Post archive

Cruises to Christmas

Tuesday 27th December 2011 (Day After Boxing Day)

I came back from visiting my friends in Hertfordshire today... Thanks for a brilliant stay!!!!!


Monday 26th December 2011 (Boxing Day)

I travelled from Derbyshire to Hertfordshire... it's great to have fantastic friends... I had such a brilliant time... totally podged!!!!!


Sunday 25th December 2011 (Christmas Day)

Another year on and all is great... I went to the farm for Christmas Dinner with Donald... they do really well and put on a brilliant spread... I think it was a lovely festive meal - I did enjoy my day.  In the evening I called in at Steve and Hannah's to see how Neve was getting on with her Christmas Day.. all good there!!!


Saturday 24th December 2011 (Christmas Eve)

I wrapped presents and took out card - I think most of the day was taken up with that activity!


Friday 23rd December 2011 

Disaster strikes - my all singing, card making, music playing, TV watching, photo storing, music making, film making computer has given up the ghost!  Gone to meet it's maker.... terminal I think... My most important posessions are in order... my computer - my car and my phone - everything else I can do without!


Thursday 22nd December 2011

My Christmas shopping starts today!


Wednesday 21st December 2011

I worked today and went to the Dewprop Ikeston Junction in the evening with John and Annie, thanks for inviting me!


Tuesday 20th December 2011

I worked again ans went to Weatherspoons for a mixed grill in the evening!


Monday 19th December 2011

Back to work after 2 weeks off - I'd rather be on my Cruise - Dave went home today.  I went to the farm to see the the old folks after work - all ok there I think!

Cruises to Sheffield Carols

Sunday 18th December 2011

Dave is still with me and I took him to the Sheffield Carols at the Pub in Worral - Yorkshire to meet up with John Cater.  The Pub was crammed and the singing fantastic!  Later I visited Linda in hospital she is recovering nicely thank goodness! In the evening JC - Dave and myself went to the Butchers Arms for dinner...


Saturday 17th December 2011

Dave bought me back up to Derbyshire - thank you... Weatherspoons for dinner!


Friday 16th December 2011

It is the end of my holiday today.  I woke to the ship having a bit of a sway.  I had set my alarm wrong 5:30 instead of 6:30 what made it worse was that the clocks were an hour ahead anyway - so 4:30 really!  Because of the swell the ship was 2 hour late into Genoa.  We all waited in the theatre until is was time to disembark whick came about 10:30.  At the port side coaches waited and then took us to Nice Apirport - a two and a half hour ride away. It followed the coast road - beautiful.  The flight left on time after a 6 hour wait at the airport - On arrivel at Heathrow Dave was waiting for me - fantastic - just what I needed after a long day travelling!  Thank you.  He took me back to Buntingford for the night.

Steve Earl to Stanton by Dale

Friday 4th November 2011

  Valerie had an expensive incident with her car on her way to me - but eventually we got our walk in - Stanton by Dale round - 5 miles




Thursday 3rd November 2011

Today I was off and in the afternoon I helped my friend Iain MacKay start his website - it's very early days yet and needs loads of work doing to it... take a look, he is a great artist and let us know what you think - remember it's only just started so the look and content is very limited - but it will grow!
http://www.iain-mackay.com


Wednesday 2nd November 2011

Today I worked and in the evening went to the Assembly Rooms Derby to see Steve Earl in concert with his band - after we called into the Exeter in Derby where the music continued with two blokes playing brilliant blues stuff!

Friends - Work and Railways

Monday 10th October 2011

  It was great to see my friend for coffee and chat


Tuesday 11th October 2011

  A work day again – in the evening Steak Night at Weatherspoons.


Wednesday 12th October 2011

Working day and evening


Thursday 13th October 2011

Good news the tree in my garden is going to get pollarded by the electricity company that has the plot next to mine! Curry night – guess where!


Friday 14th October 2011

Working today but out for a beer with my mate John T.


Saturday 15th October 2011

A brilliant day at the coast with Linda – Flamborough Head and Scarborough.



Sunday 16th October 2011

I had a great ride on the Ecclesbourne Railway from Wirksworth to Duffield – worth a trip although the main journey is by railcar. In the evening I had a meal with John C.



Monday 17th October 2011

I worked day and evening.


Tuesday 18th October 2011

Working in the day and a Weatherspoon steak in the evening.


Wednesday 19th October 2011

Another working day.


Thursday 20th October 2011

My father had his eye operation today which was a complete success thank goodness – I stayed over at the farm to make sure all was well with them.


Friday 21st October 2011

A day off and lots to sort out – A evening drink with John T


Saturday 22nd October 2011

A call in at the farm to monitor my father who was fine then a journey to Hertfordshire for the evening.


Sunday 23rd October 2011

A drive back from the south and a farm visit – all still fine – An evening meal at the Butchers Arms with John C.


Monday 24th October 2011

It was great to spend some time with Belinda – great to catch up.


Tuesday 25th October 2011

A working day and Weatherspoons day.


Wednesday 26th October 2011

Dave is up from Hertfordshire for a few days – more working and Weatherspoons!


Thursday 27th October 2011

On a First Aid course during the day and guess where with Dave in the evening!


Friday 28th October 2011

Work and Weatherspoons – I think we are keeping them going..


Saturday 29th October 2011

A fantastic day on the North York Moors Railway which ended up at Whitby – a great day. We went to the Newdigate for our meal this evening.



Sunday 30th October 2011

A trip to the farm to find Donald there as well – an evening meal with John C.


Monday 31st October 2011

More day and evening work.


Tuesday 1st November 2011

Work and my usual Weatherspoon steak trip on a Tuesday.

Mike Scott my hero!

Sunday 9th October 2011

Today I travelled back from my great stay in the south and called in at the Grand Central Railways Steam Gala... brilliant... loads of pictures and sound recordings!  In the evening I had Sunday dinner with John C. at the Butchers Arms Oakerthorpe... a great day!



Saturday 8th October 2011

I met friends in Derby in the morning... great to to see you both and one of you all the way from Scotland! In the afternoon I travelled down to Hertfordshire to spend a brilliant evening with my mates!!!!

Friday 7th October 2011

In the morning I had attend a meeting about my future work prospects... mmmm.. what a great government we have and all it's rubbish... never mind we will have to see what happens... at least I have my freedom!  This evening I went to the Nantwich Festival  "Word and Music" to listen to my hero Mike Scott read from his forth coming book.. magic... he started his read at 8:00 and I don't know how the time got to 11:00... when the book comes out, buy it... it sounds like a fantastic read!!

Birthdays -Birthdays - Birthdays

Wednesday 5th October 2011

  I worked today - and put my pressure barrel in the outside shed to cool off... have to wait for 2 weeks to see if I have drinkable ale!

Tuesday 4th October 2011

Another day at work and met John in the evening at our local Weatherspoons for Steak Night - brilliant deal with my MANGO card!

Monday 3rd October 2011

I spent the day doing stuff that needed to be done - then worked in the evening - great to be at home in the day. Transfered my beer from barrel to presure barrel - all very tence!!!

Sunday 2nd October 2011

I travelled back from the south today.

Saturday 1st October 2011

I travelled down to Hertfordshire to see Dave, Roger, Neil, Jenny, Nathan and the new arrivel Joshua! Great to see everyone and a lovely barbi!  After us older boys went to Bishops Stortford on the bus... a new experience...



Joshua Papley


Friday 30th Septemebr 2011

Valerie came round and we went for early walk to Stanley Village return - 5 miles - this is the first walk I have done for a little while as I have had painful tendons in my foot - a bit better now... In the evening I went to Belinda's and Phil's house for a meal and a chat - thank you, I really enjoyed the evening.


Green lane near West Hallam


Thursday 29th September 2011

I worked today and ran a course in the evening... followed by "Curry Night" - Weatherspoons Derby! It is also Maries Birthday - Happy Birthday to you!!!! Also Joshua Papley born today - congratulations!!!!

Wednesday 28th September 2011

I worked and then started to brew my beer... seems quite easy...

Tuesday 27th September 2011

I worked again today and had dinner at Weatherspoons - Steak Night and 20 per cent off with the MANGO card - bargin - get one!!!!

Monday 26th September 2011

Valerie came for coffee - and my beer kit arrived by van it was supposed to come last Friday - I worked in the evening.

Sunday 25th September 2011

I met John Cater for our usual evening meal at the Butchers Arms

Indian Meals to Sculpture Parks

Saturday 24th September 2011

  Today a friend and myself visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.... brilliant... a place to go and go again!      http://www.ysp.co.uk


Wire Head - Yorkshire Sculpture Park - brilliant!



Friday 23rd September 2011

V came for coffee - great to see you - I'm sorry there was no walk!



Thursday 22nd September 2011

I worked today....  but after I went for an Indian meal and drinks with friends from work for M's 50th Birthday celebrations.



Wednesday 21st September 2011

I worked day and evening.....



Tuesday 20th September 2011


I met J.T. at Weatherspoons for Steak Night!

More Festivals

Sunday 18th September 2011

  It was at the Melbourne Festival today with it's Art and Architecture Trail... there were some great artist work there... my favourite was Sandra Orme with her wonderful pastel landscapes -  http://www.sandraorme.co.uk


Someone's new friend - Melbourne Festival


After I went to to see the folks at the farm... all seems to have calmed down now
(I think).


Gorse Covert


In the evening I met up with John Cater for dinner at the Butchers Arms!

Saturday 17th September 2011

am. Apple wine started!  pm. I had a excellent trip to Chatworth to walk the Sculpture Trail in the gardens - well worth a trip this year! - thanks for coming out to play...


JI Yong-Ho - Lion 2 (this image not for sale)


Friday 16th September 2011

This evening I met John Taylor  for a drink and a chat at his local - it's a good job he moved there!

Coffee and Chat to Wirksworth

Sunday 11th September 2011

Today I travelled back from Hertfordshire and went to the Wirksworth Festival where my friends Iain Mackay and Phil Blumb had exhibitions. Brilliant!



Saturday 10th September 2011

Dave, Roger and myself travelled to the east coast to visit Southwold and Aldeburgh - both very nice see side towns - Southwold is the home of Adnams Ales - "no tours on Saturday" - shame!  On our return we went out for meal at the local Indian Resturant.  An excellent day - thanks.



Friday 9th September 2011

I worked today then travelled to Buntingford for Michaels 30th Birthday do - Dave your such a great cook!

Thursday 8th September 2011

I had a pleasant evening out with a friend at Wok 1 in Derby.

Wednesday 7th September 2011

In the morning I took my father to the hospital he needs a small operation on his eyes nearer Christmas - all went well.  In the afternoon John Taylor came round to record a new song called "A Christmas Miracle - More for Less" a song about our current leaders - it's very good!

Tuesday 6th September 2011

I worked then went to our local Weatherspoons for steak night.

Monday 5th September 2011

Val called for coffee - great to see you and in the afternoon I went Wirksworth to help I.M. with some computer stuff - not that I could much!!!

Sunday 4th September 2011

I took a trip out to Grantham - visiting the Grantham Model Railway Exhibition and the National Trust property Belton House - both were well worth a visit! - In the evening it was the Darley Park Proms and Firework Display - that was great as well - 35000 people in the park!



Saturday 3rd September 2011

I visited Staunton Harrold in the afternoon - I hadn't been there for a while - they had some excellent stuff on display.  In the evening Hillary and Iain did a meal for all the Wirksworth friends - a great get together - thanks.

Friday 2nd September 2011

I worked today.

Thursday 1st September 2011

I worked in the day and went an Italian Resturant in Chesterfield with a friend - a lovely evening thanks.

Wednesday 31st August 2011

It was great to Val in the morning for coffee and a chat - great not to be at work! Later I took a trip to the farm - all well there thank goodness - In the evening I met J.T for meal.

Tuesday 30th August 2011

Happy Birthday to you Diddy!



Sunday Dinners to Chester

Monday 29th August 2011

  Today I took myself off on the train to Chester and visited Museums and Roman remains then returned. Chester is ok for a few hours!  Next time I'm going to the zoo...





Sunday 28th August 2011

I returned this morning from visiting my friends in Hertfordshire - the afternoon was spent with Neve as she made her radio show recordings! -In the evening I went to have a Sunday Roast at our normal eating pub.

Saturday 27th August 2011

We all had a lazy day in Buntingford - but Dave had to go to an emergency dentist in the afternoon.

Friday 26th August 2011

I worked in the day then went striaght down to Hertfordshire after - It was great to see the boys and Trevor who was staying as well.

Thursday 25th August 2011

MOT day! A great evening out for meal in Chesterfield with John and Jenny - Billiant to catch up with Jennifer who is over from Australia.

Wednesday 24th August 2011

Happy Birthday to you....
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy "32" Birthday dear Steve...
Happy Birthday to you!

Steve, Hannah, Neve, Marie and myself all went out for a Pizza at Pizza Hut.

Tuesday 23rd August 2011

I worked today then went to the farm - all appears ok at the moment.

