Tuesday, 8 July 2025 by Sagacity

Manchester, England

Today Amanda and I ran away for a quick visit to Manchester. There was not much on the agenda. We stopped in Gee Cross and visited Claire Martinez, mostly unannounced while she was cooking.

We visited the Arndale Shopping Center, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Town Hall, Old Trafford (Manchester United football grounds), Market Street, and the Trafford Centre (glorified shopping mall). Amanda was able to pick up her British copy of the first Harry Potter book.

Manchester City Hall and Albert Monument

Amanda Ross at Waterstones in Trafford Park

This evening, the Gore’s organized a bit of a get together for some of the members of the Eccles (now Swinton) Ward. It was very, very kind of them to do this for us. There were several families who came and it was wonderful to catch up with them. Leslie Walsh, Bob and Joan Wood, Alan and Margaret Griffin, Vincenzo and Dawn Santi, Alex and Gloria Brown with their son Nathan, and the Gores. They all had such wonderful things to say to us, about me, and it was great to catch up with them.

Margaret Griffin, Paul and Amanda Ross, Alan Griffin

Dawn Santi, Paul and Amanda Ross, and Vincenzo Santi

Joan Wood, Paul and Amanda Ross, Rob Wood

Kevin and Jean Gore treated us to a pub dinner this evening. It was really good food. They also treated us to a roast duck dinner last night. Each family has treated us very well, and provided great meals. We certainly appreciate their generosity.

Tomorrow we head to Birmingham, the day after to Milton Abbas. Don’t know when I will be able to get back on.

Monday, 7 July 2025 by Sagacity

Walkden, England

Just a quick and short update. I uploaded photos from Scotland this morning. I hope you find them interesting. We will see how many more photos it will let me upload for the month.

We are now staying with the Gore family in Walkden. We arrived later than anticipated after a day of visiting in Runcorn. We attended church in the Runcorn Ward at the local community center since their building burned down a while back. It was good to see so many people and that we received such a hearty welcome. We did go visit a number of families while there. A couple of which include the Campbell (and Young), Fleming, McWilliam, Johnson, Byrom and more. A couple of families were not home so we did not visit with them. It was sure good to be back in Runcorn, despite the fact that you have to drive around in circles to get anywhere you want to go. Busways might be spectacular, but at the sacrifice of the drivers!

Saturday we made another trip into Liverpool. The only thing really to mention is that we got lost and had lunch with Gheorghe and Claire Simion family. Gheorghe was one of my mission companions. We spent nearly four hours with him and his good wife. It was convenient he lives in Liverpool now as he was originally from Romania. It was a great meeting.

Amanda and Paul Ross with Gheorghe and Claire Simion in Liverpool

We are off to Hyde and Disley today. Here are a few photos of our visit of this somewhat storybook place.

Amanda Ross and Lyme Park house and garden

Friday, 4 July 2025 by Sagacity

Northern Welsh Castles

First, Happy Birthday Dad. As always, I am sure you will have all the neighbors celebrating with fireworks. Happy Birthday Jan, I know it was a week ago, but I am still thinking of you. Happy Birthday America. May all of you live long!

Yesterday and today we were off visiting several castles of Northern Wales. They are all built under the direction of Edward I in the late 1200’s. If Amanda wasn’t sick of castles yet, hopefully we have advanced her towards such a state.

Yesterday we visited Conwy and Beaumaris castles. There isn’t really any way for us to describe it rather than show you the photos. Which we will have to upload.

Fireplaces looking down into a Conwy tower

Amanda Ross in the rain on a tower of Conwy Castle

Paul Ross with layers at Conwy Castle, look at the fireplace and holes for floor joists

From Conwy we drove to Beaumaris Castle. We had to cross the Menai Suspension Bridge to get to Anglesey.

Beaumaris yard from wall with Amanda Ross

Amanda and Paul Ross at Beaumaris Castle

Paul Ross reading up about Beaumaris Castle

Today we drove straight out to Caernarfon Castle and it took about 4 hours to work our way through it. We ran into a lady named Gaby, and found out she was going to take a bus to Harlech after Caernarfon. We invited her to go with us to Harlech.

