Day 8 Wednesday October 26th Cirencester and a meal out

 

Our room overlooks the lake and quite often our near neighbours are the swans.

Today was planned as a different day to yesterday.  It was time to visit a laundrette and Christine had identified one of this dying breed still existing in Cirencester.  We looked on Google maps and found there was a car park nearby.  After breakfast we made the short journey to the character town and parked.  We were able to use a card to pay for parking - a big relief.  Using a phone we tried to walk to the laundrette, we eventually found it after seemingly going round in circles.  This establishment was very busy and seemed to be prospering.  The washing was soon loaded and after a hiccup all went well, this was followed by drying.  Again the machines accepted cards which makes life easier.  We asked a lady at the laundrette for the best way back to the car park and she showed us a route which took two minutes instead of ten.  

The clean washing was loaded back in the car and we had a quick walk around the town, buying a snack lunch as well.  We had time to eat/drink before going to our next destination - the giant Dobbies garden centre on the outskirts of Cirencester.  We split as Christine wanted to view various franchises and present buying opportunities, I preferred to look at the garden plants and equipment.  We paid for our purchases (nil in my case) and went back to the car.  We drove back to the hotel and sorted ourselves out.  

We then went to Val and Brenda's house in Watchfield where we had been invited for an evening meal.   Val was at home preparing the meal and we waited for Brenda to arrive from work.  We saw some more of the work they have been doing with their house and garden.  One wall of one room is a rogue's gallery of past and present family members.  Brenda arrived home and we enjoyed the meal Val had prepared.  We conversed talking about all sorts of things but soon it was time to say our goodbyes and return to the hotel.  A different day!