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.

Sombre pictures from the square in what was the Jewish Ghetto in Krakow. When the people were forcibly removed all that was left was furniture and belongings- hence this poignant art installation.

Some pictures from Krakow. I didn’t take any at Schindler Factory/ Museum because it reflected man’s inhumanity to man.

i even watched the football from home yesterday very depressing!!!

Short blog from Bristol Airport. That boring bit waiting for your gate to open. Always an effort to plod through security! We are off to Krakow for a few days. Think it will be cooler than here! Will try and blog with some photos over our stay!

The Two Severn Bores performed last night at Folk Tales in Bristol with our new show of stories and songs. It is a lovely setting the John Sebastian Lightship and always a great crowd. Dan’s songs were superb it is a real privilege to perform with him. We were chuffed with how it went and amazingly we got another gig booked today for our new show (without trying!)

I have just come back from telling stories at Wick Court to young people from London.

I have decided to update the website so look out for it later in the year.

The title refers to the film I saw last week at Cheltenham Film Society. It was set in Brazil when the country was being ruled by the military . It was a really powerful and moving film and was important message for our times especially when powerful rulers try to suppress anyone who disagrees with them. Really enjoy the Film Society because we have the opportunity to watch many films from around the world that you won’t get at your local cinemas.

Tomorrow night The Two Severn Bores are performing at the Cabot Cruising Club Bristol  BS1 6SG starting at 7.30 (doors open at 7) for anyone who is around. I will be telling three stories one for the first time and one I have only done once before! Dan has written two great new songs to fit with the story themes! We then need to explore some new venues for this show.

What a wonderful weekend for Beer and Books in Stratford. Four of us had a wonderful cycle up on Friday. The weather was fair and our ride was punctuated by stops for cakes and soup. We thoroughly enjoyed watching Measure for Measure at the RSC Theatre. Not a play I knew and this production was certainly inventive. The acting and the set were first class. We are lucky to be reasonably close to Stratford and over the years have seen many original productions.

All of us thoroughly enjoyed our weekend- our Book Club is now twenty years old!

My body is aching now after the ride back! Didn’t get off to the best start found I had a puncture – every time I pumped it up  the pump ripped out the valve letting the air out! We eventually got away!

My football team even managed to win without me!

I write this blog just before our Book Club outing to Stratford (we are watching Measure for Measure on Saturday). Four of us are cycling up tomorrow and meeting three more there tomorrow night. We are pedalling back on Sunday. The weather looks fair although possibly chilly in the morning!

I am off storytelling later tonight at Wick Court. The Two Severn Bores are performing our new show for the first time  in Bristol next Wednesday- we are hoping to rehearse while we are in Stratford!

We managed the school pick up for Owen (my grandson)last night (our first solo pick up!)

Finally I went to the physio this morning to give my dodgy hamstring the once over- actually it was encouraging and i now need to be conscientious and do my exercises!