- .. My Trip 198 ?
My Name Frederick E Stephenson
My Residence 6 Henry Street Koo-wee-rup Victoria
My Telephone 971274
My Policy …………. is to moan all day
March 11th
Left Australia for a 6 week Holiday in England. Owing to strike action by petrol transport workers our Jumbo Jet was delayed by 5 hours.
On this day, at 6.30 p.m. we took off for Singapore where we touched down for 1 hour.
Arrived there in very humid conditions. (stinking hot). Was rather amazed at the size of the airport.
The time taken from Melbourne was 7 ½ hours. Next stop was Bahrain. We walked through the transit lounge where all the benches were occupied by the natives and used as beds. These men could have been employed at the airport.
We took off again after only 35 minutes stop, for the final stop; and arrived at London Airport in a thick fog at 9.am. (on March 12th.) We circled twice before being allowed to land. The touch down was barely noticed.
London airport is one of the busiest in the world. One plane taking off every 80 seconds; the same goes for planes landing.
After walking along a corridor nearly a mile long we collected the luggage near the exit; this was conveyed on an elevator to this point.
We were met here by Reg Bennett and Steve’s Father and half a dozen friends of Dot’s.
After a short drive we arrived at the house where we are staying and were met by the police, our first thought was, “there has been a death or an accident ???”; but no, the house had been broken into before we arrived and the next door neighbor had reported to the police, however there appeared to be nothing taken so it was surmised that they had been disturbed.
This is a lovely home, 2 story, 4 bedrooms upstairs and all centrally heated. Mrs. Mountney came and welcomed us, and gave us the keys to the car; also invited us to visit she and her husband on the Isle of Man.
We all got into the car and went to the Super Market and spent our first money in England. Well food is dearer than in Australia.
I was in bed at 7 o’clock that night.
March 13th
The sun rose and so did we on a bright and crisp day. All rugged up and with a packed cut lunch we headed off for KEW GARDENS and what a park it is.
Large clumps of blue, white and yellow croquer ?? growing in the lawns made quite a picture. Daffodils, hyacinths, polyantha’s were all coming into bloom. The trees have still to get their leaves, but almonds, peaches and plums are all in flower. The area of the garden would not be less than 300 acres.
Coming home we drove through Richmond Park with hundreds of deer grazing quietly by the roadside.
At night we drove out to Egham to see Dot’s Brother.
March 14th
Up and away again, this time to London to see the changing of the guards at 11 am. We got there at 10.45 and Steve took the car, with our overcoats in the boot, to park; to our dismay the noticeboard read, “there will be no change today”………..there we were, standing in the freezing cold with no coats. And it was cold!!
The taxis were dropping?? Loads of people, and many of them were foreigner’s who could not read.
Westminster Abbey…….. Well I’m afraid no pen of mine can describe what we saw in this magnificent building.
An old man on the bridge over the Thames was feeding the pigeons and sparrows. We drove round Trafalgar Square. Saw No. 10 Downing Street, the Cenotaph, House of Commons and House of Lords.
March 15th
We spent the day visiting Dot’s relatives and friends.
Aunt Sarah, a lovely old lady of 90, as spritely as a Kitten and has a wonderful memory.
Dot’s brother Fred who has had a stroke. It was very touching to see then meet again.
Home and into bed at 12.15
March 16th
Not up very early, all a bit tired, packed a lunch and headed off for Windsor Castle; the Castle is built right on top of a hill with the lawns and gardens and playing fields directly below …. The Queen has a wonderful view for miles. The river Thames flows close by. The Castle was once circled by a moat; lawns and garden now take it’s place.
Guards are stationed at different points. We were unable to go inside the building, but were allowed to wander anywhere inside the gates.
Caton Collage could be seen from the Castle and we had a close up, when we drove around it.
Langley Park, a garden of Rhododendrons’, some of these were quite old trees…… some had already flowered, others in various stages of bloom. All this was laid out in a natural setting, very high pines, myrtle and many deciduous trees growing in many acres of ground.
