The travels continued

 

I awoke to the sunrising over Euston and got up and ready to head off on my next jaunt.

Feeling the weight of my case, I decided that  trying to jostle it onto a down escalator ( my most hated thing in the world after bridges), was both madness and very dangerous, so I jumped in a black cab and headed to Marylebone.

My driver was an absolute diamond, talking cricket, the North East ( his family were originally from Sunderland, but we won't hold that against him). 

He told me a tale about picking up a young northern lad and dropping him at the hospital next to Lords. Telling the young lad about the crowds and the atmosphere when there was a game on, he asked him if he'd ever been. The young lad replied, 'Ive not really been to see a match but I have played there'.

Turned out to be Mark Wood. 

I was on the train to Oxford in no time ,no tick as I used to go to Oxford regularly and always for the opening matches of the season at The Parks.

Once I arrived, I headed out  through the major road works and diversions and eventually found the bus stop for the S6  bus (tick) which took me out to Faringdon ( tick)

The bus stopped right outside my hotel, The Crown, a 16th century coaching  house. The courtyard which had once housed coaches and horses, now houses, lovely outdoor furniture and a large TV.

My room was along a corridor with a very wonky floor, the room itself was wonderful, I decided that I needed nap.

So what brought me out to the wilds of Oxfordshire?????

Well it was none other than the great Harry Latchman  (Midddx and Notts) who was celebrating his 81st birthday. The local wine bar were helping him celebrate. ( I can highly recommend The Narrows of Faringdon)

Amongst the guests was Allan Jones, former First class umpire and in his cricket career , he was one of the first cricketers to play for 4 counties (Sussex, Somerset, Middx & Glamorgan). We all met at Merchant Taylors and have stayed friends every since ( which turns out to be nearly 38 years!!!!!yikes!!!!).

What a great evening, lots of rum punch and lots of champagne, as well as lots of laughter.

 

I managed to make it back to the hotel ( it was just across the road) and I think that I was asleep before my head hit the feather pillow.

Fun fact about Faringdon???!!!👇

Saturday dawned hot and sunny and I had to negotiate a very steep staircase with my suitcase, the thought of just hurling it down was very strong but I managed to get to the bottom without either of us being damaged.

Set off to  Oxford on the S6 bus and a walk over Osney Bridge with the most lovely view.

Back to Marylebone and again a taxi, the suitcase had become the millstone around my neck.

Once at Kings Cross there was nothing left to do but round off a perfect few days with Champers in the GWR lounge.

A glass of Billecart-Salmon and a cheese board made me feel a lot better

I arrived back in the icy wastes of the North and hopped into the Fins car, he  was waiting for me, mainly  because the flipping 'little' trains were not playing the game!!!!

Back home and an early night ensued. I'm not quite as rock -n-roll as I like to think I am these days!

What a fabulous few days to add to my big birthday memories.

Now to find something to do in August!