Monday 22nd August 2011

I had a very pleasent day and then worked in the evening.

Sunday 21st August 2011

I met John Cater for our usual Sunday Dinner at the pub!

Glasgow

Saturday 20th August 2011

I arrived home from our Glasgow trip late evening today.  It has been a brilliant adventure for a few days. We left our Travelodge at Glasgow Airport at 9:00 getting the Shuttle Bus back to the city centre.  With an hour and a half to wait for the National Express home - surprise - breakfast at Weatherspoons again!  The bus left at 11:00 am, we changed at Leeds and arrived at Chesterfield bang on time at 7:00 pm - With an hour and a half to wait for the Matlock bus - how convenient is Weatherspoons for dinner - I think we are keeping them going! We arrived back in Matlock about 9:00 pm, I collected my car.  Thank you John for a excellent short adventure!

Friday 19th August 2011

We left the Airport Travelodge at 9:00 - we had the quick journey back to Glasgow city centre on the Airport Shuttle Bus and had breakfast at Weatherspoons to start our day.  John wanted to look at Charles Rennie Mackintosh Arts and Crafts buildings in the city.  The first place to see was the Willow Tea Rooms.  A short distance along the road was the Glasgow College of Art - we didn’t exactly find it then but we did later in the day! We returned to the tea rooms for “tea”.   Our trip continued on the Subway (Tube) to a school designed by Mackintosh.  It reminded of my old school Leggats Way, Leavesden, Watford.  It must have been from the same era. 


From there we caught a bus which gave us an extensive tour of the estates round Glasgow but eventually we arrived at the Burrell Collection (not Arts And Crafts)  fantastic artefacts from around the world housed in a beautiful building and set in a  large park. 


Well worth a visit!  On return to the city centre we did find the Glasgow College of Art to late for any tours but next time ah! Our day ended at Weatherspoons for dinner.

Thursday 18th August 2011

We started our adventure to Scotland at 7:30 am when we left John’s house and walked down hill into Matlock to get the bus to Chesterfield. The bus came and on arrival at Chesterfield we had an hour and a half wait until The National Express was due - so guess what - breakfast in Weatherspoons - just right.  The trip to Glasgow was very comfortable, we changed at Leeds.  It was great to watch the Yorkshire and Lake District countryside go past - I really enjoyed the trip. 


It did take quite a while to get there - we arrived at about 5:00pm. After getting our bearings we found a Weatherspoons for dinner.  The trip to the Airport Travelodge was painless on an Airport Shuttle Bus which took us straight there.  The Travelodge was very prity good - no plane sound to speak of - nice and quite!!!

Balti Towers to John's House

Wednesday 17th August 2011

I had a full day at work - both day and evening. After I drove to John's house at Matlock to stay over so that we could have an early start on our Glasgow trip in the morning.

Tuesday 16th August 2011

I worked today and then met John Taylor for dinner this evening - Steak Night at Weatherspoons!!!

Monday 15th August 2011

After work I called over to the farm - things seem to be better there this week - thank goodness!!!

Sunday 14th August 2011


Dave, Roger and myself had breakfast John C's in the sun then called in at the Tansley Car Boot Sale on the way home - The lads left in the afternoon bound for Hertfordshire - I met up with John C for dinner at the Butchers Arms Oakerthorpe.

Saturday 13th August 2011

We all had a lazy start to the day - in the afternoon we visited our local brewery - The Nutbrook Brewery - they showed us round  and we made purchases for this evenings meal at John C's. We arrived at Matlock for a meal prepared by John for us all - a lovely evening - thanks John. We stayed over!!!

Friday 12th August 2011

Dave and Roger came just in time for food and a drink at the Newdigate.

Thursday 11th August 2011

A pleasant evening out at the Balti Towers Burton on Trent with Carol - great food.

Liverpool to Birthdays

Wednesday 10th August 2011

Happy Birthday to you…
Happy Birthday to you…
Happy Birthday dear Neve…
Happy Birthday to you…

Great to see you!!!!! X x X

Tuesday 9th August 2011

I worked today but had a meal and a chat with John T. at Weatherspoons!

Monday 8th August 2011

I came back from Plymouth on the train.  I met 2 very interesting people on the way back, one was Dave Hamilton an author who has written a book called ? Grow Your Own Food For Free”.  The book looked great - he was on his way to Bristol to appear in a BBC gardening show! I also met a lady who designs the Christmas decorations for shops and her firm has won the contract to do the Christmas displays in the Westfield Centre Derby. It was a great journey and a brilliant time in Plymouth - thanks Dave and Chris!

Sunday 7th August 2011

A nice lazy day and great to see Lawrence.

Saturday 6th August 2011

It was great to visit the places I’d not been to for years.  I really enjoyed the trip on the “Big Wheel”.  You were very brave Dave!



Friday 5th August 2011

I travelled by train to Plymouth - a very easy journey really - I’ll definitely do it again - great to meet up again.

Thursday 4th August 2011

I worked - and my father went to have his eyes tested!

Wednesday 3rd August 2011

I worked again!

Tuesday 2nd August 2011

I worked day and the evening again!

Monday 1st August 2011

I worked day and the evening to!

Sunday 31st July 2011

Another day at work and looking forward to the end of the week when I’m not working!

Saturday 30th July 2011

I had a great day out in Liverpool and went to the Walker Gallery, The World Museum and the Museum of Liverpool.  There is still loads more to see!



Lovely company to the Butchers Arms

Tuesday 26th July 2011

I worked and then went for dinner with John Cater at the Butchers Arms. Later another pub visit with Nigal - all or nothing!

Monday 25th July 2011

No work today but a great walk with Valerie from home to near Morley returning through Stanley and West Hallam - 7 miles



Sunday 24th July 2011

A trip with the boys to Hatfield House - great weather and an interesting place to visit!



Saturday 23rd July 2011

I travelled to the south to see Dave and Roger.

Friday 22nd July 2011

A brilliant meal, thanks - we do always have loads to say to each other! I'm looking forward to next time....

Thursday 21st July 2011

I worked today!

Wednesday 20th July 2011

I had a day just doing what I wanted and ended up at Wirksworth - great to see you B.

From Folk Evenings to Anchor Church

Monday 18th July 2011

A great walk with Valerie from Ingleby to Milton return visiting Anchor Church on the return - 5.5 miles. Later I visited the farm all not great there at the moment!
 


Sunday 17th July 2011

I worked today - then went for Sunday Roast at the Butchers Arms Oakerthorpe with John Cater.  After we met up with John Taylor and went to see the new Harry Potter film at the Scala Ilkeston - brilliant!

Saturday 16th July 2011

I worked today again!

Friday 15th July 2011

Work, work, work…. Then a nice evening at the Good Old Days with  J.T

Thursday 14th July 2011

Working again… then a brilliant evening out at the Jeera again with friends.

Wednesday 13th July 2011

Another one of those working days plus I got called in the evening to do more!

Tuesday 12th July

Work…. Then a trip to the farm… things not great there at the moment… after I met up with J.T.

Monday 11th July 2011

I came back from the south in the morning to have another great walk with Valerie - from near Trowell - Cossall - Strelley return - 6.5 then worked in the evening!

Sunday 10th July 2011

An excellent end to our weekend away by visiting the Bluebell Railway - what a great preserved line!



Saturday 9th July 2011

Great weather on the coast - we visited Hastings and Rye amongst other places - great…


Friday 8th July 2011

Dave, Roger and myself left Buntingford in the rain and headed to Kent to visit the Romley, Hyde and Dynchurch Railway… the weather turned sunny when we got there and we all had a brilliant time.


Thursday 7th July 2011

I worked today, then travelled to the south to start our weekend railway adventure.

Wednesday 6th July 2011

I work all day and in the evening to!

Tuesday 5th July 2011

I worked then went to a brilliant carvery at Owler Bar, just £3.68 with John Cater and friends - after we went to a folk acoustic evening near Dronfield. 

From Carol's Birthday to Dale Abbey

Monday 4th July 2011

I came back up from the south to go walking with Valerie - Home to Dale Abbey return - 6.5 miles.



West Hallam Beauty

Sunday 3rd July 2011

Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday dear Roger... Happy Birthday to you!!!!



Saturday 2nd July 2011

I travelled down to Hertfordshire as it's my friend Roger's 60th Birthday tomorrow. A lovely evening thanks as usual!!!


Thursday 30th June 2011

John Cater came over for a meal at the Newdigate.

Wednesday 29th June 2011

I had a nice evening out at the Racecourse Uttoxeter.

Monday 27th June 2011


Lesley and I had a great walk from Ambergate to Matlock Bath in the heat and returned by train (when it eventually came)!!!  6.5 miles


Thursday 23rd June 2011

Today is my fathers birthday - Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday dear Dad... Happy Birthday to you!!!!  We went for a meal at the Garden Centre.

Wednesday 22nd June 2011

John, Annie, Dave and I went to the Jeera again as it was there 6th Birthday and they had laid on a great buffee style meal.

Tuesday 21th June 2011

Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday dear Carol... Happy Birthday to you!!!! x

A Brasers' Day

Sunday 19th April 2011

I drove back from Bournemouth to the farm to deliver a card and pressy for my father on "Fathers Day"



Brasers' - just what I need!

Saturday 18th June 2011


A lovely day in the far south - galleries - craft fairs and the like. In the evening we went to see my cousin in the New Forest - what a great evening - thanks everyone!

Friday 17th June 2011

I worked all day then drove to Bournemouth in the rain! Well worth it though...

Thursday 16th June 2011

This evening some friends and myself had a brilliant evening out at the Balti Towers at Burton on Trent.

Through the tunnels

Monday 13th June 2011

A friend and myself went for a great walk from Millers Dale over the tops to Monsal Dale then returned through the old railway tunnels back to Millers Dale - 8 miles








The Jeera to the Butchers Arms

Sunday 12th June 2011

Roger went home and I called at the farm - all ok there - then went for dinner with John Cater at the Butchers Arms.

Saturday 11th June 2011

Roger and I visited the Birmingham Botanical Gardens - they were well worth the visit!


Friday 10th June 2011

Roger has come for the weekend - we went out with John Taylor to a musical evening in a pub at Awsworth!

Thursday 9th June 2011

Dave is up driving buses for the Download Concert at Donnington.

Wednesday 8th June 2011

This evening we went to see Martyn Joseph in concert with his band at the Musican in Leicester... it was brilliant!

Tuesday 7th June 2011

Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday dear John... Happy Birthday to you!

It was lovely to be invited back to the Jeera again for John Taylors birthday bash.....

Neve your a delight!

Wednesday 1st June 2011

Today was a great day... Neve and I had our first solo outing and we went to London for the day on the train from Nottingham...  Our visit included places where Neve wanted to visit... Westminster Abbey to see where the wedding was held... The British Museum to see the "Mummies!"... and then we walked to Covent Garden to watch the street artists... brilliant.... We got home at about 9:30 pm.. Thank you Neve....

My Birthday bash... how lovely!

Sunday 29th May 2011

Well thank you all for turning out... I hope you had as great a time as I had... 20 of us went to the Jeera at Codnor... what a lovely meal and evening... Thank you for all my cards and presents... and cake!

During the day Dave, Roger and myself went to Crich Tramways... it is the sort of thing we would do!


60 - 60 - 60 - 60!!!!

Wednesday 25th May 2011

Well it has arrived and now I am a Senior (apparently). I took my parents out for lunch at there favourite garden centre to celebrate my birth 60 years ago.  John Taylor picked me up from the farm after our outing as my car had bust yesterday and I needed to collect it from the garage.... Thank you John!  The evening was spent with J.T. firstly visiting Alport Height and then we had a lovely meal and drinks at the Bear Alderwasley. So now a new era is born! How exciting.....


I've managed to reach 60!

Tuesday 24th May 2011

How fantastic it is to nearly reach 60 (24-5-2011@ 22:13)... I never thought I'd reach 30 so what a bonus, how brilliant it is to get to being a senior (how weired it is also.. I still feel 40) .... I have had so many lovely people in my life that have made it wonderful.  Some friends I have met for a short time and some are not in my life now.  Some people I have known forever.... whoever you are and whereever you are I just want to thank you for being one of the best parts of my 60 years...... I have had the best life anyone could have had and it's all down to you.... So thank you so very much for making my life so wonderful.....

Model Railways to Indian Restaurants

Sunday 15th May 2011

Today I went a brilliant Model Railway exhibition - The Mickleover Groups Annual Exhibition at Moorways Derby - It was excellent and not very crowded during the time I was there! Great layouts!

Saturday 14th May 2011

This morning Neve and I went to our local Museum - they had a motor bike show - grear fun!  In the afternoon I took a trip to the farm, all seems there again and then I went to my friends Sue and Dave to see if Dave had survived our walk!

Friday 13th May 2011

I worked today and then went in the evening to Derby for meal with Dave who is staying with me.

