History Mystery - Norwich - for Daniel's 21st

Right, I just know you are all excited to hear all about our surprise day. Surprise for Daniel, Mollie & Henry anyway. It was a gamble when i booked it, as it was all very last minute, with our original plans to visit Daniel in Alrewas for the weekend going pear shaped. Nevertheless Norwich came up trumps for us, with something none of us had done before, or had even heard of until one of my lunchtime strolls, which ended with a Guildhall blip some time ago.

So back to today. We were up by 9. A challenge as we'd all had a very late night. After bacon muffins, we drove in to the city to start our day. Coffee and cakes in the Brittannia Cafe, which is actually inside the old magistrates court in the Guildhall. If you've never been, then please do. It's such an interesting setting. To get to the toilet you walk up the stairs and through the dock! Everything is preserved. The judges seat and the where the jury sat. We had tea, coffee, cake etc and told the kids we were booked in to 'History Mystery' at 12 midday. There was a 'cool' from one of them, but it was difficult to explain exactly what it was, without more details, so they weren't bowled over with excitement!! That was to come.

After a brief scout around some shops, we reconvened at the Guildhall for our surprise. We were greeted by Alistair, our host for the hour. He gave us a brief Norwich history snapshot, and an explanation of what was required of us. Basically, we had paid to be 'locked' in a room for an hour, our challenge was to find clues, in order to release the Archivist who had got locked in the archive store, when the door had closed behind him.

We were shown into the room by Alistair, he set the computer running & promptly left us! The computer started to talk to us, at the same time, the 1 hour clock began to count down. We had a pen and paper, and began frantically looking for clues. I won't go into details, as I don't want to spoil it for any of you, but it was just the best hour of the year so far! It flew, we worked together, we talked to each other and we didn't stop moving. AND with just 3 minutes and 24 seconds to spare, we solved the final clue and released the Archivist! It was exhilarating, fun, even a bit tense, but well worth ever penny. I thoroughly recommend it. Go as a family, group of friends, team. Whatever, just go! Alistair reappeared (a bit like Mr Benn!) to take our photo and congratulate us. I hope it made it a memorable 21st for Daniel (3 days early)

We went from there to buy a bit of lunch, then on to Moss Bros where we bought him a suit. He is very happy with it, and is sure it is what he wants (for those who think its not an appropriate 21st birthday present!)

Back to the car feeling leg tired, and drove straight to a very nice Indian restaurant in Cromer. What better way to end the day!

Then home for pudding. I made a cake yesterday. Plus a film, presents, and another late night.

Jon will drive Dan back tomorrow. It will be sad not to spend Daniel's actual birthday with him. But he is growing up, and now 3 weeks into his internship, is learning what life is all about. Birthdays don't happen conveniently at weekends, and we are now all located so far away from everyone, that we have to make the best of time together.

That is what we have successfully done today!