Robert Jon & The Wreck - The Roadmender Northampton

 

This year has been very short on live music so far. Time to start putting things to rights, starting with the Northampton Roadmender tonight. I have to confess that I had very limited knowledge of 'Robert Jon and The Wreck' beforehand. Aside from some airplay on 'Planet Rock', and some strong recommendations from a couple of friends I new very little. Thankfully as is our habit, we arrived early to get a got pitch on the barriers. We were expecting a 9pm start but due to a curfew the gig would start at 8pm, finishing at 10. Just one more gig in Portsmouth after tonight on what has been a 10 date UK Tour. The latest album 'Red Moon Rising' will no doubt get a good airing on the set list. 

Warren Murrel

 

 

 

Henry James (Schneekluth)

We managed to get our desired place, stage right looking up towards Keyboard player Jake Abernathie. The venue is slowly starting to fill up. I wonder if a few have been caught out by the early start? Southern Rock has gone through something of a resurgence over the last few years. At least that's how it feels to me at least. I saw 'Lynyrd Skynyrd' some years ago and it was a fantastic night. It was a similar story seeing ZZ Top too. I really didn't know what to expect? We kick off the night with 'Pain No More' from the 2023 album 'Ride into the light'. Followed by 'Trouble' from the new album. Any doubts I might have had are very quickly blown away. These guys are a series live act and a very talented group of musicians.

Robert Jon Burrison

The band were formed in 2011 and hail from Orange County, California. Since then it seems to have been a continuous cycle of writing new music and touring. Front man 'Robert Jon Burrison' cuts a formidable figure. He would be equally at home on the 'Dutton' Ranch in Yellowstone hanging out with 'Rip' and 'Kayce'. What a voice he has too, a real stage presence. As is usual the Northampton crowd takes a while to get going. Maybe it's because we suck asks Bass player 'Warren Murrel'. Hes a pretty cool Dude with his 'Jack Nicholson' look of dark glasses and shirt open over a white vest. It works for him so don't knock it.     

Lead Guitarist Henry James (Schneekluth) has a real psychedelic vibe going on. But my word can he play the guitar with some style. They are also joined on stage by session guitarist 'Joe Coombs' , a long standing friend of the band. We are treated to three songs in total from the new album. 'Ballad of a Broken Hearted Man' which is destined to become a crowd favourite. The other track from Red Moon Rising is the title track itself. In fact the set list is a very even mixture of songs covering most albums. Apologies to Drummer 'Andrew Espantman' , I couldn't get a clear photo as he was obscured at the back of the stage. The set finishes with a rounding version of 'Cold Night' from the 'Glory Bound' album (2015)keyboards take centre stage as the gig rises to a thrilling crescendo.  

By now the crowd has worked itself up into as close to a frenzy as Northampton gets, demanding an encore. The band don't disappoint and return to the stage along with Jim.

Fittingly we end with 'Shine a Light on Me Brother' another chance to show off their guitar skills. A fantastic couple of hours of pretty much southern Rock and Blues of the highest quality.  Do you know what really impressed most? How modest they all were, nothing flash just honest to goodness delivering the music. No gratuitous 'effing and jeffing' either which can become a real bore and turn off with some bands. I can't wait to see them again! Many thanks to Warren for his kindness giving me his set list from the night.

Easton Maudit, Yardley Hastings and Castle Ashby Circular Walk

This is a variation on the Grendon, Eaton Maudit and Castle Ashby walk a few weeks ago.The walk outline reminds me of a Seal.  I think I walked all the component parts during Covid, but in different routes. I just had the idea to link them together for a nice walk in the sunshine. Considering it is still early April the weather has been incredible with temperatures up towards the 20 degree mark. 

Starting point today is the Church of St Peter & St Paul, Easton Maudit. We walk into the village and pick up the footpath next to the quirky house that is built on sticks. The path loops over to the right across a couple of fields past the airstrip. 'Horn Wood' is the first point of interest. We could have taken the track and skirted round the edge, but whats not to like about a woodland area?  

looking back to Easton Maudit

 A number of footpaths run off in all directions.We turn almost full circle and head towards 'Cold Oak Copse'. We just follow the edge and catch sight of the first Bluebells I've seen this year. We continue past the copse as far as Yardley Hastings.

 

Bluebells

 

The village's name means 'rod wood/clearing', a place where they were made or acquired. It's a nice day so we have a wander around the village. The local pub 'The Red Lion' is very tempting I must say. We opt for our sandwiches on the village Green instead. As the footpath to Castle Ashby is particularly obvious we opt for the road instead. It isn't far and the view across the Avenue opens up to Castle Ashby House in the distance. Set in the heart of a 10,000-acre estate, it is the ancestral home of the 7th Marquess of Northampton.

