After an only ok sleep - the bed a bit hard for me causing a sore back and making me restless - went for breakfast - basically cereals and toast but who cares for £42 per night.

Onto Shrewsbury - a very pleasant 20 minute drive from Telford - gorgeous Shropshire countryside and then into the cutest town - one way system and very narrow streets so pleased MR was driving. Thankgoodness for GPS on mobile phones as well - makes things so much easier. Unfortunately MR had left my Lonely Planet Great Britain back on his dining table - his wallet and keys left on top of it wasnt enough of a hint to bring it along and /or ask if he should :). This meant the walking tour around Shrewsbury couldnt happen as the map was in the book.

Shrewsbury is a wonderful Tudor town as seen by the photos. Plenty of narrow streets and crooked buildings - quite higgledy piggledy but with lots of good signs. Had my heart set on the castle and the Abbey as only had 3 hours here. Found our way to the Castle albeit slowly due to a certain person constantly stopping to take photographs of Tudor buildings. Went past the medieval St Marys Church with a window made of 14th century glass - couldnt go in as a service was on. Onto the castle which also house a Regimental Museum - so disappointed that it is closed  on Sundays and Thursdays. It was such a beautiful day and the grounds looked gorgeous between the cracks through the gateway so was a bit annoyed and did mention several times during the rest of the day about how a Castle can be closed on a Sunday. Found the Jacobean styled Council house Gatehouse from 1620 and then the Old Council House - so gorgeous.

We wound our way down the hill to the 18th century English Bridge which took us across to Shrewsbury Abbey - some of it the remains of a Benedictine monastery founded in 1038. Its evidently a mixture of Norman, early English and Victorian features and also has a 14th century window. This was the setting for the 'Chronicles of Brother Caadfael' series.

Walked back by the River Severn - still a lovely day and up a short steep hill to get back to the Town Centre. Stopped in an outdoor clothing store to buy some thermals for MR for the June trip to New Zealand having previously decided that one set wouldnt be enough.

The drive back to Telford was quick and parked next to the International Centre and Ice Rink - finished off yesterday's lunch - a savoury scone and muffins. Then onto the first event of the weekend - England versus Rest of the World Ice Speedway - done on the local ice rink - 4 riders at a time - very slippery and a few spills which were inevitable. Really enjoyed it as each race only 4 laps and lasted 37-45 seconds. This kept my attention quite nicely and the rider I had chosen from the beginning not knowing about anything was actually in the top two. i chose him cos he was called Martin as well just like my Martin.

The session finished and we had 2 hours til the British Open Championship event so went for a walk and found a pub we had spied earlier in the day - well a carvery for £6.95 was what caught our attention. Both of us went for beef and then helped ourselves to lots of roast potatoes and veges - MR had boiled potatoes as well - a waste I think when there are unlimited roast potatoes available - i had several for you Diane.

Back to the Telford Ice Rink and watched the British Open - again going for my Martin. a round robin of 16 riders and 20 heats with an extra 2 heats for a ride off if necessary. A lots of spills and injuries in this one with both replacement riders being used - one of whom actually did quite well. The top two riders didnt square off until the final heat - one of whom was my rider and he won easily so was very happy.

Left Telford at just after 2200 for the long drive back to Horsham - had promised myself that I would keep awake so as to keep MR awake. he didnt seem too concerned and I did drop off several times. Into bed finally just after 0100.

A wonderful weekend away - relaxing, great weather, countryside, history, walking, good food and my love - what more could a girl want.....