Goodhand in Banbury

  One of the pleasures of being retired is to be able to do things you don't normally do such as being a tourist. This past week saw us taking a river cruise down the Thames with our youngest daughter starting at Westminster down to Greenwich. Another opportunity for a grown up's day out to include lunch, a stroll and chat. So we took a walk from home to Banbury station where the train was on time and arrived in London on time. This was certainly an improvement when we had to sit on the luggage racks. A quick tube journey saw us get to the wharf at Westminster with time to spare. This time our cruise was not interrupted with a boat breaking down. While many of the tourists on the cruise did not follow the information being shared in English it was really good, informative and funny.  You do get a different perspective on the city as you journey down what was the life blood of the city for so long. So ancient and modern buildings stand out and in a strange way complement one ano

Having been gifted a years entry to National Trust properties we are now trying to find the time to actually visit some. We knew what everyone said happens when you retire that you become busier than before. Well with grandparent duties, both in London and in Banbury, then trying to get the house and garden in order, and going to church etc etc etc time flies by and we are struggling to squeeze some visits in. So far we have managed Upton Hall, Hardwick Hall, Clivedon Gardens and Nunnington Hall. I will include some photos.  However the thing that strikes me in the light of our current political and economic crisis is what wealth some people had, some still do, in relation to the general population.  While its good that gardens and properties are preserved or renewed for all to enjoy ( well as long as you can afford to visit). I have felt that sense of unease about how these places came to be. It is especially challenging when we now see the dark side of one political party. Sadly this