Walk around Witney

I'm trying to get in the habit of taking my SLR with me when I go out with the buggy and to also use different routes.

This was a glorious day this month where I strolled along West End over the river by the old Witney Blanket Factory site, through town and back over Langel common.

I've slotted in this old photo of Witney from the 1980's courtesy of the Francis Frith collection, this is how I remember Witney from my childhood, when there was no Woolgate Centre, we played around derelict buildings where Langdale Court now is, going to Witney cinema to see Lenny the Lion and The Rescuers, an exciting trip to the new freezer shop in Corn Street (Iceland?) and when I look at the picture above of the old Waitrose I hear my Mum telling me about how when my sister was small, babies were left outside shops (in their Silver Crosses?!) because they didn't fit inside and it was the done thing!

The Corn Exchange after having it's renovations.

Blenheim Palace

Last weekend we visited Blenheim Palace again, it's just up the road from us yet somehow we never go as much as I feel we should, considering we have annual passes!

For the beginning of November the weather was absolutely glorious, deep blue skies, autumnal colours and not too cold, just how autumn should be.

I made the effort to take my SLR with me so I could get some decent snaps as the OH could push the buggy!

We did the maze, the kids did the Halloween quiz and the train ride and I enjoyed the new gift shop!

The only gripe was getting the buggy out to the water terrace, you have to go through the cafe (cramped) and then there are several steps between the gardens before you get onto the circular walk, it would be a chore if I come back on my own and we couldn't access the disabled route via a gate as it had a keypad on.

The Saturday Book

Just because I didn't get round to publishing any posts in the summer, doesn't mean I didn't plan any or get them ready, so as a catch-up of some of our summer holiday events, I hope to post some of them now.

It's also really nice having a reminder of the things that we did do, as the school holidays passed in a blur, mostly of being at home and the kids playing out with their friends.

First up is the wonderful Giffords Circus, as you might remember we visited the circus last year and had a fantastic time and I'm pleased to say this year was another entertaining visual feast for all the family, even Rowan sat (mostly) quietly through it and even tried to join in the clapping!

There's such a wonderful warm family atmosphere about the show with lots of laughs and gasps! A perfect summers entertainment, I can't wait for next years!

Autumn Walk

Yesterday was so lovely and sunny, I made the effort to walk into town with my SLR camera and try and get back into this blog.

I'm always struck by the fact that I lived here for all my life and that I never get tired of the scenery, walking over Langel Common may not seem particulary special but it is to me, it's the unspolit parts of Witney I like best, the places that haven't changed over many years (unlike so many parts).

The sun was warm, the noise was minimal, only a handful of people about, some quiet time (apart from the baby who protested when I stopped pushing!)

and look, signs of the seasons changing, I love autumn!