Mollie booked the ‘Honeymoon Suite’ & the ‘Twin En-suite Cabin’ on the African Queen to celebrate her seventieth birthday. It was a complete surprise ……….. ‘her family had no idea where they were going until they arrived at the double gates with the ‘African Queen’ sign. It’s February 10th 2012 ……. the weather is ‘FREEZING’,  Mollie’s two daughters Helen & Claire looked at each other in wonderment, ……. why would their Mother want to celebrate her birthday, on a barge,  during the winter ??????????   BRRRRRRRRRR

Nice & Warm on the African Queen …….. Minus Twelve Outside!!

Mollie’s husband Anthony was an ‘Officer in the Royal Navy’ for years.

Alison & Clive also joined us on the February 10th cruise. Clive Bought Alison a ‘Fresh Weekends Gift Voucher’ for a Christmas present, which entitled them to one night B&B on the African Queen. Alison & Clive upgraded their ‘Gift Voucher’ to a Weekend Break!! 

The ‘Alpacas’ in a nearby field ……… all huddled together.

Andy had to smash the ice at ‘Whitchurch Lock’ to get the doors to open.

The scenery was beautiful ……. in spite of the cold weather.

A blanket of snow covered the ground.

Gatehampton Bridge

Looks a bit like  ‘Stalactites’

Anthony with daughter Claire on deck.

We passed this ‘Summer House’ jutting out into the river, on the way to Goring.

Beautiful Scenery.

Rumour is …….. this is one of Geri Halliwell’s  houses ??

The African Queen in Goring.

When in Goring, everybody goes ashore,  there are several delightful pubs, a very pretty little English Town

Clive & Alison disembarking the African Queen

Mollie with her husband Anthony & their daughters Helen & Claire.

We passed the Alpacas on our return journey.

Mollie …….. with her family

Clive & Alison came from Suffolk. They have two sons, one daughter, & a three year old Grandson.

Sitting Down to Saturday Night’s Dinner.

Surprise ………… Mollie’s & Her Birthday Cake.

WOW …….. do I have to blow out all those candles ?????

Happy Birthday To You , Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday Dear Mollie, Happy Birthday To YOU.

Mollie you look so GOOD for your years!

Happiness is ……….

Sunday Morning ……… no change in the weather!!

Mapledurham Lock, completely FROZEN

No swimming for the ducks today??

Anthony & Claire braving the weather.

The African Queen was here!!

The African Queen Breaking Through The Ice.

She Made It!!

MapleDurham Lock

The doors are open & we are finely on our way.

Mollie’s Birthday Present,  from Helen & Claire is a picture of their four Grandchildren. Helen has two boys, Samuel & Oliver and Claire has a girl & a boy Thomas & Katie. 

Andy & I hope you all enjoyed your Winter Cruise on the African Queen. Have a safe journey home.

My sister Gay-Lynn

My sister Gay-Lynn picked us up the following morning & took us back to her lovely townhouse in Midrand. I arranged to meet two of my oldest friends from Bryanston Primary School at the ‘Mugg & Bean’ in Fourways Mall  www.safindit.co.za/mugg-bean-fourways-mall

Meriel, Marianne & I at the 'Mugg & Bean'

I am regularly in touch with Meriel & Marianne on facebook & email but it’s not the same as sitting across a table face to face over a cup of coffee & some lunch.

Meriel, best friends for years

We had such a wonderful afternoon ……….laughing & reminiscing about all the things we use to get up too when we were young.

Marianne & Meriel my lovely friends

Gay-lynn & Renate,  had more install for Andy and I that night.

My brother Brian, Sister in-law Arlene, brother David & Andy

They organised for my four brothers, my sisters in-laws, nieces & nephews, not forgetting Christopher & Karen’s granddaughter Peyton & their new grandson

My brother John & Sue

Sister in-law Karen & her Granddaughter Peyton

Ryan's fiance Kate my niece Gina & my niece Taryn

My niece Lauren with her niece Peyton

to a bring and share supper,  it was an amazing evening ending with Gay & I talking until 3:00am in the morning.

My brother John, nephew Ryan & my sister Gay-Lynn

Sister in-law Carol & her daughter Gina

Sister in-laws Karen & Carol with baby Shane

My nephew Ryan & his fiance Kate

My brother Chris

Brothers David, Brian, Chris, John & Gay-Lynn

It was so good seeing my family & friends after all these years.

