Robert's Stop-over in England

[Hamish]

Better late than never, I am now able to bring you a selection of the photos we took this past mid-week during the two-day visit to Storrington by Robert Pel (he of 'R'-Kilts in Canada) and his father, Henk. Their brief visit was, in effect, a stop-over whilst en route to their Netherlands homeland, and an opportunity for Robert to personally deliver my new Bronze leather R-Kilt!

Having met them at Gatwick Airport early on Tuesday morning, I brought Robert and Henk to Ham Palace in Storrington where, prior to being admitted, an obligatory photo was taken:


This was followed by the offical handing over of the Bronze leather kilt:
My wonder at the sheer beauty of it knew no bounds......!

After lunch at The Frankland Arms (a favourite nearby pub), I thought a brief walk by the sea (The English Channel) would be good for my guests - ozone into the lungs and a bit of gentle exercise following their long overnight flight. So we drove off to Hove, a very close neighbour to Brighton, where Robert snapped his father and me deep in conversation. (I am, by this time, wearing the new kilt of course!):


The remainder of the day was taken up with much conversation and Robert being given Part I of a detailed tour of The Kilt Kollection.

[Hamish]

On Wednesday morning we were joined for the day by my good pal, Jim and soon after his arrival, the garden photo-shoot commenced:


Inevitably, an impromptu attempt at a 'Double Hamish' was exercised - not quite perfect but just look at the positioning of the legs - sheer poetry in motion!


Of course, no visit to Ham Palace is complete without a Pergola Pose, and Robert duly obliged:


Then it was off to Arundel, 7 miles away for lunch and a castle.....

[Hamish]

Arundel Castle is a magnificent building, parts of it dating back almost 1,000 years, and is the ancestral home of The Duke and Duchess of Norfolk (he is The Earl Marshal of England and is responsible for organising all the great State occasions here, such as The Coronations, The State Opening of Parliament, Royal Weddings and Funerals, etc., etc.) It dominates the town of Arundel, much as Windsor Castle dominates Windsor town. In fact, since filming would not be possible at Windsor, Arundel is frequently used as a 'stand-in' for Windsor and has featured in films such as: 'Mrs. Brown' and 'The Madness of King George'. There was no filming taking place on Wednesday, but plenty of photos were taken (alas, none inside the main part of the Castle as photography is not permitted). Here are a few:

A group shot on the town bridge with the Castle behind:


The approach to the Castle:


In the background, The Gatehouse:


In The Lady-in-Waiting's room, Robert could not resist the temptation to seek advice:


The start of the steep climb up into the oldest part of the Castle, The Keep, building of which started in 1068. Once inside this building, the trecherous and dark stone spiral staircases are no more than 24" wide!:


The centre of the circular Keep is open to the sky and the sloping roof in the right foreground covers the entrance steps down to the dungeon:


Finally, we reach the crenelated battlements at the top of The Keep from where there are magnificent views for miles across the rolling Sussex countryside, out to the sea and down to the River Arun:


After 'doing' the Castle, we returned to Ham Palace in Storrington for afternoon tea. Robert was given Part II of the tour of the Kilt Kollection whilst Jim and Henk extracted the photos from three digital camers and burned them onto CDs. The day pretty much concluded with a Fish 'n Chip supper from the Storrington chippie.

Early on Thurday morning I took our honoured guests back to Gatwick Airport for their onward journey to Amsterdam and Holland where, by now, Robin's new R-Kilt will be safely in his hands (or around his waist!)

PS: A visit to Arundel Castle is on the agenda for the Storrington Gathering in June 2008.

[beloitpiper]

Looks like a great day! And what an amazing background!!!

[ccga3359]

Thanks for the pictures Ham, I remember seeing Arundel castle from the train oing to and from Dartmouth. I certainly was prominant in the flat Sussex countryside. Never had the pleasure to visit, until now that is. Thanks for taking such good care of SOKS own Robert & Dad.

[GMan]

WOW I really must come for a visit if you will have me Hamish. You look splendid all of you!

[Hamish]

.......................................... I certainly was prominant in the flat Sussex countryside. .........................

So, those rumours were true then!!

[Hamish]

WOW I really must come for a visit if you will have me Hamish. You look splendid all of you!

Make a note in your diary for next year RIGHT NOW, Glen......

The weekend of June 14-15, 2008 : The Storrington Gathering.

Details of events, local accommodation, etc., etc. will be appearing in these pages later this year.

[ccga3359]

So, those rumours were true then!!

And now I stick out like a sore thumb in .

I missed "t"!!!

Please read as ' "It" (Arundel castle) certainly was prominant in the flat Sussex countryside.'

Thank you Ham for showing that I'm such an idiot. I am somewhat tired of doing that job all by myself.

[GMan]

Make a note in your diary for next year RIGHT NOW, Glen......

The weekend of June 14-15, 2008 : The Storrington Gathering.

Details of events, local accommodation, etc., etc. will be appearing in these pages later this year.

I have it penciled in.