We then went for a drive along narrow, winding country lanes with the hedges right up to the side of the carriage-way. Some of these lanes are only one way. We ended up at Black Park where there is a natural lake. This is where men and boys bring their speed boats and sit on the bank operating them by remote control.
March 17th
We left for London to visit the Tower where many Royal personage’s were executed. The Bloody Tower!!
In this place all the Royal Crowns are kept, together with all the treasures of Royalty. One crown had 600 diamonds on it, other stones were rubies, Safire’s and emeralds.
On display was the armory of the century’s, as far back as William the Conquer,
One could spend hours in these places but we had to move on so we went into St Paul’s Cathedral. Here again we were struck with the beauty and holiness of everything it contained and the architecture was magnificent.
We waited for a time as there was a service; Even Song. To hear the choir boys sing was something to remember.
Heading for home we crossed London Bridge, but the children wanted to go over Tower Bridge which is only a short way down ……… so Steve takes us over. I think, much to his sorrow, we are now heading away from home on a main carriage way.
The traffic was bumper to bumper and only crawling. It seemed hours before we could get off this road and again head for home where we arrived at 20 to 8.
Had tea, Sue stayed with the children and Dot, Steve and I went out to see Marj and Reg Bennett. Returned home at 12.00.
Tuesday March 18th
The first thing we did was to go and secure a camper van in which to go touring for the next 3 weeks. Having done this we stocked up with groceries and set off for London.
We walked across Hyde Park; crossed Rotton Row where they all ride their horses. Then we entered the Museum where one can see the Dinosaurs and almost any wild animal in the world. School Children are there by the score to further their education.
A walk through Harrods, renowned throughout the world for charm of atmosphere and unequalled ranges of merchandise. But the prices of articles were far and above similar goods in Australia.
We are now in West End where they hold the Command Performance at the Palladium for the Queen. All the principal theatres are in the West End.
During the afternoon we passed by Lake Serpentine and saw some of the large ships on the Thames. These ships are sailed up the river and into locks. The Tower Bridge is raised to let them pass under or through.
While resting in the Museum, Dot was approached by 3 Dutch girls who asked could they interview her. They wanted to know about Australia. This was all to do with their education.
We walked down Regent Street where all the jewelers are…..Soho with its naked ladies….. Down the escalators to the underground. These escalators are very long and take you down some hundreds of feet below to the trains, but the depth below varies from on the surface to 300 ft in places. Sometimes one underground will be running on top of another. They are very fast, get their power from between rails, like slot cars, run frequently and are always crowded.
Wednesday March 19th
Dot and Sue cleaned up the house while Steve went for the camper van, which we loaded up and set off towards the south. It was afternoon when we reached the beach at Brighton. The beaches are covered with small water washed stones. Small bathing boxes line the beach for miles, they can be hired for the day. Everything is clean and tidy here.
A thing that struck me, was the lovely walls in these places; they are all faced with the stones from the beach and look most attractive.
We made camp by the wayside and during the night the wind blew up disturbing our sleep to some extent.
Thursday March 20th
We set off to inspect Arundel Castle which represents a small edition to Windsor Castle. It has for more than 500 years been the home of the Fitzalan Family. The oldest part of the buildings dates from Norman times. The library built early in the 19th century is 117 ft long and 38 ft wide and constructed entirely of Honduras mahogany. The castle is rich in art treasures by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Reynolds.
The Alms House built in 1396, 20 men lived here receiving alms.
That night we camped in a little sheltered spot in the New Forest, where the ponies run wild and are rounded up once a year. The little donkeys are very quiet and came right up to our van and were fed by the children.
In the morning, as soon as they were up they were off to find the donkeys. They were very loath to leave the New Forest, which in area is some thousands of acres. 9992
Chichester Cathedral erected by Ralph Luffa who was bishop from 1091 – 1123. Built of stone from the Isle of Wight. On each side of the nave are a series of chapels. In past years the Cathedral has been damaged by storm, fire and Cromwell soldiers. The 277 ft spire collapsed in the 13th century in a storm which blew for several days, while teams of men tried to avert the disaster.
