On second thoughts .....

Julian called for me at 0600 and drove me to Gatwick, to catch the 10.40 BA flight to Antigua. I went to the Ascot Lounge after checking in and later June came to join me. Other members of our group were in the lounge and we passed comments.
We took off on time and were happily settled, especially as we were offered drinks.
June chose a white wine, while I had a G&T. Before long we had a lunch of chicken, plus a sweet and settled in for a 6 hour flight. Time difference was -5 hours. We slept on and off until breakfast just before we landed. The usual crowd of ?helpers were there to carry our bags to the taxis, but only June offered tips. The journey to Jolly Beach Resort was only about 30 mins through villages of shacks and on roads similar to those we experienced in Mauritius. We noted many Christian churches and meeting rooms. All the districts were named after Saints (John, George. Peter, Paul, Philip) - our district was St Mary's. The capital is St. John's. Antigua/Barbuda is one of the smaller of the West Indies, born many years ago out of the Caribbean Sea, probably a volcanic Island surrounded by many smaller uninhabited islands.and Part of the Windward Islands group..
We arrived at Jolly Beach Resort and Spa in very hot weather and we all queued up in reception for our accommodation keys. Our leader was Richard Roberts and he appeared to me reminiscent of Christopher Biggins, although this changed as we got to know him. We later learned that the resort had been built for German holiday makers.
We were taken to our ground floor adjoining rooms. June was in 1111 and I was in 1112
The small rooms were sparsley furnished with a double bed, large built-in wardrobe with safe, concrete built sideboard, with seat under, patio doors leading to rear seated patio and furnished with patio doors, one of which was insect proof. The others were glass sliding doors. There was an adjoining washroom containing shower with H&C plus wash basin. All very basic but liveable. It contained a permanent overhead five bladed fan and an Aircon unit. The front door was fitted with handle operated slats for additional air control.
The resort must have had many rooms, with some units on second and third floors.
The site was liberally planted with coconut trees, palm trees and many tropical plants. It had a large bar where we were able to have cash-free drinks (as the holiday was all-inclusive with food and drinks,) plus use of games room with TT and billiard tables. The restaurants were many and tidy with tables for inside, and outside tables under large sunshades. We had waitress operated tables and were continually supplied with ice-cold drinks - water, orange juice and beer, plus optional wines, coffee and/or tea.
There were two large swimming pools with masses of loungers, where some of our group got VERY sunburnt.
We had the usual get-together in the first evening, but June and I were happy with our own company. As it was a 'Singles' group holiday our group were mixed ages from all over the country, from Manchester, Newcastle, Kent, Hampshire, Bristol and even one from Brackley, only five miles from K/S. We kept ourselves to ourselves until the last night where we joined in with the evening's fun. As time wore on we got to know our 'leader' Richard, very well and he and June were both Sinatra fans, and that age group of entertainers and singers, were well known to us three. There was not much he did not know about bands, singers etc. He was a terrific guy and we got to know him very well. He was nothing like Christopher Biggins!! He was married with two grown-up children and lived in Bedford. He was about 60 and had been with holiday companies since he was 24. Travelling ALL-OVER the world with different companies. He was a very good comedian, with a host of stories and jokes.
Our first FREE trip was taken on our second day and was to Nelson's Dockyard, (Falmouth Harbour!) on the south of the Island, through mango and papiya forests, plus coconut and palm olive trees, also, those green pears with the large round stone inside, Can;t think of the name . Bathroom colours?? The harbour and dockyard were used in the 18th cent by the RN and contained guns. cannons to defend the Island. It is a beautiful Island and the large areas of open space on top of wonderful lookout points. Antigua is VERY English and liberally planted with Union Jack flags as well as local flags. There is a Union jack at the entrance to the Resort! Most of the guests were English, GREAT! popular Currency is the ubiquitous Yankee $ although some local dollars can be used if.....you get any!
The second day was round-the-Island trip (99$US,) but June and I stayed on site and were caught in the most tremendous tropical rain storm, which only lasted about 15 mins but we had decided to walk out to the seaside when June said that cloud behind us looks very black, and black it was and we got so wet we just ignored it and arrived at the bar absolutely soaked, but a couple of pina-colardoes soon put that right. We sat at the bar soaking wet, but drying in the hot sun,drinking G&T's and talking to Patrick on bar duty. We were happy just talking, reminiscing and enjoying each other's company and we were soon recognised by all the staff, who always got us the best tables. Just like Mauritius where there were tables with breakfast fruits of melons etc., then the bacon, sausage, baked beans and scrambled eggs table, with the separate fried, poached eggs and omelets table. Always fried potatoes, chips and onions too.
The lunch food was also very good, with all kinds of chicken and pork dishes, ginger beef; Yummy. Lovely puddings, too. Dinner was always good with wine and/or beer, plus sitting outside in the warm with full moon, etc. Heaven!! before staggering back to our rooms.
Next day June went off with the crowd, but Richard said I would be better back in the resort as there was a lot of walking, so I sat home by the bar, reading a book June lent me. A man came up to me and asked how old I was - Cheek. He said his wife thought I'd be about 70, but he thought I was 75!! He could hardly believe me when I said I was 84!! Chuddy bleek!!
Luckily Steve reminded me about June's birthday on the 17th. She had brought all her cards with her and displayed them on the shelf. I, too had got her a couple of cards, which saved my life!! Everyone wished her happy birthday and we had a lovely day.
We continued to enjoy just sitting in the sun, then drinking in the moonlight at night, chatting. It was very restful. June joined the Duty Free group going to the capital St. John's but I have been to so many so-called capital towns, but none to compare with Singapore or Colombo in Sri Lanka. So I red me book and sat by the bar.
Sunday evening and our group all got together to join in the fun of the local dance band with all kissee kissee as they all found me, after our seclusion during the week.!.
Monday soon came round and we had to pack our bags for a 3pm exit. A sad journey to the Airport, and on to a massive Boeing 777 on the runway to take us back to England.

