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.

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.