IN THE NIGHT GARDEN

FAMILY HOLIDAY 

Well… Life’s fortunes has spirited me yet again to the lovely English town of Nantwich in Chesire, UK. This is my third time here in this Northwestern tightly knit and friendly town. It is Janet’s fifth visit, but who is counting. Usually this great vast world is so alluring and time so fleeting that returning to some place is difficult to consider, but, when family is involved then the familiar streets and smiling faces that comprise this lovely Nantwich are far are more attractive than the most exotic vista.  

All right…that last bit may be pushing the envelope a bit. Nonetheless, we are here in Nantwich yet again.

THE CROWN HOTEL, NANTWICH

For those who have followed this humble blog you may remember that Nantwich is where Janet’s daughter had her “English” wedding at the Crown hotel, a charming waddle and daub structure on High Street that was REBUILT in 1583 by Queen Elizabeth I after a fire devastated the town. The kids had their “American” wedding at the Kimberton Inn for family members unable to travel to England.

THE CROWN HOTEL, NANTWICH 

Two of the attractions of this little town, where everyone knows everyone and a person can easily walk to any point in town, include the Nantwich museum, which not only explains the lengthy history of the salt mining industry of Nantwich, and how the Romans used the salt from the town for preserving and flavoring food, but also the extensive tanning industry that thrived here. Dabbing is part of the tanning process and to be a Dabber is to call Nantwich home.

WHAT IS A DABBER AND OTHER NANTWICH CURIOSITIES  

ST. MARY'S CHURCH, NANTWICH

The second attraction is St. Mary’s Church in the town center square. It dates from the 14^th Century and is considered one of the finest medieval churches in all of England. It is at this main square where Team VFH greeted 2016 in our previous visit to Nantwich, emerging from the Nantwich club that night in a spirited cha cha line as we listened to the father and son campanologist team ply their trade to chime in the new year.

Yes, Nantwich is more than a place to see things. It is the place where we settle into our couches to watch the 2016 World Match Play Darts Finals and discuss strategy and to make fun of Phil Taylor.

PHIL THE POWER

PHIL THE POWER TAYLOR

Nantwich is where Jake, the wonder dog, moans when it’s tea time and no one’s given him his food. 

Nantwich is place where you have a choice of fine pubs to visit, like The Rifleman, The Vine and The Black Lion for a pint or two or three. 

THE BLACK LION

But, most importantly, Nantwich is now a second home for Team VFH. It is the place where we coo over and coddle the little grandson who is so very precious to everyone. Of course he’s adorable, and we all make fools of ourselves in the quest to entertain him.. He’s nearly 18 months now and toddling about and saying words and we delight in watching the children's program IN THE NIGHT GARDEN, as he settles in for bed, content in knowing that life does go wonderfully on. 

THE RIFLEMAN, NANTWICH

I truly wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in this world.