It’s not easy to keep the blog up-to-date every day, particulary after a busy couple of weeks here in Oxfordshire. Tomorrow we head to pastures new so this is the final Blog post wrapping up our ramblings from Bladon, Woodstock. It contains a summary and highlights from the visit not specifically listed.
We started out at the Cornbury Music festival which seems like an eternity ago.
The 12th July was Joe’s birthday and what better way than to end the day watching Morris Dancers at the Cock, Combe. This bunch had travelled all the way from Romney Marsh, apparently not because of the lack of quintessential English pubs at Romney Marsh but because their dances are steeped in the history of the local Cotswold Villages (eg Eynsham).
I think it was just an organised pub crawl in fancy dress with a bit of exercise thrown-in…
They even arrived with a wooden mascot of a sheep. There probably aren’t many of them on Romney Marsh either!!
Later, after we had feasted upon the spectacle of our future promised land post leaving the EU, we hosted a BBQ with Bob and Mandy back at Bladon Chains.
Sunday, Chris and Alison arrived from “Dragstalgia” for a few days in the Costwolds.
Highlights, apart from details in specific postings, were a cycle ride to the Trout Inn, on the outskirts of Oxford, a very nice Indian meal at “Da Ba” in Woodstock and a customary few pints at various local hostelries.
Moe found time to visit Blenheim Palace Gardens, via the public footpath located on the far side of Woodstock.
Saturday was a BBQ at the country retreat of the “Naked Chef” and his partner Mandy. Excellent day out and the food “slow-cooked” to perfection. No need to ask the waitor here to hold back the main courses…
Our neighbours on site appeared with an African Grey parrot. Friendly little chap although I wouldn’t want him to “nibble” my fingers.
He made the loveliest whistling and chirping noises and talked with quite a large vocabulary.
Here he is.
A ukulele band greeted our return to Combe steam mill and the steam engine is in full flow on the third Sunday of each month. We had extended our day pass to be an annual one such that we might return and see everything working. Browse below a selection of photos and videos from today’s visit.