I was thrilled to see some Pucci clothing, bags and scarves for sale at the Selfridges shop within the Bullring shopping centre. For those who don't know, Pucci is my Italian ancestral family name (along with Duffus being my Scottish ancestral family name). I had heard that Pucci was an expensive brand of fashion, but hadn't seen any of it for sale in NZ or Birmingham. The style is of swirling colours, quite bright and garish, very 1960's psychedelic. 

However, the price tags left us rather in shock! £250 pounds for a pair of shoes is a bit much! (unless they are Jimmy Choo's or course)

October was an incredibly busy month, Aidan and Racheal were here to see their granddad, have their wedding blessing ceremony, and spend time with their UK family.

We really enjoyed seeing Aidan chatting with his cousin Christina, slipping back into conversation despite having not seen each other for about 20 years.

We went to the Birmingham Symphony Hall to see a world class rock-blue concert by John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Stan Webb & Chicken Shack, Mick Taylor (ex Rolling Stones). Loud and memorable!

Other day trips for Aidan & Racheal included a flying visit around the Cotswolds, motorbike racing at Silverstone race course, very old houses Baddesley Clinton & Packwood House, Warwick Castle, Alvechurch, swimming at our leisure centre, eating Balti (curry), eating faggots and mushy peas, mixed with lots of visiting granddad and the other Salters.

Aidan & Racheal's ceremony

On Saturday 16th October, we all gathered at St Nicolas Church, Kings Norton - the same church where Chris was first married in 1967. 

Canon Rob Morris put together a sincere and entertaining short service, to accompany our best efforts of hymn singing! 

The twins did their best to demolish the church during the service, with the canon being more than a little anxious about the floral decorations! They are a delight, there was lots of love and laughter during the day.

It's was biggest Salter family gathering for many years, and perhaps will be the last time the group are together. Of Chris's brothers & sisters, only Alan wasn't able to make it. 

The 28 of us then retired to a local pub 'The Peacock' for a late lunch, a slice of their original wedding cake, Lindauer champagne and lots of chat. 

Special guests for the day included Racheal's friends Chris & Luke from London, Geoff's niece Amy & partner from Croydon, Hamilton friends Alison & Aza, and Aidan's uncle Angus & aunt Anne from Surrey.

After the ceremony we retired to Dawn & Rob's house (it was Dawn's birthday on the same day), where the twins continued to entertain us. 

Conversation soon turned to the vexed issue of conkers, with a no-holds-barred contest held amongst much cheering from the onlookers. All of this was new to the New Zealanders in the room. Alison Tervit is shown here trying her best to out-stare her opponent!

We had to quickly come to grips with all the strange terminology of 'one-ers' and 'two-ers', whilst trying to avoid bruising own-goals (hitting yourself with your own conker!). 

Aidan & Racheal then headed off to London for a flying visit, courtesy of Chris & Luke, Angus & Anne. 

Our last big outing with Aidan & Racheal was to the National Trust property Hanbury Hall near Droitwitch. The house (built in 1701) was home to the wealthy Vernon family.

The day was cold and slightly raining, but that made their beautiful box (buxus) gardens look even more luxuriant! 

The painted ceiling in the entrance hall of this house is truly amazing, something like the Sistine Chapel! 

Most interesting feature of this grand old house was a massive 'ice house' underground, into which staff would carry ice & snow during the winter; stamping it down with their feet; so that there would be a supply of ice during the summer months.

We really do recommend anyone coming to the UK, that they first join the NZ Historic Places Trust before you come - as it gives you much cheaper access to all the National Trust properties than can be had by joining in the UK. Each property costs about £6 per person to enter if you don't have membership!

NB. day light saving ends here on Saturday 30th October, so the UK will be 13 hours behind NZ (10amNZ = 9pmUK, 10pmNZ = 9amUK)