Arrived at Botley station on Friday evening and was soon whisked off to Wickham Festival for a weekend of folk and blues with the Fleur de Lys Morris girls. I’m not so keen on Blues myself, it’s a bit samey. Some of the folkies were commenting ‘so-and-so were a bit miserable’ – well what do you expect from a blues band? Luckily Les Barker was on hand to cheer things up a bit, with his laughter-inducing poetry like ‘Dachshunds with Erections Can’t Climb Stairs’, ‘Mange-Tout’ and ‘The Long Lost Land of Dyslexia’. Class. Some of the ladies looked a bit puzzled though – not quite their sense of humour perhaps? I’d heard good things about Cherish The Ladies, who were on next, but they seemed a bit lacklustre. Apparently one of their friends and fellow musicians had died just a few days before, and perhaps that was why. We were unanimous though in liking the Dolmen, a folk-goth band from Weymouth. Some of us even had a bit of a bop at the front!
Saturday was dancing day – and was also baking hot, which came as a bit of a surprise to us after the long rainy spell. A reasonably successful dance outside the Kings Head, with refreshing pints of Chiswick available to quench the thirst. Then on to Chesapeake Mill, by which time I was rather peckish. I’d just been served a fat slice of home made Vanilla Fudge Cake when Janice the Squire requested our presence in the dancing area. She did let me off the first couple of dances so that I could eat it though, nice Squire that she is! The Rabble folk-dance and theatre team was with us here, and put on a very entertaining Robin Hood play and some good Border-style dancing.
Most of headed off for lunch in the Italian café on the Square. Then our last performance was outside the Community Centre, which again went really well. Sweat was pouring off me in a rather unladylike manner by then! Was very glad I’d brought a change of clothes with me.
Discovery of the Festival – ‘Yves Lambert & Le Bebert Orchestra’. Yves had a strange accent – sort of a cross between Scots, Canadian and French – turned out they were a band from Quebec. Excellent Celtic-French-sounding music.
Some considered Kathryn Tickell’s band the highlight of Saturday. Good solid North-Western dance music, especially good if you like the Northumbrian pipes. Being more of a song person I was quite content to sit in the cream-tea area whilst some of the others had a good dance.
Eddi Reader’s band had quite a good set, less of the insipid numbers that I’d heard before at Guilfest and more of the pop style crowd pleasers. Boo Hewerdine was on guitar, and unsurprisingly she sang a few of his songs – ‘The Patience of Angels’ being my favourite. I quite liked Donnie Munro, the ex-Runrig front man, despite the accusations of rock-star egotism levelled at him from certain quarters. Again, not something folk bands ever indulge in. Well, hardly ever.
Another lovely weekend – good music, good company, good weather for once!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Blog War!
A certain ugly blogger has been publishing rubbish about me again. Usually she publishes mostly boring domestic things and alibis for her sordid sex life but she's taken to character assassination once more. I make a point of ignoring her these days, which only irks her as she has an almost pathological need always to be the centre of attention.
I notice two other relatively new bloggers whom she has attacked have vowed not to sink to her level. However I am a far better writer than the Ugly One, and since she knows I hate her, and with good reason, I've got nothing to lose. So I say, blog war, bring it on! It can only make things more interesting for my readers!!
Edit: definition of 'greedy bugger' - someone who takes a helium balloon from a friend's party with their permission, or someone who is grossly overweight and hates immigrants?
I notice two other relatively new bloggers whom she has attacked have vowed not to sink to her level. However I am a far better writer than the Ugly One, and since she knows I hate her, and with good reason, I've got nothing to lose. So I say, blog war, bring it on! It can only make things more interesting for my readers!!
Edit: definition of 'greedy bugger' - someone who takes a helium balloon from a friend's party with their permission, or someone who is grossly overweight and hates immigrants?
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Guilfest 2007
Was lucky enough to get a take-out of cask-conditioned Old Speckled Hen from work on Friday, just right to take to the festival with me :)
Soon met up with Trev and Angie with their family, Sparky and Freedom from the Alt Levs board and sat down to listen to The Hold Steady, which made quite pleasant background as I caught up on the gossip and guzzled my OSH. Rodrigo Y Gabriella stood out far more - frenetic punk-guitar playing from Mexico - I liked! Also liked the Ordinary Boys, depite the Big Brother connection; I hadn't thought I would. Too much like the Clash? Is such a thing possible? Might get their album, "Over The Counter Culture", at some point.
Gave Supergrass a miss to go and catch the end of Newton Faulkner, whom I'd seen before at Cityfest, and get a prime front-row position for The Saw Doctors. Fantastic set from the Irish folk-rockers, caught most of their classic songs before having to leave early to get the last train back from London Road, bit of a blow.
Next day woke up late but got to Stoke Park in time to enjoy Jimmy Cliff. Jimmy was playing classics like "Many Rivers To Cross" and Johnny Nash's "I Can
See Clearly Now", which was for once appropriate, as it was a bright sunshiney day! Jimmy had an orange silk suit on which only he could get away with, and was dancing up and down the stage with amazing energy. A good start to my evening, then!
By contrast, went to see Damien Dempsey with high expectations but sat through 2 limp songs and decided to try some of the smaller stages instead (there were 5 stages with non-famous bands, as well as a theatre stage and a comedy tent this year!). Not much to note though till Rory McLeod, who gave a really good performance, even though it was limited to half an hour. Rory kept his ramblings short - I don't mind him rambling, but I can see storytelling is better suited to long sets and venues such as the West End Centre (under threat, apparently). He did sing "When Mummy and Daddy Made Me" which got the biggest applause!
Crazy P and Captain were quite pleasant as I guzzled my Youngs Double Chocolate Stout, which I'd decanted into my big plastic beer bottle. Then it was off to see guitar hero Richard Thompson, who resembles my friend Simon except with a black beret. The crowd were inevitably demanding "Vincent Black Lightning" and "Beeswing", which he eventually obliged with, but there were evidently more recent fans there, shouting for "Dad's Gonna Kill Me", his contemporary anti-war song. And yes, he finished the encore with "Valerie", glad he still admires me ;-)
Richard's set unfortunately overlapped with Squeeze's, so that I ended up having to run down the field to catch them playing "Tempted" and have a sing along. Again, had to leave early, but sang "Labelled With Love" all the way back down the road to the station.
On Sunday my train to Guildford was cancelled - damm! But by an amazing coincidence one of the lads at Farnborough North suddenly said, "Are you Val Badger?" - turned out it was fellow blogger Lever!!! Lever, his mate Simon and me duly headed to the Prince of Wales to sup some real ale until the next train arrived. At the festiew, met up with Lever's other mate Phil, a huge Duke Special fan.
Had some port with me but discovered some real ale in the beer tent ("Guilfest Ale" at £3.50 a pint, ouch! Especially as it was apparently Tetley's Bitter) and some Brother's Pear Cider which was quite tasty. The Icicle Works were a bit disappointing, doing mainly cover versions, Toots and the Maytals were great though. Sadly I'd missed Simon Friend's set in the acoustic tent but caught him on the Ents 24 Stage. Think Lever quite liked him but Phil seemed a bit cynical! I thought it was a great set, had a dance to Men An Tol and Beanfield, he also played a couple of Paddy Stratton numbers which also got a lot of applause from the crowd of (mainly) Levellers fans.