Location of Charles Investiture in 1969 at Caernarfon as Prince of Wales

Amanda at Caernarfon with Welsh flags flying

Looking inside one of the Caernarfon towers

Amanda Ross and interior of Caernarfon Castle

We all drove to Harlech when we finished Caernarfon. It was another beautiful castle situated high above an estuary. We spent a couple of hours there and then cut through Northern Wales. She was going to take the train back to Chester so we volunteered to drop her off. She effectively became our gate opener and closer as we drove through pasture after pasture in Wales. It was beautiful!

Do not try to ascend these Harlech stairs!

We finally made it back to a main path near Pentre Gwynfryn and cut back down to a main road. We took a turn at Penrhyndeudraeth and headed inland. We went right through the Welsh Mountains and it was beautiful.

We had lunch at Blaenau Ffestiniog. We haven’t a clue how to say it but I did get a fairly descent donner kebab. We also drove through Mold. We definitely have to mention that one! We dropped off our new friend, Gaby, in Chester and came home.

Liverpool skyline in the distance from Frodsham Hill, you can make out both cathedrals and other landmarks of the Liverpool skyline

Last night we went to visit some more friends who I knew as a missionary. As a credit, they all remembered my name even though we almost 10 years on. One of which was a man we baptized, Adam Dawson. Dawn’s parents, Ray and Joan Holmes, I have written of previously.

Dawn and Adam Dawson, Paul and Amanda Ross at their home in Runcorn

Anyhow, we are traveling maniacs!

Wednesday, 2 July 2025 by Sagacity

Chester, England

Some of you have already noticed, but I uploaded a whole lot of photos yesterday.

About 250 actually were in the batch. It includes the rest of the photos from Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France. I did not upload any photos from Scotland or England. They will have to wait for the next chance I get.

We are now staying with the Byrom family in Runcorn, England. Today we went to Chester and walked the walls.

We went through the cathedral and went down the main shopping streets. It was a beautiful day for what we were doing. We quite enjoyed ourselves. We each had a pasty and a vanilla finger. She liked it but it was too much.

We stopped by Ellesmere Port on the way home at a outlet mall. We picked out a couple of suits and bought them. However, we were not convinced we had the best deal, we took them back. Interestingly, on the way out, we stumbled upon another store. I found better quality suits that were on sale for almost half of the cost for the other two suits. Hands down, Amanda and I both liked the second store over the first. Now I have some new suits, one of the reasons I wanted to come back to Europe.

Homes in Chester, outhouses, plumbing, from Chester Wall

We had dinner this evening, some amazing lasagna. Rose has always made great lasagna. Afterward, Rose, Amanda, and I went to visit an older lady I taught on the mission. She was such a sweet soul and she proved to be the same. We have all aged, but the sociality has not diminished or changed with time. I think Amanda quite enjoyed Jane Young and her quaint little home in the English countryside.

Rose Byrom, Jane Young, Paul and Amanda Ross

Yesterday, we had dinner with Jack and Brenda Millington from Howe Bridge. Jack used to cook us as missionaries some wonderful homemade pot pies. Visiting with him on Sunday, he offered to make me and Amanda one. We agreed and met with them yesterday. The pot pie was as wonderful as ever, boiled cabbage, and homemade trifle. We really had some good laughs. Jack even sent us off with a couple of parting gifts.

Amanda and Paul Ross with Byrom Brothers, John on the right, their family in front

There are so many people that nearly 10 years have changed nothing. We don’t always remember each other’s names, but the feelings are still the same. Memories seem to come back quickly, surprisingly. What will heaven be like?

Monday, 30 June 2025 by Sagacity

Liverpool, England

Today was our visit to Liverpool. It is a short report as Amanda was feeling ill most of the day.

We visited Old Rufford Hall in the morning, drove to Liverpool, and visited the Anglican Cathedral and Albert Docks.

