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|
 I
took mom to see/hear the "Ladies' Circuit Choir" who were singing at
Short Cross Methodist on Friday 2nd October .. Paul Bond was the pianist
and Jenny & Graham Handley also came. It was so good to catch up .. !!
|
|
|
 My
weekly walk with my neighbour - this time over the Waseley Hills on 2nd
October.
|
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|
 I
went to the 'Back to Backs' in Birmingham on Wednesday 30th September,
the city's only remaining examples of this type of housing - maintained
by the National Trust.
|
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|
 I
went to see the Soweto Gospel Choir at the Birmingham Symphony Hall on
Wednesday 17th September. They were excellent - vibrant, noisy,
energetic, colourful - and even I stood and swayed a little at the end
of their performance [I don't do dancing!!!).
|
|
|
 On
17/9 my
neighbour' and 3 of his former work colleagues (I just tagged along!)
met at Stourbridge, as they wanted to see and travel on the new 'Parry
People Mover' which utilises flywheel energy sources as its main form of
propulsion .. sadly when we got there the 2 trial cars had been taken
out of service for modifications! But on the plus side we [almost
literally] bumped into John Parry, Chairman of the Company producing the
cars, who agreed to give us a tour of the nearby sheds were they were
being kept. For 40 minutes we had a superb personal tours - I think he
appreciated the questions/observations of former BR managers. More
photos here.
|
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|
 I
just love this sign [seen today @ Stourport [16th Sept 09) as it reminds
me of my worst nightmares in my English lessons at school where I didn't
know if it was describing a singular or plural possessive quality .. if
in doubt (as in the sign) just put the apostrophe above the 's'. Oh
happy memories ... not!!!!!
|
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|
 Enjoying
a good soak in Judith & George's Jacuzzi on Tuesday 15th September.
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 Me
with my nephews Matt & Josh [15 Sept 09] who swapped SatNavs with me
[mine has the Western Europe maps] as they're off driving tomorrow to
the Munich Beer Festival via the Euro Star .. good luck to them ,. I did
warn them about the French driving habits, in particular!
|
|
|
 So
this is how we get the word 'The Clink' .. obvious really, I
know, but still interesting the longevity of the word in today's
parlance.
|
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|
 Interesting
how you meet people! While waiting for the bus on the Saturday night
(12/9) after the Arts Fest, and while reading the catalogue of
the day's events, a lady asked if I'd enjoyed the day and if I was
intending to go in on the following day/Sunday. She turned out to be
Christiane Moran who was singing a recital in the Birmingham
Conservatoire a programme of classic French & Italian songs. She was a
delightful person and we talked much on the bus back to Halesowen. I did
decide to go in on the Sunday afternoon and hear her sing and it was
lovely indeed!!
|
|
|
 It
was Birmingham's Art Fest weekend (the UK's biggest free
arts festival) and I went in on Saturday 12th September 09 with Judith,
Phyllis & Peter. It was a gloriously sunny & warm day and we spent an
hour on 'the beach' in deck-chairs just soaking up the sun & atmosphere.
We went to four indoor concerts, two separate out door Concerts not not
mention the belly dancers!! The highlight was the concert by Ex
Cathedra in the Town hall .. absolutely superb! More photos of the
day here
|
|
|
 I
went to see a good production of Cabaret at the Birmingham Rep on Friday
4th September with Ian & Nando - set in Berlin during the rise of
Hitler's fascism it gave opportunities for laughter and pathos - and
included one of my favourite melodies "tomorrow belongs to me." We then
went to a number of nearby pubs and I was 'made' to stay out far longer
than my poor little & frail body normally allows me to .. !!
|
|
|
 Photo
taken from the canal paths walking through Kidderminster 2 Sept 09,
while having a good walk out with Terry; then tea at J&Gs' before
welcoming a new Local Preacher at a special service at New Road
Methodist in Stourbridge.
|
|
|
 It
was part two of mom's 87th birthday celebrations when we met at Bev's
for a meal on Sunday 30th August 09. More photos
here
|
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|
 I
accommodated overnight [27th/28th Aug] Mike who is a friend of my next
door neighbour Terry, and we spent two days of walking, visiting local
attractions as well as eating much food! More photos of the two days
here
|
|
|
 It
was mom's 87th birthday on Wednesday 26th August. She spent the day out
with Barrie & Jane and then others in the family met on the evening. We
continue the celebrations on Sunday at Bev's with yet more of the
family ....
|
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|
 This
is Aime's second scan - in her third scan coming soon she'll be able to
determine the sex of the baby.
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|
 It's
what I called a Wigwam Tree - branches [unusually] right down to the
ground with an opening like a tent .. taken in the grounds of Himley
Hall on Wednesday 19th August during our weekly walk! And the sun shone
:)
|
|
 Yet
another birthday celebration, no not mine I've stopped having those!! It
was Peter's 55th birthday today 16/08 so we spent the afternoon eating &
drinking at his house. Sorted. More photos
here
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|
 It
was my weekly walk today 13/08/09 with my neighbour Terry, in fact it
was the first time we'd been for 3 weeks. We kept it local to Wazeley
Park but the sun shone throughout which aided the shedding the few
pounds I put on through over-indulging with food and wine this weekend
gone [see below].
|
|
 I
went to see We Will Rock You at Birmingham Hippodrome on Friday
7th August - it was excellent and perhaps an even better production that
the first time I saw it in London. We all then went back to stay the
weekend at Joy & Lynton's from where o the Saturday we went out for the
day to Tenbury for a good walk before going on to Bewdley and then onto
Ribbesford House where the Free French Forces trained during WW2. On
the evening we celebrated Lynton's 65th birthday with champagne and a
superb meal. On the Sunday we went for another walk and yet more food.
We were lucky the whole three days were basked in sunshine. More photos
here.
|
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|
 Voices
in Harmony choir sang in Worcester Cathedral @ lunchtime on Saturday
25th July 09, an informal affair where we were given 30 minutes to sing.
George & Judith, Peter & Phylis and Belinda and me then went on for a
picnic at Hanbury Hall - for once this week in the sunshine!! The day
was rounded off with VIH singing in Concert at St Andrew's church
Worcester raising funds for church needs. More photos
here - and which includes 5
short video clips of our midday singing on YouTube
|
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|
 I
went to the weekly Flower & Produce auction in Kidderminster on Thursday
23rd July 09 .. my first time there. Some great bargains but all I
bought was a hanging basket. But I'll be going again!!
|
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|
 My
niece Katie gets her 'Mathematics and Sports Science' degree at
the Loughborough University Graduation ceremony held on Friday 17th July
09. This photo was taken off their live webcam broadcast.
|
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|
 A
fabulous day out on 8th July at the former Fencote Railway Station - it was closed
in 1952 but was later bought my colleague's father who has over the
years attempted to restore the station & signal box to its former glory!
They have laid track, bought some old rolling stock and, to me, the
jewel in their crown was the restored signal box where they had bought
the complete innards of a closing London box - it took them 3 years to
restore it but it now operates 4 different sets of signals on their limited
tracks. More photos
here
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|
|
 Part
2 of Belinda's 50th birthday celebrations - a BBQ @ her house on
Saturday 4th July. the weather is still good so we didn't have to endure
my usual experiences of BBQs where I watch sausages being cooked from
the protection of an umbrella!! More photos here
|
|
|
 Part
1 of my sister Belinda's 50th birthday celebrations - a meal @ the
Hagley Golf & Country Club on the evening of her birthday .. Thursday
2nd July 09 More photos here.
(And it was my first evening out for just over 2 weeks because of my
shingles - how good it was; to get out that is, not the shingles!!
)
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|
 Yet
again, a text message showing Belinda & Deb on their cruise ship
leaving Barcelona on 22nd
June 09 - how nice! Meanwhile I'm still rubbing cream into my spots ,,
:(
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|
_small.jpg) Belinda,
Judith & Deb onboard their cruise ship mid-Mediterranean on Sunday 21st
June 09 as sent to me via text message
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|
 At
the Hawne Tavern (which was the first ever pub I ever went in from way
way back!!) with Ian Lacon helping him to celebrate, with others, his 40th
birthday - Saturday 20th June 09.
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|
 My
sister Belinda with Judith at the Trevvi Fountains in Rome on Friday
19th June .. she's there with others as part of a Mediterranean cruise.
The legend says " Throwing in a penny ensures your return to Rome,
throwing in a second grants you a wish."
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|
 It's
no wonder I had achy legs on my Wednesday walk, and cancelled my night
out on Thursday; and because I 'felt unwell' after a worrying
night of pain and discomfort I went to the doctors on the Friday morning
(19/6) .. and is reluctant to announce he has Herpes Zoster
.. but feels the need to say its aka is shingles .. and which causes
pain & discomfort (it does!) for 2 - 4 weeks. My social life has
therefore been hit by a pause-button and feels the need for sympathy to
be administered in oodles
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|
 over
Clent with George .. we went for a (for me!!) strenuous walk over both
Clent & Walton on Wednesday 17th June ... my legs still ache!!
|
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|
 visiting
the Art Museum in Birmingham on Tuesday 16th June ... more photos here
... and where the stained glass windows from Graingers Lane Methodist
church in Cradley heath was donated on the demolition of the church. It
was at this church mom & dad were married and where my sisters Barbara
and Beverly were christened.
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|
 over
Clent on Sunday 14th June, in brilliant sunshine
... more photos here
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|
 The
'Castle Folly' as seen over Clent during our weekly walk on
Wednesday 10th June ..
|
|
|
 On
Friday 5th June 09 I went to the CBSO Centre in Birmingham for a concert
.. part of which was given by 'A Cappella Birmingham' which is a
chamber choir whose aim is to "sing fine music in fine places" and who
specialise in church music from the Renaissance (their repertoire
includes music from William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, John Dunstable, Mozart,
Purcell and Monteverdi). I was in seventh heaven!! My type of music ..
no one ever borrows my CDs, I wonder why :)
|
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|
 A
lovely walk from Bewdley along the river bank & paths towards the Wyre
Forest - Wednesday 3rd June. We came along this lovely well-maintained
phone box out in the middle of nowhere. As we were taking this photo the
local postman told us BT were anxious to remove it but the locals were
petitioning them to keep it. In the age of mobile phones they're hard to
justify, but hey it looks good [enhanced by me?? No? Oh thanks!!).
|
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|
 Also
on Sunday
31st May the 3rd part of the Songs of Praise form Birmingham Town Hall
was broadcast. More photos coming soon .. !!
|
|
|
 Sunday
31st May saw the 10th anniversary of the untimely death of my beloved
sister Barbara. As we always do, the family met at church at Short Cross
and then after lunch out we went to the Clent Hills to scatter petals
over the spot where her ashes had been scattered.
|
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|
 We
went to Judith & George's Saturday 30th May 09 for an afternoon of
sunshine, jacuzzi and BBQ. Nice .. !!
|
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|
 The
good weather continues .. and Terry, my next door neighbour, and I went
on our weekly walk, this time over the Lickey Hills - Friday 29th may.
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|
_small.jpg) Grrrr
.. with my return to home-proper imminent, another set back
tonight (28/05) when the electrician attempting to fit the replacement
light fitting for the one over which all the water poured way back in January only
to find a major wiring fault caused by the volume of water .. it seems a
re-wiring is on the cards!! Not good news
|
|
|
 At
last, it
was a fab sunny weekend Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 09. On
the Sunday evening after church @ Kinver we ended up at Judith &
George's for a spot of supper alfresco.
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|
 I
went away to the Snowdonia area from Monday 18th until Wednesday 20th
May staying at a smart cottage and spending a lot of time travelling on
local steam trains .. it kept my compatriots happy!! A good break away
from home with fantastic scenery .. more photos
here
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|
 I
had Adam Hayward stay with me from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May - his
first foray into Birmingham - and during
which time I was dragged into Birmingham city centre on the Friday night to sample 6
different bars .. at 3.00am I realised I couldn't take the 'high life'
anymore and had to call it a day - no staying power we older folk!!!
This photo was taken at 0100 and to see mine @ 0200 click
here
|
|
|
 With
the sun still shining, breakfast alfresco over the Clent Hills
called me .. !! A doorstop sausage sandwich and a cup of tea. Nice -
shame about the calories!!
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|
 A
beautiful sunny day, Monday 11th May 09, so after the sadness of going
to a funeral for a Choir member, I went back with a few others to sit
out in the sun at Judith & George's and then a Jacuzzi. Can't wait for a
decent summer. More photos here
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|
|
 "Oh
we tiptoe through the tulips .." - well, not quite, more a good pace
through Bluebell Wood [near Clent] and though the bluebells were in
abundance I did feel the need to highlight them on the photo .. just in
case you can't see them!!! Oh how good I am to you , and how much I
needed this walk after the excesses of the afternoon tea at the
Midlands Hotel in Manchester!!
|
|
|
 Another
great few days in Manchester 4th-7th May. It was wet wet wet but hey, as
ever, a great time was had. I met some great new people & had afternoon
tea at the Midlands Hotel for Cameron's birthday before moving on to the
Lowry Hotel - where I sat on a table next to Nigel Havers and across
from David Ginola (no wonder the drinks were so expensive!!). Being in a city centre
pub watching the Man U v Arsenal UEFA Championship semi-final was an
experience in itself!! Very partisan, very passionate & very noisy but good to be
there. Just love this city!!
|
|
|
 My
nephew Alexander ran the London Marathon for the second time on Sunday
26th April 09. His time was 3 hours 21 minutes 43 seconds - 5 minutes
faster than previously. (This is last year's photo!! Too soon yet to get
this year's photos.)
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![Michael Collie [BBC Midlands Today], Hilary Crowhurst [soloist] and Stephen Bradley [VIH's musical director]](images/images%20more/sg09d_small.jpg) It
was our Choir's annual St George's Day Concert on Saturday 25th April -
another good evening where we were joined by the Langley Band, soloist
Hilary Crowhurst and we were again lucky enough to get Michael Collie
from BBC's Midland Today to compere our evening. It was good to be able
to wave those flags and sing the old Proms' favourites!!
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|
 I
went to Clent again today, Thursday 23rd, and sat on the bench at the
spot where we scattered dad's ashes .. I always try to come here on his
birthday .. and took this photo and 'played' with it via the apps on my
iPhone .. do you think I should get a job to keep me busy!!
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|
 It's
the 23rd April so happy St George's Day folks .. It would also have been
my dad's birthday - a proud Scot born on England's patron saint's day;
he never lived it down!!
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|
 I
went to see the comedy 'Boeing Boeing' at The Rep in Birmingham on 22/04
about 1 bachelor and 3 fiancés, all air hostesses who he keeps apart
courtesy of their airlines' timetable, and which obviously descends into
chaos when air traffic disruptions mean they all turn up at once! A bit
Brian Rix farce-like at times but it did make me laugh out loud which
isn't easy these days!!
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|
 It
was such a beautiful day my neighbour Terry and I had a quick-burst walk
over the Clent & Walton Hills - Wednesday 22nd April 09 - which cleared
my lungs of debris!! We obviously had to have a cuppa afterwards at
Nimmins Cafe .. more photos here
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|
|
|
 Another
Songs of Praise 'do' was held at my house on Sunday 19th April for the
second part of the Messiah broadcast, from the Birmingham Town Hall -
the photo shows me in the audience!! Vain? What me? To see a few more
photos taken off the TV click here
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|
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|
 It
was Mal's 60th birthday party in Halesowen tonight, 18th April.
I didn't do much in the disco but I gave the buffet a good effort .. !!
