was still tired from her day at nursery.

[caption id="attachment_1386" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin tucks in to her cheese and crackers.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1387" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Keilyn keeps an eye on Erin's lunch.[/caption]

All the time, Erin kept an eye-out for nannie.

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin keeps an eye-out for nannie.[/caption]

Eventually, my mum caught up with us before we all set off to explore the craft stalls and the environment fair. While my mum and Martin took in the stalls we continued at a faster pace, in order to get Keilyn to sleep, which worked... Eventually

Wit Keilyn finally asleep,  we headed towards the beer tent ,where we found my mum and Martin, and stopped for a well deserved drink; Coke for Emma and a pint of Greene King's Abbot Ale for me. Erin was busy, playing with bubbles, that we had been given while touring the environment fair, when she spotted the big helium balloons, so I purchased her a Peppa Pig one. I then spotted Jason, his mum and his son Charlie who decided to join our little group. So, another round was purchased and eagerly consumed. While we waited for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Spitfire to make its appearance, we talked and listened to the various bands, that took to the main stage.

[caption id="attachment_1393" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Spitfire prepares to 'attack' the crowds.[/caption]

At exactly 14:16 the Spitfire, flown by Squadron Leader Duncan Mason, the only aircrew member permanently serving on the Flight, buzzed the cheering crowds, in a two-minute display of attack runs and banking manoeuvres.

[caption id="attachment_1394" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Spitfire flies directly overhead.[/caption]

With this highlight out-of-the-way, we headed towards the funfair, so that Erin and Charlie could go on some rides. Their first ride was on the Tea Cups, which was quickly followed by a ride on the Roller Coaster.

[caption id="attachment_1391" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin and Charlie take to the Roller Coaster.[/caption]

With time ticking by, we decided it was a good time to head home, so that we could get the girls back and calmed down, before Emma went to work. We arrived home just after 17:00 and busily got the girls changed and fed, before Emma got herself ready. The fresh air must have really taken its toll, on the girls, as they were both asleep by 19:30.

After uploading some photos, to Google+, and some videos, to You Tube, I made a bite to eat, before turning in for the night myself.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire - Video

Erin and Charlie on the Tea Cups and the Roller Coaster - Video

Yet again the Rickmansworth Canal Festival was a brilliant success, made even more special by our family and friends who enjoyed the day with us.

Roll on May 16th, 2015.

Rickmansworth Waterways Trust