Gaming Nirvana…

Once again I made the pilgrimage to Essen for one of the best analogue gaming conventions around.

This time I hitched a lift with Derek who was driving over and it certainly made a difference to not have to battle the various European public transport systems.

We went to our usual hotel and met up with many of the regulars including Marc who had flown in from Sweden.

The venue was busy and more areas were open to stalls which helped soak up some of the crowds. I didn’t go too mad while I was there and apart from I couple of gifts I got these for myself…

Escape from Colditz – a reissue of the original with both the old rules and a slightly modified new set and the production values are excellent. This is more of a nostalgia buy.

Karuba (with show expansion) – I good quick to learn, quick to play game that I had enjoyed playing last year and now decided to add to my collection.

Oh my Goods! – bought on the recommendation of a couple of respected gamers.

Kingdomino – new out this year and has good production values. Another easy to learn and play game for the family.

Goons of New York 1901 expansion – I really enjoy New York 1901 and this cute expansion along with the fancy painted figures adds to the game in a good way.

X-Wing miniatures – this was a birthday gift from Marc & Heather, thanks guys.

Istanbul coffee expansion – bought on a number of recommendations from friends and changes the game in an interesting way.

Snowblind, Race for the Pole – This is by Robert van Zyl, one of the guys I met at the convention who frequents some of the gaming sessions at the hotel. A nice guy and a good little game.

Thunderbirds: Tracy Island Expansion – the base game is a challenging co-op game and this adds a few more characters, vehicles, and cards to give more playability.

Local Music…

One of our local pubs, Bertram Bees (B&Bs) hosted Charlie Giles recently, a local singer, who made the most of being cooped up in the corner of a packed bar and sang his heart out. 

2000th 2000AD…

It was a milestone edition for a great British comic with the 2000^th issue of the cult 2000AD and I had to buy a copy. It was still as good as I remember back when I first started reading it when it came out in the 1970’s. 

Board games, Beer and Music...

Recently I got together with a few friends as part of our semi-regular face-to-face gaming days. Here we played a few varied games including:

Pandemic: The Cure

Table Tantrums

Zombicide: Black Plague

Istanbul

In the evening I went to catch up with Sue and Debs and found them in one of the pubs in Dorking’s West Street that were having their own Westival.

They were watching the talented Cellar Door play at the Old House. After this we wander across the road to watch Daytona Rocks at the King’s Arms, and then it was back to the Old House for a bite to eat while we listened to a Blues duo performing for the wedding guests in the garden. We strolled over to The Star to listen to Radio City and ended up back at the Old House grooving to the eclectic sounds of the fabulous Still Moving DJ’s.

Come fly with me…

It has been a year of celebrations for my 50^th birthday and recently I turned in a voucher given to me by my Uncle for a glider flight at the London Gliding Club located at Dunstable. It was delay some time due to the fog and low cloud, but eventually it cleared up enough for me to go up towed behind an aeroplane to a few thousand feet and then let loose. As a passenger of the dual control gliders you get the front seat with magnificent views for miles around. I was given a few basic lessons on the controls and allowed to make a couple of turns before the pilot took over and landed back on the field about 15 minutes later. It was a great experience but perhaps not something I really need to do again.

  

After this we went to a nearby pub where the Aldbury Morris were due to arrive as part of their annual bike ride event to perform and have lunch. By now the sun was out and we enjoyed the entertainment before returning home. 

WESTfest…

Our local village fete was postponed after bad weather earlier in the year and they ended up with a lovely day for the event when it happened recently out on the Cradhurst Recreation Ground with a good number of people enjoying the atmosphere. 

Magical music…

Folk at the Farm is the label for a series of ad hoc events put on at a farm in Surrey. Sometimes it can be music in the front room, sometimes a mini festival in a field. This was a couple of bands performing in a barn.

The first act was Laurie Gregory and her band, a strong, moving performance of C&W songs, all the more remarkable when I heard she had just recently returned to singing after losing her voice due to cancer.

But however impressive she was we were not prepared for the shear brilliant musicianship of the next band. Assembly Lane is a group of young men, many of who are studying music in Newcastle and they blew us away with their skill and professionalism and a fabulous set of tunes and songs. The two main singers have a very different sound and this brings an extra dimension to their music; one is American with a deep base accented voice; the other British with much higher pitch. This allowed them to get the best out of the American and British folk songs they each sang. 

Any excuse for a party…

we chose as an excuse to gather around at our place for a party. The weather was a bit miserable to start with but brightened up a bit during the afternoon as we enjoyed a meal prepared by Sue and I (mostly Sue of course) of mostly vegetarian dishes for Suniva using produce from our vegetable garden (I did a large chunk of beef on the BBQ to satisfy the committed carnivores amongst the group). The deck in the garden had a table and chairs for us laid out, a brolly alternatively for rain and sun protection, and in the centre of the table was a large ice bucket for the wine and beer that was replaced with a fire pit in the evening once it got a bit cooler. I think every enjoyed themselves and we now have to find a friendly neighbour to accommodate those bottles that couldn’t fit into our recycling bin. 

