Farewells and preparations in Aylesbury

The last month has been a time of winding down our time in Aylesbury, and gearing up for our departure on our summer cruise.

The life group we have been leading ended as intended just before Easter. It has been a good time of getting to know a few people in more depth, while at the same time studying scripture and having good discussions.

Then on Palm Sunday we led the worship for the last time this season, and on Easter Sunday we played in support of Jack who was leading.  Our final worship team practice was on 18^th April, and the team prayed for us for our mission work in the summer.

We have also been having farewells on the folk music scene.   At Chesham Folk Club, which meets every Monday, at the Half Moon at Wilstone where there is a session on the third Sunday each month, and at the Cock Inn at Wing where a session happens every other Tuesday.  We have made some friends in these places and we will miss them until we catch again in November.

Cock Inn session

We also went to see Suntrap perform in Bracknell.  It was good to see our good friend Sue Graves again.  We also caught up with Barry and Adline, and Vicky and Ernon who had come from Salisbury and Godalming respectively. We put one of Suntrap’s songs on YouTube.  Here is the link. Sue is the one on the left.

Some of our boating friends have already left the Canal Basin.  Simon and Pat on Daedalus left in early April when there was a lot of wet weather, and rivers were not navigable. Instead of getting to Reading for a wedding, they had to keep off the Thames, so they stayed in London and took public transport to the wedding.

Daedalus leaving, with Pat at the bows, and Simon at the helm

Then the weather changed and we had some incredible days of hot sun.  Tim and Hilary set off on Willowbrook and we saw pictures of them having barbecues as they head slowly north.

Willowbrook departs

We discovered that a BCF boat, Ichthus, was in the town basin. They were not aboard so we sent a text to John and Jane Pescod, and they replied but we didn’t get the reply until after they had left. We met them for a drink in the Half Moon at Wilstone. It was good to see them again.

Ichthus in Aylesbury Town Basin

When the dry weather arrived we let Hugo out at last after three months being confined to the boat because of his broken leg.  When we opened the doors and encouraged him out he looked incredulously at us as though he couldn’t believe his good fortune. His leg is much better, and his hair is slowly growing back where it was shaved for the operation he had.  Two days later he caught his first mouse of the season, so he must be OK.

Hugo’s first day out

Enjoying the sunshine

We had a good sort out of clothes, and packed the winter things under the bed in vacuum bags, and brought out some summer items. In hindsight, maybe that was premature, as rain, colder temperatures and wind returned a few days later.

We made the most of the warm weather by visiting some National Trust places with friends.  We went to Greys Court with Jack and Sandra, Ascott House with John and Ruzenka, and Hughenden with Eric and Norma. All this in the space of six days. We each have life membership, and can take a guest each.

Daffodil at Ascott House

John, Ruzenka, Hazel

Lovely flowers at Ascott House

Ascott House

Part of the garden at Ascott House

Norma, Eric, Hazel at Hughenden

Benjamin Disraeli’s Grave

Celandines

We drove to Maggie and Clive’s place in Suffolk and had a very pleasant two nights there. Their bluebells and king cups were in full swing and the place was looking good. We had a lovely meal with them in a bistro on the waterfront in Ipswich. We returned by train on Friday, leaving our car off the road and under a cover for the summer. 

Maggie and Clive’s farmhouse

King cups

Bluebells

A tree in the sunset

Sat 28th April

Our final full day in Aylesbury started for James with a men’s prayer breakfast at More+, the cafe belonging to the church.  Meanwhile Hazel went to collect a final prescription from the chemist.

This was followed by a work party in the canal basin. Hazel helped to prepare a brunch for the workers, while James was employed jet washing the ramp to the dry dock, and repairing barbecues.

Clean ramp

We lit the fire once more on the boat, and hung James’s wet clothes up to dry.

The day ended with the bar opening, and a fish and chip supper.

Next: Church tomorrow morning, and a departure from the basin at about 1pm.