It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

To me Christmas means being in the company of loved ones. That's family, friends and of course, Amy. And that's exactly how I'll spend it. So, if I don't get chance to wish all (one!) loyal readers of this blog, may I take the chance to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Published!

I am delighted to be able to tell you that my composition 'Sunshine' has been accepted for publication by Devilish Publishing. Today it was released for sale. You can purchase it by clicking here.

Return to Sorrento...

Well, not quite.

However Amy and myself have, this week, booked to return to Punta Prima, Menorca, in August of next year. Excited doesn't quite cover it.

Just 286 days to go.

SVR

On Saturday Amy and myself, as part of my birthday present from her parents, had a day out on the SVR, the Severn Valley Railway, and what a great day out it was.

The weather undoubtedly helped, but the scenery in places is just breathtaking, and as a railway enthusiast, I did enjoy the train bit too! The journey took us from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster (where the line terminates) initially. At Kidderminster we had a look around the museum, before catching the return train.

On our return journey we alighted at Highley, allowing us to go and look in the Engine House, which is well worth a visit with a shed full of trains and some excellent reading.

Finally we caught the train back to Bridgnorth and headed back home. If you've never been, go.

Finally!

A win! 3 points for Crewe Alex and we're off the bottom of the table with a princely 5 points.

Thank God for Blackpool!

Gala!

Last Wednesday my phone buzzed with a text from Amy; 'Do you want to go to the Symphony Hall on Sunday to watch a concert with Fodens, Cory and Black Dyke?' My reply was about affirmative as the response to the age old question regarding bears toiletry habits in the woods.



So on Sunday afternoon we took our seats (Upper Circle, Row D, Seats 10-11) and waited to be entertained. We were. Royally.

Fodens opened up. I have to admit their programme didn't overly grab me, however they were in good form, with their second item 'The Unanswered Question,' although slightly bizarre, being the highlight. The pianissimo playing in this piece was the best I have ever heard, being very orchestral which, under the baton of the masterful Allan Withington, should not have been a surprise.

Next up was the band from the Rhonda, Cory. They romped through Malaguena to open, instantly grabbing the audience by the scruff of the neck before bringing the house down with the old 'pot boiler' Poet and Peasant overture, which featured the delightful tone of principal horn Ailsa Russell. Steve Stewart wowed in High Fidelity before more excellent controlled playing followed in O Magnum Mysterium. Chris Thomas showcased technique to die for in the finale from the Bourgeois Trombone Concerto and they finished off with their inspirational MD, Philip Harper's, own arrangement of Finale from Act 1 of Tosca.

The final 'solo band' performance was from Black Dyke. Lets Face the Music and Dance and the Marriage of Figaro overture led to a sumptuous solo performance from world renowned baritone star, Katrina Marzella. This was perhaps the highlight of the concert for me; I've been fortunate to work with Katrina through Lions and it was great to hear her 'live' in Be My Love. They finished with the brilliant Shine as the Light before the massed bands spectacular featuring Dyke and Cory took place.



Just the three items were programmed, a march by Harry Mortimer, Nimrod and Marche Slav, but the audience demanded more, which came in the shape of William Tell, a performance that was faster than a robbers dog!

All in all, what an excellent afternoon. Three of the world's top bands, one of the worlds best concert halls, and all for £17.50. I spent all Monday day morning walking around conducting the music I was playing in my head!!!

Oiling the Wheel...

...before jumping back on it again tomorrow.

It's been an enjoyable six weeks holiday though, with the last two weeks, spent with Amy, being particularly special. We had a week in gloriously sunny Malta before spending the last week on a 'stay-cation,' with days out in the Cheshire countryside, Porthmadog, Attingham Park and Cheshire Oaks.

Like I said, Malta was unbelievably hot. The sun shone every single day, with the temperature never below 31! For a redhead like me, that's quite something and resulted in me clinging to the shade whenever possible. Still, we had a great time... and even found a couple of Costa outlets, to help us with our 'tea and cake' addiction! A few pictures can be found below.

 

 

 

One very unexpected bonus of the week was a dollop of inspiration that struck on the Monday. Long time readers of this blog will know I've had a long held ambition to write a book. Well, I finally had an idea for it whilst on holiday!

