Mike had to go to York for a long and exhausting meeting (General Synod of the Church of England for those interested!) This is rather like a form of parliament and,indeed, its legal resolutions do have the force of law. But quite a bit of the time is taken with debates about matters of wider interest than arcane bits of legislation to do with matters such as selling redundant property or who can take which funeral. Believe me, these really do excite some people.
Whilst Mike was away the boat, with Christine on board was safely moored up in Buckden Marina. Under normal weather conditions this would have been a good place to be but with the scorching heat it was at times more than uncomfortable. At least she was able to buy a swimming costume from a shop in Huntingdon so that she could cool off in the small swimming pool attached to the marina.
Mike caught a train earlyish from Huntingdon station so having the car with us at this point was very helpful. It also meant that Christine could explore the local area.
For now just a few pictures but she will be along in a while to add some of the story that goes with them.
So from Christine - briefly!
Friday 6th July
After delivering Mike to the station, I parked in the town, did some grocery shopping and bought a swimming costume for use later. Back at the boat did some laundry and began a boat clean-up but eventually just too hot so headed off to swimming pool at the leisure centre. It's one that has definitely seen better days, in fact the whole complex needs a drastic and thorough refurbishment, but at least it served the purpose of some gentle exercise and chance to cool down. For lunch had olive bread, in the evening smoked haddock, neither of which Mike likes! There are some advantages of being husband-less for a while!
Saturday 7th July
In the morning, when in pursuit of the newspaper for which we have vouchers, took the opportunity to walk round the village of Buckden. It was once an important place as a coach stop on the A1, though fortunately now has a bypass. However, there are three big coaching inns on the old road.
Behind the church is the remains of the old Palace of the Bishops of Lincoln, dating back to the time when Buckden was at the centre of the diocese! Buckden is now of course in the Diocese of Ely. The Palace was truly enormous; all that is left is the brick building as seen in the photo, the old Gatehouse, now a private residence.
The church is very large as constructed by Bishops of Lincoln in 14/15th centuries. The porch must be later as would be indicated by the Tudor rose boss in the porch.
In the village, found an excellent butcher and availed myself of an excellent pork pie.
In the afternoon, another visit to the swimming pool.
Sunday 8th July
I have a cousin, Judith, who lives in St Neot who was my bridesmaid way, way back and whom I have only seen two or three times since! With some detective work I managed to make contact with her. In the morning I joined her at St Neots Baptist church before Sunday lunch at her house. Also visiting for a week from Redcar, were her cousin Malcolm, a cousin 'on the other side of her family' and his wife Carol. Her daughters, Anna and Julia, with the men in their lives, also Anna's four month old son.
He thoroughly enjoyed all the attention, propped his eyes open as long as possible, but at last comes the time when sleep is the only possibility.
Really good to meet them all!
Monday 9th July
Very hot again today. A bit more cleaning up, some reading then decided must 'do something'.
Alex of Marlex had come to the boat to do a final check on the electrical system. Very thorough.
I drove the few miles to the ancient town of Godmanchester, just outside Huntingdon, with a largely non-navigable section of the Ouse.
This bridge is called the Chinese Bridge, rumoured to have been built without nails. It had to be dismantled and rebuilt in the 1980s - the rumour was found to be false!
The church is hoping to have extensive refurbishment to make it more versatile for community as well as church use. This gargoyle is on the porch!
In the evening went into Huntingdon to Sainsburys to replenish the store cupboard.
Tuesday, 10th July.
Met up with Judith again, over lunch at the George Hotel, one of the Coaching inns in the village.
We seemed to find lots to talk about - catching up on each other's news, reminiscing about family members of the past. Then back to the marina to show her our boat. Thank you Judith for making the time to spend time with me again.
Early evening collected Mike from Huntingdon station. His journey back was not the best and he certainly looked a bit weary. At least I'd made up a Cottage Pie in the morning so all that needed to be done was to put it in the oven.
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