A trip down memory lane.....

On a glorious Spring day, we headed off on our postponed family day out down to Dorset, to retrace my Mother's family history.

First stop was the village of Leigh, where we tracked down the thatched cottage where my Mother was born, then on to the nearby village of Batcombe where we searched in vain for my Great Grandmother's house. Things had changed a bit since my Mum was last there picking cowslips!

Next stop was Weymouth, driving past my Mum's old college and digs, and the church she used to go to with her friends because the curate was very handsome! After fish and chips on the beach, a stroll around the harbour and a large 99 ice cream (well, I was at the seaside!), it was back on the trail to find the rose bush that had been planted in memory of my Grandparents.

Leaving Weymouth, we took the coastal route, with stunning views of Chesil Beach, and through chocolate box villages full of thatched cottages, including Abbotsbury where my Nan was knocked out in a family rounders match!

With time to spare, we popped down to West Bay, where my Grandparents used to live. The damage caused by the Winter storms was still very much in evidence. Then on to Bridport, past the church where my parents were married, and to visit my Uncle and Aunty, our last port of call.

Our return journey took us through Beaminster, the village where my Mum grew up, past the tree that she used to climb to pinch chestnuts, and past her school where one of her friends hid a shot gun up the chimney, which then promptly fell down during a lesson!

Take it from me, this is just a selection of the "I remember when...." and "That's where I used to....." that we had today! I just hope I can remember all these little gems of information so that when I'm my Mum's age, I'll be able to repeat this journey with many happy memories....