Day out with the girls

As we had parked the car at Bedwyn, today was planned as a say out away from the canal. We had given the girls plenty of information about the options and they had chosen Bowood House, about 30 miles away. However, the forecast was for more rain. Just after breakfast, Andrew rang and suggested Devises Museum as an indoor possibility.

After further discussion the girls opted for the museum - you never know what you may find there (Alice) - as well as Crofton Beam Engines. Also, Christine was not feeling too bright, suffering from the inherited cold. So Mike agreed to take Alice and Jess out for the day to give her a bit of a rest.

We drove to Devizes, parked the car (free as the pay machines were not working), and followed the finger posts to the museum.

We were made very welcome and given a worksheet to follow as well items to find and spaces to stamp. The main subject of the museum was about ancient Britain, from prehistory, stone and iron ages as well as Roman times.

As well as the traditional displays, there were chances to dress up in costumes. Jess was especially impressed with both the Romnan and Saxon helmets. Alice did sterling work reading many of the information panels to the others. She did not even pause a moment when faced with 'paleontologist'.

We spent about two hours there and then searched out a place for lunch. Whilst we waited for our orders to arrive we had some interesting conversations, including not having two 'ands' in  sentence (Jess).

As a result we say carefully that we had tuna melt, soup of the day and ham baguette. They were very tasty and eventually disappeared.

Back to the car (collecting some raspbverties and blueberries for dinner) and drive back through Marlborough to the Crofton Beam Engines museum. These are the oldest working beam engines in the world, still able to do the task for which they were installed.

Unfortunately this was not a steaming day they are quite few- but by the boiler still felt warm where the water is held. Jess put her hand inside the firebox and could feel quite a draught as air is drawn up the chimney.

We climbed up three levels to see the driving level, the huge cylinder heads and,right at the top, the huge iron beams. The older engine dates back to 1812 whilst the Boulton and Watt alongside is from 1846.

The engines pump water up to the summit level from a lake as the canal had serious problems with an inadequate supply from the intended sources. Today the steam pumps have been replaced by electric ones although a few years ago they were needed when the modern ones broke down.

We had tea before leaving including some delicious chocolate cakes -  Jess took a sample back for Granny!

On the way back to the boat we passed Great Bedwyn parish church with its unusual embattled tower. Jess asked if we could take a look and fortunately it was a still open. In the churchyard we also saw a 14C preaching cross.