Our 20 years In Australia were extremely stable. We built just the one detached home to our own design. On our own plot of land, in a picturesque setting, and brought up a family there during the 1950's and 60's. Employment for the whole 20 years was in abundance. 

 

When we moved back to England, we stayed there also for 20 years during the 1970's and 80's. The country however fluctuated in and out of recession making our living circumstances and employment unpredictable, in total contrast to our life in Australia.

 

After periods of unemployment, I decided to become self employed and entered into a partnership with a small company in a local town. It resulted in both a stable working and  living environment to our lives, during our remaining years in England.

 

Here is my short story about Priory Cottage.

 

 Whilst driving in and out every day to the office I would pass the old Priory surrounded by a high stone wall, and on the opposite side of the road an Elizabethan cottage. It was initially lived in by two Nuns then sold to the Gardner employed by the Priory.

 

One day a for sale notice appeared on the gate. I was met at the door by a young man. He told me that his father the Priory Gardner had died and being the only child, he had been left the property.

 

After looking it over, it definitely needed renovation but it was just what I was looking for. The asking price however was too high for me, and he would not consider reducing it.

 

Three weeks later the for sale sign was still up, so I decided to see him again. This time he was willing to reduce, but not by enough.

 

Another three weeks went by so in I go again. It was becoming obvious by his attitude that he was eager to sell " How much are you willing to offer " he asked me. When I told him, he responded with a definite no.?

 

I will always remember walking back through the kitchen which had just been equipped with brand new appliances to leave by the back door, when he called out to me. "Can I do a deal with you" I stopped in my tracks.

" I can accept your offer provided I take the kitchen appliances"

I don't know what came over me but at the risk of losing the property over a few kitchen items I said no and kept walking.

 

He ran after me.

"Ok can we call it a deal with your offer then"

We shook hands and that's how I bought Priory Cottage.

 

I learned afterwards that he was a voracious golfer, spending every day on the golf course and wanted the money to support his habit without having to go to work.

 

 My wife and I lived in Priory Cottage until we emigrated to Canada in 1990,

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