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!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Fox on the Run
Yesterday, I thought I’d get up early and cycle to North Camp station. But I’d forgotten to put my alarm clock with the hour change at the weekend! Cue my rush to get dressed, and find the cycle lock before jumping on the bike to Farnborough North.
I did a little grocery shopping in Redhill before unlocking the bike and catching the 17.44 stopping service. Despite my best efforts not all the shopping would fit in my backpack. By the time I’d reached Ash it was raining heavily and coldly, and it was very gloomy. All the cars had their headlights on, but had I remembered to pack my lights after taking them off the bike in transit back from Fareham? No, of course not! At least my pack had its dayglo waterproof cover, good one Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative!
I cycled up the road from Ash to North Camp, very wary of traffic, not being able to see very well because of the droplets on my glasses. There I made the decision to brave the mud on the track of the Blackwater Valley Path home, rather than the cars.
Lindy-bike and myself became soaking wet and plastered with mud - I only had my work clothes on, being in too much of a hurry that morning to sort out lycras. As I neared the Coleford Bridge Road I spotted a fox, and chased it up the path a bit before it jumped across the stream to avoid me. It sat looking at me from the far bank as if to say ‘It’s a muddy human in the rain on one of those bike contraptions! She must be mad!’
When I got home Bill had to fetch the doormats to put under the bike before it made the carpets dirty, as I went to change my clothes. Still after Bill’s homemade Spag Bol I warmed up nicely. No cycling for me till the rain goes away again!!
I did a little grocery shopping in Redhill before unlocking the bike and catching the 17.44 stopping service. Despite my best efforts not all the shopping would fit in my backpack. By the time I’d reached Ash it was raining heavily and coldly, and it was very gloomy. All the cars had their headlights on, but had I remembered to pack my lights after taking them off the bike in transit back from Fareham? No, of course not! At least my pack had its dayglo waterproof cover, good one Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative!
I cycled up the road from Ash to North Camp, very wary of traffic, not being able to see very well because of the droplets on my glasses. There I made the decision to brave the mud on the track of the Blackwater Valley Path home, rather than the cars.
Lindy-bike and myself became soaking wet and plastered with mud - I only had my work clothes on, being in too much of a hurry that morning to sort out lycras. As I neared the Coleford Bridge Road I spotted a fox, and chased it up the path a bit before it jumped across the stream to avoid me. It sat looking at me from the far bank as if to say ‘It’s a muddy human in the rain on one of those bike contraptions! She must be mad!’
When I got home Bill had to fetch the doormats to put under the bike before it made the carpets dirty, as I went to change my clothes. Still after Bill’s homemade Spag Bol I warmed up nicely. No cycling for me till the rain goes away again!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Fareham and Gosport Folk Festival, Easter 2005
Back from Fareham! What a fantastic weekend. The weather, company, music and pubs were all great. There were too many bands to review so here's a few awards!
Overall best band of the festival: Show of Hands (Steve's voice a lot better than a few days ago, thankfully)
Best t-shirt: McDermotts 2 Hours with Steve Bell's cartoon fox
Best English artist and Levellers fan: Deborak Peake (skinny cow)
Best Irish artist: Elena McEvoy (better late than never)
Best Welsh artists: Ffynnon
Best Scottish artists: Julie Fowlis & Friends
Band that I thought were going to be crap but were really good: Eliza Carthy and the Ratcatchers
Band that I thought were going to be great but was disappointed: Sharon Shannon Band, runners up Broderick
Best band I'd never seen before: Ffynnon (and not one mention of rugby!)
Worst compere with the worst jokes in the world: George Wilson (but we are grateful for the effort he puts in to running the festival)!
Pub of the weekend: The Hampshire Bowman (although the Shire Horse wouldn't pose for a photo)
Beer of the weekend: Harvey's Porter back at the Prince of Wales yesterday!
Overall best band of the festival: Show of Hands (Steve's voice a lot better than a few days ago, thankfully)
Best t-shirt: McDermotts 2 Hours with Steve Bell's cartoon fox
Best English artist and Levellers fan: Deborak Peake (skinny cow)
Best Irish artist: Elena McEvoy (better late than never)
Best Welsh artists: Ffynnon
Best Scottish artists: Julie Fowlis & Friends
Band that I thought were going to be crap but were really good: Eliza Carthy and the Ratcatchers
Band that I thought were going to be great but was disappointed: Sharon Shannon Band, runners up Broderick
Best band I'd never seen before: Ffynnon (and not one mention of rugby!)
Worst compere with the worst jokes in the world: George Wilson (but we are grateful for the effort he puts in to running the festival)!
Pub of the weekend: The Hampshire Bowman (although the Shire Horse wouldn't pose for a photo)
Beer of the weekend: Harvey's Porter back at the Prince of Wales yesterday!
