Today we went to Seaton Delaval, a stately home much in need of love and attention but with an interesting past history of a playboy owner. Scene of "drama, intrigue and romance, but now a decaying site of Baroque opulence." The main wing of the house partially burnt down, and will not be reconstructed, but several buildings remain. "Terrible fires, military occupation and potential ruin" make for an interesting past. The house was so interesting - what the National Trust is attempting to do with a relatively new acquisition.

Met with Mike, who was our best man in 1976, and his wife Nina . Last saw Mike in 2006, Nina probably in 1989. Lunch and much catching up in the local pub, photos etc, overlooking the Sluice - a cutting into the harbour. When we parted, plan to catch up again in October, when they have moved to the West Country.

Then drove slowly home, via several beaches with bathing huts, WW2 defence buildings and sand dunes.