We spent an almost-sunny afternoon at one of our favourite local country pubs, the Okeover Arms at Mapleton. They were hosting their annual beer festival, which turned out to be a great way to try local ales, listen to some folk and jazz musicians and check out the resident medieval enthusiast's archery and sword-fighting displays.
Like train anoraks, these enthusiasts seem to be a feature of most English rural leisure activities. Whether it is pirates re-enacting legends, or knights re-enacting historic battles, so many people are willing to share their passion for history (or train engine numbers) with others. I wonder if a pub beer festival in Australia would have much more than beer, and maybe cricket on the telly?
In any case, Dylan loved trying his hand at archery, and we learned about the history of hunting falcons from a man dressed in tights and a cape. He had set up a tent camp in the pub grounds in the period style of 1450-1510 (quite specific), had 3 tame falcons on display, and was at the time roasting a pig on a spit. Jason and I enjoyed a few pints of really good local ales while the kids played on the playground equipment (we do love pubs that cater so well for children!)
Now that the weather has improved, we have enjoyed lots of summer holiday adventures locally. One of the highlights was the National Tramway Museum at Crich (about 20 minutes drive), which had beautifully restored double-decker trams to ride up and down and old quarry line, and a lovely village setting. Again, the tram enthusiasts were in full force, with volunteers acting as conductors and useful sources of endless tramway knowledge.
Dylan is counting down the days to his fifth birthday (4 sleeps to go now...) and is already using his "birthday boy" status to as much advantage as he can get away with. The anticipation of the event tends to be excruciating for him. He is becoming quite a serious boy, with a strong sense of moral justice - he likes everyone to stick to the rules, and woe betide the friend who falsely accuses him of some wrong-doing. He is currently obsessed with all things scientific (dangerous animals, maps & geography, space, and how things work generally). He also loves pokemon, lazytown, superman and football.
He had a football holiday camp during the week, and was so reluctant to go I thought he had actually gone off the sport altogether. But the interest was renewed when he was awarded a special trophy during the last day presentation, for winning the penalty shoot-out. It was the first time a Bendall descendant in 4 generations had received a sporting award, so it was quite a proud moment for me. Obviously the Howard genes have something to do with that one.
After the football triumph, I took both the boys swimming at the local pool. I watched Sam admire his big brothers swimming style, then he took his armbands off and within minutes had plunged headfirst into the toddler pool, arms flailing madly. He must have forgotten that, unlike Dylan, he can't actually swim. I raced towards him but Dylan got there first (prompted by my screaming) and pulled him out to safety. The first time (and possibly not the last) he has saved his brother. He swings between love and adoration of Sam ("he's so cute") to brotherly disgust ("he's a rubbish little brother"). Luckily it was a loving moment that time.
Ah, brothers... when they play together it is just gorgeous. But it usually ends in tears and fighting pretty quickly. I guess that's just how it will be from now on.
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