A long drive from Manchester to Dumfries in Scotland, where Robert Burns came from. Lots of museums there, all mentioning Robert Burns and his family, curiously omitting any references to his mistress. Perhaps the religious Scots prefer to think of him as a hero of the working classes, and idealise him somewhat. Found a reasonable B&B on spec, and were treated to Peruvian music at breakfast – very uplifting.
We climbed up Criffel mountain the next day. The path was very boggy and we had to pick our way carefully, till we got to the more rocky areas nearer the summit. At the top the wind was bitterly cold, so we lingered only for a couple of photos before making our way down again. Next we had a look at the ruined Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey, founded by Devorgilla, Lady of Galloway, in memory of her husband John Balliol (founder of Balliol College Oxford and ex King of Scotland). Devorgilla is buried in the presbytery with a casket containing her husband's embalmed heart (they must have ripped the heart out of his body to do that - a bit sick?)
Then on to our B&B in Kippford, Roughfirth House. I can recommend this place highly – it has amazing views over Rough Firth, Almorness Point and Rough Island. The pub in town, the Anchor Hotel, served good food and excellent beer from the Sulwath Brewery. We spent a day walking around the area, doing a loop up to Castlehill Point and back through Rockcliffe, stopping at the excellent Cottage Tea Shop there for coffee and a light lunch (I had homemade mushroom soup – Bill had whisky flavoured ice cream!). Next day we explored Castle Douglas and decided to inspect the Sulwath Brewery Shop – also meeting the owners and getting an impromptu brewery tour. The lake in Castle Douglas was nice to look around, and you could also purchase locally-made ice cream from the Warden’s Office (alas no Whisky flavour).
We were a bit reluctant to leave in the end and may well go back there to explore the area further!
However the bright lights of Glasgow were beckoning. We checked in to our B&B (huge room) near the Tennents Brewery, then headed off into town to meet the minibus to take us to Fyne Brewery, at the top of Loch Fyne. And what a great trip it was! The minibus took us along most of the length of Loch Lomond, and we saw some amazing views of the loch and the mountains. Then we saw the tip of Loch Long before arriving at the start of Loch Fyne, The Brewery was at a small farmhouse in a truly beautiful setting. The owners had moved there from Alresford, not far from myself and Bill! There were 4 beers to choose from, and we were told to just help ourselves – Piper’s Gold, Vital Spark, Highlander and Summerled. The owners also brought out pastries containing haggis, curried egg or smoked salmon!! We were told later that they’d refused to accept payment from CAMRA for the visit so it was a truly generous welcome. It was my idea of heaven – sitting outside in the sun supping beer and eating pastries in good company.
Bill took photos of the Brewery and I took a photo of the farm’s Highland Cattle but they looked a bit fierce – didn’t go too near. Then the equally stunning trip back, and a commotion when the driver refused to stop at a good pub on the way back, saying the minibus had only been booked till 7pm. These jobsworths!
Bill went to the CAMRA AGM on Saturday and Sunday, and I went shopping. Was particularly impressed with Buchanan Street and Argyle Street (Bill not fooled by my arty pretence when I said I’d visited the Buchanan Galleries!) Also went with Bill to the Gallery of Modern Art and the Transport Museum, both very good for free.
We visited as many pubs as we could get to (the underground was on strike, and Rangers/Celtic playing each other) – my favourite was the Babbity Bowster but I have to admit that the Deuchars IPA in the Samuel Dow was the best beer of the holiday. There was also a folk club meeting at the Samuel Dow, which Bill and I joined – we won a bottle of wine in the raffle! Had a good curry in Sauchiehill Street with Julie and Nick, but the best meal in Glasgow that I had was the smoked venison salad at the Babbitty Bowster.
Bill drove all the way back, reluctant to grant me a pee stop till he’d got over half way :-[ We stopped for lunch at the Plough in Bignall End, Audley (near J16 of the M6) – a very good range of beers including one from Townhouse. I had a lovely Lamb Rogan Josh there as well.
Bill then drove all the way back to Farnborough but still had the energy to take Simon and Jane to the Sandrock, Wrecclesham for a few bevvies before dropping the hire Ka back to Kendalls. What a star! :-*
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Holiday Part 1 - North England
Hi folks, sorry I haven’t posted for a while! Lots to sort out after my hols. Bill and I were registered for the CAMRA AGM in Glasgow, so we thought we’d make a week of it by touring around the North of England and South Scotland as well, and hire a Ka to do so rather than take our very old VW Polo.
