Ely
Yes we managed an extra day! First thing Sue and Ken arrived on Cleddau - we moved out to let them in
just as we started this manoeuvre a flotilla of paddle boarders came by
however we managed to avoid them all and breasted up with Cleddau.
Just as we completed the shuffle the riverside warden was doing his daily rounds - they are very strict here about keeping to the 48 hour rule, which is good to see. We did say we were about to leave; he checked his list, said we were not down as being there on Thursday, so we were okay until Sunday morning! We don't usually flout the rules, but as we were breasted up and not taking anyone else's mooring, we decided to stay, especially as the sun was out and we had endured two very wet days there.
So after the chores, dog walking and shopping had been done Sue and I were free to go and explore. We were aware of noise in the distance, but a good sort of noise - the type that makes you want to go and see what is going on, so off we went.
At Jubilee Park a festival just beginning to get into full swing. The first thing we saw was this
I remember seeing a George Clarke's 'Amazing Spaces' programme where someone converted a horse box into a G&T bar. I asked if it was them - the reply 'No, but everyone asks us that, so I think we need to start saying yes!'.
There was music on the bandstand, but before we worked out what it was all about I went back to the boats to alert Chris and Ken and suggest we all meet up there at 1pm for lunch as there were all sorts of food and drink outlets.
By the time I got back it was obvious it was a Gay Pride event - and what an event it was. The main compere had a couple of different outfits - here some paramedics are doing a turn.
He did a good job and ensured that all requests for songs were 'clean' bearing in mind the number of youngsters around.
The police
paramedics
and fire brigade were all in attendance sporting rainbow epaulettes and suitably adorned vehicles. Children were having a whale of a time (and I am sure learning a few bits and bobs) climbing in and out of the emergency vehicles. There are times I wish I were a few years younger!
St John's have their own Gay Pride ambulance which travels all over the country to these events. I think it looks splendid - may be we could just do with a bit more colour in life in general.
The RAF were represented - but no rainbow epaulettes here!
Then we came across this van and round the other side was a collection of rescued raptors all looking very fit and well cared for.
This is a Baleteur eagle from Africa. Apparently they go from hatching out of an egg just a bit bigger than a chicken's egg to full size in just 9 weeks. Sue and I were told this is a 9 year old female who could live to be around 60. Chris got the impression it was a male, so we may never know. Apparently it does not like men - it is the pitch of the voice. This one was given the choice whether to come out today with female handlers or stay at home with the men - it chose a day out. How you can tell what a bird wants I have no idea, but I am sure they know their birds well.
This is a European Eagle Owl
When Chris was on 8 Squadron in Lossiemouth they had two of them as squadron mascots. All the birds on display today like to have their tummies stroked, but if you value your fingers do not try to touch them on the back. I have to say they are wonderfully soft and luxurious to the touch.
This is Woody - a Brown Wood Owl who really does blend in with his tree stump.
I am fairly certain this is a Scoops Owl - it was probably only about 10-12 inches high and, surprisingly, can live for up to 30 years
Last but not least this is a Barn Owl who has clocked Monty (who took no notice at all) and was giving him the evil eye.
The Mayor put in an appearance
You could have a go at Yoga
There were rainbow colours and 'sparkles' as far as the eye could see.
It was just wonderful to see so many people having such a good time and I don't recall seeing much litter left lying around. Would I have gone out of my way to attend - possibly not. Would I attend another one now - yes I probably would. The atmosphere was one of fun, joviality and complete diversity - just what life should be about.
Sue and I had other things we needed to do, so after our lunch with the guys we headed up through Ely Park with the Cathedral off to our right.
We turned right at the top to a part of the Cathedral area I had not been before - somewhere Sue and Ken discovered when they had their grandsons to stay. Ahead is Queen's Hall which is private
To the right is Prior Garden's Chapel
which can be visited, but not by us today
It also afforded a different aspect to the Cathedral
and as we emerged and went towards the Cathedral we spotted a King George VI letter box. I suspect these are not that rare - I have never thought to look before.
Just inside the Cathedral was the first sign that a wedding was to take place at 2pm
Tucked away in a corner is this rather splendid sculpture 'Il Vente' by Helaine Blumenfield
In the gardens is another by her - Meridiana
and inside there is another that we did not get close enough to to find out details. I have a feeling it was not here in 2014 when we did pay to visit the Cathedral.
Whilst we were at the back of the Cathedral by the main door we paid a visit to the gift shop and could hear the music from the wedding which was wonderful - the acoustics are amazing. We decided to hang around for a while in the hope that we might see the bride. Whilst waiting we noticed a stand selling books as below. The author was selling them - he takes no money from the sales. It all goes to charity. It sounds like an intriguing and amazing story and may need a closer look before 25th December!
Our patience was rewarded - the bridesmaids came first - their dresses were a beautiful dusky pink that toned almost exactly with the Cathedral flooring - accident or design?
Finally the bride and groom ready to leave and face
a deluge of confetti
It was a big wedding - we reckon around 100 guests and what a backdrop!
I had heard a lot about a book shop Sue has visited a number of times, so that was on the agenda as well. It has three floors with, of course, very many books in all the nooks and crannies
and from the top floor - yet another view of the Cathedral.
We also had a mooch round the market and could have done with more time, but you can't do everything in one day.
Back at the river there was another wedding going on in The Maltings that
is sporting some splendid hanging baskets
To my delight I got a much better picture of the swans and their cygnets
and I was able to watch more progress on the floating shed.
Considering we had expected to be just heading off and wandering around until Monday morning, this really was a day full of unexpected delights.
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