August blog

August began on Saturday with the, by now, usual unpredictable weather. The sun shone and as we were about to set off Joni rang with a question about a ceiling light fitting. After visiting and giving an explanation as to how lighting circuits work we left it to him. By the end of the day he sent a visual report showing the completed work.

We drove off to park at Pit Lane in Trowell. It is a splendid car park. From there we set off with aim of going further along the Nottingham Canal. Near to the garden centre one field had the appearance of a snowstorm as fluffy seeds filled the air.

Despite our best efforts we were unable to achieve our goal of reaching the car park near to Cossall. There was very little to be seen of the canal. The motorway had completely destroyed any hope of reinstating it.

There was a special service at the church on the following day. Four leaders had their heads shaved for the Macmillan charity. But more importantly there was a celebration of the first year (1st August last year) that the church has been in the building.

Our first Wednesday visit of the month was to Newstead Abbey (The home of Lord Byron). It was just over thirty minutes drive away. It has gardens set in a large acreage of forest. Coffee and cake was the most expensive that we have had. The gardens have a number of water falls and very ancient trees. In the end it was not a large area to explore and was not really the type of garden that Irene wanted to see. 

So, without SATNav we set off to find Hardwick Hall. There was a lot of summer colour. It was very crowded with families enjoying the activities put on by the National Trust.

The first tiny spots of rain fell as we left. A little more fell as we returned home.

On Friday night we were involved with running the ‘Grand Summer Dance’. The theme was yellow. The Mayor of Broxtowe, Councillor Susan Bagshaw, attended with her husband to present our grant aid cheque. It turned out that her husband was about the same age as me and grew up around Sutton-in-Ashfield. We reminisced on our old haunt. We went to the same dance school.

The weather has improved and we decided to drive to the car park by the Nottingham Canal at Cossall. The aim was to walk back towards Trowell until we arrived at the pond that we reached last week. The bulrushes were at their best and it was about the first time that we have felt pleasantly warm this summer. I was able to take, what I consider to be a superb photograph of a dragonfly.

 In a dramatic move, on Monday morning, Irene and I looked up and booked flights to New Zealand. We fly on 1st December 2015 and return home on 24th February 2016.

Due to the duties at the community centre we were not able to have our usual walk in Derbyshire. It was, of course one of the nicest summer days so far. However, it turned out to be a useful time for a friend to transport my new doors from B and Q. After shopping and lunch we did manage to have a walk.

Two years ago we had our first walk along the Trent Canal from Cossall towards Eastwood. On that occasion we turned around near a car park. I have been able to locate the car park and so was able to find the place to resume the walk. It was really hot, with little shade and after an hour we reached Newmanleys Road, Eastwood. Now we have to do the next bit.

 It was a 6661 steps walk of 2 miles 848 yd 1 ft 9.2 in and burned 199.83 Kcals. 

We woke to a bright Saturday morning and so we rang Paul and Mary to see if they would like lunch, possibly do some computer work and go for a walk. Our usual summer weather cut in so we abandoned plans to go to Calke Abbey as the cold and lack of sun would be a waste of the entrance fee for P and M. We set off for Wollaton Hall, knowing there was a food and drinks fair on. Paul was sure that we would be able to park and walk in. However, this was not the case. Every side road was blocked off and 'No Parking' notices were around for miles.

There was a slight change of plan which meant driving back and crossing the main road to park in a side street near Martin’s Pond. Last time we were there it was spring and the walk was covered with white blossom. We walked round the main pond and then through Harrison’s Plantation to a second pond. We had begun to see some blackberries and I joked to Mary that we would not be able to go home until we had picked 3 containers. Mary said that it was wishful thinking. She was wrong.

I also took some nice reflections shots and some of a heron. We saw two herons in two weeks.

On Wednesday 19^th the weather was quite kind with rain coming in from the west. In the sun it was quite warm but the wind, that has been a nuisance all summer kept cooling us down. The aim was to see the heather on the moors. Irene thought that instead of going to Curbar Edge we should go in the other direction over Baslow Edge. This was a good call. Along the edge the path was more rugged than on Curbar Edge but this made for more of an adventure. I even grazed my knee on the millstone grit. It was not long before we came across a herd of large mammals with large horns. They were highland cattle and were quite docile. They had calves and they were all reluctant to move out of the way.

The heather was splendid and in places cotton tail grass was visible. 

The rocky path came to an end and in front and to our left was a stone cross. This was the ‘Wellington Memorial’. We wondered why it was up in this remote place. 

