Reunion Day

Friday

Today we decided to leave the Hobbit Shire and even though we were warned to avoid it we headed towards Isengard (better known as Luton) but you will be pleased to know that we did keep well away from Mordoor (better known as the Arndale Centre) as we were told it was inhabited by Orcs and Goblins. (I’m not allowed to say who that would be but I’m sure you can guess if you know Luton.)

The morning started when Alison (Jo’s best friend) picked us up from Harpenden and took us for a Big English breakfast in a local café (£5). After about 10 mins it was as if we had seen her yesterday. She then drove us to Luton via Jo’s Mum & Dads old house “Willow End” Jo got a bit emotional (again!). Spent the whole afternoon at Alison’s sister’s house who had sadly passed away recently. Talk for hours and then showed us her “Lulu Guinness” handbag collection.  Much to Jo’s delight she was given two of them. May have to mail them home. Met some of the rest of the family and then got dropped off at Jude’s house (another good friend of Jo’s). Val (another good friend from Jo’s hairdressing days) had come up from Christchurch for the long overdue reunion. Lots of alcohol/laughs/food/tears and great memories were shared. Stayed the night there and in the morning we had awesome sausage sannies best ones in 20+ years! (Whingeing POMMIE moment). Jude then drove us to Streatley (Upper Sundon) to show us her recent house purchase that she will renovate when she moves in end Jan. It was the “Old School House” built in the 1800’s and was lovely. We said goodbye to Jude and Val then drove us back to Harpenden on her way home to Christchurch where we will be catching up for New Year’s Eve.

Although there are some nice parts of Luton others and especially the town centre is very depressing!

Finally met Claire the oldest daughter (who we had last seen as a baby in Australia 24 years ago)! Went with the family to get their Christmas tree at a local farm a lovely tradition they carry out every year. It was very festive with hot apple punch and very interesting to watch. We were taken home via some of Harpendens grand homes very impressive. Spent a lovely evening playing cards and having some good laughs.