First we’d booked a very nice B&B in Fenny Bentley, called Cairn Grove. We booked a table at the Bentley Brook Hotel, a pub famous for its homebrewed ale, and had a nice meal there, which included chicken stuffed with black pudding. Next day we went walking in Dovedale. The walk started well, as the weather was sunny and the path easygoing. At Milldale Bridge we found a little snack bar, and ate a couple of pasties, which the local ducks were very interested in. We visited a couple of pubs in Alstonefield and Hopedale, then headed back along the top of Dovedale back to the B&B.
Then as we approached Ilam Heights, we were confronted by 2 fiercely barking dogs on the other side of a stile from us. The owner was there, calling them to come away, but the dogs took no notice. Bill climbed over anyway and we headed down the public footpath with the dogs still barking at us – then as I walked ahead I heard Bill give a yell! The Collie dog had bitten him on the leg, drawing blood. When the owner was confronted, he apologised, but Bill was angry and shaken. He was so put off that he lost the path back towards Fenny Bentley and we had to walk a much longer way through Ilam to get back. Then to cap it all it started to rain, and we both got soaked. Very glad to see our cosy B&B again!
In the evening we went to 2 pubs of character, the Black Horse in Hulland Ward, where due to staff shortages I had to pull our beer (but we were given it for free!) and the Barley Mow in Kirk Ireton, where beer is still served from gravity through a hatch.
Next stop was to visit our friends Ian and Kathryn in Manchester. Ian is a close friend of Bills from University, now a Methodist minister. It was strange to be walking down the street and hearing little old ladies greet Ian, thinking of him still as a ‘typical student’ At least he wasn’t wearing his dog collar - that would have been really be unnerving!! Ian took us to the Lowry Gallery which I enjoyed very much, then the boys went to see the War Museum whilst I slipped into the Lowry Designer Outlet Centre :-D Bought some surfer trousies for £5 from Trespass – bargain!
Kathryn joined us for a little while in the evening, she too seemed to be settling in well which was good to hear. We went out to Ian and Kathryn’s local pub for a meal, then back to the guest room at the (?) manse. Nice to have a huge house loaned to you by your bosses! Next morning off to Scotland as Ian had a funeral to take - not the best bit of the job I suppose.
First we’d booked a very nice B&B in Fenny Bentley, called Cairn Grove. We booked a table at the Bentley Brook Hotel, a pub famous for its homebrewed ale, and had a nice meal there, which included chicken stuffed with black pudding. Next day we went walking in Dovedale. The walk started well, as the weather was sunny and the path easygoing. At Milldale Bridge we found a little snack bar, and ate a couple of pasties, which the local ducks were very interested in. We visited a couple of pubs in Alstonefield and Hopedale, then headed back along the top of Dovedale back to the B&B.
Then as we approached Ilam Heights, we were confronted by 2 fiercely barking dogs on the other side of a stile from us. The owner was there, calling them to come away, but the dogs took no notice. Bill climbed over anyway and we headed down the public footpath with the dogs still barking at us – then as I walked ahead I heard Bill give a yell! The Collie dog had bitten him on the leg, drawing blood. When the owner was confronted, he apologised, but Bill was angry and shaken. He was so put off that he lost the path back towards Fenny Bentley and we had to walk a much longer way through Ilam to get back. Then to cap it all it started to rain, and we both got soaked. Very glad to see our cosy B&B again!
In the evening we went to 2 pubs of character, the Black Horse in Hulland Ward, where due to staff shortages I had to pull our beer (but we were given it for free!) and the Barley Mow in Kirk Ireton, where beer is still served from gravity through a hatch.
Next stop was to visit our friends Ian and Kathryn in Manchester. Ian is a close friend of Bills from University, now a Methodist minister. It was strange to be walking down the street and hearing little old ladies greet Ian, thinking of him still as a ‘typical student’ At least he wasn’t wearing his dog collar - that would have been really be unnerving!! Ian took us to the Lowry Gallery which I enjoyed very much, then the boys went to see the War Museum whilst I slipped into the Lowry Designer Outlet Centre :-D Bought some surfer trousies for £5 from Trespass – bargain!