Thursday 12th May 2011

This evening a group of us went to the Jeera at Codnor for a meal... It's a great Indian Restaurant. I have chosen it as the venue for my Birthday bash later in the month...

Wednesday 11th May 2011

Dave has come to stay for a few days...

Donald - Val and John

Monday 9th May 2011

It's been a great day - I travelled to Austry in the morning to have lunch with Donald.  In the afternoon Valerie came for coffee and a chat and in the evening I met John C. for a meal at the Butchers Arms Oakerthorpe... A very sociable sort of day.  Thanks everyone!




Dreams do come true!

Dreams can come true.

What a fantastic walking holiday I have had.  It as was not just a holiday, it was a challenge, it was one of those special things that one has to do in life at least once more.  It was a dream come true to complete the 191 miles of some of the most beautiful and demanding walking country in our land - the Offas Dyke Path.

I am so impressed with the friends who came with me.  They are the best company one could have on such an adventure.  The weather was just stunning, sunshine and hot most of the way, thank you “Weatherman”.  All our overnight stops ranged from good to superb. The luxury of having our heavy bags taken on every day was inexpensive and made all the difference to me being able to finish my walk. Everything was as perfect as it could be. How wonderful to have this plan come together!

Leaving home at 8:00 am on the 22nd April 2011, I was the last person to be collected by Dave Woodlands who had offered to be our transport to Prestatyn and then bring us back from Chepstow 13 days later at the other end of our expedition. What a star!  Our friend Peter met us as at the official start on the prom at Prestatyn at 11:00. After a cup a coffee we set off south into the hills.  



I’d forgotten how high one has to climb quickly, so with lots of puffing, determination and enthusiasm we made it to the top of the first high spot looking back to say farewell to the north coast of Wales, our adventure had really started. 



View of Prestatyn - Friday 22nd April 2011



The path on route to Bodfari - Friday 22nd April 2011



About to leave Fron Haul Bodfari - Saturday 23rd April 2011



Climbs of over 4000 ft and 19.5 miles to walk the Clwydian Range - Saturday 23rd April 2011



The Jubilee Tower in low cloud Clwydian Range - Saturday 23rd April 2011



Path through the scree Eglwyseg Mountain - Sunday 24th April 2011



Towards Llangollen - Sunday 24th April 2011



The Llangollen Canal Trevor - Sunday 24th April 2011



Telford's Pont Cysyllte Canal Aqueduct - Sunday 24th April 2011



Steep climb south of Chirk Castle - Monday 25th April 2011



Offa's Dyke near Craignant - Monday 25th April 2011



South of old Oswestry Racecourse - 25th April 2011



On Moelydd at 934 feet is a great view point - Monday 25th April 2011



The Shropshire Union canal nearing Welshpool - Tuesday 26th April 2011




Offa's Dyke near Montgomery - Wednesday 27th April 2011



The view looking north from Drewyn Farm CWM - Thursday 28th April 2011



Nigel on another down hill on route to Newcastle - Thursday 28th April 2011



Steep down hill again near Newcastle - Thursday 28th April 2011



Halfway? - Thursday 28th April 2011



Lunch - Thursday 28th April 2011



John temporally joins the gang at Knighton - Friday 29th April 2011



The rolling hills south of Knighton - Friday 29th April 2011



John leaves the southern bound band - Friday 29th April 2011



A lovely wood north of Kington - Friday 29th April 2011



The Golf Course above Kington the highest in the land - Friday 29th April 2011



Leaving Kington on route to Hay on Wye - Saturday 29th April 2011


Hergest Ridge my most favorite hill in the world - Saturday 30th April 2011



Hergest Ridge north of Gladestry - Saturday 30th April 2011



The Church at Newchurch - an osais on the walk with tea, coffee and squash! - 30-4-2011



Nearing Hay on Wye - Saturday 30th April 2011



Really steep and long climb out of Hay-on-Wye - Sunday 1st May 2011



On route for the Back Mountain - Sunday 1st April 2011


Sunday 1st April 2011 - On top of the Black Mountain


Monday 2nd April 2011 - The climb back to the top of the Black Mountain


Monday 2nd April 2011 - The view off the Black Mountain - fantastic!


Tuesday 3rd April 2011 - Heading south leaving the Mountain behind



On the last days walk - climbing out of Redbrook - Wednesday 4th May 2011


The last few 100 steps on the Offas Dyke.

My 191 mile walk was all but over, my leg hurt badly as I had dragged it like it was a brick towards the finish. I'd had the injury for about 40 miles and had coxed it on over a number of days.  My spirits were low and I just wanted to get to the cliffs and stop! The last mile goes through a housing estate and playing on a wall were three young girls probably aged about 12 years old.  As I limped past I expected some churlish comment from them as often kids are prone to do…. But no! One of the young girls said “Are you a tourist”.  I replied “No, not exactly, I’m a walker” not really knowing what to say and what might be coming next.  “Where have you come from?” asked one of the others.  “Prestatyn” I said.  “Your kidding, what today” she replied  “No it’s taken nearly two weeks, it’s nearly 200 miles, it’s a great walk.”  “Where do you stay at night?”  “Bed and Breakfast” I replied.  “There’s no B&B’s down there” another said.  “I know, I’m walking to the cliff, that is the end of  the walk and then I’m going home!” There was some more chat including me saying that when they were old enough they would be able to walk the Dyke themselves. “You are an inspiration to us all” one of the girls said in a way that I felt was meant.  What lovely children and what a brilliant thing to say to me - So thank you to my impromptu welcoming committee, you lifted my heart and put a fantastic memory stamp right at the end of my personal challenge! 




Bodnant Gardens

Saturday 9th April 2011

Today Linda and I went to the Bodnant Gardens near Conwy - a beautiful sunny outing!


Nearly died today!

Tuesday 5th April 2011

There was nearly no more anything this morning after I inhaled something into my airway that blocked it.  I did think it wasn't going to clear but it did eventually.  After 2 trips to the hospital and 1 to the doctors I am still here!


Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday dear Irene...
Happy Birthday to you.... X

Offas Dyke

Time is tripping by. The years have taken flight and the older I get, the more I realise that the things I love to do most in life are becoming harder to undertake. I’m a visual person, drawing, painting and photography. The joke is that with age, the one thing I really need is great sight. If I could keep the same pair of Tesco glasses for more than a week without loosing them then perhaps I could see the detail that I need to accomplish my future works of art!

I can see more problems with growing age apart from failing sight. I adore the thought of climbing mountains and walking here and there at will. In my life I have walked many of the Long Distance footpaths of our nation. In addition I have climbed so many hills, far to many to mention by name and have ambled across fields and moors in every corner on our land. How marvellous it has all been. May be all this is time limited and what I once loved to do with effort will no longer be possible for me as the years march on!

In 1991, one of my greatest out door discoveries was that fantastic of all Long Distance paths, the Offas Dyke. It’s wonderful woodland walks, it’s hill top strolls with magnificent views and it’s loneliness and freedom. For me, travelling on foot along this superb path provides me with the most memorable of all my walking experiences. I have attempted the 177 miles 4 times but only completed the whole route once. My first attempt South to North finished at Pool Quay near Welshpool some110 miles into the walk with my toes looking and feeling that they were about fall off. They didn’t of cause, but may have done if I’d carried on. They took some weeks to repair properly. My next attempt was to walk South to North again and I pulled a muscle in my shin on the second to last day of the walk. I ended that walk at Bodfari at the northern end of the path and only a handful of miles to the finish. For me it was a very big disappointment in not to get all the way. My successful Offas Dyke long distance hike was North to South finishing in glory at the cliff outside Chepstow two weeks after my start. That particular event was the most wonderful walking holiday ever. I had one more attempt in 2003 South to North which ended abruptly when one of our company pulled a leg muscle. This unfortunate thing happened somewhere remote between Knighton and Montgomery. We all had to be rescued by taxi!

So as you see this walk is not a stroll in the park. It presents a significant challenge, and guess what, 8 years on from our last excursion on that king of paths, my walking friends and I are going to attempt the whole thing again. This time North to South. I have decided that age can make things like this more difficult not only because of failing fitness may become an issue but also funds may dwindle as work prospects become more uncertain especially in the job climate of 2011. Who knows, I may not be able to afford it again even if my health stays good. So in my sixty'ith year I am going to rediscover all I love about the English Welsh border country with it’s ups and downs, woods and rivers, villages and towns, sun and clouds. I will feel the wind in my hair and hear the sound of the sheep drifting over the hills from Prestatyne to the Sedbury Cliffs. What a brilliant way to approach my big birthday!

Ross on Wye to Shipley Park

Monday 28th March 2011

Today saw a rare event when I went to the farm and collect the folks and took them out! It was only an excursion to Derby to fined some equipment for my mother, it all went well and I think we all had an interesting outing!!!!  On my return home I went for an evening stroll around Shipley Park - 3 miles

Sunday 27th March 2011

Today we travelled home from Ross on Wye visiting Worcester where the sun came out! In the evening I Sunday dinner with J.C. at the Butchers Arms. After I spent the rest of the evening at Unstone.

Saturday 26th March 2011

The weather was a little grey today but just right for a walk up the Wye - the round was about 7 miles. In the evening we all went out for a Nepalise meal - which turned out to be fantastic.... brilliant Phil!

Friday 25th March 2011

I worked in the early afternoon then made my way down to Ross on Wye for my Wirksworth group of friends yearly outing to far off places. We stayed at the Royal Hotel and eat there in the evening.  Linda couldn't come as she had a bad cold.


Lots of great times

Thursday 17th March 2011

Today I worked all day and all evening… work seems to be taking over…OK though I can do with cash!

Wednesday 16th March 2011

Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday dear Dave…  Happy 60th Birthday to you!

Tuesday 15th March 2011

Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday dear Julie…  Happy Birthday to you!

Monday 14th March 2011

A great trip to London for the day with John Cater… visiting the Titanic Exhibition and the Tate Modern… an excellent outing!



O2 London



St Pauls - London

Sunday 13th March 2011


A trip to IKEA… well! Then a trip to the farm… all ok there… then a trip to the pub with J.C. for our Sunday meal!

Saturday 12th March 2011

Dave’s 60th meal in Derby at the great Indian… brilliant thanks for a great evening!

Friday 11th March 2011

A complicated sort of day… I worked, then went back to Derby to meet up with Carol and Kim for a meal… after I travelled to Matlock and then on to the Barley Mow Bonsal for a musical evening and a pint or two… staying over at J.C’s.

Thursday 10th March 2011

Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday dear Sue…  Happy Birthday to you!

Wednesday 9th March 2011

I came back from Chesterfield in the morning then worked on my other job!!!!

Tuesday 8th March 2011

A lovely evening up in Chesterfield - thanks!

Monday 7th March 2011

I worked in the evening!

Sunday 6th March 2011

A trip to Edensor for cake and tea! - A meal later at the pub with John C.

Saturday 5th March 2011

I come back from Hertfordshire…. Then a walk round Carsington reservoir - 8 miles.  After collect Linda for an evening concert with Carla Dillon at the Assembly rooms Derby….




Friday 4th March 2011

Working then down do Dave’s in Hertfordshire for the evening!

Thursday 3rd March 2011

Working!

Wednesday 2nd March 2011

Thanks for a great evening in Chesterfield!

France to Folk Evenings

Tuesday 1st March 2011

   Today is my anniversary of leaving my day job - so it's 1 year ago and I have survived.  I have had a great year with loads of adventures and looking forward to the next 12 months to see what is going to happen then!  This evening I accompanied John C. to the Rutland Holmesfield to a folk evening. It's great to have live music. This happens at that pub the first Wednesday in the month... you never know I might take my guitar one time!

Monday 28th February 2011

I went for a walk with Lesley and John C from Matlock to Bonsall and return. A lot of up hill - just what need - about 5 miles.  In the evening John and I had a meal at the Butchers Arms Oakerthorpe - brilliant!



Sunday 27th February 2011

Linda and I flew back from France today after having 5 great days there.  On the way home we called into the farm - all fine and dandy, then we went to the pub with J.C. for a Sunday dinner.

Saturday 26th February 2011

Today is my Mother's and Phil's Birthday - Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you.... happy Birthday to both of you!... Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!

Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th February 2011

Linda and I were in France for a few days - brilliant.... an excellent time was had by all!

Monday 21st and 22nd February 2011


I worked!

Sunday 20th February 2011

After spending the day at Chesterfield I met up with John C. for our Sunday lunch at the pub.

Saturday 19th February 2011

We had a very nice meal at Sheffield - A great evening - it's great to be included with everyone.

Friday 18th February 2011

Today I did some photo work - thanks Karen.  In the afternoon I worked at my other job - work work work!

Happy Birthday Carol!

Thursday 17th February 2011

This evening I went to see the Hampsters on there tour of never ending duty - a great concert!

Wednesday 16th February 2011

Another day at work - I thought I retired...


The Kings Speech to Bishops Castle

Tuesday 15th February 2011

I have worked supervising today!

