The Market Harborough Round (8) Stoke Albany & Ashley

 

I knew this was a mistake from the minute we set off. the drizzle although light was well established. The weather forecast gave little cause for optimism, a worsening picture. It would be good to get some fresh air though surely? I'm at a party later and need to work up a thirst. Convinced we set off regardless, putting aside the fact that I have a history at Stoke Albany of getting soaked. This is only a short walk of about 6 miles, joining up a couple of points on the Market Harborough Round that were previously not joined.   

We get parked up at the back of the parish Church of St Botolph's. The current building on the site dates from the late 13th Century and was restored in the 19th. We are heading in the direction of 'Ashley' a pretty stone village of just over 200 people nestling in the Welland Valley, surrounded by farmland and gentle rolling hills. 

Ashley is on the northern edge of Northamptonshire, adjoining Leicestershire with the county of Rutland very close by. A picturesque if tricky footbridge sets us on our way. It is literally just fields with the odd farm building. Farming and its related services are no longer the main source of occupation in this rural community. Only two farmers remain resident and active in the village. Quite surprising really given just how agricultural the area is. 

A model Red Kite is bellowing in the wind. Causing a lot of confusion to a real Red Kite. I'm not quite sure of It's purpose at all? Further ahead we come across several 'Martins' swooping and circling. I've researched the matter and can now confirm the collective noun for 'Martins' is a ' richness'.

The second part of the walk I have done before as we circle back towards Stoke Albany. At the top of the hill is an interesting fingerpost/signpost that points in six different directions. A traditional type of sign used in the UK and are used to mark the beginning of a footpath, bridleway or similar public path.

Umbrella Time

 

Chicory Flower

 Things have deteriorated to such a level that the multi coloured umbrella has had to come out. My feet are also soaking wet too. We pass by the golf club where I found all the golf balls last time. A diversion is made to avoid the mud this time. The car park is empty too! Clearly fair-weather gofers rather than fairway golfers. As much as I enjoy being outside, it has been a struggle. One day I shall come out this way again when the weather forecast is set fair!

Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple - The Roadmender Northampton

 

Not for the first time we are first on the scene at The Roadmender. It can be be a bit disconcerting though, I sometimes start to think the event has been cancelled for some reason or other. I spot one other person outside the venue and go over for a chat. He tells me that not only is he in the support band (Dead Sea Skulls, playing Bass), he is also Glenn's Manager. If that wasn't enough he was also a member of The Quireboys and recently played with Tony Iommi. He re-assured me that everything was on schedule and that Glenn was sounding as good as ever. The queue does then start to build slowly. 

Jimi

Safely inside we take up position centre stage on the barriers. Described as Indie/Punk /Garage the Birmingham based trio 'Dead Sea Skulls' belt out a high energy set. They are everything a support act should be, and waste no time getting the crowd going. Front man 'Ash Sheehan' is like a man possessed standing over the drum kit and pounding out the beat. He provides the vocals too, catchy and melodic. The sort you find yourself singing along too, despite not having heard previously.    

More than I expected actually, as he jumps to the front and thrusts the microphone in my face. I get away with the chorus from 'Turnin' Away' just about I think....  

Jimi's brother Nick is also the guitarist in the band. They have always been in bands together. Meanwhile Ash has stopped smashing seven bells out of the drum kit and is playing the trumpet! They have certainly done their job in getting the crowd going that is for sure.

 

It's a short break before 'The Voice of Rock' Glenn Hughes and his band take to the stage. This was an opportunity that couldn't be missed, we are truly in the presence of 'Rock n Roll Royalty'. 

A member of Deep Purple Mk III (1973-75) & Mk IV(1975-76). During this time incredibly three albums were released with David Coverdale on Lead Vocals .

Burn - Feb 1974

Stormbringer  - Nov 1974 

Come Taste The Band - Nov 1975.

The band then split up until the reunion of DP Mk II in 1984. (Gillan, Lord, Paice, Blackmore) Which saw the release of the brilliant 'Perfect Strangers' album.

The set kicks off with the 'Stormbringer' title track , followed by 'Might Just Take Your Life' from 'Burn'. The vocals initially sounded a bit low but must have been turned up as they were fine thereafter. The atmosphere was good. It felt pretty packed but was difficult to tell being right at the front. I understand 450 tickets were sold in advance . more than likely a quantity sold on the night too. 

In the band we have long time collaborator Soren Andersen on guitar,  Bob Fridzema on Keyboards and none other than 'Ash' make a re-appearance on the drums. 

Glenn is a sprightly 71 years of age now and thriving having turned his life around. Embracing being sober over 25 years he is embracing life. 

Bob Fridzema

Glenn seems genuinely pleased by the turnout, 'you are more than fans, you are part of the family' he says. As he welcomes those new and old, spotting some familiar faces in the crowd. It would be easy to make it an evening of reminiscence , telling the old stories from bygone days. This is a man looking forward though, with lots happening over the next two years. Not least a big American tour starting in August with Yngwie J Malmsteen.Back to the UK in Oct before departing to South America.

