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2ND DECEMBER 2017
Continuing internet problems mean that I am still two days behind with this post.
After a good night’s sleep we began the day with an excellent breakfast cooked by Mr Watts. We enjoyed the bonus of our host’s conversation whilst he cooked our meal and served us. He provided some of the information posted yesterday. We also exchanged details of knee problems. This is a regular topic for those of a certain age.
We were set up for the day with orange juice; cereals of our choice; a fry-up consisting of two eggs, two rashers of bacon, tomatoes and beans; toast and marmalade, and a large pot of tea.
Afterwards we set off by what we thought would be the pretty route to Melton Mowbray. In fact this contained numerous complex junctions and sometimes unclear signage. We determined to return by the M1.
One advantage we did discover was the, even on this dull day, pretty village of Rockingham,
and The Barn Tea Rooms,
outside which clematis Nellie Moser bloomed.
We enjoyed a coffee and a break in the delightful interior,
where one woman quipped that the husbands of her and her companion didn’t know that they were “here with this man”,
so I made sure that none but Jackie appeared in the photographs.
Our object in arriving soon after midday at Jasmine House in Sherrard Street, Melton Mowbray was to check out the location and parking potential for this evening’s meal. The town centre boasted a confusing one-way system, so this had been a good idea.
We then went on a driveabout. Our first discovery was the
Sibsey Trader
Windmill,
On the other side of the door to which
visitors find a flour-covered notice. The bell you are invited to ring is attached to the blue rope.
We couldn’t shift the rope, but were able to enter and look around the ground floor;
and watch the ground flour descend the chute which indicated that Nigel was upstairs working.
The current six sailed mill was built in 1877 to replace a large postmill that had stood slightly to the west of it. During the mid 1950s it was abandoned to decay. until restoration began in the early 1970s. Ten years later English Heritage returned it to full working order. Today it is producing a vast range of stone ground flours continuing the ancient craft of traditional wind milling.
One of the old sails lies beside the restored building.
Our next stop was at The White Lion pub in Whissendine,
where the Christmas decorations
featured a Nutcracker theme. The publican is a member of the Magic Circle who widely entertains a multitude of groups.
Back at Melton Mowbray we wandered around for a while, visiting Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe,
the windows of which enticed Jackie to make a purchase.
Louisa, Errol, Jessica, and Imogen arrived at Jasmine House on time and we enjoyed a splendid Chinese meal, excellent service and wonderful company. As always the grandchildren were delightful, especially in their joyful appreciation of their presents. Naturally their mother had given us first rate advice. It hadn’t taken long to decide that it was OK to open the gifts this evening.
We experienced a smooth journey back to Watts Lodge in Bicester.