Open Water swimming lake

We pass round the edge of the village and pick up the road with the House to our right. We also pass the lake where I did the Open Water swimming a few weeks ago. From here it is a simple matter of following the field paths back across to Easton Maudit. Exactly the same route as completed previously.A nice straightforward walk with plenty of interest. In total just under 8.5 miles walked. 

Althorp House Literary Festival 2025

 

Bright blue skies and sunshine welcome us to Althorp House for the fir,st day of the 2025 Literary Festival. It's the first one since 2018, and my first since visits in 2016 & 2017. We are 20 minutes early and the gates are yet to open. A small, but enthusiastic group has gathered in anticipation. The main topic of conversation is just who they are looking forward to seeing. It's a lengthy walk from the Gatehouse up the drive to our first assembly point 'The Stable Block'. Made from local Ironstone it was built to house 100 horses and 40 grooms, in the early 1700s. In World War 1, Canadian infantrymen were billeted here. 

With Peter James

Today we have a Cafe, Gift Shop, Waterstones and a Pizza stand. We kill a bit of time until we get the call to make our way over to the main Grade I listed stately home. The appearance has changed dramatically from the original Tudor Red brick building of 1788. It has been the Spencer family home for the last 500 years. It has probably never looked better than it does today. I am really looking forward to seeing one of my favourite Authors at 12:00 'Peter James'. In one of the other rooms 'Clare Balding' will be holding court at the same time. Peter James is introduced as the greatest living Crime-writer having received countless awards over a glittering career. It is though for his crime series featuring Brighton-based Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, which have sold 21 million copies worldwide and have given him 20 consecutive UK  Sunday Times number ones he is best known. I am a huge fan of the Brighton based Detective and have read every book he has written. He has also written supernatural thrillers, spy fiction, science-based thrillers, a children's novel, and the novella 'The Perfect Murder'. ITV have also dramatised the Roy Grace series and is currently filming Series 5 which will bring things pretty much up to date.   

  

I managed to get a few words with him too after his hour long talk. Which by the way was extremely interesting I must say. He also spoke about his interest in the Paranormal  after an experience he encountered in a former home. I was glad that one of the books I took for signing was 'The House on Cold Hill'. During his talk he had spoken about spending time talking to murderers in various Prisons. I shared my experience visiting a friend who is serving a life sentence for murder too. A lot of his writing is helped by input from his local Constabulary. His character 'Roy Grace' is very much based on on a real-life former police officer, Detective Dave Gaylor , who helped James after a burglary many years ago.

It was a real thrill to meet Peter after so many years of reading his books. By the time I had joined the queue and got the books signed it was time to move on the next guest speaker. Quite a contrast from someone who has written 36 novels to someone who has recently written her debut book. Chloe Dalton has documented her discovery of an abandoned Baby Hare (Leveret) and her battle against the odds to give it a chance of survival. 'Raising Hare is an account of this most unexpected relationship, and the challenges that had to be overcome along the way. I'm in good company for this talk as Earl Spencer and his new partner Dr Cat Jarman are also in attendance in the next row. You might think the Author to be a wildlife rescue expert, however the situation is way out of her comfort zone. Her background is as a political adviser and foreign policy specialist. It was during the Covid lockdown that she moved back into the countryside and the adventure started. I am a huge fan of Hares and think they get a rough deal all round. They live above ground all year round in all sorts of weathers. They are persecuted in the name of sport and receive no protection whatsoever. Chloe is very much pushing for a 'close season' when there is no shooting or coursing. The Bill is currently at the second reading stage with The House of Lords.

It is an excellent session and I am struck that the Hare is given such autonomy, and most certainly isn't regarded as a pet. There are strict boundaries in place for the Hare to one day hopefully return to the wild and have a family of her own.'Raising Hare' was shortlisted for Waterstones book of the year as well as several high profile awards. I purchased my copy and very much look forward to reading in the near future.

With David Baddiel

Just time for a quick brew over at The Stables courtyard before the next speaker. This time it is a much bigger room for 'David Baddiel', probably around 130 people gathered. I manage to find a seat towards the back. Hi main focus today will be his latest book release 'My Family'. A memoir of a childhood growing up in a dysfunctional family in 60's & 70's London. Despite the sadness of his fathers Dementia, and his mothers infidelities the story is told with great warmth and humour. There have been several other books that he references too such as 'Jews Don't Count' and 'The God Desire'. He tells the audience about the writing of 'Three Lions' the football anthem from the 1996 Euros. How one of his happiest moments was when 78,000 fans sang the song in unison after beating Scotland a Wembley. He describes himself as a 'fundamental Atheist when it comes to religion. Finding himself in a gap between his own thoughts and his Jewish heritage. I really enjoyed the references to the brilliant 'Fantasy Football League' TV show. A series he presented with Frank Skinner that started in the early 1990's.A Jewish audience member raised a question regarding an article in the ' Jews Don't Count' book, something he disagreed with. This concerned an apology to the footballer Jason Lee. I thought he handled a tricky situation very well indeed.It  was a really enjoyable talk, lots of wit, stories and a touch of sadness too. He was good to chat to as well. I was a bit confused why he asked me about my children though? Then about a Nieces or Nephews I had? It turned out that the book I had hastily purchased was actually one of his children's books ....... He said that I would still enjoy it though! 

