A trip to middle England.

We have spent the weekend in the Midlands, visiting a number of old friends and taking in some cultural experiences.

Angela's magic flower garden

We were in Worcestershire for the first two nights where we spent time with friends who live close to Tenbury Wells looking over the Teme Valley.  They have an astonishing herbaceous border, pictured above.

Then on to Stratford, the town where I spent much of my childhood. Stratford is a key point on the canal system since the Stratford Canal, which runs down from Birmingham. enters the River Avon at this point.  From here it is possible to sail down to the River Severn and ultimately to the sea.

There are always a few narrow boats moored in the Stratford Basin.  However, this year our arrival coincided with the annual Water Festival, when hundreds of craft congregate for a weekend of friendship and music.  The many colourful boats moored along the bank of the Recreation Ground were a fine sight.