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral – highest and heaviest peal in the world

We also took a series of photos from the top of the bell tower:

Liverpool Anglican to the west – Birkenhead

Liverpool Anglican to the northwest – Liverpool, Vauxhall, Bootle – across the Mersey my first area, Seacombe, Liscard, and New Brighton

Liverpool Anglican up the Mersey to the Irish Sea

Liverpool Anglican looking at Liverpool Catholic Metropolitian Cathedral

We had to stop at Albert Dock. Amanda and I both had many family lines that came through Liverpool docks, very likely through Albert Dock.

Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building from Albert Dock

Albert Dock looking at my first missionary area across the Mersey, Seacombe and Liscard

Albert Dock Promenade along Mersey River

Afterward, we drove back to Wigan through Upholland so Amanda could see the church where one of her family lines lived.

Upholland Church – St. Thomas the Martyr

Paul Ross at St. Thomas Church in Upholland

Tonight we had curry for dinner. That was definitely a treat.

Brenda Millington, Paul Ross, Jack Millington

Brenda Millington, Paul and Amanda Ross in Howe Bridge

And lastly, we stopped at my sacred grove location. It is somewhere between Roby Mill and Skelmersdale. I tried to locate it on a map, but it has changed enough I cannot locate it. But here are some photos. I located it on that trip in 2008. Amanda did not want to hike to it, so I went by myself.

View at the top of the hill from the quarry

Out building remnants not far from the quarry

Just for fun, a picture at some of the same remnants with Elders Gavin Wright and Joseph Hulse in 2000

Sunday, 29 June 2025 by Sagacity

Wigan, England

It is Sabbath in Wigan. Therefore, not a whole lot in the way of mention of traveling or exotic places. However, we did go to church and visit a few people. A quick couple of thoughts.

Church was great. Funny how even though I lived here for a couple of years, I still really struggle with some of the accents. In Sacrament alone, I could not understand the second speaker. Might as well have been Greek.

The pure Wigan accent I am simply unable to replicate. I cannot even try.

Jim and Julie Monks family at their home

We went to visit a couple of people. Jim and Julie Monks, Dawn Rhodes, Ceri and Lorraine Jenkins, Charlotte Ainscough, Alan and Rose Aspey, Brian and Sylvia Burtonwood, and Rene Simpkin. We had a very good visit with the Monks, Jenkins, and Aspeys.

Ceri and Lorraine Jenkins family with her daughter Charlotte Ainscough in Wigan

Dawn Rhodes doesn’t live in the address we were given. We were either given the wrong address or she has moved. She was the only convert in the mission I felt like I really oversaw the entire thing from initial contact to baptism and even some of the new investigator discussions. Alas, she is not active and it seems nobody really knows where she is. Except for Brother Monks and she either moved or he gave me the wrong address in Aspull. I was very disappointed.

Sadly, I found out Rene’ Simpkin passed away around Christmas of 2003. That would explain the stopping of letters. I am disappointed nobody notified me or responded to the letters. I will have to find her birth and death information so I have it for my records. I really came to love the lady and she the church, but she just couldn’t give up her wine. The Burtonwoods remembered her. She was a fine lady.

Street near Aspey home looking toward Wigan

In visiting with Alan Aspey, he let me know an Aspey from Wigan is definitely related to him. I will have to let my Aunt Lolane Andra know that her Margaret Aspey who came from Wigan is very likely related to him. Interestingly, Alan also commented about his Aspeys living in Upholland and Ormskirk. We told him about Amanda’s Ashton relations in Upholland and he knew the name as having some in his own line. However, he knows of no relations who joined the Mormon church and moved to America. This would be a first for him if we could show a link.

I found out from President Monks that Gheorghe Simion, my second to last companion from Romania, now lives in Liverpool. We will have to try and find some contact information for him so we can meet up while we are near Liverpool.

Charlotte Ainscough still has the little stuffed animal I gave her when we baptized her. I found out she named him Ross. How sweet is that? The Jenkins and Charlotte were very excited to see us. They gave us their passes for the British Trust sites in England. We will have to mail them back when we leave the country, but it includes a parking pass. Meaning we can save well over 200 pounds with the passes for much of our travel throughout the UK in our remaining time.