Phil, silent though all the other acts, was yelling enthusiastically for Duke Special and singing wholeheartedly to all the songs. The star of the show for me however was Duke's drummer Chip, mad as a hatter but a totally amazing percussionist. Have got photos of him playing the egg whisk and cheese grater, as well as whacking the two huge bass drums. Marvellous.
Another dash across the field to Madness - by the time we got there we could only get as far as the mixing desk, and could hardly see Suggs and the boys! Still, had a good pogo to "Baggy Trousers", "House of Fun" and "Night Boat to Cairo" amongst others before the day sadly ended!
Shared taxi home due to crap train times and so ot in at an almost reasonable time for bed - just as well, was folding at the knees! Had fabulous time though, just a shame Patrick had other commitments for the weekend. Still there's always next year!
Soon met up with Trev and Angie with their family, Sparky and Freedom from the Alt Levs board and sat down to listen to The Hold Steady, which made quite pleasant background as I caught up on the gossip and guzzled my OSH. Rodrigo Y Gabriella stood out far more - frenetic punk-guitar playing from Mexico - I liked! Also liked the Ordinary Boys, depite the Big Brother connection; I hadn't thought I would. Too much like the Clash? Is such a thing possible? Might get their album, "Over The Counter Culture", at some point.
Gave Supergrass a miss to go and catch the end of Newton Faulkner, whom I'd seen before at Cityfest, and get a prime front-row position for The Saw Doctors. Fantastic set from the Irish folk-rockers, caught most of their classic songs before having to leave early to get the last train back from London Road, bit of a blow.
Next day woke up late but got to Stoke Park in time to enjoy Jimmy Cliff. Jimmy was playing classics like "Many Rivers To Cross" and Johnny Nash's "I Can
See Clearly Now", which was for once appropriate, as it was a bright sunshiney day! Jimmy had an orange silk suit on which only he could get away with, and was dancing up and down the stage with amazing energy. A good start to my evening, then!
By contrast, went to see Damien Dempsey with high expectations but sat through 2 limp songs and decided to try some of the smaller stages instead (there were 5 stages with non-famous bands, as well as a theatre stage and a comedy tent this year!). Not much to note though till Rory McLeod, who gave a really good performance, even though it was limited to half an hour. Rory kept his ramblings short - I don't mind him rambling, but I can see storytelling is better suited to long sets and venues such as the West End Centre (under threat, apparently). He did sing "When Mummy and Daddy Made Me" which got the biggest applause!
Crazy P and Captain were quite pleasant as I guzzled my Youngs Double Chocolate Stout, which I'd decanted into my big plastic beer bottle. Then it was off to see guitar hero Richard Thompson, who resembles my friend Simon except with a black beret. The crowd were inevitably demanding "Vincent Black Lightning" and "Beeswing", which he eventually obliged with, but there were evidently more recent fans there, shouting for "Dad's Gonna Kill Me", his contemporary anti-war song. And yes, he finished the encore with "Valerie", glad he still admires me ;-)
Richard's set unfortunately overlapped with Squeeze's, so that I ended up having to run down the field to catch them playing "Tempted" and have a sing along. Again, had to leave early, but sang "Labelled With Love" all the way back down the road to the station.
On Sunday my train to Guildford was cancelled - damm! But by an amazing coincidence one of the lads at Farnborough North suddenly said, "Are you Val Badger?" - turned out it was fellow blogger Lever!!! Lever, his mate Simon and me duly headed to the Prince of Wales to sup some real ale until the next train arrived. At the festiew, met up with Lever's other mate Phil, a huge Duke Special fan.
Had some port with me but discovered some real ale in the beer tent ("Guilfest Ale" at £3.50 a pint, ouch! Especially as it was apparently Tetley's Bitter) and some Brother's Pear Cider which was quite tasty. The Icicle Works were a bit disappointing, doing mainly cover versions, Toots and the Maytals were great though. Sadly I'd missed Simon Friend's set in the acoustic tent but caught him on the Ents 24 Stage. Think Lever quite liked him but Phil seemed a bit cynical! I thought it was a great set, had a dance to Men An Tol and Beanfield, he also played a couple of Paddy Stratton numbers which also got a lot of applause from the crowd of (mainly) Levellers fans.
Phil, silent though all the other acts, was yelling enthusiastically for Duke Special and singing wholeheartedly to all the songs. The star of the show for me however was Duke's drummer Chip, mad as a hatter but a totally amazing percussionist. Have got photos of him playing the egg whisk and cheese grater, as well as whacking the two huge bass drums. Marvellous.
Another dash across the field to Madness - by the time we got there we could only get as far as the mixing desk, and could hardly see Suggs and the boys! Still, had a good pogo to "Baggy Trousers", "House of Fun" and "Night Boat to Cairo" amongst others before the day sadly ended!
Shared taxi home due to crap train times and so ot in at an almost reasonable time for bed - just as well, was folding at the knees! Had fabulous time though, just a shame Patrick had other commitments for the weekend. Still there's always next year!
Friday, July 06, 2007
Gillingham Folk Day 2007
Well, I really shouldn’t be posting about this, it seems Gillingham’s Folk Day is Dorset’s best kept secret! It’s a lovely small festival based at the North Dorset Rugby Club, in a big (mostly waterproof) tent outside, with bar and food available in the clubroom. There was a little stage for Morris and Irish dancing, as well as Mummer’s plays. Also a few stands from local charities, crafts and CD selling.
The lineup was absolutely fantastic for a one day folk festival (although the Gillingham Festival itself went on all week, with music from various genres). Kirsty McGee and Mat Martin had the first slot – which shows you the quality of the other acts! I had seen Kirsty and Mat at Wickham Folk Festival last year and had been impressed by their impassioned song lyrics and their eco-friendly recycled guitars! Patrick was curious about one of their songs set in Manchester and I wanted to own the song about Hell (‘Fresh Water’) so we went up to them for a chat and a signed CD afterwards. They were nice to talk to - I admired Kirsty’s porkpie hat and she admired my shirt from Fat Face!
Psychedelic-folk buskers The Huckleberries were next up. I could see the good people of Gillingham thinking what on earth are this bunch of pikeys doing here, get orff moi laand! But although they look like the street-corner ambassadors that they usually are, the Huckleberries are excellent musicians. Especially Paul the fiddle player, who might look like he’s drunk the world but amazes all with his virtuosity – seeming to go into a trance like state, hardly moving the bow to produce the sweetest violin music. They played a variety of stuff too, from their own compositions to well-known Irish session music like ‘Raggle-Taggle Gypsy’ and ‘Wind That Shakes The Barley’. By contrast Flook were very polished, and despite their stunning musicianship were in danger of being a bit boring after playing one to many sets of jigs and reels.
Mike Silver got the audience singing with his hymn-like self-penned songs, including the famous (in the folk world) ‘Pretoria’ which Patrick was still singing in the car on the way back! It is a classic song; we should remember the days of Apartheid, and there’s still a lot of racial injustice out there.
I’m not a big fan of Cara Dillon although many are – somehow she always seems a bit wooden. She had just given birth to twins about 6 months ago but was as skinny as a rake! Some women eh. The twins were very cute though.
