July 2013 sees our first visit back to the UK after 4 years Down Under
Planning for the trip started in 2012.
On Friday 28th June we flew out of Adelaide on Emirates and arrived at Gatwick on Saturday 29th where we drove to our Hotel of the nex few days.
Sunday saw us having a quiet day with a visit to Kew Gardens and the Treetop Walkway.
Monday was an early start where we queued to get a Wimbledon Day Pass. We found seats on Henmen Hill to watch Laura Robson lose. After a wander around the outside courts we returned to a packed Murray Mound where there was not a single free blade of grass. Returned to our hotel where we watched the tennis.
Tuesday - We are back in Wimbledon with our tickets to No2 Court, from the Australian Open Wimbledon Ballot. As well as the tennis we also had some traditional Wimbledon Rain.
Wednesday saw us driving down to Ross-on-Wye where we stayed for a few days with friends Ali and Tony.
An enjoyable dinner was had at The KIngs Head Hotel with a number of PGL friends.
Friday - with a tent and sleeping bag borroed from Tony - it was time for Alan to visit the Beer-on-the-Wye festival in Hereford. Following a few beers with Tony, Paul and Frank arrived in the evening for a few more beers.
Saturday - For some unknown reason the 3 brothers are canoeing down the River Wye ahead of Where's Wally. Then it was back to the Beer Festival for the afternoon. That evening we were joind by Andrew for a few more beers.
Sunday - Following Breakfast in a local cafe it was time to retun to Ross-on-Wye with lunch at the White Lion. This was followed by watching Andy Murray win Wimbledon and a final BBQ in Ross-on-Wye
Monday - We leave Ross and head to Spalding to see the Martin Clan.
Tuesday, we headed up to Filey with Alan's parents to see Father Andrew, having first had lunch by the Humber Bridge and collecting some Hugo wine (McLaren Vale wine from Hull). After a lovely evening meal prepared by Father Andew, Wednesday saw us heading back to Spalding.
Thursday we visit Aylesbury to see Frank, Carla, Rufus and Rohan. This was the first time we met our nephews.
Friday , After taking Rufus to PreSchool we are on our way to Salisbury where we spent a couple of days with Colinn and his family (Denise, Hannah & Heidi). On Saturday we went to see the Salisbury Youth Orchestra. A walk to a pub was also involved.
Sunday we have lunch in a pub with Maggie, Ken and thier children. We then headed down to Taunton to spend the next few days with Alison's Dad.
During our time in Taunton we visited Alisons Aunt, Uncle and Cousin Christine, Tony and Liz in Dorchester; Alison's Aunt Sandy in Portsmouth; Mineehead by Steam Train, Watching Cricket and visiting the Taunton Cricket Museun and the Tax Office..
Saturday 20th July sees our last week in the UK. We left Taunton, with Alisons Dad, and headed for a week in Saundersfoot with the Wood clan and the Aylesbury Martins. We have an enjoyable week with David, Richard, Jo, Jasmine, Rosanna, Nick, Rubina, Inaya, Aayan, Frank, Carla, Rufus and the table decoration Rohan. A great time was had by one and all with beach, sea, islands and entertainment paks visited - see the photos..
Saturday 27th we said our farewells, dropped David off in Taunton and drove to Heathrow in the rain.
Our flight with Emirates toDubai was more exciting than expected as we were upgraded to Business Class as Alison was a Qantas Silver member.
After a few relaxing days in the Mina Seyahi Beach Resort Dubai (picturs are here) we returned to Adelaide.
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