Tuesday dawned, a beautiful sunny day, Gay & Renate have a cage hanging in their garden with birdseed for the birds. Stunning brightly coloured birds were flying around the cage, pecking at the seeds.

Beautiful coloured birds pecking at the seeds

The birds & their well wooded garden  ………. ‘I have to say,  a sight I won’t forget’

After breakfast we went to see my mother. She lives in a home for the aged. She is 85 this year ……..I was a little taken aback when I first saw her because she looked so old but thinking about it,, 85 is old. Her favourite place for lunch is Woolworths.  They have a ‘Buffet’ with lots of Salads & some Meat Dishes, you  choose what ever you want and then your plate is weighed to estimate the price.

My Mom & I

I enjoyed being with my Mom, she is deaf, but can hear with a hearing aid, you just need to speak slowly & clearly. Once we had dropped my Mom back home we had to rush off to see Keith & Bev.

Keth & Bev with Andy & I

Keith is Andy’s friend from Roosevelt High School. Keith was ‘best man’ at our wedding & three or four months later Andy was ‘best man’ at his wedding. Bev & I became good friends so we regularly saw each other over the years.  Keith is a pharmacist and after a while opened his own Pharmacy,  called Keith’s Pharmacy in Linden.  We hope to see them on the African Queen in the near future.

Back at Gay & Renate that night we had a Braai, Gay cooked the meat in her new ‘Webber.’  ‘It was delicious.’ We planned to go to bed early since we were leaving at 4:00am the following morning. We had a lovely car journey down to Natal.

The Church at Warden just outside of Harrysmith

Gay & Renate with the Dogs

Jobs are created to keep people employed

Renate made some ‘very tasty padkos,’ we also stopped periodically for the dogs to have a walk about.  Gay & Renate dropped us off at ‘the de Goede’s, who live on the Berea in Durban, we arrived there around midday.

An Enterprising African

We said our goodbye’s to Gay & Renate as they still had an hour & half’s drive to the South coast, for a weeks holiday with friends.

Lorraine & Johan

We’ve been friends with the de Goede’s for years. Lorraine & I met when I was nineteen. We shared a flat in Hilbrow with two other girl’s. Lorraine was already going out with Johan at this stage. Andy & I got married in April 1970 & Lorraine & Johan got married in June 1970, we both had two daughters of similar ages. Every day was started with a visit or a telephone call, we shared everything except our husbands. She is my soul mate.

Lorraine shared Ian with me

Lorraine & Johan had a son …….. a laat lammertjie whose name was Ian.  Since I didn’t have a son Lorraine shared him with me.

Ian as a boy with his Mom

Unfortunately tragedy struck this family. Ian was killed a week after his 21st birthday 10 years ago on the 25th February 2002.

Ian Growing Up

Ian, shortly before he died

I grieved for my friend ………. didn’t know how she would get through this one,  but she did. Ian’s short life will never be forgotten ……… he has left a dent in all our hearts.

We spent Wednesday night with Lorraine & Johan & left the following morning at 9:00am for Morgan Bay.

Lorraine & I in the back seat with all the luggage

Johan’s Mercedes was loaded to the hilt, some of the luggage had to go in the back seat with Lorraine & I. We stopped at a Wimpy in Kokstad for lunch www.southafrica.gemania.co.za/wimpy-kokstad

Lunch at the Wimpy in Kokstad

Wimpy Waitresses

& then continued our journey through the Transkei.  As we entered the Transkei I could clearly see a change in the scenery

Goats walking on the road

Cows lying next to the road

goats & cows wandered into the streets. The country areas looked quite isolated with little houses scattered here & there.

The Transkei Countryside

Little houses scattered here & there

The towns,  an education with traders everywhere, the pavements covered with little stalls spilling onto the roads

Traders Everywhere

lots of people buying and selling.  Johan drove very carefully because there were so many people milling about & they didn’t look out for the cars.

People walk in front of cars

‘I liked the vibe …………. this was Africa and at this moment I was part of it.’

After a long drive we finely arrived at the Morgan Bay Hotel,  around 5:30pm. I was instantly taken with the beauty that surrounded us. www.morgan-bay-hotel.co.za

Beautiful views from Morgan Bay Hotel

The hotel was established in 1946 and has been a family run business for three generations

Morgan Bay Hotel established in 1946

The hotel is spotlessly clean with a colonial atmosphere. The hotel overlooks the sea,  with lush gardens & paths leading down to the beach.

