Thursday 9 April 2009

Scenes from the weekend... Part 3

Right Jack and Pondside have you everything you'll need... wallet, handbag, coat or sweater? Okay, jump in my car and let's head off to the Queen's Head. Our table is booked for 7.30pm but we'll leave about 7pm so that the light is still good enough to show you some of the sights along the way. Seat belts on - it's the law over here. Comfy? Off we go!

We pull out of our drive and head to the right, south, and to the village of Hawkedon. It's England so that's pronounced with 3 syllables as in Haw - k' - d'n...





We go past Stonecross Green which of course you already know about and head out into the open countryside. Unfortunately for everyone else, we are heading into the sun so the images have come out a little dark but hopefully you'll be able to see fairly well... This is looking towards the next village, Rede (as in Reed) which is quite charming although you won't get to see it all as we turn left at the junction into the village and leave it behind us.



The road's quite a winding one and we cross over this little bridge...



now you can see Rede church ahead of us...



and here we are at the little junction on the outskirts of Rede... of course, you could always catch the bus to the pub if you wanted to?...



Having turned left, we're heading in a south westerly direction. Before you know it, we're sort of on the 'outskirts' of Hawkedon. We're just going past the Hawkedon Veterinary Surgery where we have a major financial interest due to all the times we've visited over the years. When we first had to come here it was with our younger dog. She was just a puppy and it was an emergency visit (aren't they always...), Sally the vet looked at our puppy and said to me, 'Here, hold this...' and thrust her 6 week old baby daughter into my arms whilst she got on with the serious stuff... those were the days when the surgery was in a tiny little 'Portacabin' arrangement... so, as you see a major financial investment here... But I still think that they do a fantastic job and wouldn't consider taking my pets anywhere else...



On the crest of the hill and now you see in the distance the village of Hawkedon...



down the hill and you see the village sign...



Perfect! Not too many people here but enough to mean that we have to park the car here on the road, just outside...



Here's a photo of the outside of the pub - maybe you can show your families back home where we went for a meal, a drink and a chat...



The Queen's Head in the village of Hawkedon, Suffolk, England.



Grab your coats, it's cold now - let's go inside and see if there's anyone we know there and we'll introduce you...

12 comments:

  1. Loved the pictures. I have been to England once many years ago, these pics make me long to come back and see more! Such pretty countryside. My oldest was there 2 years ago and just loved it. One of these days we will get this family of mine on over across the channel to see more of your pretty country!! thanks for sharing, and taking me on a little trip!! ciao, Debby

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  2. Your posts have me "homesick" for England, Veronica! I've never lived in England, only visited, but can imagine living very, very happily here... So much enjoyed this trip...And can't wait to sample the pub! ;o) Happy Day ((HUGS))

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  3. Thank you Veronica! That was a treat. I have to admit that I was a bit woozy from riding on the left side of the road, but you're such a good driver that it soon passed. Beautiful views, beautiful tree, just about to burst into bloom. I hope there will be more tours......and just one thing.....what do you suggest I order for lunch?

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  4. Very pretty, such a nice life.

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  5. Veronica, I love this little jaunt in the english countryside with you. How beautiful it all is over there in that lovely country. I have always longed to visit but probably never will so these are sweet treats to me. Enjoy one for me.
    Hugs, June

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  6. thank you very much for a lovely time. the beer, the food, the company.....perfect. i enjoyed it immensely, toodles, jack c

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  7. Right! I'm thinking in a British accent now. My man has a decent adaption of it. He said, if he didn't meet me, he would have looked for a woman with a British accent. hahaha

    Very nice tour! Breathtaking views, love it! Can we have a pint of my fave beer next time I visit? hehehe

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  8. The houses in the village of Hawkedon is beautiful! I like the countryside touch!

    A fun nature trip!

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  9. These images are GREAT! I feel like I am in the car looking out the windows!

    Everything is so green! What beautiful country!!

    Thanks for sharing these pictures with us - as one who has never been across the pond, I love seeing these photographs a great deal!

    Take care.

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  10. Hi Veronica,

    It is nice to see that you financial investment built such a grand veterinary practice! Sweet story about the baby too...

    Thank you for a lovely tour. I hope to join you again soon.

    Happy Easter

    Marie x

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  11. Hi Veronica,
    Thanks for visiting my blog and your sweet comment!
    Wauw you adopted chickens how sweet off you!
    This is my first time on your blog so i will take the time to read it now!Have a nice easter!
    Greetings Anita

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  12. I LOVE BEING INCLUDED IN YOUR LITTLE JOURNIES! I START MY OWN JOURNEY IN ABOUT 7 WEEKS! YEY! HOPE YOU WILL POST MORE OF THE SAME SOON. I THINK I AM GOING TO TAKE PICS OF THE INTERESTING PUB SIGNS THAT I FIND WHILE I'M THERE, AND DO SEVERAL POSTS ON MY BLOG ABOUT THEM. (MIND YOU, I WON'T BE GOING INTO ALL OF THEM) HAVE A VERY HAPPY EASTER!

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