Day 19 - 27th April 2010 Cambridge Ely

Day 19 – Cambridge & Ely

A beautiful sunny day – almost like summer back home! A charming English breakfast then decided to not brave the parking in Cambridge and instead walked to the train station and went in by train (only 15 minutes and 4 pound each return!).

On the way saw more of the brilliant yellow fields which are everywhere. Took a bus into central Cambridge. Great shopping area – not that we purchased anything and then around to inspect the tremendous buildings around the various colleges. I didn’t realise Kings was only one of a number of educational institutions in Cambridge - including Queens, St Catherines, Trinity, Clare, Gonville & Caius, Downing etc – all with fantastic buildings dating back to1200’s, 1300’s and 1400’s. Kings chapel being the most spectacular which we paid to go into. 

Heaps of students everywhere doing tours – all seeming to speaking other languages from the continent so couldn’t eaves drop on their tour guides talks!

Was also a place of bikes. There were bikes everywhere – mostly old, and locked on fences, wires, walls etc or being ridden – virtually no helmets being worn.  This photo was at the train station!

After inspecting the young men “Punting” down the River Cam we returned to Ely by train once again – including sitting first at the front of a 2 decker bus – feeling like we were driving again!

Back in Ely we took a wrong turn and ended up in their terrific little Marina - glad we didn't miss it - was terrific

After a late lunch, we off to Ely Cathedral. This place is huge once again – but almost cathedralled out!!!! Still got St Peters to go though!!!!!

 I took the option to go on the Octogan tour (someone else decided to stay on terra firma!). The photo above shows where we went up to. This took me to the top of the main central tower – tremendous views back down into the church (there is one of Shona way below above) and we also had tremendous views across the city from the outside. About 43 metres down from where we looked into the church! Even high enough for me!

Then back to hotel to write up reports then out for Pub meal again probably.

Another terrific day – back to bustle of London tomorrow – for our final day in England (for now) – well if all goes to plan. Thinking we might try for Windsor and see if the Queen will meet us there since she wasn’t at Sandringham yesterday!!!!

Day 16 & 17 - Rest day and Sandringham

Well we finally decided a rest day was in order! (a surprise I know Shona!).




Late start – inspected my cousin’s Eleanor’s garden and after a leisurely start travelled to a pub not too far away called the Soaring Eagle – lovely lunch had by all. It was fantastic food and great service at the Spread eagle. Shona got sacked rrom ordering the wine.  She asked for Red wine and I don't know what they thought she said but they replied they didn't have any!  She let the English cousins explain what the "kiwi" was saying!

Must get some of these pubs into NZ!

A short drive later and went for a walk through a small local forest – great flowers throughout. Also saw some Nodding Donkeys – oil machines from the war period.

After visiting a couple of other local villages we returned home for a rest before heading out for a walk to another local pub.

Once again a great place – and had the pleasure of a night cap with Irish Whiskies – carefully vetted by my Irish cousin Jeannette who was with us!

Next day saw us up and ready to travel and to say farewell to my cousins – one who I had met for the first time and one for the second time – hope to catch up with these neat people again (and the rest of their families who we are yet to meet). They were off to the Cotswolds while we headed East.

We then headed off and ended up in King’s Lynn – no sure what else was to see but circum-navigated the centre of the city twice before finding a park then wandered to the shops. I think this was because we have been with Eleanor. She believes you see more if you drive in circles!

Decided to head then to Sandringham (about 15 minutes away). Just before getting there saw a sign to a castle so went and had a look at an old castle (Keep) called Castle Rising. About three stories high and inside a dirt built moat – must have been impressive in its day.

SANDRINGHAM
Then a drive through Sandringham Park/Forest and a visit to see the Queen – but she wasn’t at home.

Toured the little of the inside you are allowed in, the museum on site and the grounds – very large and impressive.

We looked at our watch and as it was already 4 pm decided the coast of Norfolk would have to wait for another day and headed for Ely (about an hour’s drive).  Pauline and Dave we rang Enid for a quick chat.






