Ellesmere Winter Festival

Friday morning I met a friend for coffee at the Willow Gallery in Oswestry (an art gallery/cafe).  

As we walked in a mutual friend was there so we had a chat.  Our drinks came and while we were talking two friends of mine thatI hadn't seen for ages walked in.  They were going to a French conversation group that meets there so we had a chat.  Then an ex work colleague was there with her husband so we had a chat with them.  It's a great place for socialising!

In the evening O and I came for tea (my daughter-in-law is away this weekend) then we went to the Ellesmere Winter Festival to see the lantern parade.

A kind lady gave her own lantern to I so she was able to take part in the procession.  It's always a great sight but the highlight was a working full size model of Stephenson's Rocket made by a clever friend.  Father Christmas came by narrowboat then rode in Rocket.

Afterwards we queued for a long time for I to see Father Christmas who had moved to his grotto.  Then we had warm mince pies before going home.