Island in the sun…

Our summer holiday this year was to join the Whittenburry’s for part of their stay at the Interlude Sunelia holiday camp on Ile de Re just off La Rochelle in France. The site was a relatively small arrangement of cabins and free camping with a couple of amenity blocks, and indoor and outdoor pool, bar, restaurant, café and shop and places for the kids to play, a performance stage, petanque (boules) pitches all backing onto the sand dunes the other side of a wonderful large sandy beach. We had a lovely little cabin within shouting distance of the family with a couple of bedrooms (so the boys could have sleep overs), a bathroom and separate toilet and a lounge/dinner that connected to the small but functional kitchen (that even included a half size dishwasher). Outside was a deck where we ate our breakfasts and evening meals.

During the day we explored the area, either staying within walking distance of the cabins at the pool, on the beach (swimming, flying Dave’s kite, rock pooling, and playing French cricket) or walking the sand dunes, or we went out further afield in the car to explore the villages nearby.

The larger of the villages is Sainte Martin de Re, the old town of which is built within the walls of a large star shaped fort and like most villages on the island has its own port. Here is where all the tourist activity is with shops and many different eating and drinking establishments. We came here a few times, to wander around, cycle through, and eat and to watch some music and to wonder at the donkeys dressed in pyjamas.

We also visited La Flotte, Arse en Re and Le Bois Plage en Re while we were there, wandering through the old streets, exploring the wonderful food and craft markets and generally have a good time. One of the highlight visits was to Phare des Beleines where the local Jazz at le Phare was being held in the shadow of the lighthouse.

We had family friendly fun at the markets (food and craft), getting bicycles and riding out to the oyster shack and to see the salt pans and playing on the beaches.

After the family left to drive home, Sue and I went across the bridge to La Rochelle where we had the day to explore the old town with its old port, towers, cathedral and many bars and restaurants.

We enjoyed the warm weather and when we did get a bit of rain we all joined in in a few card games together. All in all it was a very pleasant and enjoyable family holiday, the like of which sue and I rarely partake in these days.

Cows on Parade…

The 2016 Cow Parade was held in Surrey as part of the international charitable event that started in Switzerland and has spread to over 80 cities and towns worldwide. In the last few months there have been 64 cows dotted throughout Surrey in many different places, such as at Gatwick airport, vineyards, National Trust properties, or just by the side of the road in towns and villages nearby. As the craze for collecting Pokémon raged I found myself on a mission to collect pictures of cows and I managed quite a few, however I did not get to see them all as the herd was assembled at the Surrey Hills Food,Drink and Music Festival

On yer bike…

The Prudential Ride London cycle event has become a new tradition for us in Westcott and each year it gets better and better. Since the Olympics they have been making slight changes, to the route and to the facilities on the green. This year we were on part of the route that saw the professional riders loop through our village several times, and on the green was a large screen, impressive facilities for the riders to stop, rest, rehydrate, and fix their bikes with medical care on hand and the local physio also performing massages for those tense muscles. The spectators were also catered for with games to play and food to eat.

Some people don’t like the village being effectively closed for the day, but for us this one day of isolation was more than rewarded by the spectacle of the race. Especially when viewed from the local pub who put on music and food to accompany their beverages. Great fun, and long may it continue.

More of wot I have read…

The Shepherd’s Crown by Terry Pratchett

I have been a fan of Terry Pratchett’s gentle subversive style of writing and it is sad that this will be the final Discworld Novel. I have grown up over the years exploring this world that is a distorted reflection on our own and its myths and customs and even though the young adult level of this book may not provide deep stimulus there are still some important themes explored. Some too that I must admit moved me, though that may be my age as I find myself tearing up more and more as I get older. A good read for the fans of this world and its people.

‘Deep in the Chalk, something is stirring. The owls and foxes can sense it, and Tiffany Aching feels it in her boots. An old enemy is gathering strength.

This is a time of endings and beginnings, old friends and new, a blurring of edges and a shifting of power. Now Tiffany stands between the light and dark, the good and the bad.

As the fairy horde prepares for invasion, Tiffany must summon all the witches to stand with her. To protect the land. Her land.

There will be a reckoning…’

The Strange Affair of Spring-Heeled Jack by Mark Hodder

I was attracted to this book by its title, its cover and the Steampunk styled alternative world that it is set in. I loved the way the author twisted the nature of the world and provided an impetus for the change within the narrative. The over the top exotic twists and playfully irreverent treatment of historical heroes was exciting to behold and I thoroughly enjoyed what is billed as the start of the Burton & Swinburne Adventures.

“It is 1861, and Albertian Britain is in the grip of conflicting forces.

Engineers transform the landscape with bigger, faster, noisier and dirtier technological wonders; Eugenicists develop specialist animals to provide unpaid labour; Libertines oppose restrictive and unjust laws and flood the country with propaganda demanding a society based on beauty and creativity; while The Rakes push the boundaries of human behaviour to the limits with magic, sexuality, drugs and anarchy.

