Play: The Vicar of Dibley!

In aid of Comic Relief, we drove over to Rothwell Methodist Church to see their production of the iconic ‘The Vicar of Dibley’. Rothwell Methodist Players were the stars of the evening – all local ‘Rowellians’ including Andrew Farrington, the resident Vicar who also produced and directed things. As the curtain went up at 7.30 …
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First Visit: The Wharf Inn, Welford

We headed off to Welford today – it was our first visit to The Wharf Inn. We met up with fellow ‘Northants Nutters’ – Paul & Sue and Richard and Nicki – for lunch. It was already buzzing when we arrived just before 1pm. After getting some drinks from the Bar we were shown to …
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Catch up: Chris and Gill – Castle Ashby

We headed for The Deli at Castle Ashby today for Breakfast and an overdue catch-up with long-time mates: Chris & Gill. Quiet when we arrived, it was absolutely packed by the time we left – it was clearly a popular destination! πŸ‘ And we could see why! The food was delicious with great service too! …
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Pantomime (Adults Only!)

Off to the local Lighthouse Theatre to see the ‘adult’ Panto: Jack and the Beanstalk! We’ve not been to an ‘adult’ Panto before, and this one promised that it was ‘very rude’, ‘full of innuendo’ and with ‘plenty of audience participation’! πŸ€”. With the ‘audience participation’ part ringing VERY uncomfortably in our ears, we realised …
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Film: One Life (2024)

Off to the local Odeon to see this one. It wouldn’t have been my first choice of cinematic entertainment – not enough spandex or sci-fi for me, but Ann was keen! πŸ˜˜πŸ‘- But I’m so glad I went!! Read on… Official Trailer How long? A loo-friendly 1 hour 50 minutes! πŸ‘πŸΎ Synopsis Directed by James …
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Pantomime 2024 (Cinderella)

Off to Milton Keynes Theatre to see their Panto performance – Cinderella! Sadly, Carol was not feeling 100% and couldn’t join us. Janet took on taxi duties, picked us up just before 4.30 and we were soon on our way in the cold and wet weather heading for MK `and the 6pm performance. They’re always …
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Doctor Who Christmas Special (2023): The Church on Ruby Road

Given my recent (typing) hand injury on the Friday before Christmas, I think I’m probably the last Whovian to watch this episode and then review it. It’s Saturday, the 30th – almost a week later, and I’ve managed to avoid any Reviews, anywhere. Phew! πŸ˜•. Forgive the odd typo – this took about four hours …
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The “Butcher’s Dog” Report

You know that old saying? “Fit as a Butcher’s Dog!” – well, that’s pretty much me! I’m hardly ever ill (apart from a bout of COVID back in 2021 and my, so-good-I’ve-had-them-twice, Kidney Stones). So, 2023 turned into the year when this old dog had multiple trips to the vets!! 😬 Deaf in Paradise It …
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Salvation Army Carol Concert (2023)

Off into town this evening to enjoy this year’s Salvation Army Carol Concert at the Salvation Army Citadel. Jo, Janet & Helen together with David & Valerie were there, as usual, and we also saw Derek & Lydia. We’ve been coming to these for quite a few years now as it represents another ‘sign’ that …
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Anniversary Break – London (Day 3)

Day 3 – Friday, December 15, 2023 Good Morning London! 😎. Here we are in London as part of our Wedding Anniversary celebration (yesterday) staying at the rather posh Tower Hotel. It’s day three – our final day! What you might have missed… Day 1 – Arrival at the Tower Hotel/Moulin Rouge/Indian Meal/Embankment Walk Day …
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Anniversary Break – London (Day 1)

We headed for London today, as part of our Anniversary celebration (tomorrow). We’re in the capital for three days, taking in some shows and catching up with my brother and his family. Busy Busy!!! πŸ˜πŸ‘. So, it was all aboard the 9.48 out of Kettering made much easier by neighbour, Valerie, acting as our taxi …
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Christmas TV Listings (2023)

We’ve all got different ‘triggers’ for when ‘Christmas’ officially begins. For many, it’s probably when the Supermarkets start displaying their Christmas lines! But that’s obscenely early isn’t it? So how about… …that first Christmas meal? (this year, I was up to FOUR, two weeks before the big day! πŸ˜‹πŸ˜ƒ) …or when the John Lewis Christmas …
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Doctor Who Returns – Special 3: The Giggle

It’s back! Everything is new (apart from the lead characters) and these 60th Anniversary Specials are a big huge deal – even if you don’t usually watch it. Why such a fuss? Well, for the background and lead up to these 60th Anniversary ‘Specials’ and the NEW (15th) Doctor, take a look at my detailed …
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Christmas Catchup – Steve and Helen

Unbelievable! It’s only the 10th of December and this is already our FOURTH Christmas meal! Tough life, ehh?!? 😁 At this rate, I’m sure there must be a real danger that we’ll both turn into Turkeys before the 25th! Gobble, gobble! πŸ¦ƒπŸ— Today’s venue of choice? The very popular (and very nicely appointed) The George …
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Our Third Christmas Meal of 2023

We headed round to John and Trish’s tonight for their legendary Christmas Meal. It’s usually our first of the festive period, but this year, we’d had the Northants Nutters round at ours last Sunday for an early Christmas get-together, and then met up with Dennis & Sandra on Thursday for more festive fare – so …
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Christmas Catchup – Ralph & Karen

Here we are at the Quorndon Fox in Loughborough. We were last here on New Year’s day in 2021 with Jo, Janet and Carol. Today, more of the same – ‘a get together with mates’ – with a long overdue catchup with Ralph and Karen. Getting there was another frustrating experience, where the M1 came …
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Doddington Hall with Dennis and Sandra

It’s another of our cultural days out with mates, Dennis & Sandra. We’ve built up quite a list over the years… International Bomber Command (September 2023)Southwell (March 2023)Chatsworth House (November 2022)Belvoir Castle (August 2022)Kedlestone Hall (May 2021)Hardwick Hall (August 2020)Castle Howard (December 2019)The Royal Armouries Museum (March 2019)Bolsover Castle (October 2018)Belton House (May 2018)York (February …
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Doctor Who Returns – Special 2: Wild Blue Yonder

It’s back! This is the second ‘Special’ of three. I gave last week’s – The Star Beast – four stars (in keeping with most of the critics), so let’s see how this one: ‘Wild Blue Yonder’, turns out. The final Special is next week. Before I get into Wild Blue Yonder, a short aside to …
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Return to Colchester – Day 2

Day 2 – Saturday, November 25th 7.20am: Morning all! Here we are in Colchester, feeling somewhat nostalgic, re-treading old ground from our working days in and around the area. 9.10am: It might be freezing cold outside, but at least it’s dry! And, after yesterday’s ‘going nowhere fast’ adventure, today, we’re doing everything on foot! On …
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Return to Colchester – Day 1

We’re off to Colchester for a few days. Gosh! We haven’t visited here for quite a few years! πŸ‘πŸ˜ Day 1 – Friday, November 24th (Arrival) We’re off! We set off just after 9.45 this morning, heading for the A14/M11. 11.10am: Our first planned stop along the way was Gridserve Charging Station in Great Notley. …
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The Pheasant – Revisited

David, Valerie, Ann and I returned to The Pheasant in Keyston today for Sunday Lunch. Since we moved to our current home in 1996, The Pheasant had been our ‘go-to’ quality eatery around these parts. In the intervening years though, we’d discovered plenty of alternatives (Northamptonshire’s well served!) and for no other reason apart from …
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