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Steve Knightley and Martyn Joseph, Swan, High Wycombe
Just a quick posting today…yesterday I had some fun on the trains again. The 07.26 train was cancelled so I had to get the 08.00, which was running late because it had to stop at every station, which it would not normally do. I went and sat in First Class, knowing that the ticket inspectors would not venture forth. However there were disadvantages to not having a ticket. As I walked down the steps at Redhill, Clive walked past, smirking. When I saw the queue for tickets, I realised why! It looked to be about 30 minutes long. I queued for a little while, but then thought I’d try my luck on the back gate. My luck was in! The guard knew I was a regular and let me through. Some railway staff can be nice!
Went to see Steve Knightley and Martyn Joseph at the Swan in High Wycombe last night. Of course we went for a little drinkee in the Bell first. Two pounds eighty a pint for Fullers Porter! Outrageous!
The Swan (ex town hall) was a strange venue. Inside was painted white, with a few grey panels. The ceiling was very high, and the hall did not stretch back very far – it was a bit like sitting in a huge cube. The acoustics didn’t seem that brilliant, also Steve’s voice was not on good form – the poor guy looked like he had a bit of a cold. Martyn was helping him out a bit though.
Martyn was very well behaved, only mentioning the rugby a few times (“well at least you managed to beat the Italians” he said). The banter and teasing between Steve and Martyn, who are obviously really good friends in a laddish sort of way, are what makes the concerts really good fun. The music is usually quite drepessing!
As well as the old favourites, such as Please Sir, The Flood, Widdecombe Fair and a few covers such as Stuck in a Moment by U2, they also played some new material about George Bush and Tony Blair and the low oil prices achieved by armed conflict. Quite how that went down with the residents of High Wycombe I don’t know! A few of us fans sang along to Country Life and Are We All Right. Also lots of CDs and Make Poverty History wristbands (see link in the top right hand corner) were sold so I think the guys were quite pleased.
That’s all for now – I’ll post again after Easter and tell you how Fareham and Gosport Folk Festival was!
Went to see Steve Knightley and Martyn Joseph at the Swan in High Wycombe last night. Of course we went for a little drinkee in the Bell first. Two pounds eighty a pint for Fullers Porter! Outrageous!
The Swan (ex town hall) was a strange venue. Inside was painted white, with a few grey panels. The ceiling was very high, and the hall did not stretch back very far – it was a bit like sitting in a huge cube. The acoustics didn’t seem that brilliant, also Steve’s voice was not on good form – the poor guy looked like he had a bit of a cold. Martyn was helping him out a bit though.
Martyn was very well behaved, only mentioning the rugby a few times (“well at least you managed to beat the Italians” he said). The banter and teasing between Steve and Martyn, who are obviously really good friends in a laddish sort of way, are what makes the concerts really good fun. The music is usually quite drepessing!
As well as the old favourites, such as Please Sir, The Flood, Widdecombe Fair and a few covers such as Stuck in a Moment by U2, they also played some new material about George Bush and Tony Blair and the low oil prices achieved by armed conflict. Quite how that went down with the residents of High Wycombe I don’t know! A few of us fans sang along to Country Life and Are We All Right. Also lots of CDs and Make Poverty History wristbands (see link in the top right hand corner) were sold so I think the guys were quite pleased.
That’s all for now – I’ll post again after Easter and tell you how Fareham and Gosport Folk Festival was!
Monday, March 21, 2005
'Drunk In Public' at the Adge, 18/03/05
The nearest the Levellers come to playing to my home, the Agincourt in Camberley! It is a good venue as well, nice big dance floor and lots of bar space. Was pleasantly suprised to find the Adge was serving Hogs Back TEA and Hop Garden Gold from partypins - but it ran out quite quicky. Get a couple of firkins next time guys!
'Drunk in Public' (acoustic Levellers, without bassist Jeremy and drummer Charlie but with Rev Hammer) didn't start till quite late, as they were all next door having a Chinese meal. But the atmos was good, and I met up with a lot of the local boardies from the Levellers' fanclub.
The set was quite similar to DIP sets that I'd heard previously. As the band play sitting down it's harder for them to play the Levellers' faster numbers (which is most of them). The Revered Hammer usually contributes a few songs but I don't like his ones so much and his voice is too Elvissy for my liking.
Anyhoo the boys played Julie, Men-an-tol, Robbie Jones, Carry Me and even One Way of Life all the way through for the encore, which was great! Usually One Way doesn't get played seriously, perhaps the band are a bit sick of requests for it.