Monday 14th February 2011

I worked today then went to see Linda at Chesterfield - I thought the fish and chips made a great valentines meal!

Sunday 13th February 2011

Linda's birthday - Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you...  Happy Birthday my dear Linda... Happy Birthday to you .... After a great breakfast at the Castle Hotel... A slow drive back to Chesterfield to rescue Bentley from the kennels! In the evening I met up with John C. for our normal beef dinner at the pub!

Saturday 12th February 2011

A lovely sunny day and a drive into Shropshire for an overnight stay a Bishops Castle. The town and the hotel were just brilliant.



Friday 11th February 2011

I worked for N/C today then in the evening went for a lovely sociable evening in Sheffield at a great Indian Restaurant.

Thursday 10th February 2011

I spent a lovely evening at Chesterfield - thanks.

Wednesday 9th February 2011

Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you...  Happy Birthday Hannah... Happy Birthday to you.

Tuesday 8th February 2011

I supervised again today… this is becoming a habit!

Monday 7th February 2011

I had a lovely walk with John C. around Elton… about 6 miles.



Sunday 6th February 2011

Today we spent a great afternoon wandering around the lovely rock and book shops of Cromford.

Saturday 5th February 2011

Today I visited the farm - all OK there and in the evening went with Linda to the flicks to see “The Kings Speech”! - excellent

Friday 4th February 2011

I worked today!

Thursday 3rd February 2011

It was the Chinese New Year - Linda and went to the local restaurant to watch the dragon!!!

Wednesday 2nd February 2011

It was great to see Valerie for a catch up at the Newdigate! - Later Linda called in and we went for meal at the White Post…
 

Buntingford to Ockbrook

Tuesday 1st February 2011

  Today I supervised - only the second time since October 2010!

Monday 31st January 2011

I went for a short walk with Lesley, Dale Abbey to Ockbrook and return (4 miles). A  lovely sunny afternoon.

Sunday 30th January 2011

I left Buntingford about 4:00 pm to travel to Croydon to collect Linda - the journey went without a hitch.

Saturday 29th January 2011

I travelled down to Buntingford to spend a great evening with the boys - the Indian meal was brilliant!

Thursday 27th January & Friday 28th January 2011

I worked!

Dinner to Chatsworth

Wednesday 26th January 2011

  Today is the first day that I have had a proper walk since before being ill... John C. and myself walked one of our favourite walks around the Chatsworth Estate. The weather was cool and cloudy but it didn't rain much at all. (6 miles)



Tuesday 25th January 2011

Today I did an extra day at work supervising....

Monday 24th January 2011

It was great to meet up with Valerie in Derby for lunch... I'm sorry about your Marmite news!

Sunday 23rd January 2011

After Dave went home we went to Chesterfield, then I drove to see the folks at the farm.  My mother is looking much better after having the flue.  In the evening I met John C. at the pub for our regular Sunday roast dinner!

Saturday 22nd January 2011

I picked Linda up and in the evening Dave, Linda and myself went for another meal and a drink, this time at the Newdigate.


Friday 21st January 2011

After Dave had finished his driving job we met John T. at our local Weatherspoon for a meal and a drink.

Thursday 20th January 2011

Dave arrives from from far away Buntingford.  John C. came over in the evening to meet up with Dave and myself...


Wednesday 19th January 2011

It is Donald's birthday today... we all met up at the farm!

Tuesday 18th January 2011

At lunchtime Valerie called in a coffee and a chat - in the evening I went Chesterfield for a lovely meal - thank you!

Flue to Birthdays

Monday 17th January 2011

Today I have had a very lazy day doing stuff that I hadn’t had a mind to before!

Sunday 16th January 2011

A really nice day spent between here and Chestefield and meeting up with John in the evening near Alfreton for our regular Sunday pub roast.

Saturday 15th January 2011

A trip to the theatre to see “The Wind in the Willows” at the Derby Theatre.

Friday 14th January 2011

We were out this evening for meal at Little Italy - Dronfield... it was full and the meal was great!

Thursday 13th January 2011


A journey to Hertfordshire - Dave’s Birthday do… a lovely evening Neil… wonderful meal!

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Dave
Happy Birthday to you!

Wednesday 12th January 2011

I worked to day and then spent the evening at Chesterfield

Tuesday 11th January 2011

I called in to see Donald at Austry and fitted up some recording equipment so that he can record his keyboard music... he is very tallented!

Monday 10th January 2011

I worked all day and evening...

Sunday 9th January 2011

I spent part of the day at Chesterfield

Saturday 8th January 2011


My new bed arrives replacing my old bed that I have had for over 12 years and it was second hand then... I'm looking forward to great sleeps!

Friday 7th January 2011


Bad snow today and a rescue mission which has turned out great!

Thursday 6th January 2011

I worked today...

Wednesday 6th January 2011


John Cater and myself went for trip to the National Railway Museum at York - I just needed a outing before I was to return to work after the flue!

Tuesday 7th January 2011


I went for a short walk round Shipley Park to see if I'd got my strength back again - it wasn't bad....

From 26th December 2010 to Monday 3rd January 2010

I've had the flue and spent most of the time at home recovering - post Christmas activities and the boys coming up for New Year cancelled - but thanks to Val and John for calling and all the great phone calls. I'm getting the jab next year!!!!




Chatsworth to Sods Law

Sunday 26th December 2010 (Boxing Day)

Boxing Day and I should have gone to spend the day with my friends in the south... but Sods Law I developed a bad cold and cannot go.... sorry Jenny and Neil! A day in bed should fix it I hope and I'll get to see the new house sometime!

Saturday 25th December 2010 (Christmas Day)

Today I felt my cold coming on but I did get to see Steve, Hannah and Neve thank you for all the fantastic presents, it was great to see you.  I did get to the farm for our traditional Christmas lunch and exchange of presents...  so thank you everyone for a great time!

Friday 24th December 2010 (Christmas Eve)

I finished off delivering my cards and did last minute shopping.....

Thursday 23rd December 2010

I had a lovely evening at Matthew and Denise’s with Karen and Roger... It's great to get together...

Wednesday 22nd December 2010

My last day at work then in the evening I went with John and Annie to Derby Cathedral to watch the Sheffield Peoples Choral sing and performing The Mystery Plays... the singing was brilliant... a great evening thanks! 

Tuesday 21st December 2010

It was our office lunchtime Christmas bash... I really enjoyed the food... excellent!

Monday 20th December 2010

I worked all day and all evening... so much for early retirement!

Sunday 19th December 2010

My friend from Merseyside returned home to find deep snow there... thanks for a great weekend I really enjoyed it...  I'm pleased you got back safe.  I went to visit my folk at the farm... again all ok there!

Saturday 18th December 2010

  I took my friend to Chatsworth House for the tour to see the "Veiled Lady"... the house was slightly disappointing as they only allowed the visitors on the ground floor and it was set out a little like a Garden Centre.. but we had a lovely time anyway...
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Friday 17th December 2010

My friend arrive from Southport for the St Agnes Fountain Concert at Thorsby Hall... the concert was brilliant again - we went with John and Annie..

Thursday 16th December 2010

Dave went home - it was great to see you although a short visit!

Wednesday 15th December 2010

I worked all day and in the evening and Dave came up for drink... sorry I got in latter than I expected...

Tuesday 14th December 2010

I worked today...
 

Liverpool to Matlock

Monday 13th December 2010

Today has been really full meeting up with Julie and Val at different times during the day... Chistmas shopping which I failed at! A meeting at work... and some work for my other job... A great day apart from the none Christmas shopping part!

Sunday 12th December 2010

I got up late in Southport and travelled to John C's birthday bash... Thanks John it was a great afternoon and early evening....

Saturday 11th December 2010

I worked in the morning then travelled to the farm.. all is fine there as usually.  From there I went to Southport for an evening party... a 40th Birthday brilliant... so thank you everyone for making it a smashing night!

Musical Evenings to Woodpeckers

Friday 10th December 2010

  Happy Birthday to you - Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday dear Marg... Happy Birthday to you...!
also
Happy Birthday to you - Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday dear John... Happy Birthday to you...!

Today John C, Lesley and myself went for a walk in the cold round Calke Abbey... there wasn't much snow there but there was a lot of ice on paths!!!!



Thursday 9th December 2010

John and Annie came over for a musical evening...


I would have loved to stay in bed his morning!!!!!

Wednesday 8th December 2010

I have work today... but I would have loved to stay in bed his morning!!!!!

-13

Tuesday 7th December 2010

Today I have been walking with John C. The car had a problem starting this morning but is was -13 on the way over to meet John at Ambergate.  We had a walk of about 7 miles in thick lying snow starting at Ambergate, through the wire works, up the hill through the woods to Alderwasley then on to Whatstandwell returning along the Cromford Canal.  This evening I worked to cover someone who didn't turn in! So a full day....
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Christmas Dinners to Frozen Beaches

Monday 6th December 2010

  Valerie dug her car out and came over for a cup of tea and chat this morning, great to see you - This afternoon I made the trip in the -5 temperatures to the farm, it was very foggy there - they are both ok but fed up with not being able to go out roamimg as they would normally do given good weather!

Sunday 5th December 2010

I have returned from a brilliant weekend trip to Southport - Today the weather there was sunny and clear. The beaches were frozen and beautiful and we met a chap called Keith Banks with his trolly collecting drift wood from the beach - He makes interior funishings with it. Take a look at his website: http://driftwoodinteriors.co.uk
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Saturday 4th December 2010

This morning I left home for Southport in freezing condition around here - the journey went without incident - the snow had disapeared by the time I had reached the Liverpool area - it just rained! It did not matter, we had a great time anyway.

Friday 3rd December 2010

Today I worked - it was very cold!!!

Thursday 2nd December 2010

It was my first Christmas do today with my second job! It was great, no expense spared - what a nice thank you to all the workers!

 

More Snow!

Wednesday 1st December 2010

Well what a lot of snow we have had to day... when I woke up it was all very quite outside... nothing moving outside... about 6 inches of snow in places and I had to take my car into the garage... which I did and walked back the 3 miles taking photos as went!










Happy Birthday Sally!

Tuesday 30th November 2010

  Happy Birthday to you...


Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday dear Sally...

Happy Birthday to you...!

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Happy Birthday Valerie!

Monday 29th November 2010

Happy Birthday to you...


Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday dear Valerie...

Happy Birthday to you.... !

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Cromford -5 to -10

Sunday 28th November 2010

  It has been really cold today with the lowest reading being -10 as I travelled over to Matlock this morning and back again this evening... John and I braved the weather and had a great walk along the Cromford Canal starting at Cromford Meadows then climbed the hill to Lea Hurst, Florence Nightingales home. Then returned through woods back to the car - about 6 miles in the snow!  This evening we had another fab meal at the pub just outside Alfreton before returning home!



Cromford Canal - Derbyshire



Strange Sheep - Lea Hurst - Derbyshire

Up town to Matlock

Saturday 27th November 2010

  The first snow of the winter... brilliant! I went for an early morning walk (early for me) and got some pictures!  I had to do shopping for once and ended up at Matlock to see my friend!  His road was a little dodgy with snow and ice so I didn't stay long but went to the farm from there... They are both ok although a little bonkers!
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Friday 26th November 2010

This evening I went out with John Tayor for a pint or two... he has moved to an area that has some great community based pubs... excellent!


It's gone a bit cool!

Thursday 25th November 2010

  I had some work to do first thing this morning then off for a lovely but cool walk from Ambergate to Whatstandwell (via Alderwasley) return - about 7 miles.  It was great to get out walking again as I haven't been able to go, it feels like for weeks!
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Whatstandwell Bird!

Work, Work, Work

Monday 22nd November 2010

  Work, Work, Work, Work... something wrong... what happened to staying in bed till 10!

http://www.davemcdonald.co.uk/USERIMAGES/sparrow%20on%20the%20wire%201-75.jpg

"Little Sparrow"

From Farm to Friends

Sunday 21st November 2010

  I returned from Hertfordshire today... thank you fellows for a great evening!

Saturday 20th November 2010

I visited the farm as requested... all ok really!  Then I drove to Hertfordshire for tea and some beers with my mates! Brilliant... thanks!

Roger to Sand Dunes

Friday 19th November 2010

  Another brilliant day at Southport... a great walk on the fantasic flat beach... excellent meal.. all round lovely day... Thanks!




Wednesday 17th November 2010


Thank you for my Morrocco present!

Sunday 14th November 2010

A trip to the farm - Donald was there and all is well!

Saturday 13th November 2010

We spent a great evening at the Assembly Rooms - The Martyn Simpson Band - excellent!

Friday 12th Novenber 2010

It was good to have Roger stay - an outing to the Ferriers Centre




Fireworks and work!

Monday 8th November 2010

I started my new job today properly… great fun and I get paid as well… a result!

Sunday 7th November 2010

Today John C. and myself went for a walk through the Chatsworth Estate.. The colours looked fantastic, I am so lucky to live here… it’s like being on holiday every day… After our wanderings we had Sunday lunch at the pub… excellent!



