We have just got back from a week in sunny (yes, sunny) Dorset (unbelievably for the end of October the temperature peaked at 20°C). Every year (for the last 6 years) Lucinda’s family have hired Berwick Manor in Puncknowle, Dorset for a week as a big extended family holiday. I don’t know of any other family that does such a thing and some of you maybe horrified by such a thought but it is actually very enjoyable and I think each of us very much look forward to it. We were unfortunately unable to go last year (as we were waiting for the imminent arrival of Éowyn) and so we were looking forward to it more than usual.
The week is usually relaxed with trips to the coast and local towns confirmed in the morning depending on the weather and number of others who are interested, we are usually back as it gets dark and each family takes it in turn to cook an evening meal. There are number of places that we usually go to and this year was no exception. They include visiting Bridport market, Lyme Regis, Hive Beach, Weymouth and a number of walks especially along the Jurassic coast.
We did however journey further afield and one of the most memorable trips was organised by Lucinda’s cousin Adam and his girlfriend Lucy: A ghost walk around Dorchester. Alistair our guide for the evening (dressed in full Victorian regalia, including top hat and cloak) pitched the tone just right. The bravado of the children was soon replaced by a healthy fear, but realising that he was actually getting to them he turned it round quickly so that they thought they were getting the upper hand on him. If ever you are in Weymouth or Dorchester and enjoy a ghost walk I would highly recommend him. Éowyn slept through the majority of the evening, although she was enthralled at Alistair’s voice at the beginning of the walk. She was however, the only one that dressed up for the occasion in her fancy dress bat outfit. What cruel parents we are!
Lucinda’s dad, John, is rapidly approaching his 70th birthday and realising that since most of the family would be in the same place at the same time Lucinda decided that it was a ideal opportunity to hold a surprise birthday party for him while we were at the manor. To add to the party atmosphere Lucinda invited a number of his good friends to join us. Amazingly he never caught wind of the party and it was a complete surprise and we were also pleasantly surprised that his friends made the long journey to join us. He was truly touched and thoroughly enjoyed himself, and Lucinda was happy that all her hard work had paid off.
The week was also good for Éowyn, as apart from at her Granddad’s party she was centre of attention from all generations of the ‘Badger’ clan (everyone is either related to, or partner of someone related to, Lucinda’s Granddad Badger – although interestingly this year there was no one with the surname Badger at the manorhouse). Her confidence in walking grew this week (taking at one point 32 steps – I will now stop counting) to the point where she now likes to walk alongside you holding your hand. She especially liked playing with her cousin Finley who was very good with her, and knew exactly how to make her laugh. She also has semi-learnt a new trick: to blow a kiss. However, she understands that you have to kiss your hand but as not yet blown that kiss to anyone. I don’t blame her!
The week seemed to be over very quickly (especially with work for both me and Lucinda looming on the horizon) but to extend the holiday we decided to head to Monkey World on the way back. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves but made it a long journey back especially since it was heavy traffic all the way back. And now we are back at work at seems to have faded into a distant memory – well there is always next year!
I will take my leave of you now but please enjoy the new photos.
Peace and love
Baggie!
