Wednesday 19th April (Day 1)
A very delayed start to the day as we need to do some shopping and report the theft of Chris' suitcase last Thursday, which occurred in Wales. By just after 2.00pm we left for Chelmsford for Chris to buy some shoes. Then on to the motorhome base. It was then a short one hour plus drive to a pub in Stansfield - The Compasses. It was a lesson in checking up the details as the pub is closed Monday to Wednesday. Not having any food in the MH we needed to find an alternative. Eventually we stopped at The Bull in Woolpit. We went in for food to be greeted (or not) by the most dour landlord we have come across in a long time. The beer was good though. We ordered food which was very good and cheap. After this we played darts and I must report losing 5-3. Back to the MH to watch a bit of tv before bed.
Thursday 20th April (Day 2)
A chilly start to the day. A slow start also as we do not need to be in Great Yarmouth until 1.30pm; just over an hour away. So breakfast and then a slow meander to Simpsons where the motorhome was to be checked over. We left the Motorhome and the company drove us into Great Yarmouth. We were there by 12.30pm. Great Yarmouth, being a seaside town, has the usual 'kiss me quick' tat and 'souvenirs' near to the sea front. Further back the market place and shops are more traditional and so, well, boring. We made our way to the local church (or cathedral) but before getting there we found an old building like an almshouse. It had the legend 'An Hospital for Decayed Fishermen founded by The Corporation, 1702'. More information told us to qualify the fisherman had to be 60+ years of age and that their wife could also be housed. If a widower then the Corporation had to approve any subsequent marriage. Different times. Next Great Yarmouth Minster. On entering it was a large open space light and airy - not like all Minsters to be sure. The Minster was founded in 1101 and Great Yarmouth was, in Medieval times, the 4th richest town in England. One of the stained glass windows looked like Donald Duck! Another 'interesting' fact was that in 1827 there was uproar in the town as in 19 days ten corpses were stolen from the church yard with ages from infant to 67 years. This was the time the surgeons needed the dead to learn their skills and the fresher the body the higher the price. Eventually Thomas Vaughan was caught and sentenced to six months, as body snatching was not a crime just a misdemeanour. His defence, and allowances to his wife while serving the sentence was paid by the London surgeons. Eventually body snatching died out (tee hee) as in 1832 the Anatomy Act making access to bodies easier. We originally went to this town as we wanted to look at some e-bikes and two shops are in the town. However, they were not actually in Great Yarmouth itself but in Gorleston a bus journey away. We had a quick snack in an old fashioned cafe (good nosh though) before catching a bus to Gorleston. The two bike shops were duly visited; the first was disappointing having only three bikes which were either (a) expensive or (b) not the type we were looking for. The second, on an industrial estate had several that met our criteria and are probably now the front runners for us. Still more e-bikes to look at though at Peterborough tomorrow. We made our way back to Simpsons, collected the motorhome and made our way to Wisbech about two hours away. A good drive, despite it being evening traffic, and we arrived at a dilapidated looking entrance to a Camping and Caravan Club Certified Site - Inglescombe Touring Park. While the entrance is unwelcoming the owner's welcome was the opposite and the site, down a short winding lane, was well kept and secluded with lush grass, not overlooked and quiet, all for £5.
Friday 21st April (Day 3)
Up and away prompt and after a 30 minute drive we arrived at the East of England Showground at Peterborough. It is the largest motorhome show in the UK. We first went to see Resa and eric (and deliver a box of wine to her) then it was walk walk and walk around the exhibitors. By about 2.00pm we had seen all we wanted to and left for home. Billina was 'put to bed' and by 5.00pm we were pac home.