9-10 Sept Peterborough

David took us back to Heathrow where we found the National Express bus station, and we think maybe the bus curse has been lifted!! The trip into London was spot on time despite the rain and 'tail backs' on the M4. I tried to take some photos but the sky was very dull and the bus window had raindrops all over it. Then we had to wait awhile for the Peterborough connection so had some lunch and then boarded another bus for the next leg.

The countryside is lush and green, but rather flat as we drove north to Cambridgeshire. Tony and Helen were awaiting us and whisked us away to Folksworth where we were to have dinner with all the girls and their families. We were missing Paul and Rick but it was great to catch up with  them all and see how the children had all grown. It reminded us of our family all being together - chaotic, but great fun. The younger ones made us invitations to a concert after dinner so we had some 'interesting' piano recitals too. They all send their love to you all, and Sarah especially sends love to you Cate; they were all anxious to know how you are.

Sarah with Evie, 6 (Rick at work).

Parents Ruth and Alex, with children Jake, Georgina, Harry and Imogen

Caroline with Rebecca and Joe (Paul at work).

Tony and Helen have made a lovely guest room upstairs with its own bathroom attached. We were very glad to 'hit the sack.' 

Tuesday morning we enjoyed a lovely brekky together and then went into Peterborough to see the Cathedral. We first visited St John the Baptist parish church in the middle of the town square. The buildings are built of lovely light coloured stone, and the amount of precision and artistic ability seen in the carvings, stained glass and other things is amazing when you think of the time they were built.

We walked to the massive Norman built Cathedral then. The sheer size is amazing. Katharine [sic] of Aragon is buried here and again I feel great sadness and horror at the way Henry 8th abused his position and his wives, and also the sheer brutality of people towards each other. Mary Queen of Scots was also buried here but it seems her remains were taken somewhere else.

The cathedral:

Reading all the info about the 12th century cathedral, its construction and its history made us reflect on how easily Christianity can degenerate from being about Christ and his achievements to being about mankind and his. With all the information on display, there was no sign of the gospel.

The Corn Exchange, between the church and the cathedral.

After picking up some bits from the Waitrose supermarket, we returned to the Batchelors' pad for some lunch, and a rest. It was cold and showering outside, but we sallied forth again to see some sights. It was nice to travel again the narrow roads into Northamptonshire midst the verdant countryside, encountering numerous quaint little villages along the way. There were quite a lot of cottages with thatched roofs too: they look so lovely. Diversions due to roadworks sent us astray, but we eventually found our way to the Triangular Lodge in Rushton. This remarkable structure, built in 1594-6 by Sir Thomas Tresham is well worth looking up. (It's full of symbolism relating to the Holy Trinity... Can you see any in this photo?)

Then it was home again for a cuppa' and supper. Tomorrow we travel to T&H's place in Kelling, on the Norfolk north coast.