 

 

Some of you may recall in an earlier post I mentioned that the Lions Youth Brass organisation was celebrating it's 25th anniversary in 2015. We had a big 'reunion' event in July and it was memories of this that brought about this idea... a write up of the history of Lions Youth Brass. I spent the three hour flight back to the UK busily jotting down ideas whilst, encouraged by Amy, I've also made some time over the past few days putting together various appendices!

 

I've said it before, but it really is funny where inspiration can come from!

A Day at Downton

Ok, well really it was a day at Highclere Castle, the set of Downton Abbey. On Sunday, as a birthday present (yes, my birthday is in February) from Amy, we went to Highclere.

Wow, what a place it is. Although it was a long day involving plenty of car travel it was well worth it. Although, sadly, you can't take pictures inside the castle, but here are a couple of pictures of the day.



In the Summer Time...

So, the Summer hols are finally here and it promises to be a good few weeks... if I ever get off this end-of-term-itus I've got!

However, that aside there is lots to look forward to; a trip to Downton Abbey on Sunday (with SWMBO and her family), a few days out at the cricket (weather permitting, I hope!), the start of the football season, a week in Malta and much, much more.

Avid readers of my blog (there must be one out there) will recall that the summer hols means this blog is a year old. I launched it with the idea of just 'getting writing' as I enjoy doing just that. I also mentioned that I wanted to write a piece of music per week. Well, this summer holiday has seen me arrange two items already; Skyfall and Let Me Entertain You, for the fabulous Beginner Band of the Lions Youth Brass organisation. There is also the aim of writing a few original items too as my self-publishing website is coming together and is nearly completion. I'm really pleased about this and hope to be able to launch it later this summer.

So, lots to do, and hopefully lots to write about.

Almost there!

Just two more days to go and then it's the summer holidays and, finally, a chance to get some blogging done!

Nearly there!

Come and Play!

Today has been inspirational.

There are occasional perks to my job and today was one of them. I got to travel to the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, to listen to the Halle Orchestra perform in their annual 'Come and Play with the Halle' concert that includes many eager primary school pupils from Cheshire East who have partaken in the Love Music Trusts' Wider Opportunities scheme.



I've been once before but today was (excuse the pun) blown away. The orchestra were truly magnificent, from the opening bars of the Star Wars Theme to the delicacy of Clair de Lune. It was breath-taking playing all the way through.

So why was it inspirational? Well, I'm certainly a 'lapsed' trombonist who has had no fixed abode (in terms of playing in a band) for about 5 years now. I've enjoyed the time off and, during that time, have never once felt the urge to get back playing with a group. However, as the orchestra filled the hall with menace during Battle of the Fates I actually started to feel a bit of the 'why don't I start up again?' question nagging away at me.

There are a few issues here. Firstly, I'm five years out of practise. Secondly, I wouldn't know whether to look at a brass band, wind band or orchestra (an orchestra being something I'd never considered until today!) and thirdly, would I have the time? However, this Sunday I am playing in a concert for the first time in five years as I'm part of the Reunion Band that is celebrating 25 years of Lions Youth Brass. With a day long rehearsal before the concert that should sort my lip out. I guess I'll see how that goes and then perhaps take it from there.

But the closing words today belong to the Halle. Wow. If that didn't inspire the hundreds of youngsters watching it certainly inspired me. I've already booked tickets for Amy and myself to go back in October to watch them play a concert of John Williams items!

All in the Mind.

A while back I commented on how much I was missing cricket, due to my 'retirement' due to a mental health issue. I mentioned that, at some point, I would blog about it.

I've given it a lot of thought and come to the conclusion that it can't really just be one blog post. There's so much to mention and talk about. I hate it on TV 'talent' shows where the judges say 'You've been on a hell of a journey.' They really haven't... they've sung or danced, or got a hypnotic' dog to perform two or three times in their quest for as much wealth they can muster from as little talent as possible. Hardly a journey.

However it really feels like the mental illness I've suffered from has been exactly that; a journey, as much as I hate the phrase. It started at the age of 11/12 when I found the primary school/high school transition. It flared up, every so often during my time in secondary education and further education. I then withdrew from my university course at the end of first year which, looking back now, is something I can attribute to it. Then whilst working I've had a couple of long term battles with it.

