Waddesdon Manor - Christmas

A very welcome return visit to Waddesdon Manor near Aylesbury in Bucks. Unlike two years ago the weather is much better today. So much so that we snub the courtesy bus and walk the inclined footpath to the House.

It's a relief to see blue skies and sunshine after the rain and mist of the previous visit. Judging by the number of visitors swarming in it is going to be very busy today. Entry to the House was already sold out when I booked the tickets some time back. At least the 'Christmas Fair' with close to 100 traders in their wooden chalets, selling all sorts of crafts, food, drink and decorations fully open. 

Entry to the House itself would have been nice but will keep for another time. Plenty so see and do particularly when the weather is decent.
I've written about the history of Waddesdon Manor in a previous entry so won't repeat it all over again. I'm sure if anyone is interested enough they will track it down.

It's good fun checking out all the traders plying their wares. Lots of tempting free samples on offer too. Always good to support independent artisan traders into the bargain.

One of the many arts and crafts stalls

Once darkness begins to fall the beauty of the lights become evident. We had already completed the woodland trail with it's array of brightly coloured Chinese lanterns made by local schools.

I like it that you can wander pretty much unrestricted . There are places to get a 'Hot Chocolate' or other beverages if you prefer. There is an adventure playground for the Children so something for everyone really.

Light In Motion

 The old Stables area and The old Coach House is where you find the 'Light in Motion' display. Its basically a sequence of dancing lights that move and change colour to the tune of 'Carol of the Bells'. 



It's strangely hypnotic and very watchable .So much so that we stay for three showings of the spectacular!
This wasn't here last time we came but certainly a welcome addition.

Iluminated trees

Once dark has descended we are presented with an enchanted forest. The varying styles of lighting is accompanied by symphonic music. Keep an eye out for hidden glitter balls in the trees as the grounds take on a whole new life.

Waddesdon Manor all lit up

Dave Gorman Review - Royal and Derngate Northampton

There aren't many comedians these days that are able to tempt me out on a cold and misty Sunday evening in mid November. However Dave Gorman is definitely one of them.
I was always a big fan of his TV series 'Modern Life is Goodish'. A show that ran for five series between 2013 and 2017.The premise being Dave Gorman presenting hilarious Powerpoint presentations to persuade that life is neither good nor bad , but goodish.Each episode features a recurring section called the "Found Poem", in which he reads out a selection of bizarre comments left on news websites, all covering a particular story.

Support is in the form of 'Nick Doody', long time friend and writing partner. Dave comes on first and  does a quick routine before introducing 'Doody'. The first set lasts only 40 minutes before we break for the interval.

The second half is an hour and a half of Gorman telling us about his wife;s extreme spending on hair products. His stint as a celebrity panelist on 'The Chase' and 'Cash in the Attic'.
All delivered with over the top and  forensic like detail and delivered with the timing of a batsman with a century to his name.
I loved the story of his move from London to Bournemouth and how he used statistics to prove it wasn't a retirement home for the elderly.

Complete with the trademark check shirt the slickness is just the same as his television work. The exception being a lot more 'effing and jeffing' than I had expected.

One of my favourite parts of the show and the TV series is the 'Found Poem'. Tonight we are treated to two of them. For those who are unaware the "Found Poem"involves Gorman reading out a selection of bizarre comments left on news websites, all covering a particular story. The spotlight is then focused entirely on him to the backdrop of some morose music and he puts it all in the form of a poem.

The two subjects tonight are 'Meghan Markle' marrying into the Royal family. The other being Australia's inclusion into the European Song Contest.
Both delivered in sombre, subtle and hilarious tones.

It's been a great night indeed , and I almost forgot to mention the riotously hilarious 'Giraffe Joke' he gave us at the end.

Come back soon Dave !

'The Accused' Orlingbury Drama Goup

Time to tread the boards again! Been a while now since playing 'Alderman Boris Fitzwarren' in Panto at Holcot.
I was a reluctant participant if truth be told. Resisting the opportunity of playing Solicitor 'Andrew Jarvis' in this tense courtroom drama.

Written by Jeffrey Archer and set in the Central Criminal Court of the Old Bailey it is a drama with a difference. The audience is the jury and decide if 'The Accused' is innocent or guilty?

All the audience has to do is decide...

Did Dr Sherwood murder his wife?
Was Jennifer Mitchell his mistress?
Which of his alibis should you believe?

