What an emotional day. After a beautiful english breakfast courtesy of our host Derek we were picked up by Mum's cousin Margaret and given a tour of Weston and surrounds then we made the trip to Congresbury to see Honeymeade Cottage.
This is the house my Mum was born in and spent the first decade of her life. I have heard so many stories about this place and it was wonderful to hear some of those stories again from Margaret today.
The photo on the left is the part of the house where Mum lived with her Mum, Dad and brother Les. The photo on the right is the part of the house where her Gran and Pa lived.
Pa was well known for his apple cider and the orchards still stand today. Many stories have been told of his love for his cider - including one night when the bombs were dropping in WWII and he refused to go to the bonb shelter until he finished his cider! He managed to finish his drink without spilling a drop!
From there we drove to St Andrews church where many of the family are buried including my great grandparents,, great aunt Dolly and great aunt Gladys.
Whilst there I found this gorgeous gate in the fence and could see where Frances Hodgson Burnett got her inspiration from for The Secret Garden.
We then walked around to the front of the church where the school that Mum used to attend stands. The school has now been extended and the building is now used for administration.
Then we travelled onto West Brinsea Farm. The farm of Mum's aunt Dolly and uncle Jack. This was where Mum and Margaret spent so much time together growing up and Mum has always talked about her wonderful favourite aunty Dolly and the time spent with her. To travel there we went through this gorgeous tunnel of trees.
Then Margaret dropped us back into Weston and we went to Weston Pier. This pier was derelict after being destroyed in a fire and has only recently been restored and re-opened in 2010. Two levels of arcade games, go karts, laser maze, and heaps more. We had heaps of fun. There were skiing simulators, jet boats and even a skateboarding simulator!
After that we walked back to our guest house and had a short rest before being picked up by Margaret to go out to dinner with her and her daughter Denise.
We went to an amazing Italian restaurant and had a lovely dinner together. Our day was over way too soon and we had to say our goodbyes to Margaret.
It was a very emotional day for me with lots of highs and lots of memories and sharing. I still miss Mum so very much and I wish she had been here with us. Margaret is getting frail now and so I think this may be the last time we see her as she says she could not come back to Australia again.
Todays tally:
Steps: 9341
Tears shed - lost
Smiles and laughter - even more
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