In between showers we went to the annual Sparkle show at the Landmark Arts Centre as we could get in on a 2-4-1 ticket! I have had a stand at this show in ht past but unfortunately this year it was not nearly so good and that was not because I was not there! At least 4-5 empty stalls, less variety and according to a few people I talked to, much lower sales which is getting me worried about my stand at Orleans House in a couple of weeks.
We then headed over to Hampton Court Palace as by chance I noticed that this Sunday it was the annual blessing of the Shire Horses of Operation Centaur at Hampton Court Palace. We had a rather damp walk through Bushy Park but the rain held off for the arrival of the twelve beautiful Shires. It was a great photo opportunity although I had to strive to avoid an unofficial photographer pretending to be an official photographer in a yellow reflective jacket - he got told off!!
I was excited to see 'Baby George' a lovely grey shore horse who is now two years old and quite different to the leggy foal featured on Countryfile! The Chaplain of His Majesty's Chapel Royal blessed the horses and sprinkled them with holy water before members of the choir got a chance to meet the horses.
Afterwards we explored the ‘Standing with Giants’ art installation in memory of the fallen soldiers and created for Remembrance Day - very moving. Then back by bus for some more birthday cake and tea. We enjoyed the pies I had bought a few weeks ago from the Chessington Garden Centre.
