When I write my blogs, especially those about where I have visited or things that I have seen, I do a bit of research on it. I then include this to fill-out my blog and also to make them more interesting. Having just gone back and re-read all of my blogs, I discovered that I have picked up quite a bit of information, not all of it interesting, but still information. So I decided to collect these snippets and put them into this one blog. Taken completely out of context, this seems like a very random blog, but I believe it is still entertaining and informative.
Please enjoy this blog to the irrelevant.
G. Gibson's has had a stall on Watford Market since 1976, and their most famous product is the Gibson Sausage. Recently they opened a shop, at 13 Charter Place, where they sell fresh British meats, vegetables and exotic meats and burgers. These incude, Impala, Kangaroo, Ostrich, Zebra and Moufflon amongst others. They are definitely the best butchers in the Watford area and well worth a visit.
The Royal Naval College was based in Greenwich, from 1873 until 1998, as a college to teach all aspects of naval sciences. More courses were added as and when new skills were developed.
The Cutty Sark was built in 1869, and, on February 16th 1870, the Cutty Sark left London on the first of eight trips to China. Throughout her working life, Cutty Sark transported cargoes such as Tea, wool and coal. She travelled to China, Japan, South and North America, Angola and more. In 1895, the Cutty Sark was sold to a Portuguese company, and her name was changed to Ferreira. In 1922, she was sold to another Portuguese owner, and she was renamed Maria do Amparo. She was then bought by an Englishman and, in 1923, her true name and nationality were restored. After being berthed in Falmouth and then Greenhithe, before being moved to her current, and final resting place. On May 21st 2007, a fire gutted the Cutty Sark, while she was having restoration work undertaken.
'Company' is a musical comedy, set in New York, that first premiered in 1970. The play is centred on the central character of Robert, a 35 year old single man, via his 3 girlfriends and his married or soon-to-be married friends. Robert has hit a point in his life where he cannot commit to a long-term relationship and looks to his friends for guidance.
The Lansdowne Road Stadium is the oldest International Stadium in the World!
Borough Market is one of the largest food markets anywhere in the World, selling food from all around the globe. It is said that a market has been in this locale since Roman times, but it is first referenced in 1276.
Because the River Thames is tidal, the English sea coast continues all the way up to Teddington Lock. The river has a tidal rise and fall of 23 feet and is the longest river in England.
The old Wembley Stadium was opened in 1923 and was demolished in 2003. Arsenal played their European Games there from 1998 - 2000. The new Stadium was opened in 2007, over a year later than planned.
The 'London Stone' is a piece of Limestone that it is rumoured was the point that all measurements were made from, in Roman times.
Snakeheads are usually found in freshwater in Africa and Asia. There are a number of different species of Snakehead and they can grow from 25cm to over 1metre in length. They are predatory and eat everything from aquatic insects to rodents. They can also breathe air and when they are out of the water they use their muscles and fins to 'walk'. The female can lay up to 150,000 eggs a year! It is a great creature to see in a tank, but people have started to release them into the wild, especially in America, where they are causing havoc with the local ecosystems.
The Clink Prison was opened in 1144 and was one of England's oldest prisons, if not the oldest! It covered an area of 80 acres and was in use for nearly 400 years. Conditions in the clink were diabolical. You had to pay to be a prisoner, which meant that you might get food and clean water. If you didn't pay, you had to beg passersby for food at the 'Grates'. Children were held there and they were treated as small adults. If the weather was bad the prison was prone to flooding with dirty sewer water and waste. Many inmates caught rats to eat.
H.M.S. Belfast was launched on St. Patrick's Day 1938 and was commissioned in August 1939. in November of that year she struck a magnetic mine and spent two years undergoing repairs. She returned to action in 1942 protecting Arctic convoys. She played a major role in the sinking of the German Ship, 'Scharnhorst' in 1943. she also took part in the D-Day landings in 1944. In 1945 she joined the Pacific fleet and then saw action during the Korean conflict between 1950-52. She stayed in service until 1963 and was due to be scrapped in 1967. In 1971 the Government placed H.M.S. Belfast in the hands of the H.M.S. Belfast Trust. She is now part of the imperial War Museum. Her forward guns had a range of 14 land miles and are currently trained and elevated on the M1 Gateway, Scratchwood Services, 12.5 miles from the H.M.S. Belfast.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
My Wedding Day
Saturday 10th March, 2012.