Happily, now I feel it is something I've on top of. It's not 'gone.' It's not 'fixed.' It is manageable and is something I can (and do) manage on a day to day basis.

So, as the blog progresses I will add posts looking back at various elements of my issues. The posts are not meant as a plea for help, or for garnering sympathy. They are there to encourage people that, if they suffer, to make sure they get help. The stigma that maybe was there ten or fifteen years ago isn't there anymore.

People will listen.

People will help.

You will get better.

Demolition.

'Lets hope they win the T20 tonight.'

Not even close.

King of the Comeback.

Anyone who can win a two innings game of cricket having been bowled out for 86 in the first innings (and end up 140 behind) and then still win deserve a mention.

Luckily for me, that was Derbyshire in their LVCC game against Kent this week, thanks to a fantastic second innings bowling effort by Wayne White (career best of 6-25), followed by two top knocks by Chesney Hughes (94) and stand-in skipper, Billy Godleman.

Let's hope they win in the T20 tonight too!

View from the Peak

As mentioned in my last post, Amy and myself spent the weekend before last in Matlock for a quick break. What a lovely time we had. The hotel - if a little dated - was in the most beautiful grounds and Matlock and the surrounding area was just wonderful.

We started Saturday with a trip on Peak Rail, the preserved railway lane from Matlock to Rowsley South. Although the sun stayed in we still managed to see all the beauty of the foot of the Peaks. Well worth the £8!

On our return (and after a great pub lunch!) we went for a walk of both Pic Tor and High Tor, ending up - quite by accident - in Matlock Bath. Along the route were some spectacular views (if you dare to go near the edge... which I don't!) of the surrounding countryside. The picture below sees Amy looking across to the Heights of Abraham.

Then we arrived in Matlock Bath. What a beautiful place. It's like a seaside resort in the middle of the country. Perhaps its the copious amounts of chippies that gives it that atmosphere, but anyway, what a lovely place.

Then on Saturday evening we went for a walk in the hotel grounds, which as I said, were rather picturesque. Below is a picture I grabbed of the River Derwent as it skirts the hotel boundary.

After a full English (and an 8 o'clock alarm call of 'Praise My Soul' from the Christian convention in the meeting room below our room) on Sunday morning we went for a walk along the canal in Cromford where, quite by accident, we stumbled across this little museum about the Cromford railway. This is on one of the former junctions of the railway.

Finally we set off on the way home, calling in at Keddleston Hall on our way through. Located on the outskirts of Derby this is a truly remarkable place. Lovely grounds and the most incredible hall. They also do good cream teas! Well worth a visit!

After that it was time for home. All in all, an excellent weekend in a beautiful part of the world that I will be only too happy to go back to!

Absence

Apologies for the lack of blogging recently. Lots of things on the go currently, including finally finishing off my website for my self-publishing music company.

What's happened since I've been away? A brief holiday, work, half term, a new qualification.

However, its back to it tomorrow, leave the house at 7.15, back home around 9pm.

Not on half term anymore...

From Zero to...

Some of you (avid) readers may recall this blog post, a follow on from my blog about role models. I wrote that I'd been working with a professional footballer who had been into the school I work at, coaching the girls football team. We thought he'd just come along for one session but he volunteered to stay for the rest of the planned sessions and went down a storm with the girls who all felt pleased as punch that their coach was a pro.

Well, as an update to that post, the girls football team entered a tournament two weeks ago, held in a league format. 7 teams, 6 games each. The 'A' team (who in a pre-Christmas tournament drew one and lost the rest) put in a stellar show. Played 6. Won 4. Drew 2. Lost 0. Goals Against 0. Points 16. Position; first.

He's obviously a good footballer, but he's also obviously a nice bloke and a damned good coach too!

#wordlessishwednesday

On Saturday Amy and myself headed off to Chirk and Llangollen for a day out. Obviously, to someone interested in the railways, the call of Llangollen station (a heritage railway) was too much to resist. Here's one (of several) pictures I took.

#wordlessishwednesday

Not a picture, but have a listen to this... quite a performance.

Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar performed by Steve Balsamo.