More photos of the party here
|
|
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|
 Christopher
Hill, a former Boys' Brigade lad, popped round Saturday 18th April to
show me his new baby Ethan, who apparently is a good sleeper!! Lucky
them ..
|
|
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|
 I
spent the day with friends at the Midlands Railway Museum at Butterley, Derbyshire today, 16th April, on a wet and bitterly cold
day!! More photos here
|
|
|
|
 Judith
& George had a 'Jacuzzi' evening on Wednesday 15th April - it seemed
rude not to go .. !! More photos here
|
|
|
|
 It
was Barry
Blunt's 70th birthday party on Easter Monday, 13th April 09, and held at
the Hagley Golf & Country Club. Barry is decidedly unwell so it was
good to have this opportunity to share fellowship with him and his
family. To see more photos click here
|
|
|
|
 My
niece Abigail was home for Easter so we had the opportunity as a family
to help her celebrate her recent 30th birthday. We met at Bev's on
Easter Monday 13th April; the sun shone and all was well .. Alexanger
won the 'who can jump the highest' on the trampoline - Belinda & Bev's
efforts were a sight to behold!! More photos
here
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|
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|
 The
Choir I'm in formed part of the massed choirs singing the Messiah at
Birmingham Town Hall as part of a BBC's Songs of Praise. It was
broadcast on Easter Sunday evening so the gang came back to my house
after church to see who we could spot and whether to prepare to sign
autographs!! We saw a few and rather grainy photos taken off the TV can
be seen here
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|
 I
went with my former boss Paul on Saturday 11th April for a meal at Ian &
Nando's - we last all met in August 07! Having only eaten one bowl of
muesli all day prior to getting there the first G&T completely hit the
spot followed swiftly by another .. the food never seemed to catch up
with the effects of the alcohol, hence me laughing like a hyena on these
photos here but a good fun
time was had with excellent food and better company!!
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|
 Good
Friday saw the traditional happenings .. the early morning service at
Short Cross Methodist @ 7.30am with mom; and then on to the Hierons' for
my Easter egg hunt and toasted hot cross buns - we didn't sit outside
this year because it was raining!! I've been
doing both now for well over 35 years; the service was moving and I
later found my egg quickly for once! both an excellent start to Easter!
More photos here
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|
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|
 It
was 'National Trust day' for our weekly walk!! We went to Croome Park,
of which
Wikipedia says " .. is a landscaped country park surrounding Croome Court, near Besford in Worcestershire. It was 'Capability'
Brown's first complete landscape design, begun in 1751 for George
Coventry, 6th Earl of Coventry. The mansion house was also designed by
Brown and is a rare example of his architectural work." So there ... !!
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|
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|
 I
went with George to pick up his son from Heathrow airport today, 8th April, and had an hour spare
it gave us the opportunity to meet up in Windsor with my niece Abigail - the first time I'd seen
her this year. And very pleasant it was too ..
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|
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|
 It
was Paul Westwood's 40th birthday bash on Saturday 4th April, celebrated
at a local Thai restaurant. I remember seeing Paul for the first time in
the Junior Section of The Boys' Brigade at the age of 10 .. was that
really 30 years ago??!! And how lovely a friendship has endured. The
evening ended off with a karaoke .. needless to say I was a watcher! To
see more photos of the evening click
here
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|
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|
 I've
just returned from a
few days in Manchester .. 1st/3rd April .. and I really do love this city.
New friends met, old ones renewed and Theatre on the Thursday afternoon
to boot. The sun shone and the pavement cafes were open. How a bit of
sunshine makes everyone seem happier!! Will soon be back there ..
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|
 It
was tea first at
Judith & George's.
then going on to an amateur production of Abigail's Party
on 31st
March in Stourbridge. The plot, according to Wikipedia, is "Beverly
invites her new neighbours over for drinks. She has also asked her
divorced neighbour Susan, whose fifteen-year-old daughter Abigail is
holding a party in their house. Beverly's husband Laurence comes home
late from work, just before the guests arrive. The gathering starts off
in a stiff, insensitive, British-middle-class way as the virtual
strangers tentatively gather, until Beverly and Lawrence start sniping
at each other. As Beverly serves more drinks and the alcohol takes
effect, Beverly flirts more and more overtly with Tony, as Laurence sits
impotently by. After a tirade about art, Laurence suffers a fatal heart
attack. Within this simple framework, all of the obsessions, prejudices,
fears and petty competitiveness of the protagonists are ruthlessly
exposed." It made me laugh out loud & I really enjoyed it. |
|
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|
 I
went with George on 25th March to pick his son Jeremy up from Heathrow
Airport, having spent first a couple of hours in sunny Windsor. More photos can be seen here
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|
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|
 It
was Judith's birthday today, 23rd March, so we popped round for a bit of
food and some wine. A nice way to spend a Monday night!! A few more
photos can be seen here
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|
Mothering
Sunday, 22nd March 09, saw me with mom at church and then to Belinda's
for lunch and watching old cine-film of the family - now thankfully
copied to DVD. More photos here
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|
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|
 At
last .. I'm officially 'dried out' (and I do hope they're referring to
the house and not me!!) and the five dehumidifiers and four large fans
[as shown in the photo] were taken away today - Thursday 19th March 09. The decorating is yet to
begin .. watch this space!
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|
 I
went with Joy to see the Young Queen Victoria at Merry Hill, had
a bite to eat and then we went off to meet up for our old gang's Reunion
@ the Dudley Arms .. it's always good to catch up on the gossip and see
how each family is getting on. We next meet up in June!!
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|
|
|
 Terry
& I
went to the Wyre Forest for our weekly walk on Wednesday 18th March 09
and were glad that George was able to join us for the first time. The
day was a beautifully sunny one and we walked for 2 hours! (It's a lot
for me these days .. there were a lot of lumps & bumps in the
topology!!) And of course we had to then have lunch out .. we'd deserved
it me thinks!!
|
|
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|
 It's
'Red Nose Day' - Friday 13th March 09 - and it started off with comic
relief cakes @ Belinda's [see photo], followed by a tutorial on
Windows Movie Maker given to me by Nicki, me finding my long-lost
marbles [don't ask!!], Judith popping round for a hot chocolate and
finally us sending George a 'goodbye to work' message on his last day at
Watsons Glass in Wolverhampton .. each event mentioned duly recorded in
photo. To see click here
|
|
|
|
 The
truth is out ... my nephew Matthew is Superman!! If you need any
confirmation just watch this video
here - he
seemed such an unassuming guy too
|
|
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|
 I
went to the Birmingham Rep on Thursday 26th February to see 'The
Hounding of David Oluwale' - based on a true story about the
battered body of a 38 year old man being pulled from the River Aire in
May 1969. An
internal police inquiry revealed how he had been the
victim of horrific, systematic, police brutality. It was a good
production, though disturbing in its content
|
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|
 it
was Bethany's 14th birthday on Wednesday 25th February .. as usual the
family [and some of her friends] gathered .. !! More photos
here
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|
 my
house is seemingly refusing to dry out, so the kitchen tiles had to come
off today, Monday 23rd February, to aid the drying process, thus making
the house seem even more derelict & desolate.
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|
 seen
here with Judith & George after our 6th glass of wine!! I hasten to add
they were only tasters at a FairTrade wine-tasting evening in
Stourbridge on Friday 20th February
|
|
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|
 Eddie
Straaszeni, a friend of mine from Worthing & Medway stayed over a couple of nights
19th/20th February - my first
B&B guest in my 'new' [pretend] house - seen here relaxing after the 4
hour drive up & after a few Stella Artois ..
!!
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|
|
|
 It
was my Aunty May's 99th birthday on Thursday 19th February - there are a
few photos from a visit on the Tuesday before [where we had a
celebration because some in the family can't make in on her birthday]
and her birthday itself. A tremendous age .. now bring on The Queen's
telegram next year!!! See the other photos
here
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|
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|
 Matthew's
had a new car .. seen here .. and now the McBain's new driveway has been
'done' they have plenty of car parking space! With their 5 cars neatly
parked, as seen, they make the TV programme 'Butterflies' family seem
like amateurs!!!!
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|
 A
spontaneous evening's get together! Judith & George popped round to see
me and my [now new] neighbours Peter & Phyllis saw us and decided to join
us. Then a knock on the door showed Belinda, Nicki & Shirley had popped
round too. A good couple of hours of gossip, opinion, and copious
bottles of wine followed. Nice!! More photos
here
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|
|
|
 Lynne
& Ian came up from Torquay for the weekend 7th/8th February 09 and I
stayed with them @ Joy & Lynton's - they were due to come up on the
Friday (6th) and then to to me for a meal but used a lame excuse that
the M5 was closed due to snow. Is my cooking so bad? :-) But we had a
good couple of days when they were able to get up to the Midlands, a
highlight being [a] seeing young William Weston (Ben & Emily's 2nd
child) for the first time [b] the 'Short Cross-ers' winning at TP on the
Saturday night and [c] a superb walk in the snow & ice over a sunny
Clent on the Sunday morning. More photos of the weekend
here
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|
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|
 It
was our weekly walk on Wednesday 4th February .. we went to Waseley Park
were the snow was still on the ground but it was a beautifully sunny day
making the trudging through snow almost a joy!! Scenes we haven't seen
for a long time, including a skier as shown here, just adding to the
day. More photos of the walk are
here
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|
 I
went to see Jack Dee tonight 29th January 'in concert' at Dudley Town
Hall - he was superb! 'Nuff said.
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|
 I
moved in to my temporary accommodation today 28/01/09 and Peter &
Phyllis and Judith & George came round on the night with bottles of wine
to help me settle in .. it did!!
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|
 I
went for my first walk of the year with my neighbour today, Wednesday
28th January, with Terry, my neighbour. Because of all the work still
needed on my house I only had time for a quick burst, which we did for
about an hour & a half around Haden Hill park
|
|
|
|
 It
was our first 'reunion' of 2009 on Tuesday 27th January where our
'old gang' from my teenage years [yes, I can remember that far
back!!] met at the Fox Hunt in Hayley Green for our usual menu of
gossip, families catch-up and generally putting he world to right! 'Grumpy
Old Men/Women' was based on us, me thinks .. !!. Only Pat, Joy and
me were able to make it - this is an older photo from a previous
get-together.
|
|
|
|
 My
niece Abigail had her graduation ceremony @ York University on Friday
23rd January. Well done Abi, more photos
here
|
|
|
|
 I
spent a long weekend in Bristol 23rd/25th January eating, drinking &
taking in the sights with some new found friends .. ending up at Weston
Super Mare on the Sunday - least said about that place the better!!
|
|
|
|
 Dinner
at Joy & Lynton's on Friday 16th January .. nice to be feted with
good company, good
food and good wine.
|
|
|
 I
went visiting the Sick of the Parish today, 16th January 09, when
I went to see Kevin Beale who is recovering from home after surgery on
his shoulder. More photos here.
|
|
|
 Photo
taken with Nicki when I popped in for coffee [and to see what a warm,
tidy & cozy house looked like .. !! And no, we're not in uniform, purely
a coincidence that our views on 'sartorial elegance' collide!
|
|
|
 Day
6 of the flood: a humidifier is now in place but as there is only one
socket working they can't use the other three needed! The electrician
has been asked to come back and sort it out. The Claims Assessor also
made an appearance today.
|
|
|
 My
nephew Josh was invited to the post-Pantomime party of Cinderella at the
New Wimbledon Theatre, London, where he met up with and chatted to Gareth
Gates dressed here as 'Prince Charming' (well I hope he is!!).
|
|
|
 On
Saturday evening 10th January George & I went into Birmingham to meet up
with Belinda, Pat, Judith & Peter all of whom were singing the
Hallelujah Chorus at the Town hall as part of the BBC's 'Songs of Praise
to be broadcast at Easter! We went for a lovely Italian meal before going
off to watch the recording. Unbelievably it took 4 hours to record the
half hour programme .. the other four of our group had been at the
rehearsals since midday!! More photos
here
|
|
|
 Day
3 & 4 of the flood: electricity finally restored at 8.30pm the Friday night
of 9th January .. and in the loft two burst pipes found by my favourite plumber Barrie
- my brother!! On the Saturday Paul & George helped me clean out the
final bits of my carpets!! Now all in a sodden pile in the back garden
awaiting collection. The house is slowly returning to normal though
still can't be lived in for at least 1 week. More photos
here
|
|
|
 Day
2 of the flood: My house is in absolute chaos! The flood damage looks as
great in the light as it did when first viewed by torchlight on
Wednesday evening, though water is no longer pouring through the living
room ceiling! The photo shows me standing in water which is just coving
the carpet .. not easy to see from the photos but take my word for it!!
(And my house isn't normally as messy as this - truly - it's just everything
needed to be piled on chairs and free spaces.)
Carpets are now ripped out, dryers are booked [once an emergency
electricity cable can be installed to operate them, that is!!] and my
poor cold & damp house seems to be forever filled with assessors all
telling me someone else will be in touch to arrange to do something ..
after literally 8 call from 3 different Groups/Companies, nothing's yet
been done!! Meanwhile I'm in hotel accommodation!! More photos
here
|
|
|
 I've
just returned from a good few days in Manchester 5th-7th January 09
where I went for Paul B's
[a former work colleague] 50th birthday celebrations and also to
meet up with Gareth Wright, a friend of mine. I also took time out to (try
to!!) educate myself by watching a superb adaptation of Dickens's 'Great
Expectations' at the Central Library's Theatre - their creative
production brought to life a potentially stodgy play. Sadly I came home to
find water flooding into my living room from a burst pipe in the loft!!
All electricity blown and the house uninhabitable ..
|
|
|
 It
was my niece Katie's 21st birthday party on Friday 2nd January 09, held
in Stourbridge, for both family and Katie's friends - I was thus able to
move seamlessly from old to young without any problem of identity ..
honest *coughs .. more photos
here |
|
|
|
 A
superb Christmas Day lunch at Belinda's finishing just in time to waddle
in front of the telly for the Queen's Speech [of course! It's tradition
- if you missed it you can see it on YouTube
here - how
refreshing we still have a national leader who's not afraid to mention
Christianity at Christmas!! If we're not careful this nation will
degenerate into a homogenised "let's not offend anyone" society as in
the USA where 'Happy Holiday' has replaced 'Merry Christmas.'
Bah Humbug I say .. okay, okay, I'll get off my soapbox now!!]. More photos
here |
|
|
|
 Our
now-traditional family Christmas get-together at mom's on Christmas Eve
where we all try and meet up to share fellowship and then our presents!!
To see more photos click here. |
|
|
|
 Our
Choir held its Christmas Concert on Saturday 13th December 08 and it's
always a good start to the festive period. A number of video clips have
been put up on YouTube - to see one of them click
here |
|
|
|
My nephew Matthew has passed his driving test - he'd kept
it such a secret I only got it know about it via Facebook .. !! Well
done Matt. |
|
|
|
 A
pre-Christmas family get-together with my nephew & Viv who can't be here
over Christmas. Photo taken just as we'd got in from a meal out - Sunday
14th December. |
|
|
|
 I
went to a Concert on Saturday 22nd November where the West Midlands
Police Male Voice Choir sang. An interesting mix of music with a great
deal of humour thrown in. A good night out .. |
|
|
|
 How
rude!! here's a photo created by a 'friend' to show how she thought I'd
look in a school 'Year Book' circa 1960. I was never that hip & trendy -
sadly!! |
|
|
|
 A
lovely walk over Clent & Walton in these beautiful autumnal colours ..
