Of Wings and Whispers

[drron]

So one more post on the church.The locals were very friendly.the caretaker was there and took me on a tour of the Bell tower and then through the church-

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It was he who pointed out how the top stone on the font was upside down with the head on this face upside down.Next is the Coat of Arms of George 111.Then are 4 pew ends that survived the 1800s renovation.they date from the 16th century-

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There are no Doltons buried in Dolton.there is one at Merton 5 miles away.in one of those coincidences she was married at St.James the Greater in St.Kew-the other church we visited.
So go visit a church if visiting the UK.amazing what you do find.they are usually open.

 

[drron]

My reason for going to Dolton was to see if I could find any evidence of my ancestors.My fathers family is of Anglo Saxon stock and my mother's family came over in 1066.Reading all the usual ancestry websites they say Dolton is a corruption of Dalton and the name first appeared in the 16th century.However the village of Dolton was written about in 1066 when it was controlled by Ulf the Devonian.It is in the Domesday book from 1086 when the lord of the manor was Baldrick the sherriff.With the church St.Edmunds no wonder I enjoyed Blackadder.It was however known to exist in the 6th century.As many took their names from the place they lived it was worth a shot.
However no Doltons in the Dolton records but did find a marriage in the 14th century from west Devon.Several people were interested but the Church curator was the knowledgable.The name Dolton means black soil or black river as does Dowland where we were staying.Doulton turns out to be a corruption of Dolton.

But enough of that.back to walking about the village.A pretty place with friendly people.Many stopped to talk as the bush telegraph had worked well.

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The roads out of town are narrow.the second picture is the road to the barn taken from the village sign-

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Turning around you looked over the fields with their wolly inhabitants-

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[Jacques Vert]

my mother's family came over in 1066.

Along with William the Conqueror perhaps?

 

[drron]

About time I finished off this TR.As those who do TRs know sometimes the will disappears.
So here is our chariot-

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And it was the day for the fishmonger to visit.after our lunch we drove to Winkleigh-a nearby village which is a deal larger.A plaque to William IV in the main square,a lot more public buildings and there was a castle here-

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The gates are all that is left of the castle apart from the school-

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Back to our barn about 1600.My ankle had held up pretty well and I was back to walking normally.

 

[drron]

Thursday and a late start due to fog.then a leisurely drive through the villages of Iddesleigh,monkehamton and Hathersleigh.Beautiful country but you can get held up-

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at this point a mile out of Hathersleigh was a monument to 2 locals that were part of the Light Brigade at Balaklava.Moving as we had been there and one was probably an ancestor-

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[drron]

We continued on to the village of Merton.I had learnt a woman named Dolton was buried there.Unfortunately no one at the church so didn't find the grave.But it turned out she had been married at the church in St.Kew-the one I had stopped at on the drive from Padstow.
Although Merton was the place of the manor for the surrounding country including Dolton.also the birthplace of General George Monck the founder of the Coldstream Guards.Despite that history the church was a little neglected-

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[drron]

A last stroll around Dolton-

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The second pub in Dolton-

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[drron]

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We had food to use up so no dinner at the pub.but still time for a pint-

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So back to the barn for our last night.The weather hadn't been conducive to good sunsets.Tonights was the best and there was a full moon-

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So our time in devon was coming to an end.We went there because of the connection with my name but ended up really enjoying it and we could find ourselves going back.
So next-the start of our trip home.

 

[drron]

So Friday arrives and we are off to LHR for our 1410 flight to HEL.Stopped for fuel at the Tesco servo at Exeter.The supermarket stations are generally the cheapest though I used this site to check-
UK Petrol Station Locations
Fortunately at LHR the cheapest station was the closest to the Avis returns.
It was an easy drive.After 3 hours stopped at a Starbucks.Big mistake.We are not coffee experts and often use Starbucks as throughout the world the product is consistent.That is except for England.Nearly undrinkable.Kept on the A4.As we went east the weather got worse with gradually increasing rain.Around Maidenhead the west bound lanes were flooded.About 10 miles of a car park.Thank goodness the east bound lanes were fine.

Dropped off the car at Avis.The top name on the Avis Preferred board was Borg,bjorn.Didn't wait.We were about 45 minutes early for the AY checkin at T3.Fortunately didn't have to wait that long as an agent turned up early.Our bags were checked through to BKK though we were overnighting in HEL.
Once again though security at LHR was torture.We were subjected to secondary screening and all our carryons were searched.Mrsdrron had left a baggie with fluids in her handbag but the other 3 bags had nothing suspicious.I am convinced profiling was used as all who were subject to further searches had the same characteristics as us even though that was only 25% of the pax going through.One day I might get through LHR Immigration/security without any hassles.