He's not bad!

Sent to Coventry!

On Thursday I received a text from SWMBO: 'Is it too late to get tickets for Coventry?'

It wasn't. So Amy and myself made the trip to the Midlands to cheer on the Alex. What a day! Obviously the 3-1 win helped, but it was a fantastic ground, fantastic atmosphere and a fantastic price. I just thought I'd share a few pics I grabbed.

 

 

 



The Future's Purple

So, what was yesterdays picture all about?

On Sunday I took my fantastic children's brass band, the Lions Beginners, to the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, that take place at the Royal Northern College of Music.

At 5.30am alarm call (on a Sunday, during the school holidays!) was not what the doctor ordered at all. However it was all worth it when the baton dropped at 9am and the band - aged between 6-12 (average age 8) struck up. I was delighted with them. The opening march went well, as did the Mozart overture, before our star cornet player, Hannah, wowed with her rendition of 'Gentle River.' Next was the sedate 'Chorale' before the band finished in toe-tapping style with Friezland Fiesta.

We then had to wait until 12 o'clock as the other six bands in the section performed their programmes. However, before you knew it, it was results time.

Anyone looking at the picture on the last post will realise where this is going; the Lions Beginners won a prize. In fact, they retained the trophy that they picked up last year; the award for 'Band Showing Most Potential.' I should perhaps mention here that I was actually delighted with the performance that the band game, and was not too bothered about whether the band picked up an award. You see, in October, the band (which was very inexperienced then) actually had to stop in a concert at one point as they couldn't play a piece. So, to go from that to giving such a confident performance in April left me feeling very proud of them. The award that they received was just a nice bit of icing on top of the cake.

It must not be forgotten that the other bands in the Lions organisation also entered; The Juniors picked up a Silver Award (and equal 4th place) in their section, which was their best ever performance at the competition. The Youth Band then performed in the Premier section (the top section of youth banding) and were also awarded a Silver Award and second place - for the third time in four years.

All in all, it really was a fantastic day for the Lions Youth Brass organisation.

#wordlessishwednesday



I Don't Like Cricket... I Love It!

I'm a cricket nut. Obsessed with the game. Even more so than football. Yet I don't play.

There's a reason for that.

I used to play from the age of 12. I played all my junior cricket at Betley, before signing for Audlem when I reached 19 and played first team cricket for them until I 'retired' at the grand old age of 25. In my last game - when I was unaware that I was in the middle of mental health issues (which I'll perhaps blog about at a later date) - I had a major panic attack whilst batting. I walked off, 'retiring ill' in that innings, lay down in the changing room and swore to myself I'd never put myself through that again.

I've never played cricket since.

However, since then, I've realised that I do suffer at times with my mental health. I've undergone CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and feel that I've really progressed. With that, over the last 18 months or so I've come to realise that I wouldn't mind playing again. I don't miss spending all of my Saturday stood in a field, but I miss batting. I really miss batting.

Although I don't have the time to give up to play the game at the weekend (or the week really) what I'd really love to do is find somewhere where you can hire a net for an hour and just get a bowling machine set up and maybe do that once a month or so. I want to feel leather on willow, and that indescribable sensation you get when you watch the ball rocket off your back when you barely touched it.

If anyone has any ideas...let me know.

Edit: Just realised this is my 50th post... in cricket terms I should be raising my bat to the crowd.

Enter 'Intrada!'

Finally I've managed to get a few musical ideas jotted down and let them take shape. The result is 'Intrada,' an opening piece for any band concert. It's not totally finished yet, but the idea is there. All it needs is a little bit of a musical dabble here and there.

Hopefully it will be done in time to be the opening item for the Beginner Band's performance at the Lions Youth Brass 25th Anniversary concert.

But next week there is just the small matter of the National Youth Brass Band Championships...

Keyboards

My last post actually brought about a response from a (probably not so) avid reader. Ian Raisbeck, a good friend of mine over many years - and an extremely talented musician (player, conductor, composer, teacher) - got in touch regarding my compositional dilemma.

Ian suggested that sitting staring at Sibelius (or your chosen compositional programme) and typing in via the mouse can sap your creativity. His suggestion was to get a cheap keyboard and just play about with ideas So, with that in mind, a cheap midi keyboard has been ordered to plug in and play with.

