Sales were brisk and the antiquated system of manually entering individual products and costs kept us there longer than necessary. It did give us time to look at the surroundings and investigate the tea trees.

Barbi takes a breather in the shade of the coach before it heads out to Shuttleworth Weaving. As we approached the entrance to the property Carol decided to call the owners and try to find out the distance from the main road to their business. The road was narrow and seemed to wind into the mountains. She didn't even complete the process because Cami turned into the property and proceeded up the hill! Concern showed on everyone's faces. "How is he going to turn around?" What happens when we encounter a vehicle coming towards us?" All of this proved to be unnecessary as Cami's skill prevailed and we completed our visit without incident.  Could this have been another "highlight" of our fascinating trip in the Midlands!!

Now all Cami has do do is turn the coach around while we all go into Shuttleworth Weaving (a founder member of the Meander). Carol tried on a shawl, which proved to be too heavy and not really appealing.

The weavers are housed in old (original?) sheds with very little lighting, a tin roof (hot in summer) and free airflow (cold in winter). Even in these primitive conditions they produce amazing products which are accepted worldwide. (80% of their products are exported).
The ride down the path was uneventful and we were soon at The Junction" to relax over a light lunch.  Brian & Carol enjoyed a superb Ploughman's platter - "Wow this beats working" Brian was quick to add.

A number of people had booked massages back at Granny Mouse, but also wanted to stop at Rawdon's Hotel for a beer tasting at the Nottingham Road micro brewery.

"Wow these are huge tasting glasses" "I don't like the taste of this one" - and Susan made sure she took some beer home.  The 3 ladies above look all 'shopped out' and 'tired'

Caversham Mill was the venue for our last dinner together.  Clint explained our menu on his blackboard.  Very soon everyone was tucking into delicious food - we will return to this restaurant on our next Meander tour in the day as it is beside a lovely waterfall and daytime ambience will be terrific.