Thursday 21st August
Christine and her mum, Eunice, came to stay with us for two days. After picking them up in Sheffield we went to Betty's in Harrogate for lunch and then spent the afternoon at Fountains Abbey.

http://www.fountainsabbey.org.uk/

On Friday we spent the whole day in York, exploring the Minster, going on a boat trip on the river, visiting Jorvik and finally a quick tour of Castle Museum.

http://www.yorkminster.org/

http://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/

On Saturday after a lazy day relaxing in the garden we drove back to Sheffield and all had dinner with Russell at Thyme Cafe.

Friday 15th August
On our way to Malcolm's house we stopped overnight in Stoke and visited Trentham Park.

http://www.trentham.co.uk/



The gardens were lovely, newly restored and in excellent condition. We especially liked the formal Italian garden.


We enjoyed the Shrewsbury Show, particularly the evening firework display.

This morning we went to the Science Museum to view the "Dan Dare and the Birth of High Tech Britain" exhibition.
It was very good but the highlight was the Dan Dare artwork exhibit drawn by Keith Watson, my Auntie Gertie's brother.

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/galleries/dan_dare_and_the_birth_of_high-tech_britain.aspx

This morning we visited the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition at Burlington House on Picadilly. We arrived early, so walked through Burlington Arcade looking at the very expensive shops. Lots to see at the exhibition, variety and more work than we expected by members of the R.A.

http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibitions/summer-exhibition/



We strolled up Picadilly and through Hyde Park past the Serpentine to the Diana Memorial Fountain where we joined many other people and cooled our feet.

At the Serpentine Gallery we enjoyed the atmosphere of the Frank Gehry pavillion. The seats are like giant wooden steps but very comfortable.

At the National Portrait Gallery we saw the BP Portraits and were very impressed by the quality and quantity of works.

http://www.npg.org.uk/live/bpmenu.asp

Today we made another visit to London to see Rachael and to visit some art exhibitions.
Before meeting Rachael and Mike we walked from The Barbican, past St Paul's and across the river on The Millennium Bridge. On the centre tower of Tate Modern we were able to watch a peregrine falcon through powerful binoculars set up by the RSPB.



We had dinner with Rachael and Mike at the Hat and Feathers, near The Barbican.

The meal was lovely.

http://www.hatandfeathers.com/dining.php

Saturday 2nd August
Today we drove up to Middlesbrough for Adrian and Jayne's wedding. The reception was at Middlesbrough FC's Riverside Stadium followed by an evening party in Ormesby.