Ravensthorpe Reservoir - Christmas Morning Walk

Nice to get out for some fresh air before the traditional Christmas lunch. Actually it isn't that fresh at all,  It's extremely mild. The Met Office were saying it was likely to be the warmest Christmas Eve on record. It might well be the muddiest as well.. We have brought the good old Wellington Boots which turns out to be a wise move. 

There are very few people about, just the occasional dog walker. A few Swans, and a startled Great Egret dot the waters edge. On the water there are large gatherings of Tufted Duck. The adult male is all black except for white flanks. It has an obvious head tuft that gives the species its name. The adult female is brown with paler flanks. It is calm and peaceful,and as much as I could wish for. I would be happy to be here all day I'm sure. Maybe a hip flask and a couple of Mince Pies to complete the scene? We are now crossing the Weir and the Old Boathouse and fishing jetty are coming into view.    

In total this splendid old Victorian Reservoir covers a total of 114 acres. To walk the perimeter is just a couple of miles though. Originally built in 1890 to supply water to Northampton. These days a place for fishing , walking and birdwatching.  I'm appreciative of the sanctuary on offer today. I find Christmas a difficult proposition these days. I'm nostalgic for those gone by when it was full of excitement and expectation. Very sadly certain individuals have shamefully conspired in recent years to ruin things. During the intervening years there has been no attempt to heal the wounds. This speaks volumes, and is probably best to leave them to it.  I genuinely hope they are happy,maybe one day will spare a few seconds to reflect and maybe even find a little self awareness. Perhaps that is a little too much to ask though?

Right, that's got that out of the way. I feel better for it too which I suppose is the purpose of writing and journalling. In 1974 Ownership and management of the reservoir are transferred to the Anglian Water Authority. 

The Reservoir has a total capacity of 414 million gallons. We are over half way round now and have reached the 'extremely muddy' side. Remember seeing a couple round here once wearing ' white trainers' . They tried valiantly to keep them clean but ultimately failed. A lesson learned maybe?   

A very short walk in comparison to recent more lengthy ones. Always good to just be outside in the green and blue. Or rather more brown and grey today in all honesty. Leaving the Reservoir we exit onto the Coton Road and head back towards the car. There are things to be done, not least a Turkey that needs to be in the oven. Sprouts to cross and carrots to slice, not forgetting the stuffing. 

I wish all my blog readers a very fulfilling and meaningful 2024. I appreciate your support.

 

 

Mostly Autumn - The Stables Wavendon (Milton Keynes)

Mostly Autumn probably qualify as my most neglected band.Let me try and explain in a way that makes some sort of sense. Bands that I really like I tend to see a lot. Mostly Autumn fit into that category most certainly. Yet I think this is only my fourth time seeing them . One of those was in 2016 when they supported Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. I remember chatting to founder of the band Bryan Josh, outside the Y Theatre in Leicester back in 2011. So why such absenteeism on my part? The answer is I really don't know? It's a dull answer I grant you, and I must try harder as my old school teacher used to say. That said we are here at The Stables MK, or Wavendon if you prefer. A venue that I am no stranger too, and regular readers know I have a love/hate relationship with. I'm not going to go into all the fussy bits I find frustrating, so please don't skip this bit. I settle down with a nice pint of the local Tring Brewery Festive Ale 'Santa's Little Helper' (4.8%). I shall be in need of help myself If I have too many of these....

We take to our seats.There were very few available when we booked. The good thing about The Stables is that you are guaranteed a great view wherever you are. We were almost on the back row directly in front of the 'Mixing Desk' centre stage. The tannoy gave It's usual warning that any recording of photography is strictly prohibited. For someone who just wants a few snaps it is frustrating. I've incurred the wrath of the seasoned commissionaires previously. I shall keep any attempts until close to the end. If I get thrown out then It won't be so bad. I'm sure the band would only be too happy for the extra publicity. It is what it is as they say. 

'In for the Bite' and 'Into the Stars' kick start the set. The sound isn't quite right and Bryan shouts up to the Engineers for a bit more 'oomph' I think is the technical term. It does the trick, and 'Spirit of Mankind from the latest album 'Graveyard Star (2021) sounds great. That said singer 'Olivia Sparnenn' is struggling with a throat infection. Full credit to her for adopting 'the show must go on' policy. She still sounds amazing though even with the throat issues. Not surprisingly Graveyard Star will feature heavily in the set list. A heartfelt reflection of living through the pandemic.

Mixing Desk behind us

The first set finishes with 'Silver Glass' followed by 'The Night Sky from ' All we Shared (1998) A really enjoyable set. I love to see Brian play, the Gilmour influences are obvious. The band has  gone through various lineup changes over the years, although two of their founders remain in Guitarist/vocalist Bryan Josh and keyboard player Iain Jennings. Having both male and female vocals is a massive plus. Olivia becoming the lead vocalist in 2010. Aside from the Pink Floyd influence there are many other Celtic and Folk infusions. The seven band members gel perfectly and create something very special. We are back in business with 'Tomorrow Dies' from 'Sight of Day' (2017).

