Thorpeness, Aldeburgh, Snape & "house in the clouds"



"the house in the clouds"

The day of the celebrations dawned a overcast 

as it looked on the day

and cool in coastal Suffolk.  Val, Brenda, Christine and I decided we would explore Thorpeness and then go to Aldeburgh before we joined the celebrations in the evening.  We left the hotel after breakfast and wandered past the house in the clouds (a former water tower) on our way into the village.  The inhabitants of the house were already active and preparing.  We did not interrupt and carried on to a Christmas Fayre which was taking place in the village pub.  We did not linger too long but Brenda won a prize on the tombola.  We then went to the tearooms where 

eating the fish and chips

there was an emporium which sold all sorts of antiques and curios.  We lingered some time but


new lifeboat crew?

the only purchase was a 1972 Rupert annual in near perfect condition for our niece Ros who collects them.  We wandered round the mere, saw plenty of swans and ducks as well as the local crocodile lurking on an island.  We then decided to go to nearby Aldeburgh for a traditional fish and chip lunch sitting on the sea wall.  It was quite chilly but we found somewhere to park, wandered a bit, found the chippy and bought the lunch.  It was a bit cold and those with gloves found them useful to sit on as we watched the rollers come in and kept the seagulls at bay (the seagulls were not as aggressive as the variety in St Ives).  Brenda decided to look at the shops whilst the rest of us wandered along


Leon, Pat and their grandchildren

the beach to the lifeboat station, the boat was smaller than St Mary's and was beach launching with a tractor.  We had a good look and then went to find Brenda.  She had found a florists and Christine bought some flower arranging wire.  We then had a cup of tea and progressed to the craft markets and galleries in converted warehouses at Snape.  We spent some time browsing at some very attractive shops and even made a purchase (Brenda).  We left there and returned to the hotel to recover and get ready for the 

Leon & Pat

celebrations.  We arrived soon after the start at 1800 and were greeted by the happy couple, loads of other relations and friends 

relaxing

plus lots of food and drink in this incredible venue.  There were rooms on each story with room for Pat & Leon, Philip & his family, Hannah and her family plus Pat's brother Paul.  We had a terrific social evening talking to folk we had not seen for a long time plus exploring the building which had a snooker table and table tennis on 

cutting the cake

the top floor with glorious views.  At the appropriate time 

the toast!

we had a toast to the loving pair, a cake cutting ceremony and photo sessions.  Time went by very quickly as we all circulated catching up with everybody's situation and finding more about this interesting building.  Eventually it was time for some people to leave but those of us staying nearby carried on until late in the evening.  Eventually we had to say goodnight after a wonderful occasion with everyone having some very happy memories to take with them.  Our congratulations to Pat and Leon plus many thanks for including all who were able to attend.  We slept well that night!