Friday 21st November. |
|
|
|
 We
held our Old Gang's reunion on Wednesday 19th November at the
Dudley Arms @ Himley, our last get-together this year, so we had a meal
and exchanged Christmas cards (well, actually, as it's nowhere near
Christmas Eve my cards haven't yet been bought let alone written!!). We
know each other from our teenager days, so that's going back some .. !!
I managed to get home without knowing the England v Germany friendly
game so sat down and watched all that. It was a late night to bed .... |
|
|
|
 I've
just spent a long weekend in London (15-17 Nov 08) meeting up with an
old mate & making some new friends of his; whilst
taking the time for sightseeing! Only the journey home [my train
breaking down and then the replacement didn't manage to get to
Birmingham - but that's another story!!] detracted from the weekend!! More photos
here |
|
|
|
 It
was Amie's 18th birthday party for the family on Sunday 16th November -
see photos of the day here |
|
|
|
 I've
just got in from a strenuous walk over the Clent Hills with my next door
neighbour Terry - Friday 14th November 08. It's been a lovely mild day with plenty of sunshine ..
and fresh air in my lungs too. I may sleep well tonight!! |
|
|
|
 I
went to see 'Edward Scissorhands' at the Hippodrome Theatre in
Birmingham on Wednesday 12th November .. an interesting interpretation!!
Says it all really .. but it was a good night out |
|
|
|
 I've
just returned from a lovely few days in Manchester; I went to meet
a former work
colleague, Paul B, and his family & friends and in the process
making new ones .. including Wei [a recent newcomer to these shores from
China - with a fascinating tale of life in the rural areas], young Cameron Woods
who
was keen to show me on YouTube his interview with the local BBC - have a
peep here - and
James, your typical Aussie. Superb pre-meal drinks in the the rather
quirky Great John Street
Hotel. (Sadly I forgot my camera so no pics!!) My SatNav
played havoc in the city centre! Trying to get home was a nightmare ..
leaving the hotel car park I was told to 'turn left' but just as I got
to the entrance with the road it changed to 'turn right.' Then after 5
minutes of twists & turns along side roads I drove passed the hotel
again!! Then it failed 4 times at crucial junctions due to the high
buildings. Pah!! Now I'm home, so back to reality .. but a
weekend in London looms soon! Hooray. |
|
|
|
 Photo
showing me bringing the Mayor of Sandwell into our Choir's Festival of
Remembrance concert/service ... held on Saturday 8th November. To see a
montage of photos of the evening put to music on YouTube, click
here |
|
|
|
 It's
Remembrance weekend (8th & 9th November) building up to the 90th
anniversary of the signing of the Armistice on 11th November in 1918. It
always makes me think of dad whose own father (after whom I was named)
was killed on Christmas Eve in 1916 during a skirmish in the Battle of
the Somme. My own dad was only 6 months old .. how sad is that?! My dad
lost & and never knew his father and his mother got this certificate
[see image left - do read the tremendous words]. This sacrifice is why I
always wear my poppy with pride .. see details of my paternal
grandfather, including a copy of the letter to my grandmother from the
sister of a Casualty station, here |
|
|
|
 Photo
taken off Southampton University's live webcast of their Degree Awards
ceremony, held on Friday 7th November 08 - it shows my nephew Adam
getting his First Class honours degree. More photos
here and to see a youtube
video clip of Adam click
here |
|
|
|
 My
next door neighbour was meeting up with his former working colleagues to
organise their next year's programme of outing etc. I just tagged along
for the ride, food & their good company [I've been out with them before]
so am now an honorary member of BR so I can join in with their UK-wide
plan of visits for 2009 .. !! |
|
|
|
 I
went on Sunday 2nd November to Halesowen Baptist Church with Rita to
hear Stephen Bentham preach there - our paths crossed many times in BB
many years ago. It's always good to renew acquaintances; and a good
service to boot!! |
|
|
|
 I
met up with some old friends for coffee @ Cath's on Thursday 30th
October, not having seen them for a number of years - seen here with
Mike Morray, Denis Riley & Cath James. |
|
|
|
 A
walk in the woods alongside Halfpenny Green airport - as you can see,
Autumn's here with a vengeance with such beautiful colours! (Taken Monday
27th October.) |
|
|
|
 Josh
came home the weekend to celebrate his 22nd birthday. Mom & I popped
round to see him on Sunday 26th October - photographed here with Beth &
Matt. |
|
|
|
 I
went to watch my niece Bethany play football with her team Dudley United
FC's under 14s team on Saturday 25th October, playing @ home to the
league leaders, West Bromwich Albion's under 14s girls' team. It was a
great game with Bethany playing really well in goal, but sadly her team
lost 5-2. (If only WBA can beat Hull the same in the Premiership this
afternoon!!) More photos here |
|
|
|
 I
went to see 'Privates on Parade' at the Birmingham Rep on Thursday 23rd
October. As the programme says "it's Malaya in 1948 and the British Army
is fighting communism. One of its secret weapons is the bawdy humour and
musical revue of the Song and Dance Unit." Once I was over the initial
onslaught of bad language ('bawdy' .. !!) it developed into both
a funny and yet thought provoking play. |
|
|
|
 I
went with Joy & Lynton to stay with Lynne & Ian at their home in Torquay
from Thursday 16th - Sunday 19th October 08. We met at Sidmouth and
shopped as usual ending up, again as usual, in the Belmont Hotel for
afternoon tea! On the Friday we went to Dartmouth [having a superb sail
on the River Dart] and on Saturday to sunny Brixham & Berry Head. On
Sunday we went to Cockington for yet more walking and to see me in the
stocks!! Another 'Ab Fab' weekend away!! More photos
here |
|
|
|
 It
was Windsor High School's annual sports award held at the Cornbow Hall
on Thursday 9th October. My niece Bethany won the under 13s football,
rounders &
'outstanding commitment' awards. The prizes were handed over by 'Blind Dave' of "7
marathons in 7 continents in 7 days" fame - only the 3rd person in the
world to do this, and the first ever blind person to do so! To read the
Daily Telegraph article of the story click
here. The photo shows Bethany getting her award from him. (Bethany
was also one who received her school's hockey, netball and basketball 'Team
Award' for each sport.) |
|
|
|
 I
went to the 35th anniversary of the 3rd Halesowen Company, Boys' Brigade
on 4th & 5th October. It was good to renew fellowship with old friends.
More photos here. |
|
|
|
![me, Margaret, Graham & Paul [kneeling]](photos2/bcm2_small.jpg) It
was the Circuit Ladies' Choir annual event on Friday 26th September,
where my former boss Paul Bond was the pianist. This photo shows us
afterwards with Graham Handley [with whom I worked for many years] and
Margaret Bond. |
|
|
|
 Bev
held open-house her now annual 'Macmillan Nurses Big Coffee Morning' on Friday 26th
September. To see more photos click
here |
|
|
|
 I
went with Bev to see Ali in a half-marathon @ Windsor on 21/9, staying
with Abi & Alan from Friday 19th - 22nd September. Of the 3999
people who took part, Alexander came 104th - see
full list of
results here. To see more photos of the race & weekend click
here |
|
|
|
 It
was my nephew Matt's formal 18th birthday party on Thursday 18th
September 08, held at Next Generation @ Brierley Hill. It was loud
with much dancing [the DJ didn't play any Mozart, which confused me!!]
and a good time was had by all. More photos
here |
|
|
|
 We
had a 'Majorca Reunion' on 15th September when June, John, Peter
& I went to Joy & Lynton's for lunch, gossip and to catch up on holiday
snaps ... |
|
|
|
 Matthew
was 18 on 11th September and he celebrated on the day with his college
friends. But the family gathered on Sunday 14th to do our bit .. Matt is
shown
here blowing out his birthday cake candles [oh to have so few!!!].
More photos here. |
|
|
|
 I
went into Birmingham on Friday 12th September to see/hear what was
happening as part of the annual Brum Arts Fest. The photo shows some of
the Archers cast getting an award from the Deputy Mayor - taken in
Centenary Square. It was literally pouring with rain and it's sad to say
only a few Archers fan stalwarts braved the elements to see this!
Luckily when ex-cathedra sang in the cathedral a few hours later
we were able to sit in the dry; the only thing we soaked up this time
was their gorgeous singing. |
|
|
|
I
still meet up with a number of friends from our old 'teenage gang'
days at Short Cross .. 45 years on!! There are only 5 of us who live locally enough
to meet now and again but we managed this on Wednesday 10th September.
(From l-r is Pat, me, Joy & Deb.) |
|
|
|
 It
was Andy Warhol who said everyone would be famous for 15 minutes .. well
it was only 2 minutes for me, but after sending a text message to BBC
R5L on Tuesday 2nd Sept about the absurdity of allowing oil rich
governments to use their massive petro-dollar wealth to buy our football
clubs [shouldn't they spend it on their own population in
schools/hospitals etc] the BBC phoned me back to see if I'd go on
air to discuss this with presenter Sarah Derbyshire. I did .. though
with a few splutters on my part, Jeremy Paxman has nothing to fear from
me!! |
|
|
|
 My
nephews Adam & Alexander went to a Vicars & Tarts' Party recently
- they scrub up well don't they?!! More photos
here |
|
|
|
 I
went walking for a couple of hours along the bank of the river Severn today, 27th August
08, and
just as we were getting into the town of Stourport [and when my energy
levels were beginning to flag] I stumbled
across this house displaying a wonderful 'Baggies' flag ... it spurred me
on to walk faster [for a minute or two at least!!!]. |
|
|
|
 It
was mom's 86th birthday on Tuesday 26th August. Because mom always meets
her 98 year old sister May that day we meet up with her at my aunty's to
swap cards, sing Happy Birthday and eat cake! More photos
here |
|
|
|
 The
family got together on Sunday 24th August to celebrate mom's birthday
later in the week. We met at Bev's for a BBQ as all her brood were home,
and Barrie & Jane and their lot had got home
from 2 weeks holiday in Scotland only the day before. The weather
held good and you can see more photos
here |
|
|
|
 Albion's
foray into the Premiership started today 16/8 playing away to Arsenal -
can you imagine a more difficult game! A respectable loss @ 1-0 was fine
by me. I had folk round to watch the game .. my TV remained intact so
all was not lost! |
|
|
|
 I
went with my neighbour to meet up with his former BR colleagues, when we
spent the day on the Severn Valley Railway - 15th August 08. The weather
was good and a good full day was had. This photo shows us in the Royal
Mail's travelling post office carriage as collected in the SVR Museum. |
|
|
|
 I
went to the Birmingham Opera Company's production of Mozart's
Idomeneo in Birmingham on Thursday 14th August. Held in a disused
former Rubber Factory it was the usual style of stand and move around.
We stood overall for almost 2½ hours with only the
occasional sit down on mats on the ground! The photo [taken on my
mobile] shows how the production/cast moved around us all and how close
they were to us. At one point the leading lady was singing no more than
3 feet away from me. |
|
|
|
 My
nephew Alexander took part in the London Triathlon held on Sunday 10th
August 08. More details to follow, but to see a brief video of him
crossing the finishing line [he's in black, running in from behind] click
here |
|
|
|
 Another
walk, early on in the week, this time was along the canal - the forecast
rain kept off an we saw loads of families on their barge holidays |
|
|
|
 I
think Christmas has come early - on the Family tree front at least! A
[long lost] cousin of mine, Wendy, got in touch to say she too is 'doing
family history' on the Tromans [my mom's side of the family] and had
traced members back to 1627 ... ! Makes my efforts look a little
understated. I met with Wendy shortly afterwards and in the 5 hours we
had she ran me through everything she had, including giving me scanned
copies of all her certificates and registers. I'm now slowing working my
way through each and will add them to my own records after I've
validated each step. But thank you Wendy - it's like knowing the answers
before I even know the question! |
|
|
|
 In
a very busy week of meeting friends, lunches out, the highs and lows of
a wedding and a funeral, I did find time [and needed to!] to spend a day
out with my neighbour for a good hard slog around the Wyre Forrest - 1st
August. We may only have walked for 2 hours and 5 minutes but it wasn't
an easy walk. I needed my pot of tea when we got back to their Visitors'
Centre!! |
|
|
|
 Rather
delayed, Josh has let me have some photos of his Graduation ceremony for
his degree in Politics & History at Sheffield University. More photos
here |
|
|
|
 Also
a little delayed, you can see here
some of Josh's photos from his 4 weeks in Thailand. |
|
|
|
 At
Bev's 25th-26th July helping to celebrate her new French doors ... with
weather to suggest Summer has finally arrived!! More photos
here |
|
|
|
 It
was my neighbour's stag do today - Saturday 19th July - and they we
doing 18 pubs playing to the 'golfing rules' ... I managed a few pubs
before wending my way home. Best not to be let loose with too much alcohol inside
me! |
|
|
|
 My
niece Katie continues her life of Riley in Thailand .. seen here washing
elephants!! Some other photos
here |
|
|
|
 My
nephew Adam got his degree results today [16/7] and heard he'd gained a
First in Accountancy. Superb result, well done Adam!! I did get my Cycle
Proficiency Test award, 2nd attempt!! I don't know what all the fuss is
about ... |
|
|
|
 It
was my nephew James' 40th birthday 'garden party' on Saturday 12th July
08 at his home in Pottersheath, Herts. We stayed over until the Sunday. More photos
here |
|
|
|
 My
niece Bethany has won the annual "Outstanding Player of the Year" award
with the football team she plays for as goalkeeper .. !! If she's that
good, I'll get her to sign up for the Albion!! |
|
|
|
 I
spent a weekend with Joy & Lynton and Lynne & Ian @ Catshill 5th/6th
July - having first had a "4th July" meal at my house on the Friday. A
good weekend of chuckles, outings and good food [finished off by
watching a superb Men's final @ Wimbledon]. More photos
here |
|
|
|
 I
went to Wales for a few days early July, staying at Llandanwg, near
Harlech. The weather wasn't what you'd expect for July, but we should be
used to that this year!! Do you think my Tarzan act suits me?? No? Oh
well, neither do I actually. More photos
here |
|
|
|
 Josh
heard today 26/6 that he'd gained a 2:1 in his degree @ Sheffield
University - he was emailed his results while he's in Thailand. Well
done Josh .. great result!! |
|
|
|
 My
niece Kate has also now flown out to Thailand with a friend, and though
it's a totally different holiday from Josh's they are to meet up on
Saturday 28th June 08for a meal - before going their separate ways! I used
to go to Barmouth, Wales for my 'getaway' weeks ... how times have
changed!! |
|
|
|
My nephew Alexander took part in a YMCA look-a-like
competition recently and you can see his contribution here on
YouTube - he's
the builder, 2nd from the left. I'm his Godfather and always wanted him
to join a Monastery .. now you know why!! |
|
|
|
 I
went to the National Tramway Museum @ Critch, Derbyshire on Monday 23rd
June with my neighbour Terry & some his former work colleagues. An
enjoyable day out meeting some new and entertaining folk. More
photos are here]. |
|
|
|
 My
nephew Joshua has taken time out to travel to Thailand for a few weeks.