Another song from the 'Sight of Day' album that I love is 'Changing Lives'. a song written and brilliantly performed by 'Chris Johnson'. I'm noting all sorts of influences, not least 'Fleetwood Mac'. Intentional or not. Parts of 'Winter Mountain' reminds me of 'Iron Maiden' from the 7th Son album. Listening to 'Back in these Arms' is heavily influenced by the pipes of Troy Donockley. It was almost like listening to the amazing Nightwish. I can give no higher compliment. The picture to the left was posted on the Mostly Autumn  FB page. It is a particularly good one of the back of my head. 'White Rainbow completes the second half of the show.

It's a brief hiatus, and they return with the extremely moving 'Heroes Never Die'. Something I believe they play in every show, either at the end or as an encore. It's a fantastic tribute from Brian to his Dad. A wonderful thing to do. It wouldn't be a Christmas show without a few Christmas songs to end the evening. The first of which is the Greg Lake classic from 1975' I Believe in Father Christmas'.  The band have all donned Christmas hats and the crowd are on their feet. One of my Christmas favourites comes next . 'A Spaceman came Travelling' by Chris De Burgh. The final song of the Christmas trio needed no introduction. My wife's all time favourite 'A Fairytale of New York' by The Pogues. A fitting tribute to singer Shane Mcgowan who sadly passed recently. Feeling slightly braver, I've even risked taking a couple of photos and got away with it.  I must also thank Kieran Chapman who kindly let me use his photograph (the one with the red lighting)  . 

Mostly Autumn, all seven of them, take their final bows as the evening draws to a close. Brian is presented with the most deserving pint of Beer which he gulps down gladly. It has been a superb night and some mixed feelings for me. Extremely glad to have seen them again but annoyed for missing so many potential gigs in between. One thing is for sure though, It won't be long before I see them again. 

Full Set List

Set 1

• In for the Bite
• Into the Stars
•  Spirit of Mankind
• Western Skies
• Skin of Mankind
• Passages
• Heart Body and Soul
• Silver Glass
• The Night Sky

Set 2 

• Tomorrow Dies 
• Winter Mountain
• Broken Glass
• Changing Lives
• Dressed in Voices
• This Endless War
• Back in these Arms
• White Rainbow

Encore

• Heroes Never Die
• I Believe in Father Christmas (Greg Lake Cover)
  
• A Spaceman came Travelling (Chris De Burgh Cover)
  
• A Fairytale of New York.(The Pogues Cover)
   

The Market Harborough Round (10) Draughton and Arthingworth

 

It's been a sharp overnight frost, temperatures plummeting to -3 degrees. It's not likely to get much warmer either. Starting point is the privately owned 'Midshires Covert. ' A small wood planted mostly in 2009. I met the owner on a different walk during the Summer, and he told me to check it out. We followed the Bridleway along the Western edge and part of the Midshires Way. We then pick up the Brampton Valley Way and the first of the Railway tunnels heading towards Arthingworth.

If anything it is getting colder and there is a mist in the air. One tree in particular is full of Rooks, a Rookery,  making the distinctive caw or kaah sound. We continue into the village of Arthingworth . There are many varied footpaths to choose from , I think I've pretty much walked all of them over the years. We pass the Church of St Andrew's on our left.

It was at this point things started to go a little bit wrong. Crossing the old bridge over the River Ise visibility was very poor. It's a simple route to Harrington on a clear day.One I've walked several times, today we got lost in the fields. Instead of coming out opposite the Village Hall we missed the village completely! We cross over the busy A14 passing the Aviation Museum, passing through Blue Covert. This stretch of the walk has become really muddy into the bargain. Lots of Pheasants and a few Red Legged Partridges enjoying the grain that has been scattered. We've also seen  a few Fieldfares and Redwings feeding on the hedgerow berries.  

We reach the small village of Draughton, pronounced 'Draw-ton' I'm reliably informed. I came out this way on my bike during the week. It was a lovely sunny day, albeit a bit slippy in places. The photo on the left shows the junction where I parted company with the bike. Not particularly steep but a hidden patch of 'black ice' caused my downfall. Thankfully I wasn't going particularly fast. A passing van driver saw my fall and kindly stopped to make sure all was OK.Thankfully no damage was done to rider or the new bike. We climb a stile next to a large country house that I've always really liked. We are walking downhill towards the Brampton Valley Way passing a small pond on our right hand side. No sign of any life today though, perish the thought.

We join the BVW by the 'orphaned iron bridge. I always think it looks quite striking. The long abandoned bridge would once have crossed over the former Market Harborough to Northampton railway line. We follow the path for about half a mile, before turning off onto the Midshires Way and back to our start point.

Despite the poor weather it is still a great walk as always. Due to a few wrong turns we ended up walking 11.5 miles.