Mavis and I caught the train to Evesham about ten mile from the farm at Toddington and Ken picked us up here in Ians range rover.  What a treat we were in for!  I could just about smell it as we were driving up the drive.  Angela had prepared the most magnificient roast dinner for us complete with a huge assortments of roast and green vegetables.  . It was delicious.  It was just what was needed.  We had a lovely evenig catching up with the family.

One of the highlights of the visit was being able to attend the races at Aintree.  The course where the grand national steeple chase is run, about 3 hours north from here.  Nick had qualified for the National Pony race final, one of twelve  young .riders all under fifteen.  What a day!  It started with going to the track in the horse float with the pony, and another horse for company for the pony.  This was no ordinary horse float, but luxury.  We sat in an area which was a little like a sitting room.  It was complete with table and chairs and a fridge to keep the beer an wine cold. We ate pork and apple sandwiches with white win - what a way to travel. Angela and the boys had gone up on the Friday.  Nick and Angela wanted to walk the track before Nick raced.  Mavis Ken Ian and I went with Geoff (Ians Dad). It was a beautiful course and we had the best day.  Lunch was certainly something to write home about all provided by the sponsors of the day.  The pony race final was held at the conclusion of the normal six event race meeting (jumps).  This is something England introduced about four years ago.  It gives up and coming young riders first hand experience in riding at a big event.  Nick came in sixth (out of twelve) - what a fantastic achievement and experience for him.  We were all so proud and happy for him to have done so well against riders from all around England.  Nick works weekends and school holidays for a leading horse trainer.

On Sunday, it was off  to watch Jake play rugby, a visit to Ian's great Aunt, 86 years old still living on her own - a marvellous lady.  Mavis and I also got to do a few rounds of the local supermarket.  This felt really strange not having done it for so long.  What a feast we had for dinner. We had this huge chicken, it was so big I thought it was a turkey - I have never seen anything like it in my life before. It was another roast dinner, followed by a scrummy chocolate cake with raseberry coulis and double cream yum!!  It was at dinner that Ken gave me my birthday present (he will be back in Australia and I will be in Italy when I celebrate my birthday). It is a tiny and very delicate gold botefumerio pendant  (just like the one we had seen in the Cathedral in Santiago - the lid even comes off).  I had seen it in an antique jewellery shop when we had been looking around, unbeknowns to me he returned and purchased it.  The botefumerio has special significance to both of us.  Everytime I wear it I shall be reminded of this special journey.