Kathryn joined us for a little while in the evening, she too seemed to be settling in well which was good to hear. We went out to Ian and Kathryn’s local pub for a meal, then back to the guest room at the (?) manse. Nice to have a huge house loaned to you by your bosses! Next morning off to Scotland as Ian had a funeral to take - not the best bit of the job I suppose.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Sarah Grey and Keiron Means
Other Val fancied seeing Sarah Grey and Keiron Means down at Dorking Folk Club yesterday, so Bill suggested we all meet up at a pub in Dorking for dinner before the concert started. I suggested the Kings Arms, as the Christmas Meal we go to there is always good. I took the 18.14 to Dorking and ordered basket meals for everyone – adequate at £5.50. Val wasn’t that impressed with her ‘trio of sausages’ - all the same fairly cheap looking type! But my burger was fine. She enjoyed the Welton’s Nice Pair though (!) and Bill and I liked the Cottage Southern Bitter. We also tried the Surrey Yeoman, ex Hogshead, purloining the leather sofa and supping some lovely Hogs Back TEA.
Sarah Grey and Keiron Means are an unusual mother/son band. Sarah plays banjo, Keiron guitar, and both sing. Sarah is American, Keiron half-American and they both live on Skye. I expected Keiron to be a bit of a mummy’s boy - he seemed very manly ;-) although Sarah was obviously the leader. Their repertoire consisted mainly of Appalachian songs, many derived from songs that immigrants had brought over and given an American twist to, for instance ‘Gypsy Davey’ became ‘She’s gone with Brady’. I’m not really a fan of Banjo music, and most of the songs sounded too similar to me, but Val and Bill appreciated the concert more. The best bit as far as I was concerned was Sarah’s telling of the stories behind the songs.
On the way back, I was so tired I fell asleep in the back of Val’s car. I hope I didn’t snore too loudly!
Another interesting development on the train – I asked Finance Lady if Clive had been hassling her as he pointedly said ‘good morning’ to her and not me the other day, ‘good morning’ being a bit of a wind up to me as well (long story). She said no, she was at school with him! And she gave me his surname as well!! Woe betide him if he hassles me again, I can give his full name to the BTP. Superb, thankyou lovely Finance Lady ;-D
Sarah Grey and Keiron Means are an unusual mother/son band. Sarah plays banjo, Keiron guitar, and both sing. Sarah is American, Keiron half-American and they both live on Skye. I expected Keiron to be a bit of a mummy’s boy - he seemed very manly ;-) although Sarah was obviously the leader. Their repertoire consisted mainly of Appalachian songs, many derived from songs that immigrants had brought over and given an American twist to, for instance ‘Gypsy Davey’ became ‘She’s gone with Brady’. I’m not really a fan of Banjo music, and most of the songs sounded too similar to me, but Val and Bill appreciated the concert more. The best bit as far as I was concerned was Sarah’s telling of the stories behind the songs.
On the way back, I was so tired I fell asleep in the back of Val’s car. I hope I didn’t snore too loudly!
Another interesting development on the train – I asked Finance Lady if Clive had been hassling her as he pointedly said ‘good morning’ to her and not me the other day, ‘good morning’ being a bit of a wind up to me as well (long story). She said no, she was at school with him! And she gave me his surname as well!! Woe betide him if he hassles me again, I can give his full name to the BTP. Superb, thankyou lovely Finance Lady ;-D
Monday, April 11, 2005
H M Bottom Inspectors
On Thursday morning, with great trepidation, I took the really strong laxative I had been prescribed to clear out my system ahead of the colonoscopy on Friday. It was amusing that the stuff was called ‘Fleet’ – had the pharmacologist been to Fleet in Hampshire?
The stuff took effect after an hour and was pretty violent, but not painful. However at the end of the day and after the second dose I was feeling ill and exhausted, having only drunk clear liquid all day.
Thank goodness Bill relented and gave me a lift to the hospital on Friday morning – it might have been very embarrassing on the bus! The operation itself was fine, I was given a sedative and spent the time asleep, not really aware of what was going on. The consultant said they hadn’t found anything serious, but the nurse said I might need a couple more operations – so I don’t really know what they found. I guess I will find out when I see the consultant next.
