How exciting to hear the announcement of the new PCG UK HQ and college at Edstone. As the video was rolling we sat anxiously waiting to hear the name and then afterwards we wondered was it Edgestone? Twitterland quickly gave us the correct name and a link to the listing website. This has since been taken down as the property sold! However, I was able to grab some info from it so here are a few pictures (not mine) and brief details for us to savor until we hear more from HQ.
This outstanding property was built in 1939 by Percy Pritchard, a Birmingham engineer. Edstone Hall stands majestically in twenty two acres of grounds with stunning views across the Warwickshire countryside. As soon as you enter the hallway with its
fifteen foot window resplendent with a heraldic design, you are struck
by the superb quality of the interior, the American Oakwood beams and
grand staircase, the mullioned windows and impressive fireplaces in the
reception room.
The grounds around the house extend to
some 22 acres and have a wonderful parkland feel. The breathtaking views
over Edstone Lake are truly magnificent. The gardens effortlessly slope
down to the lake and retain many enchanting trees including lebanon
cedar, copper beech and oak. Within the grounds there is a five car
garage, an all-weather tennis court, several storage sheds and extensive
car parking, together with a further vehicular driveway.
Who would have thought that just 18 miles from big city congestion of Atlanta there would be an oasis just waiting for God's people to gather for the Feast of Tabernacles. We were certainly surprised as we live only 2 hours way and have visited Atlanta frequently!
This beautiful feast site is nestled in Stone Mountain Park with the majestic mountain reminding us of the great Rock that makes this feast possible.
There are activities for everyone whether you want to relax and enjoy a scenic walk or walk to the top of Stone Mountain (or take the sky tram to the top), boat rides, pool, gym, or enjoy the adventure park. Then of course you can venture out to Atlanta for myriad of attractions such as the Aquarium. You will want to make Stone Mountain your feast destination for 2015!
At the first service at this year's feast in Stone Mountain, Georgia I looked across the hall and saw a tall young man that looked vaguely familiar but he had a lot less girth than the person I was thinking of. The next time I saw him chatting to some friends in the hallway, I went up to him and inquired if he was the same one I had met at PYC in 2012? Yes he was. "So what happened? How did you lose all that weight? I hardly recognized you!" I was inspired by his story and hope you will be too.
Colin Brinson is 17 and hails from Sanford, FL which became newsworthy for the Trayvon Martin shooting case. He lives with his grandparents and has been home-schooled up to this year. Colin attended PYC again in 2013 and it was after camp that he decided he wanted to change how he looked and live a healthier lifestyle. Doing that at any age takes a lot of motivation; Colin's was basketball. He started playing 3hrs a day (made possible by his homeschool schedule), reduced his food intake and replaced the meals he did eat with healthy options such as vegetables (even with a side of fries!) and drank more water. He also walked 2 miles to the basketball court and back. In addition, he cut out evening snacking by going to bed early! Two years ago Colin wore a size 4X and now he is a lean XL and is still aiming to get slimmer.
Colin is now attending public school. He doesn't know yet what career path he wants to pursue but whatever it turns out to be, I'm sure he will have the determination to achieve it.
Next time you see Colin be sure and give him hearty congratulations and encouragement to keep up the great example he has set.
I keep flirting with couponing but it has seemed too time-consuming and complicated. However, it does seem like a waste not to take advantage of substantial savings. When it comes to non-technology things I like to learn hands-on. The nearest couponing class is 1hr 20 mins away run by southernsavers.com in Columbia, a bit too far to go and drive back at night. So a quick web search and I found an online tutorial plus workbook. So I'm going to go through it and see if I get can the hang of this game!
Today we took a trip to Windsor which according to the official website - http://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/windsor-castle-p43983 "Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world
and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history
spans almost 1000 years"
We arrived after a 1h 40min drive which was only about 35 miles but traffic in London is heavy (you can also take a train and the station is right in the town). We made it just in time to catch the march of the changing of the guard through the town to the castle. Here is a video of the procession.
The castle is massive and you can take a tour inside for 25 pounds. We didn't have time for that on this trip but will plan on it next time.
Armed guards at the Castle
Statue of Queen Victoria in front of the castle
Victoria Barracks down the street from the castle
The town is small and has a lot of residential areas. If you think you'd like to live there - there's an idea of the real estate prices in a real estate agents office window below.
The local pub
Of course there are lots of tourist shops and a museum in the town.
I thought this restaurant was interestingly named!
There is also a canal ride that you can take at the lower end of the town. Eton school is close by too. We've lots more to see on our next trip!
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