Oxford Botanical Gardens

Here

From top left:
grapefruit (citrus paradisi)
sea holly
tapeinochilos spectabilis
water hyacinth

I went on a WEA minibus-trip to Oxford. leaving at 9 am in heavy rain. Oh dear! However, by the time we got to the town centre the rain was slackening off. We'd booked a tour of the Oxford City Museum, which is, surprisingly, still a working town hall. In Cheltenham and Gloucester both of the Town Halls/Guildhalls have been turned into arts centres. This one has a court room and everything! It hasn't been used as a court since 1986, but magistrates go there to practise, and it featured in the film A Fish Called Wanda. The mace, that ceremonial stick-thing that is used in full council meetings, is the second-largest in the UK, and was loaned to the House of Commons after Michel "Tarzan" Heseltine picked up the H of C mace and brandished it, damaging it in the process. We saw it it in a glass case (the mace, not Michael Heseltine!)

After the tour and almost getting tangled up with a wedding party at the town hall and ruining their photographs, we drifted across town to a place called The Vaults for lunch. Coincidentally, my cousin's husband had been telling me about this cafe the week before, and wondering whether the owner should open a similar establishment in Stroud. After that lunch, I'd say yes! I had a gluten-free chicken friscassee with tons of chicken in it; a hearty salad; and new potatoes, for less than nine pounds. Tap water was also provided; no pressure to buy drinks at £3 extra.

Later, Irene, one of our party, accompanied me and another member, Angela, to the Botanical gardens, adjoining the river and next to Magdalene College. I was delighted to discover this oasis in the heart of the busy city, teeming with tourists. I'd happily spend a whole day there.

In due course, we wended our way back through town to the Science Museum, via a coffee shop. We were being picked up outside the museum, but I didn't feel I had to go in. Besides, it was no longer raining!

The minibus stopped at Brimscombe, about two miles from my home, and I wandered home along the canal, in the late evening sunshine, watching ducklings swimming with mother, and looking forward to my supper of Steve's tofu special and Helena's frozen raspberry delight. I was, as they say in true British understatement, not disappointed.

Must remind myself not to leave it another nine years before I visit Oxford!