First thing I did was a a traditional Full English Breakfast at the pub where I am staying.

This morning I did a walking tour of Wilton, where I am staying, and had a nice and relaxing morning. Wilton was the capital of Wessex, one of the early English kingdoms, so has a lot of history connected with it. It is also the home of the Earls of Pembroke so that is a large country house just on the edge of town. It is closed for the winter so I did not get to see it.

There is an 18th century Italianate church which is very spectacular both outside and inside. There are a number of small rivers running through the town as well. It is a typically quaint English village.

Nigel picked me up and we went to Bowerchalke for Diana’s memorial service. The service was quite lovely and moving. There were probably about 180 people in attendance mostly for the village and the surrounding communities as Diana was an integral part of the fabric of the Chalke Valley. The children did readings and a eulogy which chaptered Diana perfectly. The grandchildren participated as well. After the service there was a reception in the Village Hall. It was very nice. I got to talk to the Field’s cousins, old friends of the Fields and some of the villagers. It was easy to talk and enjoy the company because many of us had similar backgrounds of being children of Army officers.

The church was an 11th century church and was quite charming.

After the service and reception, I went back to Susan and Nigel’s house and had dinner with them and their two daughters, one son-in-law and two grandchildren. It was nice to catch up with them and spend time remembering our parents and the shared connections that we had.

I am very glad that I was fortunate enough to be able to attend and share in the celebration of someone who was part of the fabric of my life.