'Conkers'

Just when we thought that Easter was over, we had a visit from the Norwood (MK) family. Tim, Isla and girls arrived on Thursday afternoon. On Friday morning they left for the Peak District intending to do a 4.5 mile walk which they succeeded at. On Friday evening Iona, Izzy, nan and I settled down for great game of Cluedo.

On Saturday we all went to Conkers. Conkers is an environmental activity centre near Ashby. Amongst the energy conservation things was the plasma ball. As you can see Iona let it go to her head.

Recently the subject of funnel web spiders has come up. I did not realise that we had them in the UK. I guess not the deadly poisonous sort.

Once out of the exhibition area we were confronted by a very jolly train, with loud jolly music (or rather jolly loud music) and a jolly driver.

It took us to a play ground area where we attempted and finally succeeded in getting coffee.

From here we did our wander into the southern part of the park and returned for lunch. There was amazement expressed at the fact that nan had bought a cheese board. But, it was a good lunch.

After lunch we went on into the northern part of the park.

First came the listening area, or rather the place to make a lot of noise.

Then we came to the sculpture trail where logs could be used to create things. Iona thought that she could be a sculpture.

Then came the forbidden adventure trail. Forbidden to under thirteens if you enter it at the starting point, rather than come across it in the middle as did most people. Iona showed amazing determination to go against the flow and climb up the down side. Well, there were no notices prohibiting her or saying which end to get on.

We finished up quietly feeding the ducks.

Then it was we driving north and Tim's crew driving south after a very enjoyable few days.