Although it was a slowish morning we did not have too long as we were expected at Windsor around midday for lunch - a splendid steak pie prepared by Adrian. Whilst the finishing touches were being done, Joanna gave us the full guided tour of their new shed and greenhouse. A new residents parking scheme (beloved by some and disliked by many others) has meant that they have had to re-instate their small off road parking space which then involved demolishing the old shed. Their wood pile also is now undercover (separately) and Joanna can chop kindling for as long as she needs to for 'anger management' purposes - or so she says. In any event, we came away with another bagful ready chopped sticks.
Mid afternoon we all packed into their to drive over to Reading. We had been invited to join the family for the Crib Service at the church where Adrian's parents have long been members of the congregation. Over the years, Adrian's father has done a lot of work on the church - his latest and recently completed project was a new altar table which we were taken to admire - a substantial piece of woodwork.
The church itself is a typical huge Victorian barn but it does now have a new heating system (must cost a fortune to turn on!) which really does heat the space. Sadly most of it is at least 20 feet above the heads of the people on the ground!
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| We arrived very early! |
Afterwards we were invited to visit Adrian's parents home after which we returned to Windsor and collected our own car to drive back to the boat.
Late evening we went to the midnight service at St Matthew's church in Yiewsley where we have been several times before. A full church - it was apparent that many were infrequent attenders - as is often the case with Christmas services these days. At least a good opportunity to make newcomers welcome.
Finally, back at the boat we indulged in a Christmas drink before finally retiring!
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