The cakeoff

Kieran returned from the regatta early in the morning. His squad did well with several personal bests.

Later in the morning the three of us took a trip round to Portaferry where we looked at an aquarium and then hopped on the ferry across to Strangford to complete our circle back to Ballynahinch

Stephanie had been telling Kieran how much she liked a sponge cake from a local cafe and Kieran was of the opinion that Grandma’s ginger fluff was better so we bought the makings and I made one in the afternoon. Everyone loved it. I’m yet to taste the local cake so I can’t judge.

In the evening we went back into town to watch the Orangemen Parade commemorating the battle of the Somme.

There were several bands, again playing enthusiastically but a more serious, respectful parade. They stopped at the war memorial to lay a wreath. Steph’s son Joel and her father Trevor took part in the parade. Another unique experience for us.