I had stayed at the 'White house' hotel, on the Friday night, at the request of my eldest daughter, who is very superstitious. On waking up I was hungry and ready for breakfast. I decided not to eat breakfast at the hotel, but instead opted for a full English breakfast at 'Ruby's Cafe' in Watford Market. After washing this down with a mug of coffee, I headed into 'Argos' to buy myself a new laptop bag, as my old one just didn't feel right. I then wandered into the 'Harlequin Centre' for a look around. I then headed back to the hotel to relax. A short while later, Steve called and asked if I wanted to meet up for lunch. So, I headed back into Watford and met Steve outside the market. We ordered our food from the 'Roast counter'. As we were waiting, Ben and Laurel arrived and ordered some lunch, too. We then all went and sat down to eat. Once we had eaten, Ben and Laurel headed off shopping, while Steve and I went for a look around 'HMV'. After nearly an hour, we said our goodbyes and I headed back to the hotel to get ready. A shave and a shower later, and with the time approaching 15:00hrs, I was ready in my Star Trek dress uniform, and waiting for Steve. A few miutes later and we were sitting in the hotel bar watching the Wales-Italy match, sipping a beer, while waiting for Len to arrive. Once Len had arrived, we had another drink before we left and made our way to 'The Orangery' on Hempstead Road. The sun was shining as we made the short walk, which was filled with light banter.
We arrived at 'The Orangery' just after 16:15, and were in time to see the previous couple, and their guests, leaving. My friend Rob was the first to arrive, followed soon after by my Mum and the rest of the family and friends. Emma was just pulling in to the car park, as Steve and I made my way to see the registrar. A few minutes later, with all relevant details entered, we made our way into the room to await Emma's arrival. By now most of the room was full of family members and friends, so after saying hello to as many people as I could, I made my way to the front with my best man, Steve. A few moments passed and then Emma's entrance music started. Alysha carried Erin followed by Freya, who was followed by Emma and her father, David. We took our vows and exchanged rings and Steve read the reading we had chosen. I kissed my bride and, too soon, it was over and we were walking up the aisle together as husband and wife. Halfway up the aisle, I felt my mobile vibrate in my pocket, and I knew, without looking, that it was a text. When I checked it a few minutes later, I discovered that my friend, Aaron, had messaged me the score of the Ireland-Scotland match. Ireland were winning at half-time. Ireland did go on to win the match, too!
Outside we walked around and spoke to all the guests, before marshalling everyone for the photographs. After about a thousand camera flashes, the photographs were done, and we made our way to the 'West Herts Sports Club', where we had our reception booked.
All of the guests, that had been to the marriage cermony, were at the reception, and more and more friends arrived as the time went on. When we thought that most of them had arrived, Emma and I cut the cake and took our first dance, which was to 'Amazed' by 'Lonestar'. Soon after this, Emma and I sat on stools in the middle of the dance floor, while Steve gave his 'best man speech'. Soon after he started, he asked Emma Jayne to hold his speech as he was too hot. At which point he began to remove his jacket and tie. As Emma, I and the rest of the guests looked on in bewilderment, he removed his shirt to reveal... A blue Star Trek Original Series shirt! I saluted him for that and he carried on with his speech, which I must say was brilliant. highly entertaining and not too embarrassing for myself and Emma. When Steve had finished, I said a few words on mine and Emma's behalf, and the party continued. Atfer what seemed like an age, and far too many photographs, the party started to wind down. The bar closed at 23:00 and Andi Rob, the best DJ in the business and a long-time friend, killed the music at 23:30, at which time the last of the family members and friends began to leave. A few stayed behind to help us clearaway the rubbish, and put the leftover food into boxes, which were then placed in Emma Jayne's car. When everything was finally done, Emma and I took a slow walk to the 'White House' hotel, where we would spend our first night as husband and wife. On entering the foyer, we were met by my cousin Mark and his fiancee Charlotte, who were having a night-cap. So we joined them. After relaxing and chatting, Emma and I made our way up to our room, very tired but extremely happy.
To all of the members of our families and to all of our friends, some of whom we see weekly or even daily and those that we see far too little and those who travelled great distances.
Thank you for making our day so special.
Special thanks must go to:-
David & Alyson (Emma's parents) - For letting me marry their daughter.
Lynda (My mum) - For simply being the best!
Steve Brown (Best Man) - There are no words.
Freya (Emma's Niece) - For being a superb bridesmaid.
Alysha & Erin (Our daughters) - For being the greatest and most beautiful daughters in the World.
Emma (Wife) - For making me the happiest man on Earth.
And to everyone else...
