Sad Goodbyes And Fond Memories .

Sadly, one of our very most favourite ports of call for lunch in Evesham, especially when our beloved niece and nephew were in tow, JellyPicklesJam has now closed, allowing the owner, Lisa, to move on to exciting pastures new.

..... however, with the prospect of being able to buy a memento or two from said teashop, it would have been rude not to say a last, fond farewell to a place we've all loved and visited from when Iris was just a few months old.  A place filled with magic, with it's bird cages, circus top draped ceiling, individual, vintage cups, saucers, plates and teapots, decoupaged tables and chairs, a comfy sofa for nattering and knitting on and quirky bits and pieces filling the walls.  

So, armed with a card and a few "thank you" trinkets for all those happy memories, Nigel popped in for one last, lingering time .......

....... in the hope of being able to find one of Lisa's handknitted tea cosies, one, fingers crossed, he would recognise as having kept warm one of our many pots of tea during the years.

I am happy to report that he did (now in the wash, pictures later).  There were also so many other familiar and beautiful things that have also played parts in our visits, and, believe me, Nigel would have bought them all, but he had to be sensible.

  ....... he was sure they would find new homes with many of Lisa's other loyal customers, but it was emotional ......

..... especially when reading the menu board for the very last time, something we'd all pondered and mused upon over the years.  Iris always asked for a sausage roll with salad and a coke,  Bertie a dinosaur shaped jam sandwich, with crudities and crisps and a chocolate milkshake, while we varied our choice, once even partaking in a glorious, celebratory afternoon tea for one of Darrell's birthdays!

Then, it was time for one, final heartfelt hug and a last thank you for soooooooooooooooooo many wonderful memories, even a visit to the loo, down the rainbow stairs, was magical for the little ones, with its Alice In Wonderland theme. Nigel also promised to keep in touch, via Facebook, so that Lisa could continue to watch I and B grow up.  There were chocolate gifts too.

It is indeed the end of an era, the teashop now has new owners, we will pop in and no doubt review and who knows, perhaps it'll become just as beloved as JPJ xxxxxxx.