Went for a drink afterwards at the Plume of Feathers in Crondall. Bill had the Ruddles County, I think, whilst I had diet coke and crisps. Solid food at last!!
Saturday was pretty quiet – spent the day doing housework, watching telly and surfing the net whilst Bill did the next bit of the Greensand Way. On Sunday Bill cooked a marvellous Roast Pork with trimmings – well worth the wait! We took Simon and Jane down to the Sandrock in the evening, where I sampled Enville White and Cheriton Pots, both superb. Other beers on offer included Bathams Bitter, Ringwood 49er, Hopback Summer Lightning. The Sandrock was quite busy for a Sunday evening, it’s nice to see the pub is building up a bit of trade.
Lovely day today. Shame I’ve got to be in work!
The stuff took effect after an hour and was pretty violent, but not painful. However at the end of the day and after the second dose I was feeling ill and exhausted, having only drunk clear liquid all day.
Thank goodness Bill relented and gave me a lift to the hospital on Friday morning – it might have been very embarrassing on the bus! The operation itself was fine, I was given a sedative and spent the time asleep, not really aware of what was going on. The consultant said they hadn’t found anything serious, but the nurse said I might need a couple more operations – so I don’t really know what they found. I guess I will find out when I see the consultant next.
Went for a drink afterwards at the Plume of Feathers in Crondall. Bill had the Ruddles County, I think, whilst I had diet coke and crisps. Solid food at last!!
Saturday was pretty quiet – spent the day doing housework, watching telly and surfing the net whilst Bill did the next bit of the Greensand Way. On Sunday Bill cooked a marvellous Roast Pork with trimmings – well worth the wait! We took Simon and Jane down to the Sandrock in the evening, where I sampled Enville White and Cheriton Pots, both superb. Other beers on offer included Bathams Bitter, Ringwood 49er, Hopback Summer Lightning. The Sandrock was quite busy for a Sunday evening, it’s nice to see the pub is building up a bit of trade.
Lovely day today. Shame I’ve got to be in work!
Monday, April 04, 2005
Sunday Lunch with the Rellies
On Sunday Bill and I went out with Bill’s father and girlfriend, George and Eileen, (both in their 80’s!) and my Mum and Dad to the Gaggle of Geese, Buckland Newton, somewhere inbetween where the two sets of relatives live. First we stopped off at George and Eileen’s to drop off their Easter Egg, catch up on news from the extended family, and nag George to get a hearing aid (pardon?)!
The welcome at the Gaggle of Geese was as warm as usual, and the Butcombe Bitter was excellent, but the service was a little slow due to staff shortages (the landlord was most apologetic). Everybody had the Roast Beef apart from me (I had steak), and the pub even did small portions for the oldies and charged us a bit less, which was very good of them. The steak was very tasty, with fresh mushrooms and crispy onion rings, homemade chips and salad. The others seemed satisfied with their roast meals – there were no leftovers! For dessert the Aged P’s had apple pie and cream, whilst Bill had spotted dick with custard, and I had banana split (kidding myself it was more healthy!) I can recommend the food and beer there to anyone.
Mum seemed OK, except that she was very quiet and looked a little upset during the meal. When we got back to my parent’s house she started weeping and wouldn’t say why, so Bill and I thought it was best to leave early so as not to stress her too much. At least my Dad seemed happy to see us, showing off the new plants in his garden and talking of moving house again (Dad loves moving house, he would move every 2 years if he could afford it!).
Stopped off at the Weyhill Fair near Thruxton on the way back and sampled some Ramsbury Beer, brewed in the Kennet Valley. Delicious! We were glad to see that the takeover of the pub by Fullers hadn’t changed the pub much. Food looked good value too. The Weyhill Fair is set to remain a regular stopover pub on the way back from Dorset!
Oh well, back to work now!
The welcome at the Gaggle of Geese was as warm as usual, and the Butcombe Bitter was excellent, but the service was a little slow due to staff shortages (the landlord was most apologetic). Everybody had the Roast Beef apart from me (I had steak), and the pub even did small portions for the oldies and charged us a bit less, which was very good of them. The steak was very tasty, with fresh mushrooms and crispy onion rings, homemade chips and salad. The others seemed satisfied with their roast meals – there were no leftovers! For dessert the Aged P’s had apple pie and cream, whilst Bill had spotted dick with custard, and I had banana split (kidding myself it was more healthy!) I can recommend the food and beer there to anyone.
