Visiting Old Friends

Mr Flum is standing with my old school  friend C in front of an older friend, the folly Old John in Bradgate Park. 

We chose this day because the door was open and we were allowed in, to climb the stairs and gaze at the view across the Leicestershire landscape.

It must be 40 years since we last did this, with our young children and their two cousins; on that occasion the local press photographer was there and Miss Flum's photo of her looking out of the window appeared in the evening paper.

One of the volunteers gave us some of the history - it was built as a folly as a copy of Mow Cop in Staffordshire by the 5th Earl of Stamford, George Grey, in 1874. At that time it was unfurnished but later fireplaces and seating were added for the comfort of his guests. The Grey family owned Bradgate House, which was the home of Lady Jane Grey, the nine- day Queen.

Extra photo of one of the views to the southeast over my home village, towards the Walkers Crisp Factory beyond .

Following Old John we drove to Ulverscroft Grange Tearoom for a lunch of such generous portions that I have a huge wedge of Stilton Cheese to enjoy tomorrow, having finished the remainder delicious ham for tea.

Before leaving the area we popped over to the churchyard to pay respects to my parents, whose ashes are there, and, thanks to a church member working there, a rather emotional look inside the church. Having so recently visited several abbeys and churches I automatically took photographs; these I shall treasure.