Returning from his failed expedition to find the source of the Nile, explorer, linguist, scholar and swordsman Sir Richard Francis Burton finds himself sucked into the perilous depths of this moral and ethical vacuum when the Prime Minster, Lord Palmerston, employs him as “King’s Spy”. His first mission: to investigate the sexual assaults committed by a weird apparition known as Spring Heeled Jack; to find out why chimney sweeps are being kidnapped by half-man, half-dog creatures; and to discover the whereabouts of his badly injured former friend, John Hanning Speke.”

Altered Plans…

We missed out visiting Andy and Jodie due to family issues, but we used the Friday afternoon we had booked off originally to travel to Shropshire, to visit the RHS Hampton Court Flower show instead. Even though it was an afternoon ticket and on a weekday it was still busy and we ambled around the many gardens, pausing at a few stalls, bars, and tents to take in the sights of the show.

We did manage to spend some time in our own garden on the weekend (planted the wasabi plant bought at Hampton Court). But the main plan was to visit Terry and Gill.

Muck & Bullets…

As a contrast to the refined and well-groomed wedding we have just attended the following day was more informal and messier. On our way home we saw signs for the Capel Military Vehicle Show and we thought we would give it a go. The rain we had had over the last few days and the number of vehicles and visitors had turned the site into a quagmire (putting us somewhat in mind of a battle ground). It is not an enormous show but there a few impressive tanks, trucks, guns and other military paraphernalia around. The highlight for me was a battle re-enactment actually using tanks, armoured cars and field guns along with assault troops with plenty of smoke, explosions and churning mud. 

Friends Crazy Big Wedding…

Friends of ours, Paul and Lorraine, final got hitched after ten years of being together. It was a big affair that was made successful by the assistance of so many people. St James church was where the ceremony was held and special permission had to be obtained from the Archbishop which came on a lovely scroll. It and the tea rooms used for the reception are associated with the Titsey estate where Paul works as a gardener. The owners were very welcoming and supportive. Much of the decorating was done with the assistance of talented friends and the whole place looked transformed into a wonderland. The couple also put on entertainment in the form of a circus act for the kids (big and small) and a disco for the evening. One of Lorraine’s brothers, Ian, organised a caricature artist to sketch people, Paul organised a surprise bagpiper to escort the couple from the church to the house, and there was also a hog roast, a fabulous cake, a late night pizza van and much more. Many of stayed the night at the lovely Lingfield Park.

Being the best man meant I felt buttoned up in the unfamiliar suit and on duty until after my speech, which went down well, when I could relax a little.

Although it all was wonderful and the bride and groom were happy as clams, I was quite glad when it was all over. 

More of wot I have heard…

Wide Lying Smiles by Nick and the Sun Machine

Saw Nick Stephenson play solo one evening up at B&Bs, one of our local pubs, and really liked his passion and energy and were impressed with his natural ability. We bought one of his albums on the strength of his performance.

We went with Terry and Gill to see the Budapest Café Orchestra perform at the Hastoe Village Hall and we were thoroughly entertained by their expertise and skill and the comic links and musical jokes they used to lighten up the evening.  

In the afternoon we had visited Aston Abbotts village fete where we saw the Aldbury Morris perform and before the show we had a lovely meal at Da Vinci’s in Tring. The next morning we rounded of the weekends pleasantries with a delightful walk up Ivinghoe Beacon.

We were at a table with a couple of guys from Fishwife’s Broadside a punk band with a folk twist and their music is interesting too if you like it a bit shouty and politically charged

More of wot I have read…

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

  

This was an interesting take on the time travel, life re-do theme that explores how you decisions can change your life or not. I like that the science behind the rebirth is not explored or even explained, and that the main character is not conscious of why she decides to change her actions, and the ending is very neat and tidy. It does allow the author to delve deeper into the main character and you get a real sense of who she is by the end as you see her cope with her choices.

‘What if you had the chance to live your life again and again, until you finally got it right?

During a snowstorm in England in 1910, a baby is born and dies before she can take her first breath.

During a snowstorm in England in 1910, the same baby is born and lives to tell the tale.

What if there were second chances? And third chances? In fact an infinite number of chances to live your life? Would you eventually be able to save the world from its own inevitable destiny? And would you even want to?

Life After Life follows Ursula Todd as she lives through the turbulent events of the last century again and again. With wit and compassion, Kate Atkinson finds warmth even in life’s bleakest moments, and shows an extraordinary ability to evoke the past. Here she is at her most profound and inventive, in a novel that celebrates the best and worst of ourselves.’

The Long Utopia by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter

  

The fourth book in the series that reveals more about the origins of the stepping ability and also makes a good attempt at describing the Long Earth, the soft places and how it could get tangled up in other planetary strands. It lets the characters develop a little more and allows the world to move on so that we can see how it is evolving. It is an easy read without too challenging themes but it held my interest all the way through.

