Friday, 15th August, 1981
Up early and off to Brentford to see the van. Went by tube after lots of discussion. Sandra and I don't care much for the underground. We nearly balked when, after
going down two flights of stairs, we were hustled into a lift to go down further
into the bowels of the earth. We
hesitated but bravely entered where the driver chatted quite madly
to either himself or us, we never did find out, then out to Brentford to pick
up the van, after a unanimous vote to buy same we started back through London
traffic to Paddington.
The afternoon was spent shopping and planning, filling the
larder for our farewell. After we sent the boys and Rae home with a pizza each, San and I
went into a small cafe for a steak and salad.
Have not found things expensive yet here in London - meal was £5.25 for both
and very nice. Bought 2 dolls, flags and
match boxes for the kids back home.
Saturday, 16th August, 1981
Up early to pack the van and bid our little rabbit warren
goodbye. With much trepidation and
nervousness, we set off into the London traffic. We had to
pick up the camping gear from Apex on the river embankments - we were there on
time, parked the van and headed for the rural district after visiting Ron
Phillips at Brentford again.
Made Chigwell for camp at
"Grange Farm" camping area - beautiful sleepy place, small narrow
roads, beautifully kept. Swimming pool,
tennis area for children £5 for the night.
John jogged up to the village and booked
us in for dinner at "Ye Olde Kings Head" in a beautiful Tudor
style - visited by Charles Dickens and included in his book "Barnaby
Rudge". Also Winston Churchill
country. This was his favourite spot in his country.
Had a very nice meal! John was
disappointed as they had visited this hotel last trip and had exquisite
service. This time it had changed
ownership and the service just wasn't as yesterday but then what is as
before? We could not complain about the
service - four people served us food and wine -crystal glasses, silver service,
tea service superb meal - about 10 pm we ambled home through country lanes to the
park.
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| Ye Olde Kings Head, Chigwell UK |