Saturday 6th November 2010

I walked around the Calke Abbey estate again. It’s a great short walk… In the evening I went to an organised bonfire at Denby with friends… the fireworks were as good as any I’ve seen… brilliant!




Anthony Gormley to Austry

Friday 5th November 2010

  It's a typical Bonfire Night with rain... Today I have been to see my uncle at Austry... all well there!

Thursday 6th November 2010

Another brilliant day at Southport - the Anthony Gormley sculptures on the sands called "Another Place" were fantastic... wonderful art.   So thank you for the best of days and I hope we can do it again very soon!



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Wednesday 5th November 2010

This evening I took a friend from work to see Stephen Holbrook... Very interesting as usual and funny!

Derbyshire Walks and the Zoo

Sunday 31st October 2010

Today I travelled back from Hertfordshire - thanks folks for another brilliant time in the south!



Saturday 30th October 2010
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Roger and I went for a ride out and ended up at Linton Zoo... it's only a small zoo but they have Lions and Tigers and a chance to take some pictures!

Friday 29th October 2010

I went with a friend of mine on another hill walk in Derbyshire - Lathkill Dale round - the weather was a little dull but it didn't rain - about 8 miles - After I drove down to Buntingford - thanks for the great meal!
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Calke Abbey and Battlefield Line

Sunday 24th October 2010

Today has been sunny and cold, so another great walk round Calke Abbey grounds and a visit to the Battlefield Line Shackerston!  In the evening I met up with John C for a pub meal near Alfreton - very nice and very cheap!
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Saturday 23rd October 2010

A visit to the farm - the folks are fine and it was good to see Donald as well. In the evening a meal at friend for Anthony's birthday. Thank you it was lovely!

Friday 22nd October 2010

I had a brilliant day out in Liverpool with a friend - We visited the Shackleton Exhibition and the Planetarium. There is so much to see there and the company was great! Thank you.

Thursday 21st October 2010

Today I worked and in the evening went to Tutbury with friends for an Indian Meal. Yum... lovely!

Castleton round

Wednesday 20th October 2010

  What a glorious day...the sun shone but cold with blue skies.  Just the sort of day for walk in the hill of Derbyshire! A friend and I walked a return route from Castleton... up Cave Dale... over Mam Tor... Hollins Cross to Loose Hill and back to Castleton - Brilliant! (8 miles)



Tuesday 19th October 2010

Today I worked!

Monday 18th October 2010

I met a friend for lunch in Derby and did some family research at the library in the evening - I didn't turn up much!

Bournemouth to Calke Abbey

Sunday 17th October 2010

  The brilliant weather continues and I have had a great walk round Calke Abbey parkland (about 5 miles).  I have 1 or 2 quite good shots I think! Then I went to see my uncle at Austry and learned some great family facts...
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Saturday 16th October 2010

I returned from Bournemouth today and spent some of the evening over at the farm.. the folks a fine and dandy!

Friday 15th October 2010

A relaxing day with friends in Bournemouth.  We visited Winborne and a rural mill.. a very nice day!

Thursday 14th October 2010

I worked today then drove to the south coast!  My sanctuary!

Liverpool to Chatsworth

Tuesday 12th October 2010

  A friend and myself went for walk around the Chatsworth Estate and finished up walking through the grounds looking at all the interesting and non interesting sculptures that were there.  The weather was lovely and a great time had by all!   (Walk - 5 miles)
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Monday  11th October 2010

Today I went with Valerie for a beautiful walk from Ambergate, over the tops to Alderwasley and Whatstandwell.  Great weather, great company, great walk... thanks (Walk - 7 miles)



Sunday 10th October 2010

I had to work today and then went to the Newdigate for a lovely carvery with Dave.

Saturday 9th October 2010

Dave and I had a brilliant outing to Liverpool on the train.  We went to see the Beatle Story which we thought was very good... we were only there for the afternoon but a good trip!
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A lovely surprise walk!

Wednesday 6th October 2010

  Valerie came around unplanned and we got a brilliant couple of hour walk in this afternoon out the back of the house and up to Shipley Park - return.  Excellent about 5 miles! Thanks.



Tuesday 5th October 2010

I started my new job properly with a half day briefing!

Sunshine and shower/heavy rain

Monday 4th October 2010

It's been the brightest of days, fantastically sunny and warm. Valerie and I went for a lovely walk over the top of Stanton by Dale to Dale Abbey and return!  Thank you it was a brilliant day... about 5 or 6 miles.  This evening I have been at work!
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New Walking Boots!

Wednesday 29th September 2010

  Today Michael, Lesley and myself went for a high level walk along the edge of Kinder Scout so that Michael could try out his new walking boots which he is going to use in Nepal in a couple of weeks.  We climbed up Grinsbrook from Edale Village and onto the top, descending by Jacobs Ladder (about 9 miles - 4 hours).  We had the best of the weather - low cloud and drizzle some of the way round but missing the torrential rain which came as soon as we made it back to the cars!
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Tuesday 28th September 2010

I had great fun starting my new job today and Michael arrived from the south - the Newdigate strikes again!

Music and Walking

Monday 27th September 2010

  Today has been a damp old day... but for a part it Valerie and I had a great short walk from Morley Arms Houses to home... about 5 miles. Thanks for coming over early so that we could fit it in...



Sundays 26th September 2010

I didn't go very far today as I spent most of the day recording my new smash hit song "It's all over now!". Lisen to it on my Last Step Recordings page track 25.  It has 12 string guitar, bass, lead and drums.. I think it all hangs together really well. Let me know what you think!!! Also, first thing in the morning I was surprised to be lisening to Christine Free on Erewash Sound 8 - 10 am... an excellent show... thank you Christine for the mention on the radio!

More retirements!

Friday 24th September 2010

  Dave went home today and Lesley had her retirement party at the Brunswick this evening.  All there had a great time.... freedom at last... you will enjoy it!

Thursday 23rd September 2010

Weatherspoon's curry night...... it was good to see your new house Mr T... I like the touch with the Dew Drop just round the corner.

Wednesday 22th September 2010

I've been on a very good course today about avoiding violence and aggression... I have avoided it for most of my life... I'm sure it will be a help in the future!!!

Tuesday 21st September 2010
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It was great to meet up with John today.  I went walking with John over White Edge and Froggatt Edge.. the weather was great... and it was brilliant to catch up! 

(8 miles)

Fabulous, fabulous

Monday 20th September 2010

This morning I met up with Valerie and walked over fields and far away - well from Dale Abbey to Ockbrook and return - not that far, about 5 miles.  The company and weather were exquisite and another walk under my belt - just what I needed. 
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Sunday 19th September 2010

I finished my big sort out and clear out, well as much as I doing for now, in some of my rooms. I can find the bed in the back bedroom now - lucky as my friend Dave arrived from Hertfordshire to stay a few days.

Saturday 18th September 2010

This morning I decided to purchase a new studio mic as my original one has started making unwanted buzzing noises - expensive.  From the music shop I went to visit the Art and Architecture trail at the Melbourne Festival.  There were many artists displaying there talents - there is a little piece of everything for most people there and some of the houses a really interesting to look in! - In the evening John and Annie invited me for dinner and then they came back to my house to do some recording - using my new acquisition!  The music session went on into the early hours.  Thanks it was great!!!
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New Houses and Computers

Friday 17th September 2010

This week has had  an interesting flavour...  I received a huge parcel today... and in it was my brand new computer for my brand new job... well they must think I am on the books now... better get some work done!

Wednesday 15th September 2010

I was off today and had a wonderfully social time.  I went to see me Uncle for lunch... Val came for tea and a chat in the afternoon and I went to see me friend Karen and her new house which she and her fella are building and wow... it's a mansion... brilliant... last time I went is wasn't there and now!  Thanks for dinner.. the house is fantastic!

 

Wirksworth Festival to Buntingford to the Nene Valley Railway

Sunday 12th September 2010

  It's been a great day... bacon sandwiches and the Nene Valley Railway!  Dave, Roger and I visited the Nene Valley Railway today, took a ride from Wadsford to Peterborough
 on a foreign train! Very strange trip on a preserved railway... a good time had by all I must say!

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Saturday 11th September 2010

The Wirksworth Festival happened today... the Art & Architectual Trail a wonderful venue for folks who have houses and art to show! I really enjoyed being nosy and Phil had the best photography in the festival that I saw.  It was great to see Lizzie and Martin and Ian in passing.  Go next year you will enjoy it! Then I made the trip to me friend Dave's in Buntingford Hertfordshire... always great to see Dave & Roger!
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Buntingford High Street

July to September

Wednesday 8th September 2010

 Well I must try and record what has happened better than this... another few months gone and now we are well into September.  Today I went for coffee and a walk with Belinda on Baslow Edge.  It was very easy going under foot... not many folks around and the sun shone!   (2.5 miles)



Monday 6th September 2010

I had another lovely walk in the Derbyshire hills with my friend from work.  We walked a favourite circular walk of mine from Winster at Youlgreave and return.  It was breezy and dry with sun.  (8 miles)



Sunday 5th September 2010

After a extended weekend in the Lake District, Dave and myself visited the Bradford Museum of Media...   The high light of which was watching Toy Story 3 in 3D in the IMAX cinema there.  We arrived home about 7:00.
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Saturday 4th September 2010

Walking in the Lake District is wonderful.  Today we ventured up the Old Man of Coniston... the day was warm with little wind.  The views were fantastic and it was all new territory for both of us.  An excellent day. (8 miles)
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Friday 3rd September 2010

The weather was warm, not breeze to speak of.  We climbed our favourite mountain again... Helvelyn... one of the highest spots in the Lake District.  It took us 4 hour to reach the summit.  It was a hot climb... I was feeling exhausted at the top... but well worth it.  The views were lovely.. what a great challenge and we have done it again!!!
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Thursday 2nd September 2010


Today Dave and I started our Lake District adventure.  We left home in the morning arriving at Littletown near Keswick early afternoon.  To start our selfs off we climbed Cat Bells with brilliant views of Derwent Water. Cat Bells rises up from near to where we were staying. A great start to our trip.
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  Monday 30th August 2010

It was Bank Holiday today and I was to meet Sue, Dave and family at the Dams.  We never found each other so I walked round the Dams on my own.  I have never done that walk before - it turned out to be 13 miles mostly on the flat.  The day was beautifully sunny and warm.
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Sunday 29th August 2010

Linda got home from France and Arvey got married today!
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Saturday 28th August 2010

Dave, Roger and myself went to "Run to the Hills" to meet up with Steve, Hannah and Neve... a VW event.

Wednesday 25th August 2010

Dave, Roger and I returned from our few days away at "Thimble Cottage" Whitby.  On the way back home we visited Scampston Hall and Gardens near Malton, the home of Sir Charles and Lady Legard. When you visit the hall, Sir Charles meets you at the door and takes your ticket! Excellent!
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Tuesday 24th August 2010

Today is Steve's Birthday! Happy Birthday....

Dave, Roger and my self took the train from Whitby to Pickering. We had a really great day visiting Pickering Castle and Goathland the home of the TV series "Heatbeat"
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Monday 23rd August 2010

It was the last day of the Whitby Regatta... the place was full of people. Amongst other things we watched the Hurricane strutting it's stuff and the fire works and the end of the day.
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Sunday 22nd August 2010

It was a very wet Whitby so we went to the Whitby Museum and Art Gallery...  next wet day in Whitby go there!

Saturday 21st August 2010

Our trip to Whitby starts here... 3 in Thimble Cottage... it can be done...



Thursday 19th August

A great walk from Barlow Derbyshire with Lesley... I have never walked around Barlow but it was a great up and down hill walk.... thanks. About 8 miles



 Thursday 17th August 2010

I have returned from France today after spending nearly 3 weeks at Saint Auvent with Linda (from 29th July).  It has been a great experience and I have had a interesting time visiting many of the wonderful places near by. French life is so laid back, lovely places and great people.
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Ambergate to Matlock Bath

Tuesday 27th July 2010

  I've not been on a proper walk for ages... how unfit I felt wandering up and down dale!!!  So I need to do a lot more walking... so I hope we go more Leisley... I've put the 19th in my diary so thats a date!....  The weather was forecast to be wet but it stayed fine all the walk.  We left Ambergate Railway Station at 11:00 and walk one of my favorite walks to Matlock Bath taking the high paths along the way arriving at the pub in Starkholmes at 13:50... enough time for a pint before catching the train back to Ambergate at 14:38.  Brilliant.. an excellent trek!

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Cottage - John Smedley Ltd. Lea Mills, Lea Bridge, Matlock, Derbyshire

A weekend away in Shropshire

Sunday 27th June 2010

  Wonderful stuff! Linda and I have just got back from spending a fantastic weekend on Welsh/English border revisiting places that I haven't been to for ages and all of them were for the first time for Linda. We stayed at Mellington Hall near Montgomery.
 

