We took a trip to St Ayat where the house of Geroge Bernard Shaw should have been open to the public. Dad, M and I have National Trust membership this year and so we are keen to make good use of the cards.
Alas, after an hour and a half journey with the threat of storm Dennis for company, the property was found to be firmly locked up.
Along with a good handful of others suffering the same fate, we took refuge from the battering rain and winds at the Brocket Arms, indulged in some modest refreshment, and finding an (almost complete) pack of cards, received instruction from my father on the Milton hand and bidding techniques for the game of bridge.
I nipped out with my camera (on the premise of taking a rain check) but it was too wet and windy for any proper photography.
The old church at Ayat St Lawrence stands opposite the pub. I rather liked the modern iron gate leading up to the ruins of the church.
And that was that. We all remained in good humour, nevertheless, I think the National Trust owes us at least a voucher for tea and cake on our next visit to one of their properties.
The processing came about to try and reduce the busyness of the foliage around the main features of the gate and the church.