‘It is the middle of the twenty-first century. The cataclysms of Step Day and the Yellowstone eruption have sent humanity out into the Long Earth. Society, on a battered Datum Earth and beyond, continues to evolve. And new challenges emerge.

In a far-distant world, a cantankerous and elderly Lobsang lives with Agnes in the community of New Springfield and endeavours to lead a normal life. They even adopt a child. But there are rumours of hauntings, strange sightings in the sky. On this world, something isn’t right.

Millions of steps away, Joshua receives an urgent summons from New Springfield. Lobsang believes that what is blighting his Earth now threatens all of the worlds of the Long Earth.

To counter this will require the combined efforts of humankind, machine and the super-intelligent Next. And some must make the ultimate sacrifice…’

More wot I have heard…

Written in Scars by Jack Savoretti

This album is difficult to characterise but even though the artist has made his name as a solo acoustic singer he has added a lot of skilfully engineered backing musicians to this collection of songs that unfortunately often feel much the same, are loud and not quite distinctive enough to hold my attention.  

A Stag Do…

As Paul’s best man it was my responsibility to organise his stag do. It was on a weekend and was in two parts; firstly was to travel into London and in the morning visit several of the new craft breweries that have sprung up around Bermondsey including: 

• Fourpure
• EeBria (not a brewery but a beer shop)
• Partizan
• Kernal
• Brew by Numbers

Then we headed to Borough Market where we split up for lunch, some of us ended up in the restaurant called Roast that overlooked the market.

Suitable sated we commuted over to Clapham Junction where we had a drink in The Falcon (once in the Guinness Book of Records for its long bar) and to our main attraction for the evening at the

Four Thieves a pub with their own microbrewery on site and a large games room where we played on the Moonshine Raceway (radio controlled pick-up trucks around a large track) and Plonk Crazy Golf (nine holes squeezed into the smallest of spaces). There was also ping-pong, football and ice hockey tables, and video games including a giant screen Street Fighter.

It was a fun day, but eventually the hours got and loud music got to us old folk and after a last drink at the Falcon we headed to our beds.

The following day we headed out to West Sussex where Southern Pursuits put on a variety of activities based at Tulleys Farm. Here a dozen of us gathered in the rain to try our hands at Archery, Clay Shooting and Axe Throwing. During the morning/afternoon the weather improved and I think most people enjoyed themselves. 

Boardgame geeks…

It was the 10^th anniversary of the UK Games Expo and the event has grown considerable in scale with this year’s expansion into the NEC halls increasing the space and allowing for more people to move around more comfortably. I think they were surprised with the increases this year and many of the stall holders were running out of stock by the last day. Plenty of space in the hotel convention rooms allowed visitors room to play games brought and bought. There was quite a gang of us together allowing us to play a wide variety of games. I was reasonable conservative in my purchases with only three games bought:

•          Istanbul - (travel around the town with your wheelbarrow trading goods and collecting gems);
•          Love Letters (Legend of the Five Rings) - woo the princess;
•     Elevenses – host the perfect tea party. 

A milestone birthday…

It was Jamie’s 30^th birthday recently, and although he was going to be in the USA for the big day with a few pals on a road trip, we managed to catch up with him before he left. We went with Deb and Barbara to Kingham’s in Shere where we had a fabulous lunch. Afterwards we visited the Silent Pool Distillery to try their gin and admire their beautiful still. And then Barbara dropped us off at the Dorking Beer Festival where we sampled a few brews, eventually staggering back via a few pubs in town on our way home including the Spotted Dog, The Kings Arms (where we saw the lively Southern Blues Kings) and then finally The Star.

Underground…

After talking in the bar the night before we arranged a private visit to the caves in Reigate, both Barons and Tunnel Road caves. Sue had not been before and I think she quite enjoyed the experience.

Out on the town…

One of our favourite local bands, Eclectix, were playing and the Red Lounge in dorking and so we got together with Chris, Carole, Deb and Howard to go out for the evening and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Helping hands…

Recently we have been helping our friends Paul and Lorraine prepare for their upcoming nuptials and we enjoyed being able to assist with the choosing of their wines for the wedding. Continuing in a co-operative way we put up our new handmade gate (or rather acted as helpers to our more DIY-skilled neighbour Howard). We also tried to jet wash Deb’s kitchen roof with little success as the high pressure water ended up forcing its way through the seals of the roof lights to drip into the kitchen below. 

More of wot I have read…

The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu (Translated by Ken Liu)

this was a very entertaining book for many reasons; firstly as it was written by a Chinese author it had a different world view and the English translation seems to have kept some of the flavour from the original language; secondly the science elements of the story had an authentic feel t them – even the more outlandish alien ones; and lastly it had some interesting characters in it that felt original and fresh. The pace was slow and measured as it gradually built up tension through the book and now I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

‘1967: Ye Wenjie witnesses Red Guards beat her father to death during China’s Cultural Revolution. This singular event will shape not only the rest of her life but slao the future of mankind.

