More about the title later in the blog as I recount some of our experiences at the Stroud Book Festival. I thought First I would round off my previous blog about Remembrance Day. I did watch Jackson’s film on Sunday night and the pictures that were restored were superb. It did show what a pointless and costly war it was. The conditions were appalling and it was good to hear authentic voices of the time talk about their terrible experiences. I also caught the end of Dan Snow’s programme on shell shock last night and it seems our leaders still don’t look after our soldiers well-very moved by the man who had been to Afghanistan  twice when it was obvious he had PTS from his first tour.

The other things we saw at the Festival was Alan Johnson (former Home Secretary) talking about music but recalling much of his formative years in the 50’s. He came over both as amusing, talented and compassionate man. We also saw Tim Dee talking about Gulls and particularly their relationship with rubbish tips and how this is changing. He had a wide knowledge of literature as well that enhanced his talk, considering the topic it was fascinating.

Today’s title is from Ivor Gurney’s book of poems published in 1917 which seems appropriate for today 11th November 2018.

We have enjoyed Stroud Book Festival this weekend a real treat. Today we went to see a  performance called “Author, Composer, Soldier-of-a-Sort” about the enduring friendship between Ivor Gurney and Marion Scott it was written and performed by Jan Carey. She was superb and yes the tears flowed, those of you who know me will know how  moved I am by the poignant story of Gurney’s life.

We cycled into Stroud to see the performance and then went down to Slimbridge to see the wire figures amongst the gravestones. These figures are impressive but the crowds were overwhelming and chaotic on the road. A picture at the bottom of the blog.

I will blog again tomorrow about the rest of the festival but now going to watch Peter Jackson’s restored film of the First World War.

Great song for today’s title for a shortish blog. We had it played at our party on Saturday and lots of people danced to it. We had a super time with many of our lovely friends.

Managed to get in a decent bird watch today at the 100 Acre in Frampton saw a Great White Egret, Stonechat and a Marsh Harrier although no sign of the bird I was hoping for a Short Eared Owl, better luck next time!

Sad to hear that Children’s Services across the country are struggling as a result of penny pinching because of deep cuts. One of my proudest achievements was working with Sure Start and managing our charity, sadly that format has evaporated. I still think Sure Start was one of the best things brought in by recent years, it started in1999.

Had a great cycle ride today involved two decent hills but had a bumper number of Birds of Prey overhead as I cycled through a valley close to Nailsworth. Three Kestrels, one Buzzard, two Red Kites and a Sparrowhawk all within a mile or so of each other. I have heard that there is also a young Hen Harrier in the area which is encouraging. We can tell the seasons are changing with the first Bewick Swan arriving at Slimbridge this week.

I’ve taken a couple of bookings for after Christmas this week and I am slowly putting together my ideas for a story for our proposed Severn Tour next year. Just need to knuckle down and write now!

Unashamed on a significant milestone for me to have a Ralph McTell song title for today. We saw him at The Royal Welsh College of Music in Cardiff. What a wonderful concert hall. We also called in to see my Great Nephew Rupert who arrived at the beginning of September. It was a delightful day and we came home glowing.

Ralph was on the top of his game which is amazing considering his age, his catalogue of songs are wide ranging, thoughtful and sensitive. Yes the tears flowed on a couple of songs especially with the raw feelings of recent weeks (more about that at the end of the blog).

I am currently trying to write a story for our tour next year on the River Severn, we already have bookings so need to get on with it! Actually we have got quite a bit of it ready.

Sad day tomorrow in our village as we say Goodbye to our dear friend Robin.

A blast from the past for today’s title just been listening to it! I thought it would fit after my exertions of the last two days, I am only blogging now because my work this morning has been cancelled so got the chance to do outstanding admin jobs.

Tuesday Neil and I worked hard at Wick Court cutting back the hedge near the bird hide, hand bears the scars! It was good physical work and we were pleased with our efforts.

Later it was to the real Theatre of Dreams to see the Hatters score 4 against  Accrington although ironically it wasn’t as comprehensive win as we had on Saturday. Got back well after midnight only to get up before 6 to travel up to Birmingham for a Gig.

It was at Dorrington Academy and I was telling stories linked to Black History Month to Reception and K.S. 1 children. A lovely big school with receptive young people. I altered my Deep, Deep story which is physically demanding! So I had to go to bed early!

A quick blog today after watching some scintillating football yesterday from the Mighty Hatters. The skill on display was outstanding and I love the way my team play their way out of trouble, no Row Z for our defence! How we didn’t score more than two was baffling but the visiting goalkeeper had an outstanding game. I have been pleasantly surprised with the quality of football at this level. COYH!!!!!!!!

That’s it! Back to proper Story Telling blogs this week! It promises to be fairy hectic!

Go to one of my favourite all time bands for today’s title, if you don’t know who that is get Googling! I actually felt like Autumn today despite the lovely sunshine. Good pedal to Story Tell at Wick Court today where I tried out telling a new story “The Death of Nornagest”, it is a story without a happy ending! Pleased with it and gave me some ideas for developing the Telling.

The cricket on Monday went surprisingly well, we won and the oldest man (by a country mile) on either side was top scorer! It is certainly a young man’s game!

I had a wonderful long ride yesterday meeting up with old friends for lunch.

Two very different bird watches this week one with the children and the monthly survey on the Severn this morning. Highlight today was 10 Grey Plovers on the River and the children enjoyed seeing 30 flighty Linnets on Tuesday.

Managed to get some writing in as well this morning.

A first today, a Grateful Dead song for the title! Only because it is yet another blustery day!

Started the day full of hope that the Mighty Hatters might win at Barnsley and slip into the Play Off places. Watched it on T.V. and we came second, didn’t deserve a point although we had a goal disallowed for offside and it wasn’t!

I packed my cricket kit away yesterday and now I’m needed for indoor cricket (a young man’s game) on Monday night-wish me luck!

Final pictures from Montenegro including the big table football match-I came second!

What a blustery day after the last few days both here and in Montenegro. Back in the routine now, did some old favourites at Wick Court yesterday to young people from Peckham, hoping to learn a new story for next week. This is alongside story learning for a pub gig in December as well as a couple of school gigs looming.

We had a great time away with our wonderful friends John and Sally. The weather was fantastic and the scenery amazing. Picture below is our first night with a great sunset.

More to follow!