I spent my birthday weekend in the delightful village of Parwich, near Ashbourne in Derbyshire. I chose Parwich because it is close to where my family live near the city of Derby.
Left to right - Granddaughters Patsy, Heidi and Molly, Grandson William, Nicola, Mum Joan, daughter Sally, Richard's wife Deanna, Jill, brother Richard and son Jonathan.
And one with the dog, Kylie...
It turned out to be much better than I had hoped for or anticipated, an immaculate village where property prices start north of £1m and where pride in the village is everywhere in evidence. No litter, no dog fouling, no graffiti just an overwhelming sense of the immaculate.
And a very good pub, the Sycamore Inn, where we had an excellent birthday meal...
I would nominate Parwich as the most perfect archetypal village in England, even better than Emmerdale. Much better, in my opinion, than anywhere in the overrated Cotswolds or in Devon and Cornwall.
I especially liked this cottage with possibly the tallest foxglove that I have ever seen..
Even the shed doors are well turned out...
Eventually the rain cleared away to the east and my daughter Sally organised a walk from the village across muddy fields and puddled farm tracks...
I gave up half way because living at almost sea level in Lincolnshire I am quite unaccustomed to dealing with hills, I went to the British Legion and had a pint of local ale and was not disappointed.
Later Kim prepared a fabulous buffet, the weather continued to improve and we were able to spend time in the garden.
I apologise for the shirt, my daughter bought it for me. She has an unusual sense of humour. Anyway I felt obliged to wear it for the occasion...
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