Wellington's Monument on Baslow Edge

Wellington's monument can be found on Baslow edge, standing high above the village of Baslow. It is dedicated to the Duke of Wellington and a celebration of his victory at the battle of Waterloo in 1815. It was erected by a local called Dr Wrench, who as an army man, felt the need to counterbalance the memorial dedicated to Admiral Nelson on nearby Birchen Edge.

Having examined it and had lunch sitting on a nearby bench we crossed the moor along a much easier bridle way. This took us past a large rock tower called 'Eagle Stone'.

There was then an urgent need so we drove straight back to ‘Caldwell’s Mill’ in Rowsley. However, we could not really rush. Part way along the road through the Chatsworth Estate a herd of cows decided to be indecisive about whether or not to cross the road. Several did but one in front of me started across and then changed its mind. When we got to the mill toilets came before coffee and cake. For the first time, since we have been going there, we noticed that all the food was vegetarian.

Next we walked along the river on the mill side of a large island. We saw a couple more changes. The overflow from the river had been dry for ages and the bulrushes were so high they screened the cottages from view. We could see people on the other side of the field. We found the entrance to the field in the car park and we were able to walk along the river on the other side of the island.

There was a family of swans. For some reason the herd of sheep decided to visit the swans. The swans got angry and the sheep fled in terror, but regrouped to make an idyllic procession along the river bank. A family of human beings were picnicking and their young were paddling in the cold clear water of the river.

This was 8821 steps walks to cover 3 miles 505.2143 yards and burnt 264.63 Kcals.

We held another ‘Not for any particular reason party’ for our family on Saturday. There were about 30 of us in the community centre. There was plenty of food provided by us all. I think that everyone had a good time. We even had some real rain.

Tim, Isla, Iona and Izzy spent the night with us. We had a lazy morning, a walk through the park and lunch together before they went home. This was an extra blessing to our weekend.

The 24th was our wedding anniversary. As all too often this summer the weather varied between unpredictable and ‘it will rain’. This being the case we decided not to travel far and we ended up at the ‘National Arboretum’. This is a large area for remembrance near Litchfield. After coffee in their restaurant we made our way to the chapel where each day at 11.00 a.m. they hold a service of remembrance which is composed of a message read by Kate Adie of the BBC followed by ‘The Last Post’, silence and ‘Reveille’. 

There was so much to see.

We tried to track down Irene’s dad’s regiment and concluded that he may have been in the ‘Paratroopers’. 

 Apart from the many monuments there was a lot of nature by the River Tame including a beautiful swan.

Around 1.30 p.m. it began to spot so we beat a retreat and headed for lunch. This we had in the ‘Clock Warehouse’ in Sawley. 

Being determined that there would be no cooking or washing up today my evening meal was purchased at our newly opened ‘Subway’.

On Tuesday I set about repairing the front wall. I removed a number of blocks, cleaned them up and cemented them back in place. The rest I will re-point at a later date.

Our usual Wednesday outing was again blighted by the weather but after a morning spent trying to produce a CD of Elvis Presley’s songs we went out do some more of the Erewash Trail.

The most northerly section
 of the Nottingham Canal

The top of the Erewash Trail;
marked by KFC

The towpath crossing the Erewash Canal
at the Eastwood Lock

 This time we drove to the place we ended last time and walked along the quite dry Nottingham Canal. There were a lot of blackberries from which we picked a box full before continuing up to the top of the trail at Eastwood and crossing the bridge to the towpath of the Erewash Canal. 

We came across another family of swans and eventual come to a bridge where the canal crosses over the river. This meant that we have now completed the trail from Coventry Lane, up through Cossall to Eastwood and back down the other side to Cottmanhay.
The wall is now complete and I have almost hung the new toilet door. 

Today, Bank Holiday Monday, I did hang the new toilet door. It works!

To end the month on a memorable note - it rained.

July Blog

At last summer arrived. July started with the hottest day of the year and probably the hottest event of the year.

On the first day of the month we almost witnessed the marriage of our son Joni to his ‘long term partner’, Fiona, as they became Mr and Mrs Norten.

Fiona’s parents, Alan an Annette collected us and we all went off to pick up the new couple’s belongings from ‘Sat Baines’ where the pair had enjoyed a meal the night before. I immediately noticed the hat box and I began to think about the ‘no hats rule’.

After waiting outside the council offices for a little while Joni and Fiona emerged, married, and with their two witnesses.

