John 15:13 (KJV)

George greeted us as we came down for breakfast. Rachel served us with granola and yoghurt topped with fresh fruit followed by freshly cooked breakfast items of our choice. As we ate, we had an enjoyable conversation with George.

After breakfast we walked to Cromwell’s House to visit the Tourist Information Centre but we were too early; it didn’t open till 11am. We flexed our plan and went into the Cathedral. Our first impression of the Cathedral was its immense size and we were impressed with the view looking down the transept towards the apse. The artwork on the ceiling and dome is exquisite.

Just to the side, as we entered, there was a stunning poppy display made of knitted poppies commemorating the 100 year anniversary of WWI. We browsed the Cathedral shop before having a cup of tea in the cafe. Next we explored some of the Ely side streets, spending some time in the City Cycle Centre, which is much more than a cycle centre,selling children’s toys, games, Airfix models and paints.

We had a slightly late lunch where I opted for a something modest, a toasted tea cake, because of the filling breakfast. By this time Cromwell’s House was open so we were able to visit the Tourist Information Centre and visit the Cromwell Museum. The building that houses these was once the family home of Oliver Cromwell. We were asked to consider if Cromwell was a villain or a hero; we came to the conclusion that he was a man of his time.

We returned to Toppings bookshop and came away with some purchases. Next, we visited the delightfully named Cutlacks, another department store where we picked up several kitchen items, so many we decided not to venture onto the upper floors lest we be tempted to add to our purchases. After this shopping experience we made our way straight back to the B&B so that we couldn’t be tempted further! I took advantage of the lovely roll top bath where I had a long soak before getting ready to go out for dinner.

We dined in The Old Fire Engine House where we were served by a delightful Scottish lady. The food was delicious. I had sea bass and Mr C had melt-in-the-mouth beef casserole. Seconds were offered, although I declined. We shared a dessert of rum and raisin ice cream, which was just as well because the portion was huge.

When we left, Mr C left a tip with the lady who had served us. It made her day being it was a Scottish note left over from our recent trip to the borders. We retired to the B&B for a nightcap (it would have been a shame not to take advantage of that lovely sitting room).

Following the 2014 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, which represented the 888,246 British and Commonwealth Service men and women who lost their lives in the First World War, this Tommy commemorates the centenary of the end of the 1914-1918 war and those who lost their lives.

“There But Not There reminds us of those who served in WW1 and did not return home. I believe that alongside each symbolic figure stands the spectre of five others who did return and found themselves so changed by what they had experienced that life for them and their families would never be the same again. There But Not There stands as a powerful symbol for us to not forget them too.”
Lt Gen Andrew Graham CB CBE

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Robert Laurence Binyon