Saturday 15th April 2023

Storm Noah hit the UK midweek, I was waiting at the bus stop about 9.30pm at the Top of Festival Avenue. The wind roared round the frame and the rain! Metoffice said to expect 70mph, they weren't wrong. 

Aunt Joan is staying with us, nice for mum to have company,  I've just started cycling again but I get very hot and sweaty.

Dad's birthday was on the 9th, so I got him a cake from M&S; he's 81 now; where have all the years gone? 

I met Wiltshire CIL at Arendals in Cathedral Close,  former home of prime minister Edward Heath. He left the house to the nation in his will, I'm going to write a will.  I'm doing it with Samson and Coward, their offices are in New Street.

I got there & thought the place was shut, then Mary came in her car. We were met by 2 lovely people, one's a gardener.  I've often passed Arendals but never been inside, they have exhibitions and plays there in the garden.   

We went into the dining room, I was too scared to to touch anything; there was some clear cut crystal glasses. Apparently Chris Tarrant the presenter has visited, so has John Major who#s another PM.

The garden is amazing, Mr Heaths office overlooked the garden, but some bushes had to be planted. Mr Heath was an IRA target,  and they could have tried to shoot him from Elizabeth Gardens. 

It was a very interesting visit indeed, our museum has an exciting exhibition coming up. All photos from the archives of Salisbury Journal, this I'd love to see.

Today was the Grand National.  Protesters in pink t-shirts tried to disrupt it by gluing themselves to the fences, the race was delayed by ten minutes. The race began at 5.25 instead of 5.15, while security & police carted off protesters & ladders that were thrown over. One horse did sadly die, as he has a nasty fall. 

Apparently the horses stay in 6 star hotel stables, I wouldn't know myself if I stayed in a posh place like that! That means use of pool, sauna, beauty therapy and god knows what other luxurious things!

Easier cycling back then going up parents,  it's all uphill. Festival Avenue is a killer, including Cherry Orchard Lane.

Aunt Joan goes home tomorrow,  then Alan comes in May; he couldn't get Easter off.  Apparently Alan has to email his bosses for time off, and they don't always read them in time.