24th august 2010

Written by a 72 year old Retired female from Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Written on the 24th August 2010.

The alarm jangled at 7.30am though I was already awake anyway. Nights are never good if I have to set the clock( Have never envied her Majesty the Queen!) but since keyhole surgery on both knees a month ago, it takes almost twice as long to shower and dress.

The days coach trip was scheduled 9.30 from Banbury bus station – 9 I had to get there. I was spending the day in the company of a dozen friends from church, so looked forward to a friendly, relaxing day trip.

9.30am and we were off to the Cotswolds. 10.30am first stop for coffee and walkabout in Broadway – a cluster of elegant Cotswold stone houses and sweet smelling coffee houses. 11.30am we met at the coach again and set off for our lunch stop at Boughton - on- the – water.

The entrance car park was packed – so we knew this popular summer venue would be busy and it was. Children paddled happily in the sheer, shallow water of the village brook trickling through this picturesque tourist magnet, whilst their parents picnicked on either side. We meandered to and fro over the three bridges spanning it, trying to decide where to have lunch. (Finally deciding on very English Fish & chips – amused by the Indian proprietors naming of his establishment ; Cor Blimey!).

3.pm we left Boughton – on – the – water en- route Burford (once boasting sixteen antique shops) – looking delightful up & down the hill in the afternoon sun. This town too is a key tourist attraction (spot the white man!). Afternoon tea and Danish pasty spell the closing of our day trip – but the memories of the day will warm many a wintery afternoon.