Sunday 2 August - After a very liesurely breakfast and some window shopping and Lunch in Bath Ian made our way to Iford Manor, near Bath and Just outside Bradford-on-Avon. The manor, which was originally medieval but revamped in the 18th century is built into a hill that sits along the Frome River. There is an impressive stone bridge surmounted by a statue of Minerva which one must cross to get to the Manor and its parking lot. The spot is best know for its Italianate gardens, deigned by Harold Ainsworth Peto beginning in 1899. There are a delightful tangle of paths which lead you through the gardens, each opening onto a new garden, architectural feature or vista. There are lots of sculptures, water features and columns sprinkled throughout the grounds as well as some more surprising features such as a larger than life size, seated, stone sumo wrestler which smiles down at visitors from a wooded hill. There is also a lovely oriental themed garden, a humorous statue of a dog enjoying a good scratch and of course the charming cloisters area where events like opera and classical concerts are held in the very intimate setting. Ian and I went to Iford to enjoy one of the three to tea performances. These take place on Sundays from 3 to 4 and feature local artists playing within the gardens. It was wonderful to hear some jazz in this unusual atmosphere and then stroll around the gardens. It was an excellent way to end the week
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