Next the moment we’d been waiting for – the arrival of the Oysterband on stage – yaaaaayyy!! I think not being the final band had affected their choice of set – there were a lot more slower numbers from their new album, but they did belt out some of their classics like Northern Lights (my favourite), Native Son and Everywhere I Go. They also played Patrick’s favourite, Uncommercial Song, so he was happy too! The somewhat too topical ‘The Flood’ was sung to the audience, JJ came down from the stage with Chopper and Alan Prosser so we felt well and truly part of the experience. The Oysterband are fantastic entertainers, no doubt about it.
A lot of folks left after the Oysterband, but us diehard dancers stayed right to the end for Salsa Celtica. A beautiful fusion of Celtic, Spanish and Latin music, they have bags of energy and joie-de-vivre, daring you not to dance! Think I’ve mentioned them before. The little Irish girls who had previously entertained us on the dance stage were up the front dancing away, and even the Morris dancers were getting on down to the beat!
Excellent little festival but let’s keep it quiet, we don’t want everyone turning up there!
The lineup was absolutely fantastic for a one day folk festival (although the Gillingham Festival itself went on all week, with music from various genres). Kirsty McGee and Mat Martin had the first slot – which shows you the quality of the other acts! I had seen Kirsty and Mat at Wickham Folk Festival last year and had been impressed by their impassioned song lyrics and their eco-friendly recycled guitars! Patrick was curious about one of their songs set in Manchester and I wanted to own the song about Hell (‘Fresh Water’) so we went up to them for a chat and a signed CD afterwards. They were nice to talk to - I admired Kirsty’s porkpie hat and she admired my shirt from Fat Face!
Psychedelic-folk buskers The Huckleberries were next up. I could see the good people of Gillingham thinking what on earth are this bunch of pikeys doing here, get orff moi laand! But although they look like the street-corner ambassadors that they usually are, the Huckleberries are excellent musicians. Especially Paul the fiddle player, who might look like he’s drunk the world but amazes all with his virtuosity – seeming to go into a trance like state, hardly moving the bow to produce the sweetest violin music. They played a variety of stuff too, from their own compositions to well-known Irish session music like ‘Raggle-Taggle Gypsy’ and ‘Wind That Shakes The Barley’. By contrast Flook were very polished, and despite their stunning musicianship were in danger of being a bit boring after playing one to many sets of jigs and reels.
Mike Silver got the audience singing with his hymn-like self-penned songs, including the famous (in the folk world) ‘Pretoria’ which Patrick was still singing in the car on the way back! It is a classic song; we should remember the days of Apartheid, and there’s still a lot of racial injustice out there.
I’m not a big fan of Cara Dillon although many are – somehow she always seems a bit wooden. She had just given birth to twins about 6 months ago but was as skinny as a rake! Some women eh. The twins were very cute though.
Next the moment we’d been waiting for – the arrival of the Oysterband on stage – yaaaaayyy!! I think not being the final band had affected their choice of set – there were a lot more slower numbers from their new album, but they did belt out some of their classics like Northern Lights (my favourite), Native Son and Everywhere I Go. They also played Patrick’s favourite, Uncommercial Song, so he was happy too! The somewhat too topical ‘The Flood’ was sung to the audience, JJ came down from the stage with Chopper and Alan Prosser so we felt well and truly part of the experience. The Oysterband are fantastic entertainers, no doubt about it.
A lot of folks left after the Oysterband, but us diehard dancers stayed right to the end for Salsa Celtica. A beautiful fusion of Celtic, Spanish and Latin music, they have bags of energy and joie-de-vivre, daring you not to dance! Think I’ve mentioned them before. The little Irish girls who had previously entertained us on the dance stage were up the front dancing away, and even the Morris dancers were getting on down to the beat!
Excellent little festival but let’s keep it quiet, we don’t want everyone turning up there!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
News!
Good news - I've got a new boyfriend. Yes, you've guessed it, it's Patrick! Some have expressed concern that I'm on the rebound still, it being only 5 months since the breakup of the marriage. Seems like years ago since that dreadful St Valentines Day, I've come so far in that time. I really thought that my life was effectively over and that I would never love again. So strange then that I felt that little flower of love inside me slowly opening up over the course of that Sunday at Middlewich. I really didn't think it would be Patrick either, till that day I didn't fancy him at all! Somehow we reached an understanding between us and everything clicked into place.
We have the Demon Barbers to thank for the thing that brought us together - me deciding to ask them to sign their album 'Waxed' to Val and Pat! Well, it seemed so right at the time and indeed it was.
We're still at the soppy, glowy stage at the moment, very happy together. Fingers crossed that love lasts this time!
We have the Demon Barbers to thank for the thing that brought us together - me deciding to ask them to sign their album 'Waxed' to Val and Pat! Well, it seemed so right at the time and indeed it was.
We're still at the soppy, glowy stage at the moment, very happy together. Fingers crossed that love lasts this time!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival 2007
What a bloody good weekend - despite the stormy weather throughout!
Was good to be able to enjoy a folk festival again, and gratifying that Patrick enjoyed it so much - he'd never been to a folk festival before. All the artists were good apart from a couple of duff musicians, very good considering. Discovery of the festival was the Demon Barber Roadshow, great music and fantastic sword, Morris and clog dancers (Patrick pretended not to appreciate one of the attractive clog dancers' boob tube slipping down). Seth Lakeman's gig was of course packed, and he gave an excellent gig, one big Northern bloke at the back was inspired to shout "Ah loov you, Seth" - perhaps being fed up of his girlfriend fancying Seth! Elbow Jane also gave a brilliant gig, and Breeze and Wilson were superb, generously giving out not one but two excellent free CDs.
It was also good fun to wander around the Boat Festival (which seemed quite separate, strangely), there were some gorgeous owls from a nearby sanctuary and a very interesting demonstration of how horses were used to pull narrowboats. Patrick had a go at the 6 Knot Challenge - the quickest time to tie six knots won a full set of new fenders, which would have been useful as Ripple had just knackered her front fender in a lock. Considering Pat had only had one quick demo of the knots before the attempt, he did very well, coming pretty close to the leading times!
Show of Hands gave their usual great performance, lifting the roof of the blue-and-yellow stripey tent with numbers like Santiago, Country Life and Roots. Very much pleased that Patrick was yelling enthusiastically for their encore! What's not to like about Show of Hands though?
The weekend also included some really nice pubs such as the Swan at Fradley Junction (good food/beer/atmos), the Narrowboat in Middlewich (OK beer, excellent food and the chance to say hello to Seth Lakeman) and the Newton Brewery, a lovely old-fashioned pub, only one beer (Pedigree) but best pint of the holiday.
So good to be able to enjoy a folk festival again - good music, good company and good beer, and the chance to stay on a narrowboat! Fantastic.
Was good to be able to enjoy a folk festival again, and gratifying that Patrick enjoyed it so much - he'd never been to a folk festival before. All the artists were good apart from a couple of duff musicians, very good considering. Discovery of the festival was the Demon Barber Roadshow, great music and fantastic sword, Morris and clog dancers (Patrick pretended not to appreciate one of the attractive clog dancers' boob tube slipping down). Seth Lakeman's gig was of course packed, and he gave an excellent gig, one big Northern bloke at the back was inspired to shout "Ah loov you, Seth" - perhaps being fed up of his girlfriend fancying Seth! Elbow Jane also gave a brilliant gig, and Breeze and Wilson were superb, generously giving out not one but two excellent free CDs.
