Happy Wanderer.

Isn’t that the tune played by ice-cream vans and maybe even the Pied Piper? It’s become something of an ear worm for me lately and sounds reasonable in the bathroom! Long suffering members of my family are often treated to my renditions of various favourite tunes, although my brother wasn’t so keen, I remember. This weeks’ wandering took us to Snape, famous for the acoustics in the concert hall. Originally a grain store and maltings it was transformed by the Gooderham family to create an interesting mix of shops with an art gallery amongst the delicatessen, clothes and homewares as well as dining opportunities. I used to drive by it many years ago when my mother was involved in the delivery of Meals-on-wheels and could never have imagined it’s potential. Now the home of Aldeburgh Festival it has become internationally famous yet still encourages schools to hold their concerts there. In spite of the weather this week there were young people rushing from practice rooms to the stage door, clutching their instruments, shrieking about the snow. We hurried too, but only after spending a leisurely morning wondering at the range of local produce available – jam, chutney, bread and cheeses – leaving with a box full of goodies. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful, happy to chat and wrapping breakables carefully. Lunch in the Plough and Sail pub was delicious, a great birthday treat!