Saturday 2nd December 2023

Saturday dawned blue and cold. A light dusting of snow had fallen, but there was freezing mist hiding the rest of the world from Chez Jelltex.

Best way.

We had coffee, got dressed, left Cleo tucked up in bed, and headed to Tesco to fill the car and shop for essentials.

The roads were clear, though the car park at the store was still snow-covered so parking in a slot was tricky.

But we got our stuff, and back home for half eight, by which time it was daylight, though the mist got thicker and turned into proper fog.

After breakfast, we loaded the car with camera gear, and drove back to the A2, then out along the Sandwich road, before turning back through Wingham and then across the marshes to Ickham.

It is nearly six years since we were here, so it was high time to return, and parking on the high street was a tricky as ever, with ever more cars there.

Ickham has a large green, or grassed area in front of the church, lined on the left side by thatched barns, at least one of which has been converted to a dwelling.

I met a group of three folks coming out of the church, so we bid each other good day, they walk to their car, and I walk to the church.

As I was here to record the windows, I don't put the lights on, but get busy in snapping away, repeating I'm sure shots I've taken at least twice before.

Once done, I take the shot from the church to the lych gate and village behind, the highlight is the oasthouse, with its four pointed oast towers, all now converted to flats and houses, of course, but looking wonderful.

Oasts are where hops were dried before being added to beer to make ale.

A mile further on, on the banks of the Little Stour, aka the Nailbourne, is Wickhambreaux. I was last here just over a year ago, photographing the church after recent renovations, but the fabulous east Window was in darkness, and I was advised to return in winter when the sun shone early in the morning through the glass.

The forecast had been for sunshine, but instead we got mist and fog.

But after parking, we found the church open, and the light, though diffused, was good enough to photograph the splendid east window.

If, at the start of the day, you'd have asked me what would be a perfect day, I would have said visiting those two churches and a pub lunch afterwards.

Opposite St Andrew is The Rose Inn, and it was five minutes before opening time.

It'd be ride not to!

So, at midday, we pushed the door open, asked if they were doing food. They were. So, took a seat by the roaring woodburner, and both of us chose burger and fries. And to wash it down for me I had a pint of Gadd's 5, which hit the spot.

All very nice I have to say.

We drove home, the mist had failed to lift, so spending the rest of the afternoon on the sofa listening to the radio didn't seem such a bad way to while away the afternoon.

And Norwich were not playing until Sunday, so a stress-free afternoon. And more footy into the evening, all the while listening to Craig on the wireless.

Altogether, a fine day.