He's gone alone with the intention of making new friends during his
travels. Here's hoping for a safe & happy trip for him - and a speedy
return from such foreign lands! |
|
|
|
 I
went walking again with Terry & Dave on 18th June, but this time we
walked from Arley to Bewdley and back [having had lunch at the
turnaround] so of it running along the SVR line [see photo]. But at a
total walking time of 4 hours it was a tad too much for me and found the
last 30 minutes hard going. I did go to the gym later but solely for the
sauna and Jacuzzi - to help me get rid of my aches & pains. Poor old sole
... !! More
photos are here]. |
|
|
|
 I've
joined a gym .. I sweat just at thought of going! Luckily they also have
nice & easy sauna & Jacuzzi - those I can cope with!! But as the photo
shows it's doing me good, don't you think? (*coughs) |
|
|
|
 It
was our weekly walk again, 11th June, with an additional walker this
time: David, a friend of Terry's. During the walk we saw a deer for the
first time, this lovely & well maintained horse & trap [see photo - more
photos are here]. |
|
|
|
 I
went to the Birmingham Symphony Hall on Saturday 7th July to hear 'Rutter
conducts Rutter.' I'm a great John Rutter fan and this was my first
opportunity to see & hear him play two of his own compositions. As the
programme said: "John Rutter’s Requiem has established itself as a
classic. Its melodies and atmosphere speak directly and naturally to
both audiences and singers alike. Hear it tonight conducted by the
composer himself, with his own Cambridge Singers, alongside his recent
Mass of the Children, the New York premiere of which made him the toast
of Manhattan." |
|
|
|
 Taken
on our now weekly walk in Wazley Park, on Monday 2nd June 2008. At least
it didn't rain this week!! |
|
|
|
 Saturday
31st May saw the 10th anniversary of the death of my belovéd
sister Barbara. My mom summed it up when she wrote in the local paper's
'In Memoriam' "Ten years have passed without you but the happy
memories and the love that we hold so close to our hearts will never
fade." |
|
|
|
 Just
to prove I'm not just a fair-weather walker, this was taken [on a mobile
phone] on Wednesday 29th May during my neighbour and mine's walk in the
Wyre Forest - thinking the trees would protect us from the rain. Doh ..
!! Soaked and wet but we stuck it out for 2½ hours,
then the cafe and the call of lunch proved too strong for us. |
|
|
|
 A
splendid fortnight away in Majorca from 10th-24th May 2008. The weather was
unusually mixed and the photo shows the steps @ Cala San Vincente on the
day we arrived! I went with June, John & Peter H and Joy & Lynton were
coincidentally 3 miles away for the same 2 weeks. We met the family of
the owners of the Villa, and a surprise birthday party for me was held
on 14th May. Sadly I lost my camera at Palma airport on the way home but
thankfully I'd swapped memory cards on the Tuesday night so I only lost
4 day's worth of photos. To see the photos I did get click
here |
|
|
|
 I
had a superb
weekend away in Torquay [2nd-4th May 08] going down with Joy & Lynton and staying h Lynne & Ian
and where we were to celebrate my birthday! The sun shone on the
Saturday & we ate the obligatory Devon cream tea at Berry Head House
[where the hymn 'Abide with me' was written] before being feted on the
evening with presents & a great meal at L&Is. On Sunday the sun shone
yet again and we explored locally - going to the Paignton 'motor cycle
festival' before going back for a late Sunday lunch and then celebrating
confirmation that the Baggies' were confirmed as Championship leaders
and thus promoted to the Premiership. See photos
here |
|
|
|
 Another
walk, this time in the Wyre Forest on 30 April 08. This was taken just
after we had got 'a little lost' and ended up scrambling down a steep
hawthorn bush infested bank. How I still have all my limbs intact is a
mystery [though my SAS survival training obviously kicked in!]. |
|
|
|
 Oh
yes, despite a tense last few minutes the Baggies scrapped a draw
[should I be happy that we couldn't beat someone in the relegation zone?
- but let's not spoil the moment, eh?!] and unless we lose our final
game and Hull FC win theirs by a margin of +13 goals, we're up!!!! Let
joy be unconfined ... |
|
|
|
 A
delayed card & present opening session - lunchtime @ mom's on Sunday
27th. In view of the fire regulations candles were limited to one .. a wise move me thinks. (And yes, it is a different top to the
one in the photo below - I just happen to like stripes, okay!?) More
photos here |
|
|
|
 I
spent a
few days in Manchester, hiding from my birthday, in a rather splendid
city centre apartment (with concierge, no less!!) though I liked its 42" plasma screen best,
which enabled me to effortlessly watch the whole season 3 set of DVDs of
'24' .. !! I also (1) went to
the IWM North (2) local theatre to see
'Frozen' - the story of the disappearance of a 10-year-old girl & the
play follows her mother and killer over the years that follow, linked by
a doctor who is studying what causes men to commit such crimes, sounds
heavy but well recommended (3) the cinema to see 'Vantage
Point' (4) even managed a night club .. at my age .. but to be honest, it was more a late night pub - and
anyway I couldn't manage
beyond midnight!! More
photos here |
|
|
|
 My
cherry blossom tree is in almost full bloom - but on 22nd April
08 it's the wrong time of the year .. if I know
that, why doesn't nature?! Last year the bloom lasted less than a week!
One strong blast of wind or one strong downpour of rain and it's gone!
Oh woe, so I'll enjoy it while it lasts ... |
|
|
|
 I
went walking with my neighbour on Wednesday 16th April, starting from
the Severn Valley Park. We had in mind a pub about halfway round our
walk - it was shut when we got there!! So, desperate for food to sustain
us we walked to the nearest village which was Highley and which is less
than 2 miles from where my sister Bev lives. She was out and the local
pubs were shut [at lunchtime!!!!] and as we'd been walking for 2½
hours we just collapsed in the Square [the only bench we could find]
having bought nutritious sandwiches from the Co-op opposite. What
a sight we looked! More photos
here |
|
|
|
My
nephew Alexander is running in the London marathon today, Sunday 13th April
08 ..
his first time. He is raising money for the Mental Health Foundation As I watch the TV I haven't yet been able to pick him
out of the 10k crowd!! I'll let you know how he does. Note - Ali finished @ 3
hours 26 minutes & 39 seconds, and his online sponsor form (with his Paula Radcliffe
'lookalike' photo!!) can be seen
here. To see the
details of how he did along, and at each part of, the route of the race,
click
here and more photos here |
|
|
|
 It
was my cousin Dawn's wedding on on Saturday 12th April @ 3pm at Short
Cross Methodist, to Paul Acton. The reception was at the Mount Hotel,
Clent. And even though it meant I had to miss the Baggies v Watford gave
live on Sky Sports at 5.15pm [oh the sacrifices I make for family!!] I
didn't mind, and with the result of 1-1 it wasn't a "too bad result" in
the light of pothers' results ... Oh and the bride looked lovely too.
More photos here |
|
|
|
 It
snowed overnight between Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April ... even my house looks
pretty under 2 inches of snow! |
|
|
|
 Oh
well, it wasn't to be! Before the start of the game of the FA Cup semi
final @ Wembley (Saturday 5th April 08) I still held faint hope -and to
be honest they were faint hopes - of Albion "doing a 1931" (when
we gained both promotion and the Cup) but sadly though we
dominated the first half [68% of play] we couldn't capitalise on it with
goals. And given the choice between Cup or promotion, it has to be the
latter so with 6 games to go it's now in our own hands to achieve that.
My half bottle of champagne (well I was driving!!) went back in the
fridge for another day!! But we could have won that game. you know ...
and I'm not biased *coughs |
|
|
|
 Walking
along the canal on 2nd April from the Stewpony Locks towards the locks at
Swindon/Himley I bumped into John Taylor, seen here, walking the
opposite direction with a group of friends. John was an usher at Dudley
Magistrates' and we worked together for a number of years. During
the walk we also saw a large number of herons, a photo of which [with
others] can be seen here. |
|
|
|
 I
went to see 'the other Boleyn girl' on Thursday 27th March @ the
Showcase Cinema - well worth a watch. But the cinema's air conditioning
had stuck on in C10 so were we all frozen during the 1hr 55m film. So
many people complained afterwards that we were all given an 'emergency
ticket' by the manager to come and watch another film on an other
occasion "with our compliments." But it had been mightily cold!! |
|
|
|
 On
our weekly walk, Terry & I went went to Arley. The photo shows the
Victoria Bridge, which spans the river Severn linking Bewdley & Arley.
This bridge was the one used in the 1978 remake of 'The 39 Steps' - to
see other photos of our walk around the Trimpley Reservoir click
here |
|
|
|
 Good
Friday started with a moving service at Short Cross @ 0730 followed by
the (equally) traditional Easter egg hunt and Hot Cross buns at the
Hierons'. But due to hail and then snow we did, exceptionally, eat
indoors!! The group photo does show how sunny it eventually got. I then
went on my weekly walk this time to the Wyre Forest - to work off some
of those buns!! Followed by watching the Albion v Charlton game on Sky
[a disappointing 1-1 draw] and then Lee staying for a couple of nights.
Not a bad day overall [pity about the footy though]. More photos
here. |
|
|
|
 A
much welcomed few days of R&R in Torquay, staying at Lynne & Ian's along
with Joy & Lynton. As ever much eating, drinking, laughter & shopping
[every shop we passed I think - do women have a predisposition that
makes them shop??!!] and my diet was shot to pieces, but hey who cares
when such delights are placed on the table before you. Bread & Water to
purge & detox me now needs to follow. The Saturday-Monday soon went, but what a
good sign that is!! More photos here. |
|
|
|
 Well,
what a weekend of FA Cup quarter final football ... as I write this the
3 underdog-teams have each each beaten their 'betters' & gone through to
the next round; and Albion are playing now!! I'm nervous and need
something to do & take my mind off the pressure of watching the game!!
(I'm on a much-delayed diet so can't even take solace from alcohol to
sooth my nerves.) At 38 minutes we're winning 2-1 but ..... !! Whatever
the final score, I'll keep this bit in ... I'll be back after the game!!
Why did I worry?! A comfortable 5-1 in the end. |
|
|
|
 It
was Mothering Sunday on 2nd March so Belinda & I, gladly doing our
filial duty, went with mom to Short Cross for their morning service and
then on to Bev's for lunch. |
|
|
|
 I
went to the WBA v Plymouth game @ the Hawthorns on Saturday 1st March -
a 'magnificent' win of 3-0 (eventually - dreadful first half!). I sat next to Jim
Price, my former BB
officer, who was celebrating his 94th birthday that day! It was
announced at half time over the PA system and it was lovely to
see the people around us applaud his success. This photo was taken just
after the game ... more photos here! |
|
|
|
 This
is Bethany on her 13th birthday [25th February 08]. One of her presents was
a drum kit. There are times I am so grateful for living 3 miles away
from their family!! And I do apologise for advertising anything to do
with Aston Villa on this website ... !! |
|
|
|
 It
was Peter Mabbott's (my godson) wedding at Nottingham on Saturday 23rd
February 08 - to Leonie Nolan. It was a lovely service, great reception &
fun speeches. Photo shows mom, the groom himself and his sister Kirsty.
More photos here |
|
|
|
 The
'old gang' from Short Cross met up again on Wednesday 20th February -
Patricia, Joy & I turned up ... Alex was working and Deb forgot!! |
|
|
|
 During
our walking on 20/2/08 we noticed parts of the canal were still frozen -
it was so funny watching the birds trying to land and sliding
everywhere; or them 'walking on water' as seen
here. |
|
|
|
 Auntie
May was 98 today [19th Feb 08] a fantastic achievement by any standard, and
of course the family went to help her celebrate ... more photos
here. |
|
|
|
 It
was such a sunny and warm day [for February!] that when Peter phoned me
from Clent Hills on Tuesday 12th saying 'come up for tea & a bacon
sandwich' I did .... more photos [no walking involved - just
food!!] here |
|
|
|
 Having
only seen Alexander a few days ago at his office @ Ofcom, he's heard
today (8th February 08) that he's been accepted for post-grad medical
training as a doctor at St Mary College, part of the University of
London. Always was one of his ambitions, so well done Ali ... !! |
|
|
|
![Bev & Ali - taken from the top floor of the Ofcom building [6 feb 08]](images/hc5_small.jpg) After
the excitement of the Commons' tour et al [see below] Bev & I
then went on to see my nephew Alexander who works at Ofcom as it was
only a few stops away by tube. The office is in a beautiful spot on the edge
of the Thames and
has a lovely view of St Paul's cathedral. More photos
here. |
|
|
|
 A
tour of the House of Commons, tickets to watch PMQs and then lunch with
my MP, Lynda Waltho, in "Strangers' Restaurant" was all part of
what Lynda had put together to help make our visit on Wednesday 6th February
2008 special.
Sadly, we weren't allowed to take any photos
anywhere except in the precincts of Westminster Hall. Those few we
did take can be seen here. |
|
|
|
 A
meal at Paul & Deb's on the Saturday night [2nd Feb 08) was a lovely end to
a good day ... a diet has to be on my agenda soon, i know! Soon but not
yet ... !! More photos here. |
|
|
|
 It
was a glorious day on Thursday 31st January [as you see from the photo]
so we went for a walk over the Lickey Hills, absolutely superb!! It must
be 15 years since I last went there. And at the end a bacon sandwich to
boot [no pun intended]!! More photos
here. |
|
|
|
 I
went to Bewdley on Wednesday 23rd January for another walk, only to find
the path we were to follow is under water!! We did find high ground to
stroll over but took this photo outside the pub where we had lunch -
showing quite clearly the flood defences in place and the river so high
it's half way up the bridge; and the speed of the flow had to be seen to
be believed! More photos here. |
|
|
|
 More
walking, this time over a sodden Clent & Walton [17 Jan 08]. And we managed to
get ourselves 'a
little lost' - and this is over home territory, how can that be!! And as
a result, with Terry having an early afternoon appointment, we didn't even have
time for the famous 'National Trust - Nimmins Road' sausage & bacon sandwich!! |
|
|
|
 Tuesday
15th January 08 saw the FA Cup replay with Charlton at the Hawthorns. With
2 friends I went to see the game, having got soaked in the walk to the
ground. Despite a 2-0 lead at one time, we were still forced into extra
time and then, oh joy , penalties!! At least the cold & wet was worth it
when we came out victors as 4-3 in the shootout!! |
|
|
|
 I've
started college again, this time doing a course on how to use Adobe
Photoshop CS3, which I have but find difficult to use - despite buying
and trying to use two 'Dummies' books off eBay. I thought 'Dummies'
summed me up totally when it came to CS3. All I can say after my first
week is, 'wait and see' if the college course fee was worth it!!
|
|
|
|
 More
walking, and boy do I need to!! I went with my neighbour Terry to Himley
Hall Park and did about 2 hours of effort - followed by a well deserved
sausage sandwich at the cafe at the end of the walk!!! More calories ...
! More photos
here. |
|
|
|
 Having
been at Katie's birthday yesterday, Sunday 6th January 08 saw my sister
Bev's **th birthday - would I dare tell?! So yet another
birthday-bash ensued with calories galore on offer. When will the diet
start? More photos
here. |
|
|
|
 It
was Katie's 20th birthday on Saturday 5th January - we gathered as usual
... whether she wanted it or not!! More photos
here. |
|
|
|
 Our
weekly walks started again on Wednesday 2nd January 08 ... much needed
after the (over) indulgences of Christmas! We went to the Wyre Forest. |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
 Christmas
Day & Boxing Day was, as always, with family. Church on Christmas
morning at Overend Methodist and then lunch at Belinda's. The family
were @ Bev's for Boxing Day. More photos
here |
|
|
|
 It
was Christmas Eve as usual at mom's, with 19 of us there - it was good
to have 3 new attendees [boy/girl friends of Abi, Matt & Amy]!!! After
the usual gossip & catching up and exchanging presents we had to have
the [now compulsory - by me!!] family photo. More photos
here. |
|
|
|
 I
went with friends to the Christmas Concert at the Birmingham Symphony
Hall on Saturday 22nd December - a lovely concert of all types of
Christmas music and plenty of audience participation [yes, I did scare
those near me with my singing!!]. Aled Jones was compere and soloist. |
|
|
|
 Bev
& I went to see Abigail and Alan in their new flat in Windsor [Saturday
15th - Monday 17th December] and as it's been almost 10 years since I've
been to Windsor, it was good to be able to explore the town in sunshine,
albeit in near freezing weather!! More photos
here. |
|
|
|
 It's
been almost 2 years since some of our 'old gang' has gotten together,
for one reason or another [we've been in touch since our teenage
years!!] but at last a great evening of chat & gossip was had by all ...