It was also good fun to wander around the Boat Festival (which seemed quite separate, strangely), there were some gorgeous owls from a nearby sanctuary and a very interesting demonstration of how horses were used to pull narrowboats. Patrick had a go at the 6 Knot Challenge - the quickest time to tie six knots won a full set of new fenders, which would have been useful as Ripple had just knackered her front fender in a lock. Considering Pat had only had one quick demo of the knots before the attempt, he did very well, coming pretty close to the leading times!
Show of Hands gave their usual great performance, lifting the roof of the blue-and-yellow stripey tent with numbers like Santiago, Country Life and Roots. Very much pleased that Patrick was yelling enthusiastically for their encore! What's not to like about Show of Hands though?
The weekend also included some really nice pubs such as the Swan at Fradley Junction (good food/beer/atmos), the Narrowboat in Middlewich (OK beer, excellent food and the chance to say hello to Seth Lakeman) and the Newton Brewery, a lovely old-fashioned pub, only one beer (Pedigree) but best pint of the holiday.
So good to be able to enjoy a folk festival again - good music, good company and good beer, and the chance to stay on a narrowboat! Fantastic.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Southampton Weekend
Had a great time in Southampton *deleted*. Had a really nice meal with Pat and Shirl in Buffalo Bill's in Commercial Road - excellent burgers and very big portions. Just right to line the stomach before heading to the beer festival at the Guildhall.
Decided to make it a dark beer night with Bradfield Farmer's Stout, Cairngorm Black Gold, Little Valley Stoodley Stout and some others which I forget!
*deleted* Mary Jane were still very good, and I knew a lot of the words to their old stuff, so could appreciate Burning Times and Matty Groves, for instance. Shame their new album wasn't ready yet! The new songs sounded fab though, lots of nice fast Celtic numbers, and some slower woodwind-led ballads.
*deleted* Next day we all met up again and we drove to Romsey to show Pat the canal, the Salmon Leap and other sights. *deleted*. No pubs were involved, although we did point out quite a few of our old haunts! Had a nice tea and cake at the King John's Lodge - I'd definitely reccommend it. They've done a lovely job with the museum there.
Back home again now - have finished all the painting - hooray! Hope we have some offers on the house soon - I can't wait to get away to Redhill and start my new life.
Sorry about the deletions folks - Kevin has requested that I do not refer to a certain incident in my blog, which is probably for the best.
Decided to make it a dark beer night with Bradfield Farmer's Stout, Cairngorm Black Gold, Little Valley Stoodley Stout and some others which I forget!
*deleted* Mary Jane were still very good, and I knew a lot of the words to their old stuff, so could appreciate Burning Times and Matty Groves, for instance. Shame their new album wasn't ready yet! The new songs sounded fab though, lots of nice fast Celtic numbers, and some slower woodwind-led ballads.
*deleted* Next day we all met up again and we drove to Romsey to show Pat the canal, the Salmon Leap and other sights. *deleted*. No pubs were involved, although we did point out quite a few of our old haunts! Had a nice tea and cake at the King John's Lodge - I'd definitely reccommend it. They've done a lovely job with the museum there.
Back home again now - have finished all the painting - hooray! Hope we have some offers on the house soon - I can't wait to get away to Redhill and start my new life.
Sorry about the deletions folks - Kevin has requested that I do not refer to a certain incident in my blog, which is probably for the best.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Taking it easy
Shingles are all but healed, although still giving me stabbing pains every now and again. But I decided to take it easy for a while, eat healthily and give my immune system a chance to build up. I also walked back from North Camp station to home a few times just to keep a bit fitter. So not much in the way of news (although it's Southampton Beer Festival and Mary Jane tonight) - I did get rather drunk after choir on Monday though and decided I was everyone's kindred spirit! I'm sure they put something extra in the HSB at the Royal Oak...
Meanwhile here's a Wikipedia game - search Wikipedia for your birth date (day and month). Then post 3 events, 1 death, 2 birthdays (other than yours) and 1 holiday celebrated on that day.
Here's mine (6 November):
Events
355 - Roman Emperor Constantius II raises his cousin Julian to the rank of Caesar, entrusting him of the government of the Prefecture of the Gauls.
1935 - Before the New York section of the Institute of Radio Engineers, Edwin Armstrong presents his paper "A Method of Reducing Disturbances in Radio Signaling by a System of Frequency Modulation," i.e. FM radio.
1975 - The Sex Pistols play their first concert at St. Martin's School of Art in London
Birthdays
1494 - Suleiman the Magnificent, Ottoman Sultan (d. 1566)
1926 - Frank Carson, Northern Irish comedian
Death
1893 - Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Russian composer (b. 1840)
Holiday
Sweden - Death of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden and official flag day
Meanwhile here's a Wikipedia game - search Wikipedia for your birth date (day and month). Then post 3 events, 1 death, 2 birthdays (other than yours) and 1 holiday celebrated on that day.
Here's mine (6 November):
Events
355 - Roman Emperor Constantius II raises his cousin Julian to the rank of Caesar, entrusting him of the government of the Prefecture of the Gauls.
1935 - Before the New York section of the Institute of Radio Engineers, Edwin Armstrong presents his paper "A Method of Reducing Disturbances in Radio Signaling by a System of Frequency Modulation," i.e. FM radio.
1975 - The Sex Pistols play their first concert at St. Martin's School of Art in London
Birthdays
1494 - Suleiman the Magnificent, Ottoman Sultan (d. 1566)
1926 - Frank Carson, Northern Irish comedian
Death
1893 - Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Russian composer (b. 1840)
Holiday
Sweden - Death of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden and official flag day
Monday, May 28, 2007
Shingles - ow ow ow ow ow!
No, not the kind you get on the beach, but the dormant chickenpox type that has decided to resurface because I am stressed. Yeah thanks, body, that's just what I need at this moment! There's a patch on my ribs and another on my back. The one on my ribs is really painful, it's like getting stabbed in the chest every now and again.
And it means I can't come into contact with other people, as I could give them chicken pox/shingles if they haven't already had it. So no Chippenham folk festival for me this weekend. Also no more flat viewings for a while, and nobody can come here either for viewings as I'm staying in the house.
On top of all of that, it's hissed it down with rain all weekend, so I couldn't even go into the garden!
Good thing I have friends and relations to phone up when I'm feeling down. The Aciclovir tablets knock me for six and the disease seems to have scrambled my brain as well, I'm not at my sparkling-est.
And it means I can't come into contact with other people, as I could give them chicken pox/shingles if they haven't already had it. So no Chippenham folk festival for me this weekend. Also no more flat viewings for a while, and nobody can come here either for viewings as I'm staying in the house.
On top of all of that, it's hissed it down with rain all weekend, so I couldn't even go into the garden!
Good thing I have friends and relations to phone up when I'm feeling down. The Aciclovir tablets knock me for six and the disease seems to have scrambled my brain as well, I'm not at my sparkling-est.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Isle of Wight Holiday
Met up with my sister at Southampton Central, bundled my rucksack into her car, then headed off to the Isle of Wight in the car ferry. Was a bit too blowy to be outside and the smell of chips and vinegar was everywhere on the (only) inside deck, but apart from that it was good fun. We spotted lots of familiar villages and landmarks along the Solent and were pleased to see the Eat Cowes landing, the start of many good childhood holidays.
We had no difficulty finding Ruskin Lodge. Good views, close to the beach and CAMRA bar, and our rooms were beautiful – plus a friendly housekeeper, handsome owner and two cute kittens! What more could one ask.
