The Marshalls of Chippenham

One of Dom's oldest friends is his pen-friend acquired in 1979 or 1980, Rachael Marshall nee Martin. It was a risk of sorts for our first face to face meeting to be a three night stay for the whole tribe at the Marshall family home.

Any apprehension about this step into the unknown was briskly swept away by the warmth and generosity of our English hosts {so like the photos after all!}. Paul, Rachael and Max entertained and guided us through big name tourist attractions and charming English cultural traditions, and even slept on the couch to keep us in luxury.



Chippenham is but a stone's throw from Bath, which I would have to say gave a good account of its attractions for visitors. The Roman Bath tour is a genuinely high quality tourist experience, for children and adults alike. The proximity of centuries of human history manifests itself with real potency. Bill Bryson's commentary is entertaining and informative.



Stonehange, also in the neighbourhood, is a less complex attraction, notwithstanding the air of mystery tourist operators have worked hard to imbue it with! Nevertheless, and despite the freezing conditions that greeted us, it too exceeds expectation. The place has grandeur, and has been ably preserved.
Our children enjoyed the open space, and a bit of a run around with their bouncy new friend Max Marshall.



The town of Bath was very charming to walk around. The photo above is taken looking up-river towards the Putney Bridge.