Steps leading to the beach

The four of us sat down in the lounged & enjoyed a welcome glass of wine. Dinner was served from 7:00pm . I thought the menu was excellent with perfect service ……. what more could you ask. It was wonderful going to sleep with the sound of the waves lashing up against the rocks & waking up to see dolphins surfing the waves.  After Breakfast we sat on the terrace for a while having tea, Johan said he would like to take us to Kei Mouth. www.keimouth.co.za which is situated on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast.

Trading Store near Kei Mouth

Kei Mouth also has a very African flavour ………. a feeling of rural isolation. We stopped at this little Trading Store to buy some water.

Children playing outside the store

I took a picture of these children playing outside the shop. I wanted to give them some money for letting me take the picture, my thought was to give the eldest the money to share with the others. Lorraine warned me just in time  ………. I had to give them each a coin otherwise there would have been a big fight.

Horses from a Company called Horseback Adventures

We finely arrived at the Kei Mouth River,  just in time to see  some horses from, ‘ Wild Coast Horseback Adventures’ being taken across the Kei Mouth River on a Ferry.

Getting the Horses ready for the Ferry

www.wildcoasthorsebacksafari.co.za

The Ferry takes the Horses across the Kei Mouth River

It was fascinating watching them load the ferry with the horses.

The Sign Advertising The Wild Coast Horseback Safari's

Soon we were on our way again and drove past these cows relaxing in the fields.

Nguni Cow Indigenous to Southern Africa

Lorraine said they were  ‘Nguni Cows,’ Nguni cattle are known for their fertility & resistance to diseases, being the favourite breed amongst the indigenous  people of Southern Africa.

There were some paintings of Nguni Cows in the Morgan Bay Hotel. Lorraine & Johan loved the paintings, so found out the contact details of the artist. We went to his house to see all his paintings, they were mostly of ‘Nguni Cows,’ I was impressed with his work. Lorraine told me that paintings of Nguni Cows had become very popular in South Africa and were usually very expensive.

Lunch at Morgan Bay Hotel

After our busy morning, we decided to have lunch at the Morgan Bay Hotel. The Bar & Open Air Restaurant is a new addition which has recently been completed.

Johan' choice from the Menu

Johan ordered Fish & Chips which was served in a Frying Pan!

Seafood Salad for me

I ordered a Sea Food Salad which was excellent.

Hmm ..... it Tastes Good !

After lunch Johan went for a rest ……… Andy, Lorraine & I went to the beach.

Andy & Lorraine in the Sea

Lorraine & I in the Sea

The smell of the ‘Sea Air’ & the soft sand under my feet was a wonderful feeling.  It wasn’t long before Andy also went off to have a rest. Lorraine wanted to find some shells so we found some rocks where there were quite a few shell …….. but suddenly it started pouring with rain. We had to clamour over the rocks with bare feet ‘Ouch,’ it was a little bit painful. In the end I found a stick and managed to get to the grass. I looked back at poor Lorraine struggling up the rocks so I gave her my stick. so glad I was able to get a photograph of her with the stick. ‘ She is such a lot of Fun’

Having fun in the rain

Poor Lorraine ..... she needed a stick to make it !!

Being Friday night ……… there was a ‘Seafood Menu’ which consisted of five courses of different fish. ‘The Dinner was excellent’

It’s been a very busy day,  & since we are leaving fairly early in the morning, the four of us retired to bed quite early. After breakfast on Saturday morning we packed the car & were soon on our way to Port Elizabeth. We arrived at ‘ The Plantation’ at around 2.00pm & went straight to reception & checked in. Reception gave us the keys for the adjoining self contained cottages we were staying in. We unpacked the car & went straight out again to Mikes Kitchen since we hadn’t had any lunch.

Mikes Kitchen in Port Elizabeth

www.mikeskitchen.co.za

We enjoyed our lunch at Mikes Kitchen, the Salads were good & so was the service ……. however being with our friends was the best part of the lunch.

Sarah & Ralph Owners of The Plantation & The Boma

The Plantation nestled in Port Elizabeth’s indigenous coastal milkwood forest,  offers the perfect setting for Weddings, Corporate & Private Functions. www.theplantation.co.za

Award

The Boma is a Safari – style wedding, function venue & restaurant that offers an out door African experience. www.peboma.co.za

Award Winning Venue

Award Winner

The Plantation is ‘Unique,’ as we drove through the electric gate, I knew this was a place to be. The dirt roads & surrounding forest reminded me of the ‘Wild Coast.’ We drove straight up to the main house to meet Pat and Judy, my daughter Carine’s parents in-law. It was good to see them after many years. We had a cup of tea & then made our way through winding brick paved paths, carved into the forest,  to the little self contained cottage we would be staying in.  There are four little cottages,  ‘one of them being SPECIAL for the BRIDE & GROOMS first night.’

