Battle Proms at Hatfield House

Every year there are a series of outdoor picnic music events around the country known as Battle Proms.   The events are an opportunity for people to get out and enjoy the summer weather, good company, great music and beautiful fireworks and other displays.

As the name suggests it has a military feel with air displays, cavalry shows and patriotic music. This year was a celebration of 200 years since Napoleon retreated from Russia in 1812, so Tchaikovsky's famous 1812 Overture was featured proudly.

Our friends Amy and Elliott discovered the event taking place at nearby Hatfield House where they were married and invited us to come along.  Hatfield House is a beautiful historic estate, known best as the location where Queen Elizabeth I ascended to the throne in 1588.

Last night heralded the first of true summer weather, so it was a perfect evening spent with good friends.

Here are a few photos and videos of the event.  Conrad in particular may enjoy the videos of the Blades Aerobatic Display Team and Spitfire flyover.

Thanks again Amy and Elliott for a great evening together!

Our Attempt to Enjoy "Sunny Intervals"

The weather forecast was one of those with a white cloud and a sun peaking out from behind.  We optimistically thought we could get a July day out in the sunny countryside.  Sunny it was, for about 20 minutes.  And then the clouds moved in, but thankfully no rain.

So we made the most of it and cycled to one of our favourite spots in the middle of a field and had a picnic.  To get there and back you have to cycle down a tiny track - in recent years it has been rapeseed and this year it was a variety of wheat.

As the clouds got darker we took our leave and headed to the local berry patch.

One positive that has come from the last few months of rain are the fabulous strawberries and raspberries of all varieties growing in mass at this local pick your own.

We went a bit overboard with our picking and will now be eating berries for the rest of the week, but I think you will agree from the photos below that they were just too good to pass up!