I got a front spot whilst Other Val, Julie, Kev and Matt lurked nearer to the bar in order to have a chat. Matt got caught up in the mosh pit and got into all sorts of trouble, it seemed! I was relatively safe at the front, next to Angie's daughter. I took some photos of the gig using Other Val's camera, you can see them on her blogspot
We girls also had our picture taken with Jon, the fiddle player from the Levs! He stuck his tounge out though. Anarchists, eh? ;-)
A fantastic evening, hope DIP come back to the Adge soon!
'Drunk in Public' (acoustic Levellers, without bassist Jeremy and drummer Charlie but with Rev Hammer) didn't start till quite late, as they were all next door having a Chinese meal. But the atmos was good, and I met up with a lot of the local boardies from the Levellers' fanclub.
The set was quite similar to DIP sets that I'd heard previously. As the band play sitting down it's harder for them to play the Levellers' faster numbers (which is most of them). The Revered Hammer usually contributes a few songs but I don't like his ones so much and his voice is too Elvissy for my liking.
Anyhoo the boys played Julie, Men-an-tol, Robbie Jones, Carry Me and even One Way of Life all the way through for the encore, which was great! Usually One Way doesn't get played seriously, perhaps the band are a bit sick of requests for it.
I got a front spot whilst Other Val, Julie, Kev and Matt lurked nearer to the bar in order to have a chat. Matt got caught up in the mosh pit and got into all sorts of trouble, it seemed! I was relatively safe at the front, next to Angie's daughter. I took some photos of the gig using Other Val's camera, you can see them on her blogspot
We girls also had our picture taken with Jon, the fiddle player from the Levs! He stuck his tounge out though. Anarchists, eh? ;-)
A fantastic evening, hope DIP come back to the Adge soon!
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Joint Social of SHB and EMS CAMRA, 11/03/05
The pub crawl got off to a bad start – I turned up at the Plough in Guildford at about 11.10am, and the boys were still waiting outside! The landlord and bar staff were ‘running late’ and hadn’t opened up the pub. However, when he did open the door for us, there were nice pints of Fullers London Pride waiting for us in a proper pub atmosphere. The crawlers present at the start were Mr Badger and myself, Tony and Social Bob from Surrey/Hants Borders, and Keith and Rob from East and Mid Surrey.
Next it was on to the Keystone, ex Cannon, just around the corner from the Plough. It is a very smart pub with leather sofas, trendy décor, healthy meals etc. Again, the pub wasn’t really open but the staff said we could pop in for a drink while we were waiting! The beers on offer were Black Sheep Bitter, St Austells Tribute and Courage Best. The Black Sheep was excellent, others attested that the Tribute was in good nick as well. Keith and Rob seemed very pleased and surprised at the Keystone’s transformation!
Lastly in Guildford we tried the White House by the river. Again a very smart looking place (it has to be refurbished regularly, as it gets flooded every few years) the Fuller’s Chiswick was on good form. It was also serving Pride and ESB, with Jennings Cumberland as a guest ale. There was a lovely view of the river as we sat by the window – far too cold to sit outside, of course.
Bob then decided to leave us, as he was unsure of transport back to Woking. The remainder of us set off by bus for Shalford, where the Victoria awaited. We were pleased to find Triple fff beer there, in good condition.
Next stop was Shere where we visited the White Hart, a Chef n Brewer place with cloudy beer, and the Youngs pub up the hill (can’t remember the pub’s name…the Wellington perhaps? Things were getting hazy by then!
At Abinger Hammer we tried the Abinger, bit touristy but the beer was on good form. At Westcott we tried the Fullers pub and the Crown, both very good. The Compasses at Gomshall was excellent, really good range of beer. For the hard men (like Keith!) there was a concurrent pub crawl in Dorking! But Bill and I wimped out and took the train home.
Next it was on to the Keystone, ex Cannon, just around the corner from the Plough. It is a very smart pub with leather sofas, trendy décor, healthy meals etc. Again, the pub wasn’t really open but the staff said we could pop in for a drink while we were waiting! The beers on offer were Black Sheep Bitter, St Austells Tribute and Courage Best. The Black Sheep was excellent, others attested that the Tribute was in good nick as well. Keith and Rob seemed very pleased and surprised at the Keystone’s transformation!
Lastly in Guildford we tried the White House by the river. Again a very smart looking place (it has to be refurbished regularly, as it gets flooded every few years) the Fuller’s Chiswick was on good form. It was also serving Pride and ESB, with Jennings Cumberland as a guest ale. There was a lovely view of the river as we sat by the window – far too cold to sit outside, of course.
Bob then decided to leave us, as he was unsure of transport back to Woking. The remainder of us set off by bus for Shalford, where the Victoria awaited. We were pleased to find Triple fff beer there, in good condition.
