Some things DO stay the same....

After spending last night in a nice B&B in Worthing, we set off westward. Well, let me go back and talk of Worthing. We rolled into town and found a B&B right away. But we wanted to discover the town. So off we went, and after about an hour of poking around, we stumbled upon the National Bowls (lawn bowling) Championships. If you're not familiar with it, it's similar to curling....Is that helpful? All in all, we wandered for over two hours. Very nice. Actually, we we're trying to work up an appetite. Didn't really work. We dined at a local pub, with a small meal.
Then setting off this morning, I was concerned that heading west to Portsmouth, would lead us to our old village Southwick and it would be radically changed. We knew the pub had changed hands and would be different. I had actually cried a bit in anticipation. But, to my delight, things were as they should be. The Golden Lion was updated, bright, had a fabulous menu even though the owners and ales had changed. We had a lovely parsnip soup, with a local brew. We then walked the street down to the village shop. It has also changed hands- from Bob and Paula, to new Bob and Paula. Too funny. Popped our heads into the church. I thought they moved the organ, but Mike says "no". Other than that, it's the same. The vicar has retired and moved on, and we didn't get to meet the new one. Lastly, we walked up to 1 Boulter Lane. It still appears to be in MOD hands. The base has been turned over to Royal Police, as a training facility. The Lane thought isn't kept up as it was with the Navy. But at least it's all still there.
Of course we had to drive out and see Farmer Robert. We did find the farm after a few wrong turns. And Robert was there and surprised to see us. We were ushered in and chit chatted for over an hour. Turns out the sloe berries are in bloom, and the home made sloe gin soon came out. Oh my! What a treat. That was how it should taste. I have to say, that was a thrill for me- sloe gin made in the country fashion.
But the day is getting late, so off we go to find a place to lay our head tonight. We are here in Winchester, in the most quirkiest little humble pub ever.

If I can get the video on this site, I will. Otherwise check FB. We are in rooms above a 300 year old, timber framed pub. Too cool. Should be a fantasic night.

 OK, it was little noisy - downstairs patrons you could hear. The single paned wooden framed windows didn't keep out any street noise. But it was definitely an experience.