Four decades later, Beijing police ask nanotech engineer Wang Miao to infiltrate a secretive cabal of scientists after a spate of inexplicable suicides. Wang’s investigation will lead him to a mysterious online game and immerse him in a virtual world ruled by a tractable and unpredictable interaction of its three suns.

This is the Three-Body Problem and it is the key to everything: the key to the scientists’ deaths, the key to a conspiracy that spans light-years and the key to the extinction-level threat humanity now faces.’

Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie

I read the first book, Ancillary Justice, some time back and enjoyed the writing style very much. Now I read the next two in the trilogy back to back and still liked the flavour the author gave the universe of the Radch and the deliberate ambiguous single pronoun aspect of the language. The expansive scale and long history is reminiscent of the Culture series.

‘What if you once had thousands of bodies and near god-like technology at your disposal?

And what if all of it were ripped away?

The Lord of the Radch has given Breq command of the ship Mercy of Kalr and sent her to the only place she would have agreed to go — to Athoek Station, where Lieutenant Awn’s sister works in Horticulture.

Athoek was annexed some six hundred years ago, and by now everyone is fully civilized — or should be. But everything is not as tranquil as it appears. Old divisions are still troublesome, Athoek Station’s AI is unhappy with the situation, and it looks like the alien Presger might have taken an interest in what’s going on. With no guarantees that interest is benevolent.’

Ancillary Mercy by Ann Leckie

‘For a moment, things seem to be under control for the soldier known as Breq. Then a search of Athoek Station’s slums turns up someone who shouldn’t exist – someone who might be an ancillary from a ship that’s been hiding beyond the empire’s reach for three thousand years. Meanwhile, a messenger from the alien and mysterious Presger empire arrives, as does Breq’s enemy, the divided Anaander Mianaai – ruler of an empire at war with itself.

Anaander is heavily armed and extremely unhappy with Breq. She could take her ship and crew and flee, but that would leave everyone at Athoek in terrible danger. Breq has a desperate plan. The odds aren’t good, but that’s never stopped her before.’

All sorts of folk…

Hosted by Mark Radcliffe and Julie Fowlis the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards were an entertaining event with the presentations being made by a variety of people including Michael Morpurgo, Stephen Mangan, Martin Freeman, Matt Berry, Richard Hawley, Sandy Shaw and more, and musical interludes by artists such as Joan Armatrading, Mark Knopfler, Rufus Wainwright (doing a tribute to Sandy Denny), the Unthanks, Norma Waterson and the Gift Band (including husband Martin Carthy and daughter Eliza), John McCusker and band (including Andy Cutting), Katheryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, Sam Lee and an amazing choir, the Young’uns and breakthrough band Lynched.

The winners were:

Folk singer of the year: Rhiannon Giddens.

Best group: the Young’uns.

Best album: Mount the Air by the Unthanks.

Musician of the year: Andy Cutting.

Best duo: Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman.

Horizon award: Sam Kelly.

Young folk award: Brighde Chaimbeul.

Best original song: Mackerel by the Rheingans Sisters.

Best traditional track: Lovely Molly by Sam Lee.

Lifetime achievement awards: Joan Armatrading and Norma Waterson.

Good Tradition award: John McCusker.

Hall of fame inductee: Sandy Denny.

We watched the event from one of the boxes in the attractive Royal Albert Hall and thoroughly enjoyed the event. The lengthy travel into and out of London by public transport (tackling strikes and closures for repair works) we didn’t enjoy so much – one of the disadvantages of living out in the countryside. 

Games, games and more games…

Our semiregular games day was at James’s with Martin and we played several good games – Sons of Anarchy (very exciting game that ended in a mass brawl), King of Thieves, Formula D (that Martin romped away with), Cadaver, Pandemic (where we so very nearly beat the game) and Machi Koro (where James bought nearly all of the 7’s and rolled amazingly to thrash us). 

Springtime in the countryside…

We went for a stroll one midweek evening to see the fabulous display of blue bells at Old Simms Copse which is near us at White Downs. As a treat we then went to the Abinger Hatch and had a lovely dinner. Life is good.

Flash the cash…

Or unnecessary displays of excessive capitalistic consumption.

We went to John Lewis initially to look for some curtains and to spend a voucher Sue was given as a gift, but we did end up with a few other items we had not planned on buying. My uncle Terry and Gill had given us money for a new dinner service and so we found one we liked (Sue was so excited about the mustard spoons we had this condiment with several meals afterwards). While we were there we looked around unsuccessfully for a new food processer (our one was given to us as a wedding present over twenty years ago, and although it works fine is bulky and unattractive), and we ended up with a Nespresso coffee machine. Also we found a new sound system to replace our existing one that had become faulty. Quite an expensive visit in the end, and as it turned out the curtains had to be returned as they were too short. 

