Rows and pews

This morning we had a walk round Henley on Thames where the preparations are well underway for the regatta next week. The rowers were out in force practicing.

Then a 90 minute drive to near Godalming in Surrey to attend the celebration of my aunt’s life. The service was in a beautiful 13th century church - St Mary’s and All Saints at Dunsfold. There was a reputedly 1,500 year old yew tree in the grounds and the interior contained many original features.

We were told that the pews we were sitting on were among, if not the oldest, in the country dating from the late 15th century. They had certainly seen lots of use.

The sweet pea had been brought by a cousin, carrying on a tradition of her late father’s. We then gathered nearby at another cousin’s house (built in 1650) where we met up with other relations, old and young. It was a lovely occasion. It is sad that we tend to meet up for funerals these days but still good to keep in touch.