A Bandstand, Tea and a Duck Race

Sunday 9th September, 2012 in Newbury.
We had promised ourselves, as a Sunday treat, to have the "Big Breakfast" at the Kennet & Avon Trust Tea Room opposite. Previous enquiries had established that they opened at 9:00am, so at 9:15 (Yes! R was awake, out of bed and dressed!) we presented ourselves in anticipation of the splendid feast that was to follow. We were not disappointed! Outside the cafe, next to the canal in bright sunshine, in full view of MM across the canal, M had the "Full English" while R had a very stylish Eggs Benedict.

We felt so relaxed sitting there in the sunshine watching the world and the odd boat go by. We also watched Richard and Lizzie washing "Dragonfly." As a result there was a certain amount of peer pressure (and "wife pressure") for R to wash down MM as well when we got back.

Lizzie and Richard have a small Rosie and Jim in the front cratch of their boat. Very cute! Apparently, they are very difficult to find nowadays; they are no longer made and are therefore greatly sought after.

We walked into town for more of M's "few bits." R was quite overcome with disbelief to discover that it truly was just a "couple of items" and that for once, he didn't need a pantechnicon to cart it all home! We walked the full length of the High Street, admiring the lovely old buildings. M was very excited to see that 27th September is "National Wear a Tea Cosy on your Head Day." Obviously M's habit of wearing a tea cosy on her head has caught on all over the country! (Note to anyone reading this - you are expected to follow suit on 27th September so get out your tea cosy now!).

Apparently, there was to be a performance at the Bandstand in the Park at 3:00pm, so we took two of our folding chairs and joined Lizzie and Richard by the Bandstand. We arrived to find a very cheerful conductor and smartly turned out band performing William Walton's "Crown Imperial." A pleasant and varied programme of light music followed. The conductor announced that it was part of a "Big Bandstand" event being performed simultaneously all over the country to celebrate the closing of the London Paralympics and they then played a piece which had been specially written by Cold Play for the occasion and which was due to be performed at the closing ceremony tonight.

When the band took a break for tea, so did we! The four of us walked across to the K&A Trust Tea Room and tucked into a proper afternoon tea and cake there.As we sat enjoying our tea, crowds began to congregate on the other side of the canal next to MM. Were they just admiring the boat?  No! It turned out that we had moored up at the finishing line for the great Newbury Duck Race, organised by the local Lions Club. Gosh! It's all happening in Newbury!

We stayed and chatted for a while and we must have been the last customers to leave the tea room, as the staff were clearing away the tables all around us. We wished Lizzie and Richard a "Good Evening" as we returned to MM and then R watched the Monza Grand Prix highlights on the BBC i-player while M cooked supper. A happy end to an enjoyable day.

Today: Just 1.4 hours to charge MM's batteries.