Anglesey Abbey snowdrops

On Sunday we went to Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire for their snowdrop festival.
The snowdrops weren't really at their best, but as you will see later, we saw the best winter garden we have ever seen!
Here's the house and surrounding buildings.

Childwickbury history book

If you're interested in learning more about Childwickbury, I can thoroughly recommend this book by one of our Museum Friends, Christine Aitken.
Christine actually lived on the estate - so she knows what she's talking about!
The book tells the story of the estate from Medieval times to the present day.
If you want further details, please email me using the link on the right.
It's a fascinating read.

Childwickbury green

Some rather nice estate houses

The well on the green

Childwickbury estate church

Childwickbury is a large private estate to the north of St.Albans which sits between the A5 and the A6.
This is St,Mary's church on the estate.

Underground burial vault.

Inscription on top of the vault - click to enlarge photo

Cold outside - Warm inside

How often does Poppy have to move just to keep in the small shaft of winter sunshine in our lounge?

St.Albans - Samuel Ryder Trail 3

This was Samuel's first city centre office for Ryders Seeds. It was in the gabled bit on the right above a hatter's shop.

The first head office next to The White Hart. The original building was replaced in 1911. You can see the carved reliefs of sowers and reapers.

Now The Comfort Hotel.

The Exhibition Hall - an Art Deco building opened in 1931.

Now Cafe Rouge.

St.Albans - Samuel Ryder Trail 2

This is the Independent Chapel where Samuel was an important member of the congregation and was elected one of the elders.

Here's where Sam and his brother James set up a herbal business. This was one of the first Heath & Heather shops through whom the first sponsorship of professional golf tournaments started. In 1968 the brand became part of Holland & Barrett,

St.Albans - Samuel Ryder Trail 1

Although Samuel Ryder is best remembered as the founder of the Ryder Cup, he was also one of St.Albans’ most notable citizens as a successful businessman, churchman and local politician.
This is the Old Meeting House, which is a former chapel which Samuel Ryder rented as his seed warehouse.

This is the Independent Chapel Sunday School where Samuel was appointed superintendent of the Sunday School supervising 18 teachers and 310 pupils.

New Year's Day in St.Albans

A flowering cherry(?) tree!

Wimereux to Les Attaques

(HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!)

Lunch before returning home was at Restaurant de la Gare at Les Attaques where we are always assured of an excellent meal.
The restaurant is run by Stephane and Angelina Melchior who provide cuisine traditionelle et artisanale.

We had been advised by previous visitors to take a look in the cemetery opposite the restaurant where there are a large number of "reserved" graves which we presume are currently empty.

Even a rack for the watering cans!