Thursday was our monthly bird survey out on the river. Great to see 174 avocets – I used to be delighted to see one in the past! We also saw plenty of small birds in the hedgerows. Later I had a lovely story telling at Wick Court with my old friends from Syston in Leicestershire. 

The Two Severn Bores are performing again on Wednesday- it will be the second performance of our new show.

It was very nearly a horror show on Halloween for the Mighty Hatters in the FA Cup. Comfortable for just over 60 + minutes when the team imploded and nearly lost- scraping home at the end. I am hoping for a big improvement on Saturday when I watch them at Stockport. 

It has been a busy first part of the week. On Monday I had a lovely walk with a friend from my last school- she was treating me to lunch at Stroud Brewery.

Yesterday Clare and I cycled to the pub to celebrate my 21st birthday (!!!!) Great ride and we were impressed by the food. Later we went to Cheltenham Film Society as celebration of their 80th birthday. The film was the 1922 silent film Nosferatu (a gothic horror) and it was accompanied by four brilliant musicians. It was an excellent night!

Had a soggy day at Wick Court today bird watching with young people from Leicestershire. Highlight was a goldcrest and nuthatch. Some great questions that stretched me!

Smiling at last at the weekend! Had a delightful day with my two grandsons yesterday running up and down Cleeve Hill. Both boys were keen for Gramps to tell them stories! A picture of them running away from me below!

I was certainly relieved that the Mighty Hatters at last won a game yesterday! Is this the start of a recovery?

Had a good day bird watching with young people from Gloucester at Wick Court. We saw plenty and one girl was delighted that she spotted a wren on a post. I had  a lovely  story telling with them last night.

Talking of stories The Two Severn Bores had a rehearsal last night of our new show last night for our next gig. We are now actively looking for new venues for this show (village halls, arts centres and pub)- any readers out there that can help.

Had a a pleasant surprise yesterday when I saw a goldcrest in the garden. We have also had active coal tits in the garden in recent days. A picture below not mine I have tried unsuccessfully today!

Short blog today!

I was watching the Women’s World Cup cricket from India. Today’s game was from the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while will remember I have been twice to Mumbai to play cricket. My first time was February 24 and we were fortunate enough to play at the DY Patil Stadium– the crowd was significantly smaller than today’s game (there was about 20 + then) A couple of pictures from that memorable day!

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The one below is my shirt airing at the end of the game.

Lovely day in deepest Gloucestershire today! I cycled to Highnam Primary School for a story telling gig. The lovely Year 4 class teacher had asked me back to reprise the Boudicca Revolt (I was there last year) . I also told stories to Year 5 and 6 classes. Doing Boudicca involves me in a wig (red long hair), cloak and my face painted with blue paint! Very tired now after cycling 27 miles and performing all morning! I will see if I can get a picture!

It was a busy weekend – I was at the football on Saturday not great!

Sunday and Monday was with our Exeter family especially the charismatic Ellen our granddaughter!

The title refers to the turmoil at my football club. It has been hard work this season and that is being polite! As a club we are reluctant to dispense with managers but something had to happen! So now the Mighty Hatters are employing a former premiership footballer – time will tell if it is the right gamble. i will of course being going on Saturday! The FA Cup draw has seen local side Forest Green drawn to play us and on current form you have to say they will be favourites.

Lovely day at Wick Court yesterday with young people from East London birdwatching. I am story telling there later today. Currently learning stories for a school visit next week- will be doing one my old favourites Boudicca– so the wig will come out!

Had a grandparent’s delight again yesterday as I was looking after Ellen for the night (her grandmother is away!

As a story teller you frequently tell stories that are full of legends and myths. Last night at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, with my  Peter we  listened to Tour de France Legend Mark Cavendish. Thoroughly enjoyable evening and we came away with a lovely warm feeling.

Had a great time before the talk with Pete’s family before we went out. The two boys are delightful to be with. Owen had a new pair of trainers and kept asking me to go out for a rum with him- “Are you ready now Gramps?” We did and had a a fun time out exploring (and running!)  It is wonderful seeing the world through the eyes of a four year old.

I will mention the news from the Mighty Hatters in my next blog!

Had a lovely story telling session at Wick Court with young people from Surrey. I hadn’t met them like I normally do on the Wednesday but they settled quickly and were brilliantly attentive.

I have been clocking up miles on the bike and had a super ride over the tops to day. On a cycling theme I am being treated tomorrow night to seeing Mark Cavendish (the Manx Missile) at the Cheltenham Literature Festival with my Peter (it is his birthday treat).

You may of noticed my silence on footballing matters- my football team have been a mess on the pitch and sadly out fought by the opposition. There is no truth in the rumour that I am the new manager!!!

Back home from a lovely few days in Krakow a couple of pictures below. The arch is a sculpture celebrating Poland’s recent history also joining the EU and Nato. 

I managed to get to Book Club last night- we discussed Miracles of Life by JG Ballard. We had a really good discussion and were full of admiration for J G Ballard and his outlook on life. and original writing.