A Walk on the Isle of Wight

Godshill, IoW. Saturday 11-July-2016

Our friends Tim and Sarah retired to the Isle of Wight and this was the first opportunity to visit them in their new home. They do a lot of walking because they have a black Lab called Django. Since we are trying to fit in as much walking as we can before our charity walk next month it suited everyone to plan for a good long walk.

It is possible to buy a through ticket from home to Ryde Pier Head which includes the ferry and a two minute trip from the end of the pier to dry land. I just love that. We went down Friday afternoon for a boozy meal in.

Saturday morning, only slightly hungover, we went for a walk to Ventnor. As we left the village we passed a much photographed scene. There are many thatched cottages on the Island just like Hampshire across the Solent.

The countryside is much like the North Downs Way that we are part way through walking: rolling chalk hills, mixed farmland and woodland - very lovely.

Lots of sheep grazing meant Django had to go on the leash for these fields lest he decide he wanted to play with the sheep.

Part of the route was along a disused railway line, they make for good level paths.

We came across some Triffids. Turns out they are Echium Pininana, a native of the Canary Islands but we are clearly far enough south here for them to do well.

We hit the coast at Steephill Cove. A lovely little piece of very traditional looking seaside.

Sandy beach, boats, deck chairs, ice-cream and not a Kiss-me-quick hat in sight. Our hosts said it was busy but, for a sunny summer's day, it seemed to me to merely modestly bustling.

Along the coast into Ventnor for a crab sandwich lunch and then the return leg with an additional loop so it was not entirely retracing our footsteps.

Total trip 12.2 miles at a leisurely 2.7 mph in glorious sunshine

Sunday, after an enormous Full English breakfast, we headed off back to "The North Island" as mainland Britain is sometimes whimsically referred to by the islanders.

I love that the Island Line uses old tube trains for its rolling stock; a little flashback to early trips to London. The passengers numbers are such that a two-carriage train suffices.

An excellent weekend away with many thanks to our hosts.

Puglia June 2015: Installing a Pool

Last trip we acquired an above-ground pool but it was missing a part. The Italian distributors did not stock it, the American manufacturers only shipped to US and Canada, the UK distributor only shipped within the UK. That left us only one choice - we had to squeeze in another trip to Italy.

Said part was duly ordered, flights booked and hold luggage allowance paid for (we are talking EasyJet here). Our flight was Thursday evening so I took the part into work and many of my colleagues wondered if I was taking a surfboard with me.

Our local agent had arranged for a bed of sand to be laid down. Concerns about rain washing it away earlier in the week meant that it was laid down at 7am that Friday morning. It isn't actually sand it is more like limestone powder.

The liner looked like it had been previous stored resting on earth, it was pretty grubby with the red, clay-like soil round here. We unrolled it in the courtyard so that Mary could give it a wash. The instructions recommended laying it out in the sun to warm and soften so we killed two birds with one stone.

Next we laid a sheet of plastic as an underlay partly to reduce the risk of sand erosion and partly to provide extra protection for the liner.

Next we laid the liner out and checked all the frame parts were in location.

Opened out the liner and made sure it was correctly lined up with the sand base.

The edge pieces are slotted together and slid into the tube. Then the U-shaped side supports are slotted into the frame.

The tricky bit, which requires at least three people, is raising the frame and attaching the lower end of the U-supports to the stays round the base. That done it suddenly looks like a serious pool of a fair size.

More cleaning while we waited for Giorgio, our water man. Bear in mind that we are not on mains water and even if we were it would take forever to fill the pool from a tap. We have a cistern under the courtyard which requires regular tanker loads - typically three per week at €20 a pop - when we have a full house.

It took eight tanker loads to fill the pool. Fortunately Giorgio lives close by so each round trip doesn't take long. The first trip was only a part load because of the slope of the drive.

For subsequent trips Giorgio brought all his hoses daisy-chained together and discharged from the upper drive. Once the first couple of loads were in we emptied a bucket of "shock" chloride to start the water treatment. Later fine adjustments will be made by the pool guy.

So we had to try the water the next day. It was pretty chilly but it had to be done. It will warm up. Even by the Sunday it was noticeably warmer.