So off to the Galleries Flounge.No problems getting in.The sit dowm menu had nothing interesting,very uninspiring.The salmon on the buffet was good.The wines however were very good.There was a delay to boarding so it was time to have one last Devonshire cream champagne-

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Lots of big planes out the window maybe even with an AFFer onboard-

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A long walk to the gate.When business class boarding was called lots of pax jumped up and pushed to the front.I got elbowed out of the way.I was just about to reach the gate when they called for OW Emeralds and sapphires to board.The fellow in front started arguing with the agent."But I am a One world elite,I have Ruby status.Took a bit of an effort to suppress the laugh.
When we got to the cabin even though at least 30 pax had boarded before us there were only 3 other J pax seated.Noticed a couple on their way down the back putting their bags in the J overheads.
That flight next.

 

[drron]

AY 840. LHR-HEL. ETD-1410. Push back-1433. Take off-1456. A320. Seats 2A,C.
ETA-2100. Landed-2124. at gate-2134.

There were 26 full J seats on this flight.by far the most I have seen on short haul AY.They do of course have great flexibility just leaving the middle seat empty.There was no pre take off beverage despite a wait at the gate.The woman in 1A obviously thought she was important.refused to put her handbag in the overhead.Then refused to turn off her computer on take off and landing despite being asked to frequently.The senior FA made a brief appearance from the galley to try and get her to comply.She didn't so the FA then retreated to the galley where she stayed most of the flight.Must have been trained in the USA.The younger FA though was excellent despite being obviously very busy.

So to the menu and wines-

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One of the few things mrsdrron likes about AY is the fact they have Amarula.Perhaps the only thing.The meal was OK,nothing special-

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After the meal I went to sleep.Awoke just before we touched down.Got straight through immigration-we just go straight to an officer as even though it says Australians are eligible to use E-gates they have never worked for us.
It was then a long walk to the Hilton where we were staying.
That next.

 

[RooFlyer]

So one more post on the church.The locals were very friendly.the caretaker was there and took me on a tour of the Bell tower and then through the church-
<snip>
There are no Doltons buried in Dolton.there is one at Merton 5 miles away.in one of those coincidences she was married at St.James the Greater in St.Kew-the other church we visited.
So go visit a church if visiting the UK.amazing what you do find.they are usually open.

Enjoyed the TR, as ever. As a mad keen family historian, I've had lots of expeditions into rural England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland off the beaten tracks and have always enjoyed them. Local history, sights and people always very good. Non family historians could just chose an obscure village and visit it!

But to trace the family history, the village church is a logical first point of call but the main source would be the County Archives. A lot of it can be done remotely.

Re Launceston - you found out, no doubt that its pronounced "Lorns-ton" locally; much like the Hobart family pronounces it "Hobb-it"

 

[drron]

Thanks RooFlyer.Fortunately I was aware of local pronunciation as my sister now lives in Devon.I was not the family historian but we have a fractured family so some work by me is required.Fortunately I did start with a reasonably good idea as before the split I was given the family history back to the 1500s.As you know earlier than that records are not nearly as good.i have been looking at County records on line but the idea of the village possibly being the origins of our name was intriguing.I did find out a few interesting facts from the locals.I always thought the name Dolton was just a version of Doulton of Royal fame.It turns out it is the other way around.In 1066 and before the village was always Dolton.but in the Domesday book the village at one point was written as Doulton.It was as you have found a really interesting village stay.definitely will think of doing more.

But back to the TR.If we had wanted to make the journey LHR-HEL-BKK we would have to have taken an early morning flight hence miss a day in the village and the elapsed time would have been too onerous.So we decided to overnight in Helsinki.As the Hilton is at the airport that's where we stayed.I had checked in online as our initially allocated room was an internal room on the first floor.But online I had a rather large selection so picked a room on the 4th floor with at least a partial airport view.I am only silver now having sold my Hilton timeshare.at least it got us 2 bottles of water.
It was a comfortable room and I slept well and woke late.brekkie at 28E for a continental was not on.We had a couple of muesli bars so those and a cup of tea was breakfast.So our room-

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checked out at noon.We had BPs issued at LHR so straight through security.No one else at premium security,a quick pat down because of my knee and on our way.The agents were also friendly and smiled.LHR should second some of their staff to HEL to see how it should be done.
Straight through Immigration as only ones there too.Straight to the AY premium lounge.It has gone downhill.Only one hot option-yakitori with chilli.OK for me but mrsdrron doesn't do spice.Also only a reisling as a white wine.So she went to the J lounge where they did have a Sav blanc but their hot dish was also spicy.All this added to the fact that Helsinki has gone from reasonably cheap shopping 6 years ago to quite expensive now means that this is our last time here.

