I have learned not to say Ceci lives in Spain, because she lives in Catalonia and Catalonians fiercely value their independence. Luckily, she loves England and all things English and occasionally visits these shores to attend English courses to improve her skills as an English teacher. Ceci wanted to do some Christmas shopping, so I drove her to Waddesdon Manor in my Bullnose Morris. The Buckinghamshire Manor was built in the Neo-Renaissance style of a French château between 1874 and 1889 for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild but is now owned by The National Trust which always has a well-stocked shop. The car park attendant melted at Ceci’s pleas to allow us to drive right up to the door and I promised not to drop any oil on the gravel drive.
It had rained while we were shopping so I bought some mince pies to warm us for the journey home – I drove and Ceci was navigator. Happy Christmas !
(Words & pictures Robin Batchelor)