Birthday at the Regis

To celebrate Michelle's birthday in June 2012, we went to the Regis. They sang Happy Birthday. And we had a cake.

Gamesmaker 2012: The Uniform

My gamesmaker experience started with a trip to UDAC (Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre) near a recycling plant close to Canning Town. It involved queues. And green lines to follow. There was also many pages of quite strict rules on how to wear the uniform.

A cake from Barchester

On 17th July, ILC-UK organised a party which celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Barchester Healthcare. We got given a lovely cupcake.

But look what happened to mine later that week in Hotham Park?

Campsites on the West Country Way

Last year I cycled from Bristol to Bodmin.

I've just found some notes I made about different camp sites along the way and thought I would share them. I went in May 2011. It wasn't school holidays so managed to get in everywhere easily. The busiest site was also the uglyist.

Homestead Park, Wookey Hole

Quite a pretty (and small) camping field in a nice little village. I managed to get a space along the stream. It's a very pretty town and has a couple of nice pubs selling local cider. The showers worked.

The site did remind me how caravans do make for ugly sites. Hard standing is not attractive.

It's at the bottom of a very steep hill which is apparently not appropriate for Charabancs.

There aren't many facilities in Wookey Hole and no cash machine. I had to pay by cheque and the owner insisted on a cheque guarantee card.

I cycled the two miles into Wells in the evening, partly to get to see the town (SEE XXX)

Cornish Farm, Taunton

It's hard to find much nice to say about this site. It's almost 2 miles from town. "1 1/2 miles from everything except the motorway" joked the owner. I feel misled that it uses "farm" in the title.

If you haven't a car it's a very dull place to stay. it features possibly the most annoying shower I've ever experienced on a camp site, switching off every 10 seconds and varying in temperature. It did have wifi and there are some local pizza places which will deliver to the site.

Despite it being a pleasant evening no-one was out in front of their caravans. All seemingly sitting watching tv.

Taunton on a Sunday night is dull. Nothing is open.

Halse Farm, Winsford

This site is up a very steep hill on the edge of Exmoor. It's about a mile from Winsford. There is a pleasant local pub (link). But it was a bit of a walk away and very dark on the way home with no street lighting.

I didnt actually get to meet the owner but left cheque in letter box.

Brightlycott Barton, Barnstable

A very affable farmer welcomed me. It was pretty good value and they sold eggs from the farm. There were few other tents the week I was there. A clean and nice shower block. I really liked the site.

 

Legge Farm Fishery, Highampton

I was the only tent in the field and felt a little lonely. That said I didnt arrive until late. I was welcomed by the owner (and the pigs).

I suspect the showers get busy when full. I probably wouldnt have chosen this place except for its convenient location between two other stops. It's actually an angling farm.

Coxford Meadow, near Bude

Again, I was made very welcome. The owner made me a coffee on my arrival. They had a nice little room where I could plug in my phone and watch the TV. I was the only person on the site. It is a steep walk down 1.5 miles down to sea at Cracklington. Sitting in the pub felt like being an extra in Home and Away. Showers included a mop. All very nice.

Terribly Clever Creamy Watercress Sauce Base

Dear Marks and Spencer

























This terribly clever creamy watercress sauce base is not so clever. You need to add cream and watercress.

A Las Vegas Wedding

Finally got round to putting our wedding on youtube.



And you can find the story of the honeymoon here.

Photos of London Marathon 2011

I've already blogged about London Marathon 2011: http://davidasinclair.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/london-marathon-2011.html

But I've just got round to buying the photos. They cost quite a lot so I thought I would post a few here.

The Big Slide - Grand Opening

3rd June saw the Grand Opening of the Bognor Slide. After a final clean, George cut the ribbon and had the first go on the slide. We celebrated with wine, a BBQ and a failed attempt to light a fire.

Saturday evening in Gorky Park

Possibly the highlight of my trip to Moscow was a lovely Saturday evening (30th June) spent strolling around Gorky Park. I wasnt expecting much from the park but really enjoyed it. There was a "fan park", lots of stages with entertainment, an outdoor cinema, and lots of people enjoying the evening sun. I had a beer in the sun and watched some Europop. I liked it. A lot.

Running near Travelodge Heathrow Terminal 5

I recently (28th June) stayed at the Travelodge Heathrow Terminal 5. I discovered a really nice local park which was perfect for a little jog around in the evening.

Turn left out of the industrial estate where you can find the travelodge. Jog to the roundabout near the pub and go into the park through the pub car park.

I've only just started to try and do evening runs. On this occassion I lost energy about 1km in.

The hotel itself is pretty good. It has a cafe and serves dinner/breakfast. It is typically very cheap. And the shuttle from Heathrow T5 is £4.50 (Cheaper to buy a return).