I was happy drinking my Nicolas F champagne and the eats were fine for me.However the lounge got very busy with a lot of Chinese pax.Many more were at the front desk arguing that some card they had gave them lounge access but the agents kept insisting it wasn't valid for Finnair.So actually happy when we left for the gate.We left about 10 minutes before boarding due to start and our gate was the closest to lounge.We arrived though as they called for business class boarding.Once again a scrum.The agents though were only allowing J pax to board but it was hard to get to the BP check.Finally boarded.It was the A350 so a first for us.

So the seat shots-

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So the flight menu next.

 

[drron]

AY 089. HEL-BKK. ETD-1730. Push back-1739. Take off-1750. Seats 2D,H.
ETA-0715. Touch down-0707. At Gate-0715.

So the menu and wine list-

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[drron]

Interesting fellow pax.One of the fellows needed an extra long seat belt extender-the first didn't measure up.The fellow in 1H was talking loudly to his Thai wife.At one point he said-honey I really am on the plane.he then held his phone up so she could see me and I could see her.Fortunately the FA then bought me my pre take off champagne.The CSM came and greeted the Emeralds and unlike QF it was mrsdrron she talked to.

The safety video wouldn't work so done the old fashioned way.The system was rebooted.but then I had no sound.bought new headphones-still no sound.Rebooted again but still no sound or route map.The CSM offered me a 20E voucher which I told her would be useless as no further bookings on AY.So she upped it to 40E which I accepted and mrsdrron got some duty free items.Fortunately I realised wifi was complimentary in the J cabin so I uploaded quite a few photos.

What I enjoyed was the cameras giving great views on take off and landing so prepared to be bored as we take off-

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Through the clouds and out the other side-

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[drron]

The meal wasn't great.The smoked turkey was OK but the Osso buco was a fail.The wines were very good though.I tasted the reds and then tried both the ice wine and the port.Mrsdrron enjoyed her post prandial Amarula.Here are the pics-

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Breakfast was not great either-

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Overall though I wasn't impressed with the AY version of the A350.The foot pod is very narrow preventing you being able to turn over when lying flat.Also the bed was not comfortable for me.But again I did enjoy the camera so here we are on approach to BKK-

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[drron]

Now I did tell you I liked the camera.fascinated watching the landing so here is some more-

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So we made up a lot of time and arrived early.Somehow AY just doesn't do it for us.Plane is good but bed for me is uncomfortable.The crew,a mixture of Finns and Thai,were good.Food as usual was uninspiring.Not the first time we have had IFE problems on AY but this on a newish plane.So with HEL losing it's lustre this could well have been our last flight on AY.

Not long queues at the fast track Immigration.Got on a line with only 1 fellow but he was joined by 5"family"members.Fortunately we changed lines as they were not organised-typical Aussies.We beat them through easily.Our bags were the last of the priority tagged bags to come out but we were out of the terminal at 0750.
Now we stay at the SGS frequently and do use their transport.As we walked to door 5 where the hotel reps are we saw the SGS rep walking towards us whilst she was on the phone.So as we exited the terminal our car pulled up.A quick trip into the SGS and taken straight to our room.It was now 0815 just an hour after arriving at the gate.Now mrsdrron has a few requests.She always wants to leave the SGS 4 hours before our flight not 3 as they usually plan,she always asks for extra clothes hangers and they know she loves mangosteens.
So after the checkin is completed the agent says we have booked the return transport for 4 hours before your flight.The doorbell rings and there is someone from housekeeping with extra hangers.A few minutes later a fruit basket arrives-mangosteens.This is why we love the SGS.