!! (From l/r: Pat, Deb, Alex & me.) |
|
|
|
 I
meet with family at my aunty May's on Tuesday 11th December |
|
|
|
 My
cousins Val & Dave Coley celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary on
Friday 7th December 07. A weekend away with their family beckons - many
congrats both. |
|
|
|
 Belinda
went in to Russell's Hall hospital on 28th November for corrective
surgery on her hand. This is the protective bandaging given for when she
came home, the same day. |
|
|
|
 Another
milestone reached & crossed!! Today I bought for the first time petrol @
over £1 per litre. Two days ago it was 98.9p; both from Tesco Extra, so
the cheapest around here!! |
|
|
 Another,
now regular weekly, walk with my next door neighbour, Terry. Seen here
over Kinver Edge on Wednesday 21st November 07. |
|
|
 It
was Amy's 17th birthday on Sunday 18th November so we as a family went
to help her celebrate with lunch at Bev's. More photos
here |
|
|
 After
being shut for almost 10 years, the Birmingham Town hall re-opened on
4th October 07. I went for my first Concert (since its re-opening) on
Saturday 17th November 07 - the programme was 'Baroque Fireworks' ....
just up my street! I wasn't disappointed! |
|
|
 I
went to the newly opened National Memorial Arboretum [for the armed
forces] near Litchfield/Tamworth on Thursday 15th November. More photos
here |
|
|
 It's
not many of us who can boast a member of the Royal Family marching in
our local parade for Remembrance Sunday! But that's just what Abigail &
Alan got in their local parade in Windsor on Sunday 11th November -
photo taken by Abigail. |
|
|
 The
choir I'm in held, for the first time, a Festival of Remembrance which
we did jointly with the local Salvation Army - Saturday 10th November 07. A
service of remembrance followed our concert and was very moving. his
time of year is always special to me - my dad never knew his own father
as he was killed in the battle of the Somme in 1916. The poppy holds
such a significance & symbolism for me; and for this reason I detest
with a vengeance the calumny that is the white poppy. |
|
|
 On
Wednesday 7th I went on my, now regular, walk with my neighbour. This
week we walked along the canal path from Stourport to Kinver. The
weather was lovely and the scenery quite Autumnal. The toasted teacakes
in the Kinver teashop weren't bad either! |
|
|
 I
went with friends to see the West Brom game on Tuesday 6th November. A
tense game where the ref seemed to be on a different planet from reality
[yes, I know I'd say that!!] but hey the facts bear me out. Sheffield
Wednesday equalised at 1-1 in the 7th minute of 3 minutes extra time -
don't ask!! The photo shows Kevin Phillips just before he was carried
off on a stretcher with a suspected serious knee injury. |
|
|
 Some
good news for Kate, from her University - she's gained her year's Maths
Award for 2007 and received a cheque for £1.3k in the process. What,
with her and Alan's Maths Award earlier in the year from York Uni, it's
good to see someone in the family is clever!! |
|
|
 Also
on Saturday the 27th was a Halloween party that I missed [see below] -
but that's perhaps because I have a sister who looks like this .... !!!
|
|
|
 I
went to a Concert by Chris Eaton, singer & song writer, on Saturday 27th
October. I suppose 3 of his main successes have been chart hits written
for Cliff Richard. |
|
|
 I
went to see 'She Stoops to Conquer' at the Birmingham Rep on
Friday 26th October 07. An excellent and funny production which I
enjoyed far more than the opera the night before!! Liz Goddard took the
main rôle. |
|
|
 It
was Joshua's 21st birthday on 25/10 but was away at Uni. he was coming
back on 26thth Oct but I missed him. I did see Matthew into his usual
entertaining ways ... !! |
|
|
 I
went with Judith, Ann & Peter to see La Traviata at the NIA on Thursday
25th October. It started 15 minutes late and didn't finish until
10.45pm. Not the best interpretation I've heard, but it was 'OK' ...
says it all really!! |
|
|
 I
stayed at Bev's overnight 23rd/24th October and saved myself £800 by
agreeing not to go to a 'family' wedding in New York in the week between
Christmas & the New Year! I also met Amy's boyfriend, Jack. |
|
|
 Tuesday
23rd October 07was such a beautiful autumnal day that I managed to wrench
myself out of my chair and go for a walk over Clent - more photos
here |
|
|
 I
went to see the play 'Brief Encounter' at the Birmingham Rep on Saturday
20th October - the only problem being it clashed with the Rugby Final
.... however, I did manage to get home after watching an excellent
adaptation of the book without finding out the result. So at 1115pm I
sat down and watched it all ... having my cake and eating it!! Pity
about the result. |
|
|
 My
little fat face needs exercise to lose a bit (!!) of weight and as my
neighbour suggested we both go walking together sometime, I took up his
invite. We went for a walk over both Clent & Walton on Tuesday 16th
October 07 - I puffed & panted a lot!! Perhaps it will get easier?!! The
intention is it is now a weekly event. We'll see ... ! |
|
|
 The
'groovy gang' of Joy & Lynton and Lynne & Ian and I met up for the
weekend of 12th/14th October 07 for the usual round of food, food and more
food with a little walking and shopping thrown in. On the Friday they
came to me for a meal and then we all moved to Catshill for the rest of
the weekend. On the Saturday we went to see the newly refurbished
fountains @ Whitley Court and, of course, watched the (end of the) rugby
semi-finals on the evening after our meal. More photos
here |
|
|
 Poor
Matthew! Having just attained the age of 17, he went for his first
driving lesson on Sunday 7th October. When he hadn't returned after 2½
hours his parents phoned the local police who confirmed no accident had
been recorded. Matthew eventually returned soon after, having had a
double lesson!! No confidence some people ... !!! |
|
|
 My
sister Beverly was hosting an event on Friday 28th September for the
World's
largest Coffee Morning to which Belinda & I went. It was a good
event, with a good turn out & good cakes (!), and a good cause to boot
... ! |
|
|
It was a short sharp burst to London (24-25 Sept) though
the journey down took an horrendous 5½ hours car
journey!! But we made our 'slot' for the London Eye and then had tea at
Claridges!! An amazing experience. Topped only by the sheer exuberance
of the evening's musical "We Will Rock You" which exceeded all my
expectations plus more!! On the Tuesday morning we went to the Cabinet
War Rooms before descending on Harrods to spend money! Thankfully the
journey home took less than 2 hours!! More photos
here |
|
|
I went to the Birmingham ArtsFest on Saturday 15th
September - the weather was good with plenty of folk about in a happy
relaxed atmosphere - and which ended with a concert in Centenary Square
by the CBSO, Birmingham Royal Ballet & the Birmingham Opera Company an
ending with a superb fireworks display |
|
|
It was my nephew Matthew's 17th birthday on 11th
September 07. As usual the family gathered [whether a 17 year old wanted
it or not!!] and more photos can be seen
here!! |
|
|
A 'Sports Fest' indeed - on Saturday 8th September
England played Israel @ football; England played India @ cricket and
England played the USA @ rugby, all at international level. I hosted
'the gang' to watch all 3 events, though primarily the football. All was
well in that we won all 3 events!! More photos
here. |
|
|
I went to Liverpool on Wednesday 29th August to see Steve
Hess, a friend of mine who I've only had chance to see 4 times in the
past 5 years. We went for a drink (and my first visit to) at the Cavern! |
|
|
It as mom's 85th birthday on 26th August 07. We went to
her church, Short Cross, first before then going to Belinda's where
friends & family members were invited. The weather was glorious so for
once we were able to linger in the garden, chatting and catching up with
the news & gossip with not often seen cousins! More photos
here. |
|
|
My niece Jodie went back to the Cayman Islands about a
month ago to to pick-up her job/friends where she left off earlier this
year. She's gone back just in time for 'Hurricane Dean' which is due to
strike the islands later today 20/8. Take care Jodie ... !! |
|
|
With the good folk on the cruise keep sending images &
texts of all they're doing, Nicki & I decided to hold our very own
"captain's Party" which we did on Monday 20th August 07. And smart we
looked too, I think you'll agree?! (The yacht is the 'Fortunate Sun'
which they saw anchored in one of the harbours they visited and which
they all fell in love with.) |
|
|
Belinda, and the other members of 'the groovy gang'
[see below] arrived in Edinburgh on Thursday 16/8 - and on the evening
attended the annual tattoo at the castle. This photo was taken off the
castle's webcam on the night - they're in the 2nd tier from the castle
on the left ... can you see them?? I envy them; I'd always wanted to
take dad and never managed it - to my eternal regret. |
|
|
It was Adam's birthday on Wednesday 15th August. He'd
travelled home for this and the usual 'clan gathering' took place at
Bev's. More photos here. |
|
|
Belinda is away with friends Judith, George & Hayley and
Paul & Deb for a cruise on the Grand Princess. At a prearranged time
they stood in front of this webcam on the ship - nice eh?? Do you think
pixilation suits them??? |
|
|
I met up with Mo Massingham, who I worked with for 4
years, at my sister Bev's on Friday 10th August, for coffee. The sun
shone and we were able to sit outside for 2 hours, catching up on all
the office gossip!! Nice. |
|
|
At Aunty May's on 7th August 07 I gave Belinda a
much-delayed part of her birthday present. It was "McDuck" [every
home should have one!!] - she likes things tartan! The photo shows a
'reconstruction' of Belinda looking startled at receiving the gift!!
Don't ask - don't go there ... !! |
|
|
I went for a [vegetarian] meal at Paul's, my former boss,
on Saturday 4th August, and Ian. And with the evening being so balmy, we
were able to sit outside talking the night away well into the small
hours. More photos here.
|
|
|
Friday 20th July - It rained and it rained and it
rained!! It took me 1 hour & 10 minutes to do a 15 minute journey!! The
car shown was abandoned after its engine failed as he tried to get
through, just as I got there. I shouldn't say it, but it was fun to
watch!!! |
|
|
 A
great, long weekend in Torquay - 13th-16th July. The weather was
rain/sun/rain/sun so not too bad eh?!As usual with Joy & Lynton and
Lynne & Ian, we had a great time of fun, food, drink, shopping and even
exercise!! Yes, exercise!! We walked 6 miles on the last day in Budleigh
Sulterton from the coast, following the river to a pub and back .... a
beautiful & quiet town with superb walks! More photos coming
here
soon |
|
|
 Just
to prove I do still walk ... !! This was taken on 11th July on a church
walk, taking us round the various 'sights' of Cradley - I saw places I'd
never seen before. Perhaps there is something to this walking lark!! |
|
|
 I
spent a few days in Wales with Peter, June & John from 4th - 7th June 07.
The weather misbehaved again but hey when you had the views of the hills
we had from the cottage [and only a 5 minutes walk from the beach] it
didn't matter. This photo shows how close the field outside the back of
the cottage was. More photos here |
|
|
 Belinda
had her birthday bash on Saturday 30th June. It was supposed to be a BBQ
but the weather got in the way!! There was a lot of reminiscing with
music of the 60s & 70s and singing & dancing to match - it wasn't a
pretty sight or sound ... !!! More photos
here |
|
|
 My
nephew Matthew went to his School prom on Friday 29th June. As the photo
shows he decided to wear a kilt, which I was delighted about! He and 7
of his friends went to the Bromsgrove Hilton by limousine. More photos
here |
|
|
 Judith
& I relaxing at lunchtime on Wednesday 27th June just before we
'hot-tubbed' ... we did raise our glasses to those at work!! |
|
|
 I
went to York for a few days on Thursday 21st June to visit Abi & her
boyfriend Alan - they both finish Uni there very soon. The photo shows
Alan completing the Rubik's cube in 2m 7s ... [he heard on 29/6 that not
only did he gain a First in his Maths Degree with
distinction, he'd gained the University's "Maths Award"]. More photos
here |
|
|
 Ab
flew in from Edinburgh on Saturday 16th June 2007 to stay with me for a few
days. On the first night he took me clubbing into Birmingham [at my age;
I ask you!!]. He was a little worse the wear from drink and the photo
shows the proverbial 'morning after the night before.' Wimp!! |
|
|
 On
Tuesday 5th June I went into Birmingham with Judith - to visit the DVLA
office, hmm exciting! But at least we later went along the canal and had
a drink in the sunshine at some posh overpriced place in the Mailbox.
But nice to venture into Brum once in a while! |
|
|
 I
had to pick someone up from Heathrow airport on 4th June - I was an hour
late! There was a major traffic accident at junction 2 of the M40 just
as I was approaching it. There was no time to get off when I heard about
it on the radio. We were static for almost an hour before we were taken
off the motorway to be directed via Slouch & the M4 to get there. |
|
|
 A
good definition of an oxymoron is 'William the gardener.' I am absolute
rubbish ... but this rose bush of mine has done wonders this year,
almost the only colour I have in the garden!! |
|
|
 On
Friday 1st June I stayed overnight at Bev's, watching the England v
Brazil game there. On the Saturday morning, with the weather so nice we
sat outside for breakfast which consisted of freshly made American
pancakes and maple syrup - it's no wonder I'm the size of a barrage
balloon! |
|
|
 31st
May the the 9th anniversary of the untimely death of my sister Barbara.
Bev, Amy & I went to Clent on a dull & dismal day [as the photo shows!!]
to lay roses on the bench where Barbara liked to sit during her illness,
because of the lovely views, and where nearby her ashes had been
scattered. The following day, 1st June, would have been her birthday;
and I took mother up for her to scatter rose petals there too, but where
the weather was so nice we sat out at the cafe there with bacon
sandwiches & a cuppa!! |
|
|
 Hayley
Tyler, in a competition, won a meal for four cooked at your own home!!
This took place at J&Gs' home on 29th May, and good it was too. And no
washing up ..... nice!! |
|
|
What a fantastic number plate: COP 999 - parked 3 cars from me at Merry
Hill shopping centre, on Tuesday 29th May. I wonder how much that is
worth on eBay? |
|
|
 It
was Alexander's birthday on Tuesday 15th May - we saw him at Aunty May's
in the afternoon to exchange cards and presents. More photos
here |
|
|
 I
went to Joy & Lynton's for a meal on Friday 11th May 07 and stayed
overnight. A lovely meal, lovely company and what a novelty it was for
me to go to sleep in a tidy bedroom!! |
|
|
 George
eventually got round to getting his film developed on his 35mm camera
... no rush eh? This is a photo he took when we all went to the
Shugborough Festival way back in August 05!! But I like it, so it
gets its debut now .... |
|
|
 Yet
another meal at my house ... though to be honest I only provided the
starter and the cheese!! Belinda, Nicki, Paul & Deb made good their
promise by not falling asleep during the evening!! More photos
here. |
|
|
 Monday
30th April was a 'champagne day' for me and a bottle was indeed opened!!
