Today dawned blue skies and sunshine; lucky that I had arranged for a day out with my girlfriend to do what girls do best, talk, drink, eat and SHOP!!!
Yes, a day playing hooky is good for the soul.
Off we set for a day in the wonderful Oxfordshire countryside heading towards Henley, with various planned stops en-route if the marching pheasants, partridge and deer along the way didn't distract us, along with the occasional little bunny rabbit.
The first destination was the delightful little hamlet of Pishill (pronounced Pish ill). Our eatery here is called The Crown which is a lovely old building heavily laden with black beams, log fires and candlelight. The food was scrummy.
From here we set off down the lane admiring the wonderful autumnal colours on the trees to our next stop the village of Turville. This is where many movies are filmed and plenty of TV dramas and comedies; 'The Vicar of Dibley' (hilarious), 'Midsomer Murders' and 'Lewis', to name but three. A quick stop in the Bull and Butcher for light refreshment and off we go again.........................Fawley here we come.
Fawley, the word is the old English word for fallow deer, which used to roam here, is a pretty village set high and gives lovely views over rolling countryside, here can be found the delightful home and vineyard of Wendy Sergeant. An extremely welcoming and friendly lady who runs a delightful gift shop with her friend Tricia and sells a great Fawley champenoise, harvested from her own grapes. The gift shop is laden with Christmas goodies, local produce such as Quince chutney, Crab Apple Jelly and Honey. Tricia makes splendid cards, individual and very special. There are Christmas gifts such as English soaps, decorations for the tree, fudge etc., etc., Whilst browsing Wendy tops up the complementary glass of bubbly and we sample the lovely nibbles of local cheese, spelt biscuits, chocolates; all available in the shop. Her gardens are beautiful and at this time of year the apples are ripening, and a walk around the vineyard is well worth it. A definite 'must visit' place. We left very happy with our purchases 'are you a pink girl?' Wendy asked me as she wrapped my parcel (this being the wonderful gift my friend bought me). Yes, most definitely yes, and what a lovely thought to ask!
I took a friend from America to visit Wendy in June and we had the most memorable couple of hours with her and Tricia. A very special place indeed.
In the surrounding area are many places to visit, including Stonor Park, Fawley Court, Henley on Thames and Marlow to name but a few. I shall introduce you to these lovely places another time..................................
The car is calling I feel another journey coming on.............
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