Having unpacked we headed down to Freshwater Bay where the waves were crashing onto the little prom. Then it was into the Fat Cat Bar at the Sandpipers Hotel for some refreshment. There were some superb real ales on during our stay (we went there a few times) including Goddards Bitter, Elland Bargee and Caledonian Top Banana – as well as a kilo of moules mariniere for under £7! Bargain.
Sadly the weather wasn’t that good while we were there, but the Isle of Wight is very geared up to tourism and there were plenty of things to do inside, such as Alum Bay glassblowing and sweet factory (we went back several times to stock up on handmade sweets), Carisbrooke Castle, Butterfly and Fountain World, Newport shopping (we got absolutely soaked inbetween shops though), Chessel Pottery and a number of local pubs. Apart from the Fat Cat, other outstanding pubs included the Bargeman’s Rest at Newport, where I had a stunning pint of Goddards Inspiration whilst listening to a really good Jazz band and eating a huge burger. There was also the Red Lion in Old Freshwater, which did a superb Lobster Chowder, and the New Inn in Shalfleet where I ate some beautiful tiger prawns in garlic accompanied by a pint of Ventnor Gold.
Fortunately the day we’d booked to go on one of the Walking Festival guided walks was sunny, so we enjoyed walking around Colwell and Totland bays and up to Tennyson Down whilst learning more about the history of the area. Next day I thought I’d take Shirl on the short walk from Alum Bay to the Needles – but the wind had picked up again and she nearly got blown off the cliff! She fell over and the contents of her handbag flew about in the wind – we had to pick up cheque books, ciggies etc before they all blew out to sea! She was all right apart from an impressive bruise on the knee.
It was great to get away from the stressful situation at home for a while – but it was straight back into the grind of redecorating when I got back. Never long enough, holidays…
PS photos in Valerie's Gallery just as soon as I can get my home PC to sign me in to Blogger :-/
We had no difficulty finding Ruskin Lodge. Good views, close to the beach and CAMRA bar, and our rooms were beautiful – plus a friendly housekeeper, handsome owner and two cute kittens! What more could one ask.
Having unpacked we headed down to Freshwater Bay where the waves were crashing onto the little prom. Then it was into the Fat Cat Bar at the Sandpipers Hotel for some refreshment. There were some superb real ales on during our stay (we went there a few times) including Goddards Bitter, Elland Bargee and Caledonian Top Banana – as well as a kilo of moules mariniere for under £7! Bargain.
Sadly the weather wasn’t that good while we were there, but the Isle of Wight is very geared up to tourism and there were plenty of things to do inside, such as Alum Bay glassblowing and sweet factory (we went back several times to stock up on handmade sweets), Carisbrooke Castle, Butterfly and Fountain World, Newport shopping (we got absolutely soaked inbetween shops though), Chessel Pottery and a number of local pubs. Apart from the Fat Cat, other outstanding pubs included the Bargeman’s Rest at Newport, where I had a stunning pint of Goddards Inspiration whilst listening to a really good Jazz band and eating a huge burger. There was also the Red Lion in Old Freshwater, which did a superb Lobster Chowder, and the New Inn in Shalfleet where I ate some beautiful tiger prawns in garlic accompanied by a pint of Ventnor Gold.
Fortunately the day we’d booked to go on one of the Walking Festival guided walks was sunny, so we enjoyed walking around Colwell and Totland bays and up to Tennyson Down whilst learning more about the history of the area. Next day I thought I’d take Shirl on the short walk from Alum Bay to the Needles – but the wind had picked up again and she nearly got blown off the cliff! She fell over and the contents of her handbag flew about in the wind – we had to pick up cheque books, ciggies etc before they all blew out to sea! She was all right apart from an impressive bruise on the knee.
It was great to get away from the stressful situation at home for a while – but it was straight back into the grind of redecorating when I got back. Never long enough, holidays…
PS photos in Valerie's Gallery just as soon as I can get my home PC to sign me in to Blogger :-/
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Moving On
Hi All
Sorry for the lack of posts recently, as I am redecorating the house I've had to move my home PC, which has also had problems connecting with the internet. So am just doing a quick post from work today. Hopefully I'll be able to reconnect the (much better) home PC soon.
Friends and neighbours have been brilliant in helping with the trickier bits of redecorating - big thankyou to all of you.
Did some Morris dancing yesterday to welcome in the May-o outside the Red Lion in Godalming. There wasn't a huge audience as the Red Lion was closed, and most people were watching the Chelsea-Liverpool game, but this was just as well as I fluffed Nutting Girl and my petticoat started slipping down during Sophie's Stave Dance. I hope this doesn't happen at Kew Gardens on Saturday, which is our next outing!
Apologies to Titchfield Cycling Association for not listing them under 'friends' - of course all my links are friends! I'd love to join TCA for a ride at some point, it would have to be near a train station for me to get there by public transport. I hope there are a lot of 'spare' men there too - I'm quite partial to fit men in lycra ;-)
Driving lessons are coming along sort-of-OK, last lesson we did hill starts and I kept forgetting to put the car in first gear, then wondering why it kept slipping back. Simon reckons I should be able to pass my test this time. It would make a great difference to me, so I certainly hope so!
Off flat shopping now - will let you know if I see anywhere nice :-)
Sorry for the lack of posts recently, as I am redecorating the house I've had to move my home PC, which has also had problems connecting with the internet. So am just doing a quick post from work today. Hopefully I'll be able to reconnect the (much better) home PC soon.
Friends and neighbours have been brilliant in helping with the trickier bits of redecorating - big thankyou to all of you.
Did some Morris dancing yesterday to welcome in the May-o outside the Red Lion in Godalming. There wasn't a huge audience as the Red Lion was closed, and most people were watching the Chelsea-Liverpool game, but this was just as well as I fluffed Nutting Girl and my petticoat started slipping down during Sophie's Stave Dance. I hope this doesn't happen at Kew Gardens on Saturday, which is our next outing!
Apologies to Titchfield Cycling Association for not listing them under 'friends' - of course all my links are friends! I'd love to join TCA for a ride at some point, it would have to be near a train station for me to get there by public transport. I hope there are a lot of 'spare' men there too - I'm quite partial to fit men in lycra ;-)
Driving lessons are coming along sort-of-OK, last lesson we did hill starts and I kept forgetting to put the car in first gear, then wondering why it kept slipping back. Simon reckons I should be able to pass my test this time. It would make a great difference to me, so I certainly hope so!
Off flat shopping now - will let you know if I see anywhere nice :-)
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Reading Passport Challenge
The weather's been beautiful today so I've been out on my bike, visiting the few last pubs on my Reading CAMRA passport. Yesterday I was invited to TWO barbecues in Reading, and as well as partying also managed to squeeze in some pubs near the town centre that I can't usually get to - the lovely Butcher's Arms in Tilehurst, the friendly Eldon Arms just off the A4 and the excellent Hop Leaf on Southampton Street (supped some Hop Back Entire Stout there, flippin' gorgeous!).
So today I had a choice - 2 pubs in Theale or two pubs in Hurst? I also really wanted to go to the Bull Inn in Sonning, as I had heard how good it was from a lady in the Eldon. In the end I decided on the Prince of Wales in Caversham, which I'd been to before and knew was nice, then on to Sonning down the Thames Path then back through Hurst (even though it meant a spare pub) to Wokingham and the train home.