I guess we'll see what happens!

Fear of The Blank Page

The title of this post sounds like either a horrendous book, or a really terrible straight-to-DVD film release.

And to be honest, the content is probably as scary.

I launched this blog in a blaze of hype that I would be aiming to write one piece of (admittedly simple) music per week. Over the summer holidays last year I managed it. However, I haven't managed to compose anything this year.

It's not for the want of trying. It's the Lions Youth Brass organisations 25th anniversary this year, with a big concert in June. It's my aim to write a piece for the Beginners that commemorates this - Silver Fanfare, perhaps - but everything I've done has been firmly rejected on playback when I realise it sounds, well, pretty rubbish.

I open up Sibelius (my music writing software), open the 'template' file, stare at the screen for a bit, watch it stare back at me, then close it down. It's not even as though I've got no inspiration for pieces; a railway journey, the silver fanfare idea, a village green, the top of a peak. The inspiration is endless. Yet the ideas are not forthcoming.

I wonder if Beethoven struggled like this?

Guppy Goes Big!

I'm sure many of you will have read about Martin Guptill's heroic's for New Zealand in their recent Cricket World Cup quarter final. Well, just have a watch of this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMiXsrCuQbI

And the best thing about this is, this season he's playing for Derbyshire!!

#wordlesswednesdayish

Here's another wordless Wednesdayish! Recently I decided I wanted to do a jigsaw so, £2.99 later, I owned one. Here is progress so far.

It's Just Not Cricket.

The English assault on the Cricket World Cup is officially over. It was probably over before it begun in all honesty, but after the defeat to Bangladesh the other day, their campaign is now totally over. In five games so far England have beaten just one team. Scotland.

Just let that sink in.

Defeats to Australia and what is an exceptionally strong New Zealand team were expected. Beating Sri Lanka was probably a slightly more realistic aim, but they got smashed in that. They then did what they had to against Scotland by making sure they won the game, before capitulating to a 15 run defeat against the Banglas.

So what went wrong? Put simply, everything. Muddled team selections. Muddled build up. Jettisoning the captain two months before the tournament. There's just a few.

First of all, team selection. James Taylor had played at 3 in all the build up games prior to the tournament and made a super job of it. Fast forward to the first World Cup game and Taylor is dropped to 6, with Gary Ballance (a fine player, but with no recent games under his belt) placed at 3. Therefore England went into the tournament with two 'proper' test players in the top three; Ballance and Ian Bell. Ballance barely made a run and was dropped for the game against Bangladesh. He was replaced by Alex Hales, a man most people wanted in the team and an opener through and through. Where did he bat? 3.

The build up wasn't great either. Having four years to prepare for the tournament would lead you to assume, quite rightly, that the management would know who their best leader is. Alistair Cook is many things, but he isn't one of the best 11 one day players in England. So why stick with him for so long? Dropping him two months before the tournament and replacing him with Eoin Morgan (a good replacement I believe) was hardly an indication that the management did know their best team, or strategy. This was duly born out by the results, performance and selections.

So where do they go from here? Well, home, initially. After that, back to the well-worn drawing board. They need to catch up. You can't look to just rotate the strike. The top teams are rotating the strike off good deliveries now and hitting anything that isn't a 'jaffa' out of the park. England are too 'classical' in approach, generally spending their time rotating. A clean sweep is required, with new faces brought in.

This leads to the obvious question; If I was in Peter Moores' shoes, who would I pick? Well I'd look for something like this...

Alex Hales
James Vince
James Taylor
Joe Root
Eoin Morgan (c)
Jos Buttler (wk)
Ben Stokes
Scott Borthwick
Chris Jordan
Stuart Broad
Mark Footitt

I'd also have Moeen Ali, Alex Lees, Chris Woakes and James Harris around the squad too. It's perhaps hardly revolution, more evolution, but surely it has more attacking intent to it? It's just my two pence worth anyway.

Thoughts?

#wordlesswednesday (ish)

Aside from the Lions Youth Brass organisation, I have a large soft spot for the Welsh-based Cory Band. Therefore you can imagine my delight when I arrived home to find this CD had arrived. Guess what's on while I'm typing this blog...?



