Day 22 Chippenham

 Wandered down with the lads (who still can knock back the pints) to the local village shop, then set off in Dave’s new Audi for a tiki tour of the area. The Cotswolds are truly beautiful. We lunched in another wonderful old English pub, the Butcher’s Arms, another tasty lamb pasty and salad. The Cotswold stone is cream and looks so warm, and the tile roofs bring out the sense of history. This pub dates from about 1670. We also visited Nailsworth and Stroud. 

After packing, 3 of us set off in Malcolm’s hire car, and using Sat Nav (not always reliable), was finally dropped off at my brother’s place at 4 pm. Big family reunion…Colin and Susan, Claire and her 1year old daughter Phoebe, Jane and her teenage daughters Lily and Erin, beautiful girls, and Jane’s partner Jonathan. Lots to catch up with, lovely formal dinner, all of us round the table, and to bed quite early around 10. 

Today I’ve decided to stay another night with my brother and SIL. Tomorrow I’m off to Ireland….

But for now, I’m catching up with washing (much needed) and relaxing after breakfast with my second cuppa and casual conversation with my brother.