Had a nice half of Brakspear Organic Beer, then it was on to the Bull, which was very busy by contrast. The food looked good but I couldn't really afford a meal so had some speciality nuts instead!
Next it was a longish stretch to Hurst - thought I'd cut off a corner by going down Park Lane which was very quiet and picturesque, and I also passed an interesting looking 'Brakspear' pub called the Land's End. Unfortunately there was a ford on the other side of it! My trouser bottoms got rather wet but the little mountainbike-hybrid was unfazed.
The two Greene King pubs in Hurst weren't really inspiring, but their Greene King IPA was OK. Then wobbled to Wokingham with my 13 stickers, having achieved a free VIP beer festival ticket. And some sunburn. Ow!
So today I had a choice - 2 pubs in Theale or two pubs in Hurst? I also really wanted to go to the Bull Inn in Sonning, as I had heard how good it was from a lady in the Eldon. In the end I decided on the Prince of Wales in Caversham, which I'd been to before and knew was nice, then on to Sonning down the Thames Path then back through Hurst (even though it meant a spare pub) to Wokingham and the train home.
Had a nice half of Brakspear Organic Beer, then it was on to the Bull, which was very busy by contrast. The food looked good but I couldn't really afford a meal so had some speciality nuts instead!
Next it was a longish stretch to Hurst - thought I'd cut off a corner by going down Park Lane which was very quiet and picturesque, and I also passed an interesting looking 'Brakspear' pub called the Land's End. Unfortunately there was a ford on the other side of it! My trouser bottoms got rather wet but the little mountainbike-hybrid was unfazed.
The two Greene King pubs in Hurst weren't really inspiring, but their Greene King IPA was OK. Then wobbled to Wokingham with my 13 stickers, having achieved a free VIP beer festival ticket. And some sunburn. Ow!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Fareham & Gosport Folk Festival 2007
Rather a different experience to previous festivals, but I enjoyed the music and the company. Avoided Kevin and Ugly, though I spoke to Kevin briefly about house plans. Sat with Ugly's husband on the Friday evening which was a bit bizarre - but it was good to have his empathetic and cheering company for a while. Old friends like Darren, Mary, Dennis and Sue, and Lesley were on hand to give some support, and also new friends Dawn and Vicki from the B&B, whom I hope to stay in contact with!
Discovery of the festival was Flossie Malavialle, a French folk singer who has lived in Darlington (or D'Arleau as she called it!) for a long while, and has acquired a hybrid accent as well as musical style and sense of humour! She was also really nice to talk to, which makes all the difference really. I bought her album 'The Wilderness Years' - great music, perhaps a definitive divorce album! Old favourites Paul Downes and ColvinQuarmby were also there on the Friday. CQ were singing a few of their splitting-up songs too but theirs are more cheerful - in the pace of the tunes, anyway!
Missed Mary Jane and Arlen sadly, as their sets clashed with Show of Hands 'dress rehearsal' of their Albert Hall gig the next day - a truly outstanding show with guests as diverse as a Cornish choir (Fisherman's Friends), Tom Robinson, Martyn Joseph, Miranda Sykes and Paul Downes. Would you expect anything less?
On Saturday I took advantage of the glorious weather to cycle down to Warsash, a pretty little village with a nature reserve and a pink ferry to Hamble. Discovered a little delicatessen which served a delicious bowl of Leek Chowder with fresh bread, and real icecream. Bought some Zapatista Coffee on Robb Johnson's recommendation!! I also chanced upon a beer festival tent outside the Ferryman's and supped some Goddards Ale of Wight, very nice.
Took the pink ferry over to Hamble and had a wander round - yet more pubs, but only ventured into the little gastropub, the Bugle. They only had Courage brands so I tried some Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc - CAMRA heresy but tasty and refreshing on a hot day. Cycled back in time for the evening concerts. John Tams and Barry Coope were very good - John is a master songwriter and Barry an impassioned singer - but I alwys moan at Barry's artificial-sounding Yamaha organ which kind of defeats the (folk) object as far as I'm concerned. Kate Rusby and her band gave the best performance I've seen the give so far - really enjoyed it! Missed 'Sir Egremont' as I popped out to the loo though, damme and blast it!
On Sunday I met up with Mum, Dad and my sister Shirl for Easter roast meal in Braishfield - huge portions! Got front spot for Seth Lakeman, was well pleased. Wasn't keen on the much-vaunted Megson, but Lau (including award-winner Kris Drever) were wonderful, full of energy, originality and passion, very skilled musicians and good fun! Almost enjoyed them more than Seth's , whom I had a good dance to. Got my paws on Ben's set list which I'll keep as a souvenir. Also got introduced to Seth later at the Lysses House musician's late session - he was so down to earth, nice to see fame hasn't (noticeably) gone to his head!
Stayed up listening to the late session, 3 of whose most enthusiastic participants (drinking as well as playing!) were Lau. Vicki offered me a lift home at 4.30am, got back to the B&B just as the dawn chorus was starting.
Another trip out on Monday with Shirl to the Sussex Brewery, Emsworth otherwise known as The Sausage Pub. Springbok Sausage was amongst the 'specials' - didn't get to try it though! Had a little walk round the Slipper Pond and the seafront then tiring journey with full pack and mountainbike back home. I'm off to bed now then!
Discovery of the festival was Flossie Malavialle, a French folk singer who has lived in Darlington (or D'Arleau as she called it!) for a long while, and has acquired a hybrid accent as well as musical style and sense of humour! She was also really nice to talk to, which makes all the difference really. I bought her album 'The Wilderness Years' - great music, perhaps a definitive divorce album! Old favourites Paul Downes and ColvinQuarmby were also there on the Friday. CQ were singing a few of their splitting-up songs too but theirs are more cheerful - in the pace of the tunes, anyway!
Missed Mary Jane and Arlen sadly, as their sets clashed with Show of Hands 'dress rehearsal' of their Albert Hall gig the next day - a truly outstanding show with guests as diverse as a Cornish choir (Fisherman's Friends), Tom Robinson, Martyn Joseph, Miranda Sykes and Paul Downes. Would you expect anything less?
On Saturday I took advantage of the glorious weather to cycle down to Warsash, a pretty little village with a nature reserve and a pink ferry to Hamble. Discovered a little delicatessen which served a delicious bowl of Leek Chowder with fresh bread, and real icecream. Bought some Zapatista Coffee on Robb Johnson's recommendation!! I also chanced upon a beer festival tent outside the Ferryman's and supped some Goddards Ale of Wight, very nice.
Took the pink ferry over to Hamble and had a wander round - yet more pubs, but only ventured into the little gastropub, the Bugle. They only had Courage brands so I tried some Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc - CAMRA heresy but tasty and refreshing on a hot day. Cycled back in time for the evening concerts. John Tams and Barry Coope were very good - John is a master songwriter and Barry an impassioned singer - but I alwys moan at Barry's artificial-sounding Yamaha organ which kind of defeats the (folk) object as far as I'm concerned. Kate Rusby and her band gave the best performance I've seen the give so far - really enjoyed it! Missed 'Sir Egremont' as I popped out to the loo though, damme and blast it!
