15th November 2015 Returning from the Blue Boar, we spent the next few days broadening our cultural horizons. First, from seeing ‘Suffragette’ in Stratford, we moved on to ‘The Dark Horse’ at Harborough Theatre. The latter, a true and unsettling tale of a Māori gang member who becomes a chess champion in New Zealand, was… Continue Reading

16th October 2015 The days are certainly taking on a more autumnal feel now, with darkness creeping in ever earlier, preceded by a noticeable nip in the air. The red grapes have been safely harvested (save for a few late ripeners), and their juice is bubbling away contentedly in my largest tub. I’m anxious about… Continue Reading

5th October 2015 They say IT’S JUST A GAME OF RUGBY! Oh no, it’s not. It’s a sad reflection on the state of English rugby. The squashing of individualism by overbearing coaches, relentlessly hammering home the mantra of “being a team player,” has stifled the creativity these players once showed in abundance during their formative years.… Continue Reading

30th August 2015 On the morning of the 10th of August, Sue whisked the boys off to Corby for a brilliant session of ‘Muddy Play’ at the lake, courtesy of the Council. It was an undeniable success, judging by the state of their wellies afterwards. Meanwhile, I indulged in the glamorous task of weeding, spraying,… Continue Reading

10th August 2015 The crayfish trap I’d ordered from eBay finally turned up, and I was practically salivating at the thought of a wok brimming with succulent American interlopers. Armed with the recommended bait, cat food, no less, I set the trap in a deep pool just a few yards upriver from the little garden… Continue Reading

13th July 2015 Summer truly announced itself on the 1st of July when the country baked under clear blue skies and a scorching 37 degrees. The day before had been warm enough, prompting Jamie and a gaggle of his mates to descend on the pool for a splash and a cool-down. But as the real… Continue Reading

28th June 2015 The day after returning from Australia, the family gathered in Willow Bank during the evening for a meal. I gave Sue a copper bracelet with inset magnets to help her wrist, purchased in Byron Bay, and presented Charlotte and Sarah with bracelets made of shells, a small keepsake from the trip. Sunday… Continue Reading

10th June 2015 At 5:30 am, it was still dark enough to clearly see the Southern Cross directly overhead as I climbed out of the campervan. I first noticed it reflected through the gum trees in the little pool next to where we were parked. How apt, I thought, as this marked the start of… Continue Reading

9th June 2015 Another good night’s sleep! This morning, Jamie made coffee and breakfast while I had a shower. The shower blocks at both campsites we’ve stayed at have been excellent, with plenty of hot water. However, unlike Katoomba, where the block was directly behind our van, the one here is a couple of minutes’… Continue Reading

8th June 2015 We both had a much warmer night this time, so much so that we even had to open one of the windows to keep cool. Only one sleeping bag was needed, and at 8 am, we were greeted by a bright yellow sun, a clear blue sky, and a very large bird… Continue Reading