A very English Day.

Well what a treat we enjoyed today! Our neighbours invited us to join them and their Vintage Cycle Club friends for a ride to our local fete. But first we were all treated to a preview of their latest renovation! Their home is a complex of 1940's air force buildings which were built during World War II and comprised the dorms and hospital for Shipdham Airfield.
Their latest renovation is a most exciting project. All being completed in authentic 1940's style ready to be used for Garden and Horticultural Skills Workshops! Mr Doubleday, our friend, has worked as a professional grower and gardener for over 50 years and so the likes of us will be sure to gain an extreme step forward from even one days workshop!
But as if that were not enough, on completion of a course you gain access to the beautiful club room for on-going inspiration and support. Hubby is already keen to book himself onto the first workshops!
The site alone is an inspiration. Many buildings remain preserved but un-renovated. It is redolent of the history wrapped up in this area.
All covered over with beautiful English roses.
This is where Mr and Mrs Doubleday live. The first building to be renovated.
You can imagine I LoVE that ice-cream blue paintwork and the garden is, as you might expect, an English haven...
Delphniums, Hollyhocks, Lavender and Roses, just as you would want around a cottage window.
And inside the nostalgia continues... a quick peek? I thought you might want one..
I am in love with that armchair!
Now, did I mention bikes? Well, there were some very beautiful bikes too. All lovingly restored and maintained...
Although this family rode on a combination of 41 gears between us and our relatively new bikes were probably the tattiest ones there!
and at the fete the sun was shining on a perfect afternoon. Do you spy the Beryl tea-cups used in the village hall? Ah bliss!
Life doesn't get much better than this....
For me the Hardingham Fete is always one of my favourites of the year, not least because of their Flower and Produce Show. These events are a huge love of mine, A garden on a saucer...
Butterfly cakes....
Did you ever see such a fine butterfly cake??
Ripe and luscious fruits picked at their prime and proudly displayed...
Three roses one variety.....
And of course there was a plant stall presenting logistical problems for the long ride home!
And to top it all off, in true English summer style, half way home the heavens opened and we were soaked ....
Well, that's an English summer's day for you. Where would we be if we couldn't talk about the weather!
I hope you have all enjoyed a lovely weekend wherever you are in the world. t.xx

If you would like to know more about the Garden and Horticultural Skills Workshops at Doubleday Nursery which begin in late July this year, you can contact Mr Doubleday on 01362 820007 or email him adoubleday@doubledayandco.co.uk
Another neighbour is about to open her beautiful farmhouse as a Wolsey Lodge, so first class accomodation will be just down the road!
See you in the clubhouse!