I cannot remember when I last went up the lovely little Avenue where we lived during our primary school days, Downs Avenue, and saw our childhood home, The Haining, but it was a very special feeling.
What huge homes they are, with amazing gardens. No wonder that I am not so keen on big cities! Not much had changed from the outside, though there was a new home next door, where we had had a beautiful orchard. As children we rode a huge amount and as I stood on Epsom Downs looking over the huge expanse of green open space, with woodlands and hills all around, , I realise how incredibly priviledged we were.
In the distance just in front of the woods is the start of the famous Derby race track and here the Grandstand and finish. I can remember going to the races as a child - not much to see when you are only small, just horses legs flying past, but I do remember vividly the pounding of the hooves on the turf.
Next era, the Burford Bridge hotel where I worked as banqueting and conference manager just after Jim and I got married in 1977. It looks the same as ever outside, but inside very modern after being renovated following the floods last year. Gorgeous venue for dinners, weddings and , as we experienced, afternoon teas.
Just 10 minutes from here was another very important and beautiful place, Brockham, the picturesque little village where we enjoyed the most spectacular fireworks every November on the village green, with a massive bonfire, towering metres high.
Just along the road we had our very own first home in Boxhill Way. Externally nothing much had changed. It was brilliant to be able to see it again. Fantastic memories of 4 wonderful years there, of work, hiking around the Surrey villages and hills , and long and interesting camping trips in our Vw campervan. The travel bug has never left me😀
What a fabulous area this is and the big change for me is the largest vineyard in Britain, Denbies, with 19 different grape varieties grown over 263 hectares on southern facing chalky hill slopes and down in protected dells. It was marvelous to take a tour to the top to enjoy the magnificent views of this truly beautiful region - so hard to think London is only 30 minutes away by train.
In this photo you can see Box Hill, at the bottom of which the Burford Bridge hotel is situated. I have very fond memories of the walks we used to do around here.
And here we are looking over the dell where their award winning wines are grown. They are very good and Nicky, Di and I enjoyed a delicious meal in the vineyard's restaurant, with spectacular views over vineyards and its surrounding countryside.
Fantastic day and lucky to see so much in patchy sunshine between heavy showers!
Could not resist taking this next shot! Ooops!
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