But for my good news George T was coping with the death of his father
that day. How sad. The juxtaposition of good & bad news. |
|
|
 George
had to pick up some items "down South" on Saturday 28th April. I went
with him & Judith to help keep them company. We visited the Bicester
Outlet Village on the way back and then they put on my first BBQ of the
year when we got back. More photos
here |
|
|
 It
was our annual St George's Day concert on Saturday 21st April, held this
year at the Stourbridge Town Hall. Held jointly with 'Voices in Harmony'
choir and 'HalesOwen Choral Society' and the 'Langley Band' a good night
of singing the Proms and flag waving was had by all. The Mayor, our
local MP and Michael Collie [of BBC Midlands Today who was our compere]
all added to the evening! |
|
|
 Shock
of shocks - I cooked a meal for Judith & George and Peter & Phylis -
Saturday 14th April. Only George managed to stay awake - who says my
company is boring?! More photos here |
|
|
 On
Easter Sunday I went with mom to Short Cross for the morning service;
and then, with Belinda, went to join Beverly's for lunch and for us to
spend time time Barbara & David Pelham. It was good to share fellowship
with them. The photo shows part of Bev's table decoration on each
placemat. More photos
here |
|
|
 It
was Paul & Deb's joint birthday party on Saturday 7th April so the usual
gathering took place to help them celebrate ... !! The photo here is
Deb's Easter Flowers @ home. More photos
here |
|
|
 Later
that day [see below] I went to Bev's for an overnight stay because two
of our cousins, Barbara & David Pelham, from Idyllwild, California were
staying with her for a week. it was good to spend quality time with
them. That afternoon we all went on the Severn Valley Railway - more
photos
here |
|
|
 I
went to the traditional Good Friday service at Short Cross @ 7,30am on
Friday 6th April; then it was round to June & John's for the annual
Easter egg hunt and where we always sit outside for toasted Hot Cross
buns & Simnel cake - at least the sun shone this year! More photos
here |
|
|
 The
local paper said "Hundreds of mourners today saluted 'exceptional'
Black Country sailor Paul McCann, killed in a blast on board a
submarine, as they gathered to pay their respects at his funeral.
HalesOwen town centre was brought to a standstill as family, friends and
naval colleagues crammed into St John’s Parish Church for an emotional
farewell to the 32-year-old who was given full military honours." I took
this photo [on my mobile] just as the coffin was being carried into the
church. It was most moving, heightened by the lady standing next to me
who told me her son [part of the Guard of Honour] served on that
submarine and how he had been affected ...
|
|
|
 It
was Abigail's birthday on Monday 2nd April. Many of the family went to
see her and to celebrate the day. More family photos
here. |
|
|
 Margaret
& Keith Bradley celebrated their Ruby wedding anniversary on Sunday 1st
April by holding a lunch at Overend church. There were about 100 of us.
Donations in lieu of presents are being sent to the Kamera hospital in
Rwanda. |
|
 It
was VIH Choir's 10th anniversary Concert on Saturday 31st March @ the
new Salvation Army Centre in Cradley Heath. The photo shows the family
with Sylvia Heal MP & Deputy Speaker, our principle guest. |
|
 I
had my plaster & bandages removed on Wednesday 28th March @ Corbett's
Hospital. I took his photo on my mobile while the nurse was out finding
the scissors/scalpel to take out the stitches. I don't think the guy who
'sewed me up' is heavily into crocheting!! Not the prettiest of images!! |
|
 To
finish of Judith's birthday celebrations we went to J&Gs on the Saturday
evening, 24th March, for the usual food/drink/good company & a good
laugh. This photo shows me trying not to get my plaster & bandage wet
... !! More photos here. |
|
 It
was Judith's birthday on Friday 23rd March. She treated us to a meal at
La Brasserie in
Kidderminster. Another photos here. |
|
![l/r = Peter, John, June, Lynton, Joy & me [19 March 07]](SV202960%20Large%20Web%20view_small.jpg) On
Monday 19th March the 'Majorca Gang' met up for lunch at Joy & Lynton's.
It was the first time we had all got together since we met in Majorca in
May 06. |
|
 It
was Mothering Sunday on 18th March. Belinda & I went to church in the
morning with mom and then went on to Beverly's for lunch. More photos
here |
|
 On
Saturday 17th March the Midlands Symphony Choir, of which me, Belinda,
Judith & Peter are members, sang at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham, for a
'West End and Broadway Gala Concert - A Spectacular Gala Concert.'
Jennie Bond was the presenter & compere. More photos
here |
|
![my left hand in plaster; my right hand with a pint [at he Symphony Hall 2 days after my operation]](SV202951a%20Large%20Web%20view_small.jpg) On
Thursday 15th March I went into Corbett Hospital for my second operation
- this time on my left hand [my right hand had surgery on 21st December
06]. It was done under general anesthetic but I was allowed home the
same day. My hand is in plaster, plus bandage and in a sling for 2 days!
The plaster stays on for 2 weeks. |
|
 I
had a 'turkey & tinsel' weekend with Joy, Lynton, Lynne & Ian
[9th - 11th March 07]. I over-indulged on the Christmas pud, but what a
lovely way to go! More photos
here |
|
 We
went hot-tubing & eating to J&G's on Saturday 3rd March. It coincided
with the first total lunar eclipse in more than three years, which we
avidly tracked. During "totality" the moon appeared reddish in colour as
only light that had been filtered through the Earth's atmosphere reached
the Moon's surface. More photos of the evening
here
|
|
 It
was Voices in Harmony's 10th anniversary meal held on Monday 26th
February - held at the Granary Hotel, nr Kidderminster. Michael Collie,
of BBC's Midlands Today, was one of our guests. The photo shows Hilary &
Stephen Bradley, as founding members of the Choir, cutting the
anniversary cake. |
|
 Bethany
was 12 on 25th February. As ever, the family gathered to celebrate ...
!! |
|
 It
was Adrian's 50th birthday party on Saturday 24th February. With it
being the Oscars' Weekend he decided we were all to go dressed as
someone from a film - Adrian, as you can see, went as Marilyn Monroe.
And a great time was had by all. More photos
here |
|
 I
went to the WBA v Cardiff game on Tuesday 20th February, Exciting stuff
with the 1 - 0 result in the Baggies' favour leaving us all biting our
finger nails during the 3 minutes of extra time & renewed Cardiff
pressure. But happy bunnies in the end and it does put us back in 2nd
position! |
|
 I
should have known better! Snow had been forecast and yet I still stayed
overnight at Bev's on 7th February; the snow did indeed fall overnight.
Despite our best efforts I couldn't get off Bev's driveway so another
enforced overnight stay ensued!! At least it meant we could watch the
cricket v Australia on the Friday morning without feeling guilty! later
I had to be rather ignominiously towed off by a Land Rover. More
photos
here. |
|
 I've
been well knocked-out for almost 2 weeks with a viral infection that had
me almost bedridden the whole time ... last week Jan/first week Feb.
Thankfully that's now over. |
|
![I have the abilty to put anyone to sleep [the perils of talking to me]](DSC00138_small.jpg) With
others, I went for a meal at Judith & George's on Saturday 20th January.
As you can see from George's photo left, I can easily keep people
thoroughly entertained into the wee hours of the morning with my
scintillating conversation and sparkling wit ... *coughs!! More
photos here |
|
_small.jpg) With
only 1 day at home, I then went to Bournemouth with Joy, Lynton,
Lynne & Ian from 12th-14th January 06. We stayed at the Norfolk
Royale hotel. Plenty of walking and shopping and eating and shopping
and laughing and shopping ensued. The ladies like shopping ... yet
another tradition ....... !!! More photos
here |
|
 I
went to Brighton for a few days (6th - 10th January) with Ab. The
weather was awful with rain & heavy winds, but I still managed to put on
weight through too much food & drink!! The photo shows me eating fish &
chips on the beach in front of Brighton Pier ... it has to be done!!
Tradition ....... !!! |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
 For
New Year's Eve 06 we went to Belinda's and saw 2007 in in style, with
fireworks and much merriment - so no change there then!! |
| |
|
 For
Boxing Day, mom, Belinda & I went to Bev's for the now traditional
turkey & chips. Games & stuff followed. My impression of Germain Greer
will not feature here. Needless to say my team did not guess who I was
... !! |
| |
|
 For
Christmas Day, I went to Belinda's for lunch having first been to
Barrie's to pick up mom and see the kids. Excellent food for lunch,
Queen's Speech [of course!!], film & sleep afterwards and then home! A
good day. |
| |
|
 On
Christmas Eve we had the traditional 'family gathering' at mom's, where
only James was missing of her grandchildren. Afterwards I went on to
Paul & Deb's and from there on to the Midnight Communion service. For
the family photos click here and
for the photos at P&Ds' click here. |
| |
|
 James
could not make the Christmas Eve family get-together as he & Viv were
elsewhere; so he came to see mom on Friday 22nd December and Bev, Amy &
I also went along [it was the first time I'd met Viv]. |
| |
|
 On
Thursday 21st December I went into Corbett Hospital for surgery on my
hand. Although it was done under general anesthetic I was still only
regarded as a day patient - so was home in the evening with my
right hand in plaster, plus bandage and in a sling for 2 days! The
plaster stays on for 2 weeks. It is very debilitating ... !! |
| |
|
 The
Choir I'm in held its annual Christmas Concert on the evening of
Saturday 9th December [and was the reason I had to come back from
Edinburgh - see below]. Our guest for the evening was Sarah Falkland, of
BBC Midlands Today, and the photo shows here with mom & Bev. |
| |
|
 I
had a fantastic 4 days in Edinburgh from 6th - 9th December meeting up
with Ab, an Egyptian friend of mine who lives there, exploring aspects
of the City not seen before. I stayed at Harbour Apartments, a new
building in the heart of the redevelopment of the City's dockland. (Good
value at the moment - soon to be v expensive.) |
| |
|
 We
had a 'gathering' at Paul & Deb's on Saturday 25th November - a good
laugh & time was had by all. Left is the now obligatory group photo ....
more to follow soon!! |
| |
|
 I
saw 'Casino Royale' on Thursday 23rd November - very much in the Bourne
Identity vein but well worth the viewing ..... !! |
| |
|
 I
went with friends to see the play "caught on the hop" performed by the
Enville Street Dramatic Society, held in Stourbridge - Wednesday 22nd
November. |
| |
|
 Photo
taken at the newsdesk of BBC Midlands Today on Tuesday 21st November,
when Stephen Bradley & I visited there to meet with Sarah Falkland, one
of the presenters, to discuss a forthcoming Concert she is to compere
for us. |
| |
|
 We
had a good get-together on Saturday 18th November, first hot-tubbing and
then a lovely meal washed down with plenty of wine & good humour!! More
photos
here |
| |
|
 On
Saturday 11th November I went with Judith & George to hear the
Birmingham Bach Choir sing in St Thomas's church in Stourbridge. Then
food & drink, of course! |
| |
|
 This
is Adam Weston's car - he saw smoke coming from under the dashboard and
got out to look under the bonnet. Before he could do anything the car
erupted in flames - this picture taken on his mobile's camera. (Adam is
my godson.) |
| |
|
 I
saw Puccini's La Boheme on Friday 10th November at the Birmingham
Hippodrome. Although I know the music, it was the first time I'd seen
the opera. The subtitles helped to realise what a moving story it is -
almost a tear in my eye ... ! |
| |
|
 I
went to the Birmingham Rep on Tuesday 7th November to see an excellent
adaptation of 'To kill a Mockingbird' - it never seemed that interesting
when I was doing my O Levels ... !! |
| |
|
 I
went to the WBA v QPR game on Tuesday 31st October. At 2 nil up I
thought we were cruising to a good 3 points. Unfortunately at a final
score of 3:3 we've slipped down the table! |
| |
|
 On
Friday 27th October was our now annual 'OctFest' where some former BB
lads come and make me stay up late!! They used to take me to clubs in
Birmingham but, thankfully, they all become domesticated and have
mortgages that need looking after. At least they went earlier than last
year @ 0355 . . . . albeit by only 5 minutes!! More photos
here |
| |
|
 Josh
[and Kate] came back from university for his birthday, and we all met up
with him on the Sunday 22nd October. |
| |
|
 I
stayed at Bev's Friday night 20th October. Photo shows my niece Amy
[right] on her way out for the night with friends. More photos
here |
| |
|
|
The family moved in to 52 Hawne Lane in 1954. My sister
Barbara bought it off mom & dad when they divorced. Ken moved out on
20th October; so it is with mixed emotions we see the house move out of
family hands for the first time in 52 years! |
| |
|
 I
went to hear Dame Kiri Te Kanawa at the Birmingham Symphony Hall on
Tuesday 17th October. An excellent evening, as you'd expect with this
performer!! |
| |
|
![the 'gang' [Lynton, Joy, Lynne, Ian & me] over the Malvern Hills - Saturday 14th Oct 06](latest33.jpg) Lynne
& Ian were up from Torquay for the weekend of 13th - 15th October 06.
They [with Joy & Lynton] came for a meal at my house on the Friday; and
then we all moved over to Hagley to stay there for the Saturday &
Sunday. On the Saturday we went to Malvern for a good walk & then later
on to Ledbury; on the Sunday we had a look round Webbs' garden centre,
near Droitwich, after a good lunch out, of course!! To see more photos
click
here. |
| |
|
 I
went to see 'Pravda' at the Birmingham Rep on Wednesday 4th October 06.
As the Guardian said of this play “A charismatic villain who dominates
Ithe stage even when he is not on it. Roger Allam matches Anthony
Hopkins in his original creation of this role...”
Says it all, really!! |
| |
|
Katie
 [a
keen footballer and who plays in a local Ladies' Team] has left home and
gone off to the university of her choice, Loughborough, which is the
premier sporting uni in the UK. Well done Kate!! |
| |
|
 At
long last, the outside of my house has been repainted!! After being let
down for the last couple of years, it's been done!! A (lovely?!) shade
of blue - my West Brom colours!!! |
| |
|
 I
went to the Birmingham Hippodrome on Friday 22nd September to see the
Pirates of Penzance, my first experience of Gilbert & Sullivan!! It was
great; both funny & some good music . . . . |
| |
|
 My
nephew, Matthew, was 16 on 11th September. As usual, the family
had a quick get-together on our way back from work, just to help him
celebrate [though at 16, the last thing he wants is us 'oldies' being
there I'm sure!! Tough!). I took this photo as he greeted me at the door
. . . . |
| |
|
 Eric
Collins has, this month, been a Methodist Local Preacher for 40 years
. . . I can remember him coming to Short Cross church when I still
went there. They held a special service for Eric & Gill on Sunday
evening 10th September 06. As usual, I was running late so sat on the
back row - hence this rather grainy photo. Gill also received an award
for her contribution to the music-life of the church. |
| |
|
 Joy
& I went on Wednesday 6th September to see Alex in the play put on by
'The Community Players' entitled "Look who's Talking" (a comedy by Derek
Benfield) held at the Oakfield Centre. An excellent performance by Alex
who played 'Andrew' - shown standing left on the stage in the photo. |
| |
|
|
I'm
pretending to be sophisticated!! On Saturday 2nd September I went into
Birmingham and booked tickets at the Hippodrome to see (1) Pirates of
Penzance and (2) La Boheme. Then I went to the Reparatory Theatre and
booked tickets for (3) Pravda and (4) To Kill a Mocking Bird, and
rounded the spending spree off with tickets at the Symphony hall to hear
(5) Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in Concert there. That's enough 'posh' for now
me thinks!! |
| |
|
 The
family got together again on Sunday 27th August at Bev's for a meal for
Mom's birthday - although we all me up with her on her actual birthday
the day before, this was so we could all spend a little more time
together. More photos [of course!!] can be seen
here. |
| |
|
 I
actually cooked a meal . . . !! Paul Bond, my former boss, and Ian Lacon
came to me on the evening of Saturday 26 August. After starting on 2
strong Gs&T [Bombay gin @ 50%] we almost didn't make it to the table!