Front of Chapel

On our way we passed the ‘Venue Hall,’ so beautifully decorated, with white floor length table cloths draped over the tables & matching white fitted covers on the chairs. ……… ‘A very romantic setting.’ I was especially taken with the design of the Venue Hall since the sides of the building were open,  in the event of bad weather the sides of the building could easily be enclose.  Continuing along the winding path, a short distance away is the ‘Chapel’ which has to be seen to be believed ……….. difficult to put into words!!

 

Vintage Carriage

Can you imagine …….. the bride arriving in this  ‘Vintage Carriage’

Vintage Motorbike

and the groom arriving on the Vintage Motorbike …………. as i said before,  The Plantation is Unique.

Wedding

Sarah & Ralph have won many awards for all their hard work & emphasis on quality & service.

So proud of my son in-law Sean who, with his team, built The Plantation. Sean is so gifted with amazing vision & style.  He took us to the Deli Street Cafe for supper on my birthday. The Deli Street Cafe was another one of his projects which included ‘Decorating, Decore & Specialised Finishes.’  I loved the quirky style of the restaurant & the excellent menu (menu had nothing to do with Sean) …….  Sean has a company called  ‘Armadillo‘ …… Email: armadillo.co@mweb.co.za. TEL: 0814 720724.

Lia & Bindi-Boo

That night we sat around a fire with the Moffett family, Lorraine & Johan, and my lovely Granddaughter Lia with her dog Bindi and Carine who is due to have her baby.

Lia & Carine

The Moffett’s prepared a wonderful ‘BRAAI’ …….. delicious  ‘FILLET STEAK & SALADS’  my favourite, the only problem being …….. I  ate far too much!!

 

The Fire We All Sat Around.

The following day, Johan, Lorraine,  Andy, Carine & I had lunch at the Beach Hotel – www.thebeachhotel.co.za

Beach Hotel

Beach Hotel

i

Carine & I At The Beach Hotel

After lunched we rushed back to The Plantation …………. Judy had organised a ‘Surprise Baby Shower’ for Carine.

Carine's Baby Shower

All the men ……..  that is Pat,  Sean, Paul, Andy & Johan went off to a Pub.   The baby shower party was a great success,  with plenty of delicious goodies to eat. Carine got amazing presents.  We spent Sunday night talking in Pat & Judy’s lounge ………  with Pat being a great host!!  It was Lorraine & Johan’s last night in Port Elizabeth, which made me feel a bit sad since I didn’t know when I would see her again.

Deli Street Cafe On My Birthday

The Deli Street Cafe – www.letseat.co.za    ( skybok: Deli Street Cafe (Port Elizabeth, South Africa)-You Tube )

My Two Beautiful Girls

Mother & Daughter

Lia Always Teasing Her Boppa

My Dishy Son In-Law Sean

A Wonderful Evening

Thanks Sean ……… had such a lovely ‘Birthday’

The Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast

The Plantation was completely booked so we had to vacate the little cottage on the 21st & 22nd of January. Carine organised for us to stay at The Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast – www.cityfarmhouse.co.za. The Farmhouse is owned by Bill & Melanie Harrison, it is tucked away in the lovely treed suburb of Walmer in Port Elizabeth. While Carine was in hospital we took care of Lia, who also stayed with us at The Farmhouse.

The Stable Bedroom

We stayed in ‘The Stable’  which consisted of a bedroom,  lounge with sleeper couch, a little kitchen &  bathroom. It is compact and very comfortable.

The Stable Lounge

The Farmhouse is well known for their ‘Wonderful Breakfast’s’

View From Blue Waters Cafe

We so enjoyed spending time with our granddaughter Lia while Carine was in hospital. We had missed her so much since she had moved to South Africa. We took her to the Blue Waters Cafe for lunch. The Restaurant is known to be the best beachfront restaurant in Port Elizabeth. www.bluewaterscafe.com

Taking Care Of Lia

The waitress took a photograph of the three of us.

Lia & Her Boppa

We enjoyed talking to Lia, and listening to what she had to say even though a lot of the time she was texting on her phone.

Lia & I

I suppose …………. a typical teenager.

Myah Only One Day Old

Myah Rose Moffett, born on the 20th January 2012, she is a beautiful baby.