Next stop was Shere where we visited the White Hart, a Chef n Brewer place with cloudy beer, and the Youngs pub up the hill (can’t remember the pub’s name…the Wellington perhaps? Things were getting hazy by then!
At Abinger Hammer we tried the Abinger, bit touristy but the beer was on good form. At Westcott we tried the Fullers pub and the Crown, both very good. The Compasses at Gomshall was excellent, really good range of beer. For the hard men (like Keith!) there was a concurrent pub crawl in Dorking! But Bill and I wimped out and took the train home.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Billy Mitchell, West End Centre, Aldershot 3/3/05
Apologies for the late posting!
Billy Mitchell was of course the lead singer of Lindisfarne after the death of Alan Hull and before the band split up last year. He’s now touring alone – just him and his trusty guitar! His set consisted mainly of cover versions such as Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Secret Garden’– just songs he’d always fancied singing, some folk, some rock and some country. He played a few Lindisfarne songs that he never got to sing, such as ‘Meet Me On The Corner’ as well as songs that he’d written himself, such as ‘Happy Birthday Dad’ and ‘Born At The Right Time’ – but not ‘Fog on the Tyne’!!
He has got pretty good taste, and Bill and I really enjoyed the evening. Malcolm from our local was also there with his daughter.
Billy was standing at the bar with a Guinness after the gig – so I bought a ‘Best of Lindisfarne’ CD and went over to ask him to autograph it. Billy was friendly to talk to, he was a bit disappointed, I think, that not many people had turned up for the gig but then he WAS up against Jules Holland who was playing in Aldershot! Unfortunate. I said how much I liked his song about his Granddad – and then felt all embarrassed, as it’s a bit of a kiddies’ song :-[ Billy is only little but he has very hard eyes – you woudn’t want to heckle him or anything, he’s probably had a bit of a hard life up there in North Shields. So I was wilting a bit under his gaze as well!
Will soon be seeing Rod Clements, also at the West End Centre – so another autograph for my Lindisfarne CD!
Billy Mitchell was of course the lead singer of Lindisfarne after the death of Alan Hull and before the band split up last year. He’s now touring alone – just him and his trusty guitar! His set consisted mainly of cover versions such as Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Secret Garden’– just songs he’d always fancied singing, some folk, some rock and some country. He played a few Lindisfarne songs that he never got to sing, such as ‘Meet Me On The Corner’ as well as songs that he’d written himself, such as ‘Happy Birthday Dad’ and ‘Born At The Right Time’ – but not ‘Fog on the Tyne’!!
He has got pretty good taste, and Bill and I really enjoyed the evening. Malcolm from our local was also there with his daughter.
Billy was standing at the bar with a Guinness after the gig – so I bought a ‘Best of Lindisfarne’ CD and went over to ask him to autograph it. Billy was friendly to talk to, he was a bit disappointed, I think, that not many people had turned up for the gig but then he WAS up against Jules Holland who was playing in Aldershot! Unfortunate. I said how much I liked his song about his Granddad – and then felt all embarrassed, as it’s a bit of a kiddies’ song :-[ Billy is only little but he has very hard eyes – you woudn’t want to heckle him or anything, he’s probably had a bit of a hard life up there in North Shields. So I was wilting a bit under his gaze as well!
Will soon be seeing Rod Clements, also at the West End Centre – so another autograph for my Lindisfarne CD!
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Battered and Bruised
What they don't tell you about laparoscopy is how painful it is afterwards! I feel like I've had a good kicking. I'm still walking around doubled-up and I've got two lovely purpley-yellow-black bruises. I had to phone the doc yesterday for some stronger painkillers, so he suggested taking ibuprofen on top of the paracetamol-based tablets that the hospital gave me.
I haven't yet gone back to work, and I haven't been able to get up to anything interesting beyond playing on my playstation, beating Bill at scrabble, and of course surfing the net.
Hang in there readers, I'll soon be on my feet with something more exciting for you! Hopefully later this week.
PS Happy St Davids Day to all my Welsh readers!
I haven't yet gone back to work, and I haven't been able to get up to anything interesting beyond playing on my playstation, beating Bill at scrabble, and of course surfing the net.
Hang in there readers, I'll soon be on my feet with something more exciting for you! Hopefully later this week.
PS Happy St Davids Day to all my Welsh readers!
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Laparoscopy
Checked into the Woking Nuffield yesterday at 10.30am for my laparoscopy, it was pretty much as I imagined it, being a lot like a health spa, not very much like the kinds of hospital my poor Mum has been in recently.
I got a room to myself with nice comfy adjustable bed, remote control TV and ensuite shower and toilet! How the other half lives! The nurses were all friendly and polite. I had a bit of a wait for my op which was at 3pm. The anaesthetist could only find a small vein, so it was quite painful for a few seconds till I passed out. Then woke up with oxygen mask on me and it was all over!