Someone who clearly likes to be active. He spotted that there was a blank week in the calendar and hastily filled it with dates in Cardiff, Norwich and now Northampton. The short tour culminating with a headline slot at the inaugural 'Maid of Stone Festival' at Mote Park Maidstone.  

He tells us that he has lived in the US for over 50 years. His heart though is here , or rather 60 miles up the road in Cannock where he was born. We are treated to a the odd story though. Such as when he joined Deep Purple, and taking a weekend trip to Hamburg with Richie Blackmore, part of a male bonding trip.... A tricky start before a note had even been written. His immediate appreciation for guitarist Tommy Bolin as soon as he saw him audition. Talking of guitarists Soren Andersen is pretty good too. Heavily influenced by 70's classic rock he has been touring for over 30 years with some of the biggest names in the business.

One of the highlights from the set has to be 'Mistreated' from the Burn album. Written by Blackmore and Coverdale which brought a bluesy vibe to the band.A song that Coverdale loved and continued to play live when he formed Whitesnake.  The last song before the band leave the stage is 'You Keep on Moving' (Come Taste the Band). Written by Hughes/Coverdale.

The band return for an encore as the crowd crank up the volume several notches. 'Highway Star' from 'Machine Head' (1971) gets us off and running again. Jimi from Dead Sea Skulls returns to take over Bass duties for this one. I have to admit to this being one of my many favourite DP songs. The night ends with the song that we have all been waiting patiently for, the classic 'Burn'. A fitting ending for sure ensuring everyone will go home happy. On this evidence Glenn Hughes shows no signs of slowing down and goes from strength to strength.

It was a good night all round as not only did I get a set list but also a couple of plectrums. Mrs A also had the drummers sweaty towel land on her head. Then getting caught in the scrum as several people scrambled to grab it. Losing a few hairs in the process. Fair play ensued as the towel was handed back to her. All's well that ends well.
 

 

   

Fermyn Woods Butterfly Walk & Lyveden New Bield Walk

It's been a while since I last walked in the Rockingham Forest part of the County. No better time than now though with  the chance of spotting the rare and elusive Purple Emperor Butterfly. Parked up in nearby Brigstock I made the short walk over the flyover to the car park and Information centre a Fermyn Woods.

I did manage to spot a Purple Emperor or two about 10 years ago. They are hard to see though, as they spend most of their time in the tree canopy. They don't like flowers either.. Preferring rotting fruit and animals droppings. This is the best time of year and they reside in Ancient Woodland. Fermyn Woods is a good place at anytime foe wildlife spotting. A mixed landscape of meadows, marshes, ponds and forest. Time to get off the beaten track, although there are very few people about anyway. 

Red Admiral

Bird life is quiet in July , most of the hard work raising young is now complete. It is though peak season for those who like to look for and study insects (Entomology). Long light days and dry warm conditions are just the ticket for them. There are butterflies in abundance in the long grass and verges. A pair of mating 'Silver Washed Fritillaries' is a good spot. Deep orange with black spots on the upper side of its wings, and has a wingspan of 54–70 mm. The silver-washed fritillary was in decline in the UK for much of the 1970s and 1980s, but seems to be coming back to many of its old territories. 

Peacock

Comma

Small Heath ( left) and Gatekeeper

Mating Silver-Washed Fritillaries

I came across a group of people all searching for the Purple Emperor. They had long lenses and various other optical items. I asked if they had seen anything interesting? One of the group was quite convinced that he had seen a PE in the tree tops. His friends however seemed less convinced. Plenty of Ringlets, Gatekeepers, Small Heath and Meadow Browns we all agreed. I carried on in the direction of the Welland Airfield.    

Small Skipper (Left) and Ringlet

A very nice lady out walking pointed out the Lancaster Bomber memorial. The Lancaster DV361 crashed close by on December 22nd 1943. The plaque is a bit faded but you can read the following. 

'IN MEMORY OF
Flight Sergeant Cecil Ryall, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, Royal Australian Air Force

Sergeant Thomas Higgins, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force

Sergeant George O'Neill, Air Gunner, Royal Air Force

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM'

'On 22nd December 1943 Lancaster DV361 set off on a cross country test flight, piloted by P/O GA Baker. There was an engine fire which could not be extinguished and the crew were ordered to bale out. Sadly, three of the crew were killed. 

Taking a path back through Fermyn Woods I came across a footpath marker for the 'Lyveden Way'. A 10 mile long route  opened in September 2005 as part of the 400th anniversary of Lyveden New Bield, an Elizabethan lodge and moated garden. It continues as far as Wadenhoe and is Northamptonshire's seventh long distance path. Always a stunning site begun by Sir Thomas Tresham to symbolise his Catholic faith, Lyveden remains incomplete and virtually unaltered since work stopped on his death in 1605. I have written about it before on a different blog in more detail. 

Lyveden New Bield

Leaving LNB behind I continue back up to the road. Continuing on the road past the airstrip and eventually back to Fermyn Woods. This time I take a different route back through the woods in the hope of seeing the PE.Alas it was not to be this time. I have seen an awful lot of other interesting Butterflies and insects so I'm not too disappointed.

