Sunshine !

Took a trip to the miniature village at Cockington Green - this was a big hit with No 3 and we have visited it before. Its a little miniature English village and steam train rides. I was going to add a photo of this but on the way back we popped into the Australian War Museum.

I thought it was just a war memorial building which in itself is impressive - however just as we were leaving we found an underground part. 3 floors of 1st world war 'dioramas' (3 d models) , a dozen full size aircraft suspended from the ceilings and surround sound interactive stories of the Australians in the 2 ww.

I have a particular interest in the battle of the Somme as I recently found a transcription of an interview with my Grandfather following his repatriation from a pow camp. We visited the 'clearing in the forest' where ww1 peace treaty was signed in France last summer and I find ww1 history very moving.

I was blown away with this museum. Although the Aussies do play up their role in it. 8000 Aussies died at Gallipoli, but they barely mention the 21,000 brits and 80,000 Turks.

Even better - I found a reading room in the basement where you can look into the military history of your family. I really must go back as I have an Australian Airforceman on my father's side and I would love to find some rellies.

Here's a little snap of the 3 girls taken outside the War Museum, behind them is Anzac parade and across the water you can see the fabulous parliament building.

27 degrees. Very sunny Autumn day. We are off down the coast for 5 days on the beach - catch up with you next week ! xxx to all at home.

p.s.link to Claire's blip - if you aren't scared of spiders! Claire's pics