In 1981 we met Alan in Cuzco, Peru. He has been to see us several times in NZ and we have been to Balcombe a couple of times to see him and his family.
Alan and Helen live on a small rural property which they have bought off the estate that originally owned it and that Alan used to work for. Alan works as a tree surgeon and also does work for a wood sculpture called David Nash. Helen works from home where she writes publicity articles for the local high school as well as other work related to language schools.
The property has several ponds that are full of carp. We have been enjoying the fine warm spell of glorious weather to sit around the pond with an ale or two.
John even found some beer, at the local supermarket, named after his family!
We took a train to Brighton to have haddock and chips with our friends Tara and Jana. They both work in Brighton but we met them in Bulgaria so it was good to catch up again and reminisce.
Keena, Lil, Jana and TaraWe had time to wander the streets with Jana and walk along the pier. We have been to Brighton several times and the last time we were here there were lots of punks with their dogs outside the railway station. Jana says they have now been replaced by Emos!
One day we went with Alan to Seaford to help him with a fencing job. While Alan and John worked, Lil headed off over the hills to check out the view from the hills. The white chalky cliffs looked magnificent in the afternoon sun.
The beach was stony but there were dozens of people out walking their dogs and enjoying their tea and sandwiches on the beach. The brightly coloured beach huts along the waterfront can be bought for 23,000 Pounds. They have electricity but are very tiny.
We have had a fantastic time with Alan and Helen as they have had a quiet week and we have been able to do loads of things together. One night we had a dinner party and Alan served up a leg of venison from a hind he had shot in Scotland. He is a good cook and now we really will have to go on a diet!