The old Roman Palace was discovered while putting in a sewerage drain or water main in 1960. The whole site has been carefully unearthed and the mosaic floor put together where it was damaged and where it was possible to do so. A very interesting item of Roman Ruins, very well restored by hundreds of workers who have done this voluntarily.
We concluded this day by a late inspection of Nelson’s ship The Victory. The ship is well restored (and) has 4 decks, has 3 main masts and carries 120 guns (that) fire 20 lb. cannon balls.
Our Guide was either Dutch or Danish, had a lisp and was not easy to understand. (we) finished the tour right on 5.30 PM. The guide was Scotch.
(March 21st )
Beaulieu Palace House and Abbey.
The Montagu Family are the present owners of the palace, it having been made over to them by Beaulieu. However they found that the cost of upkeep was beyond their means. John Montagu who was a connoisseur of cars opened up as a museum 30 years ago. Today there are more than 200 exotic cars. It is run now by the National Museum Trust, with John Montagu at its head.
The Palace and Abbey are of great interest. Beautiful carving, antique furniture and paintings in most rooms.
March 22nd
Salisbury Cathedral. The clock is the oldest existing clock in England, made in 1386; and is almost certainly the earliest remaining mechanical clock in virtually complete and working condition in the world.
We made camp again, in the New Forrest, but this time it was on the opposite side to where we camped before. The area of this forest is 9992 acres.
Sunday March 23rd
We had a look at Stonehenge, the old ruins of historical fame. We then made our way to Dorset, Blamford, Wareham, Poole Harbor, Lolworth Cove, Couffe Castle which we viewed from the road is very much in a state of ruin.
Blamford is an army base and range. We drove over the ranges to get here. We left here in pouring rain and made our way towards Devon with its winding roads and hedge running at all angles , some twisting and curving from one point to another.
Very few paddocks are on the square. Many country homes are thatched with straw, the whole countryside most picturesque.
We camped that night in a private Caravan Park which was not yet complete; cost #1. (pound)
(Monday March 24th maybe)
Next morning, after heavy rain during the night, we set off for Plymouth Ho.
The morning was nice and sunny as we walked down to the beach…..a vast array of steps cut into the rock lead down to the water. Up above is the fortress with its guns pointing out to sea.
A public bowling green was being rolled by the green keeper where Raleigh finished his game before meeting the Armada.
From a vantage point in the park we could count the spires of 7 churches.
Sitting here in the carpark writing this, I looked up and saw Drake Hotel, when I realized it was not Raleigh , but Sir Francis Drake who met the Armada.
Leaving here we travelled through Devon and Cornwell P.
Stopped at Steve’s Uncle and his Cousin for the night.
This is where the clay pits are and they give work to a number of men, some of the pits are 400 ft deep. The clay is very good quality, used for making English fine china and building purposes. In processing this clay many chemicals used in medicine are obtained. Huge heaps of inferior clay that was considered useless in the past is now being processed.
We pushed on round the coast with some very pretty views from the hills. Parts of Cornwall reminds one of Gippsland. The farms are larger than in Devon and are divided by stone fences, where in Devon they are mainly hedges.
I saw men building a stone fence today. Other fences on the toad boundary are timber with posts about 8 ft apart and 4 wooden rails. Look quite good!
In the afternoon we arrived at a little village called Tintagel situated on the rugged and romantic north coast of Cornwell, it has many attractions. The greatest of these is the romantic connection off the Castle ruins with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The castle was begun about 1145 by Reginald Earl of Cornwell, the illegitimate son of Henry 1st and was used in the 14th century as a prison.
We camped the night at a roadside rest place, and the next day the girls did the washing at a launderette in Burton.
Tuesday March 25th
We have now moved into Somerset, the campervan down in Fred Smith’s front garden; Ann Smith is Dot’s niece.
Crossed the road and all had a very nice fish and chips tea and spent an enjoyable evening with Fred and Ann. Used bathroom to washup and shave.
Thursday ??
