With Al's birthday weekend a great excuse to get together we all planned a surprise for him. Everyone managed not to let the cat out of the bag, even Lyn who must have found it so difficult and managed the subterfuge admirably but must now be pleased that the stress has gone out of her life
We set off from the South and trundled up to Stilton as the others left the North doing much the same thing! We arrived at lunch time with a pit stop rendezvous in the car park with Lyn to take possession of the birthday cake. We were soon in the bar of the Stilton Cheese Inn being warmly greeted by Sue & Steph and the key to our very nice room. The rest of our party arrived soon after and it was time to text Lyn to persuade Al he needed a beer. So they arrived with Al expecting to see their Son , Richard. We hid and could here him ordering his beer at which time the bar his side was empty. We needed to reveal the surprise so I suddenly appeared from the opposite side of the bar brandishing my camera shouting surprise and he was
He had an even bigger surprise when he came round and found eight of there waiting for him!
Where is Richard?
Surprise!!
A drink or two later and we all headed across the road to the Talbot for a late lunch and several drinks while the footie enthusiasts amongst us caught up on the scores!
After a quick retreat to our rooms to freshen up for the evening and the odd siesta for some it was soon time to wander across the deck to the pub for dinner.
We were given our own 'room' for dinner which was all laid up and looking great. The food was soon on the table and we all enjoyed two great courses of huge proportions. A few drinks helping us along the way (all in moderation of course!) Very soon it was time for Al to blow out the candles on his cake which had a great scene of zante on it.
Lyn's birthday is also just a short time away so we were able to give her a little present or two as well
It was a brilliant evening and all too soon it was time to call it a night with us all feeling a little tired but I think Phil won the prize as he was asleep at the table!
Can you spot Al mark 2 in the background
Sunday morning came round all too quickly but at least the sun was shining. Feeling refreshed Phil and I went for a walk round the village stopping to pick up the paper.
Love this stained glass window at the Talbot
Despite protests of being very full we all did justice to full english breakfasts, the calories of which are to horrific to even contemplate counting but suffice to say Carlos has kept us completely full all day! Al and Lyn joined us for a cuppa and too soon it was time to load up the cars and head off home. Simon said their was rain coming from the west and we would get it on the way home - he wasn't wrong as soon as we hit the M25 it was torrential rain!
All in all a good time was had by all and its not too long before we all get together again. Lyn and I are looking forward to some serious retail therapy at the Trafford Centre.
