Golden light...

Basildon Park, West Berkshire 

While P was at the hairdressers this morning, went for a stroll around Goring, crossing the Thames and watching boats pass through the locks, before visiting the church with its unusual tower staircase (extras 1-3). Next stop was just across the bridge at The Swan at Streetly where we had a lovely time relaxing in the garden on the banks of the Thames (extra 4).

Basildon Park was just down the road so the perfect spot for lunch in the café courtyard before a wander around the house, where once upon a time P’s mother used to help out in the kitchen and grand dining room (extras 5-7 - be warned the last extra is totally zany and purely for my own amusement!). After a stroll around the gardens in the 29 degree sunshine, an ice cream was needed before heading back to the car.

Back at the car park P received an upsetting phone call which has sent her, her husband and daughter hurrying off to the local hospice this evening. The last few days have been very difficult for the family but they saw my visit as a welcome distraction. I was glad to help out in just a small way but I must admit it has brought back a lot of painful memories...

Thank you so much for all your kind stars and hearts for yesterday’s Buscot Park blips, such a beautiful place to visit.