My Subsequent Visit 29.10.2008

A Memory of Romney Street.

My wife and I had pre-arranged to meet my sister and her entourage in the Fox and Hounds at midday yesterday. The long and winding lane from Eynsford became muddier and narrower with each passing mile and we were suddenly confronted with a large lorry coming in the opposite direction. The driver couldn't back up because he was being closely followed by a white-van-man so we had to reverse for about 50 yards into what passed as a layby which tested my wife's driving skill to the utmost. However that little episode quickly passed and we continued uphill until we saw the sign for the Fox and Hounds, I swear that particular sign was the one that I first saw in 1955. On entering the pub I noticed that it was much larger than before and according to Jeff the publican it had been merged with a former cottage that once stood there. There were some of the features from my first visit, for example the pews and the fireplace. The pub itself is well documented, particularly its recent history so I will not comment on that except to say that the encumbent couple, Jeff and Fran, who have been there for the last 5 months are an extremely nice pair and I wish them well, they certainly made us all very welcome and the food was first class. I knew about the carvings on the front of the bar but forgot to look for them so I suppose that I might have to drag myself back up there to check them out, what a chore! As for Romney Street itself where have all the caravans gone? Little has changed except for some new buildings but my wife did spot what appeared to be a vacant house up for sale just a little way down the hill towards Eynsford so we might become Romney Streetians soon.