It was a strange day yesterday. The removal men (more like skinny boys) took all day to load our furniture onto their vans and take it off to storage so I actually felt relieved when it was all finished and we finally shut the door to our coach house. Wiltshire has been my home since 1980 so it feels quite strange to think we have now departed from that part of the UK.
We had decided to stay the night with my Dad in Sussex en route to Folkestone and the Eurotunnel. He has lived in Broadbridge Heath all his life and I was born in a small cottage in the village and spent my childhood here. Paul and I (and Rick) were tired when we arrived but Dad had prepared a ham salad for us and proudly presented a Black Forest gateau for dessert. Rita, his partner, was out playing bingo.
“I don’t know why she goes,” said Dad, “she never wins anything.”
I hadn’t stayed in my old bedroom since my mother and I left the house when I was twelve years old. “It’s your same bed,” said Dad. Paul looked a bit aghast. The pink, rose sprigged wallpaper had long gone but a large picture of John Wayne watched over us all night (my Dad became a cowboy in the 1980s). It was all a bit surreal.
We woke early and took Rick for a walk around the village, visiting a few of my old haunts.
Rita made us some sandwiches for the journey and then we said our farewells and set off for Folkestone mid morning.
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| showing Rick my old primary school |
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| the cottage where I was born (I hate the replacement windows) |
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| the common |
Rita won £90 at bingo. Dad is 88 years old.
Sounds nice. You've never mentioned your dad before. Bingo is social and fun. My bed when I was 12 was a small single. Glad you are getting through France and nearly home.
ReplyDeleteBack home in time for lunch and Bargain Hunt.
DeleteSounds like a day of great reminiscing. Lots of good memories, I'm sure. Your dad sounds quite a character!
ReplyDeleteHe is a character and well known in the village.
DeleteA nice trip down memory lane. Way to go, Rita!! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteThe village has changed a lot with new housing developments but some parts are still the same.
DeleteI know Broadbridge Heath; lovely area. I'll listen-out for all the cheering and car horns when you arrive!
ReplyDeleteDid you hear them? Just picked some delicious peaches off the tree. The garden is a mess.
DeleteYou brought the luck to Rita:).
ReplyDeleteShe is a very sweet and funny lady.
DeleteA trip down memory lane... but slightly bittersweet. Sounds like your father is doing very well for an 88 year old. I know that folk who live "Down South" are all a bit weird but is John Wayne really a god in Sussex?
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the bittersweet. John Wayne is a god if you're a cowboy.
DeleteYour dad became a cowboy, now that is interesting, from my perspective in California. I look forward to hearing of your time in France and future move.
ReplyDeleteI don't think he has ever been on a horse but he was a very accomplished Country Western dancer when he was younger and loved dressing the part.
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