On Sunday I met up with Mum, Dad and my sister Shirl for Easter roast meal in Braishfield - huge portions! Got front spot for Seth Lakeman, was well pleased. Wasn't keen on the much-vaunted Megson, but Lau (including award-winner Kris Drever) were wonderful, full of energy, originality and passion, very skilled musicians and good fun! Almost enjoyed them more than Seth's , whom I had a good dance to. Got my paws on Ben's set list which I'll keep as a souvenir. Also got introduced to Seth later at the Lysses House musician's late session - he was so down to earth, nice to see fame hasn't (noticeably) gone to his head!
Stayed up listening to the late session, 3 of whose most enthusiastic participants (drinking as well as playing!) were Lau. Vicki offered me a lift home at 4.30am, got back to the B&B just as the dawn chorus was starting.
Another trip out on Monday with Shirl to the Sussex Brewery, Emsworth otherwise known as The Sausage Pub. Springbok Sausage was amongst the 'specials' - didn't get to try it though! Had a little walk round the Slipper Pond and the seafront then tiring journey with full pack and mountainbike back home. I'm off to bed now then!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Divorce Songs
Getting ready to go to Fareham and Gosport Folk Festival, which will be better in some ways than previous years - I'm not forced to watch Ugly flirting with my husband as she's got what she wants, but then I have to steel myself against seeing them together as a couple. Hopefully Ugly will have the sense to stay out of my way.
I've heard Ugly's husband might be there as well, it would be nice to see someone who's in the same boat, although he has someone else and is probably further down the road to 'recovery' than me.
Anyway, I digress. Today I've been off sick and feeling sad, so I made a second CD of appropriate divorce songs to cheer myself up.
Some favourites from my divorce CDs:
1. Boo Hewerdine - Evidence
2. Marvin Gaye - Grapevine
3. Carole King - It's Too Late
4. Muse - Plug In Baby
5. McDermott's 2 Hours - The Wheel
6. Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street
7. El Dopa - Slow Boat
8. Nanci Griffiths - Still Got The Radio
9. Beautiful South - Here It Is Again
10. Tears For Fears - Change
The demo for the new McDermott's 2 Hours album, 'Goodbye To The Madhouse', has been strangely useful - it is all about mourning for friends and loved ones who have passed away but is somehow appropriate to the death of a relationship and lifestyle upheavals as well.
Thankyou to all those out there who write sad songs 'where would we be in times like these/without the songs, Loretta wrote'...
I've heard Ugly's husband might be there as well, it would be nice to see someone who's in the same boat, although he has someone else and is probably further down the road to 'recovery' than me.
Anyway, I digress. Today I've been off sick and feeling sad, so I made a second CD of appropriate divorce songs to cheer myself up.
Some favourites from my divorce CDs:
1. Boo Hewerdine - Evidence
2. Marvin Gaye - Grapevine
3. Carole King - It's Too Late
4. Muse - Plug In Baby
5. McDermott's 2 Hours - The Wheel
6. Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street
7. El Dopa - Slow Boat
8. Nanci Griffiths - Still Got The Radio
9. Beautiful South - Here It Is Again
10. Tears For Fears - Change
The demo for the new McDermott's 2 Hours album, 'Goodbye To The Madhouse', has been strangely useful - it is all about mourning for friends and loved ones who have passed away but is somehow appropriate to the death of a relationship and lifestyle upheavals as well.
Thankyou to all those out there who write sad songs 'where would we be in times like these/without the songs, Loretta wrote'...
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Ascot Beer Festival & Racing
Went down to Ascot with Julie, and met up with Ian and Janet, Martin and Jenny, James and Doug as well as lots of friends of Julie's - quite a good crowd from Surrey Brances as well as Berks LOL!
BRRRR!!! Is all I can say. So much for the posh new Pavilion! It obviously wasn't built with the British weather in mind. There are huge gaps in the wall on the bottom floor where the wind whips through, also huge automatic glass doors and lots of glass frontage, yesterday was also more of a typical, perishing cold March day. I felt sorry for the poor Beer Festival volunteers who had to stand in the howling wind serving beer all day - I could barely stand queueing for a beer! There were two folk musicians who were so cold they could barely hold their fiddle and piano-accordion, playing fast tunes to keep themselves warm. The fiddle player was Paul Sartin whom I recognised from Bellowhead - a pleasant surprise!
Beer of the Festival for me was the first one that I tried - Lovibond's Henley Dark, a delicious, well-balanced porter. The Twickenham Naked Ladies was very good, but the Crane Sundance somewhat medicinal. Loddon's First Gold also in good form. Unfortunately I had a bit of a tummy upset so couldn't drink much.
I wasn't lucky with the horses again, only winning £1.33 on the first race. Janet and Ian seemed to be the luckiest, winning on almost every race!
I'd definitely go again, enjoyed the horse racing, the beer and the company - but I just hope it's a bit warmer next year!
BRRRR!!! Is all I can say. So much for the posh new Pavilion! It obviously wasn't built with the British weather in mind. There are huge gaps in the wall on the bottom floor where the wind whips through, also huge automatic glass doors and lots of glass frontage, yesterday was also more of a typical, perishing cold March day. I felt sorry for the poor Beer Festival volunteers who had to stand in the howling wind serving beer all day - I could barely stand queueing for a beer! There were two folk musicians who were so cold they could barely hold their fiddle and piano-accordion, playing fast tunes to keep themselves warm. The fiddle player was Paul Sartin whom I recognised from Bellowhead - a pleasant surprise!
Beer of the Festival for me was the first one that I tried - Lovibond's Henley Dark, a delicious, well-balanced porter. The Twickenham Naked Ladies was very good, but the Crane Sundance somewhat medicinal. Loddon's First Gold also in good form. Unfortunately I had a bit of a tummy upset so couldn't drink much.
I wasn't lucky with the horses again, only winning £1.33 on the first race. Janet and Ian seemed to be the luckiest, winning on almost every race!
I'd definitely go again, enjoyed the horse racing, the beer and the company - but I just hope it's a bit warmer next year!
Salsa Celtica at South Hill Park, Bracknell
A superb night with Salsa Celtica the Hispanic-Celtic 10-piece band, consisting of 2 drummers (trad and bongo), saxophonist, piper, impassioned Latin vocals, keyboard, fiddle, guitars. They include musicians from Venezuela, Cuba, Scotland, Ireland, amongst others. There was a big area at the front for dancing, at first the crowd of mostly middleaged folkies were shy to dance but after a few drinks at the interval the floor was packed with people doing a bizarre mixture of Salsa and Scottish Ceilidh! Jane, who knows how to dance Salsa, was amongst them - I was trying to teach a Spanish lady to dance the Highland Fling (or something approximating to it!)
Last year I reviewed their album El Camino for folking.com and was pleased to hear lots of songs from that, especially the beautiful 'Esperanza' and the energetic 'Pa'l Rumberos'. Superb musicianship and great fusion music, can't wait to see the compadres at Gillingham Festival!
Last year I reviewed their album El Camino for folking.com and was pleased to hear lots of songs from that, especially the beautiful 'Esperanza' and the energetic 'Pa'l Rumberos'. Superb musicianship and great fusion music, can't wait to see the compadres at Gillingham Festival!
Monday, March 19, 2007
London Irish v Wasps, 18/03/07
WHAT A MATCH! To start with, there was a brilliant St Patrick's Weekend atmosphere in the Madejski Stadium, with the gate numbers at a record-breaking high of just over 22,000. The tannoy was blasting out the inevitable Irish folk songs such as Molly Malone and The Fields of Athenrye - should it be Peckham Rye for the London-Irish version? ;-)
The team came on to thunderous applause, I was disappointed Mike Catt wasn't there, but he'd been playing at international level that weekend. Irish started off playing really well, but missed a few conversions that should have been straightforward. By half time they were 10-0 up.
