2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[patsylabrador]

We shot off yesterday morning, drove across Oxfordshire & Warwickshire and ended up in Leominster. On the way we visited Brockhamsted estate small but beautiful and idyllic Medieval property and Berrington Hall, an impressive Georgian house with quite a sad history. I think two characters were lifted from it's history for Downton Abbey.

I didn't quite 'get' Leominster at first but it grew on me and I realised that what felt odd was a lack in the town centre of chain shops with big glass windows that spoil the centre of so many places. It was very busy, everyone greeting each other and had a small market. I loved it. The torch went through yesterday, which we got told a lot, people were proud of yhat.

This morning we not.iced that we were very close to Wales and it might seem sad but I thought it would be exciting to pop over the border. We ended up in Knighton (Treff y clwwd - I can't quite remember the sign) but it stands right on Offa's Dyke. King Offa is one of those people I find fascinating and I've always wanted to be somewhere near the Dyke. Two Typhoons flew low over the town and I thought about the change in warfare.

Then we went to Croft Castle back near Leominster. The amount of history at this place is incredible. London can be a bit egocentric and it feels like all the important history happened there. But Croft Castle, which I had never heard of is central to so much of our history. Quite an important place. I loved the fact that it was founded by a Norman knight, Bernard de Croft, I think and after all the ups and downs over the centuries, a Bernard Croft is in residence now, although it is owned by NT.

I think all my facts are right, I should buy a book or research on internet, plus it has beautiful walled garden with chickens.

Back home, refreshed by wonderful trip and have discovered a new bit of England and a tiny bit of Wales.

[The Dogmother]

Shame I was working yesterday, we could have met up when you scooted through Oxon; you mostly likely came very near us! We tend to go to Leominster a fair amount as one of Phil's brothers lives near there, right at the foot of the Malverns. We sometimes do mad day trips too, the last was when Phil took me for a surprise trip to the seaside for the day

[Mrs Potts]

Patsy, it sounds as if you had a lovely day,that's quite a trip. Herefordshire is beautiful, plain and simple. We started off in Kent but I always get a thrill from living here. If you like the idea of the Welsh borders, try reading Phil Rickman books, which are all centred on Herefordshire. I am glad you had a lovely day - I think you explored quite a lot in one day!

[Patricia W]

That sounds like an idyllic trip- have you thought of travel writing? You've certainly made me interested in following in your footsteps. If ever your lightning travels take you in the direction of Abingdon-on-Thames ( maybe for our bun throwing for the Jubilee) let me know.

[craftyhunnypie]

A lot of people walk Offa's Dyke! The Typhoons you mentioned flew over our house very low on Friday. We get them & a lot of other fighter gets about twice a week if not more going over. There is also a Hercules we get once a week. We call it the bomber. It's quite haunting that is as it drones & is really low & painted jet black.

Hope you enjoyed your trip.

Emma.x

[meezers]

I used to live in Leominster, and my parents are still there. It is a busy, interesting little town but like many places, we tend not to appreciate what is on our doorstep. I do love Herefordshire though, I feel very lucky to live here.