 

[drron]

So our time in Bangkok is used as chill out time to get over a long trip.We are creatures of habit.Eat a lot at Terminal 21-a great variety of restaurants and we do like the food court.On this occasion we did try Tim Ho Wan who has an outlet in Terminal 21.Not to our taste.The Char Sui Bau way too sweet.BBQ pork rolls and beef balls bland.best dish the mango,sago and pomelo dessert.Quite expensive so I don't think we will go again.
We also now have pedicures,manicures and hair cuts in Terminal 21.I didn't go for the pedicure this time as my left foot was still discoloured.Also on the 5th day there it became swollen,red and I had a mild fever.I carry flucloxacillin so started that and OK after a couple of days.

Virtually always make a trip to the Jim Thompson outlet at Sukhumvit soi 93.When we do we have lunch there.Really like their pomelo salad.

A day at central World.Isetan have a new Japanese food court on their top floor.really good food but a little expensive for Bangkok.on this occasion we also found Kane Mochi.We love those-

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Another day is always the Paragon.Often a special food show in the basement.This time great pork and beef on skewers.But also often a show.This time a craft fair for the Royal Foundations-

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And with all those ladies emailing me I felt I was eminently qualified for this position-

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Whilst at the SGS the SPG/Marriott merger was completed.Plats got this-

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Now only the flights to SYD then BNE to go.

 

[Jacques Vert]

Thanks for all the effort with the TR drron; I fully understand that they can become a little tedious towards the end of a long trip.

But the effort is worthwhile as we learn so much from your very informative reports.

JV

 

[drron]

So Saturday comes and we fly back to SYD.A last visit to the food court at Terminal 21 to have mango and sticky rice and coconut ice cream.Check out at ~1430.A large group checking out and most seem to be arguing about their bills.one of the agents notices me walking towards the desk,picks up her phone and the Duty Manager appears and personally checks me out.Straight into the car and again a fast run to the airport.
We had to get our VAT receipts checked.It was still 3.5 hours from departure so we thought we would have a wait until checkin opened but it was already open when we went there.had to walk right back again for the Premium security but virtually no one else going through.Mrsdrron collected the VAT refund.I was standing waiting for her and a Chinese woman runs her trolley straight into my left leg.She just looked at me and merrily continued on her way.

For a change we decided to check out the Emirates lounge.No problems getting in but seemed a lot of paperwork.OK selection of food.Wine was very good.Mrsdrron was happy with the Sancerre and I had a reasonable Graves then a Columbia Valley Syrah.We left early which was just as well as a scrum at the gate security check.pre boarding started very soon after we entered the gate lounge.
4 wheelchairs-I gave them my blessing as they passed.Once again my healing powers were successful and I noted 3 of them in SYD walking down to the baggage carousel.I have no problems preboarding young children but a junior high school aged child with 6 adults is really pushing it IMHO.

QF 24. BKK-SYD. ETD-1825. Push back-1840. Take off-1854. A333. Seats 2E,F.
ETA-0645. Landed-0627. At gate-0634.

Pre take off champagne.So to the menu.

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I had the Tomato soup then the mustard glazed pork as did mrsdrron.We agreed that the potatoes were nice.For brekkie the baked egg was barely edible-

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I had the Coldstream hills Pinot Noir.Mrsdrron a Petaluma Sav blanc.No dessert.I couldn't really sleep so listened to music.Probably though because the antibiotics were causing a little intestinal hurry.

A little slow getting through Egate as a lot of the machines weren't working.Only a short wait and our bags did come out near the beginning.So the off to Avis.

 

[drron]

So a few days in Sydney on grandparent's duty.Unfortunately 3 days and we are worn out.We stayed at the Sheraton on the Park and for a change got a reasonably large Park view room.The lounge here is good but being on duty we basically only used it for breakfast.Here is our room-

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Then time for the final flight home.
QF 528. BNE-SYD. ETD-1315. Push back-1315. Take off-1320. Seats 2A,C.
ETA-1430 Landed-1430. At gate-1434.

This was as flights should be.Excellent crew and the whole plane really had an air of happiness about it.A good way to finish this TR.

But in a weeks time we are off again.a very simple trip this time.A few days in Sydney.then off for 3 days in Pasadena.Flying to Hawaii-the reason is to renew acquaintenance with the GM of the Sheraton Waikiki-he used to be Asst.GM of the SGS.Not planned but we will be there for the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbour.
Then HNL-NRT-BKK.6 nights at the SGS then checking out my new Marriott status with 3 weeks in a Marriott Apartment hotel.6 nights in Chang Mai before returning to SYD on TG F courtesy of LifeMiles.