Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire, was designed by John Vanbrugh. The English nation presented the site to John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his victory in 1704 over French and Bavarian troops, a victory which decided the future of the Empire and, in doing so, made him a figure of international importance. The Palace sits within a large walled landscape park.

The design and building of the Palace between 1705 and 1722 represented the beginning of a new style of architecture and its landscaped Park, designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown, is considered “a naturalistic Versailles”.

It seems we are always in rain coats, and they were needed before the tour was over.

Elder and Sister Madden

Elder and Sister Wallace to the left.

I made sure Elder Parker saw this quote from Churchill!

Elder & Sister Wallace, Elder & Sister Madden, Elder & Sister Pearce. Sister Parker.  Since he had his newly acquired UK driver's license, Elder Parker was the designated driver today, as well as photographer.

Elder Parker's Driving Test and Celebration

Tuesday, March 27th, was the date set as the goal to take the dreaded English Driver's License road test.  Elder Parker has been driving a lot since we got here last June, but our United States drivers licenses are only good for one year in England.  This date was set a a couple of months ahead of the deadline, as many missionaries have to take the test at least twice, and some have to take it multiple times to pass.  Notice the big red "L" he had to mount on the back of the car for the test. He also had the car clean and sparkling to impress his examiner.  (This picture was taken later in the day, as he is no longer in "missionary attire.")  He passed with an excellent score, so wanted to buy a treat to take back to the office...

Shopping at Tesco's.

Krispy Kremes were his choice to celebrate!  He loves plain, glazed donuts.

Even Sister Gorgas (our UK-born front desk secretary) ate a donut to celebrate.  She probably hasn't had a donut for 30 years as she is very particular about what she eats!  (I'm not sure if she really ate it, or just put it to her lips for the picture.)

After closing the office, Elder Parker and I went out to eat at a local pub to celebrate.  You don't know how much of a relief having this license is!  There were hours and hours of instruction and practice to learn all the particulars of the UK driving requirements.  Quite a thing to "re-learn" after already driving vehicles from cars to trucks to tractors to backhoes for over 50 years!  

Worthing Ward Social and Members

Worthing Ward building - where we attend Sunday services - about a 55 min. drive from where we live.

Jo, Jacky, Bob, Sister Parker, Michelle, Trevor.

Daphne, Chris, James, Julie, Kevin.

Barbara, David, Christine, Andy.

Ben Hall and kids, Denise, Martina, Vlasta.

Hogg family, Elders Jergensen & Alvarez, Marcus.

Mark & Mandy

Michelle & Bethany

Josh & Vicky, Mike, Wendy.

Elder Jergensen (UT) and Elder Alvarez (Mexico).  Ken & Catrina Hamilton back left.

Andy & Jacky Bowles.

They have four dogs and two cats!  This was quite the visit for Sister Parker...

Midhurst Castle - South Downs Road Trip

St Ann's Hill and Midhurst Castle

It’s hard to be completely sure when Midhurst Castle was built because the Domesday Book – William the Conqueror’s great catalogue of the lands of England – rather steered clear of Midhurst.

What is highly likely is that Midhurst Castle, like those in Chichester, Bramber and Pulborough, was built to safeguard the Normans' stronghold in Sussex immediately after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Like Pulborough Castle, which was built at the same time near the confluence of the River Rother and the Arun, Midhurst Castle was built on a high place overlooking the river. The River Rother was a key strategic transport route for both trade and military items as the roads in the Weald were so poor at that time. St Ann’s Hill was an obvious location for such an important building.

At first the Castle consisted of wood and earthwork defences, with an inner bailey on top of St Ann’s Hill and a further bailey on the westward slopes of the hill. Later stone walls and buildings were incorporated to beef up the castle’s defences.

We were only gone for a few hours, but this was a much needed break from the office routine!  Spring is finally coming to south England...we hope.