A few views of the Grounds at Althorp

     

Its goodbye to Althorp after another excellent Literary Festival. I have very much enjoyed the three speakers I have seen today. 

Hopefully it will be an event that continues on the social calendar for many years to come.  

Castle Ashby Open Water Swimming

 

Its a beautiful bright sunny morning with a slight chill in the air. Today is the day that I will finally take part in my first open water swim. It is something I have been thinking about for a long, long time. After speaking to a friend of mine and the upturn in weather I finally took the plunge.... and made the booking. I must admit I have been feeling a bit nervous in the days leading up to the swim. As a Therapist I am extremely interested in the therapeutic benefits that this type of swimming can provide. There are obvious fitness benefits that come from the exercise too. I suppose the question on my mind is can certain swimming activities be particularly beneficial for mental wellbeing? Research carried out certainly seems to support that theory.

We get  parked up and I feel a bit like the condnemned man as we walk through the trees down towards the lake. A large spring fed natural lake that is tested regularly for cleanliness. A few other swimmers are already in the water from the earlier session. A Lifeguard is always on hand to deal with any situations and to brief a first timer like me on what to expect. 

It is compulsory to wear a 'Tow float' which is a buoyancy in case of emergency. A hat of some description should also be worn for visibility. It is now a case of retreating to the marquee to get undressed. I know that some people prefer a wet-suit, especially in the colder weather. I was going to risk ordinary shorts and a stretchy top I use for cycling. No prizes for the best turned out for me today. 

The point of no return.

The water temperature is 11.6 degrees as I walk the board-way with some trepidation. The first few seconds are bound to be the worst I imagine? Be fine once I'm in surely? That's the deal right? Things have suddenly become very real. I ease myself into the water backwards via the ladder. The cold is intense, my feet and fingers feel it the most. This called 'Cold Shock'. The sudden lowering of skin temperature takes immediate effect. This lasts for a couple of minutes. The good news though is I can stand up. I have also been advised not to stray too far away from the safety of the river bank. I need to get moving, can't just stand there freezing. Some deep breaths wouldn't go amiss either. A couple of minutes go by before what could loosely be described as swimming takes place.I feel a bit warmer too , except the toes which stubbornly refuse to cooperate whatsoever. They are usually cold in bed so it was a bit much to ask really. It's reassuring to feel the sun on my face though. As my confidence grows I venture towards the middle of the lake. This was when I had a bit of a wobble ....

Sill waters run deepest ...

Memories of two incidents where I nearly drowned came flooding back. Just for a brief few seconds panic set in. A frantic bit of splashing around and I was back within touching distance of the lake floor. Panic is the worst thing you can do of course, and nearly cost me dearly on a snorkelling trip years ago. I get the 10 minute call, but feel quite good now. I give a confident 'thumbs up' and tell Jackie I'm good for a few more minutes. I would even go so far as to use the word enjoying! All good things have to come to an end though. Getting back up the ladder proved to be a bit more difficult than the descent. Standing back on the board-way I felt quite a sense of achievement watching my fellow swimmers, like a seasoned veteran of the South  Atlantic crossing. I'm quickly brought down to earth as I'm told to go and get dry before I freeze to death.

The water is your friend?

It didn't take long for the shivering and the shaking to start with a vengeance. I believe this is known as 'After-drop'..This is perfectly normal I'm told as the body starts to readjust. After-drop occurs because the body's blood vessels widen as blood flow increases to the extremities, which can lead to a rapid drop in core body temperature. Even in the sun warmed marquee it is hard to get warm. I get dressed as quickly as possible in multiple layers of clothing. Drinking the hot tea from the flask is nigh on impossible. The piping hot liquid is going everywhere such is the force of the shaking. I'm now in danger of scalding myself... All this lasts for a good half an hour before I'm good to go. A hot shower is not a good idea either. This will increase the rate at which cooled blood returns to the core and makes the drop faster and deeper. It was very reassuring to hear that this is perfectly normal, especially for  or inexperienced swimmers. There are numerous benefits associated with Open Water swimming including helping with, depression, anxiety, blood pressure and boosting the immune system. Perhaps mos importantly of all it provides the feel good factor which increases happiness. I certainly felt awake and alive, almost glowing! I shall definitely be dipping my toe in the water again.