Carine, Lia & Myah

Mother & Daughter with the new addition to the family

Sean & Andy

Our last night in Port Elizabeth was so special. We all sat outside on Pat & Judy’s Patio.  A warm ‘Balmy Evening’ perfect weather.  The aroma of Boerewors &  Sosaties permeated the air. I love the smell of  ‘Sizzling Boerewors,’ it brings back happy memories of when we use to live in South Africa.

Sean's Braai

Sean made a wonderful BBQ with plenty of meat & salads

Carine & Sarah

The evening was spent laughing & joking.

Sarah With Her Dad

Pat loves to tell stories. I was never quite sure whether what he was saying was true or a joke ……… most of the time it was a joke!!

Sarah & Ralph

Ralph & Sarah Sean’s sister & brother in-law.

Carine & Sean

Carine & Sean were married on Christmas Eve 2010 in the Chapel at The Plantation

Pat & Judy

Pat & Judy Sean’s Mom & Dad

Our Last Evening Was Lots Of Fun

The Food Was Good & So Was The Company

The Moffett’s are a wonderful united family who truly care about each other.

Paul, Sean's Brother & His Wife Lou-Ann with Andy & I

Paul & Lou-Anne were also blessed with the birth of Noah, who was born two weeks before Myah.

Paul & Lou-Ann

Our last night in Port Elizabeth will always be remembered as a very ‘Happy Occasion’

Port Elizabeth Airport

We had to be at Port Elizabeth Airport early the following morning & decided to have our last cup of coffee together in the Cafeteria.  ‘Goodbye …… I hope we won’t have to wait too long before we see you all again. ‘

Having Breakfast In Johannesburg

We arrived in Johannesburg at around 10:30am. My faithful sister was there to pick us up again. We went to The Red Chick at the East Rand Mall for a late breakfast, so glad my brother John could join us. www.facebook.com/Red-chick-East-Rand-Mall

John & I

A big THANK YOU to John for making our holiday in South Africa possible

Back Home On The African Queen

At 9:00pm that night we boarded SA flight 234 back to the UK

The Alpacas Huddled Together

Freezing cold weather greeted us ……… even the Alpacas in a field nearby were huddled together.

A View From The African Queen

BRRRRRR,  it’s minus twelve degrees on the African Queen, …….. ‘Sunny South Africa,  a distant memory!!’

New Salvation Church Of God

‘NEW SALVATION CHURCH OF GOD.’  I thought about St Margaret’s Church on Mapledurham Estate where I live and as you can see, both Church buildings are very different

St Margaret's Church

The question is ……….. do you think the building matters to God ??

Our celebration starts from 5:00pm on New Years Eve with a complementary glass of BUBBLY!!

Maureen & Richard Evens from Newbury enjoying their glass of BUBBLY !!

Steve & Francine from London

Dianne & John Summerill came all the way from the Cynon Valley ………… a famous former coal mining valley with in the South Wales ‘Valley of Wales’

Steve & Francine with Roy & Yvette Eastwood,  they came as a foursome.

Val & Gwen Harris friends of Dianne & John ……….  also come from the Cynon Valley

Dinner is served!

After dinner QUIZ!!

Those brains seem to be working overtime!!

From left to right ………. Val, Maureen & Francine 

John & Roy

Richard & Steve think the quiz is a joke

Dianne and Gwen ………. Yvette has been elected to fill in the answers

Winners of the Quiz ………. Yvette,  Richard  & Steve, including

Dianne and Gwyn.

Val  ………..‘Maureen singing with the microphone’  & Francine on the left

Steve with the microphone ……..

All singing together

Bobby our sound engineer

Bobby selecting ‘shipmates’ requests

Cherrie assisting Bobby 

Dianne with the microphone!!

John singing for Wales!!

My, My, My, Delila ……. Why, Why, Why ……. Delila ………..

And the singing goes on ……..

Val & Gwyn having a dance!!

Dianne & John on the dance floor

Maureen & Andy

Val ……… the dancing queen

Shipmates posing between tunes!!

Dancing the night away ……….

Roy & Yvette Eastwood from London

Francine & Steve

Ladies on the dance floor

Ladies having FUN

The New Year comes, the Old Year goes,

Should old  aquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind

Should old aquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne

For auld lang syne my dear, for auld lang syne

We’ll take a cup O’ kindness yet, for the sake of auld lang syne.

Blow The Cobwebs Away Cruise ……….

On New Years Day!!

