After the Sandringham concert on Monday, I needed a day of contrasts and that's exactly what we had. We decided to take a leisurely drive out to Coltishall and have lunch by the river followed by a walk to Belaugh. So that's exactly what we did. We sat by the River Bure and had lunch at the Rising Sun. I had dirty chips. Now is the word dirty the right one to use in describing any food? Seems a misnomer to me. Nevertheless I like dirty chips, mainly because they are still chips. These included pulled pork, peppers and cheese. The thing about dirty chips is the ingredients usually join forces to create a real mess. It always tastes better than it looks.
Then we began the walk - or in my case the hobble as my ankle is still playing up. Along the riverbank and through a couple of fields and past some very exclusive properties. We found a small piece of green overlooking the river with a lone fisherman. Sat on a seat and finished the novel The 23 by Linwood Barclay. Found it a bit ordinary to be honest and a bit disappointing. We then walked to Belaugh Church. I have been there before but it's interesting without being outstanding. Once again I took photographs of some of the plaques on the walls for further research- something I do all the time in case interesting stories are thrown up.
Once again I noted the name of a person commemorated on a stone just outside the church. Patricia Oram was 109 when she died. I remember looking this up a few years ago and there were a lot of press cuttings if you fancy doing similar. Inside the church was a list of rectors which included John Horatio Nelson in 1857. I haven't as yet found a connection with the famous admiral Nelson but there might be one. Perhaps somebody could enlighten me here. Or maybe it's just someone with the name Nelson who was baptised with the middle name Horatio in honour of the Admiral.
Where do you stand on the subject of rewilding in churchyards? I understand the reason for it but have to say I don't like it. I prefer churchyards to be kept tidy. Once again I emphasise that this is a purely personal view. I took quite a few photographs on our walk and I hope you enjoy a few of them. A couple show the rewilding in the churchyard to help you make up your mind on whether you are in favour of it or not.
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ow fast the brain works in decision making. I couldn't help but think this during a game of tennis last week. You know how much I still enjoy playing tennis although now it's restricted to old farts doubles. So there I was playing at the net. My partner served and the receiver hit the ball hard and just to my left. The ball was within my reach and I could have played it, but then I realised it was going out. So in a split second my brain made a number of assessments.
1/ the shot being returned was within my reach
2/ I could play the ball
3/ the ball is going out
4/ I need to withdraw my racket
All of these decisions were made in that split second. I withdrew my racket and the ball sailed out by about a foot.