The nurses told me that there had been an 'incident' during the op, that my blood pressure had dropped for some unknown reason before thankfully climbing again. Funny, I had a premonition that things would go amiss. Pain had also broken through, and I had to be given morphine. Whee-hee!
The consultant showed me colour piccies of my insides - fascinating, it's a shame I couldn't keep them! There was indeed white strands of 'old endometriosis' which she lasered away for me, otherwise everything normal. I have 3 stitches which will be taken out next week.
I am still in pain now, and having to walk doubled-up like an old lady. Hope I'm OK for work on Monday.
I got a room to myself with nice comfy adjustable bed, remote control TV and ensuite shower and toilet! How the other half lives! The nurses were all friendly and polite. I had a bit of a wait for my op which was at 3pm. The anaesthetist could only find a small vein, so it was quite painful for a few seconds till I passed out. Then woke up with oxygen mask on me and it was all over!
The nurses told me that there had been an 'incident' during the op, that my blood pressure had dropped for some unknown reason before thankfully climbing again. Funny, I had a premonition that things would go amiss. Pain had also broken through, and I had to be given morphine. Whee-hee!
The consultant showed me colour piccies of my insides - fascinating, it's a shame I couldn't keep them! There was indeed white strands of 'old endometriosis' which she lasered away for me, otherwise everything normal. I have 3 stitches which will be taken out next week.
I am still in pain now, and having to walk doubled-up like an old lady. Hope I'm OK for work on Monday.
Seth Lakeman Trio, Farnham Maltings
See also Bill Badger's blogspot!
Seth Lakeman was performing with his brother Sean on guitar, and Ben Nicholls on double-bass. Val said she went for Seth, whilst I expressed a preference for young-Jack-Dee lookalike Sean! Bill jokingly said he fancied big Ben (more of a Hop Back logo lookalike) - he was feeling left out of the conversation!
They performed songs from Seth's recent album, Kitty Jay (I won a signed copy in the raffle!) and also a few from Western Approaches including The Keeper, Captain's Court and the Plymouth drinking song Ye Mariners All. He declined to tell us the story about Steve Knightley's hair though. Unfair!
Seth Lakeman has a wonderful, distinctive husky voice and is a fine fiddle player (he also played ukelele) and has written some great songs. I thought all the uke-led songs were very fast paced and tended to sound the same - but maybe on repeated listening the differences would be more noticeable.
There is a poor little 2-spot ladybird in here with me, I daren't put her outside as it's still threatening to snow. But she is crawling all over the keyboard as I type, which is annoying!
Seth Lakeman was performing with his brother Sean on guitar, and Ben Nicholls on double-bass. Val said she went for Seth, whilst I expressed a preference for young-Jack-Dee lookalike Sean! Bill jokingly said he fancied big Ben (more of a Hop Back logo lookalike) - he was feeling left out of the conversation!
They performed songs from Seth's recent album, Kitty Jay (I won a signed copy in the raffle!) and also a few from Western Approaches including The Keeper, Captain's Court and the Plymouth drinking song Ye Mariners All. He declined to tell us the story about Steve Knightley's hair though. Unfair!
Seth Lakeman has a wonderful, distinctive husky voice and is a fine fiddle player (he also played ukelele) and has written some great songs. I thought all the uke-led songs were very fast paced and tended to sound the same - but maybe on repeated listening the differences would be more noticeable.
There is a poor little 2-spot ladybird in here with me, I daren't put her outside as it's still threatening to snow. But she is crawling all over the keyboard as I type, which is annoying!
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Interesting Train Journey
It had snowed overnight, and when I woke up this morning everything was covered in about 6mm of snow. Aah!
I left home in plenty of time this morning, for a change, carefully navigating the level crossing at Farnborough North, which hadn't been salted and was quite slippy.
I met Finance Lady, who is very friendly and has chatted to Sean and I before. Sean wasn't there though. She was in a very good mood as she was on her way to a big Financiers' Dinner in London. She was still chatting to me in Guildford, when Loud Eric and his friends got on, and they sat all around her in the bay of 6 seats. Unfortunately Loud Eric is prejudiced against me, as he is also friendly with Clive (he held up the Croydon train for Clive yesterday). So poor Finance Lady was trying to introduce me to all these people, and Loud Eric was trying to hide behind his Daily Mail and ignore me!!
I thought maybe I should warn Finance Lady that there's malicious gossip going around about me, but a friend advised me not to mention it, but to let her make up her own mind. I just hope she doesn't snub me like Solitaire did, that would really hurt. That ***** cowardly Clive, is all I can say! Why can't he insult me to my face, if he's still got a problem with me?