Mum seemed OK, except that she was very quiet and looked a little upset during the meal. When we got back to my parent’s house she started weeping and wouldn’t say why, so Bill and I thought it was best to leave early so as not to stress her too much. At least my Dad seemed happy to see us, showing off the new plants in his garden and talking of moving house again (Dad loves moving house, he would move every 2 years if he could afford it!).
Stopped off at the Weyhill Fair near Thruxton on the way back and sampled some Ramsbury Beer, brewed in the Kennet Valley. Delicious! We were glad to see that the takeover of the pub by Fullers hadn’t changed the pub much. Food looked good value too. The Weyhill Fair is set to remain a regular stopover pub on the way back from Dorset!
Oh well, back to work now!
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Greensand Way, Part 2
Was much relieved that Clive did not play any practical jokes on me for April Fools Day - either he has mellowed or he is afraid to do so now I've got a few friends on the train. Surely I can't be the only one that sees he's an idiot?
Went to Badminton with my colleagues yesterday - boss in shorts, what a frightening sight!! (P45 on it's way for that, I'm sure). I lost, but then the sports centre lights were shining on my glasses. That's my excuse anyway!
The Pope has died, it's just been announced. Poor old man, he suffered ill health for a long time. Now we have all the excitement of the Conclave. I have just been reading Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, which is a bit of a coincidence, so now I'm extremely knowledgeable about the process of Papal election. Hopefully the Conclave won't be quite that frought though!
Today Bill and I went walking, as the weather was pleasant. Bill picked the Greensand Way from Shamley Green to Holmbury St Mary, as there were lots of hills and so good training for the Pennine Way. The views from the ridge through Hurtwood were amazing. We stopped halfway at the Windmill (or W, according to the sign), a trendy wine bar type place which was a bit different for us! Bill had a glass of Merlot, I had a glass of Cab Sauv, and we sat on the wooden balcony outside the bar admiring the Mediterranean-style decor and views across Ewhurst to Blackdown. What the bar staff thought of my scruffy cords and Billy Bragg T-shirt I don't know though!
Wine is not a good walking drink, and I felt very sleepy for the next 6 miles or so till we got to Holmbury St Mary. We had 3 hours to kill till the bus came, so we tried the Kings Head (King Horsham Best, Greene King IPA and Old Speckled Hen, all in excellent condition) and the Royal Oak (tired Adnams Bitter). Then an enjoyable bus ride back to the car. Photos will soon be available for Valerie's Gallery!
Went to Badminton with my colleagues yesterday - boss in shorts, what a frightening sight!! (P45 on it's way for that, I'm sure). I lost, but then the sports centre lights were shining on my glasses. That's my excuse anyway!
The Pope has died, it's just been announced. Poor old man, he suffered ill health for a long time. Now we have all the excitement of the Conclave. I have just been reading Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, which is a bit of a coincidence, so now I'm extremely knowledgeable about the process of Papal election. Hopefully the Conclave won't be quite that frought though!
Today Bill and I went walking, as the weather was pleasant. Bill picked the Greensand Way from Shamley Green to Holmbury St Mary, as there were lots of hills and so good training for the Pennine Way. The views from the ridge through Hurtwood were amazing. We stopped halfway at the Windmill (or W, according to the sign), a trendy wine bar type place which was a bit different for us! Bill had a glass of Merlot, I had a glass of Cab Sauv, and we sat on the wooden balcony outside the bar admiring the Mediterranean-style decor and views across Ewhurst to Blackdown. What the bar staff thought of my scruffy cords and Billy Bragg T-shirt I don't know though!
Wine is not a good walking drink, and I felt very sleepy for the next 6 miles or so till we got to Holmbury St Mary. We had 3 hours to kill till the bus came, so we tried the Kings Head (King Horsham Best, Greene King IPA and Old Speckled Hen, all in excellent condition) and the Royal Oak (tired Adnams Bitter). Then an enjoyable bus ride back to the car. Photos will soon be available for Valerie's Gallery!
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