 Photographs followed and then Alan and I had this idea about going off to purchase a hat each, which we did.

Then we set off to ‘Jamies’ for the wedding breakfast. We were led through to the garden where enjoyed strawberries and champagne. As we were completing the antipasti there was a rumble of thunder and then the rain came. Our table was reset up indoors. First two large, yellow tomato cans arrived. This puzzled me. Then a board of assorted starter was placed on top of it.  As we ate the sun came out and once more we were in the garden. Without further interruptions the meal was concluded and we parted company.

 Three days later the wedding celebration took place in the Norten’s garden. Alan had bought the hog roast which was a large oven containing a pig under a large gazebo. For our part we purchased 96 pieces of cheese cakes. Our hosts supplied plentiful alcohol. There was a speech and there was a wedding cake. The cake looked like Lego with two Lego figured on top. The cake was ceremoniously cut. Having spent time and enjoying the company of Tim and family our time there ended.

 Iona had finished her secondary education and chose to spend a few day with us.

The following day, Sunday, the three of us went off with Paul and Mary to a well dressing at Aston on Trent. There is not really a well there but the standard of display was good. The village pulled together to put on a good show.

 On Monday Iona joined us at the morning café and we put her on a bus to Nottingham to do some exploring on her own. She said that this was the first time that she had been on a bus apart from going on school trips.

On Tuesday I took Iona to the University Park. We walked along the lake, up to the Millennium Garden, down to the walled garden and then to the Trent building for coffee. From there we went down to the Djnogly gallery to see the summer exhibition. In the afternoon Irene and I went shopping while Iona spent some free time at home. In the evening we went for a walk across the field opposite.

Iona really wanted to do one of our walks into Derbyshire. So, despite the less than favourable forecast, we set off to conquer ‘White Edge’. This run parallel and higher than our regular ‘Curbar Edge’ walk. Not far along ‘White Edge’ the damp came on us but it was never enough for me to consider putting the camera away. This was fortuitous since just before the top we encountered a herd of red deer. The ‘Grouse Inn’ came in sight and it seemed ages before we eventually arrived. Here we refreshed ourselves before walking on to Curbar Edge and the picnic. We made good time back to the car and home.

 This was Iona’s last day with us. In the morning I drove her back to the university to meet up with Fiona. At the end of the morning Irene and collected Fiona and I drove them into Broadmarsh to leave them at the coach station. Iona journeyed back to MK. Irene returned and we ran the ‘Eagles’ group which went on longer than usual.

A busy birthday ended a little more relaxed with a meal at the Victoria Hotel in Beeston. It something of a themed pub. The food was very good and it really has a claim to fame in that mobile phones must be switched off on entry.

We ended the day with a little evening walk in Attenborough where I used my new phone to do a selfie.

After the committee meeting, with other things to do, we all but abandoned our Wednesday walk. However, we did make our way to the university park (Highfields). Arriving early meant there was plenty of parking. Part way along the lake we were accosted by a man with a clip board who started by saying he had nothing to sell. We were able to give a glowing review of the park. Since last week the tatty boats have been joined by a pair of brighter coloured boats. On the top of the boats was a heron, making a strange photograph. At the end of the lake we made our way across the stepping stones and then up and across the lawns to the ‘Millennium Garden’. I wanted to take some long exposure photographs of the fountains.

From there we dropped back down to the ‘Walled Garden’. This is the first time we have been in the summer and it was a riot of colour.

The next stop was the student union section of the Trent Building and once again I enjoyed a Costa coffee and muffin.

Unfortunately, we got to the Djnogly gallery to find that the summer exhibition had come to an end. A few of the paintings were propped up waiting for the owners to collect them.

The next stop was the tile warehouse. They no longer stocked any border tiles. The sales person said it was something to with Spain and the recession. Now the only place we know that stocks them is in Scarborough.

And so on to B and Q for a cooker hood filter, two pedestal fans and three light bulbs.

We arrived on the Trent embankment in time for lunch. This was followed by a walk along the river to the Victoria Gardens. Some years ago the headmaster that I worked for came into the staffroom to say that he was just passing the statue of Queen Victoria when her head fell (this was verified). She now stands at the back of the fountains but is now surrounded by a green security fence.

After a little walk on the bridge, which is now festooned with ‘lovers locks’ we went back to the car and so on Long Eaton for the afternoon shopping. It was market day and so we were able to get a punnet of strawberries for tea. My only disappointment was the lack of fruit boxes at Tescos. 

