Memories are made of this

Melanie Henson I came to England in June 1994 having lived in South Africa. I grew up in Estcort which is two hours inland and towards the mountains. It is a ten hour flight time to get to Northamptonshire. There is a lot of open space in South Africa when you can drive for miles without actually seeing other houses. We rarely saw queues back home and really notice therefore the number of people living here.

Education I would say that this is comparable although most people stay on at school in South Africa and then go on to university. I studied for three years as a Graphic Designer. We had a stricter dress code though and had to all wear skirts which were the same length as well as blazers and no jewellery. Or any make up. I really notice the difference here.

Childhood I grew up on a farm which was fifteen thousand hectares probably the size of Finedon. Most work on the farm was done by a tractor, horseback or walking. My parents had beef primarily for breeding and we have been on the same farm for six generations. I cannot believe how close the towns and villages here seem to be.

Marriage We married in October 1997 in South Africa under some oak trees and we had Zulu’s singing and dancing wearing traditional dress.

Family I have three brothers. One who is in Austria travelling with his girlfriend. One in America working in a ski lodge and my younger brother is still at home.
We plan to remain here for the foreseeable future.