This Summer the whole of our family (on my wife's side), celebrated the 60th wedding anniversary of my in-laws, Maureen & Robert. (see earlier Blog entitled "The Summer Game").
I have to say I am never happier than when I am surrounded by the people I love. As a family we are very fortunate in that we all share some common loves; food, drink, cricket and of course each other.
So bringing 16 or so people together under one roof became an operation in logistics but we managed it by renting the beautiful Pound Farm, located near the sleepy village of Bishops Lydeard in deepest Somerset.
For those already living in the UK and in particular the West Country, it was only a relatively short journey. However for the Chivers clan, a flight from Dubai, followed by a tortuous 4-hour journey on the M5 from Birmingham, with yours truly putting in the incorrect address in to the Sat-Nav and my wife offering some thoughtful yet amplified advice from the rear of the car!, it meant that we were both exhausted, relieved and exhilarated when we finally arrived at the beautiful Pound Farm.
I am reliably informed that the farm dates back to 1708 and is situated within a working Sheep Farm in the foothills of the Quantocks, ten minutes walk (30 minutes after you have visited the local Quantock Micro Brewery) from the sleepy village of Bishops Lydeard and a 15 minute drive from the county town of Taunton, better known by those lovers of "The Summer Game", as the home of Somerset Cricket Club.
Well, although I am originally a country boy from deepest Hampshire and I love the countryside, when we first booked Pound Farm I did wonder what all our young people, "Les Jeunes", might do with themselves.
However, an indoor swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi, games room with a billiards table and table tennis table plus a fridge stocked with cold beer and prosecco meant that I need not have worried and all was good in the world of Les Jeunes.
For those of us of a more sedate and maturing disposition, Pound Farm provided us with a complete detox from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Other than a TV (essential piece of equipment to watch the Test Match and Countdown) and slightly un-reliable wifi, it provided us with a low-tech no-tech week in the country.
The rules of the house were that there were no rules, other than us more mature folk would ensure breakfast and dinner (read catering on a biblical scale) was provided but it was every man / women for themselves at lunch-time. Meantime, everyone was free to do what they liked.
Here we can see La Tante Sarah and my wife Kate, totally entering in to the spirit of things and working very hard at doing very little!
However, for me, this meant that the Fuji was going to get a thorough workout. I had a portrait assignment from Pholaorate to complete, hence I had brought my trusty Xpro2 along with the 16mm and 56 mm lenses plus my Godox Xpro trigger and TT350F flash, Additionally I had brought my newly acquired Fuji X100T which was going to be my carry everywhere weapon of choice.
First order of the day was to take a few artistic shots of the Farm house, gardens and surrounding countryside.
Next task for me was my Pholaborate assignment. In true Plymouthian style I invoked the "Minerva Rule" and press-ganged a few "volunteers", namely my daughter Anna, nephew Joe and his partner Eliese.
I have to say everyone was extremely patient and tolerant with me. Ofcourse, I am my father's son and had neither read or brought with me the instructions for my newly acquired Godox Trigger and flash. I mean, how hard could it be!?
Anyway "when needs must the devil drives" and after much pressing of buttons and use of the Somerset vernacular (of which I am completely fluent!) we got it all working and I was indeed very happy with the results.
Whilst I am clearly the King of my own particular castle, I am always happy to take considered advice and SWMBO (She who must be obeyed), a.k.a. my wife Kate, had given me an afternoon to get this done as it was supposed to be a family holiday not a camera expedition. As always when faced with a tight deadline (actually this should read "wall of panic") we girded our collective loins and I think the results were quite pleasing for a first attempt at off-camera flash. However, that is for the reader to decide not me!
In fact after what became known as "The Camera shoot at Pound Farm", my mother-in-law volunteered for a spot of modelling and I think she has missed her calling. Very Gloria Swanson!
Now like all boys, given unlimited free time I could have played with my toys all day. That was until I was told about the local Quantock Micro Brewery, situated in our very own Bishops Lydeard.
This gave cause for a major expedition and Les Jeunes did not have to be asked twice. The result was a delicious lunch of fresh-cooked pasties and scotch eggs, procured from the local farm shop, all washed down with several pints of the local ale, brewed with water from the heart of the Quantocks.
I am afraid to say that after several pints of the local brew the Fuji had to be set to Program Mode as the light in the brewery made it a little difficult to focus correctly........!
Following our lunch time feast some of our party felt the need to walk off some calories whist others, and I don't wish to point fingers (La Tante Sarah), needed to clear their heads!
Nevertheless, a gentle walk through the village took us past the Old Mill, in to the heart of the village where next to the post-office and small village store was situated the beautiful Church of St Marys.
Now that we had better light (read "sobered up") the Fuji was back in her familiar aperture priority mode and I was happily snapping away. Finally it was back through the fields to our wonderful Pound Farm.
I needn't have worried about finding things to do. We had a day out to the sea-side courtesy of the West Somerset Steam Railway and of course, our wonderful day out and anniversary celebration at Somerset Cricket club.
We also visited a local National Trust Property, Fyne Court and spent a wonderful day walking through beautiful woodlands and countryside and walking off the numerous calories that we had been consuming.
In amongst my ramblings about our time at Pound Farm there is also a message to "Les Jeunes". Please, please ,please make an effort to come together as often as possible as a busy lifestyle is just another excuse not to do something. Look after and care for each other. Whilst it takes an effort to organize and arrange these get-togethers, the results are memories and experiences that will always be cherished. Above all, remember the importance of family.
After a wonderful week, we left Pound Farm refreshed and rejuvenated. For me it was a complete juxtaposition to our everyday lifestyle and environment in Dubai.
You know, sometimes in life a change really is as good as a rest!