However, tea was enjoyable. Joni and Fiona came over and once again there was strawberries and cream and delicious champagne.

On Thursday I had business in the hall which a bit of a waste of time. No one turned up to the drop in and blood donors forgot to say that they would be later coming. The afternoon ‘Haven Eagles’ went well and was enjoyed by all.

On Friday I did the final undercoat on another door and in evening it was dance time.

Saturday was busy. It was the afternoon of the table top sale at the church. The ladies across the road from the church had blessed us with a garage full of stuff to sell and this needed moving from the store to the table. We arrived home about six and I was somewhat exhausted. Our table raised over £110 pounds and I purchased Italian leather coats. A selfie is needed. Thanks to Tim and co. I am now the proud owner of a selfie stick.

On Sunday it was church as usual but no Jan and Lawrence. At last I was able to get on putting paint on the canvas that has stood around for ages. It was the first time that I have done this outside in this country. I say this because I did two paintings outside in NZ.

For me Monday was particularly busy. Irene had to go into town on community centre business (looking for curtains with the other Irene). Not only did I have to setup the morning café on my own I also had to investigate why the centre microphone was behaving badly. Fortunately a church friend came over to help run the café.

Tuesday started well. The shopping was done efficiently in the afternoon and then we set off to help Paul copy the files off his computer. However when we got to their house we were met by Paul who said that Mary had had an accident and could we drive him to her. On arrival Mary was standing shaken by the incident. The other party to the accident was on the phone and had involved the police. After a reasonable length of time a police car and two policemen were on the scene. They made a thorough investigation which involved breathalysing both parties and taking statements. After about an hour we were free to go. No one was hurt. Mary’s car was not damaged and I expect that the other lady’s wing mirror will soon be replaced.

Because the weather did not look too hopeful and that we were going to travel to Milton Keynes on Saturday we decided to stay local. With pacamacs on we walked up Coventry lane to join the path by the derelict Nottingham canal. We dropped back home for morning coffee. After this we rejoined the path at the bridge and continued on passed the garden centre until we reached the road where we went under the motorway. This view of the area was quite confusing but we gained a new perspective on our area.

In the afternoon the rain set in so it was a railway afternoon. Irene set about garden upgrades and the siting of more dustbins while I positioned and wired in the light of the newly built garage that had been a present from NZ. Now it looks like it had always been there.

Tim’s 45^th birthday was on Saturday and it started off as being the one of the sunniest of July. The journey did not go well. We told Mary that we would take no more than 1 ½ hours. In the event we took three with one of them being stationary on the M1 near Leicester. An overturned caravan was to blame.

We purchased food at the local supermarket. This, together with the delicious cream cake, made by Irene, made for a great birthday lunch. There were even candles which I don’t think we could light. I think Tim was pleased with our present of a ‘Dr Who’ tee-shirt. After lunch we drove to Stowe Gardens. I got a good shot of a little perch and a damsel fly which insisted on sitting on Isla’s arm.

After ice-cream we got home quicker than we had taken to arrive.

On Monday, instead of our regular afternoon café we took the ladies to Attenborough for lunch. When we got back to Leicester house Jim and Jeanette arrived. There had been a communications mix up and so we entertained them for an hour.

Clive from church came to tea with us on Tuesday. He told us his frightening stories of life in Malawi. To this day he does not whether or not he shot and killed a violent, potential intruder.

The weather still continued untrustworthy but we decided that we would brave our planned walk along the last 1 ½ miles of the High Peak trail from Hurdlow. For a third time we enjoyed the delicious coffee and warm chocolate muffin at the ‘Royal Oak’. The landlord was agreeable to us leaving the car in his car park. The walk along the section did not disappoint. Once again there was the profusion of summer flowers.

The dark sky never came to anything
 but it made a dramatic backdrop to the scene 

 We honoured the landlord by finishing up our walk with cider (me) and tea (Irene). She drove us home and we stopped at B and Q to check on the doors and also purchase another tube for the community centre. It was a shock when the £9.00 item rang up at 10p. We were told that there was no mistake. They were changing stock. However, I could only buy 2 as the others on the rack rang up at £9.00.

Parrots arrived at Haven Eagles. Three members of the East Midlands Parrot Club bought two of their birds and gave an interesting talk about their hobby. It was a great end to our first season of the Haven Eagles Club.

The last day of the month was Friday when I officiated at our regular Friday dances. It was a very warm evening to end one of the less weather blessed July. Fifty people (something of a record attended). All door and windows were open and fans at full setting.