Wednesday 8 oct

Just for something different, it's raining! No it's pouring !!

After watching antiques road trip with James Braxton, I scheduled in a trip to Bamfords auction house. We were on our way to Derby and had stopped at the lights when when we  heard a bang. I said to Tim someone has hit us and he said no, but when I got out of the car the car behind us was very much attached to us. The poor kid was about 19 and jumped out and offered us money. Tim said to her don't ever do that as  you never know what could happen ! As it turned out, there was no damage, so we went our merry way leaving a very shaken young girl. I am hoping that is no 3 for this trip 1. Tooth, 2 lost keys and this .

Trying to find Bamfords in the rain  in Derby and no map was a challenge but we did it.

And there he is

And here we are!! The girls in the office thought it was  very funny that I wanted a photo but I was determined. We did also buy a few items to thank him for the photo but were very restrained. Poor Tim, I didn't have to tie his hands this time, he just sat there crying when the gavel went down. 

As we are visiting so many places we decided to join the national trust which was cheaper to do it for a year than 5 weeks. We can also use it in Australia. Very excited at this prospect,we sat and worked out where we could go. Tim has always wanted to go to Calke Abbey,so that was our destination today.

This is a very  unusual estate that the national trust took over and instead of making it pristine it was left it as it was. Wallpaper falling off paint peeling and furniture in  total disarray. It was an amazing place with an amazing history. They had to bring in experts to treat it so that it didn't deteriorate any more but retain the authenticity.

No one can ever complain about tims taxidermy collection!!! There were stuffed animals everywhere. The grounds were lovely and have got some great ideas for our house.

Yes there is Boris brother no 36 I think or maybe 46. There were some deers on the property which is surprising seeing most of them were on the walls but then I suppose the land  and the house have been around since the 1600s.