Last night I finished reading Chapter 7 of Barbara W Tuchman’s “The Proud Tower”, being a collection of articles on the build-up to the First World War. This is ‘Transfer of Power – England: 1902-11. It deals with the beginnings of the rise of Socialism and the weakening of the dominance of the aristocratic landed gentry and hereditary peers.
On a dank-dismal day Danni and Ella dropped in with a parcel shortly before Jackie and I drove to Walkford to meet her sisters and their husbands for the annual wreath-laying on their mother’s burial plot in the Woodland Burial Ground.
Our great-niece protested that she wanted to come indoors, but settled soon enough for
a tour round the garden involving chucking stones into the Waterboy’s shell pool. We left her with her mother as we drove off.
As always, we tramped along soggy paths to the site, where Shelly placed the wreath and we all paid our respects. Jackie photographed the wreath
and the husbands, and I focussed on the wives.
We had begun with coffee and cake at The Walkford and returned after the event for lunch.
The Assistant Photographer photographed the rest of us and I photographed
my brunch and her Hunter’s chicken meal. Our drinks were Abbot’s Ale and Amstel respectively.
Ham sandwiches sufficed for our evening meal.
The food looks delicious, Derrick, is that a traditional British meal with sausages or ‘bangers’ is it, and beans?
https://www.englishbreakfastsociety.com/bangers.html
You got it, John. Perfect link. Thanks very much.
That looks like appetising pub food, Derrick. Now I feel peckish, darn it.
🙂
Ella seems not only big but also very active child, going through the age of great exploration.
She is, Dolly. Thanks very much
My pleasure, Derrick.
Beautiful Ella, great food.
`thanks very much, Laleh
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Ella is really growing and exploring quickly! That’s a lovely wreath, and the meals look delicious! Have a very Merry Christmas!
Thanks very much, Janet. And the same to you – as merry as can be, anyway
What a lovely way for Jackie and her sisters to remember their mother at this time of year! The food looks delicious. It’s been a long time since Rick and I had a good meal out.
Little Ella is a beautiful child. She is growing fast!
Thank you so much, Lavinia
I too would love to wander around your garden, so I applaud it that Ella did and you photographed her progress…
Thank you very much, Catherine
I remember this trip from last year. Thanks for sharing, Derrick. Ella is adorable!
Thanks very much, Jill. It is always raining when we go there 🙂
what a beautiful tribute, Derrick! Ella is simply adorable! 🙂
Thanks very much, Lola
Lovely wreath! Is it made from holly? If so, that is new to me.
Yes. Most of ours are, Laurie. Thanks very much
So pretty!
Ella is always in research of something fun and she knows where to find it ?
Wonderful day and tasty food ?
A poignant meeting for an important ritual, followed by what is clearly well distanced sustenance. Such gatherings are even more important now that laws fuelled by the pandemic keep us apart.
Thank you so much Anne. Yes, indeed.
Thanks for recording this for us all again, Derrick. It was lovely to meet up, wasn’t it? Bill and I didn’t manage a sandwich in the evening but had mulled wine and mince pies instead!!
🙂 Thanks very much, Helen. X
An excellent brunch ! The big question is, though, “Do I now lower the tone of the place by asking for the brown sauce?”
Ketchup was provided, but I passed on that 🙂 Thanks a lot, John
What a lovely day in memory of Jackie’s mum. You all made sweet memories and I’m sure Jackie’s mum was smiling down on all of you! My love to Jackie and her sisters. <3
The wreath is beautiful!
The meal looks yummy and filling!
And OH, that Ella! She is a delight! And I'm sure she finds much to explore in the garden!
(((HUGS)))
Thanks very much from us both, Carolyn X
A beautiful and moving tradition.
Thank you very much, Libre
Little Ella is quite active. Traditions are really important for family bonding. Was it Jackie who made wreath last year?
Thanks very much, Rupali. It is always Shelly, the youngest, who produces the wreaths and , usually, a meal at her home afterwards.
Your little Ella is growing so fast.
Thank you very much, Arlene
That wreath laying is a lovely tradition. It’s wonderful that you could all meet to continue–and also that you record it in photos.
Ella is getting so big!
Thank you very much, Merril. Height runs in both sides of her family.
Food, friends and a wreath laying – wonderful!!
https://pacificparatrooper.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/wwii_santa_soldier-e1608637971836.jpg
Thank you very much, GP. Your good wishes reciprocated 🙂
The wreath-laying is a lovely tradition, such a pretty holly wreath.
Thank you very much, Liz
I enjoyed “watching” Ella in the garden.
Thanks very much, JoAnna