 ELY
Our hotel is in a great place (Lamb Hotel) looking out our bedroom window you can see the top of the cathedral which is no more than 2 minutes walk from the front door of the hotel – impressive building – will explore it tomorrow.

Visited yet another pub for dinner – great meals (fish and salmon) for about 4 pound each ($8 NZ approx). Prices are generally very similar to NZ or in some cases cheaper – but go up rapidly if you dine at anything flasher.

Until tomorrow then - exploring Ely and maybe Cambridge - we shall see what the day brings.

Day 17 - Belton Manor House

Up a bit later today but had to wait while we packed a picnic lunch.

Today we headed south and half way changed our plans and diverted to Belton Manor House. After a coffee we joined rows and rows of cars of visitors at this big manor house. This house (if one can called this a house) was built in 1685. 

It’s gardens covered a huge area including trimmed hedges, glass house, church (with some very old

Grave stones etc). It was like a huge park including a large lake and huge lawns – glad I’m not the caretaker. Very impressive though.

We then headed off and stopped off in a postcard type village called Exon – beautiful thatched houses etc.

On for lunch we had a picnic lunch at Rutland Water – a very large lake. Joiing many other people on blankets spread out in front of the lake. I also found a large cycle shop but unfortunately Shona said the bike wouldn’t fit in our bags!!!

Moving on we stopped in Stanford – a beautiful town with a river running through the middle, including many of bird guests on this house.

It was also a classic place for photo scenery to attract the photographer in me.

Then a long ride home as the sun set including a stop over at Folkington where we visited the church and looked at the Dutch styled houses.

Then home for lovely Salmon dinner.

Day 14 - Sherwood and Newark

Well a busy day again - no rest for the wicked. However a leisurely start to the day. We then went into the local village/town - some amazing scenerey inlcuing their castle on the banks of the Trent.

We also went into the market place which had an amazing square with a huge range of buildings around it.

We had morning tea in Newark then drove to Robin Hood Airport out of Doncaster where we collected Jeanette who had flown in from Ireland.
From there we travelled to a small village where we had lunch. We then travelled to Sherwood Forest and saw a huge old oak which they estimate is about 1100 years old - which is amazing when you consider that it could have been there when Robin Hood was wondering through the forest.

We also visited a neighbouring lake.

From there Eleanor took a creative route home through smaller rural roads and after visiting another large catehdarl /Minister we visited a small pub on the side of the river Trent. After a drink we travelled to a pub called "Full Moon" and had tea (duck for the ladies and haddock for me!).

Now back home and writing up the blog!

Day 14 - Lincoln

We stayed in a big hotel tonight in Nottingham, which fortunately included breakfast – yummy English breakfast.

We tried repacking – everything doesn’t seem to fit in our bags anymore and we haven’t really purchased anything yet!   

Revisited our school from yesterday to farewell them and thanked them for their terrific hosting of us.

Using Sally we then got to Coddington which is about 5 minutes out of Newark on Trent. This was about 1 hours travel.

We then decided to go and explore Lincoln which was about 40 minutes away.

This was a terrific place - could have easily spent longer there. Took a tour of Lincoln Castle - which was build back in the 11th century. Was then used as a prison - and had a history of hanging prisoners on the walls for the locals entertainment. It is now used by the courts as well.

Across from it is Lincoln Cathedral which is huge - apparently the third largest/highest in the world - after Rome and York. It was the highest building in the world for many centuries. It is massive - managed to get in before closoing time to see the inside - the choir was practising so that added to the atmosphere. 

Then Eleanor (my cousin) took us down some very steep narrow roads between shops to the water's edge and had a coffee. The problem was the car was still at the top of the hill so we then had to make our way back up again.

More photos on our milsonkiwi site!

Came home on some very narrow country lanes and now enjoying an evening catching up with family gossip!

