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A play day in Bristol

You could be forgiven, Dear Reader, for thinking that all we do on tour is rehearse, sing and go to Church. I think that this may well be how some of the choristers and our families may also feel.

 It is the point, though. That is why we have come.

 But every now and again we have an organised activity on a play day, and this week's was a visit to the ss Great Britain, Despite growing up with the sea outside my bedroom I would not have described myself as a nautical person. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of messing about on boats once again on this tour. 

 The ss Great Britain has been lovingly restored after being scuttled off the Falkland Islands. It had a number of roles over the years in trade and immigration. The English cricket team travelled to Australia on her.

 More importantly, the Great Great Great Grandmother and Grandfather of Sophie and Alice Crompton traveled to Australia on her. Here is the evidence. 



This is not some random identification with someone with the same name, they really are related to Mary and Joe Crompton, who sailed to Australia on the ss Great Britain. Mary Crompton's diary has recently been republished and is for sale in the gift shop. It was researched by Bill's father - there are now three copies heading home to the Crompton household. The model in the dining room with Sophie is thought to be Mary.  By us at least.

 Here are some more photos from the ship.  The ss refers to her being a steam ship.  
















We had lunch in the Pitcher and Piano. Here is evidence.



After this we headed back to the hotel where poor Wee Alice and her grandies were holed up. (She has been a bit of a worry to us but is now on the improve). We convinced her to get up and go for a ride on the hop on hop off bus. Oops. It doesn't run in Bristol from New Year's Eve until 31 January. So we headed off to the Science Museum, @Bristol. Sophie was already there with Uncle Geoff and Auntie Alana. This was a lot of hands on exhibits, and a lot of fun. We had particular fun with the animation exhibits, and I *may* have cause giggles when presented with two horses to use in my animation. Horse husbandry for beginners. 

 Here are a couple of photos



Exhausted, we decided to dine in at the Radisson Blu for dinner, we being Annabel, Sophie, Alice, David, Heather, Alana and me.

 So that was our day off.

 Ciao for now

 Cxxx


Comments

  1. JudyBJanuary 13, 2015 at 4:04 AM

    Lovely messing - it's been Britishly wet in Adelaide after being stinking hot and then tropical sticky and dare I say it - uncomfortably moist....so the rain has actually been a blessing. Softball was good this evening even though Jac didn't hit the diamond. Beat the ACT 2-0.

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