It was a sweet day in Wigan. It made me feel good so many people remembered me. If not my name, at least my face. They all adored Amanda and commented on how beautiful she was. Some even recognized her from our wedding announcements.

I think this is Parbold Hill west of Wigan

Saturday, 28 June 2025 by Sagacity

Preston, England

Another more relaxed day in England.

Today we received word the paperwork and everything has all been signed for our home. The paperwork is off to Oklahoma City for the official closing on Monday. I don’t know what could really change now. By all accounts, we are now the proud owners of a little home in Oklahoma City. Or at least we have a title to a home with a significant lien for a bank somewhere. Hopefully everything continues to work out like it has so far.

Downham Cemetery from steps of Downham Church

Pendle Hill from Downham, where prophets anciently dedicated the land

I think this is Black Moss Road to Barrowford

We ran to the Preston England Temple today. It is one of my favorite temples. There is something in the simplistic beauty of it I adore. Amanda agreed. It is on par with the Rexburg and Vernal Temples for the simple elegance within. We snapped a couple of pictures.

Preston England Missionary Training Center

Amanda and Paul Ross at Preston England Temple

We also ran into a member I knew in the Wigan Ward. He is now in the Temple Presidency and enjoyed a good visit with him. We were supposed to go over and visit this evening, but our plans crowded it out in the end. We had to reschedule it for tomorrow sometime. We are going to work it out in church.

Afterward, Amanda and I ran into Preston. I showed her the town center where the missionaries preached the gospel for the first time in the British Isles. It is in Preston that the longest continuing unit of the church operates, the Preston Ward. We ran out of time to go to the flat where Parley P Pratt and Orson Hyde were attacked by the legions of the devil. We did not get a chance to see Avenham Park or the beautiful River Ribble where the first baptisms took place outside of North America. We did not get over to see the apartment where President Hinckley received his famous “Forget yourself and go to work” letter on Wadham Road. Perhaps sometime in the future.

We came back and were relaxed some more with the McCabes. They treated us to a fine meal of South African descent. They lived in South Africa for a number of years. Later this year they are immigrating to Australia! How is that for exciting. When we make it to Australia, we know who we will be calling on! Amanda and I made a call at Tesco today and purchased a Pavlova. Boy, was I glad to get my hands on one. We consumed it after dinner as one of our desserts. Mmmmm.

I realized yesterday was the anniversary of Joseph Smith’s death. I wonder specifically what he is doing these days. What or where is he up to doing work?

Tomorrow we are off to attend the Wigan Ward. Then we will go visit some of the new converts I helped bring into the church. Sadly, I don’t think any of them are active. But we shall find out. I did find out Jim Monks knows where one of them lives.

Friday, 27 June 2025 by Sagacity

Hindley, England

We are now in Hindley, Lancashire, England. We drove down here today to crash at the home of Hilton and Rhona McCabe. I met them while as a missionary here about 8 years ago. The friendship has continued and we have kept in contact.

We are waiting to hear word from Salt Lake City. We are supposed to be closing on our home in Oklahoma City. Hopefully everything works out. We will find out tomorrow I guess.

Last night we spent our evening in Edinburgh, Scotland. We walked throughout the city, saw the castle, the Holyrood residence, and the cathedral. Amanda got to see her world famous Mary Kings Close. It was very interesting. We got our hostel for the equivalent of $30 which we thought was a gonga deal.

Edinburgh Castle looking northeast to the Scott Monument and North Sea

We landed in Prestwick on Thursday after flying out early from Charleroi Airport near Brussels. We then picked up our hired car and drove to Glasgow and on to Edinburgh. It took me a little bit, but I quickly adjusted to getting back on the wrong/left side of the road.

It is late and I am too tired to write more of our travels today or of what we did in Edinburgh. We did stop to visit Downham, Clitheroe in Lancashire today where the entire town joined the church and later emigrated to Zion. Now we are back in the old mission. My second visit since being released. It is good to be back.