Good enough to eat off…

We had the oven cleaned recently too, so along with the faulty boiler replacement it meant a bit of disruption to our regular domestic life. We did decide to eat out one night as we didn’t want to get the shiny appliance dirty again. 

In hot water…

A new boiler has been installed after our previous one was condemned. We had a recurring fault and a service contract so we have had several engineers out over the years to try and fix it. The last managed to stop the problem occurring but identified that the insulation needed replacing. The unit was working but after they started to pull it apart they realised they would need to remove the heat exchanger to replace the rear insulation panel, doing this could be an issue as often the heat exchanger’s fragile fins are damaged and so it is usual to replace them rather than reuse the old one. After consultation with the insurance company they decided it was uneconomical to fix but they could not replace the old panels as they we now broken after being removed, so the whole unit was disabled. The insurance company offered us a payoff and we had to use this against a replacement boiler. It took us a while to get the quotes in and decide on a company in which time we used washing facilities and Sue’s work, the neighbours and had several washes with water boiled in the kettle (felt like historical re-enactment). We hadn’t realised how much we took instant hot water for granted. Luckily we had a gas fire in the lounge and the weather was not too cold. Do not fear we are all up and running again and are clean and fragrant. 

Birthday cakes and balloons…

Chris’s 50^th birthday with family and friends at their house. Also celebrated Lucy’s birthday at the same time. The large inflatable balloons in the shape of a giant 69 were a bit confusing until it was explained that that is the combined age of Chris and Lucy. We had got Chris a bottle of whiskey and a couple of glasses when we had seen him previously. 

Busy Easter bunnies…

We travelled up and visited Terry and Gill and had a delicious dinner with them and Rod and Jenny. 

The next day we visited Sue’s mum and had lunch with her and some of the extended the family at the Sun in Carshalton, a nice venue with tasty food. Strolling back from the Sun we stopped in at the Hope – a beer drinker’s heaven for a swift pint.

That evening we went to the Hideawayvenue in Streatham with Deb and Linda and saw Jazz-Funk combo Shakatak where we met up with Suniva and Tony. It was a fun place and and enjoyable evening.

Back at home we worked in the garden the following day, cleaning and getting ready for the warmer weather to come (ever hopeful). In the evening Howard came over for dinner.

The weather had been quite windy and so we helped our neighbour clear up after her fence blew over in the high winds that also did for our dilapidated gate.

We also went over to visit the godsons and their family where they were quite excited by the chocolate ‘scotch’ eggs Sue had made. 

More of wot I have heard…

Courting the Squall by Guy Garvey. Some very accomplished song writing with moving lyrics and memorable melodies.

Singles by Future Islands. Somewhat unusual and stimulating performance from this slightly offbeat band. 

More of wot I have read…

20,000 Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne

Another one of those classics you think you know but have never actually read. I must admit I did not connect with it at all and I am not quite sure why it was seen as such an iconic book. It might have been quite revolutionary at the time it was published and the mainstream audience might have been different from today, but I found it a lumbering and rather aimless story.

‘Professor Aronnax embarks on an expedition to hunt down and destroy a menacing sea monster. However, he discovers that the beast is metal – it is a giant submarine called the Nautilus built be the renegade scientist Captain Nemo. So begins an underwater adventure that takes them from the South Pole to the lost city of Atlantis.’

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North

I enjoyed this book thoroughly and although the subject is about a version of time travel the science played second fiddle to the personal struggle of the main character and his ever powerful nemesis.

‘Harry August is on his deathbed. Again.

No matter what he does or the decisions he makes, when death comes, Harry always returns to where he began, a child with all the knowledge of a life he has already lived a dozen times before. Nothing ever changes.

Until now.

As Harry nears the end of his eleventh life, a little girl appears at his bedside. ‘I nearly missed you, Doctor August,’ she says. ‘I need to send a message.’

This is the story of what Harry does next, and what he did before, and how he tries to save a past he cannot change and a future he cannot allow.’

London Town…

Went up into town on a Friday after week staying at the Grange City Hotel near the Tower of London (picked as one of the surprise hotels from Lastminute.com). It was a nice venue and had a section of the old city walls on the property. We went out and had a drink at the Bavarian Beerhouse across the road before having something to eat at Brasserie Blanc (a Raymond Blanc chain). We viewed the Tower and bridge at night before turning in for the night.

In the morning we had a wander around, across Tower Bridge and had breakfast at Browns in Butlers Wharf. We then walked up to London Bridge and took the tube to Green Park where we walked over to Jermyn Street to look for clothes (I was looking for something with a Steampunk vibe to it). We ended up in a shoe shop (Loake shoemakers) in Princes Arcade and bought a pair boots and a pair of shoes. We then walked over to Carnaby Street where we met Deb and Tom for a drink in the Shakespeare’s Head.

