Greek Starter, Fish to Follow

Beware of what you promise!

We had been asked if we could go and help make up a band of ringers at a six bell tower in Torquay the following Friday lunchtime.
At that time we were still glorying in the hot and sticky embrace of a heatwave, and the thought of interrupting precious beach time for bellringing was not very appealing. An evening was one thing, but the middle of the day was hardly a convenient time!
"We will come if it is raining!" I said, rashly.

A few days later there was a discussion on social media regarding ringing in the South Hams area, where towers are plentiful, but finding out when ringing will take place is rather more complicated - especially at small village churches in August. Many towers stop practising, as often ringers get roped in to help with the harvest.
During the course of the Facebook discussion, I was reminded of the Friday lunchtime ringing, so I agreed we would be there.

Friday dawned wet.
VERY WET!
We arrived at the tower during a very heavy downpour!
At least the ringers were pleased to see us, as we made six!

These were not the easiest of bells, as they are not often rung and I am not sure who maintains them.
For those interested, this is the only Greek Orthodox church with a ring of bells hung for English style ringing.
This is because it is was Anglican Church - the oldest one in Torquay in fact, which being surplus to requirements by the Diocese of Exeter, is rented by the Greek Orthodox Church.

The caretaker was very friendly and welcoming and we admired the beautiful icons on the windowsills, and shrine to Mary.





Afterwards, we headed over to Meadfoot, where at least we could park for free.
Given the continuing rain, lunch was eaten in the car, as it was at least dry there.


The skies soon cleared so we crossed the road to the beach.









When I was a child, Meadfoot was my least favourite beach, on account of the rocks, shingle and seaweed. However, it is very sheltered and there is some free parking. Therefore, there are days when Meadfoot definately comes into its own.
Today was one of them.

The KHT set off hunting for glass, of which there is usually a good supply - not surprising given the fact that it is located within a town. Ten minutes later we were back in the car, as the heavens had opened.


The skies cleared again, and we spent a while on the beach, until the advancing tide threatened to cut us off. We took the hint and packed up.

We spent the evening in and around Torquay Harbour
The KHT quite fancied the wheel, but neither DH or I could face the thought of that vertigo inducing torture.

Meanwhile we browsed the menu of every cafe/restaurant in the harbour area. Rockfish, with their gluten-free alternatives, won our vote and fortunately had a table free.

Meanwhile, having obtained a table in a restaurant serving food DH could eat, I discovered to my horror that there was NOTHING the KHT would eat.
We had eaten at Rockfish in Brixham, and all had been well then.
In desperation I asked the waitress
"Do you do fishcakes, or fishfingers at all?" At this point the KHT disowned me.
"We do Cod Bites on the Children's Menu." replied the waitress.
"Is my daughter allowed to have those?" I asked, knowing that some places will not allow anyone over the age of twelve to order from the Children's Menu.
"Oh yes, no problem!"
"Please can we order those - with a side order of garlic bread!"
Phew! My visions of having to leave the restaurant faded.
The waitress was also gluten intolerant and so a discussion of triggers and ailments followed...
Just what I want when eating out, but at least DH was happy!

In the toilets, a rather amusing take-off of the shipping forecast is played. I found a link on you tube - do have a listen, especially if you come from Wolverhampton...

After dinner we toured the piers, and watched the fishermen. We would have walked further, but we could clearly hear the raucous noise emanating from the funfair on the Abbey Meadows. We gave that a miss...

As the buildings reflected back an ever goldening hue, we returned to our tin tent,
hoping that the sun would continue the next day, but having seen the forecast, we were somewhat doubtful!