We have already updated the rental websites with photo of the new pool. Many other trulli for rent have a pool and I think we were at a disadvantage without one. It may not be a sophisticated in-ground pool but you can swim in it, cool off it it and splash about in it. I hope this will generate more interest - we will see.

The Lost River Fleet Walk

Sunday 21-June-15

Through our friend Nigel we met Paul Talling who has written a couple of books on London: Derlict London and London's Lost Rivers (also on FB Derelict London, Lost Rivers). He also does guided walks based on the books. They tend to sell out really quickly so we booked a couple pretty smartish when the email hit the inbox, one of each.

First up, the River Fleet, starting where it empties into the Thames just below Blackfriars Bridge. The walk covers a lot of history from Roman times up to Dickensian London.

One of the first stops was St Ann Blackfriars, Ireland Yard dating back to the 16th century and burnt down in the Great Fire of 1666.

Further on we took in a bit of derelict London at Smithfield Market, the offal from which used to form a major pollutant in the old River Fleet.

The interior looks like a poor relation of Leadenhall with Victorian cast iron pillars.

I was amused by the concrete blocks with stencilled design to make it look like an apartment block; this block is about 60 cm tall

Later we went to Clerkenwell and there is a clue in it's name:

It is the site of a mediaeval well dating back to at least 1174 which is still there and can be visited by appointment.

The river is all underground in pipes and forms part of the sewer system. It can still be heard. If you put your ear to this grating you can hear the rushing sound of the river - a look out for traffic is recommended!

Mount Pleasant was sarcastically named after a huge rubbish mound and there are a number of Post Office building round there. As a teenager I went on a tour of the Mount Pleasant Mail Centre sorting office built on the location of the former Coldbath Fields Prison that ceased to function in 1885. They have a pretty cool private underground railway for transferring mail between buildings

We passed a plaque salvaged from a previous building on that site that was home to Nell Gwyn, long time mistress of King Charles II.

An early example of social housing near St Pancras

"Dust and Ashes Only" from the days of coal fires and, presumably, smog and London pea-soupers and large numbers of deaths from respiratory problems. Ah, the good old days.

Final stop was St Pancras Old Church featuring the Soane Mausoleum of John Soane designer of the Bank of England.

The dome is the inspiration for that iconic British symbol - the red telephone box.

Also home to the Hardy Tree surround by gravestones relocated there by a young Thomas Hardy.

We then adjourned to a local pub because walking is thirsty work. Many thanks to Paul for an entertaining day full of factoids and trivia about London and its history.

North Downs Way 02 - Guildford to Dorking

Saturday 20-June-2015

We haven't done a "Challenge" this year Mary said so she signed us up for a 23 mile charity walk along Hadrian's Wall for The Alzheimer Society. I like the idea of Hadrian's Wall as the Romano-British period was always my scene but I'm not so sure about the 23 miles "extremely tough one-day event over hilly landscapes".

So, of course, that means we have to get in some training to get a little fitter. So that Saturday morning over breakfast Mary proposed we do the second section of the North Downs Way from Guildford to Dorking.

Heigh-ho! Off to Guildford by train and a one mile walk to pick up where we left off from the first leg.

This is pretty walking country with what I call "proper woods" deciduous of tree with ferns and leaves underfoot. None of this coniferous Forestry Commission rubbish. Now this is what I call gnarly.

At several points there were pillboxes from a time in the second world war when an imminent invasion was feared and lookout posts were required.

The last stretch heading down to the A24 at Dorking gave us a good view over the vineyards of Denbies wine estate.

The end of this stage is where we hit the A24 and then had another mile to the train station and home. So, although this stage was only 13 miles, we actually walked 15 miles what with the train connections at each end. Only nine more stages to go!

This leg: 15 miles
Total so far: 26 miles

Madeline Bell at Ronnie Scott's 2015

Friday 18-June-2015

Second time Mary Galashan and I have had the pleasure of seeing Madeline Bell at Ronnie's. Madeline is having way too much fun. She comes across as such a lovely lady as well as being a fabulous singer. The banter between her and the band is great.

Posted by Official Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club & Ronnie's Bar on Thursday, 18 June 2015

Two songs stand out from the set. The first was a cover of the Abba hit "Money, Money, Money". It gives the song an interesting twist to hear a kitsch pop song sung by a soul vocalist. The other was "Melting Pot" which was a huge hit for Blue Mink and as she said made so much more that followed possible for her (or words to that effect).