Anyhoo work went well today which cheered me up again. I also received my LiveStrong bracelet in the post, thanks to Shirl for posting it and her friend Alison for selling another one to her!
I also received my Bike Events magazine. I'm really tempted to do the Stroke Association ride across the Thames Bridges. Although it's only 32 miles, less than the London to Windsor which I did last year, it's a cause that's dear to my heart as my Mum had a severe stroke aged 59, and both my grandmothers died of stroke. But there are others that appeal - will have to discuss it with Bill...
I left home in plenty of time this morning, for a change, carefully navigating the level crossing at Farnborough North, which hadn't been salted and was quite slippy.
I met Finance Lady, who is very friendly and has chatted to Sean and I before. Sean wasn't there though. She was in a very good mood as she was on her way to a big Financiers' Dinner in London. She was still chatting to me in Guildford, when Loud Eric and his friends got on, and they sat all around her in the bay of 6 seats. Unfortunately Loud Eric is prejudiced against me, as he is also friendly with Clive (he held up the Croydon train for Clive yesterday). So poor Finance Lady was trying to introduce me to all these people, and Loud Eric was trying to hide behind his Daily Mail and ignore me!!
I thought maybe I should warn Finance Lady that there's malicious gossip going around about me, but a friend advised me not to mention it, but to let her make up her own mind. I just hope she doesn't snub me like Solitaire did, that would really hurt. That ***** cowardly Clive, is all I can say! Why can't he insult me to my face, if he's still got a problem with me?
Anyhoo work went well today which cheered me up again. I also received my LiveStrong bracelet in the post, thanks to Shirl for posting it and her friend Alison for selling another one to her!
I also received my Bike Events magazine. I'm really tempted to do the Stroke Association ride across the Thames Bridges. Although it's only 32 miles, less than the London to Windsor which I did last year, it's a cause that's dear to my heart as my Mum had a severe stroke aged 59, and both my grandmothers died of stroke. But there are others that appeal - will have to discuss it with Bill...
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Show of Hands and Oysterband, Reading Guildhall
Again I was feeling very ill, having spent most of the day in bed. Luckily I'd previously opted for seated rather than standing tickets, as with Oysterband I feel an enormous compulsion to dance (but Show of Hands are almost impossible to dance to). These are my two favourite folk bands, as you will have guessed from the links section, so my expectations for the evening were very high.
Bill and I took the train up to Reading, and were sat near some other Oysterfans which it turned out Other Val knew; does she know everyone? ;-)
We met up with Other Val and Julie, and later Matt, in the Hobgoblin, as other Oysterfans from the web group had arranged to meet up there for a pre-concert drinkee. As it is a very good real ale pub we weren't surprised to meet Quentin (a regular at the Prince) and Ken Wildman in there, but were suprised and delighted when Alan Prosser, James O'Grady, Lee Partis and the sound man from Oysterband walked in!! James was looking even tastier than the Potton 'Village Bike' I was drinking (don't say it!). Had a brief chat to Alan about the acoustics and bouncy stage in the venue. Hobnobbing with the stars, eh!
Show of Hands kicked off the evening, playing some of their classics like Santiago, I Promise You, The Setting/Mary from Dungloe, Galway Farmer and Cousin Jack. Phil stunned everyone with his frenetic fast-fiddling, Steve's voice was on good form. Everyone was very appreciative even though it's a much slower style of music to Oysterband. I missed Steve and Phil's jokes and stories though, they didn't really have time for much of that.
Then came the Oysterband whose trip to the pub had obviously put them in the party mood! Although the sound wasn't as perfect as Show of Hands, they belted out the fan's favourites with their usual joi-de-vivre and energy, and the front row were pogoing like mad. Other Val acquired the set list at the end, you'll have to see Eric the Cat's blogspot if you want to read it, but I remember My Mouth, 20th of April, Wayfaring, English Rose. The Hal-an-tow loudly-requesting crowd were there, but JJ told them it was too early! I seem to remember the A Capella gospel hymn and Rise Above being the first encore, and SOH's Country Life (with both bands)and Road to Nowhere being the second encore. I must admit I was doing a bit of chair dancing by then, probably frightening Matt!
A very uplifting night, just what I needed to perk me up.
Bill and I took the train up to Reading, and were sat near some other Oysterfans which it turned out Other Val knew; does she know everyone? ;-)
We met up with Other Val and Julie, and later Matt, in the Hobgoblin, as other Oysterfans from the web group had arranged to meet up there for a pre-concert drinkee. As it is a very good real ale pub we weren't surprised to meet Quentin (a regular at the Prince) and Ken Wildman in there, but were suprised and delighted when Alan Prosser, James O'Grady, Lee Partis and the sound man from Oysterband walked in!! James was looking even tastier than the Potton 'Village Bike' I was drinking (don't say it!). Had a brief chat to Alan about the acoustics and bouncy stage in the venue. Hobnobbing with the stars, eh!