In the second half Wasps seemed like a different team, swarming round the Irish players with far greater energy and purpose. They were soon level on 10-10, then just ahead 10-13, but then Irish pulled themselves together to get level at 13-13. With 10 minutes to go the Argentinian player with the long hair and difficult name made a superb run down the pitch to get over the try line, but got carried away with his success and failed to touch down! What a wally! Luckily Riki Flutey saved the day for the Exiles with a goal, giving them a 16-13 win.
Had such a good time at the match, am definitely a London Irish fan now and shall go again sometime!
The team came on to thunderous applause, I was disappointed Mike Catt wasn't there, but he'd been playing at international level that weekend. Irish started off playing really well, but missed a few conversions that should have been straightforward. By half time they were 10-0 up.
In the second half Wasps seemed like a different team, swarming round the Irish players with far greater energy and purpose. They were soon level on 10-10, then just ahead 10-13, but then Irish pulled themselves together to get level at 13-13. With 10 minutes to go the Argentinian player with the long hair and difficult name made a superb run down the pitch to get over the try line, but got carried away with his success and failed to touch down! What a wally! Luckily Riki Flutey saved the day for the Exiles with a goal, giving them a 16-13 win.
Had such a good time at the match, am definitely a London Irish fan now and shall go again sometime!
Climax Ceilidh Band at Godalming Ceilidh
As a member of Guildford Vox there was no way I could miss seeing our leader Anna Tabbush playing with her ceilidh band. I'd already seen Meridian, her trio, and had enjoyed the gigs a lot so I guessed I was in for a treat with Climax Ceilidh Band who are Meridian plus two.
I'd arranged to meet Linda from morris dancing at the Borough Hall, but she was a little late so I asked a nice-looking bloke if he fancied a dance, which he did! What is is to be (almost) single. Linda and I joined in with several dances, the caller Fee Lock was very good, teaching us quite complicated dances but always making sure that the beginners knew what they were doing. There were inevitably quite a few of us from Guildford Vox there, but also two people from Anna's other choir in Brighton! It was also good to sit out a few of the dances and just listen to the band, which were excellent. I am a fan of Chris Walshaw's pipe playing, and he has a beautiful set of French pipes inlaid with silver, lending a continental feel to quite a lot of the tunes. It was also amazing to see Anna playing fiddle and dancing in her stilettos! The skill of the woman!! They played many songs from their album, Come Dancing, which is of course highly recommended.
Had a pint and a half of the Hogs Back Tea from the polypin but mostly water, as I was perspiring somewhat from all the dancing. Then it was a long walk back to Linda's house to stay the night in the spare room.
Many thanks to Linda for her company and hospitality!
I'd arranged to meet Linda from morris dancing at the Borough Hall, but she was a little late so I asked a nice-looking bloke if he fancied a dance, which he did! What is is to be (almost) single. Linda and I joined in with several dances, the caller Fee Lock was very good, teaching us quite complicated dances but always making sure that the beginners knew what they were doing. There were inevitably quite a few of us from Guildford Vox there, but also two people from Anna's other choir in Brighton! It was also good to sit out a few of the dances and just listen to the band, which were excellent. I am a fan of Chris Walshaw's pipe playing, and he has a beautiful set of French pipes inlaid with silver, lending a continental feel to quite a lot of the tunes. It was also amazing to see Anna playing fiddle and dancing in her stilettos! The skill of the woman!! They played many songs from their album, Come Dancing, which is of course highly recommended.
Had a pint and a half of the Hogs Back Tea from the polypin but mostly water, as I was perspiring somewhat from all the dancing. Then it was a long walk back to Linda's house to stay the night in the spare room.
Many thanks to Linda for her company and hospitality!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Racing at Sandown
Why Sandown? After my first visit to Esher I was walking back to the station when I chanced to see a banner advertising a health and safety exhibition at the Grandstand, Sandown so I popped in to get a few freebies, I mean get some useful information for work. As well as a free smoothie and a good haul of pens, keyrings, bottle openers etc I also acquired a free Grandstand ticket to the race meeting on 10th March, worth £15! Patrick had never been to a race meeting before so he came along too.
The Grandstand at Sandown is far less grotty and sleazy than most racecourse stands, and we were pleased to find a stand selling Hogs Back real ale and Mr Whitehead's scrumpy cider. We also couldn't resist the salt beef sandwich stand for a mid-afternoon snack! The course itself is very attractive, with views stretching as far as the Wembley Arch, and the weather stayed fine and clear. We didn't make a killing on the betting though, it has to be said - I made the princely sum of 50p on the first race with an each way bet, and Pat made £1 on the last race! On the second race I was most disappointed to watch my horse leading all the way round the track, only to jump the last fence badly and unseat its rider. Stupid donkey!!
After the racing we went round Simon and Jane's for fish and chips from the award-winning chip shop in Aldershot - excellent meal it was too. Holly acquired the left over bits of fish skin.
Very pleasant day out - shame Lady Luck wasn't with me though!!
The Grandstand at Sandown is far less grotty and sleazy than most racecourse stands, and we were pleased to find a stand selling Hogs Back real ale and Mr Whitehead's scrumpy cider. We also couldn't resist the salt beef sandwich stand for a mid-afternoon snack! The course itself is very attractive, with views stretching as far as the Wembley Arch, and the weather stayed fine and clear. We didn't make a killing on the betting though, it has to be said - I made the princely sum of 50p on the first race with an each way bet, and Pat made £1 on the last race! On the second race I was most disappointed to watch my horse leading all the way round the track, only to jump the last fence badly and unseat its rider. Stupid donkey!!
After the racing we went round Simon and Jane's for fish and chips from the award-winning chip shop in Aldershot - excellent meal it was too. Holly acquired the left over bits of fish skin.
Very pleasant day out - shame Lady Luck wasn't with me though!!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Choir Gig at Student Union, Guildford
This time we were singing in the Chancellor's Bar, by invitation of the Student Union's 'Know Yourself' stress-busting initiative. Rather hard to find - I ended up navigating us to the Varsity Bar instead, perhaps out of habit!
I think the choir went down rather well, considering our audence of discerning students - not everyone talked loudly over our singing, and some even clapped along to 'Sloop John B'. Abba's 'The Name of the Game', although a difficult one to learn, always goes down well as everyone knows it. The African songs were well received but the Finnish 'Reindeer Calling Song' got some strange reactions! After the gig there was the chance to relax with some (cheap!) beer - I passed on the Itchen Valley Treacle Stout and went for the keg Hoegaarden instead, delicious. There was also a very good blues band on afterwards as well, maybe we'll recruit the singer into the choir!
I think the choir went down rather well, considering our audence of discerning students - not everyone talked loudly over our singing, and some even clapped along to 'Sloop John B'. Abba's 'The Name of the Game', although a difficult one to learn, always goes down well as everyone knows it. The African songs were well received but the Finnish 'Reindeer Calling Song' got some strange reactions! After the gig there was the chance to relax with some (cheap!) beer - I passed on the Itchen Valley Treacle Stout and went for the keg Hoegaarden instead, delicious. There was also a very good blues band on afterwards as well, maybe we'll recruit the singer into the choir!
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