THANK YOU
Because we couldn't decide on what songs we wanted to play at the wedding ceremony, we decided it might be different to play movie soundtracks, so here is the track listing for our wedding:-
Music to be played while the guests are arriving:-
I had stayed at the 'White house' hotel, on the Friday night, at the request of my eldest daughter, who is very superstitious. On waking up I was hungry and ready for breakfast. I decided not to eat breakfast at the hotel, but instead opted for a full English breakfast at 'Ruby's Cafe' in Watford Market. After washing this down with a mug of coffee, I headed into 'Argos' to buy myself a new laptop bag, as my old one just didn't feel right. I then wandered into the 'Harlequin Centre' for a look around. I then headed back to the hotel to relax. A short while later, Steve called and asked if I wanted to meet up for lunch. So, I headed back into Watford and met Steve outside the market. We ordered our food from the 'Roast counter'. As we were waiting, Ben and Laurel arrived and ordered some lunch, too. We then all went and sat down to eat. Once we had eaten, Ben and Laurel headed off shopping, while Steve and I went for a look around 'HMV'. After nearly an hour, we said our goodbyes and I headed back to the hotel to get ready. A shave and a shower later, and with the time approaching 15:00hrs, I was ready in my Star Trek dress uniform, and waiting for Steve. A few miutes later and we were sitting in the hotel bar watching the Wales-Italy match, sipping a beer, while waiting for Len to arrive. Once Len had arrived, we had another drink before we left and made our way to 'The Orangery' on Hempstead Road. The sun was shining as we made the short walk, which was filled with light banter.
We arrived at 'The Orangery' just after 16:15, and were in time to see the previous couple, and their guests, leaving. My friend Rob was the first to arrive, followed soon after by my Mum and the rest of the family and friends. Emma was just pulling in to the car park, as Steve and I made my way to see the registrar. A few minutes later, with all relevant details entered, we made our way into the room to await Emma's arrival. By now most of the room was full of family members and friends, so after saying hello to as many people as I could, I made my way to the front with my best man, Steve. A few moments passed and then Emma's entrance music started. Alysha carried Erin followed by Freya, who was followed by Emma and her father, David. We took our vows and exchanged rings and Steve read the reading we had chosen. I kissed my bride and, too soon, it was over and we were walking up the aisle together as husband and wife. Halfway up the aisle, I felt my mobile vibrate in my pocket, and I knew, without looking, that it was a text. When I checked it a few minutes later, I discovered that my friend, Aaron, had messaged me the score of the Ireland-Scotland match. Ireland were winning at half-time. Ireland did go on to win the match, too!
Outside we walked around and spoke to all the guests, before marshalling everyone for the photographs. After about a thousand camera flashes, the photographs were done, and we made our way to the 'West Herts Sports Club', where we had our reception booked.
All of the guests, that had been to the marriage cermony, were at the reception, and more and more friends arrived as the time went on. When we thought that most of them had arrived, Emma and I cut the cake and took our first dance, which was to 'Amazed' by 'Lonestar'. Soon after this, Emma and I sat on stools in the middle of the dance floor, while Steve gave his 'best man speech'. Soon after he started, he asked Emma Jayne to hold his speech as he was too hot. At which point he began to remove his jacket and tie. As Emma, I and the rest of the guests looked on in bewilderment, he removed his shirt to reveal... A blue Star Trek Original Series shirt! I saluted him for that and he carried on with his speech, which I must say was brilliant. highly entertaining and not too embarrassing for myself and Emma. When Steve had finished, I said a few words on mine and Emma's behalf, and the party continued. Atfer what seemed like an age, and far too many photographs, the party started to wind down. The bar closed at 23:00 and Andi Rob, the best DJ in the business and a long-time friend, killed the music at 23:30, at which time the last of the family members and friends began to leave. A few stayed behind to help us clearaway the rubbish, and put the leftover food into boxes, which were then placed in Emma Jayne's car. When everything was finally done, Emma and I took a slow walk to the 'White House' hotel, where we would spend our first night as husband and wife. On entering the foyer, we were met by my cousin Mark and his fiancee Charlotte, who were having a night-cap. So we joined them. After relaxing and chatting, Emma and I made our way up to our room, very tired but extremely happy.
To all of the members of our families and to all of our friends, some of whom we see weekly or even daily and those that we see far too little and those who travelled great distances.
Thank you for making our day so special.
Special thanks must go to:-
David & Alyson (Emma's parents) - For letting me marry their daughter.
Lynda (My mum) - For simply being the best!
Steve Brown (Best Man) - There are no words.
Freya (Emma's Niece) - For being a superb bridesmaid.
Alysha & Erin (Our daughters) - For being the greatest and most beautiful daughters in the World.
Emma (Wife) - For making me the happiest man on Earth.
And to everyone else...
THANK YOU
Because we couldn't decide on what songs we wanted to play at the wedding ceremony, we decided it might be different to play movie soundtracks, so here is the track listing for our wedding:-
Music to be played while the guests are arriving:-
- Ilia's Theme - Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Jerry Goldsmith
- First Contact Suite - Star Trek: First Contact - Jerry Goldsmith
- Bruce & Linda - Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story - Randy Edelman
- Fellowship of the Ring - Lord of the Rings - Howard Shore
Emma's entrance music:-
- Sayuri's Theme - Memoirs of a Geisha - John Williams
Signing of the register:-
- I do believe in fairies - Peter Pan - James Newton Howard
- Concerto in E Major - The Boondock Saints - Bach
Leaving as Husband and Wife:-
- Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op. 43 - Somewhere in Time - Rachmaninoff
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)