We have just arrived in Banbury, where we will be saying farewell to my other second cousin Ray, his wife Trish and daughter Tracey with a night out at the pub. John has disappeared down to the village, since although he was here for nine days, he didn't so much as see the caravan park, let alone the village of Great Bourton - a lovely place - because he was so ill. He did see the inside of the local hospital for two days.
We spent yesterday with my newfound second cousin Linda (nee Tucker) and her family - the whole 10 of them, including her son and family who flew in from Qatar on Friday. Again, as it was in early May, we had a most enjoyable day. It was really sad to say goodbye to Linda, although she and her husband Peter are planning a trip to Australia in 2010. Peter is kindly driving up to Hammersmith with two of our bags on Thursday, so we don't have to lug them on the train from Derby to St Pancras. A real blessing.
Prior to arriving in Horsham on Saturday, we spent Friday evening at Ange and Paul's place in Totton, a suburb of Southampton, because their respective mothers wanted to meet us. What a laugh we all had. The two mothers have wicked senses of humour.
Did I tell you about Paul and Ange's car? Paul has an even higher level of spinal cord injury than John, and Ange was finding it very difficult to lift Paul (who is about a foot taller than John) in and out of her station waggon. So they decided to seek a vehicle through Motability, an organisation that provides (for a cost) vehicles for people with a physical disability. The deal is - you put up a deposit of 6000 pounds, and forfeit your 100 pounds a fortnight mobility allowance (which Paul is eligible for through Social Security) for five years. For that, they lease you a vehicle for the five years and pay all maintenance costs and road taxes. It's a great way to be independent, although of course it is often difficult finding the deposit of 6000 pounds. Paul and Ange took delivery three weeks ago of a Peugot, and find it marvellous. So easy for Ange to get Paul in and out. Did I tell you she provided a taxi service for John to go into Southampton and to their house and back for the evening. Much easier than trying to park this big motor.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I thought the Motorbility was probably a cut-down car..
Your trip has been fantastic, the planning in meeting so many rellies, churches, graveyards must have taken you yonks!
You pair certainly are an inspiration!!
What a trip! I have read with great interest all that you have written. The photos lead me into a new and inviting world, though I must admit some of the later photos will need John's "touch up" in Picasa, some of them are leaning a bit. We are all looking forward to seeing you both back at PCP. Safe journey.
Marg G
Post a Comment