16th August 2026

 

           Dear All,

Esther, Emma, Amelie and Albert arrived Monday lunchtime and we ate at the Community Centre. After inspecting the allotment and garden there was time for serious games including their current favourite Monopoly. Albert meanwhile has become a semi- professional Rubik cube solver and is willing to pass on solving tips to anyone interested.

On Tuesday we all went to Wimpole Hall as the children were keen to see the rare breeds but there were far fewer than there used to be just a large pig collection, a couple of heavy horses and a collection of ducks, chickens and goats.

 

 

Rubik King

 

 

 

Gloucester Old Spot family

The visitors departed after Wimpole and the next excitement was the Eclipse on Wednesday evening. Esther had equipped us all with special glasses and it was a memorable experience.

The main excitement of the week came on Friday as Amelie had chosen a “zoo experience” as her birthday treat and we all descended on Colchester zoo. She was able to help feed and clean various animals including Meer cats, elephants, cheetahs, sun bears and her favourites lemurs. The lemurs were especially friendly.

                                                         

 

 

Esther had also organised a giraffe feeding session for the rest of us which was an interesing experience as well.

 

 

Ben came back with us to collect the curtains that Kate has been relining. He is still clocking up the miles – a Marathon in the heat last weekend and yesterday’s run was the 244^th consecutive day!

 

Best Wishes

 

 

Mike & Kate