Canterbury - and trains, food and Brexit

Today we tried UK's fast train service to Canterbury.  Comfortable and fast, well, faster and fewer stops than their other trains. 

The ticket checker, whose name was Steve, came through the train, checking tickets and gave each traveller directions on where to go after they left the train.  He knew all the stops apparently.  Some people enjoy their job and it was good to see.


The cathedral was historic and huge.  Helpful guides were stationed around the place - with graphic detail about the murder of Thomas Becket, what happened to his bones etc etc. 

Also info about the bells - lots of them. The central tower also has a big bell, but they only chime it  - the tower is stable at the moment....   Later there was a sign saying that you cannot learn to ring bells at the cathedral but need to go to several other churches for lessons.  The pressure of being a big-name-church.

 Aussies featured at Canterbury.   George Gipps was Governor of NSW (1838-1846), and returned to Canterbury where he died.

James Beaney contributed to a museum and got a plaque in the cathedral.  Apparently he was a philanthropist in Melbourne as well.

And the tomb of William Broughton who was the first and only Bishop of Australia.

We have been taking advantage of the huge range of prepared meals at the supermarket, which we can heat up in the microwave.  Even saw one lady at the checkout with a single glass of wine (well sealed of course).

Britain is still digesting Brexit.  This must be what a revolution feels like. Half the Labour front bench has resigned, even though they didn't initiate the referendum.  Boris says UK is part of Europe anyway, the Scots are getting restless, and even the Aus Republicans are making noises. And Kin Mun couldn't get his AU$ out quickly enough when he saw the exchange rate on Saturday.