Nottingham 21st April 2010

Well we had a full day yesterday. Up to say goodbye to Alan off to work and Rory to school. Left Angie to clean up the mess of her departing guests! Sally our Garmin sat nav worked well in getting us to Nottingham - although hit a traffic jam off the motorway which held us up for 30 minutes (found out later there had been an accident). Also Sally said the school was on the right- oops no on left so missed seeing the huge sign!!!! and had to return to find it.

Neat school Fairfield Primary - Headteacher Dave Howaston (friend of Doug Drysdale). About 400 children and very similar children to our schools - cheerful, bubbly and approachable. They are waiting for Offsted to visit! An older building - orginally designed as a hospital for the war - two story.
Visited classes and looked at fantastic wall displays in rooms and classes. See milsonkiwi blog site for some photos.
We then experienced an English school cooked lunch eating lunch with the children - a new experience.
After lunch we sat in on a meeting with the local schools.

We then were taken out to tea with Dave the Headteacher and his lovely wife Anne.  They are eating mussels here.

Drove and then walked into the middle of Nottingham - great town hall and some older Tudor style buildings around - with a mix of new and old. Very nice meal - great company. Then walked up (chilly evening) to Nottingham castle - impressive wall and gates - the actual building inside has been converted into a museum. Took the compulsory photo of Robin Hood and his merry men and then visited the oldest pub in England which is built into the walls of the castle - great atmosphere - highly recommended.

Following a beer and a NZ red wine then  we headed to our hotel - Nottingham Gateway - a large conference type hotel. Nice room.  It was a marvelous day.  Cause then Noslim had to write up his site first .
Fine weather predicted for next couple of days. (although chilly).

Day 12 - 20th April Nuneaton Schools

We visited two two fantastic local schools today. We were very impressed. The atmosphere in both these schools were great, and we enjoyed our time there.
 
We went to Micheal Drayton Junior School - has 7-11 year olds, and were shown around by the headteacher John Buxton. 
A school of around 440 children. Web site www.mdjs.co.uk was very impressive school. From an ICT perspective they had interactive whiteboards and datashows in every room along with teacher laptop, and then had 2 or 3 desktops available in each room. They also had a very large computer suite (all PC) of about 40 computers. This meant two classes could be in at one time and teachers as well as children could share ideas.  All schools we have visited have been noted as schools with high levels of ICT - Mark of BECTA. A special award given to certain schools. 
We had a class demonstrate a haka from a recent study - which they really enjoyed perfroming for us. The kids were great in all schools visited so far.
They have a huge range of resources - scanners, cameras, printers, used IPods for sound and video capture; access to the Warwickshire portal which gives them access to software and hardware backup etc.

We had a nice lunch at a local restaurant. Angie again needed her food cut for her again. She is finding out how many things she can't do.

Second school we visited was Wembrook Primary. This is the largest primary in Warwickshire with about 650 children from 3 years to 11 years. Very friendly children - Principal Simon Pearson showed us around. Some buildings older than others but great displays in corridors and classrooms. ICT wise interactive boards in all rooms plus a couple of desktops. They also have a computer suite of about 30 desktops and 2 PODS of 20 laptops that can be borrowed. Their latest initiative is to go wireless (wi fi) across ther school and have toshiba notebooks for all Year 4 pupils. This will over the next 2 years go across to all Year 5 & 6 children. Pupils can (and are expected) take these home and work on them at home = and also to charge them every night - they have a 9 hour battery which is amazing. Laptops are all labelled from the school as well. They have software that allowed what every child was working on in the room to be displayed on the interactive whiteboard. They can display that work and copy information across to other computers. The teacher can also interupt pupils work by in effect freezing their computers by saying "pay attention" - although one pupil did say he knew how to get around that!!

