Well three if you count the short notice, but I’ll let that pass. This time 2 nights at the Waterfront Hotel and Spa (well you’ve got to vary your surroudings, have you not). Reported to the Papworth at 7.30am on the 3rd and went through the same pre-checks as before. Suitably supplied with the now very fetching ‘paper pants’ and with canular in right arm (left proved less than forthcoming) again waited for the 8.30 kick off…..
The Prom Trio
The final three in this year’s proms were completed last night. The concerts were supposed to be post ablation celebrations but that never happened, although it got pretty close!…..
Ablation…..Bugger!
Finally got a date for the ablation procedure (after initially declining the first offer as it gave me little or no time to prepare). So two nights in the Hotel Felix dutifully booked, we entered Papworth at 7.30am on the 17th. All the usual checks (height, weight, questionnaire etc.) were completed, followed by the insertion of the canular. I was changed, shaved (for the sake …
The Four Seasons – Snape Proms 18
A first last night and the second of the proms. As a largely classical ignoramus, Vivalidi’s “Four Seasons” is one of the few pieces that I can genuinely claim to know reasonably well .Of Rachel Podger and the Brecon Baroque I knew nothing however. I suspect this is a little like a classical nerd hearing the great Aretha and saying that ‘she’s, you know , …
The Blues Band – Snape Proms 18
Spent last night on the first of what I think are five visits to the Snape Proms this year. A return for the now ageing Blues Band and at least the second for us, a little like old friends! It has to be said, uncharitably I might suggest, that the gig was somewhat lacking in uplift. The post interval performance was a significant improvement and …
Bury Blast
Spent yesterday in Bury, ostensibly for a matinee of “The Case of the Frightened Lady” at the intimate Bury Theatre Royal. Well, I say intimate but as a result of a late purchase we were up in the gallery. A combination of moderately uncomfortable seats, extreme heat and less than optimal acoustics lead to an early departure at the interval. I suggested leaving early and, …
MacLean at the Apex
Very last minute decision to catch Dougie at the Apex on Sunday night, coupled with an overnighter at the Premier Inn. Primary reason to catch MacLean was largely a morbid one – see him before either he or can no longer manage it. 🙂 Knew him more by reputation than actual repertoire (other than ‘Caledonia‘) and truth be told, whilst perfectly enjoyable, he seemed a …
Maverick 18
After missing a year in 2017 for ‘reasons unavoidable’, we were back yesterday for our ritual Saturday fix. Once again blessed with superb weather, the afternoon in front of the main stage was, as usual, the purveyor of an excellent and eclectic selection of bands and music. Big shout out in particular to an early set (11.00am) from Luke Tuchscherer (with band the Penny Dreadfuls). …
Newquay Break
A short break wasn’t even on the cards and then I saw we could fly directly to Newquay from Stansted and within two hours it was all booked. Sadly, couldn’t do a full week because we were booked for Maverick on the Saturday of our planned return so we ended up with a four day trip. Still, the flight was very civilised and so much more relaxing for the driver, who would have otherwise have faced an arduous journey to get us there. Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa proved a sensible and comfortable choice, despite the now infamous and mysterious disappearance of the relief chef in the middle of service. And all those stories about Newquay being central to England’s surfing crowd – well judging by the number still involved at 9pm at night, definitely true! Fortunately, we were watching it all from the marginally more comfortable environment of the hotel brasserie!
Four In A Row!
Decided to start a new regime of gentle exercise, having forfeited the old rambles back in 2017 after the “incidents”. We decided to keep the walks tight, no more than 3-4 miles and with some kind of incentive to keep the interest. So, on Friday, we undertook the first of these less than gruelling challenges by revisiting RSPB Minsmere on the coast up past Yoxford.
Seckford Hall
Virtually last minute booking for an overnighter at Seckford Hall, including dinner and breakfast. Got to be the shortest distance we have ever travelled (circa 3 miles!) for a one night stay on a Monday night, but once booked in and out in the courtyard with a very pleasant glass of wine and lovely views of the grounds, it’s amazing how quickly you relax – …
Parham Airfield Museum
You know the thing. You’ve been promising to go somewhere for what seems like an eternity but you never make it. You’ve read a few reviews documenting how impressive it is, despite being free and entirely staffed and run by volunteers. You know, partly because of the volunteers that it’s only open on Sundays, with a Wednesday addition through June, July and August. That!!! But yesterday ‘that’ all changed for Parham Airfield Museum….