Here is a picture taken 10 years ago at Fermyn Woods of a Purple Emperor. This particular beauty was enjoying itself feasting on some bird muck on my car bonnet!  It was so engrossed it was totally unaware of my presence. It won't be long before I'm back over again.

A really enjoyable walk at 8.3 leisurely miles.

UK Pink Floyd Experience - Royal & Derngate Northampton

A nice surprise to be seeing the UK Pink Floyd Experience at The Derngate Northampton. Mrs A made the purchase after my Peter Gabriel concert at Nottingham was cancelled. So I'm a bit under prepared , not having done my due diligence on the band. This was to later come back and haunt me....

First stop however was 'The Cordwainer' in the Town Centre for a pre gig pint and bite to eat.
I had already noticed a couple of people in there with 'UK Pink Floyd Experience' T shirts.  While waiting at the bar I asked one individual if he knew what time the band were on stage? He confirmed it was 7:30, as I thought. We had a bit of a chat, and I asked for some reason if he was a Roadie with the band. No 'I do some singing' he replied. 'You might see me on the stage'. Well I'll look out for you I replied. 

Paul Andrews Vocals and Lead Guitar

Safely installed in our Circle Box it didn't take long to spot my friend from the pub! (Paul Andrews) He had been very modest about his role to say the least! 
We are promised a night of Pink Floyd classics spanning the 60's to the 90's. The first set kicks off with 'In the Flesh' from 'The Wall' and 'The Dogs of War' (A momentary Lapse of Reason). The Syd Barrett classic 'See Emily Play' from 1967 follows. A time of quaint Psychedelia and free thinking. The Syd Barrett story is ultimately a sad one. There is no doubting though the esteem in which he is held. No better example than the next song 'Shine on You Crazy Diamond' (Parts I -V) dedicated to Syd after he left the band in 1968 struggling with mental health and LSD related issues.

The seven piece band are mightily impressive. The Theatre is about 90% full and is reserved as usual. That's probably a bit unfair actually. Absorbed in the music would be more accurate. I for one closed my eyes, and allowed myself  to drift off into Pink Floyd haze.  The two female backing singers are both excellent.  It's unfair to single out individuals, they're all part of a collective,doing a job, so no ego's present in this show. So many of my favourites are being played tonight already. 'Brain Damage' & Eclipse (The Dark side of the Moon) take us to the interval and a chance to draw breath. 

David Power, Bass, Vocals Producer & Director

I was pondering during the break, as well as drawing breath. I have seen very few Tribute/Cover bands over the years. With the exception of the brilliant 'Stillmarillion' the others have all been versions of bands that I have never seen. (Led Zeppelin, The Smiths, Genesis). Tonight being another to add to the list. The chances of ever seeing the 'real' 'Pink Floyd' are now virtually non existent. The relationship between Roger Waters and Dave Gilmour is dysfunctional at best.The battle continues to rage on.  

The band return to the stage with 'Pigs on the Wing' Part 1 & 2 from the concept album 'Animals).

I understand that 'Echoes' the 2nd track on the night from the 'Meddle' album. Included due to popular demand for 2023 I believe. Maybe I could start a campaign to get 'High Hopes' from the Division Bell included for 2024?. 

The second half of the show lends itself more to the classic 'The Wall' Album. There are great versions of 'Hey You' and a raunchy 'Young Lust'. It's enough to get me a bit hot under the collar.....The Bass intro to 'Money' restores me back to some form of stability at least.

Next up we have the second best song from the 1994 'Division Bell' album ( see previous comment). I'm joking of course 'Keep Talking is a great song' but I do love 'High Hopes' Maybe It's because 'Nightwish' do a brilliant version of the song?

The band announce some good news! They will be coming back to the Derngate again next year. They are also doing a number of 'Stately Floyd' concerts. On 1st June 2024, they will be just over the border in Leicestershire at Stanford Hall. Along with Dire Straits Tribute, there will be laser displays, pyros, drone light displays and a firework finale. Sounds good to me. Other venues to be announce as they are confirmed I believe.   

As we draw towards a close, the last two songs of the night are predictable, but very welcome. The penultimate song being 'Another Brick in the Wall (Pt 2). Sounding as good as I've ever heard it. Of course no Pink Floyd set would complete without the sublime 'Comfortably Numb'. A perfect end to a superb night. By now many of the crowd are up on their feet, as am I up in my lofted eyrie looking down.

It has been a thoroughly enjoyable night. The band looked like they were having fun too which is important. Apologies to those band members and support team that I haven't mentioned in person! You are all awesome!! 

Full Set List 

• In the Flesh
• The Dogs of War
• See Emily Play
• Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Parts I-V) 
• Time 
• The Great Gig in the Sky
• One of these Days
• Sorrow
• Wish you were Here
• Brain Damage 
• Eclipse

Part 2

• Pigs on the Wing (Pt 1)
• Pigs on the Wing (Pt 2)
• Echoes
• Hey You
• Young Lust
• Money
• Keep Talking
• Mother
• The Happiest days of our Lives
• Another Brick in the Wall (Pt 2)
• Comfortably Numb