At Highbridge we visited Steve’s aunt and cousin whom he had not seen since he was 12 years of age.
Cheddar Gorge is a very small village set right in the bottom of this rocky gorge. It is a very pretty little spot and has, as an attraction, the Mendip Caves. These are very large caves (that) run about ¼ mile into the cliff and about 400 ft down. They are iron and limestone caves and are supposed to be caused by an underground river.
27th March
We left Cheddar Gorge (and) passed through Bristol and entered Wales by way of the longest bridge I’ve seen. 2 miles over river Severn and we settled down for the night after having a most delicious tea, cooked by Sue, and lambs fry and bacon spuds and peas in a Wayside Rest area.
28th March
We toured round going through Monmouth, then across to Fishguard where the ferry goes across to Ireland then down to “Pernbrocke”? where we saw an old Roman Castle which has a lot of history, (it) has been restored and rebuilt by William Marshall who was created Earl of Pembroke?. The castle has many stone spiral staircases leading right to the top; these we climbed and went down in the dungeon also….. altogether most interesting, a great fortress all built of stone.
Sunday March 30th
Pembridge …… very cold
We made camp again after leaving Pembroke Castle in a very sheltered spot, just off the highway and next morning set off on our way too visit Steve’s cousin at Pembridge.
Hills are very steep in Wales and streets are just as narrow as in England.
We came to the street in which Pam and Les lived, one glance at it with its line of parked cars on one side, we decided it was a bit narrow to take the van into 7’6”. So we had to continue on up this awful steep hill, find a place to park. We then walked a mile to the house. It was then 1.30 (and) we were sitting down enjoying a lovely roast dinner.
Pam and Les would not have us leave till we had had tea with them which was also most enjoyable.
We set out to reach Cirencester?? which was 35 miles away, this is where Steve’s Father lives, (we) got a little bit lost , (but) finally arrived at 11.PM.
March 31st
We arrived at Willisey, Sunday midday took with us Geo. , that is Steve’s Father, Richard, his brother from Cassada?? And we met his other brother Chris and his wife who came down from Yorkshire to holiday on a farm for part of the school holidays.
They give a fortnight school holiday for Easter in England.
After a scrumptious meal we all set out, although it was raining, for Stratford on the Avon. Turning off on the way, to walk all the way up a blanky hill. This hill is visited by many annually. It is supposed to be the venue of the Olympic Games during the time the Roman’s occupied Britain. It resembles a big crater with only half of the saucer rim left. This is where the patrons sat to view the games. My own opinion is that the games were never held there.
We got to Stratford on the Avon late in the afternoon in pouring rain. Overcoats, umbrellas, scarf and beanie’s were all brought out and donned. We walked around! Honestly, it would have been interesting on a fine day. But on this day Burrrrrr!!
Well we saw the Avon, the gardens, Shakespeare’s home. Well preserved. A mulberry tree, said to be 100 years old. The theatre where they still act Shakespeare. Many fine shops and some old cottages. But such a pity we had to see it on such a horrid day.
We came back to Cirencester that night. Dot and I camped in the van in a car park about a mile from the house, the others all slept in the house. (Steve’s Father’s)
April 1st
Cirencester….. Wet
After a very good nights sleep… decided to get this book up to date.
Dot and Sue took the clothes to the launderette this morning and have now gone shopping while Steve and Dick have taken themselves off to a museum. I’m now going to write some cards for Australia.
April 2nd
All up early in this day for the long trip north. Cireencester we left behind at 9.15 am. At Cheltenham , Dot and Sue shopped and replenished the larder, I got my hair cut for #1.
On we went again through Worcester and Worley which is part of Birmingham … all industry. Wolverhampton Stafford bypassed Stoke on Trent and Manchester and Preston.
We stopped in Blackpool and played the 1 armed bandits. We left here a bit poorer than when we went in and laid down for the night in a caravan park. #1.80 in Lancaster.
April 3rd
Woke up to be greeted by a very white frost, but what a glorious day followed it!!