We went with friends Grant and Helen. Grant called Madeline an entertainer which is a good description. She does more than just sing. She connects with the audience by grinning and not taking it it too seriously and clearly having a good time.

Posted by Official Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club & Ronnie's Bar on Thursday, 18 June 2015

When she signed our copy of her CD she took real care to sign her name, and ours, clearly and legibly unlike like some other's squiggle signatures. When I mentioned the banter between her and the percussionist she said they had been playing together for years and they all loved each other. That showed in the performance. Go see her if you can.

Cleaning the Wandle June 2015

Watermeads Nature Reserve, Poulter Park. Sunday 14-Jun-2015

Last time Mary and I walked this stretch the Watermeads Nature Reserve was not open so we had to walk along the railings looking wistfully at the river bank. Now the reserve it open to the public so the Wandle Trust were able to gain access for the first ever clear up on this stretch.

"Watermeads, a National Trust nature reserve along the River Wandle, opened to the public in May 2015 having been hidden behind locked gates for 100 years. National Trust founder Octavia Hill and her sister Miranda personally started the appeal to save Watermeads. The 11 acre site has recently had new paths, bridges and a sluice, to improve the wetlands habitat for wildlife and public access. " Watermeads nature reserve in South London

Despite being inaccessible to the public there was the inevitable shopping trolley but generally there was not much rubbish compared to other stretches. The guys in the water must have been newbies because they starting working downstream. That means you are working in your own stirred up silt and it is impossible to see the debris in the water, you have to work by feel. I gave up and switched to wheelbarrow duty; less glamorous but still an essential part of the teamwork.

None of the wheelbarrows are Ninja-silent but "Sean" is the worst culprit. However today, after several years, I finally remembered to bring a can of bicycle oil and give all the barrows' axles a good squirt. At long last peace reigns!

A major theme of the day was invasive species, this time not Himalyan balsam but Floating pennywort: "Floating pennywort can grow up to 20 centimetres a day, blocking out light and reducing the oxygen for other plants and animals". There is a pond as part of the reserve which was completely covered in the stuff.

Part of the team did a major piece of aquatic weeding.

A lovely day out!

The Wandle Trust is an environmental charity dedicated to restoring and maintaining the health of the River Wandle and its catchment. They hold community river cleanups on the second Sunday of every month, up and down this unique urban chalkstream – pulling out everything from shopping trolleys to shotguns, and improving the environment for birds, fish, insects and local people. For more visit: http://www.wandletrust.org/.

Errol Linton's Blues Band at Green Note

Camden Town, London. Saturday 12-Jun-2015.

Congratulations to Green Note voted Londoners’ Favourite Music Venue in the London Music Awards sponsored by The Mayor's Music Fund in association with Time Out.  Well deserved.

I had a couple of colleagues from overseas who were in London over the weekend so I organised an evening of music at this fine venue. We got there early and snagged the front table closest to the minuscule stage. The stage is so small they could only squeeze four of the band on the stage, the guitarist had to stand off the edge.

As luck would have it Errol Linton was on and Blues is Delton's favourite music. Excellent Chicago blues with a seasoning of reggae beat in the mix. Brilliant music played with energy. When you are that close you really get a feel for the personality of the individual band members because you can see every smile and grimace, every fleeting expression. They played two sets, nearly two hours of live music and all for the bargain price of £9 a ticket. Amazing!

Edit [29-July-2025]. The original video clip is defunct so here is a link to a recent Facebook reel:

As Mary said Green Note punches above its weight. For a small venue it has excellent acts night after night. Every time I have been there it has been a musical treat.

Late May Bank Holiday in Puglia

A visit to Italy with our friend Andrea in search of a designer "Mother of the Groom" outfit. Her son Daniel is getting married and there are a number of outlet shops in the area that we hoped would provide a bargain outfit not available in the UK.

It was a festival for the local Saint so the illuminations were up in Cisternino.

Transforming Via Roma into a classier version of Blackpool illuminations and on a more modest scale.

Saturday we dined once again at the excellent Osteria la Valle and I had the starter special of the day linguine with crab - delicious.

Mary's main course squid was equally fresh and tasty.