Weather was good to us

Goodbye 2011 ……. Hello 2012

Back on the African Queen Mooring

Andy & Bonny wish everybody a Blessed New Year

Christmas is such a SPECIAL time of year when family & friends get together to celebrate ……….traditionally with roast turkey & all the trimmings. ‘My favourite is Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce & Custard.’ 

The Deck on the African Queen is brightly lit & festive with Christmas lights & a little Christmas Tree

Once on board the atmosphere is warm …………. fairy lights surround the ceiling with a brightly lit Christmas tree & I love the little ‘Nativity Scene’ we bring out each year. We always play Christmas Carols on Christmas Eve ……….. my favourite is ‘When A Child Is Born’  by Boney M

Chris the Taxi Drive has been working on our behalf for the past three years.  Most Taxi Drivers get lost trying to find the African Queen mooring so we are grateful to have Chris to call on,  since he knows the area very well.

Chris is helping herself to our Christmas Eve buffet. Chris couldn’t be with her family so decided to book on the African Queen. Chris lives in Islington & has a voluntary job working for the ‘National Carers Organisation in Islington.’ She has 2 son’s who are working & twin daughters at University & College

Chris and Mary helping themselves to the ‘Buffet’

Janis originates from Scotland. She was married to a Doctor for 10 years. Janis was the PA for the Gordon family who are distillers of ‘Glenfiddich Whisky,’ She said working for the Gordon family was the best 10 years of her life. Sadly her marriage came to an end & she moved to London, but went back to Scotland to care for her Mother who had  ‘parkingsons disease’

‘ Mary and Alicia are Mother & Daughter. Mary is also a voluntary carer for the ‘National Cares Organisation in Islington.’ Mary also cares for Alicia who has had a lot of health problems.  Alicia is very brave ……… one wouldn’t know she is suffering from ill health as she is BUBBLY & full of FUN. Alicia has a younger sister Marcella, their Dad was from Trinidad ………. sadly he died at the age of 40

The four ladies again, from left to right …….. Janis, Chris, Mary & Alicia

John and Shirley on the left ……… they met at the ‘Roller Rink.’ They came down from Birmingham …….. said they felt they would give their family a miss this year. They have been married for 41 years, have 1 son ……. 6 Grandchildren & 1 Great Grandchild. John was with the Railways for 23 years. John then changed course & went to work for a Mental Health Charity. He was so interesting to talk to whether it was stories from the Railways or the Charity ……… he just had amazing stories to tell!!

Next we have Dianne & Adrian ………. the story of how they met made us all laugh. Dianne was out at a club with her friend one night and Adrian was out with 4 of his friends at the same club. It was Adrian’s birthday so understandably he had been doing a lot of celebrating so much so that he fell over on the dance floor into Dianne who was stone cold sober!! It must have been love at first sight because this was 18 years ago. Adrian is an Electronics Engineer & Dianne is a Financial Planner. They were a FUN couple to have on board. 

Annie is sitting on the right. …….. she is a lovely lady, so easy to please. Annie was an ‘Aero Medic’ unfortunately she was court in an explosion while collecting a patient. Annie was very badly injured, she was in hospital for 4 months & has had several operations since leaving hospital. Annie says she has one more operation to go & then she will be completely rebuilt. Sadly she had to take early retirement & now works voluntary for the ‘Red Cross Medicals’ ………. she is also a Medical Instructor for the disabled.

Andy starts off the Karaoke  ……… although he has the microphone  ‘we are all singing together, the words are displayed on the TV’

Andy and Janis having a dance

Annie has taken the microphone

All singing together

Andy continues to dance with Janis 

Dianne, Janis and Alicia dancing

Janis & Alicia singing and dancing

Annie with the microphone again

Annie …….. singing away 

Looks like the girls are enjoying themselves

I think Chris wants to give us a tune

Alicia singing ……….. she has a beautiful voice!!

Alicia singing ………. ‘Oh, what a night late December back in ’63, what a very special time for me, because I remember …… what a night!!

Andy with Adrian and John all looking very HAPPY 

Alicia has still got the microphone

The party in full swing

Wow ………… look at Dianne dance

Alicia singing

Janis wearing Andy’s jacket ……….. given to him by the ‘Hotel Inspector’

John singing …… when Shirley & him were holidaying in the Grand Canary they went into a pub. It was ‘Karaoke Night’ & they were asked to sing, however after the second song half the people in the Pub said they were leaving unless somebody else took over the singing. I think what John was trying to tell us …………. Shirley & him weren’t very good singers.

