Day 4 Penkridge Markets and a train trip to Stafford

Up this morning for a big breakfast, and a visit from Ann and Bernard for a coffee and some ANZAC biscuits, it was off to the Penkridge markets for a look, via Jaspers Bakery (the kids are hooked)! The markets are very popular, and quite large, with everything from Fruit & Veg, Meats (including black pudding, which Grant will be trying tomorrow morning!), clothes, toiletries, cleaning products, shoes, garden statues, china and the list goes on! There were bargains to be had, and Marni was in her element!!

Once we had exhausted all areas of the markets, it was time to wander back home for some lunch -Ham & Salad Baps (rolls). We wandered past the Penkridge bowling club, and I couldn't resist taken a photo for you Dad! How different the greens are to those back at home! 

After lunch Jack and his mate Matt, had planned to catch the train to Stafford, and asked if any of us wanted to come along. Grant, Kyle, Marni and I jumped at the chance! Ashleigh and Lexie had already planned an afternoon of cooking, so they decided to stay home with Gary, Katie and Nathan.

Stafford is a lovely old town, with plenty of history and great shopping (much to Marni's delight)! It is situated 8.5km north of Penkridge, with a population of approximately 70 000 people. 

Stafford 

St Mary's Church, Stafford

The church, St Mary's, is situated in the very centre of town, and is over 1000 years old. There was a wedding that had just finished as we were walking past, and the sign was up to say visitors welcome, and I just couldn't resist having a look. The stained glass windows were absolutely beautiful, as were the lovely old pews, the alter and the organ. The reverend wandered in and we struck up a conversation with him, of course he picked up on our accents straight away, and asked which part of Australia we were from. As it turns out he has family who live in Qunninup, and had spent three days in Albany about six years ago! Such a small world, and we all had a good chuckle when he announced to us, that he thinks Albany is the coldest place in the world that he has ever been too! He must have thought we were funny, all rugged up in or jackets, scarves and beanies!

Stain glass window in St Mary's Church, Stafford

Between all of us it was a stop over at either, Subway, McDonald's, Starbucks or Costas, plus entering as many shops as we could, including Sport Direct, where Kyle was able to pick up a pair of Nike basketball boots for £37 - bargain!! Marni is already planning her trip back, and mastering the train travel was easy with Jack and Matts guidance!

When we arrived home, Lexie and Ashleigh had cooked up a storm, the brownies were a flop, but the home made hot cross buns were delicious! Gary and Katie had been busy in the garden planting roses and mowing the lawn, and Nathan is very much enjoying his holiday of chilling out as much as he can! ;)

Highlights

* the bargains to be had at the Penkridge markets

* the train trip to Stafford - albeit short, we are now really looking forward to the train trip to London

* the train spotters... Which is a very hilarious concept - there are people in this world that have absolutely nothing better to do then stand on a train platform rushing around taking photos and writing notes about every train that stops, starts and roars through the Stafford Train Station (and other train stations around the United Kingdom!) who would have thought!! 

Lots of love,

Chrissie x