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Day 46: August 5th

We had a yummy brunch at home and then all set off for Norfolk via Ely. It was pouring with rain.  

Pauline’s brother Stephen and his wife Fiona (a bit confusing to have another Stephen and Fiona) were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and had invited us to join them. 

They live on about 5ha just north of Ely so we were booked into the Royal Standard Hotel for the night and had organised a taxi to take us and collect us. Just as well as there were 6 weddings in Ely and a rail strike and it was pouring (all day). 

We checked into the hotel and quickly got changed. There was a car park across the road that is free after 2pm and on Sunday so we got lucky. 

It looked like a pretty normal High Street pub but the rooms were surprisingly good. 

Stephen and Fiona have both retired and essentially live the good life out in the country. They have a lovely home with an annex for guests, keep bees and do their own brewing and gin making. They’ve re-wilded a paddock behind and created a pond and a children’s playground. It’s a little oasis for them and their kids and grandchildren. 
After dinner the rain had eased off so we went for a tour of the estate with JenY’s cousin Ben and his fiancée – and to see the new kitchen (which was high on Pauline’s agenda and did not disappoint)🤗. 

With JenY’s cousin Ben. It was chilly!
Ben’s fiancée Nesh beside the vege garden
Greenhouse with annex behind.
Beehives beside the orchard.
Meadow with playground. The pond is in the centre. The sky is not blue!
The front of the house facing the river.

They also have a narrow boat that is moored on the stream directly in front of their house. The stream is a tributary to the Great Ouse which is apparently a river. It was such a shame that the weather was so bad as drinks in the garden would have been lovely but they had a large marquee and everyone (about 100 people) socialised in there before an early buffet dinner. Pre-dinner drinks were Pimms so I was careful to PACs myself as they very very drinkable! 

We also got a tour of the narrow boat which brought back fond memories of when we had a 3 month trip when the kids were 11and 14 and spent a week on a narrow boat. 

There is a family of swans with 6 signets out the front.
Cousins Ben and Jen
It was tempting to lock the door 😂
Their driveway goes over a bridge which was all lit up.

The dinner was baked salmon and/or thickly sliced beef with new potatoes and 2 salads. Very simple but really well done and followed by a berry shortcake and and excellent cheese selection. 

That’s Pauline’s brother Stephen in the centre of the right hand table.
Jen’s cousin Kate is standing behind her. We did our best with the various wines provided to the table at regular intervals.

All in all it was a very enjoyable day and good to meet other family members, their spouses and friends.