Wednesday, April 30, 2003

 

Day 6 Cricklade, Wiltshire Wednesday 30 April 2003

After a quiet morning and early afternoon we prepared for the visit of Peter and Joan Shilitto, Vicky’s Uncle and Aunt due at 4 p.m. but they didn’t arrive until 4.30 p.m., later Vicky said they always arrive late. However we found Peter and Joan pleasant. Peter and I exchanged reminiscences of Lowther and Ullswater, although we were of similar age and lived no more than 4 miles apart we never met, Peter of course attended boarding school at St. Bee’s. Peter brought a large-scale map of Ullswater with him and we spent a few pleasant moments talking of times long ago. We had mutual acquaintances in Ann Lowther, daughter of Lady Lowther and Mrs. Baldry of near Howtown, a large short-tempered lady, always angry and talked in a shout. Peter gleaned information from me for his speech duties in giving the bride away at Vicky’s and Ian’s wedding. Joan and I talk a little of books, garden and some history of which I’m no expert. She brought some greenery for Vicky and some scarce white heather for Vicky’s bouquet, a nice gesture. I learned later Peter and Joan were Quakers and I must have shown my astonishment of the fact. They just did not seem to fit the picture. A friend of mine, an orphan was brought up by Quakers… he thought the world of them. Quakerism started up near Penrith. Of Peter and Joan, I liked them.

Vicky arrived home from school duties around 6.30 p.m. and Ian, Anthony and Gillian arrive back from their London expedition. Over dinner Anthony and Gillian regaled us with their stories of their experiences from the Underground and sightseeing to the West End nightlife and the shows. Their eyes sparkled with excitement and Ian quietly beamed on the side as they told their tales, sure of the fact that he had showed them a good time up in London.

Well it was another busy day after all and I headed for bed.

posted by OldEric 3:08 am