No pressure there then !

Jennifer Mitchell giving her evidence

Once all the evidence is heard the audience are invited to give their verdict. But that isn't the end of the play , oh no no no.

Of course there has to be two different endings depending upon the verdict. It is only then that we actually discover the full truth, and the twists come thick and fast.

'The Accused' Dr Sherwood in the dock

I only came in at the eleventh hour at the personal request of 'Director Andrew Willson'. My wife having already taken over the Solicitor role I turned down. But that didn't last long as she was soon promoted to 'Chief Inspector Payne' as somebody dropped out. It was a tough role for someone who had never graced the stage before . However she embraced the role and did herself proud. 

As for me I was more than happy to play the 'Court Guard', calling in the witnesses as required. I like to think I built my role a little ?  A thoroughly enjoyable four nights with a lovely company of actors.

Judge Justice Cartwright

Dr Sherwood and Jennifer Mitchell re-united

The play is well received in front of near full houses each night.

The highlight is the friction between the two sparring Barristers ( Sir James Barrington leads for the defence, while Miss Antonia Kersley a former Member of Parliament appears for the crown)  who both give wonderful performances.

They both loathe each other after Sir James defeated Kersley by one vote to become Chairman of the Bar Council. Everybody involved plays their part to the fullest and it was great fun. I must say that it has restored my enthusiasm for performing.
I can't wait to get involved again , hopefully with a slightly bigger part perhaps ?

Marillion With Friends from the Orchestra - Bath Forum and Oxford New Theatre

Back to back Marillion shows, Bath and Oxford life can hardly get any better surely. After the disappointment  of the rugby ( see previous post) we made our way across town to The Forum in Bath , a new venue for me. We were late booking as originally the plan was just to go to Oxford, however it then turned into a long weekend with the Saints fixture.

Originally an Art Deco Cinema The Forum was built in 1934 and is a designated Grade II Listed building.

The Forum Bath , View from our seat

The building closed as a cinema in 1969, and has subsequently been used as a dancing school, a Bingo Hall and a Church. Its main auditorium has 1,600 seats.

Because of the late booking we found ourselves 'Up in the Gods'. I've been in steeper theaters but not many and the  stage was a good distance away. From what I can see it looks pretty full anyway.
Before Marillion we have local boy 'Harry Pane'. By local I mean from Northamptonshire , Brackley in fact. A singer songwriter and guitarist he takes  the stage along with the large frame of 'Double Bass' player Nathan Weenie.

He delivers a very nice little set indeed. As well as a song about  his favourite place in New Zealand there is even a song dedicated to his home county! 'It's a big step up from the Dog and Duck' where he was playing last week, he says.

Judging on the two performances I've seen I would say that he has a very bright future indeed. Certainly a lot better than other similar types of male guitar playing singers that I won't mention.

There is a lot of movement in and around where we are sitting which is tedious to say the least .Particularly as I'm on the end of the row.

Before Marillion take the stage we have an announcement from their Management Team regarding the use of mobile phones for recording. Essentially any recording is forbidden , mainly on the grounds of obscuring other fans who have paid good money for the concert. I would only wish to take a few discreet snapshots for the blog but even that was going to prove difficult. Some in the row in front got his phone out for a photo and was quickly shouted down. I really didn't want the hassle so would leave until much later if possible when things were calmer.

View from our seat Oxford

The New Theatre at Oxford is much better seating wise. We are towards the back of the Orchestra stalls , but much nearer the stage. As such the atmosphere already feels better and there seems to be a buzz of anticipation that was lacking at Bath. Actually the mixing desk is only two rows behind us.

As a result of the 'photo restriction' there won't be too many of mine on this particular post which is a shame.

Balcony View New Theatre Oxford

Marillion are once again with the added strings, French Horn and Flute of the six piece chamber Orchestra.

Just as they were when I saw them at The Royal Albert Hall.The orchestra really does complement the specifically chosen songs.

The set kicks off  with the epic 'Gaza' from 'Sounds that Can't be Made' .Not one of my favourites if I'm totally honest.  I think it labours a little in the middle and is just a little too long.
But that is what makes Marillion special. There is such a huge catalogue of material to choose from and many many great songs have to be omitted. Fans debate long and hard songs that should be included in the set lists. The final choice of songs doesn't always please everyone.