Cherrie …….. dancing with all the girls

They just keep on dancing

Enjoy yourselves girls ……….. you are only young once

John serenading Shirley

Annie with the microphone  ………..yet again 

John and Alicia singing a ‘Duet’

Adrian singing to Dianne ……… ‘Have I told you lately that I love you, can I tell you once again some how. Have I told with all my heart and soul how I adore you, well darling I’m telling you now. 

Breakfast ……….. after the night before.

The all decide to go to the Christmas Service at 11:00am. St Margarets Church dates back to the 13th century. It is a beautiful old Church situated in Mapledurham Village

St Margarets Church

Dianne & Adrian ready for Church

Alicia ready for Church

Standing in front of the African Queen before going to the Christmas Day Service. 

While they were away ………. Cherrie, Bobby & I got the table set for lunch

Bobby …….. being creative!!

Dianne giving Annie a HUG!!

Mother & Daughter such a lovey couple!!

After Church they all came back to the African Queen for tea & Cherries homemade Banana Bread & then decided to walk to the Pack Saddle Inn which is on top of the Chilterns ………… a beautiful 2 mile walk through the Oxfordshire countryside

The Pack Saddle was booked out ………. unfortunately there was no room in the Inn, Andy asked if there wasn’t perhaps a stable at rear where they could sit, but the Landlord  said no,  he agreed to them having 1 drink & then said they must leave. 

Christmas Lunch served at 3:00pm ………. Cheers!!!

Dianne and Annie all dressed in RED !

Everybody smiling & happy

Hope you all enjoy your Christmas Lunch 

All went to have a little snooze after lunch & then we started the Quiz at 7:00pm

CONGRATULATIONS …………  winners of the Quiz !!

Alicia giving Mary a HUG on Boxing Day

Chris smiling happily!

Janis dressed & ready for the Boxing Day Cruise

Cruising down the river on Boxing Day

It looks very cold …….. Brrrr !!

John and Shirley dressed for the weather

Dianne and Adrian on Deck

Annie on Deck

The cold and uninviting river Thames on Boxing Day

Andy driving the African Queen

John braving the weather!!

Cruising past the Alpaca Farm 

Mary on Deck

Drinking coffee on Deck

Annie smiling

Dianne sitting on Deck

Entering  Whitchurch Lock

African Queen in the Lock

Whitchurch Lock

Janis & Mary with a cup of coffee on Deck

John & Adrian on Deck

Gate Hampton Bridge

Gate Hampton Bridge

Watching Hotel Inspector on Boxing Day Evening

Watching Hotel Inspector

Unfortunately the Whitchurch Lock broke down so we were not able to get back to our mooring in Mapledurham. There was nobody to come & fix it since it was Boxing Day, they promised a team of divers would be there by 8:30am the following morning. So we had to spend the night at the Weir in Pangbourne

As promised a team of divers arrived the following morning

The diver being lowered into the water

The diver sorting out the obstruction

Finely on our way back to Mapledurham

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

Ruth, Andy & Penny

Jean, Conchita, Sue & Andy 

Buffet Lunch

Ring the bell ………. lunch is ready!!

Melony, Jean & David 

Sue looking very HAPPY!!

Pat & Jean

Conchita with a big smile

Penny, Melony & Caroline ………. Melony’s Mother

Melony & Caroline

Cherrie, Conchita & myself

Ruth, Andy & Penny

Pat & Jean

David ……….. Ruth’s Son

David, Ruth, Penny, Melony & Caroline

I was told to open my presents …………. thank you so much

Pat, Jean, Sue, Andy, Conchita & myself 

Andy & I wish you all a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year.

Thank you  Cherrie & Bobby for preparing all the food and running the Bar. 

Ring the bell ………. come & help yourselves to some nibbles

Andy ….. the skipper of the African Queen with Mary Clare Denny who has lived in St. Margarets House in Mapledurham Village for more than 20 years

Andy & Bridget Cumming – Bruce who lives in the Vicarage in Mapledurham Village

Lady Ann Eyston with Andy & Bridget Cumming-Bruce.