When they went we headed over to the O2 to see what music was playing as part of the C2C festival. We saw the actor Charles Estan who plays Deacon on Nashville give an award to the duo Striking Matches (who contributed several songs to the show). We then listened to a band called Dexter before moving to The Saloon (at Club WM) and listening to Alan West & Steve Black (from Dorset), Rackhouse Pilfer (a lively band from the west of Ireland – we sat next to their manger and one of the group), and then Cooper & Davies. We ate at Zizzi before catching the train home.

The next day after doing our shopping and picking the car up from where we had left it on Friday night, we went over to Paul and Lorraine’s for a muddy walk in the countryside and a roast dinner. 

Tom’s 13th Birthday…

Our eldest Godson is now a teenager and we gathered with his family at his home to celebrate with a fine meal and much entertaining conversation. 

Game Day II…

The return of Game Day, back at Derek’s this time with James in attendance, but still with fine food provided by Donna and Sue. The games we played included these fine examples:

• Imperial Assault
• Sheriff of Nottingham
• Abluxxen (Linko)
• Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards:Duel at Mt. Skullzfyre
• Forbidden Island
• Exploding Kittens
• Martian Dice

Bits and Pieces…

We visited Sue’s mum where nephew Nick was visiting with his girlfriend Siobhan. We had lunch with them and Deb and Dave.

Prompted by a special offer in our local supermarket Sue cooked Lobster Thermador for the first time. Splitting the lobster in half was a strange experience but it was a tasty treat.

For no reason other than nephew Terry had seen a picture of them in a paper, he asked Sue to make Chocolate ‘Scotch’ eggs. These are Cadbury crème eggs surrounded in a cake mixture, covered in chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candied eggs. Each of them a heart attack waiting to happen and instant diabetes for anyone who eats more than one.

Our semi-regular Furlong Road Curry Evening where with the lads from the street (and friends – Deb joined us this time) visit the local curry house now called Indigo Spice. Afterwards we ended up having some lethal looking martinis at Howard’s.

We managed to get out and start clearing up the garden for spring. Deb helped us out and we managed to finish the pruning of the apple tree, weeding and removing old plants, and burning waste wood, leaves (and an old broken bench) on a bonfire. We rewarded ourselves with homemade dim sum (dumplings, wontons, satay chicken and all manner of deliciousness). We also had our lunch out on the deck in the spring sunshine.

Mother’s day was spent helping out in Sue’s mum’s garden clearing the flower beds, pruning unruly bushes and taking the rubbish to the dump. Later we had a heart meal to celebrate. Sue received a lovely bunch of flowers and box of chocolates from Jamie (who also sent flowers to Mum). 

More of wot we have seen…

We have become members at our favourite local cinema – Everyman in Reigate, and we visited a couple of times to see two disparate films.

Dad’s Army – a sweet, gentle film that is very respectful of its heritage with lovely references for the fans of the TV series.

Hateful 8 – a typically Tarantino film with some fine dialog, interesting filmic references and outrageous gore. 

Continuing Birthday Treats…

Sue took me to Shere and to Kinghams restaurant for beautiful meal as a birthday treat.

Terry and Gill visited and brought a 1966 bottle of wine. Sue cooked a fabulous meal for us (individual scallops with black pudding and pea puree, fillet wellingtons, apple brandy pudding) and we had a convivial afternoon.

Deb, Dave, Tom and Ollie visited as did Chris, Carole and Lucy. Another lovely meal by Sue (bacon and egg pie, pumpkin fritters, Cullen skink, crumble and more apple brandy pudding). We played some games and had a drink or two

Return to the Granite City…

The week following Up Helly Aa I was back in Aberdeen, this time with work, staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Aberdeen City Centre. We did get out one evening and went for a meal at Rustico a pleasant Italian restaurant with friendly staff.

Up Helly Aa…

My big 50^th birthday excursion to the far northern reaches of the British Isles took place in late January.

To start with Sue and I travelled with Deb by plane from Gatwick to Glasgow, where we met Chris and Carole at our hotel, the Holiday Inn Theatreland conveniently located near the bus and train stations. We had a couple of drinks in the bar before venturing our heading towards the Merchant area of town (on the recommendation of the concierge) where we ate at The Corinthian, a rather ornate ballroom of a place.

On the advice of our friendly waiter we took cabs to The Howlin Wolf blues bar which was a crowded place, full of noise and fun. Here Bill and Linda met us after flying up separately. We enjoyed the music of an accomplished duo before turning in for the evening.

Next morning we started out early and went over to the House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park. It is a relatively new building built to an old design by the celebrated designer Rennie Mackintosh and it is a fabulous building set in nice grounds surrounded by sculptures.

After this we returned to the city centre and went to the Willow Tea Rooms (another Mackintosh building) for lunch where we meet Jodie and Andy. Our party was starting to swing now with the application of some alcohol and more company.

Some of us ventured of to the Hunterian Art Gallery at the Glasgow University for a spot more culture before meeting up together at Ashton Lane where we had a few more drinks in the Wee Pub at theUbiquitous Chip where Jamie met us.

We then went to eat at The Grosvenor Café next to cinema of the same name. A large exciting place with an interesting vaulted ceiling.

