Stardate 2010.009 Nottingham Adventure

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Since I had a later flight and more luggage than usual, I was able to coax my sister, Linda, into driving me to the airport. I met up with Wendy in Denver where we caught our flight to Orlando. Ken and Sharon Miller met us and transported us to the La Quinta for our overnight stay and subsequent flight to the United Kingdom. We enjoyed a late dinner and some long overdue visiting with Ken and Sharon at a nearby sports bar then we left two pieces of luggage until our return for the Kissimmee BOD.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

We were able to sleep in late on Sunday before catching the hotel shuttle to the airport. Luckily we had plenty of time as there was a long line to check in for our flight. We had lunch at an Italian restaurant before tackling the security line although as it turned out the line moved quickly.

Monday, January 11, 2010

We had a quick (7 hours) and easy flight into Manchester airport on Virgin Atlantic airlines although the seats were a bit cramped in the cheap section. We watched a few movies and slept as best we could. We arrived a bit early, both schedule wise as well as time wise - 8 in the morning. Mike Ashton was there waiting for us. He had been up for hours checking on our flight status and driving to the airport which was a couple of hours in the snow. We had a joyful ride to our new home for a few days "Glebe Cottage"

What a charming home the Ashton's have. The home is actually two cottages that have been connected by an addition between them. One of the cottages was built in 1700 while the other was built in 1725. You can imaging the settling that must have occurred and it showed as most of the floors were not particularly level throughout the home. Some of the ceilings were lower than in modern homes so you needed to watch your head through some of the doorways but all this just added to the warmth and charm of the home and we both felt very welcome and at home.

We had a spot of tea with Claire before she was off to the airport to pick up their other house guests from Germany. Wendy went upstairs for a nap while I shared a beer and conversation with Mike before I could tell that it was time for me to examine the inside of my eyelids. I managed about 2 hours of sleep. When I returned downstairs Elsbeth and Eugen Rommel had arrived and we became acquainted. Elsbeth is the Chairman (president) of the German Senate.

Claire then took Elsbeth, Eugen and I for a walk around Clifton village culminating at the Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, first built in the 10th century and used extensively since that time.

Back at the cottage we enjoyed a glass of Champagne and conversation around the fireplace in the "Lounge", their living room and entertainment center. The next event was dinner and everyone joined in to chop, stir, mix, and set the table. What a grand dinner it was; roast duck breast, fig/apple compote, steamed Brussels sprouts, carrots and leeks' potatoes and of course a glass or two, or three of wine. This was highlighted by pleasant conversation for the rest of the evening. We then retired to the lounge for some excellent brandy before trodding off to bed.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

I slept very well until a bit after 8am when I washed up and went downstairs to see who else had awoke. Claire was the only one up and she set up her computer so I could check my e-mails. Then the house came alive with everyone looking for a spot of tea or coffee. We all shared breakfast then got ready for the days adventure. Mike had arranged for a van and driver and we set out for Birmingham and Mike's metal plating factory. The factory was amazing with so much going on in a small building. The variety of products that his staff processes on a daily basis was very interesting. Chrome, Brass were two of the metals that they plate on a variety of products as well as anodizing if everything from rivets to fishing pole ferrules, hinges, screws and even dart shafts are process in his factory.

Our next stop was at "The Bull" which, as Mike says, is a "proper Pub". It is a grand old English Pub claimed by some to be started in 1729 as a beer retailer and gun maker. We engaged in sampling a few genuine English beers and a variety of dishes, some potato and sausage stews, casseroles and other old English dishes. After lunch we drove down GAS Street which is the first street in England to be lited by gas lights. We then stopped by "The Hole in the Wall" which is actually a small passage in a wall which leads to a bridge overlooking the canals and the walkways pubs and cafes lining this area of the canals. Not much activity in this snow and cold but I could see where it would be a bustling area during the summer months.

That evening we went to The Coopers Arms for dinner. Alas, we got lost (twice) and arrived a bit late ( after stopping for directions) but our reserved table was waiting patiently. This is a 17th century mansion which now houses the pub and a claim to fame is their "Carvery" basically a buffet wherein they "Carve" the meats to your order. We all enjoyed a meal, wine and conversation.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I awoke early and went downstairs where Mike and Claire were up. We enjoyed a spot of tea and conversation before the others came downstairs. Mike had left the lights on in his car and his neighbor, Dave, came over to jump start the vehicle. The jump would not work so we removed the battery and would drop it off at his mechanic's to charge until we returned in the evening.

We set out for adventure for the day driving around the city of Nottingham. One of our stops was Wallaton Hall, the original home of the Willoby family and currently a museum and public social hall. There is a large heard of Red Deer on the property all decked out in their fine Antlers. We exited the van only briefly to take photos as the ground was very icy and slippery not to mention very cold.

We then set out to Sherwood Forest. There was quite a bit of snow but we walked around the major part of the forest surrounding the visitor center where the mighty Oak trees dominate and are quite impressive. Not like the American Oaks these trees are mostly thick trunks with short limbs. We visited the "Major Oak" a mighty tree where legend has it Robin Hood lived. We made a contribution to the local economy at the Visitor Center then back to the van and lunch in Southwell. We then visited Southwell Minster Cathedral. A massive structure with multiple areas for services. A highlight was the Chapter House, a circular room from the 13th century which is famous for the exquisite carvings of leaves with carved heads of animals and green men. in the center was the Stations of the cross. The sculpture consists of twelve stations each depicting a scene from the moment that Christ was taken before the Tribunal where he was condemned to be crucified until the actual crucifiction.

Back to Nottingham and Ye Olde trip to Jerus Alen Pub. History dates back 800 years and is carved into the sandstone caves under Nottingham Castle. Rumor has it that the Pub is haunted although we failed to see any ghosts.

Upon our return to Glebe Cottage we all needed a warm spot O tea before all pitching in to prepare dinner. While dinner was on slow cook I and Eugen accompanied Mike out to the "Barn" to set up for the evenings entertainment. Originally this structure, separated from the house, was a small barn that had fell into disrepair. Mike had it completely refurbished and remodeled and now is a wonderful entertainment spot and office. Mike had also purchased a baby grand piano which fits well in one portion of the barn. Graham and Jill Barker, neighbors of the Ashton's and musicians in their own right arrived around 7pm. While we all enjoyed a glass or two of champagne they entertained us with a magnificent piano and violin recital. What a treat!

After the recital we returned to the cottage and enjoyed a wonderful Rack of Lamb meal. We then retired to the Lounge for brandy, chocolates and conversation until around midnight when we all retired for the night.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The first order of business was to replace the battery in Mikes car while he was cooking "A real Senate breakfast". And what a breakfast it was; Fillet steak, Lambs Liver,Bacon, Lambs Kidney,Two kinds of sausage, with eggs, bread, sauteed mushrooms and braised tomatoes. Really great but not something I could eat on a frequent basis.

We packed the cars and headed South to Milton Keynes for the drumming out program. What wonderful hosts the Ashtons are, they really enjoy having house guests and spare nothing to make everyone feel comfortable. It is not tidy and neat but more like staying in your own familys home as it is very comfortable and easy to feel completely comfortable and at home. There is no words to express our thanks for a wonderful time. I hope that I can Return their hospitality sometime in the future.

Thank You Mike and Claire.