Mr John Eyston, the owner of Mapledurham Estate, with Jeanette Howse  Business Development Executive for Tourism South East & Lola Mapledurham Estate Secretary who recently won ‘Gold At Beautiful South Award’

Julie the Office Assistant Mapledurham Estate, Jane Starling who lives in the village & runs a Nordic Walking Business please visit her website www.nordicwalking.com, Lady Anne Eyston & Mary Clare

Mr & Mrs L Redgwell ………..  Mapledurham Lock Keeper,  Environment Agency

Corry Starling the Country Park Bailiff

Andy & I with Mary Claire

The Weir at Mapledurham which has supplied power to the Water Mill for at least 1000 years

A silhouette of St. Margarets Church & Mapledurham House. For more details please visit their website www.mapledurham.co.uk

See if you can identify the name engraved on the Water Mill’s wall,  clue being ‘ The Eagle Has Landed’

The Old Mill,  recorded in ‘The Doomsday Book’

A rear view of The Mill

The Archimedes Screw Hydro Electric System ………. the result of many years of planning by the owner Mr John Eyston.  For more information about this amazing green electric power please visit www.mannpower-hydro.co.uk

Ken & Judith came by train & were met by our usual taxi driver Chris. I think it’s comforting to know there is a taxi to meet you on the other end, it takes the stress out of traveling.

Dawn & Paul came all the way from Portugal. 

Jennifer booked the African Queen to celebrate Pieter’s 65th birthday, his birthday was on Friday the 9th of December

I served a three course Cape Malay menu on Friday night. 

After we had served the Starter & the Main Course we brought out Pierter’s Cake

We all sang ‘Happy Birthday’ & ‘For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow’ together with a CD

Pieter blowing out his candles

The view from the African Queen on Saturday morning

 The Thames River on Saturday morning

Breakfast is always served at 9:00am 

We past this Heron on our way to Goring.

At the start of the cruise, these three men were the only ones to brave the weather on the deck

The sign welcoming us to Whitchurch Lock.

We pass many beautiful riverside properties on our way to Goring, I am always fascinated by this ‘Summer House’ elevated over the river.

Goring Lock

If you look carefully you will spot another Heron

Ken & Judith enjoying a cup of coffee

Shaun & Sarah braving the weather,  they were the youngest couple on board

Cruising down the river Thames

African Queen in Whitchurch Lock

Dawn & Paul

Shaun & Sarah

Gatehampton Bridge which was designed by Brunel

Going under Gatehampton Bridge

Goring Lock

This was the sunset on our way back to Mapledurham

Another three course dinner on Saturday night

Sitting down for dinner on Saturday night

We celebrated Shaun’s Birthday on Saturday night, since he was turning 29 on Sunday.

Shaun looking at his cake. 

Shaun blowing out his candles

He even managed to blow out the Magic Candles

The evening was ended with ‘Dom Pedros’ a South African Dessert

The following morning after breakfast we cruised downstream through Mapledurham Lock

We wish everybody a safe journey home & thank you to those who chose the African Queen to celebrate their birthdays.

Every Christmas they have a party for all their friends living in England

They all bring something to eat …….. must say all the food looked delicious

Sitting down to a feast

I have never seen so much food

Dan, Bobby, Martin, & Catherine

Sherlyn, Christine, Rosa, & Catherine ………..  Karen can be seen on the Ipad, she use to work on the African Queen

Girls night out !!

They spent the whole night laughing.

Jenny singing to them on the ‘Karaoke Machine’

We wish you all a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year

The weather was a little bit windy but pleasant enough for everybody to be out on deck, so Bobby upped anchor as soon as all were on board & we started our cruise up river. Cherrie served a complementary glass of ‘Bucks Fizz,’ as the African Queen glided past the wintery looking Chilterns, although I have to say Autumn had not completely disappeared.

It was good to see the family enjoying each others company.

We got back to Mapledurham just before dark around 4:30pm, so there was some time for the family to play games before getting ready for the dinner party. We always serve dinner at 7:30pm. It was another ‘Cape Malay’ dinner, starting with ‘Lamb Samosas with a Cape Malay Dressing,  followed by a ‘Mixed Platter, which consists of ‘Boboti, Sosaties & Tangy Chicken’  all served on a bed of rice with a side salad. Dessert was ‘Traditional Milk Tart’ & ‘Old Cape Brandy Tart.’ Everybody said they enjoyed the dinner.

Before serving the dessert we brought out the ‘Birthday Cake’  I put on our usual birthday CD with the volume very high & Bobby brought out the cake while Cherrie stood by with the camera & we all sang to the birthday girl. She couldn’t blow all the candles out because we had included some magic candles, which are impossible to blow out.

We served the birthday cake the following morning with coffee while cruising down stream

Thank you for celebrating Jane’s birthday on the African Queen.

We wish you all a safe journey home.