Back at Trullo Azzurro the previous guests had the water pump cut out on them and a simple press of the reset button sufficed. While we were there it played up repeatedly so our local managing agent and general useful guy, Graham, came and had a look. He took the pump (shiny lump at the bottom) and controller (blue lump at the top) away for servicing. It was the controller at fault, apparently, and all was back in place that afternoon with absolutely no problems since.

After Andrea had left we went over for a meal with our new friends Ceri and David in Alberobello - plus a sleep over as much wine was consumed. The next morning they revealed that they had a spare, second-hand, above ground pool that they had acquired but never used. This solved the debate of whether we should invest in a pool. We could *ahem* put our toe in the water by trying this one out and see how it goes in terms of generating extra bookings.

It turned out there were a couple of parts missing which we have ordered and will take out with us next trip. That means some guests will get a pleasant surprise when they arrive - not expecting a pool and finding one. At 18ft x 9ft x 52in (5.5m x 2.7m x 1.3m) this makes for decent size pool; let's hope our prospective guests agree.

http://www.intexcorp.com/28351eh.html

Another planned social event was to meet up with Patrizia, the artist who painted our recent artwork purchase. It was lovely to meet her in person and show her how well the painting looked in it's new home.

All in all another most excellent visit.

Al Stewart at the Royal Albert Hall

Saturday 16-May-2015.

Another coup for SingKick. As soon as I got the alert I went online to buy tickets but the concert was not even up on the RAH website. So I rang the box office and they confirmed the concert was on and I could buy tickets. Being so quick off the mark, I was able to get front row seats right in the middle of the row. Result!

Don't miss Night #2 of the Royal Albert Hall in London, when Al will perform the albums Past Present Future and Year of...
Posted by Al Stewart OFFICIAL on Wednesday, 20 May 2015

It was not the usual "greatest hits" approach of many established artists. Instead it was two albums in their entirety. First he played "Past Present and Future" track for track. Then an interval. Then "Year of the Cat". After that the encore was "Carol" and the wonderful "Time Passages" as the final song.



Hearing the songs live is very different to the albums I was used to but in a good way as he was supported by a full band. The band were great but two musicians stood out for me. Tim Renwick in particular made playing superb guitar look so effortless. You could hear echoes of the man who played with Pink Floyd. Dave Nachmanoff is a long time collaborator with Al Stewart and key to the concert we enjoyed so much.

At the end we could see a photographer up behind the choir and blow me if they didn't publish the picture on Facebook - that's me in the brown jacket and Mary Galashan in the floral dress.

Photo by Anne Burghard
Posted by Al Stewart OFFICIAL on Sunday, 17 May 2015

A brilliant concert. Superb band. Two classic albums. Time Passages for an encore. AND the best seats in the house. It doesn't get much better than that. My eyes may have leaked. Thanks to Al Stewart and all the musicians for a wonderful evening.

Lee Konitz and Dave Douglas Quintet at Ronnie Scott's

Monday 04-May-2015.

Our friends, Bron and Maggie's, first visit to Ronnie Scott's. The front desk very kindly put us in a corner table in the premier seating pit. The advantage of that table is that we could shuffle round and all see the stage without imitating the swivelling head of an owl.

Jazz Journal preview: "Cool-school maestro Lee Konitz, in his 88th year, leads a group with trumpeter Dave Douglas at Ronnie Scott's in May. Konitz is, with Sonny Rollins, the last major representative of early modern jazz who's still active." Full preview...

Posted by Official Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club & Ronnie's Bar on Tuesday, 5 May 2015

We ate, we drank, we listened to great jazz.

Jazz Journal Review: "Andy Hamilton finds veteran saxophonist Lee Konitz in remarkable form, alongside the supportive trumpeter Dave Douglas and a fine band at Ronnie Scott's. [...] Konitz at 87 still conveys a sense of mischievous spontaneity, keeping audience and band wondering what he will do next. It's true that in the 1990s he returned full-time to the standards repertoire, and no longer plays original compositions by former partners such as Frank Wunsch, Kenny Wheeler or Harold Danko. But his work remains as unpredictable and unclichéd as ever. Full review...

Posted by Official Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club & Ronnie's Bar on Tuesday, 5 May 2015

Well that seemed to go OK!