Now the cruise is over, my fall injury is pretty much no longer evident, two nights in Windsor, a castle, a palace and a train journey are in the past, Wales awaits, and the best day of the trip is finally here!
As I told you yesterday, we sort of invited ourselves to fit into Jack, Renee, and Beverley's schedule and they were quite gracious to allow the intrusion. But after the fact, I think it all went quite well and I am confident that they enjoyed it as much as we did. Although it interfered with Beverley's class and Renee and Jack's regular Tuesday trip across the dance floor. They go dancing three times a week! He is about to be 90 and Renee looks much younger but I suspect she is in her 80's Dancing! Three times a week! Although Jack admits they mostly waltz now and do only an occasionally fast one. It has a special name which I have forgotten.
We had told Beverley that we would leave the hotel about quarter to nine and we did. We just missed a train but there was one at 9:19 so we only had to wait a short time in the heated, comfortably enclosed platform waiting room. These are most convenient since so many connections are close and you don't need, then, to go back up into the stations to use a toilet, or get a snack, or sit out of the wind.
As we walked over to Track 4B we were greeted by people coming towards us. There was a stalled train on our track so we were to be delayed. Back in the waiting room the time was posted, a track was posted and this happened three times! There is an upside to waiting, we met people! I asked if we could join them at the table where they were reading and one comment led to another and email info was again exchanged and tested. They will soon be coming to America because he is a great fan of Jazz. Yes, another Brit heading to New Orleans. As always when I have quickly determined that people are nice, friendly, and interesting I invited them to stay with me if they want to visit Atlanta. As soon as this information was shared our train was called.
We boarded a nice, high speed train for the approximately 30 minute trip to Bolton. I texted Beverley the time expectation. After we pulled away from the station I soon texted her again. There was an announcement that this was now going to be an express train to Blackpool North, the final destination. The front three cars were going to go somewhere else. We didn't really know what car we were in and were not sure which of the stops to change trains in so with the help of a girl from Australia who had the train times in an app on her phone, several of us decided to change at Manchester Piccadilly because there would be the most options. So we did.
We only had to wait a few minutes for the Little Train That Could to arrive. After each stop we felt as though we had to all lean forward to get her going again! As smooth as the high speed trains are the locals are jerky! But at long last we saw Beverley's smiling face beyond the barricade at Bolton Station, only an hour and fifteen minutes late. But we made it!
Everyone waiting to know which track to move to next for a train to Bolton!
Maybe this time, at least they have added the name Bolton!
Jack has lived his whole life in Bolton and was proud to show it off to us. Elva and he were buddies because she was an all new audience for him. How he can be so active and so sharp is a mystery to me!
Decorative stone enhancements were saved when the old market was converted to a fancy new, expensive shopping centre. Jack explained that if we followed it around it tells the story of cotton and the mills.
In the 'vaults' under the old market is where Renee was usually to be found working for the lingerie shop. When we were here in 2001 we saw the red and white awning where the shop was still l in operation upstairs. These were the warehouses.
Renee and the much loved Beverley, Chauffeur of the Day!
Town Hall in front of the Crescent.
Much like in London, the public buildings make a sweet curve.
Jack spends time on the square in these buildings researching family!
Victoria Sponge just like Paul Hollywood would make.
Delicious elevenses at Marks & Spencer!
Beverley's Kate loves this store and I think Maddie would too.
And Christian and Mac should shop for suits at M & S. Beautiful and good prices!
You won't be in Bolton but Marks & Spencer is all around the Motherland!
After our walk about and tea break we drove through town while Jack pointed out all the important things we should know. Driving past Beverley's, I had forgotten how beautiful her home is and on a large plot of land. We were invited to Renee's and Jack's and since we are British, tucked right into tea and biscuits. You know that when you are offered a biscuit in England it is a cookie.
The good conversation never paused but soon Beverley had to drive Jack to a doctor appointment at the hospital clinic to have his wound checked and redressed. Renee brought out two albums that were virtually identical as Jack had made them on the computer for each of his daughters, Beverley whom you have met, and Diane. I know Diane from my other visits but she was on vacation this trip. Her daughter, Becky, stopped in on her way home from work. She works as a volunteer at a government office that helps people get their benefits properly. In the fall she will go back to 'uni' (university). Brother Luke is in school in Ipswich. He is only a few months older than our Christian.
I especially was almost, but not quite, glad that Jack had an appointment. My brain can't keep up with him! While he was gone we had a chance to really get to know Renee a little bit better and she could not be more charming or delightful if she tried! She has great stories to share as well.
The Noble home, yes that is our cousins last name, is beautifully decorated and has many fine things on display but none so proudly as the 'grands' photos. We all told stories and I feel like Elva got a real introduction to my family and family history and connections. Overwhelming how much we learned or how much our memories were refreshed.
A man's home is his castle and in a proper English home it is ever so true!
Becky commented that her Granny had brought out the posh china for us!
Jack and Renee treated us to a delicious dinner. The restaurant was a beautiful, club like building and served excellent food and never have I had such fast service. Just as in town everyone seemed to know Jack, here too, we were treated like royalty.
I ordered Poole Pie for dessert. No idea what it was but it was described to sound like a strawberry schaum tort. It wasn't it! Meringue crust, chocolate ganache, creamy custard, strawberry jam, soft meringue on top and then ice cream too! Yikes! Never had so much sugar in one place at one time before. Should have gone with the Lemon Meringue pie or no dessert all all!
The time had come to say goodbye once again. I hope some of my family will come to visit me but I am so very happy to have the opportunity to see them all once again ... if you look up gracious hospitality in the dictionary you will find the pictures of all my cousins!
Outside the restaurant, we saw on our way to the car, this sheep was grazing. I thought at first it was a cow! We have sheep by my house but I have never seen one this big. I should have had someone stand by it to give you perspective. Beverley said because of the unusual cold weather they had not sheered the sheep yet. This one will have enough wool for a whole closet of warm sweaters!
Maybe you can judge her size by the ordinary fence post she is standing near!
Hugs, and kisses and dropped at the train station. While looking for our return ticket the man at the gate just opened it and said, "Come on luvs. I trust ya!" And by the way, Jack had ordered a taxi to take us home but we declined as we felt we could manage one more trip. But that was very generous. And manage we did.
We knew how to change trains at Manchester Piccadilly. Look how confident Elva looks!
I love this little sticker sign but I believe the couple below didn't see it!
And yes, I thought the black was his hair, hers was half pink and half black we realized when they stood up. But that was just his fur on his hood.
Back at the train terminal a quick call and pick up from the hotel shuttle. Back in the room Elva quickly got ready for bed. I was so happy that I couldn't settle right down so I wrote to you for awhile, then a hot soaky bath and a good book before climbing under the warm comforter.
Part two of our trip was in the books and done. Elva said she thought our visit and our day in Bolton was surely the highlight of the whole trip. I know it was for me!
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