Last Thursday found Adrian, Jenny, and myself make a welcome return visit to The Olde Watermill at Barton Le Clay in Bedfordshire England. We took a step back in time in this Dickensian shopping village with its many Victorian looking shops and wild and extensive Spring extravaganza. We embraced the hustle and bustle of busy Victorian streets with their mystery and intrigue. There were many simply quaint little shops selling soaps, traditional sweets, jewellery, there were Clairvoyants, book shops, gift shops, and Ladies fashions, and much more!

At the top of one pebbled street, and beside the Mill pond of Mallards and brown and golden Carp we lunched at Hayden’s fine Victorian Tea Rooms on home made soup and wonderful full English Breakfasts. The Watermill itself is steeped in history as the Watermill is the second oldest overshot Mill in the Country and is even mentioned in the Domesday Book.

There is some 3500 square feet given over to Spring themes and decorations in the Village, a wonderful treat for both Children and Adults alike. We came away from the Village with a sense of having spent memorable hours there in the company of some dedicated and lovely people.