No such problem with the next song 'Afraid of Sunlight. A song that would always get into my top 5 songs of 'Hogarth' era songs. Another favourite followed in the form of 'Seasons End'.
At Bath it seemed like I was spending more time out of my seat than in it ! People were constantly on the move. At least they were apologetic! You can't say too much really I suppose? No such issues at Oxford though I'm glad to say.

The only problem at Oxford was with Steve Rothery's most expensive guitar which didn't want to play ball.... (Pictured left, or above depending on your viewing mode). Cut to Hogarth for a couple of minutes expert filling.
'That's the trouble withe expensive guitars ' he says 'They're like expensive women , sometimes they just don't work'.
Another epic track 'Estonia' is to follow. The story of the cruise ferry that sank in the Baltic in 1994. Taking with it 852 lives.


After the first four songs the set lists began to differ .At Bath we had a large segment from the FEAR
album of 'The New Kings'. Hogarth is on the attack against the Banks, political greed and corruption by those Russian Oligarchs populating the capital . As with 'Gaza'  if they can’t say or do it now, there’s no point doing it says the man without fear.
At Oxford we had 'Power' and the extremely catchy ' Man of a Thousand Faces' in place of 'The New Kings'.

It's a noisier crowd at Oxford for sure and 'H'  seems even more engaging if that is possible. A set that encompasses his 30 years at the helm. Fitting that he thought the auditorium looked like a galleon then. Keeping the nautical theme going he's something between a swashbuckling 'Capt Jack Sparrow' and the King of  stagecraft the late 'Ken Dodd'.

Its a great balance between the electrics of the band and the orchestration.

    

Steve 'H' Hogarth

Both sets end with the epic 'The Great    Escape' from the 'Brave' album. There is still plenty left in the tank with a couple of heavyweight encores to come. 'Fantastic Place' is followed by the extremely rocking 'Separated Out' and by now everybody is out of their seat for 'legitimate' reasons.
I wasn't however prepared for the orchestra to veer of into a version of 'Led Zeppelin's 'Kashmir'.

The night finishes with the band leaving the stage again to return and close with another epic song 'This Strange Engine'.A song that includes one of the most beautiful Steve Rothery guitar solos.

Both nights have been superb and the ever loyal band of followers have lapped up every minute. The band seem to go from strength to strength  constantly rising to meet new challenges. They have two nights at the The Royal Albert Hall coming up shortly.A venue that is fitting and right for such a tour to be brought to a close.


I also wish to thank Alan Jones Concert Photography (alanjonesphotos.com) for very kindly allowing me to use some of his photos in this review. I think it is clear to see which ones were taken by Alan.

Bath Set List

• Gaza
• Afraid of Sunlight
• Seasons End
• Estonia
• Hollow Man
• The New Kings: I. Fuck Everyone and Run
• The New Kings: II. Russia's Locked Doors
• The New Kings: III. A Scary Sky
• The New Kings: IV. Why Is Nothing Ever True?
• The Sky Above the Rain
• The Great Escape

Encore 1

• Fantastic Place
• Separated Out 
• (Excerpt of Kashmir)

Encore 2

• This Strange Engine 

Oxford Set List 

• Gaza
• Afraid of Sunlight
• Seasons End
• Estonia
• Power
• Hollow Man
• Man of a Thousand Faces
• The Sky Above the Rain
• The Great Escape

Encore 1

• Fantastic Place
• Separated Out 
• (Excerpt of Kashmir)

Encore 2

• This Strange Engine

 

Bath - Saints and Sights

Nothing better than a weekend away in Bath. Always plenty to do but this time with two additional bonuses. Firstly The Saints playing Bath at the Rec on Saturday afternoon. Then going to see Marillion at the Forum in the evening. The Marillion review will be covered in a separate blog.

Took a bit of a chance staying at our first ever 'Air B & B'. No need to worry though, the accommodation was perfectly located in Great Pulteney Street, a beautiful Bath stone Georgian property. Everything we could have wanted was provided, including a partial view of the rugby ground! You could literally kick a rugby ball from the room into the ground. Well maybe if your name is Owen Farrell.

A quick unpack and it was off to see what Bath could offer the on a chilly Friday November evening?

We were promised rain , and plenty of it for the large part of Saturday. The weather Gods certainly didn't disappoint unfortunately. A brief walk into town saw us taking shelter inside the indoor market. A warming breakfast was the order of the day. It was raining so hard it was impossible to mooch around the sights. Only one thing for it !To head back to The 'Wetherspoons' pub I had discovered the previous night. At 11 AM it was already rammed. The beer I had the previous night 'Bath Ales Prophecy' was £4.50 a pint at 'The Black Fox'. Here, at the 'King of Wessex' the same brew £2.29.!!