Show of Hands kicked off the evening, playing some of their classics like Santiago, I Promise You, The Setting/Mary from Dungloe, Galway Farmer and Cousin Jack. Phil stunned everyone with his frenetic fast-fiddling, Steve's voice was on good form. Everyone was very appreciative even though it's a much slower style of music to Oysterband. I missed Steve and Phil's jokes and stories though, they didn't really have time for much of that.
Then came the Oysterband whose trip to the pub had obviously put them in the party mood! Although the sound wasn't as perfect as Show of Hands, they belted out the fan's favourites with their usual joi-de-vivre and energy, and the front row were pogoing like mad. Other Val acquired the set list at the end, you'll have to see Eric the Cat's blogspot if you want to read it, but I remember My Mouth, 20th of April, Wayfaring, English Rose. The Hal-an-tow loudly-requesting crowd were there, but JJ told them it was too early! I seem to remember the A Capella gospel hymn and Rise Above being the first encore, and SOH's Country Life (with both bands)and Road to Nowhere being the second encore. I must admit I was doing a bit of chair dancing by then, probably frightening Matt!
A very uplifting night, just what I needed to perk me up.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Johnny Dickinson - Dorking Folk Club
Other Val kindly agreed to drive us to Chanticleer again for Johnny Dickinson, a blues guitarist from Morpeth in Northumbria. The poor lad had driven 700 miles to get to the concert in Dorking, and had 700 miles to travel back to the Borders for his next gig! It was just as well there was a largeish crowd of us there.
Johnny is a very skilful guitarist and did lots of clever slidey stuff, and a few folk songs like Black Jack Davey, all sung in an American accent. Blues guitar isn't really my thaang. I was feeling very tired and ill anyway, so the slow, low-tuned guitar numbers were sending me slowly to sleep on the club's lovely soft sofa. I think if you were a real guitar enthusiast you'd appreciate Johnny Dickinson a lot more.
The ale in the Friends Provident Club is very good, I've just reccommended it to my friends in the local CAMRA branch. The Fullers London Pride was some of the best I've ever tasted, and the Welton's was, well, Welton's.
I think if Neil continues to book these top acts, Bill and I should join. If only Dorking weren't so far away :-/
Johnny is a very skilful guitarist and did lots of clever slidey stuff, and a few folk songs like Black Jack Davey, all sung in an American accent. Blues guitar isn't really my thaang. I was feeling very tired and ill anyway, so the slow, low-tuned guitar numbers were sending me slowly to sleep on the club's lovely soft sofa. I think if you were a real guitar enthusiast you'd appreciate Johnny Dickinson a lot more.
The ale in the Friends Provident Club is very good, I've just reccommended it to my friends in the local CAMRA branch. The Fullers London Pride was some of the best I've ever tasted, and the Welton's was, well, Welton's.
I think if Neil continues to book these top acts, Bill and I should join. If only Dorking weren't so far away :-/
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Bum Deal
...yes, the post you've been waiting for, Val's visit to the proctologist!!
Thanks to Joan and Pete giving me a lift to the station on the way to Pete's driving test, I managed to get home in plenty of time and had a shower before cycling to the hospital. I was seen almost immediately. Mr Singh wasn't quite what I expected, being a tall, elegantly dressed man of about my age, and not wearing a bow tie, just an ordinary, pink one! He asked me questions about my rear end in a very professional manner, but his nurse was a disapproving-looking older lady, which I found quite off putting!
Again I won't go into the gory details but he had a bit of a rummage and had a look up there with a periscope thingy, but could see nothing wrong. But, as he explained, that was just the first four inches of bowel. So I will need a colonoscopy to check for endometriosis, which I'm fairly convinced I've got. What fun. And I won't cycle over for a proctology appointment again, I'll tell ya!
Thanks to Joan and Pete giving me a lift to the station on the way to Pete's driving test, I managed to get home in plenty of time and had a shower before cycling to the hospital. I was seen almost immediately. Mr Singh wasn't quite what I expected, being a tall, elegantly dressed man of about my age, and not wearing a bow tie, just an ordinary, pink one! He asked me questions about my rear end in a very professional manner, but his nurse was a disapproving-looking older lady, which I found quite off putting!
Again I won't go into the gory details but he had a bit of a rummage and had a look up there with a periscope thingy, but could see nothing wrong. But, as he explained, that was just the first four inches of bowel. So I will need a colonoscopy to check for endometriosis, which I'm fairly convinced I've got. What fun. And I won't cycle over for a proctology appointment again, I'll tell ya!
Muller Love - Valentines Day Curry!