A case for the defence.

In my 'We Can Be Heroes' post I spoke about heroes, or role models if you'd prefer. I also intimated that there are many people in the public eye - particularly in the sporting arena - where I would be less than impressed if any future child of mine asked for their name on the back of their shirt. I also specified that the football world was full of these characters.

Well, today I feel the need to set the record straight.

Today, through work, I have spent an hour of my time working with a professional footballer. He - I won't name him but I know some people will know who he is - agreed to give up his time to come and work for a session with a girls football team that I help to run. He proceeded to jump in at the deep end, happily running the whole session, focusing on goalkeeping, and at the end of the practice every girl went home happy, vastly improved and caked in mud!

Furthermore, he then asked if he could come to the remaining sessions and said he'd even bring some session plans! Needless to say, both myself and my fellow coach were delighted and were extremely quick to take him up on the offer!

It's such a shame that some footballers give the rest of them a bad name, as this gentleman was a credit to both his profession and his club. I'm already very excited for next Monday!

Wordless Wednesday

Ok, so today won't exactly be 'wordless,' but I just thought I'd share a picture I took of Santa Eulalia, Ibiza, a couple of years ago. Each Wednesday I'll try to upload a picture to the blog, with a small explanation.

We Can Be Heroes!

Some of you may have been watching the Real Housewife's of Cheshire. When I was a child, Dawn's (on that same programme) husband, Ashley was my hero. Ashley Ward, prior to big money moves to Norwich, Barnsley and Blackburn was Crewe's star striker and my boyhood hero, the player I pretended to be when I played in the backyard.

Now, at the age of 30+, I'm not so much into having heroes as such, but would certainly say there are people I admire, particularly in the sporting world.

However, in sport there are people who you would say are good at their chosen sport, but you don't particularly admire because of the way they carry themselves away from the game, or sometimes even during games. I won't name names, but I'm sure you can all think of plenty who fit that bill, including several recent England football captains.

Most people would probably admire someone well known; the Steven Gerrards, Frank Lampards and  Michael Vaughans of this world. However, the person who I look up to the most is a 'normal' county cricketer.

Step forward Derbyshire captain, Wayne Madsen.

 

This is a man who, over the past few years has pretty much led the way as the perfect example of how to carry yourself in difficult circumstances - both personal and performance based.

 

In 2012, Madsen and his wife, Kyla, lost their first child when his wife was 21 weeks into the pregnancy. A few days later, Wayne (also in his first year of captaining the club) went out and racked up a century against Gloucestershire, admitting to tears in his eyes when he brought up his hundred. He finished the season by leading Derbyshire to their first title win since 1936, leading them back to Division One.

 

In 2013 he was chosen by Championship sponsors LV Insurance as the beneficiary of a sponsorship deal that saw him wear their stickers on the back of his bat. However, he gave the money to the Derby branch of Sands, a Stillborn and Neonatal Death Support Charity. Later that year he received the inaugural Christopher Martin-Jenkins award for 'walking' when given not out. The most remarkable thing about this was how much his team were struggling in the game but he walked off and declared that it was a matter of principle. Meanwhile, whilst Derbyshire struggled in 2013 (and ended up getting relegated), Madsen led from the front, being the first player to 1000 runs, and finished with 1221 in total. This resulted in him being awarded the Championship Cricketer of the Year by the Cricket Writers Club.

 

In 2014 he galvanised his team when their young wicketkeeper, Tom Poynton, was involved in a car crash that resulted in Tom's dad, Keith, losing his life. He also added another 1000 runs to his tally and once again, gave the money he received for bat sponsorship (this time from the Holly Hush Inn) to Sands once more.

 

To me, he really is quite a man, a perfect role model for anyone. Put it this way; if any future child of mine wanted his name in their shirt I would be delighted.



The Football League Show

Have a little look at this (available for 6 days only!).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b05510y6/the-football-league-show-20142015-28022015

Head 37 minutes in and see everything that's good about Crewe Alexandra!

Pictures!

Just thought it appropriate to add a few pics of my trip earlier this week. If nothing else, it adds a bit of colour to the blog!

Half Term. So far...