We left the Park at 9.15 and took the road going north. The first item of interest was to sight Lake Windermere …. This would be England’s largest lake, being 11 miles long. There were quite a few spots were one could obtain lovely views with the mountains capped with snow; and casting very pretty reflections in the lake which is 180’ deep at its deepest spots.
A large cruise’s up and down the lake. The Lake district is truly the pearl of the British Isles. At the northern end of the lake stands the Village of Hawkshead, a very charming little village and was the scene of William Wordsworth’s boyhood and schooling. It was during this time here that Wordsworth learnt to appreciate the delights of nature, the lively scenery and the opportunity to study wildlife.
The village is one of fascinating confusion made up of narrow crooked alleys and numerous nooks and crannies; a real artist’s paradise.
St Michael’s Church stands high above on a hill and nearby is Wray Castle , built to look like a castle, but actually a Victorian Mansion. Streams with pretty little waterfalls help to make the area so enchanting.
We continued on our way and after a while drew up at another lake where we had our lunch. This place was called Keswick. Here we hired a canoe and the 6 of us piled in and away wee went cruising around the lake with Steve and Sue on the oars. It was a very pretty lake with an island on which there was one very large house. The children enjoyed this trip very much and Richard did a little turn on the oars.
There were four other boats on the water rowed by teenagers who were acting and racing and at one stage we just everted being rammed.
We went on from here as we were heading towards Scotland and saw much snow from a distance and Richard was very keen to get some. So he climbed to a small patch about a ¼ mile up a hill and returned with a handful. Little did he know, or did any of us, that we were going to see it right on the road on the morrow.
We crossed the border into Scotland and went to Gretna Green where the runaway marriages were conducted; 10,000 were actually married there. The law has now been changed as there were so many 16 year old’s getting married. Now you must live 3 weeks in the district.
It was disappointing to see Gretna Green closed so we turned south and were soon into England again.
After we had travelled some miles we began to look for a lay-by where we could pull over and rest for the night.
We finally found one near a small stream, on a quiet lane near Brampton.
Friday 4th April
When we woke the next morning the sun was again shining and we were about to enjoy another beautiful day, we followed along the top of the Penine range and soon we were sighting snow in the distance and it was not very long before it was right beside the road.
The children were in their glee and we all alighted and had a snow fight. This was the first time in my life that I had been near enough to snow to pick it up.
After enjoying the sight of the snow covered mountains for many miles, we came upon the Old Roman Wall that extends for 15 miles, dividing the North from the South. Built in 12 CAD, it consists of large stone blocks, which would have taken many men to lift; unless they had some other means of hoisting the up.
We crossed the moors and were again in sheep country. The sheep here are predominately bred for the wool; very few sheep are bred for mutton.
On entering Yorkshire , the mode of farming changed entirely. Apart from some oats and wheat crops the land was all plowed and tractors were working everywhere preparing it for planting. The land was flat and slightly undulating and one could see for a good distance on each side of the road. I would think that Yorkshire would be the vegetable garden of England.
We entered the city of York and again saw the work of the Romans. Surrounding what was the Roman City of York is a high stone wall. The thickness of the wall varies, this is evident as there is a passageway on the top of it, where in places you can walk 3 abreast to singe file.
St Paul’s Cathedral stands within the wall, as does many other notable buildings. Just recently a very large column was unearthed and is now standing in the city.
We wandered round the shops, many of which were open although it was Good Friday and there was Even Song in the Cathedral. Two men with horses and buggies gave 15 minute rides.
Instead of looking for a place to camp, we decided to go and stay a couple of days with Chris and Jean who had gone back to their home in Yorkshire. This was one day sooner than arranged but as we are self contained we were not putting anybody out.
Our hosts, next morning were keen to take us for an outing. The place decided was Hard Castle Craig; with the river Habden Water winding its way through the valley in it’s rocky bed.
The outing took the form of a walk beside the river. It was a bit strenuous but Dot helped me a lot and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We then went up the Stoodley Pike were a large cairn stands. This is the highest point in England, it was also erected to commemorate the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Waterloo under Wellington.
