Post 22: to Appledore via Portishead

This morning Pen and I had a leisurely breakfast. Checkout was not until 12 and we left around that time, heading out across the bridge.

Generously, Mark and Pen had offered to take me via Portishead, and the school my father attended - now a gated luxury apartment complex.

Fortunately, the pedestrian gate was open so we walked through and looked around the outside.






The building is heritage listed, so has been preserved as it was when my father was there from 1932-36.  I doubt, however, that it was as well maintained.

There are still signs of its naval history.

The views are spectacular. 

It was pretty windy.



Although it was clearly the National Nautical School, it was known as the Bristol Training Ship Formidable, or Boys Training Ship Formidable when Dad was there.

















The old teacher housing is now occupied as part of the complex






















and the church is still accessible from the site.

From there we went to the Portishead Marina for a coffee. It reminded me quite a lot of Bowden- Brompton, which, although it is not on the sea, has a similar community feel. There were people relaxing, talking to each other, and celebrating St Patrick's Day.

From there it was an hour or so drive to Appledore.

It is cold and a bit windy - but fine as we watch Poirot after delicious lasagna.

I'm really fortunate to be here. Throughout the day I've been catching up on news back home - including a video news clip of Niamh, Veronica and Anthony at the student climate change rally in Adelaide.  Such an extraordinary world we live in.