Monday; Leamington Spa
Tuesday; Warwick Castle
Wednesday; Shakespeare land... Stratford-upon-Avon

This half term malarkey isn't that bad is it?!

Holibobs!

On Monday I will be going to Warwick for two nights with Amy. We're planning a walk around Warwick and Leamington Spa on Monday, a day at Warwick Castle on Tuesday, before heading over to Charlcote Park on Wednesday.

It's part of my birthday treat. I turned 31 on Monday the 9th and, if I'm honest, did very well. I got a few bits and bobs, but also tickets to go to do the Highclere Castle, exhibit and gardens in August, as well as tickets to ride on the Severn Valley Railway courtesy of Amy's parents. Plus money towards a new laptop - as mine is now panting lamely towards the finish line.

I'll try and get a few pictures and upload them on here. This blog is devoid of colour!

P.S. My next blog will, hopefully, come from my new laptop. It's on order and should arrive tomorrow.

Couch Potato

If I'm really honest, I'm such an armchair sports fan it's ridiculous. Keen on all sports, play none anymore.

So, imagine the look on my face when, several days ago, Amy suggests that we do the Attingham Park 6k run.

I haven't said yes yet, but as its on the 14th March, I've downloaded a 'Couch to 5k' app and now I just need to get cracking.

Wish me luck...!

Two-Toes.

In 2012, due to the fact that the fixture list was kind to me, I became a member at Derbyshire County Cricket Club. Therefore, I spent many days in the summer driving up the A50 to Derby to spend my day at the County Ground. In the first half of the season I spent vast amounts of my time deriving enormous satisfaction that the Derbyshire team, as a whole, possessed an odd number of toes.

You see, Martin Guptill - their then overseas player - stopped counting his toes when he reached seven, with just two on one foot due to an incident in his younger days. However, his lack of shoe filling didn't stop him possessing the twinkliest of toes when dancing down the wicket to opposition bowlers. The first day of the season saw him imperiously smack (there is no other word for it) Sri Lanka pace bowler Chaminda Vaas somewhere beyond the County Ground marquee, whilst two days later he notched a century so glorious it was truly a pleasure to watch.

Therefore, you can imagine my delight when I awoke on Monday morning to see that Marty is back at the County Ground for the first part of this summer as Derbyshire's overseas pro. Not only was he a quick scorer, setting the Falcons innings off with a good start, but he had this knack of galvanising everyone around him. He oozed confidence, he built confidence, and he started the ball rolling towards Derbyshire's victorious title chase. He was a great signing and I have every confidence he will be another great signing.

Put it this way, turning up at the ground knowing you'll see a Derbyshire shirt emblazoned with 'Guptill 31' on the back is a sure-fire way to arrive in good spirits, with every confidence your team will win.

Mallard 4468: When hobbies collide

Regular readers of the blog will know I have more than a passing interest in both brass bands and the railways. Well, I recently discovered that there has been a piece composed about the Mallard, written by Dan Price.

It's entitled 'Mallard 4468' but has since been re-named 'Blue Thunder' and recorded by the world famous Black Dyke Band on a recent CD.

It's world premiere performance was given by the National Children's band of Great Britain - have a listen below and see what you think.

https://www.youtube....h?v=A7rU0HJGZUA

Great Railway Journeys

Some of you avid (hmm...) readers of this blog will recall that I outed myself as a rail enthusiast. Well, recently I've found myself enjoying Michael Portillo's Great British Railway Journeys on BBC, to the extent I now own the first two series on DVD. Although rail is his means of transport, it's perhaps fair to say that it is more of a tour of the UK, rather than a homage to the railway.

However, it is excellent television and is fast becoming my guilty pleasure; a couple of episodes each evening before going to sleep.

If you've not watched it, it really is well worth a listen.

Happy New Year

2014 is over. 2015 is almost 4 days old. How many of you have already broken new years resolutions, or fallen off the wagon in dry-January?

I don't really 'do' resolutions but this year there is one that I'm going to look at. For a while, and for no real reason, I've been having a hankering to do a jigsaw. A big jigsaw, 1000 pieces or suchlike. Absolutely no reason - apart from middle age - but it's something I want to get out of my system!

Happy New Year to you all (yes, all three of you who read this blog)!