Back at the hotel we had some more drinks and Jamie and I did a Glenfiddich whisky tasting.

The following morning we made plans to move on to the next stage of our tour. Jamie and Deb went with Andy and Jodie in their car while Sue and I went to the Queen St Station to catch a train. Chris and Carole and Bill and Linda returned home.

Those of us that were continuing on met up again in Aberdeen at the Jurys Inn Bar where we also met Paul and Lorraine. Together we took the ferry to Lerwick. We played a few games including Cards Against Humanity for a few hours until we turned in to our boys and girls rooms. Sometime during the night Jodie ‘fell’ off the top bunk (or sleep walked) in the girls cabin and injured herself and Lorraine and Deb in the bunks below. After 14hrs we arrived in the morning at Lerwick.

We were met by our hostess, Shelley, and were taken to our accommodation in West Baila Street. A nice large and well-appointed house up on the hill overlooking the town.

We picked up some supplies and explored the area in smaller groups. Jamie, Paul and I visited the fabulous ancient Clickimin Broch nearby, a mystical and baffling place.

Later on we all went into town and had a drink in the bar at The Lounge bar where we sampled a few of the many local brews.

On Burns Night we had with haggis (including a vegetarian alternative), tatties and neaps and attempted in an embarrassing way to address the haggis by reciting the largely unpronounceable poem.

Andy took Sue, Deb and I out on a field trip to visit Scalloway (castle) and then Meal and Bannamin beaches. On the way we saw some old bothies and plenty of dramatic scenery.

Much of our downtime was spent playing the various games I brought and drinking heartily.

On the morning of Up Helly Aa it was raining heavily and we were concerned about the conditions. But it cleared up as we made our way into town. There we saw the youth squads burning their galley and up on the hill we passed the main galley waiting with some of its entourage for the start of the parade.

In town we found a place for a quick drink before staking our place out along Hillhead where the squads had assembled (some 900 odd folk – some odder than others, dressed in all manner of fancy dress). The main squad matched up in their fabulous handmade armour waving torches to gather around the galley.

At the nominated time a signal flare was launched and the street lights dimmed as the squads lit their torches from burning flares and smoke and cheering filled the air. A brass band struck up and the galley and its attendant squad matched down, the head Geyser at the helm. The other squads fell in behind and they paraded along the streets towards the park. We moved on to try and secure a good vantage point overlooking the park in amongst the crowds of excited onlookers. From Saint Olaf Street we watched the boat as it was surrounded by the many torches as the climax was reached and the burning brands were hurled into the ship to set it alight. The sky had cleared and as the ship crumbled the fireworks started in a spectacular display. Afterwards we found Captain Flints in town and continued the party.

Jamie returned to Aberdeen on the ferry the next evening for his onward journey to London to meet up with friends where he was to be best man at a wedding.

On our last day we walked around Knab Point and saw a double rainbow but we were apprehensive as we had heard there was a storm (Gertrude) coming. At the ferry terminal the staff advised we might have bumpy crossing and they were not wrong, I retired early unwell as did Jodie and I arose early in the morning to find Sue and Debs asleep in the bar where they had been all night. The captain advised we would be late into the harbour due to the weather which did not go down well with Sue. Eventually though he saw and opportunity and docked after we disembarked we gathered our strength in a coffee shop before Jodie and Andy drove for home. We found out that our ship was the last out for a while and the storm did batter the Shetlands quite badly. It was fortunate we did not have the same experience on the way out or Sue would have insisted I buy us flights out.

In the Union Square shopping centre the rest of us went to the cinema to see The Revenant and afterwards we ate at Wagamamas. Had did have a walk about Aberdeen and visited the maritime museum &Provost House and saw a few old buildings.

In the end we took the train to the airport and flew home glad to finally return to the comfort of our own beds.

More of wot I have heard…

It has been a while since we had any new music and we have come into the possession of a few old and new items such as:

Jamie Lawson self-titled album. This has the haunting track called Wasn’t Expecting That, the lyrics of which bring a tear to my eye.

Come up Full by Meg Hutchinson. This was a gift from Sue’s cousin Matt, the artist who sings about her experiences as a person dealing with schizophrenia.

Another Country by Rod Stewart. One of Sue’s favourite artists and I must say his choice of songs on this album suits his voice very well.

Decade by Neil Young. Classic songs from a classic artist, another gift from Matt.

You’re the One That I Want by Lo-Fang. This is the single from the Chanel perfume TV ad and it is a very different and ethereal version that I like very much.

Games Day…

I had a fund day around at Derek’s with Martin and Kevin playing several board games both old and new. Among those we played were:

• Sherriff of Nottingham
• Celestia
• Thunderbirds
• Formula D
• Isle of Skye
• Zombicide: Black Plague
• Tsuro of the Seas
• Port Royal
• Karuba

We were also spoiled with some lovely food by Derek’s wife Donna and a cake made by Sue. All in all it was a great day