Hello Jack

To Aylesbury to see our grandchild Jack, born 9am Thursday 17 March.

Salamanca Eagle

 

To Chelmsford to see Napoleon's Eagle, captured on 22 July 1812 in the battle of Salamanca.

Unfortunately the Eagle is overwhelmed by being at the back of a large cabinet filled with bling of the Essex Regiment.

 

"Made from gilded bronze, every French battalion was ceremoniously presented with an imperial eagle by Napoleon, which was then carried on top of the Tricolour flag of the Regiment.

During the battle, the French tried to get behind the British lines but they were over-extended. Despite Britain having a smaller army, the British saw their chance and broke through the French line.

Essex Regiment’s most prized trophy, the eagle was captured at sword point from Napoleonic troops by Lieutenant William Pearce of the 2nd battalion,44th (East Essex) Regiment.

Only six eagles were captured during the Peninsular wars, and so it became an icon for the Essex Regiment, worn on badges and buttons, unit flags, notepaper, vehicles and sports kit, and continues to be worn by all ranks of the serving Royal Anglian Regiment."

(from the museum website)

The Regimental banner carries battle honours.

The Essex Regiment Museum is in Chelmsford Museum,

which is in Oaklands House built for local brewer and industrialist Frederick Well in 1865 in the Italianate style based on Queen Victoria's residence at Osborne on the Isle of Wight.

Back Garden Daffs

 

Daffodils in the back garden are all out now. There's a separate small clump of miniature daffs that I don't recall planting. Maybe the pesky squirrel planted a stolen bulb and it's propagated. 

First Daffs

 

The first daffodil in the front garden opened today, by Friday (when this was taken) three were open.

The first opened eight days  earlier than last year, but the winter has - so far - been milder and the daffs haven't been laid low by frosts.

It's eight days later than 2020 and one day earlier than 2020.

Red Sunset

 

Criccieth

Saturday 22 - to  Criccieth to see Starlight Player's Snow White Pantomime, but

Covid restrictions forced postponement till end of this year.

Sunday 23 - This stony-faced chappy glowers down over a wall when we go out for a walk.

Monday 24 - Dinner at Dylan's with Dan & Krisie. Postponement of pantomime meant Dan and Krisie were free of their commitments to the show so we dined together every night.

Our usual Pinotage is no longer on the wine list, but our charming waitress told us they had a few bottles left, so we had

Wednesday 26 - with both Criccieth chippies closed for winter we caught the train for the seaside resort of Barmouth which has a great number of them. 

Unfortunately they too were closed and it was bitterly cold with a cutting wind off the sea. 

So after walking around the town we went into 15th Century The Last Inn pub where, not only did we get a warm welcome, and they did decent wine, but they also had a very good battered cod loin.

which came with a large lemon wedge and large packet of good tartare sauce in a foil packet.

Thursday 27 was a glorious mild sunny day so we took a leisurely walk along the coastal path.

Friday 28 - Cold dark and wet again. In the evening we returned to

Dylan's for dinner with Dan and Krisie. We emptied a few  more bottles of Longbeach Pinotage.

Saturday 29 - we drove home, easy drive this time, with a stop at Dobbies Shrewsbury for a changeover of drivers and a scone, and with the M54 open in Birmingham direction.

Marshal's Drive Path

A very wet few weeks has made country walking nigh impossible with deep glutinous mud, but this path could be in the country. It is in fact a short lane between Marshal's Drive and Marshalswick Lane. Firm going most of its length with slippery mud for a stretch.