But I was determined to kill their taste buds before starting on any
food I've cooked!! More photos here. |
| |
|
 It
was mom's 84th birthday on Saturday 26 August, so the family 'gathered'
in the afternoon to help her celebrate. More photos
here. |
| |
|
 I
went with Bev for a few days to visit Abigail in York (18th - 20th
August). I took a few photos which can be seen
here. |
| |
|
|
Katie
got her 'A' level results today, 17th August 06, and achieved 1xA and
2xB. Well done Katie, as this now means she qualifies to go to her first
choice of university, Loughborough. |
| |
|
After the birthday meal for Adam
[see directly below] I went on to stay just for one night in Llandanwg
(which you may guess is in Wales!! It's near Harlech) leaving teatime on
the Monday 14th August. I saw a lovely sunset on the deserted beach @
Llandanwg on the Sunday evening and then went for some lovely walks on
the Monday. (In the village is the church of St Tanwg, a tiny 5th
century church and which contains one of the oldest gravestones in the
UK - of Ingenuus, who was a contemporary of St Patrick.) I ended up at a
favourite place of mine, at Barmouth! More photos can be seen
here |
| |
|
 It
was my nephew Adam's birthday meal at Bev's on Sunday 13th August. More
photos of the 'family gathering' can be seen
here |
| |
|
 I
went to the wedding & reception of Rosemary Hughes [who I used to work
with] & Roy Faulkner [who I know from my BB days] - they got married
Saturday 12th August. More photos
here |
| |
|
 I
made my first phone call via Skype (free PC-PC calls) on Friday evening,
11th August, to Alex who's now back home in Brazil. Although he hasn't
got his PC up & running yet [after his recent move to a flat in Sao
Paulo] my 20 minute call to his landline cost just 37 pence - BT eat
your heart out!! |
| |
|
 Jodie
has put some more photos of her time in Nepal & India up on her
photos-website. This one is of the 'welcome' board outside the Kopan
Monastery - great wording eh?!! To see more click
here
|
| |
|
 Josh
& Kerry spent 10 days in Istanbul recently and let me see a few
photos - to see the others, click
here. |
| |
|
 Abigail
& Alan have gone to Prague for a few days to celebrate the end of
University and Alan gaining a 'first' in his Maths Degree. |
| |
|
 Bev
had an accident in her car on Wednesday 2nd August, while taking
mom to a hospital appointment . . ! Thankfully
no one was hurt.
Belinda & I went to see what we could do to
help; and never passing an opportunity to take a photo [not just for the
insurance company - I was thinking more of this website!!] I took these
on my mobile phone. So, to see more photos click
here
|
| |
|
I went to Torquay with Joy & Lynton on Thursday 27th July
until Sunday 30th July, staying with Lynne & Ian. We escaped the
dreadful heat of the Midlands exchanging it with the moderated coastal
temperatures - oh the joys of being able to sleep at night!! And, of
course, the usual activities of eating, drinking, walking & more eating
were interspersed with the usual high dosages of laughter!! Only
shopping slipped off the agenda this weekend . . . it'll
never catch on! To see more photos of the long weekend, click
here
|
| |
|
It was Alexander's graduation from King's College on
Monday 24th July 06 - held at the Barbican Centre. Mom, Belinda & I went
with Bev & Abigail. It was a lovely ceremony, in fact the whole day
worked out extremely well, and it was good to be able to share in the
culmination of Ali's hard work . . . To see more photos of the
whole day, click here
|
| |
|
At Bev's with 'our gang' on Friday 21st July 06. She's
about to start hosting a series of 'buy your meals to raise money for
Street Kids in Africa' and she experimented on us lot . . . !! The
weather was splendid so we ate outside - and later we even got Belinda,
Deb, Paul, George on the (kids'!!!!) trampoline . . . . now there was a
sight to behold!! To see more photos click
here |
| |
|
'Superman Returns' - Thursday 20 July 06 ..... I know I
go to the cinema almost every week or so and don't mention them here,
but Superman is one of those 'warm & cuddly' films from your youth [can
I remember that far back?] and even though it lasted 2½
hours [I don't 'do' long films these days!] we all enjoyed the evening. |
| |
|
 I
had a lovely, soothing massage done on me today! [Thursday 20 July.)
Some friends have been having them for years but I hadn't succumbed
until today. Very relaxing!! Now, can I afford another one . . .
?! |
| |
|
Beth leaves her Junior School @ Newfields next week to
start at Windsor High after the summer break. I went to her school's end
of term play/musical on Tuesday 18 July 06 in which she participated.
More photos here |
| |
|
a meal at Judith & George' - Saturday 15th July. The day
had been bathed in sunshine, and the evening was just as good. After
food, we lazed in the hot tub ...... bubbles are good!!! More photos
here. |
| |
|
I stayed overnight at Bev's on 12/13th July 06. The sun
shone and bacon butties for breakfast al fresco on the morning
was glorious [the orange juice was the healthy bit!!] ..... more photos
here. |
| |
|
The Choir, VIH,
held an 'open house' on Monday 10th July at Stephen & Hilary's - held to
coincide with their 'Pearl Wedding' anniversary celebrations. |
| |
|
Jodie's photographs of her time
in India & Nepal, together with photos taken during her sponsored walk
along the base of the Himalayas, can be seen
here |
| |
|
Joshua & Kerry have gone off on a
week's holiday to Istanbul, Turkey! (7 July 06) The weather there at the
moment is hot, hot, hot!! |
| |
|
Congratulations to Alexander
who heard today, 5th July, that he's gained a 2/1 in his degree from
King's College, London, in Bio-Chemistry. |
| |
|
I met up with Alex Evangelista again [see below] on 3
July in Birmingham - back here to shop for computer stuff & university
text books . . . He's off to Germany soon before returning home to
Brazil. |
| |
|
Mom, Bev & Amy and I met Belinda for lunch for her
birthday - Sunday 2nd July 06.
Earlier I had taken mom to place a rose on where Joe's
ashes had been scattered - he died 11 years ago today. |
| |
|
 Yet
another 'supporting England' party for the quarter finals on Saturday
1st July; this time combined with Belinda's birthday celebrations!!
Unfortunately England lost [yet again to Portugal on penalties - do I
not like Cristiano Ronaldo]. To see more photos
click here |
| |
|
 I
popped down to Bev's for coffee on 30 June - it was a lovely sunny day
where we could sit out & soak up the sun . . . !! Luckily the postman
came by, so he took the photo!!! |
| |
|
 England's
first 'knock-out' game in World Cup was held on Sunday 25th June @ 4pm v
Ecuador. I had the gang here to watch & worry with me; we needn't have -
we won 1-0 to go through to the quarter finals next Saturday. And we're
at Belinda's birthday party so we'll be gathering to watch yet another
game of football . . . To see more photos of today, click
here |
| |
|
 Alex
Evangelista is here in the UK & Germany for a few weeks visiting family
- I was asked to meet him to show him around Birmingham, which I did on
23 June. (His father is a neighbour of a former work colleague who now
lives in Brazil.) This photo was taken on the canal walk to the Mail
Box. Alex studies at Sao Paulo university. |
| |
|
 Jodie
is back home [21 June] after her trip to India and Nepal, and where
she walked the lower hills of the Himalayas [sponsored for the street
kids & street animals of Katmandu]. She said one of the highlights of
her visit was to be able to hear a speech given by the Dalai Lama. She's
still deciding her next step - but a return to the Cayman Islands is not
ruled out . . . ! |
| |
|
 The
World Cup started on Friday 9th June and my TV's going to get hot with
all the games I'm watching - June's cancelled!! England played its first
game on 10th June amid much anticipation and national pride. Paul & Deb
had a 'gathering' to watch our first game - to see photos of the
afternoon [in glorious sunshine], click
here |
| |
|
 Congratulations
to Josh who passed his driving test on Monday 5th
June 06. |
| |
|
![technology in action - 4 of us trying [not very well] to coordinate our bluetooth stuff . . . . !!](photos157.jpg) Summer's
come at last! We 'gathered' for a BBQ @ J&Gs' on Saturday 3rd June 06.
To see some more photos click
here |
| |
|
 Katie
is learning to drive. Seen here [with a qualified driver
'somewhere' I can assure you!]. Taken Wednesday 31st May. |
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 I've
just come back from 2 weeks in the heat & sun of Majorca, in a villa
near Pollenca. I went with June, John & Peter but also met up with Joy &
Lynton who were there for the same fortnight just a couple of miles
away. While the UK suffered with heavy rain and cold we basked in the
low 80s. I read 3 books and took plenty of photos. To see some click
here |
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|
 I
went to a Concert of music by Mozart, Hayden & Schubert on Saturday 6th
May. The soloist was
Elizabeth MacDonald (who was our soloist @
VIH Choir's St George's Day
Concert on 23/4). The highlight of the evening was when she sang
Mozart's Exsultate Jubilate which [perchance I was famous] would
be one of my
Desert Island Discs choices. If only, eh? |
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My
cherry tree in full blossom on Friday 5th May 06 - it's only as
beautiful as this for 2 weeks of the year until high winds strip the
colourful blossom away! A couple more photos
here. (Additional note: the blossom began
falling off during heavy rain on 8th May. It didn't even last the 2
weeks ... !)
|
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|
 My
belovéd
West Bromwich Albion were relegated from the Premiership today -
29th April 06. Much wailing & gnashing of teeth. Black armbands for a
week, me thinks!
|
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|
 The
curfew in
Katmandu has finally been lifted and Jodie can get
out of the hotel she's been stuck in for days. In a recent email she
said "All is good here.. curfew has been lifted
and it seems its good news for the Nepalese people (and us of course)..
everyone is out partying and celebrating since the King gave the fight
up so as at the mo, things back to normal... SO we can def go on our
trek and should be leaving on Sunday for 21 days.. going to climb the
Annapurna Circuit which goes to a max of 5,400 meters so its pretty high
(not sure how the old legs will fair)... We are hoping there will not be
too much snow and we wont be wading through like intrepid explorers!"
Jodie is doing the climb as a sponsored event in aid of the street kids
and street animals. |
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OOER. Another birthday - 24th April. I tried to celebrate
as much as these old limbs of mine would allow |
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My dad would have been 90 today, 23rd April 06 - a Scot born on St
George's Day ..... !! I spent time on Clent Hills where his ashes were
scattered. |
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Our St George's Day Concert was held on Saturday 22nd
April 06 at Holy Trinity Church, Wordsley. More details will follow,
but in the meantime you can see a few of the 'after Concert party'
photos at Pat & Adrian's here
- it was Pat's birthday!!
 |
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|
 We
held our final practice for our Choir's St George's Day concert on
Friday 21st April - the day of the Queen's 80th birthday! This photo
shows me looking somewhat 'vacant' but hey, why change the habit of
a lifetime?! Shown here wearing my 'Scotland' top - well, with all
the emphasis on my Englishness this weekend, with the Concert etc, I
need to redress the balance to keep both parents happy! My dad never
did get over the fact that as a Scot he was born on 23rd April - St
George's Day . . . !!
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the BBC's website says "Mass protests continue in
Nepal - The protesters are demanding an end to absolute rule Tens of
thousands of protestors have returned to the streets in Nepal for
mass protests, despite a shoot-to-kill curfew in the capital."
My niece Jodie is caught up in the violence
in Katmandu as has been 'stuck' in her hotel for the last week or so
and not allowed out into the city. Part of her recent email to the
family said "haven't been able to leave the
hotel really in the last few days because of curfews every
day/night.
Whilst the protesters, the police n the army battle in out we have
to stay indoors and just read about the battles the next day in the
papers. Seems the police are just as bad as the army who are just as
bad as the security forces who just follow the King's orders (who
nobody likes) and that's without even mentioning the Maoists. Its
all crazy crazy at the mo and the papers are full of dead bodies and
beatings and bombs and what not.. nice n tranquil this yoga trip eh!
Well why we all sit in our ivory tower and sip tea and swim, it
seems this anarchy will go on for quite some time longer..
"
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|
 We
went to Judith & George's after our first day back to work after
Easter! We needed cheering up; so food & wine seemed to fit the
bill. We had a quick blast in the hot tub even though it was
raining!! More photos here.
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"Christ is Risen; He is risen indeed" - I went
to the Short Cross Easter Sunday morning service on 16th April 06.
Following that we went to Bev's for lunch as all her kids were back
from University, and where we met Alan, Abigail's boyfriend, for the
first time. At 4pm we went to a service by Bev's church, but held in
the local leisure centre. More photos of the day can be seen
here.
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On Good Friday I've
always [since my teenage days] taken mom to the early morning
service at Short Cross Methodist church @ 0730; and then I go for
the now traditional 'Easter Egg Hunt' at the Hierons' - something
I've been doing since, seemingly, time immemorial ... !! For more
photos click here |
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 I
went to Overend church to see/hear 'Pharaoh to Freedom' and act of
worship for Maundy Thursday - 13 April 06. Belinda was the music MD
for this. |
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 The
choir I'm in is joining together with the Halesowen Choral Society
and The Staffordshire Band to hold a St George's Day Concert on 22nd
April. I took this photo on 11/4, and shows the professional singer,
Elizabeth MacDonald, at a practice with the choirs' 2 pianists. |
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 I
went for a meal at Joy & Lynton's' on Saturday 8th April 06. As ever, a
splendid meal and time was had. And due to the strength of their
Plymouth Gin I needed to stay the night!! |
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 We're
rather busy trying to get everything organised for our St George's Day
Concert later on in April. This shows George & Stephen struggling to put
up a poster advertising the event. As you'll notice I'm nowhere to be
seen - rather, the camera man!! And the poster stayed up ... ! |
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 I'm
still very much trying to get my family history sorted, but I just need
the time to explore. To see the family tree I've managed so far, 31st
March 06, click
here. "Work in Progress"
as they say ...... |
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|
 I
took mom for a Musical Evening put on by the the 'Circuit Ladies'
Choir' at Short Cross on Friday 31 March 06. My former boss, Paul
Bond, played the piano for them. |
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 The
'old gang' met again - 2nd time this year!! - at Himley House on
Wednesday 29th March 06. When we're together, we're not old. Just
advancing in years together .... !!
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|
 We
had a 'birthday bash' for Ron, one of the legal advisors at work, who
was attaining the grand old age of 60. Over 30 of us went for the meal.
More photos here. |
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|
 For
Mothering Sunday, Belinda & I went to Short Cross Methodist with mom;
and then we were off to Beverly's for lunch. Hopefully mother enjoyed
her day with the family!! More photos
here. |
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|
 We
gathered at Judith & George's for a 'party' for Judith's birthday, on
Saturday 24th March. As ever, the conversation and the wine flowed!!
More photos of the evening can be seen
here |
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|
 It
was Judith's birthday on the 23rd and a group of us went to The Stone
Manor for a meal to her her celebrate on the Friday, 24th March. An
excellent meal with good company. More photos
here. |
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|
|
 On
Thursday 23rd March I went into Birmingham to hear the Birmingham Opera
Company's latest interpretation of Mozart's Don Giovanni which they
entitled "he had it coming to him" ..... and which was unlike any opera
I've been to. Staged in the former [grand] Birmingham Municipal Bank
building at the end of Broad Street, the audience sat on coffins, were
frequently moved about, had members of the chorus and the soloists sat
round about us - if fact it was difficult at times to know who was who!!