Mellington Hall

Mellington Hall stands right on the Offa Dyke Long Distant Path which is my favorite walk in Britain, all 177 miles of it.  It runs from Chepstow in the south to Prestatyn in the north.  I have attempted it 4 times and completed it twice. On Saturday we discovered Bishops Castle, a beautiful small hill town with a lovely main street and loads of character.
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Bishops Castle

 An Iron Age Fort called The Bury Ditches isn't far from there, so we visited it.  The fort has an almost 360 degree view point from the summit looking out over the wonderful Shropshire hills. Later we called in a Hergest Croft near Kington, a large garden open to the public.  It is an old friend but there was not to much colour around this weekend- the Carrot Cake and Cream Tea made up for that though.  We stopped off at Clun on our return, such a lovely village.
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Clun

Today we went Wroxeter Roman City which was the 4th largest Roman City in Roman Britain, not much of it remain but what there is very interesting.
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Wroxeter

Iron Bridge was not many miles away so we called there to for a beer and to stock up the sunshine before the drive home.

Life is picking up again!

Sunday 20th June 2010

Today has been a warn and lovely day... Linda and I took time out to go round Chatsworth House.... I really love it, there is always loads to see and discover.  Three things took my eye.... the kneeling lady with the vale... a roman sculpture of Pan, I just didn't realize that image was so old ... and the painted violin... it is a house of treasures.
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The Chatsworth Lady!

Now back from distant travelling

Monday 7th June 2010

John Taylors Birthday today - Happy Birthday to you!

Linda and I arrived home this morning at 1:30am after driving aprrox. 600 miles from St Auvent Central France.  A week last Saturday we drove to Bournemouth staying over at John and Irene's house (thank you you two!) visiting Linda's son in Poole and my cousin Sally and family in the New Forest. Sally makes the most fantastic Teddy Bears - one called Bentley in coming my way!  Sunday evening we sailed on the over night ferry to L'Harve arriving in the morning.  The drive to the house was easy on the wonderful French roads arriving at about 2:00 pm. We have had a glorious week mostly in the sunshine visiting the local towns and villages including Oradour the French town left in ruins to this day, after being destroyed by the Nazis in 1944, killing 642 of it's inhabitants - a very sad place.

Sunday 30th May 2010

Jennifer in Australia's Birthday - I hope all is well - Happy Birthday to you! Xx

Tuesday 25th May 2010

My Birthday - thank you everyone who made it very special again. We had a lovely meal and great company at the White Post Stanley to finish the day off...

Sunday 16th May 2010

Riverdance - What a wonderful show - the dancing was a amazing!

Monday 10th May 2010

John Roberts Birthday - Happy Birthday to you!

Sunday 2nd May 2010

Linda and I visited  Sudbury Hall - the Museum of Childhood, well worth a visit if you haven't been.

Friday 23th April 2010

Linda has a problem with leg and ends up in hospital for a few days.

 

All things great!

Monday 3rd May 2010

   We are all into May now... all things are great... Linda is up and about leaping around  with a splint on her leg as she would... it's getting taken off next week! We have had a great Bank Holiday weekend... with a visit to Sudbury Hall ... the Museum of Childhood on Sunday... and the Herb Garden near Pilsley today...

Friday 30th April 2010

A great evening out at the Newdigate with John Taylor... a chat and drink.... brilliant!

Hospitals and Great Mates

Monday 26th April 2010

Last week has had it's ups and downs. On Friday my friend Linda ended up in hospital with a bad problem with her knee and is still there! Also on Friday after my hospital visit I drove to Hertfordshire to have a late dinner with my mates... it was a great evening thank you, and well worth the 120 mile drive!  I returned on Saturday. 

The Year is Flashing by!!!

Tuesday 20th April 2010

Hi everyone.... I seem to have been taking my time adding to my blog and so much has happened since January.  In February I went with my friend to stay in Whitby for a week... we had a great time out and about and eating fish and chips at the "Magpie Restaurant” On our final day we had deep snow!  My March the main event was that I finished my salaried job and took early retirement, not to say that I have done nothing since then, I have been working flat out - infact I have worked more since I finished than I did all last year when I was part-time – What seemed to have happened is that I just became unemployed and now have to work for a living - My retirement do was fabulous, thank you everyone who turned up to wish me well! Soon after my leaving do I went to Dublin to see Mike Scott and the Waterboys at the Abbey Theatre - brilliant - "An Appointment with Mr Yates" - they were excellent, a great mix of music and at the end of the evening they really rocked.  This month’s adventure, I flew to Limoges France to meet up with my friend who has a house near there. I spent nearly a week seeing the sites and now I can speak fluent French - I got home just before the volcano irrupted and the lack of planes!!

 

A Long Time Since My Last Entry!

 Wednesday 20th January 2010

Hi everyone... I have reappeared... I hope the New Year is progressing well with you all... mine certainly is and I'm off all week!

Tuesday 19th January 2010

Today is Donald's Birthday so I went to visit him at Austrey - This evening I had a friend round and cooked my first proper meal for ages. It was really nice, Jamie Oliver eat your heart out!!!.... 

Sunday 17th January 2010

I collected a friend and went for a drive in the hills... there was loads of snow still around up there... After we went to the Newdigate for there incredible carvery...

Saturday 16th January 2010

I went to the pictures John T. and his daughter to see... Daybreakers - Vampires everywhere - I,ve got my wooden stake ready! I thought it was quite good...

Friday 15th January 2010

I had to work supervising today - A fantastic day in the snow with the lads... the first Friday to run!!!

Thursday 14th January 2010

I drove can back from the south today after visiting my friends Dave, Roger, Michael and Becky... a great visit it's lovely to have great friends - thanks!!!

Wednesday 13th January 2010


I took myself off to the south after work... it's Dave's Birthday so to our traditional meeting at his house... he prepares a fabulous meal and has a fridge full of goodies for us all!!!


Tuesday 12th January 2010

A lovely evening, the the ice has melted ( a bit) I went to collect my friend from places north - A second trip to the chinese restaurant, I really like it there - but the pub was not so great was it - brilliant all the same!!!

Monday 11th January 2010

John C. and myself were a bit fed up with the weather - So we traveled to Manchester on the train from Alfreton.  There was so much snow in Edale I'm glad we weren't walking out there. In Manchester we visited the Lowery and The Imperial War Museum... both places were very good and now cobwebs blown away!!!

Sunday 10th January 2010

John Cater escaped the ice and snow at Matlock and came here for a carvey at the Newdigate... we have been it rather a lot due to the snow!!

Saturday 9th January 2010

Well the weather since Saturday 2nd January has been the worst for years freezing and snow so not much has happened as I think everyone has been in most evenings with lots of outing cancelled ....

Saturday 2nd January 2010

Heavy snow so Dave and Roger left Derbyshire so as not to get stuck.....

Friday 1st January 2010

A day getting over our late night out....

Wednesday 31st December 2009

Dave and Roger came up to celebrate New Year - a grand time was had by all in cold old Ilkeston - we all enjoyed it!!

Tuesday 30th December 2009


A walk from Ambergate to Cromford on frozen paths and then the train back again with V. - an excellent day... we both needed a walk and some fresh air.


Monday 29th December 2009

Today was the Teddy Bears Party at the Farm for Neve, Steve and Hannah - all went well and all enjoyed themselves... after I drove to near Chesterfield to meet a friend of mine - a lovely meal and brilliant outing... thanks!!!

Sunday 28th December 2009

I returned from the south... for a carvery with John Cater at the Newdigate!!!

Saturday 27th December 2009

A day in Buntingford with my friends!!!!!

Friday 26th December (Boxing Day) 2009

I travelled to the south to spend Boxing Day with my friends... how lovely to be included again!!! 

Thurday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2009

Christmas Day again, I met Donald at the farm for a splendid traditional meal and then had a nice afternoon swopping presents... Early evening I went to see Steve, Hannah and Neve.



Ashford to Portway Walking

9th November 2009

Today has been beautifully sunny, it's great not to have to go to work when the weather is like this... I took the 59 bus to Morley Arms House near Breadsall and followed the Portway route back... leavin it near Dale Abbey to take the green lanes back home.  A fantastic walk. (6miles)

Hagg Lane near Stanley Village - Derbyshire

8th November 2009

I've had a lovely day! I went walking with John Cater from Ashord in the Water to Monsal Dale Head and back. (5 miles) In the evening John cooked dinner...

Monsal Dale Viaduct

Trans Peak Buses

7th November 2009

A beautiful morning so I walked in the sun from Ambergate to Cromford along the canal for much of the route, returning to Ambergate on the Trans Peak Bus. (6 miles)




6th November 2009

I bought my self a Tin Whistle (£3.80) - I'm going to learn how to play it.



A pleasant evening at the Barley Mow's musical evening - simple pleasures!


5th November 2009


Another Work Day - and an evening in with James Bond!



Derby Cathedral

The Pros, The Cons and a Screw

Wednesday 4th November 2009



Today has been a work day... but this evening I went a musical at Derby Play House "The Pro, The Cons and a Screw" - excellent - go and see it!

Calke Abbey

Tuesday 3rd November 2009

Today is my last day before returning to work - so I took myself off to Calke Abbey for walk - then on to a friend who lives in Ticknall, then on to the farm, then on to a meal at Osmaston - another excellent day!



Grey Squirrel - Calke Abbey - Derbyshire

Sally and the Kids to Country Walks

Monday 2nd November 2009

Today have been a glorious cool but sunny Autumn day - I went on an 8 mile walk around Carsington Reservoir with John Cater. An excellent walk and plenty of nice pictures to!



Sunday 1st November 2009

I went with Steve to VW event near Stafford - it was brilliant to see Terry and Paul - a blast from the past - keep in touch now!



Saturday 31st October 2009




Today Neve, Steve, Hannah and myself went on a family walk from Dale Abbey to Ockbrook return - about 5 miles - lunch at the Carpenters Arms, Dale Abbey.

Friday 30th October 2009

I produced a new track for John Taylor called Rainbows - it is the last track on the MP3 player - John wrote the song from a poems of one of his friends who was in difficulty at the time - but now I hope she lives happily ever after!

Thursday 29th October 2009

It' s great to see Sally and the kids at the farm - thank's for coming and for making "my parents day" - they do love it when you appear!

Ilkeston Fair

Wednesday 28th October 2009

A grand evening was had by everyone at Collin's Birthday and Retirement do at Codnor.  Thank you Margaret for the lift home! 


Tuesday 27th October 2009

I spent the day helping Matthew put the roof on his barn - I hope the planners liked it!


Monday 26th October 2009

I sent most of today producing Christine Free's new CD of Christian poems called "Chrysalis Release"



This CD contains 23 poems from Christine Free's sell out publication "Chrysalis Release"


Saturday and Sunday 24th & 25th October 2009

Doing weekend cover - finished off Sunday with a Carvery at the Newdigate - West Hallam - with JC


Friday 23rd October 2009

I met John Cater at the Barley Mow for the Musical Evening - the place was packed - there had been a funeral in the village - It's great to see the pub full but probably not so great for those who wanted to sing!


Thursday 22nd October 2009


It's Ilkeston Fair.... it is the oldest Charter Fair in the land!  I met Neve, Steve, Hannah and Marie there... Neve had a great time!


Cara Dillon

Wednesday 21st October 2009

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing..... Cara Dillon at the Assembly Rooms Derby... she is like a singing fairy.... totally wonderful... go to one of her concerts if you get the chance!  I'm having a grand feast of brilliant music this past week,,,,


Richard Branson watch out!!!

Monday 19th October 2009

I spent the whole day in, sorting recordings out... and ended up with a great CD for Annie - artwork everything!  Every track is excellent, (well I recorded them!) she has such a brilliant voice... find some of the tracks on the MP3 player...



"Solo" Album Cover





Bournemouth to Whitby

Sunday 18th October 2009
Life is brilliant at the moment - I had a long lie in (I don't do that much)... in the afternoon I went walking with John Cater, John T. and Annie from Ambergate
to Alderwasley, to Whatstandwell return... about 6 miles. The evening meal was at the "Barley Mow" Bonsall (excellent)... then we went to a fantastic concert at "The Bear Inn" Alderwasley - just an 80 seat venue to see John McCusker, Hidi Talbot,
Boo Hewerdine and Andy Cutting - what can I say - weren't we lucky!!!!!!

Saturday 17th October 2009
A brilliant day at the North York Moors Railway - "The Railway at War".  I have never seen so many people dressed up... 100's in fact - soldiers from ever nation - loads of Germans - the women all dressed in the 40's garb.  Pickering was a sea of people with street entertainers, old vehicles, the village turned period!!!  We just caught the 12:00 train through to Whitby where Whitby Cod got consumed.... a lovely sunny day!  Trains didn't run when we wanted them so we hopped onto a little bus through to Grosmount to catch the next train to Pickering.... What a great day we didn't get back to Derbyshire until about 21:00.....



Sir Nigel Gresley at Grosmount North York Moors Railway



Whitby Harbor - North Yorkshire

Friday 16th October 2009

An evening at the Barley Mow with John Cater - it was great to see the pub full and musicians playing!


