The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. Brilliant. Little Fink and her pal Little Miss Intellectual (elle-em-I) had a marvelous time in a small, well presented, big-themed space. There are 3 main rooms, but we managed to stay entertained and busy for 2 hours, we only left then as we wanted to have a glass fo 'Fizzy Lifting Drink' and a 'Snozzcumber Sandwich' before we left. And there lies my only critisism, why were the 'Twits Cafe' prices so high? Everything else was fantastic, even the staff were a little wacky and enthusiastic. I didn't know much about Roald Dahl before we went there but his life was amazing, from the children he had and lost, to his career as a fighter pilot, at school he was bottom in a class of 13, and one of his sandals was the model for the BFG's footwear! There were also so many interactive things to do to encourage the children to write. And books everywhere, his books, other books, places to sit and read. So well thought out - and wheelchair friendly too. The thing that really touched me was something that Roald (pronounced Roo-ald) wrote at the end of one of his book, which sums up how I try to be with Little Fink and all her little mates....
A Message To Children Who Have Read This Book.
When you grow up and have children of your own, do please remember something important :
A parent should be sparky.
It does not matter one bit whether you live in a caravan or a castle. What does matter is that you become a father or a mother who makes exciting things happen around your children, and who do exciting things with them, and who lead them into splendid adventures.
Roald Dahl
The odd thing was (and you knew it was coming) as we walked back to the car, the girls skipping along in the drizzle, we passed by a house where the front door was open. In the doorway, I kid you not, was an elderly man holding a puppet chimpanzee, pretending it was chatting to him - all in complete silence. Mr Fink said to the gilr's, "I wonder what the monkey's name is, shall I ask him?" then thought better of it and ushered us all swiftly round to the car!! Weird.
