Poor old Sister Y was stymied yet again this week by another child shaped vomiting bug – what are they putting in the water in North Essex?!  So it was just Sister X and myself who met on a bit of a dubious weather day for a stomp around Tiptree Heath.  We practically had the place to ourselves and, luckily, did not encounter the evil pony that tried to ‘kill’ myself, Sister Y and our offspring last time we were there (slight exaggeration but it did charge at us and the children do like to dramatize things!).  I think the ponies are possibly only in residence from April so a bit early in the year to see them roaming free which is actually a lovely sight to behold.  If you do take a buggy on the heath, especially in inclement weather, make sure it’s of the sturdy variety – I took my old, beaten up Baby Jogger which I was very thankful for over the bumpy, uneven, muddy paths.

We had lovely walk, discussing the merits of World Book Day and airing our grievances at the parents who basically can’t be bothered to make any effort and just order an outfit from Amazon and then moan about the cost!  Jeez, people, it’s not hard or expensive if you put a little time and effort in – and it really can be minimal effort, let’s face it.  Send them in pyjamas as one of the kids from The Midnight Gang; put your daughter in a dress and give her a book to carry – Matilda.  It really does not require the buying of some mass produced nylon costume for £20 on Prime.  Rant over, let’s move on to the cake . . .

The Woodlands Tea Room (or it may possibly be Forget Me Not Tea Rooms now – the sign says the former, the menu says the latter and I forgot to confirm with the ladies behind the counter) is attached to Tom’s Farm Shop on the B1022 between Great Totham and Tiptree Heath.  It is a lovely, homey, bright space and the staff are quite friendly and accommodating.  I didn’t need the buggy as we had to drive from the heath – it’s just short of a mile along the main road – but there would be plenty of room for one if needed.  They had highchairs and even provide a little paper bib which was a nice touch.

I had lemon drizzle and Sister X went for the ginger cake.  Mine was really yummy and my discerning companion also enjoyed hers – not enormous slices but plenty considering I’m supposed to be watching the old waistline.  We also rather liked that the milk was served in mini churns – cute!  £3 for the cake and £1.50 for a pot of tea so pretty reasonable.  We will definitely return with our third member – she’s much better at photographing the goods!