Family History

Our dull weather day didn't stop us getting out and about. Starting with breakfast for 6 at my house, at about 9.30 then heading to Sheringham all in Manda's 7 seater. When we got there it was drizzly, but we pushed on, taking in the railway station and most charity shops on our way down to the sea. Suddenly it was 12.30 and people were hungry, so we went into Whelk Coppers and had a light lunch. It was lovely in front of the fire there.

We eventually headed home via Cromer and then took Bracken out for a walk to the allotment. I was keen to show off my plot! The broad bean plants survived the night!!

We got in at 4ish and Jon was home, having had a really early start. Manda suggested we took a drive to Matlaske where we had spent happy days as children, visiting 'Uncle Sidney' (he was actually my dad's uncle Sidney) with my parents and nana. We used to have day trips out from Hoddesdon, as Sidney Ketteringham was the Cowman on Hall farm, and lived in the most amazing house which was part of his job. So this afternoon, Manda and I, armed with 2 photos (one taken in 1971 and the other circa 1979) of us outside the cottage, drove over. It is hard to find, and we had to go through two sets of gates. But we braved it, and knocked on the door. A delightful lady opened the door and stared warily at us. We explained who we were and showed her the photos (I thought it would look more like we had a proper reason to be there if I had proof we'd been before)! She was so pleased to see us, and her daughter too. She got her coat and two sticks and walked us round the garden, explaining which parts were still Sidney's plants (forsythia, raspberries, rhubarb etc) and also proud of what her husband had done since they moved in, over 30 years ago. She told us what they had done to preserve the house and keep the original features. It is 15th and 16th century. She was so proud of it. She loved the photos especially as one has Sidney and Clara in it. Then she even took us into her lounge, which had been Clara's kitchen when we were young. If you like character cottages, which I do, this was the best. I would love a house like this. When renovating the kitchen they had discovered a huge inglenook fireplace behind the kitchen stove. We simply had a fantastic ending to our day. We swapped details and we have been invited back in the summer. Hopefully mum and dad will want to visit with us. I've added the 1979 photo.

Back home, we cooked dinner and all ate together. Then had an evening of Pandemic. We didn't win this time, but I think Cameron and Iona were taken by it. It is quite an addictive game. One we can play again with them.

Some plans to visit more family historical sights tomorrow before Manda and the kids head home. Now I need to get to bed after the excitement of the day!