Monday 08 March - St Ives

After a brisk walk in the morning (it was still cold, English cold!) Louise, her friend Sue and myself headed of to St. Ives, the one in Cambridgeshire, about 7 miles south-east of Abbots Ripton; they to look for a dress and hat for Louise (pictures to follow) and I to have a bit of a walkabout.

 One of the main attractions in St Ives is the "Chapel of St Ledger, also known as the Chapel on the Bridge, was built during the construction of the stone river bridge in the early 15th Century. We know from records that the chapel altar was consecrated in 1426. What actually went on in the chapel is a matter of conjecture but we know at the time of the Dissolution the last Prior of St Ives was allowed to live out his days in the building.
The chapel remained as crown property until 1570 when it was bought by Hugh Counsell and Robert Pistor and converted into a dwelling house. It was badly damaged in the Great Fire of St Ives in 1689 but was rebuilt with two additional floors in 1736. It was to remain in use as a house until the early part of the 20th Century.
By 1930 the original building had been further damaged by constant alterations and the addition of more windows. Luckily this was the beginning of the age when we realized the value of our heritage and all the additions of 1736 and later were stripped away. The stonework was renovated and the old roof, much repaired, was returned to its original position. The stone parapets are not original but part of the 1930 rebuild but now we have the chapel back largely as it was when built nearly 600 years ago."

Scenes form the Chapel Bridge over the River Great Ouse

On my walkabout I picked up some groceries and then went looking for the ladies. I had felt a little strange peeking in the windows of the many Ladies shops in St Ives, but since I was wearing a cap with a Canadian Flag and Canada in big letters I thought the locals would just put it down to colonial idiosyncrasies.
I didn't find the ladies but I did have a good tour of the village. One store I did come across was a Spirits Merchant that boasted 400 brands of scotch. As I stood in front of the display of single malts all I could think of was, not enough money and only one liver. Ah well.

I decided to pop into a pub for a pint and wait for Louise and Sue to return to the car. I was just getting comfortable in a window seat ready to enjoy my pint and watch the world go by when I spotted the ladies heading for the car. So much for relaxing, a few gulps and I was off.

I cooked my favourite curried chicken dish for supper. It seemed to be enjoyed by all, except that there was just barley enough to go around. Thank goodness for salad. I have to get use to cooking for five instead of one, actually six because Maeghan and Alexander are teenagers and seem always to be hungry.


After supper we were off to the village hall for the weekly session of badminton. Last year I was unable to play because of a sore right elbow. This year was different and I thoroughly enjoyed myself even if I had to put up with comments about my chicken legs (I was a tad chubbier last year.) I forgot to bring my camera so I will take some pics next Monday night.

After a small libation at home it was off to bed.