Miraculously, as if on cue the rain stopped just before kick off. Which was very handy as the ground offers very little cover from the elements. The pitch is saturated and privately I worry that it's not going to suit Saints free flowing style.
We find ourselves in he corner of the ground , in fact as far in the corner as you could possibly get. As it was Remembrance weekend we had a 2 minute silence and soldiers from 'The Royal Engineers' represented the armed forces.
The Saints get off to a flyer! A Bath kick from inside their own 22 is charged down and the ball is kicked over the line and grounded. That was pretty much as good as it got for the Saints. Bath used the conditions better and were stronger in the scrum . Hopes were raised when Bath had a player sent off for smacking a Saints player with his forearm . It was a winger so didn't affect their strategy too much. Saints were never able to benefit from the man advantage. Not helping the cause by receiving 2 yellow cards themselves. A dull and tedious game saw Bath emerge as 22 - 13 winners.

the Bridge Cafe

 We awoke to blue skies and sunshine, a complete contrast to yesterday. A lot of activity going on at the rugby ground with all the junior rugby taking place. We took breakfast at The Bridge Coffee Shop on the world-famous Pulteney Bridge. It has been a coffee shop for more than 50 years and has  glorious views over the weir. 

Pulteney Bridge

 

River Avon with Empire Building in background

We did a short  walk along the east side of the river which provided spectacular views of Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the Empire Building.  The walk then winds it's way back round to the city centre.

Bath Cricket Club

The town centre was extremely busy ,many had already made their way to Bath Abbey for the Remembrance Day service. 

There has been a place of Christian worship on the site of Bath Abbey for over 1,200 years and it continues to run as a living church today.

The present abbey is the last great medieval cathedral to have been built in England. Building work began around 1499, but was not completed and used as a parish church until 1616, meaning it took nearly 120 years to finish.
Upon Henry VIII’s orders to dissolve the monastries across the country in 1539, the abbey lay in ruins for more than 70 years. The valuable parts of the building were taken away, including the beautiful stained glass windows which were ripped out and the roof which was stripped for the lead. Somethings never change then really do they ?

Sadly with the Remembrance service taking place we were unable to go inside the Abbey. My favourite part though is on the outside. The carving on the West Front of the Abbey is awesome. There are Angels climbing ladders on both sides of the main window in their attempt to get into Heaven. The figure at the top (North side) is said to be St Paul holding a book . On the other side is St Peter holding a musical instrument called a lyre.  

Outside of the Roman Baths was probably the best 'Living Statue' that I've ever seen!

Living Statue

Bath Abbey(West)

Walking The Ridgeway - Lammydown Circular Route

A bleak start on this early November Autumn morning. The forecast was hopeful at least that it might brighten up a little later ?



Our starting point was 'Lammydown' on the edge of Swindon. Unfortunately visibility  was awful with the low cloud, mist and drizzle.  Which was a shame really as we passed close by the site of Liddington Castle or Liddington Fort another Bronze Age Hill Fort. One of the earliest hill forts in Britain, with first occupation dating to the seventh century BC.This is the highest point in the Swindon area.

The walk sees us cross the M4 twice and as usual it is very busy. The rain gets heavier and I have to resort to the old 'Mac in a Sack'. That makes it 6 layers in total so i'm nice and

Autumn colours

warm at least.

M4 in the distance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thankfully the shower is shortlived and I can tack the mac off again . 

I love this time of year with the leaves changing colour and the rich array of berries in the hedgerow. It's fantastic and theire is peace and solitude with that sense of history of what has gone before. Of course there is always something that gets in the way and blots the landscape. I counted at least three different areas where tyres had been dumped.  

It has really been a good year for funghi , I can't recall ever seeing so many? 

Not only has it stopped raining but the clouds have lifted and there is even an appearance from the sun. The blue skies are a welcome return and make for some spectacular'big skies'. I'm not really able to do much justice but did take a couple of photos at least. 

Big sky

It's been a good walk and comes in at just over 9 miles .A lot more comfortable than the 15 miles covered last time. I think that 9/10 miles is a good distance to walk really. 

Todays route

One man and his sheep