Whitchurch, England - A Day with Richard Adams
Susan and Betty on the outskirts of Whitchurch
On our way to Tanzania, Betty and I had a 10-hour layover in London. Our sister, Susan, who was living in Germany at the time, drove from Birkenfeld to London to spend the day with us. She picked us up at Heathrow, and we then drove to Whitchurch to visit and have lunch with Richard Adams, famed author of Watership Down, at his home. Susan is good friends with Mr. Adams, who had just turned 83 the previous month (he was born on May 9, 1920).
With only about 4,500 residents, the town of Whitchurch is Hampshire's smallest town. Located along the River Test, Whitchurch is delightful. Over 100 years ago, it was described thus:
“Whitchurch is in Hampshire. People who live in it call it a town. People who live out of it call it a village. It is about as big as a good-sized pocket handkerchief. It has three shops and 19 public houses.”
With only about 4,500 residents, the town of Whitchurch is Hampshire's smallest town. Located along the River Test, Whitchurch is delightful. Over 100 years ago, it was described thus:
“Whitchurch is in Hampshire. People who live in it call it a town. People who live out of it call it a village. It is about as big as a good-sized pocket handkerchief. It has three shops and 19 public houses.”
On the town outskirts, green fields host flocks of sheep contentedly munching on green grass. The town itself is very tranquil, and the River Test meanders peacefully through the area. The winding streets of Whitworth are lined with lovely old homes built in the traditional style.
Elizabeth Adams, neighbor, Richard Adams, Susan (my sister)
We arrived just before noon at Mr. Adams home. His house is a large, white structure located on the curve of a lovely residential street. His property is enclosed by a low wall, which on the other side flourishes with lush gardens. Inside, his home is very cozy with comfy furniture and filled with personal items.
Joining us for lunch at Mr. Adams’ home was his charming wife, Elizabeth, and one of their neighbors, a very nice elderly lady. We ate in the light-filled dining room, where Mrs. Adams served up a delicious feast of ham, boiled potatoes, vegetables, salads and bread. Mr. Adams regaled us with stories of his life and travels, and we were kept spellbound. After lunch, we all strolled through the beautiful gardens behind the house.
Joining us for lunch at Mr. Adams’ home was his charming wife, Elizabeth, and one of their neighbors, a very nice elderly lady. We ate in the light-filled dining room, where Mrs. Adams served up a delicious feast of ham, boiled potatoes, vegetables, salads and bread. Mr. Adams regaled us with stories of his life and travels, and we were kept spellbound. After lunch, we all strolled through the beautiful gardens behind the house.
Before we left Mr. Adams’ home, he gave us a tour of his personal library. It was pure heaven! All four walls are lined from floor to ceiling with bookcases, and the shelves were stuffed – literally – with thousands of books. Stacks of more books and papers were piled on the floor and the furnishings. On Mr. Adams’ desk sat the tools of his trade: an old IBM Selectric typewriter, fountain pens, sheets of paper...
As a remembrance of our visit, Mr. Adams signed three copies of one of his books, “A Nature Diary,” and then gave each of us a book. It was a perfect ending to an enchanting day.
Susan then drove me and Betty back to Heathrow Airport in London. We arrived with an hour to spare before we had to board our plane to continue our flight to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Susan then drove me and Betty back to Heathrow Airport in London. We arrived with an hour to spare before we had to board our plane to continue our flight to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.