And The Winner Is........

A couple of hours to wander around Richmond turned into an all day event. Most of the time was spent at the castle. It was built by Alan The Red in the 11th century. There really isn't a lot left of it now, but it's had an interesting history which includes being a military base not that long ago. It was an event day today, that event being "Swinging '60s". A bit strange for a medieval castle. We did run into Mr Gamesman himself, Don. Don and his wife Kathryn do talks and displays all around the country. Today the duo had old games galore. Only two Ashton women could be so aggressively competitive over a game of quoits. I'm proud to say I took out the Quoits. No problem. I think I can safely say that the skittles crown and bagatelle title were also mine for the taking. The ring board proved a tad more challenging and I unfortunately choked during match point. Aunt Sally was good to vent the frustration after the loss though. This is where you have to bash a doll off a stand with a wooden stick. Nice. Mum tried to cheat a win but, let's face it, we were both rubbish at that one. Mum easily walked away with the shuffle board and boulles title. I wasn't even in the running. How to kill 2.5hrs. Small things you might say but hey, we were happy.

We were next off through the winding wynds to explore the rest of the town. Prince Charles has compared the market square to Siena. Has he actually ever been to Siena?? The answer is either no or he has one amazing imagination. Yes it's lovely, but Siena???? We visited the Georgian theatre, newly restored in 2003, and it truly was a highlight. It remains a working theatre and the tour left us disappointed that we couldn't see a performance. It was simply charming and the most intimate little theatre imaginable. Really must come back.

I shall leave you with a lovely little verse about Richmond written by Mr M Wise in the 1800s: "Up above a castle! Down below a stream!

Up above a ruin! Down below a dream!

Man made the castle, rude, forbidding, bare.

God made the river, swift, eternal, fair."

XXX