The Times gave it a 4 out of 5 stars in its first-night review - and i
think it best if you read that
here - all will then become clear (ish). They advertise themselves
as "not what you'd expect from opera" ..... too right!! |
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|
 On
Saturday 18th March 06 I went to the 'Glasshouse Studio Theatre' in
Stourbridge to listen to the
Stream of Sound sing. They are a youth choir which sing acappella,
and whose website says of them "we started with hymns of the early
American settlers - known as shape note hymns - with their strong
harmonies and fuging sections. From there we moved onto vibrant African
church and folk songs. We discovered the haunting harmonies of Bulgarian
and Eastern European traditions and then the excitement of the ancient
three part songs from the Caucasian Republic of Georgia." They also now
explore the pre-Victorian West Gallery hymns as well as the wealth of
folk songs from these islands. |
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|
 I
went to a Fairtrade wine tasting evening in Stourbridge on Friday 17th
March, where we sampled 8 different types of wine. They seemed to get
stronger during the evening!! My favourite was a Thandi cabernet
sauvignon Merlot from South Africa which was an amazing 14%. (Available
from the Co op @ £5.99 - advertising over.) To see the Fairtrade website
click
here |
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|
 Mom
went into hospital @ Russell Hall on Thursday 16th March for a minor
operation on her foot. Luckily she went in early and there were no
complications, so she was allowed home on the night. She's having to
rest for a few days. |
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 I
went on Wednesday 15 March, with Judith & George, to see a play put on
put on by the Stourbridge Theatre Company in Stourbridge Town Hall. It
was entitled "a Murder is Announced" by Agatha Christie and
performed to their usual good standard. To see the Agatha Christie UK
website click
here |
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|
 My
nephew, Alexander, has recently played at the Borderline,
a London based club, with his band 'The Ten Colour Accord'. He's sent me
this photograph of him there - to see a few more of him & the band click
here. To see their revamped
website click here |
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|
 It
was a joint birthday party for Nicki & Adrian, held on Belinda's on
Saturday 4th March 05. More photos
here. Picture left is of Pat Sanger |
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 I
met up with Paul Bond [my former boss] and Ian Lacon who I know through
our former BB days. It's been a while we we met up so it was good to sit
& natter over food & wine. Friday 3rd March. |
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 Jonathan
Veira was doing "an audience with .... " on Tuesday 28th February 06. I
went with friends to see his one man show. It was lovely to hear him
sing and yet at the same time be thoroughly entertained with his humour
and anecdotes. Have a look at his website
here |
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|
 I
went to yet another Sally Army Proms 'do' [am I becoming a
Salvationist, I wonder?!] this time held at Dudley Town Hall on
Saturday 25th Feb 06 - organised by the Cradley Heath SA. Hilary
Barratt, pictured left, was the soloist and Sarah Falkland, of BBC
Midlands Today, was the compere. Our flags had another airing .... !!
More photos
here. |
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|
 It
was my niece Beth's 11th birthday on Saturday 25th Feb 06. The family,
as ever, gathered - just what an 11 year old wants, me thinks!! She is
though celebrating with her school & football friends on a bouncy castle
@ Haden Hill on the Sunday!! More photos
here. Whatever happened to jelly
& blancmange? |
|
 My
Aunty May was 96 on Sunday 19th February 06. we as a family went to
visit and take presents & cards and i took the opportunity to fill in a
few gaps with the Family Tree ... !! Between her and mom I managed to
glean some useful names & details on the Tromans' side!! My Aunty puts
her longevity down to eating a banana a day! |
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 I
went to Torquay for the weekend of 10th - 12th Feb 06 with Joy & Lynton;
we stayed with our life long friends Lynne & Ian. As usual, we had a
great weekend of fun, laughter, with good food & drinks aplenty!!
We did much visiting, much walking and had much laughter in the process.
An splendid weekend! You can see more photos
here |
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![at Bev's on 5/2/06. From l-r Adam, Belinda, Bev, Kay [my nephew's girfriend], Nicki & mother](images/latest3.jpg) Lunch
at Bev's on Sunday 5th February 06. Adam & Kay were up for the weekend.
Nicki gave us a lift down there - my first time in her new car! After
lunch we watched the Six Nations Rugby game of Scotland v France:
Scotland won 20-16, their first victory over them for 10 years. The
Scottish genes in us came raging to the fore! |
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|
 I
went to a 'Proms Night' led by the Birmingham Salvation Army at their
citadel in the city centre, Saturday 4th February 06. A good night of
flag waving. We went back to Stephen & Hilary's for supper afterwards.
More photos here |
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|
 Judith
& George have just got back from a cruise around the Caribbean, so it
was a good excuse for a meal at their house to see their photos - eating
and drinking copious amounts beforehand! Friday 3rd February 06. More
photos here |
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 Nicki
has had a new car, or should I say 4x4. A rather splendid Subaru - well
done, Nicki. I've rather taken to the heated leather seats. Oh I do like
a touch of luxury!! |
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My
niece Jodie has been back from the Cayman Islands for a few months now,
and on Thursday 26th January 06 left for a 5 month period in India.
She's going there to train-up in a number of areas before she finally
decides where she's off to next. "Home weary wander home" .... ! |
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|
 On
Saturday 14th January 06, Belinda, Peter, Judith & I were with other
members of the Midlands Symphony Choir singing in the Birmingham
Symphony Hall for
"West End & Broadway" and Angela Rippon was the compere. The
West End Stars were Claire Moore,
Simon Bowman, Rebecca Thornhill & Matt Rawle More photos
here |
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On
Wednesday 11th January the 'old gang' met up, for the first time over a
year, at the Himley House pub nr Wolverhampton. From left-right are:
Joy, me, Pat, Alex & Deb.
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My
niece Katie was 18 on Thursday 5th January 06. She held a party for
friends & family the day later, 6th January, at the
Royal British Legion hall in Halesowen. It was a great night with
all the youngsters reminding us oldies of what it's like to have
energy & vibrancy!! And they all seemed so polite too .... !! More
photos of the evening can be seen
here |
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2005 |
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 for
New Year's Eve 05 we descended on Peter & Phylis's where
vast quantities of food and alcohol were thrust in our
direction! The amount & noise of the fireworks in the
locality that we stood outside to watch after midnight seems
to grow each year. The photo left shows Pat & Adrian who met
for the first time 15 years ago tonight!! More photos of the
evening
here. |
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Well, it is Christmas - so
yet another gathering!! This time at Pat & Adrian's on Thursday 29th
December 05. Good food & company ... !! More photos of the evening
here. |
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I went on Boxing Day with Mom, Belinda & Jodie to Bev's
for a late lunch. It was lovely to relax in front of their log fire,
playing the traditional games you have to do at Christmas. To see more
photos from the day click
here |
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on Christmas Day I took mom to church in the morning,
picking her up from Barrie & Jane's where it was great to see their 4
kids still opening their presents. I then took her to Powke Lane
cemetery where we visited Joe's & aunty Cis's graves. Then off to
Belinda's for a lovely, filling lunch [she looks after me so well],
listened to the
Queen's Christmas message [of course! Part of the tradition] and
then home at teatime to put my feet up in front of the telly .... !! For
more photos of the day, click
here. |
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Christmas Eve was the usual whirl of visits to friends,
and then off to mom's where the family all meet from 7.00pm to 9.30pm.
Then I went to Paul & Deb's with the rest of our crowd & onto the
Midnight service where I sang merrily due to the copious amounts of wine
consumed! For once mom had all her grandchildren there [Jodie's back
from the Cayman Islands & James was up from London]. It was a good start
to the Christmas break!! To see family photos from the
evening click
here;
for the photos taken at Paul & Deb's, click
here. |
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My first time ever on strike - and
on a picket line to boot!! All over pay, of course, but if only the
arguments were that simple. A disappointing result of intransigence by
the DCA. Pity. More information can be seen
here |
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It was the Court's Christmas meal on Friday
26th December at the Whittington Inn on the
Stourbridge-Kidderminster road. An excellent meal and good
company. What more could I ask for? More photos
here |
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|
 I 've
had a family holiday - my first with the family since I was
16!! We [with mom, Beverly & Belinda ] went on a Red Sea
cruise to Jordan & Egypt from 24th Nov - 1st December 05.
More photos will be appearing
here
as and when I get time to upload the many photos taken. With
temperatures in the low 90s, it's a lovely place to get some
winter sun. The highlights of the break, for me, was
floating on the Dead Sea and seeing the pyramids. |
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Stephen & Hilary, Hilary B, Lis, Peter,
Judith & me went to hear Verdi's Requiem at Birmingham
Symphony Hall on Saturday 19th November 05. We went to the
Bank Restaurant before the Concert to get us gently in the
mood ... !! More photos
here |
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A production of 'Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour
Dreamcoat' was put on at Overend Church 11/12 November 05 by loads
from 'the gang' and other church members. To see some photos from the
11th Nov, when I and some of the family went, and the "thank goodness
that's all over" party on the Saturday night 12th Nov at Pat & Adrian's,
click here. |
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A Guy Faulk's & Fireworks party, held at J&G's on
Saturday 5th November 05. See more photos
here |
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Our annual OctFest held this year on Saturday 29th
October 05. They used to drag me out to Clubs in Brum but, thankfully,
they're all having to settle down with houses, partners, mortgages [you
get the picture!] so an evening of Trivial Pursuit now keeps us occupied
[started off in grand style with the delight of watching Man Utd lose
4-1 to Middlesborough] interspersed with a can or two or three of lager
of course. That's obligatory. My liver hates these reunions ...... !!
See more photos
here |
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Gloria, the boss's PA, had her retirement do
on 19th October at Frankie & Benny's. More photos of the evening
here |
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Lynne & Ian, friends from Torquay, came to stay in Hagley
for the weekend of 14th - 16th October 05. They stayed with Joy & Lynton
but came to me for a meal on the Friday night. We then spent a superb
weekend eating, drinking, laughing, shopping(!) and visiting Ludlow &
Bewdley and walking & walking! These weekends are always fun; and to see
more photos click
here. |
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Kevin Beale & his girl friend are off to Australia for 5
months soon. He popped round to watch the England v Poland game on
Wednesday 12th October 2005 [we won - now top of the group!!]. Good luck,
Kevin, in your antipodean adventures. |
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On Saturday 8th October 05 it was three years to the day
since Dad died. I spent a few reflective moments on Clent Hills, where
dad's ashes had been scattered. The photo shown here was the last to be
taken of dad - August 02. |
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Saturday 1st October 05 saw the end of
Judith T's and Peter F's self-inflicted month long abstention from
alcohol ... ! We had a meal to celebrate. You can see a few photos
here. |
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Because I've having a fair few problems
with AOL over the past few months, I've finally change my internet
provider - on Friday 30th September. Pity really, as AOL have been good
up to now but having been put back on dial-up for 2 weeks was the
final straw. My new e-mail address to follow on here soon. |
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I've started an evening class at the local
College on 'PhotoShop' [for beginners, I hasten to add!!] in
September 05, over 4 evenings. It a great package but it's totally
unlike a Windows program, far less intuitive. I'm pleased that Elaine
Pugh is the tutor; she's excellent [and patient] - I've been in her
groups before on other classes. |
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On Saturday 17th September, Josh left home
for his first day at the University of
Sheffield. Good luck Josh - the first of Barrie & Jane's kids to fly
the nest. |
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Matt had his 15th birthday on Sunday 11th
September 05. We all popped round to see him and were well fed &
watered! Matt had celebrated the day before with his friends. At 15, we
oldies are somewhat of an anathema to him me thinks .... !! Never mind
Matt, family 'has to be done.' See more photos of the day
here |
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It was mom's birthday on 26th August 05, but
we did not all get together as a family to celebrate until Bank Holiday
Monday, 29th August. More photographs can be seen
here |
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my nephew Alexander has sent [August] me
some recent photos of him in various stages of sanity .... !! View
here at your peril!! |
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Thursday 18th August 05 saw the release of
the national A level & AS level results. Joshua
did well with his A levels @ 2xA and 1xB result.
Katie did well too by getting 1xA, 2xB & 1xC. Well done guys & gals.
With this result Josh gets his placement at Sheffield University. |
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The gang went round Peter's for his birthday
bash on Tuesday 16th August 05 - a good way to ease off the lazy days at
York the previous 4 days. And with the good weather we had we were able
to sit outside the evening. Plenty of food & drink [my sort of 'do'] but
where was the jelly and blancmange eh ... ?! |
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I went to York from Friday 12th - Monday
15th August 05 with Bev & Ami to spend a long weekend with Abigail,
who's at the University there. We did a lot of sightseeing and watching
the third test match on TV ... !! Suzi, Abi's Uni friend from Germany,
was also there for 3 weeks. More photos
here
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At Shugborough Hall on Saturday 6th August
for part of its Music & Firework Weekend. It was a 'bring your
picnic and grab your spot' type event. But with me, Belinda & Judith in
the choir for the second-half of the Concert ["for the very best flag
waving classical 'Proms Spectacular' " - as the programme said] we were
there for practice 3 hours before the gates opened, so had a splendid
spot kept for the 13 of us who eventually sat around our table! Jenny
Bond compeered; a spitfire flew over, and Bev locked her keys in the
boot as we were leaving at midnight!!! We left a damp field at 0120 the
Sunday morning courtesy of the AA. More photos
here. |
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A welcomed midweek meal & soak at Judith &
George's on Wednesday 3rd August 05. |
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The family visited Scotland from Friday 22nd
July - Monday 25th July 05 for our Cousin's daughter's wedding. Karen &
Paul Keeney got married at the West Kirk, East Kilbride on Saturday 23rd
July @ 1.30pm. We stayed on until Monday evening for a bit of
sight-seeing at Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Stirling Castle and
Bannockburn. More photos
here |
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From Friday 8th July - Sunday 10th July I
was in Wales with Stephen & Hilary, staying at their caravan The weather
was superb, if not a hint too hot. We went especially to go to the
Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod - the first time I'd been.
Lunch on the Sunday saw us overlooking the magnificent waters of Lake
Vyrnwy. More photos
here |
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.jpg)
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![Michael Collie [BBC Midlands Today], Hilary Crowhurst [soloist] and Stephen Bradley [VIH's musical director]](images/images%20more/sg09d.jpg)
![me, Margaret, Graham & Paul [kneeling]](photos2/bcm2.jpg)
![Bev & Ali - taken from the top floor of the Ofcom building [6 feb 08]](images/hc5.jpg)
![l/r = Peter, John, June, Lynton, Joy & me [19 March 07]](SV202960%20Large%20Web%20view.jpg)
![my left hand in plaster; my right hand with a pint [at he Symphony Hall 2 days after my operation]](SV202951a%20Large%20Web%20view.jpg)
![I have the abilty to put anyone to sleep [the perils of talking to me]](DSC00138.jpg)
.jpg)
![the 'gang' [Lynton, Joy, Lynne, Ian & me] over the Malvern Hills - Saturday 14th Oct 06](latest34.jpg)
![technology in action - 4 of us trying [not very well] to coordinate our bluetooth stuff . . . . !!](photos158.jpg)
![at Bev's on 5/2/06. From l-r Adam, Belinda, Bev, Kay [my nephew's girfriend], Nicki & mother](images/latest4.jpg)
