Retrospective diary.
Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Nora harks back a couple of weeks to 17th August and a visit with hosts with whom she shares an ancestor or two. The weather, a portent of rain patterns for the next few weeks, was wet-tish and prompted postponing a trip to Cambridge. My hosts were very attentive and suggested two alternative local excursions. The first to St Albans was a fascinating and extensive collection of Roman artifacts found in situ at Verulamium.
Later a visit to Hatfield House. Historically significant as the place where Elizabeth 1 was told that she was now queen. "In 1558 Mary died. Seated under an oak tree in the park, Elizabeth was reading when the news of her accession was brought to her. "
The interiors were hugely impressive as was the garden. There was a little hustle and bustle as they prepared for a Country show in the grounds, which was to be held that weekend.

"A big surprise for visitors on Saturday was to find model and film star Elizabeth Hurley presenting rosettes in the pig competitions, confirming her own interest in the animals since her recent move into farming at her Gloucestershire home. Helping proceedings along in the show ring was BBC Archers character Eddie Grundy in the person of actor Trevor Harrison, who joined in many of the shows activities as well as signing autographs at the Archers Addicts stand alongside fellow actor Hedli Niklaus who plays Kathy Perks."

The following day a long-awaited visit to Cambridge via Ely and the beautiful Ely Cathedral. Ely means island - which it was - until the fens were drained and allegedly the marshes contained many eels...
Cambridge was all Nora had expected. From the punts to the township and colleges. She extends another hearty thanks to her hosts who made such an effort to show her around. Well worth the two year wait from when the original excursion was proposed, when floods barred our visit!