Thursday 15th October 2009

This evening was the leaving do of Arvey, one of my work colleagues who is going on to greater things.... brilliant, have an excellent life!  


Tuesday 13th October 2009


Today John and I visited the Beaulieu Motor Museum in the New Forest... it's a long time since I have been there... the sun shone and we spent grand time admiring all the cars we would have liked to owned!


Grand Central Railway to Bournemouth

Monday 12th October 2009

I had a brilliant walk in the sun over the back of Stanton by Dale again... about 5 miles...



The Hangman's Tree - No Mans Lane


 After I drove to Bournemouth to see my great friends John & Irene... it;s always great to be there!


Sunday 11th October 2009


A boys day out at the Grand Central Railway Loughborough where there was a Gala Day on... terrific!  Loads of steam hauled trains with the odd freight moving up and down the line... a great day out with the Newdigate's stunning carvery to finish it off when we arrived back home....



Saturday 10th October 2009


It was lovely to see Chris and Dave who were visiting the farm from far away Plymouth....

Thursday 8th October 2009

Dave, Michael and Beckie came to stay... we all had lovely meal at the "White Post"... great food at Stanley Common! Try it.. well worth going...

Website to the Edges

Sunday 4th October 2009

I live in in wonderful county... Derbyshire is just stunning!



John Cater and myself walked from Beeley on the moors above the Chatsworth Estate, to the Robin Hood and then returned on the high level paths through the estate with Chatsworth House in the valley below! Lovely..... a walk of about 7 miles (that's a total for the past few weeks of about 64 miles!)

Saturday 3rd October 2009

I spent most of the day tidying this site up - I'm going to add one page for the images used for cards to compliment the Card Online Shop.... you can now see some of them as slide show, so take a look and leave me some feed back.... come on!

Walk - Stanton by Dale - and more music

Thursday 1st October 2009

Another lovely sunny day, brilliant for this time of year.  I am trying to walk as much as possible.  I have sat in front of a desk for years now and now I'm not, I need some exercise!  There are some great strips of land around Ilkeston and one of my favorite walks stats and finishes at Stanton by Dale, in passes the Hang Mans Tree on No Mans Lane (The Portway), clips Hopewell Park and Dale Abbey. Another walk of about 5 miles.  



Stanton by Dale Village



Walker near Hopewell Park

In the evening John and Annie came for musical evening with the result that I now have some more great recordings.... includes a lovely version by Annie of "Bonnie Light Horseman". Watch out for them on the John Taylor Band and Friends page and listen them on the MP3 player which pops up when you press the blue player button!

Ockbrook to Watercolour

Wednesday 30th September 2009

I was at work today (the only day I have to work this week... brilliant) and this evening I went to the Matlock Camera Club at Cromford to a brilliant lecture and demonstation by a chap called
Ian Daisley about how digital cameras work and showed us how to improve photographs - an excellent evening.

http://www.iandaisleyphotography.com

Tuesday 29th September 2009


Today was a beautiful sunny Autumn day.  I walked from Dale Abbey to Ockbrook and back a different route...  not a long walk but you travel through lovely county side.  A walk of about 5 miles. The route visits the Hermit's Cave at Dale with views of the ruined Abbey in the dale, it crossed the the prehistoric road "The Portway" through woods and then over fields with distant views to the south.  The return route passes close to the site of "Little Hay Grange Farm" a Roman Villa with much older roots... there is nothing to see now but an information board in lovely suroundings.



The Hermit's Cave at Dale Abbey


In the evening a visited an art group in Long Eaton... I want to learn how to paint water colours... so this is a start I hope... they were a very friendly bunch of folks!

The Barley Mow to Burghley House

Sunday 27th September 2009

I met my great friend Roger at Burghley House Stamford and we had a lovely afternoon mooching around this fabulous stately home.  It is the first time we had been although I have passed is 100's of times on the A1.  It is well worth a visit, there are gardens, sculptures, deer and of cause the house.

http://www.burghley.co.uk/




Saturday 26th September 2009

I was at worked all day, but in the evening I went a fantastic concert at Ashover Parish Hall. Matthews and While... they are just so great, I have been to see them many times before... I recommend them if you want a top rate evening, catch up with them whenever you can.

http://www.whileandmatthews.co.uk/

Friday 25th September 2009

After work, a few of us went to the Brewery Tap in Derby to say bye bye to Sara, who has a new job.  They have a surprising set of great ales there...  (I only had lemonade) - Good luck with your right decision Sara!  Later I made my way to the Barley Mow Bonsall to the last musical evening under the old landlord and landlady, Ann & Alan - John Cater wrote a brilliant poem and put it music.... you can hear it on the MP3 player on the Last Step Recordings page... it's called "Good Bye Ann & Alan". There is now a CD of the best recordings of the event - Would you like a copy? (recorded on CD-R, that Home Brew CD's - plays on most players - money back if it doesn't!)  Telephone 07970042918 - pure "Barley Mow" £10 delivered or posted. Offer - for the day that you read this only (bargain - your lucky, I've had some wine!) - Don't forget I will record you if you play or sing, or your band and produce a brilliant CD for you, including artwork, great rates - I'll never be a millionaire - I enjoy doing it!  Ring me where ever you are!



Cover Ark Work



http://www.barleymowbonsall.co.uk/


From Norfolk to the Lakes

Tuesday 22nd September 2009

It was a lovely day for another walk - in the afternoon bright sunshine.  I walked from Ambergate, to Alderwasley, then on to Whatstandwell and then returned to Ambergate - about 6 miles (thats about 30 miles in last few days). I then called at my friends house in Matlock for coffee!



Sunday 20th September 2009

This morning we woke to a beautiful sunny day, the valley full of light. After eating another stunning breakfast we left the farm and drove to Grasmere and walked on the hills along Grasmere Water and Rydal Waters. Totally fantastic... that place is so wonderful.



The circular walk from Grasmere to Rydal is about 6 miles round, a few steep short hills, good going under foot. A walk not to be missed if you are visiting the area.

This walked finished our trip to the Lakes this time, the journey home wasn't to painful, the motorways were very good for a Sunday afternoon.


Saturday 19th September 2009

Today was Ullswater Steamer day!  A favorite trip for me.  After breakfast we drove to Glenridding to catch the 10:25 ferry to Howtown.  The day was cloudy with patches of sunshine and warmer than it looked.  Todays walk was about 7 miles through Martindale Common and over Beda Fell to Patterdale, then returning to Glenriddding.  There was alot of thick cloud on top and a little wet but what a great walk and very atmospheric!



Friday 18th September 2009

Our first full day in Lakeland... the B&B Little Town in the Newlands Valley was very comfortable with the best breakfast.  The weather was still lovely for walking.  Cat Bells was in easy reach from where we were staying, just a mile or so accross the fields through Skelgill to the foot of the climb!  The walk up Cat Bells gives you stunning views of Derwent Water and the Newlands Valley on the other side. We followed the path unwards an on to we reached High Spy then made the decent down into the valley and back home... about 8 miles of excellent walking!



Thursday 17th September 2009

How wonderful it is not to be going to work but to be starting a short walking break in the Lake District. We left Derbyshire about 10:30 and arrived at our B&B Little Town in the Newlands Valley around lunchtime.  It was a lovely day so we headed out to Grange to climb Castle Crag.  It is only a short walk of about 4 or so miles return... some very steep climbs to the summit, but the views are fantastic! 



Sunday 13th September 2009

In the morning I drove back from Norfolk to meet up with my friend Dqve who was coming to stay for a few days. After a an excellent carvery at the Newdigate we visited the the Melbourne Festival... some lovely craft work and art displayed.

Saturday 12th September 2009

A great day spent with Carol and Gerald, car boots and Great Yarmouth. I purchased 2 mini disc recorders from a car boot sale - both work, they cost the great sum of .75p each - bargin... I was looking to spend £100 on one!

Friday 11th September 2009

I changed my car! So now I have a Renault Desiel Eastate....  so off to Norfolk to see my friends!

Thursday 10th September 2009

A musical evening with Annie and John and very productive it was to! I have a new song called "Your a Waist of Time". The guitar and main vocals are yours truly with help from Annie and John... find it, it is the last track on the MP3 player on the John Taylor Band page!





VW's at Crich Tramways - Derbyshire

Sunday 6th September 2009

I have been with Steve and his VW Camper to the VW event at the Crich Tramways this morning.  There were loads of interesting Camper Vans and Beetles to gloat at! Steve has been restoring his VW Camper for the last couple of years and has made it into a brilliant usable vehicle. 


Derbyshire Walking and the Isle of Man

Saturday 5th September 2009

Another fantastic day... we have been on one of my favorite walks in Derbyshire... from Winster to Youlgreave returning via Bradford Dale and Elton... about 8 miles.  The weather was just right for me.. dry and slightly overcast so not to hot!  Everything is still very green with a hint of Autumn coming!




Friday 4th September 2009

A splendid last day on The Isle of Man watching the motorcycle racing in the morning, we have never seen anything like it ever... they lap the Island circuit at an average  of 114 mph... they are just a streak as they pass you on the TT course made from normal roads... amazing! In the afternoon we spent a few hours looking round the Manx Museum whilst waiting for the ferry to return back to Liverpool... very interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89Ea73grZPw



Thursday 3rd September 2009

Today we took the Manx Electric Railway north from Douglas to Ramsey breaking the journey in the middle to take the Mountain Railway up Snaefell, the Isle of Man's only mountain at 2034 ft.  The railway is very Victorian and has stunning sea views.  It runs for about 15 miles.  In the evening we had our evening meal again at Peel at Marine Hotel....





Wednesday 2nd September 2009

The Isle of Man has a wonderful narrow gauge steam railway which journeys south from Douglas to Port Erin in the south of the Island, 15 miles of winding track and small stations.  After a walk round Port Erin which is a lovely small quiet place with a beach and harbor we took the train back to Castletown the old capital town for mooch round!  Later we returned by train to Douglas. A great day!  The evening meal was had in peel again.... but it's very nice there!




Tuesday 1st September 2009


Dave & Roger have come up from the south to embark on our trip to the Isle of Man.  We drove to Liverpool and caught the 11:30 ferry to Douglas... it was late so we finally arrived late afternoon - we dropped our bags off and then took the bus to Peel where we spent the evening in the Marine Hotel - the food there is great!






Kinder Scout Walk

Monday 31st August 2009

I was invited by friends to a walk on Kinder Scout - the day has been really very warm even if a little cloudy at times - the views were stunningly clear - and a great walk had by all starting at Edale car park, ascending by Grindbrook, a climb of about 1000 ft, walking the edge and descending by Jacobs Ladder - about 8 miles - brilliant!


Run For The Hills

Saturday 29th August 2009

I have been to the "Run For The Hills" VW event between Alfreton and Tansley to meet up with my Steve, Hannah and Neve where they are staying in their Camper Van for the weekend.  I haven't seen so many VW's in one small area - some outstanding!


Whitby Week!

Friday 28th August 2009

Well... I've been away at Thimble Cottage in Whitby since Sunday last, returning today.  The week has been full of excitments starting with a Red Arrow air display, spectacular... walking to Robinhoods Bay along the cliffs fantastic as usual, concerts and other musical events (all brilliant) to name but a few of the great things that has happened... and not to forget the fire works!
 

A Blue Moon Day

Saturday 22nd August 2009

I have had an unexpected day of walking in Derbyshire with a friend of mine... It was beautiful weather... so we have been up hill and down dale from Ambergate to Matlock Bath and back on the train....  It's one of my favorite Derbyshire walks... This evening we have been to the White Post at Stanley Common for a meal... the food there is excellent and great value....

Return from Bournemouth

Friday 21st August 2009

I have been at friends near Bournemouth since Wednesday... and have had a brilliant time... so thank you John & Irene for a fantastic bolt hole!  I always have such a lovely time there...  We had a trip into the New Forest again... an exceptional part of Britain...

Sony Vagus Pro 9

Sunday 16th August 2009

I seem to have been working (on my day job) for ever again.... I have worked nearly every day in the last couple of weeks!  It should make me a little richer although I it might not.
One of the reasons being that I have bought Sony Vegas Pro 9 edit suite to re-compile all of my Classic Footage Commercial Films and get them back on the shelf.... it was a pro price.. so it better do the job!
If you like transport films of British Commercial Vehicles watch this website.... I shall be adding viewable clips, so I will need all you enthusiasts out there to either let me know what you think or buy one or some of my films..... and /or if you know I have a film that you would like, let me know and if I think it might be worth it, I'll re-edit it and made into a DVD...  I have over a hundred films on British Commercials Vehicles and many other films on other subject stored away on the selves of Last Step Recordings.... all waiting to be resurrected, now in theory I shall have the time... I just hope everything works well.....
Also, I have a massive collection of still shots...  like this one below.... all for sale if your interested.... either as a card or a stand alone image... again talk to me!



