Pound Farm........ — Steve Chivers Photography

Well dear readers, having returned from 30 years of expat life in the Middle East, changed our lifestyle completely and become a “Man of a certain age”, Mrs. C and I have finally set up home in Plymouth and have firmly set about catching up with all the family.

We had arranged our annual get together with all of Mrs. C’s side of the family, and of course our son and daughter, along with their significant others, by bringing everyone together at the wonderful Pound Farm, located just outside of the sleepy Somerset village of Bishops Lydeard.

This is our second time visiting this wonderful property which dates back to 1708 (see previous Blog “Down on the Farm) . It may be date back to the 1700’s but our wonderful hosts, James and Katie have managed to keep that authentic 18th Century feel whilst equipping the property with all the latest luxury mod-cons that you could possibly require.

For Mrs. C and me, this was an opportunity to have precious time with all the family. Even more exciting was that this was the first time that we had all four generations of the family in the same place!

Of course, the star of the show was Maggie, the newest addition to our clan. Now I already have about 300 images of Maggie so I have limited myself to just a few:

Regular followers of our family adventures will know that thanks to Aunty Sarah and Mrs. C, they are planned and executed with a military precision. This years outing was no exception and as usual Aunty Sarah took charge of all family hydration requirements, ensuring all liquids were fit for consumption by way of what only can be described as a vigorous tasting regime!

“Special Medicine” for Aunty Sarah and Mrs. C

In keeping with the hydration theme, about a 15 minute walk away from the farm is the village of Bishops Lydeard and more importantly, the local Quantock Micro Brewery and its nearby farm shop. As “Chairman” and Patriarch Robert decided, in order to kick off the week in the correct manner, to covene a “family board meeting”. Strangely there were no apologies for absence, there was 100% attendance and I am pleased to say that we most definitely achieved a Quorum!

12 pints of your finest ale please landlord

The hard core doing their best to ensure there was no wastage

Copious amounts of the local ale and cider were consumed, along with hot pasties, pork pies and scotch eggs from the local farm shop. Of course, after three pints of Quantocks finest, I was in my usual happy place long before the food arrived. A delicious steaming pastie was simply the metaphorical icing on the cake, or should I say pastie!

Fortunately I had brought the Leica Q with me, which the discerning reader will already know has autofocus. Previous family gatherings, which have been libatious in nature, have taught me that under such circumstances autofocus is a must!

Fortunately we were able to walk-off the calories (and for some to clear our heads) as we took a leisurely stroll back to Pound Farm, through the picturesque village of Bishops Lydeard, for a well earned afternoon snooze, whilst taking the opportunity to gather a few images along the way.

Over the Garden wall - Now that is what I would call a well kept garden

Once back at the farm, the only rule was that there were no rules. Those that wished, present company included, headed off for a restorative forty winks, whilst “Les Jeunes” maximised their use of the facilities.

Other than eating and drinking there is plenty to do for those who take a bi-pedular approach to a holiday in the country. Mike is an avid Twitcher (no he does not have a nervous tick but is an avid and expert ornithologist). So we were quick to don the binoculars (and in my case The Leica SL2 and 24-90 mm Vario Elmarit), and join him for a ramble through the nearby countryside; and what countryside!

This rambling is not all hard work you know

As you would expect there is also plenty of wildlife and the farm also has a stable with some user friendly ponies.

This one was very keen to be photographed

Whilst I had a captive audience I took the opportunity to take individual portraits to update my family gallery. I make no apology for displaying our fine looking family. Must be something to do with the water in the South West of England!

The Kiss - Joe and Eliese - Getting in some practice for the wedding photos

Mrs. C and Aunty Sarah - Really rocking their slippers

Before I am inundated with WhatsApp messages on the family group there were two members of our party who managed to avoid my “Rogues Gallery”. I will be catching up with both Matthew and Kevin at the earliest opportunity and will photoshop them in, all things being equal, in the fullness of time and at the appropriate juncture.

Half way through the week Les Jeunes had to depart for work and other commitments and so the hard core were left to reflect on a wonderful few days, where we had all our loved ones around us. So we did what we always do when feeling a little sad, we booked a slap-up lunch at the Lord Poulett Arms in the picturesque village of Hinton St. George.

The Lord Poulett Arms is a beautiful thatched pub dating back to 1680. It is everything you can imagine and more. That traditional English feeling, superbly manicured gardens and of course, a restaurant with food to die for. Additionally, from a photographers perspective, it was full of beautiful light and shadow.

After lunch we wondered around the village to walk off a few calories and to allow me to grab a couple of images.

So our week finally came to an end. We had a wonderful time, in a house filled with laughter, with the people we love. Four generations together and yes there is one final image:

Thanks to everyone for coming together. We know how difficult life is in these modern times and how busy everyone is. However, it is only when we come together like this that everything is put in to perspective.

Love you all.

Uncle Steve x

Editors note:

All images captured with Leica SL2, 90 mm App Summicron SL, 24-90mm Vario Elmarit SL, Noctilux 50mm F0.95 manually adapted and the Leica Q116