April 5th
We left next morning for the long journey to Cambridge. The trip was uneventful, but on arriving there we went into St Mary’s Cathedral while the bells were ringing and went up the 126 steps to the very top where one could see all over Cambridge.
It was interesting to see bells and how they are rung as we passed by the torrent. There were 6 or 8 big wheels with a large bell inside each one. There wheels were made to spin back and forward, electrically powered and so ringing the bells.
We then entered King’s College Chapel, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1446. The oldest of the Colleges is Peterhouse. Cambridge is, above all, a university town dominated by England’s second oldest university. It comprises an array of medieval and classical buildings.
The river Cam meanders peacefully through the city, and it was on this river that we took a punt together, with scores of others; but we never got very far! Can you imagine a host of unexperienced folks trying to maneuver their boats up or down the river with only one paddle and one pole ??? bumping and jamming loose their pole and some even falling in the water, a lot of fun, but not much progress!
The college boy’s means of transport is the old bike and when I say old, I mean old. Dozens of these bikes can be seen leaning against the walls or in the racks.
We camped again in a layby. There were also a couple of semi trailer transports. Apart from a bad back and heartburn we had a good night.
Next morning, as we were taking the road again, we noticed a little pub standing on the side of the Layby, this had been cut off when the motorway was built. The motorways here are fantastic, we seem to get on one with very little trouble, they run everywhere. At one place in the South, there were 5 over pass’s, one on top of the other; and I am told, that in the North there is one that exceeds this by two, with 2 of the 7 underground. Most of these Motorways have 4 lanes each way.
On Good Friday, while travelling up to Yorkshire, we saw dozens of container transports on the motorway. And when we pulled into a car park to have lunch we had to use an industrial park which was crammed full with these transports.
April 6th
We stopped in St Ives to see Mary Jackson, Beryl’s mother in-law, (then) went for a walk after tea to see the city; and saw the little church on the bridge which spans the river Oure. I thought, what a quaint place to build a church and what a parking problem there would be if it were opened these days.
April 7th
We stayed the night at Mary’s and next morning Dot, Sue and Mary were up bright and early and again did the 20 minute walk into St Ives to The Market of the Year this market is conducted only once a year, on Easter Monday and a large section of the City is blocked off by the police.
We continued on our way and when we got to Bletchley we called on Jennifer, Dot’s cousin, a most entertaining young married lady who has travelled quite a lot, she might even come to Australia. With her bright cheerful chatter, she endeavored to keep us there until her husband came home at 5 o’clock, but we had to move on.
We drove through Oxford with all their College’s and Universities’ and of course the River Thames. This is where the boat race is held each year between these two rival colleges Oxford and Cambridge.
Pushing on with the intention of reaching Hampton early, but this was not to be.
Stopped to say hello!! To the Penn of Haddenham.
Had tea then popped into a little pub for a drink. This was my first drink in an English Pub, which was almost deserted.
We all returned to the house and after some time were able to tear ourselves away and so reach Hampton Court at 11.30 p.m., unloaded most of our stuff in the van and were in bed by 12.30 A.M
Wednesday April 8th
The van has been returned by Steve with 2,400 miles on the clock, and looking out the window while I write, I see the lines hanging with clothes; perfect evidence of what Sue and Dot have been doing. The van cost us #480.00 (pound). And a bit over #100.00 (pound) for petrol.
This afternoon we had a 2 hour stroll in and around the parks and gardens .Plenty of deer and antelope graze quietly in these parks in which the deciduous trees are quickly bursting into bud.
Many rhododendrons, azaleas, prunus are flowering in profusion, with large areas of daffodils of all colors filling the lawns. A large lake with streams running among the rhododendron and azaleas make a beautiful picture. The name of this park is Bushy Park and in area is 700 acres. Must be great in the summer!!
April 9th
Today we took a bus to Hampton Court, where we walked again among the hyacinths, tulips, grape, daffodils, flowering trees, round the fountain and in the maze.
