“Two free tickets for Chelsea flower show, with two supplementary tickets – each for a free glass of champagne from the champagne tents. Friday. Anyone like them?” said NB (New Boy), “I can’t use them.”
This question was raised at the start of my Monday writing class. No one else put their hand up.
“I’d be interested,” I said, “but I’m working that day.”
A few phone calls later (after class) and I had swapped my usual Friday for Thursday, phoned NB and said ‘yes please’ to the tickets, and rung my friend to see if she could come with me.
My friend, Rose, a gardener, had to swap work commitments around, but by Monday evening our trip was arranged.
On Friday morning we set off a 6am: Rose drove her yellow peril car and I provided navigation with the help of Tom Tom. Thursday had been a day of sudden downpours amongst wind and grey cloud, but Friday was better… still a little windy, but no rain and only white cloud, with the occasional outbreak of temporary sunshine. Marvellous. Though a little chilly.
We had a lovely day, drank a toast to NB with our free champagne and enjoyed our lunch, which I’ll have you know, we bought for ourselves.
Boadicea's Chariot 
Sounds as though you had a great day, Nym.
The last time I went it was seriously hot. There was very little shade and it was packed. Quite tiring but very interesting.
One extreme or another. I wore trousers and a jacket, and was still chilly!
I never wear trousers.
Really, Claire?
No. Never ever. I wasn’t allowed to in my last job, so it sort of spiralled from that.
I didn’t think any job these days could stipulate ‘no trousers’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHOX80HkY5c
Pseu, private schools can stipulate that female staff do not wear trousers. I speak from experience.
Looks great Pseu. I’d have gone just for the bubbly. Flowers were a good idea too, though, obviously! Like the stone wall garden – reminds me of the Millennium Centre in Cardiff only much, much smaller.
I’ve never been to Chelsea. It’s been described to me as being very busy indeed, so that was sufficiently off-putting!
How did the “taster” ride go? Do you feel a blog coming on, perchance? 🙂
Oh, yeash Jan. Just recovering! 44 miles. Very windy…. the full story to follow!