Now back home - heading out for a chilly bike road with some locals - could be interesting since I haven't ridden for a fortnight!! Although the weather is fine, there is certainly a chilly wind. I will report back later on this.

ps addition later - managed the bike ride thanks to a friendly local who lent me his bike. They were a bit faster than me but kindly didn't leave me behind - mainly because if they had I would have been lost - amazing riding through a maze of small windy country lanes and then whizzing through little villages with thatched roofs and corner pubs in every village and an occasional church - bit like the Tour de France - just a lot slower and only 3 of us! Would love to do more riding in the area - but if by myself would need to carry a detailed map or better yet a GPS system like in the car or would get horribly lost. Still survived the ride - chinese for tea!
Off to Nottingham tomorrow to visit another school - wonder if we will run into Robin.(Hood of course) - will stay there overnight. Got wireless in hotel so should be able to keep blogging!     
   

Day 11 - School Visits

19th April 2010 Monday 
Well first day of having to do some thinking for a change.  We went to visit Colin one of the  e-learning advisors at Wedgnock House. He took over looking after us as Richard who set it up, was stuck in USA - due to the volcano.  We can't thank Colin enough. We learnt lots about the ICT development services centre and were very impressed with what they are doing in Warwickshire. 


Colin then took us to visit Telford Infant school. Children from 4 years old to 7 years old. Again we were impressed. They intergrated ICT into the programmes and we saw lots of children showing an awarness of their learning. Thanks to the Head teacher. We enjoyed meeting you.

Day 10 Nuneaton

18th April 2010 Sunday
Quieter day today.
We are wondering if we are going to be able to fly out of England next week or not. 

I (Shona) helped Angie with the washing -- as she had broken a bone in her hand, this was a job she could not manage.  
We walked around Nuneaton today

Then we went and watched Alan referee rippa rugby (8 year olds were playing)  (photos of that are on the Milsonkiwi page)

Day 9 - Cotswolds

Day 9  17th April 2010
Alan took us to show us around the Cotswolds. What a fantastic place. Roads were very narrow but quite busy since it was a very fine Saturday - so plenty of tourists around.

We went to the Hidcote gardens - they were amazing. Lana you would have enjoyed taking photos there.

We went to a little village Illmington and walked around. Everywhere you looked was so beautiful. Including this very old church dating back from Norman times - surrounded by gravestones and daffodils!

We had lunch at a village pub. Then drove on through the country side and came across this arched bridge!

We also walked around Bourton on Water along with a few other hundred people.  A great spring day so every one was out enjoying the day.

Now we are very very very tired - but I won't tire you with the other 100 photos we took!

Day 8 - London to Nuneaton

17th April 2010 Today was all about travelling. Up early to say farewell to our hosts and then repacking our bags yet again. Wondering down the road dragging our bags and got asked about 3 times - you're not planning on flying are you?

Caught the underground again (with no driver yet again) and managed eventually to find our way through to the London City Airport Station.Got our Ford car - with some scraps down the side!!!! from hertz.

Drove up the M1 using the satnav lent from our nephew (harold's satnav wouldn't talk to us!!   YET ). Heaps of cars - and had forgotten the speed limit so had to do some guessing. Got to Nuneaton about 1 pm and then found Angiue with a broken hand - she had had a fall this morning at work - some people will do anything to get time off work to spend it with us?    (ps from shona COOL ah!)

Explored the local village as well as Alan's school and now enjoying an evening with A & A.

Day 7 - London

Had a great day exploring Greenwich followed by Campden Market area. Ian was our guide this day.  Shona felt happier about that!
We found all the " time pieces" made at the Greenwich museum that I read about in the book I borrowed from Jim about Longtitude - great to see them in real life. Not much wonder they took years to make.
Campden market was great with so many stalls and also a huge area with bronzed statues of horses, blacksniths and carts etc.

This was a real experience - especially if you wanted to get a tattoo or some body piercing - there was plenty of places on offer. Including this place that had some novel seats to sit on.

A really good day - including exploring the underground and also travelling on the DLS line where the trains had no driver - a bit scary to sit at the front and have no driver around!