An Evening with Peter Schmeichel - Northampton

It has been a long time coming, an evening I have had very mixed feelings about. I should explain further, something of an unwanted Christmas present. An expensive one at that too. Not being a fan of Manchester United it was quite a strange present to receive. I did try to offload the ticket at a much reduced price, to little avail. I then decided I wasn't going to bother even turning up. As time has got nearer to the event I felt duty bound to make an appearance. It is an early start too, a 6pm registration is required. A good thing I left early as car parking spaces were thin on the ground. Once inside the Mercure Hotel (formerly known as the Moat House) who should I bump into but Mr Schmeichel himself. Hurrying along with his travel case en route to his room. I showed remarkable restraint and let him go on his way. 

Assorted shirt memorabilia

There are plenty of opportunities to spend your money that is for sure. I am offered raffle tickets for just £10 , or the bargain of 7 strips for £40 . I politely decline, explaining that I'm not that keen on Man Utd in all truth. I purchase a small Diet Coke and take my seat in the auditorium. I am in Row I, not to bad, on the end by the aisle. The signed , framed shirts are being auctioned off to the highest bidder. The cheapest seemed to be somebody called 'Amad'  a current player I believe. There was a mere £200 reserve on that one. Perhaps a good investment if the player goes on to be a superstar. The compere is doing a lot of shouting trying to drum up support . Telling those interested that last time all the auction items are bound to be snapped up , based on previous experience. His advice was to go in high to avid disappointment. But then he would , wouldn't he. 

The 'Chirpy Chappie' Compere introduced himself as 'Pete Graves' of Sky Sports fame , as well as ITV Darts. He seems to think that Thursday is the start of the weekend? Back to the signed shirts and it seems that the 'Cristiano Ronaldo is the one everybody wants. Coming in with a reserve bid of £750 it will cost someone deep in the purse for sure. Not something I will be involving myself in though. Those of us who have the photograph with Peter (Schmeichel, not me) included are invited to start queuing up. I notice that a few people already had some mounts, in which to place the photo. I made some discreet enquiries and found out that these could be purchased for an additional £10. 

The queue moves fairly quickly thankfully. I would estimate that there are in excess of 500 people in attendance. Although not all will be having photos. When it gets to my turn there isn't much time for chatting. I do get to mention that I am a Leicester City supporter. Also that his son 'Kasper' was brilliant in his time with the club. As well as mentioning what a strong handshake he possessed  as we parted. The photo was printed out immediately, and it was pretty decent if I do say so myself. So much so that I decided to invest in one of the £10 mounts. Just need a frame now!

Sir Alex Ferguson

After a big build up 'The Great Dane' takes to the stage. Quite possibly the greatest goalkeeper of all time. In his 8 seasons at Man Utd he won 15 trophies, including 5 Premier League titles. There were also 3 FA Cups , and he was Captain when the club won the 1999 UEFA Champions League Trophy. He also played for Denmark when they won the 1992 UEFA European Championship. As well as a multitude of individual awards. In 2001 he received the MBE. Amazingly he has also scored 11 goals as well. The first half is very much about his early life in Denmark, how he always had a love for Man Utd and felt his destiny was to play for them. Lots of praise for his Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and what a huge impact he had on his life. There are also a few stories about some of the big characters he played alongside such as; Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Bryan Robson. Surprisingly not really an mentions of David Beckham. 

He talks a little about his son 'Kasper', saying that he has met a Leicester supporter earlier! I resist the urge to stand up an take a bow. After a short interview we 'kick off' again for the second half with a Question and session. I did submit a question but sadly it wasn't used. Our friend Mr Graves invited everyone to stand up if they wanted a signed Goalkeeper shirt. That seemed simple enough, at least until he then said sit down if you are not prepared to pay £200 for one. Strangely nobody seemed to be moving towards a siting position. Then he said ' sit down if you are not prepared to pay £250.. thankfully a few people around me sat down, I promptly followed suit. Once it had got to the £300 mark it turned out that there were in fact another 20 shirts available. They did seem to all go though. 

 

Can you see me?

 It has been a much better night  than I anticipated though. I felt that the speaker was quite reserved and played it fairly safe. There were some interesting thoughts for sure, but no revelations that I can't wait to share sadly.     

The John Bunyan Trail (15) Ridgmont & Bromborough

Starting on the Greensand Ridge

He's back! Been a low key start to 2026, the weather has been appalling , hardly stopping raining. Illness and injury to the poor old knee has also kept me out of action. I have been able to attend all of 'The Cobblers' home matches at Sixfields since Christmas. I might do a blog entry on a future game. 

Thankfully the rain has subsided and the Weather Wizards have promised a sunny, if a little chilly day. We are starting off from the small village of Ridgmont today. We are very close to Junction 3 on the M1' and the famous Woburn Abbey. The Ridgmont Brickworks were established in 1935. In 1979 as part of the London Brick Company it was one of the largest in the world, with 25 chimneys. The walk today will link up with the previous ones we ave done in this area. A good part of it will be on the 'Bunyan Trail'.

We cross a wooden Bridge over the A507. Behind us the traffic has been stopped on the M1 by the Police following an accident. Hopefully nothing too serious and the traffic will get moving.

 

Chinese Water Deer in the distance

We pass under the Iron Bride we went over on a previous walk. In the fields the Chinese Water Deer are massing. I counted 16 of them in one particular gathering. Quite unusual really as I always considered them as fairly solitary creatures. We continue in the direction of Brogborough close to the railway line. 

The lake at Brogborough looks beautiful in the Winter sun. We follow the brick towards Lidlington. It is an uphill climb once we get over the railway line. The recent rain has made it very difficult to get a decent foothold. There is a lot of pressure on my damaged knee. It is with a lot of relief that I make it to the top.

View from the top

We are still on the Bunyan Trail  and have passed 'Flying Horse' Farm. Although, perhaps 'Abandoned Vehicle' farm might be more appropriate. We continue past 'Hamcorner Spinney' where we spot the splendid Piggy pictured above. The most interesting part of the walk continues with the remains of All Saints Church (Segenhoe) Ridgmont. Segenhoe being the original name according to the Domesday book of 1086. 

Abandoned All Saints Church

The church was abandoned in 1855 when a larger church was built in Ridgmont. The earliest parts of the building are constructed from brown cobbles. Ironstone was used from the 12th century onwards and limestone for the internal columns, arches and mouldings.

 

The cemetery continues to be used for burials.The church was most likely built after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The building is designated a scheduled Ancient Monument. I noticed this particular gravestone in the cemetery. 'James Boon', who died aged 100 on August 13th 1845 . That would have been quite some age at that time! 

We continue back towards Ridgmont and the site of the 'new' church. Arriving back at the start point after some 8.5 miles of very muddy walking at times. Another section of the 'Bunyan Way' completed. Probably about 5 more legs to go. Talking of which it might be a close race with my poor old knee to get it finished....