Jenny and Neil's Wedding

Sunday 2 August 2009


I went to my friends Jenny and Neil's Wedding near Epping on Thursday.... the sun shone and the whole day was brilliant - I have some pictures from the "Big Day" on this site... take a look and let me know what you think!


Greetings Cards - a new project!

Friday 24th July 2009

I have been beavering away producing Greetings Cards for my new project.  I have been looking for better ways to sell my images and Greetings Cards seem to be the best way at present.  The only draw back it that all my cards are all hand prepared until I have decided which ones sell best, then I shall invest in commercially produced ones .  For the time being the image is produces as a photograph then spray mounted on to 260 gram photo card. The Greetings Card details have already been printed onto it by me. The whole thing is trimmed and cut to size, a envelope and cellophane package is added.  The result is a lovely 15 cm x 15 cm square card of which I am very proud.  So visit my online shop to have a look at the designs and maybe order one/some!

Take a look and let me know what you think.... and if you would like designs personalised for you, telephone me or drop me a line!

London Visit

Wednesday 15th July 2009

Life treks on... but my car is playing up and has a continual flat battery and has been like it since last Friday.... so I have turned into a bus person - traveling to work and further a field on Trent Barton!


Sunday 12th July 2009

Today I came back from Standon Hertfordshire by National Express Bus - I thought National Express was a cheep way of getting around since it takes hours to get anywhere but it cost £29.00 for the pleasure! All this because my car is poorly.....


Saturday 11th July 2009

Roger and I went to London for the day.... we did walk miles visiting Covent Garden - The National Gallery - The Palace and the Houses of Parliment.  It was great to be met by Michael there and the following McDonald's


Friday 10th July 2009

Dave went going home today and I went with him as I would have been a bit marooned at home. with out a car.

Thursday 9th July 2009

The Derby Beer Festival - Dave has travelled up from Hertfordshire last night to sample the differnet brews today. All went well and we managed to taste a few of the 20 barrels.

Bike Crash!

Friday 19th June 2009

Today is one of those days.... I have come off my motorcycle and had to have it recovered, dinted the bike and my pride (and my finger), that means a repair job... a new crash helmet and I have just bought myself some armored leggings that now they need to be re-bought or re-patched.... It bought back memories of my first bike when I was at college at Stevenage and fell off it a couple of times....  I sold that one for £4.00 in disgust...... I thought biking was supposed to save me money!.  Latter I noticed the deep freeze was switched off and everything has now to be replaced and then noticed my favorite guitar had fallen against a rough surface and knocked a big lump of paint off it.... hopefully that will now be the three things!!!!!

Rutland & Roger

Sunday 14th June 2009
A great day in Rutland.... I met my friend Roger there at Barnsdale Gardens, the old BBC gardeners World Garden. After we visited The Rutland Steam Museum (1 star) we found a sunny spot on the water side!!! Brilliant day about 90 miles round trip on my bike!



Saturday 13th June 2009
I bought myself some armored motor cycle bottoms (not that anyone is interested) then went see Bellinda and Phil for a lovely meal!.... After a trip into Ilkeston with John Taylor for chats and pints of beer! An excellent day....

Friday 12th June 2009
Gardening and a trip to the farm.. all things ok there!

Thursday 11th June 2009
A trip to Austry (on my bike) to see my Uncle Donald who is 75 years old and has just bought himself a Royal Enfield motor cycle, a copy made in India ... he is having a little trouble picking motorcycling up again after 40 years... but ah! brilliant... he is buying a smaller bike to practice on........  After, on my return I visited my old friend Julie Tibbert at Ticknall..... How great it is to be working part-time....
 

Big Hertfordshire Trip and Wormhill Weekend

Monday 8th June 2009

This weekend has been brilliant with a wonderful stay in a large cottage in Wormhill Derbyshire with my friends Dave and Roger, Jenny and Neil and Michael and Rebecca.   Much beer and wine drunk and although the weather was a little inclement a lovely time was had by all! Thank you Dave!!!!!!



Monday 1st June 2009

I have completed a big run on my motorcycle - 240 miles round trip to Buntingford Hertfordshire and back.... A fantastic ride in the sun!!!

A Day Out in York

Saturday 30th May 2009

I took the opportunity of a cheap rail ticket  (£16.00 return) to visit the National Railway Museum where they have the Dutchess of Hamilton is it's new streamline coat! Another excellent day.....



Friday 29th May 2009

I have just returned from a few days in Norfolk with my friends Carol and Gerald - thank you both for a brilliant stay - I won't leave it so long next time!



Monday 25th May 2009

My Birthday! 9 of us went out to the "Red Hot World Buffet"
http://www.redhot-worldbuffet.com/nottingham/index.php
"excellent!"

Saturday 23rd May 2009

Roger and I visited Peak Rail - Rowsley - Derbyshire where they had in steam their newest revival... the 8F now painted in Midland Red


Chatsworth Park

Saturday 16th May 2009

Today "motorcycle" and I meandered to Matlock Derbyshire to do some hill walking.... mission accomplished - I met up with my friend John
Cater and took a stroll up hill and down dale through Chatsworth's wonderful parkland - a walk of about 7 miles (28 miles since returning from Australia) starting at Beeley. Later I visited my parents near Burton on Trent - an 80 mile round trip for my motorcycle!




New Motorcycle Arrives

Saturday 9th May 2009

Since the theft of my 1st motorcycle before I embarked on my Australian trip (at least I didn't need to worry about it getting knicked when I was in Australia... it already was!)  I have felt some what deprived of the wind in my hair/helmet.... So I have bought my self a brand new one (and chains and alarms for any would be thieves out there reading this!) and it has arrived today..... brilliant! I'm going to get a camera bag strapped to it....


The Blue Mushroom - Lee - Devon

Thursday 7th May 2009

I have been away again since Sunday with friends to a wonderful cottage on the cliffs near Lee in Devon.  A brilliant spot right on the coastal path. I walked to Ilfacombe and back when I arrived 6 miles... The next day we all walked on a circular route through Lee towards Woolacombe.... about 7miles and the next day we walked to Ilfacombe and the caught the bus to Woolacombe and walked back... about 8 miles (a total walking millage of about 21 miles since returning from Australia)There are no photographs this time as I took my cameras but no chips!! When I arrived I realized that I have been here before so I have pictures from then...  (Lee sea front)

 

Back from Australia

Wednesday 22nd April 2009



I'm back in circulation again! I flew out to Australia on the 27th March 2009 and returned on Monday 20th April 2009, how lucky am I.  As you can gather the holiday was just the very best.  Warm weather, a brilliant location and great company what more can anyone want.  John and myself stayed about 30 miles north of Melbourne just outside a village (they call it a town) of Lancefield in a rural area on Red Gap Road. The cottage was of wooden construction called the Barn and was situated in a small wood - wonderful!


Thank you to everyone out there in making the time the best ever....  

Chris & Karen



Jennifer and I


Caterman! John Cater the English Australian.....


Durrell (Sorry Bill I haven't got a shot of you)



Diane at Port Macquarie



And thanks to Kay (Port Maquarie), Rebbecca, Mark, Emma, Jarno, Josie, Micky and everyone else who I haven't mentioned X

Caulk Abbey

Friday 20th March 2009

What a fantastic day...  it started of in photo mode... painted frames.... pictures for sale! Later I visited a friend of mine who lives at Ticknall.... only to fined that another friend of mine was expected as well.... so a great reunion.... Julie & Carol thanks for a lovely lunchtime.... it beats going to work! After I went for a lovely walk round the Caulk Abbey grounds...  good old National Trust.... the lambs are being born now and they have the yews and lambs in a tent and pens for all to see... Later: I visited the farm... my parents are fine and dandy!


Shilpey Park

Thursday 19th March 2009

Today started beautifully sunny and it is the first real Thursday that I haven't had to work.  This morning I have taken myself off round Shipley Park again.... an excellent morning for taking pictures!


Hergest Ridge

Saturday & Sunday 7th & 8th March 2009

I have had such a brilliant weekend away in Kington - Herefordshire.   John Taylor and myself stayed at the The Royal Oak Kington and walked both days on Hergest Ridge my favorite all time hill.... The food was great and so was the beer!  Today (Sunday) after a fantastic stroll across the hill tops with excellent views in every direction, we paid a visit to Hergest Croft, beautiful gardens even at this time of the year... http://www.hergest.co.uk/


Breakfast at the Bear Inn

Friday 6th March 2009

Day 2 of "Flexible Retirement" - all good!   The day started off with breakfast at the Bear Inn Alderwasley, Derbyshire..... another beautifully bright, sunny and almost warm day with excellent views across the hills to Crich.   Then a short walk at Carsington reservoir and a liquid refreshment at the pub!   

Early retirement!

Thursday 5th March 2009

This is the first day of the rest of my life, early retirement has kicked in (well half time anyway for a year). This is the first real non working day for me! How fantastic is that! Being paid to stay away from work.....  So I have decided to bore any silly enough to read this, with the things of what I shall be doing.....  so far, and it's only just 10:30 am I have been for a brilliant walk on this frosty morning in the sunshine through Shipley Park near Ilkeston , Derbyshire.  Everywhere looks so bright and spring like today with snow drops and daffodils in full bloom.  I have some lovely photographs.....

 

Later: A lovely lunnch with a friend and then in the evening we traveled to Biddulph near Stoke on Trent to watch a concert with Martyn Joseph and his friend the poet Stuart Henderson... a very entertaining evening.  I hope every day is going to be like this.....


12th February 2009 - Part of an email today from John

"Well, what a tragedy the bush fires have been. I think that the whole of the nation is in shock! However, the Aussies are very resilient and get back to normal life as quickly as possible, although the current fatality figure of 181 (and still rising) is the worst in Australian history. Bush fires as you know are part of the Australians daily life during the summer months in rural Australia but last Saturday was the worst in the country's history. It was exceptionally hot last Saturday at 47 degrees with strong northerly winds (from the equator!) and only approximately 20 to 30 kms from where I am living. Anyway, I'm back into the rural lifestyle here."

Well back to cold old Derbyshire!

This evening I have been to a great concert at the Assembly Rooms Derby - Kris Drever, John McClusker, Ruddy Woomble, Heidi Taalbot and Boo Hewerdine.... a brilliant evening... go and see any of these people... wow!

 

Dingwall Photographic Touring Exibition


This evening I travelled to Cromford Mill the home of the Matlock Photographic Club to see the Dingwall Traveling Exhibition.... very interesting there is hope for me yet! 

http://www.dingwall.org.uk/community-directory.asp?orgid=182

10th February - Update on John's situation!

I telephoned John this evening - he says that there is nothing to be seen and his area has not been touched.   The fires are still burning but the weather has now cooled down (20 degrees) and the wind is blowing them in the other direction. Good news.....  As for me... what a beautiful day, bright sunshine and snow on the hills.... I hadn't got my camera with me!

Bush fires in Victoria Australia.....

This is for anyone who knows my friend John Cater and is concerned about him.   John is living in the Lancefield - Romsey area near Melbourne only a few miles from the bush fires where many people have been killed.   I have spoken to him yesterday, he and Jennifer are ok and are in a safe area although fires still burn not many miles away.  

Today... John texts "12 hours later and the death toil is 135 and rising. I prepared myself for fleeing to Jennifers (at Romsey) if necessary! Otherwise everything is ok."

Later 22:00.. John texts "It's ok now in this area and quite safe although there are still fires raging in the north east of the State. The southerleys (cold wind) are still fanning the flames but the temps are currently only reaching the early 20's.

Copy this address into your browser (sorry the link doesn't want to work with this one!)

http://mp3.news.com.au/hwt/Victoria_fire/index.swf


A great photo opportunity today....

An 8 mile walk from Attenborough Nature Reserve Nottingham   http://www.attenboroughnaturecentre.co.uk/ to Tent Lock. Most of the way followed the River Trent.... it was a cold winters day with some snow lying but what a beautifully sunny one!   "Tip" The café at Trent Lock was doing special deals.... one of them was - Ravioli on Toast and cup of coffee (with cream and a bisciut) all for £2:00... now that is brilliant!

The first new lamb I have seen this year!


Hi everyone...

Over the next few months I will be developing this site, making it a more interesting interface for all of you who use images and sound.... I would like to encourage you all out there to browse through it regularly. I can add that little something extra to your website.   I create unusual and original greetings card's. I can supply images for posters even the posters themselves. Do you struggle for photographs for news letters?   If you need a great image ask me, I might have just what you need!

Heavy snow today.... so some images for Christmas Cards I think!

If you would like personalised Cards for any occasion - I have a range of cards that I can adapt. If these are not suitable I can create new ones for you, using my own images and designs.  Ongoing Graphics work can be viewed using this site before you buy. How convenient is that!

I can design website headers, banners, even websites - I can supply photographs and illustrations - just contact me with your requirements (I have 1000's of images that as yet have now made there way on this site) I am also available as photographer is you need specific images. I live in the East Midlands.

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