Our trip o the West Indies

If anyone is interested in our trip to Antigua, I have done a report but it is in DAD's Diary and not in the family Blog. Love to all from Dad.

Home again

Arrived home from Antigua on Tuesday 21st June, after a glorious week, spent with Auntie June in the sunshine.
Met by Steve at Gatwick, thanks, Son. Julian mixed up the arrival date/time but Steve drove me to the M3 to meet Julian and we got home a little later. Next day Julian and Louis brought my Skoda back and we had a lunch at the White Horse in K/S.
I think I am over the time difference now. Can't wait for my next trip!!. Met some nice people - one from Brackley who I am meeting again for a drink and a chat.
Five miles is not far! Love from Merrow snr.

What a lovely day

Steve, Will and Gemma. Pete, Jan, Beth and Amy, Julian, Ruth and Louis Joseph, et Moi all collected at the Crewe Arms in Hinton-in-the Hedges on Sunday for lunch and for all Merrows to greet the latest little Merrow. who was pleased to see us and beamed at us all throughout the meal
'Twas a joyful, if noisy occasion as some of us had not met others of us,for some time.
The party broke up about 3-ish, for Julian and Ruth had to return to their holiday home in Little Assendon, near Henly to clean up before they move to their next 'house swap.'
Pete drove me home as Julian took my Skoda so that he could collect me for my flight from Gatwick on Tuesday (Tomorrow)
love to all those who could not make it (We all missed you)
from Merrow Senior.

Welcome to Hinton

All Booked from noon Sunday for six

Looking forward to seeing you all mwah!:)

Thanks to J&R&L

Thank you for taking me out to lunch at the Cartwright Arms in Aynho, yesterday. It was lovely to be with you three. Louis was his charming self, even when that very Motherly lady from Swansea took him in her arms, which he appeared to enjoy. His future looks bright!! love from his granddad

A Natural...

SENNA International Trailer

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrbJPsPtTyU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sent from my iPhone

Wormsley Estate

Junction 5 of M40, turn towards Ibstone, past that housing estate on the left then a large double gate appears on the right hand side. That is the gate to the Wormsley Estate. Hundreds of acres of wonderful parkland, fantastic cricket field and pitch, large lake. Didn't get to see the house.
The blue bell wood is nothing to do with Mr Getty, but Wormsley is in the space between Christmas Common Road and Ibstone road. Have a look on Google earth. What a place!
Click on Wormsley Estate on Google

Lovely opera..

Wormsley Estate

Isn't the bluebell wood we went to with Mum nearby?

Magic Flute

Pete and I enjoyed the Opera in the beautiful grounds of Wormsley, near Stokenchurch/Ibstone. The day was miserable and wet, also very cold, but Pete brought a picnic and we had big eats in the interval.Thanks Pete, and also Ruth for the tickets.

Another visit from Julian and Louis yesterday. Today is a lovely sunny day. Enjoy the day. Gd

THANKS FOR YOUR BLOG

Well done, Jess. I am glad you are enjoying your trip to Philippines, Love from Granddad