As Bill hates to celebrate Valentine's Day on the actual day, and as we'd had our romantic meal the night before, I decided to join Robert Muller, his wife and some of my colleagues from work for a curry on the 14th!
Robert had obtained the work minibus for 18.30 from work, 18.45 from Redhill and the meal was booked at the Ruchita in Earlswood for 19.30, all very efficient! Four of us went into Redhill first - the 3 Spanish people, Maria, Andres and Paula, went shopping while I went to a cashpoint, then we went to the Garland, the Harvey's pub. I suggested they drink the Armada ;-) but for some reason they chose Carling instead. I had a half of the Extra Double Stout at 9% - black, treacly and deadly. The Spanish girls tasted it and made faces, it's definitely an acquired taste!
Then we took the minibus from Redhill to the restaurant with me in the front giving directions. I went wrong a couple of times but we made it in the end.
Soon after we parked, a rough looking bloke came and parked right up against the back plate of the minibus. Robert said 'nice bit of parking' to him and he got annoyed, some of us thought he was going to throw a punch at Robert, but Willmer, the tall Venezuelan, was on hand to protect him! Robert diplomatically moved the minibus to the station carpark.
We went into the Old Chestnut for a drink before the meal. They only had Courage Best, so I had half a Guinness. It had been refurbished but was still essentially a locals pub. I left to go to the restaurant but couldn't find my handbag - went back to look on the bus, not there - back to the pub again and found it, phew! It was on the back of a chair, someone else must have come along later and put a coat over it.
Was relieved to get into the restaurant and order some food. We had poppadoms and chutneys to start, but Andres overdid it with the lime pickle, finding his too hot. Willmer loved the lime pickle though, and I agreed, it was great! The main courses took a while to arrive, and they'd got my order slightly wrong, but I was happy enough with Chicken Tikka Massalla. Andres, a curry beginner, had Lamb Massalla which he liked, and Willmer had Chicken Jalfrezi which he found good but hot. I enjoyed being the curry (and English language and culture) expert for the night! Everybody had plenty of food and nobody could face dessert. We split the bill in a civilised way, at £15 each which I thought was very reasonable. The waiters brought a long stem rose for each lady on the table which was a nice touch.
Robert dropped some of us off at the station again, and I had no trouble getting the last train back to my loving husband (he picked me up at Farnborough North at about 23.45).
Many thanks to Maria and Robert for the unusual Valentines meal! Everyone enjoyed themselves, a fun night out!
Robert had obtained the work minibus for 18.30 from work, 18.45 from Redhill and the meal was booked at the Ruchita in Earlswood for 19.30, all very efficient! Four of us went into Redhill first - the 3 Spanish people, Maria, Andres and Paula, went shopping while I went to a cashpoint, then we went to the Garland, the Harvey's pub. I suggested they drink the Armada ;-) but for some reason they chose Carling instead. I had a half of the Extra Double Stout at 9% - black, treacly and deadly. The Spanish girls tasted it and made faces, it's definitely an acquired taste!
Then we took the minibus from Redhill to the restaurant with me in the front giving directions. I went wrong a couple of times but we made it in the end.
Soon after we parked, a rough looking bloke came and parked right up against the back plate of the minibus. Robert said 'nice bit of parking' to him and he got annoyed, some of us thought he was going to throw a punch at Robert, but Willmer, the tall Venezuelan, was on hand to protect him! Robert diplomatically moved the minibus to the station carpark.
We went into the Old Chestnut for a drink before the meal. They only had Courage Best, so I had half a Guinness. It had been refurbished but was still essentially a locals pub. I left to go to the restaurant but couldn't find my handbag - went back to look on the bus, not there - back to the pub again and found it, phew! It was on the back of a chair, someone else must have come along later and put a coat over it.
Was relieved to get into the restaurant and order some food. We had poppadoms and chutneys to start, but Andres overdid it with the lime pickle, finding his too hot. Willmer loved the lime pickle though, and I agreed, it was great! The main courses took a while to arrive, and they'd got my order slightly wrong, but I was happy enough with Chicken Tikka Massalla. Andres, a curry beginner, had Lamb Massalla which he liked, and Willmer had Chicken Jalfrezi which he found good but hot. I enjoyed being the curry (and English language and culture) expert for the night! Everybody had plenty of food and nobody could face dessert. We split the bill in a civilised way, at £15 each which I thought was very reasonable. The waiters brought a long stem rose for each lady on the table which was a nice touch.
Robert dropped some of us off at the station again, and I had no trouble getting the last train back to my loving husband (he picked me up at Farnborough North at about 23.45).
Many thanks to Maria and Robert for the unusual Valentines meal! Everyone enjoyed themselves, a fun night out!
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