There is a blue grape vine growing over a large trellised archway, this vine is 220 years old, measures 6’8’’, a foot from the ground, that is in circumference.
We walked over the Thames, and as I did so I stepped it to see how wide it was. I made it 123 yards at this point.
Friday April 10th
We made our second attempt to see the Changing of the Guards, were running a little late and Steve was pushing the car to the limit. We arrived there to be told by an official that there would be no “Change” that day, but he gave us some dates when the “Change” would take place.
We again entered St Paul’s. This time we got a better look at the beautiful crystal chandelles, the windows and all those things that go with St Paul’s.
We climbed the 255 steps to the balcony, which is only halfway up the dome. My legs suffered in consequence.
We did some shopping and Steve bought a bowler hat for a Magician friend #22 (pound).
Went out to tea to (see) some of Dot’s friends, left there 8 o’clock and drove another 100 yards where a lot of her friends had assembled to greet her in a party atmosphere, left there about 11 PM. Going out I stumbled over a low brick wall and barked my shin, after having it dressed by Sue and Dot , continued home.
Saturday April 11th
I stayed in the house while others went shopping. Friends of Dots arrived in the afternoon and stayed to tea.
April 12th
Dot and I had dinner with Fred and Gordon after visiting the cemetery. Went to bingo at night.
Monday April 13th
Went window shopping in Staine . there is a very large new complex there, but prices in most things are far and above Australian prices. Darts were one article that were cheaper.
Had dinner at Staines, then completed the day visiting Dot’s friends and relations. Home at 12.30 A.M.
Tuesday April 14th
Strolled around the Park at Virginia Waters. This is a lovely quiet spot in a large natural park and a large lake really set it off.
The Royal Carriage with 4 in hand , drove along while we were there.
A large totem pole stands at one end of the lake. The tree from which it was made, was brought from British Colombia ??. We visited more people including Reg and Marj Bennett. At night met Rene Martin’s sister Beatrice.
Wednesday April 15th
Up early and made our 3rd run to the Palace; and this time we saw the Changing of the Guards. There was an enormous crowd there to see the change and of course plenty of police.
The continuous heavy flow of traffic spoils the effect to some extent, but on the whole it was quite colorful.
The rest of the afternoon I spent in the park while the others went into the museum. Bought 1 lb. grapes cost #1.
As I am feeling the effects of late nights, I have elected to stay home with Paula tonight, while the others make their final call on friends and make their good-byes. There is also the packing too do. Paula is fast asleep.
…………………………………………………………….
Here are some of my impressions :- at first I was struck by the cleanliness of the streets and parks, but after being here 6 weeks, or there a bouts, I would say that London is no cleaner than Melbourne.
I was amazed at the extent of the parks and gardens and I got a lot of enjoyment strolling among the trees and flowers.
The motorways are excellent and the flow of traffic is very continuous, although almost to the point of being congested. One will see London Taxis running in fleets, if you tried counting them you would give it up as hopeless.
To drive in London, one must have confidence and know where you are going. A timid driver would make little progress. But for all this, and taking into consideration the number of miles we travelled, we saw only one accident and that was aa man on a motor bike and a car. Motorcars with large dents in them are non- existent. Each car has to undergo a road test each year and when passed are given a roadworthy certificate.
Taxes are very high, nobody likes the Government. As in Australia, there is much complaining about the dole and unemployment. But there are good jobs offering. The prices of all commodities’ is half as much again as in Australia. Petrol went up 5 P while we were there. Meat and milk is very dear. The countryside varies very much, but from a farmer’s point of view I would select Devon with Cornwell, Somerset and Yorkshire. For scenery one could not go past the Lakeland .
The Weather :- When it’s not raining it can be cold but when it’s raining it’s a damn side colder. But there is a sunny side and for the last month we have no fault to find with the weather, beautiful warm sunny days.
The People :- Very friendly and hospitable, will do anything for you. Quite a number will come to Australia for a trip. Others would dearly love to come if they had the money.
END
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1901 - 1998 (97 years) Has 41 ancestors and 24 descendants in this family tree.
