Trooper Beer & The Mystery of the two labels

The Swedish label (left) compared with the standard label (right).

The story goes that Iron Maiden wanted to develop an ale, that their fans could enjoy, all around the world. After speaking to a number of small breweries, who were in favour of the project, but not on the scale that Iron Maiden were looking for, the search continued with Bruce Dickinson, the band's lead singer, taking a trip to the Unicorn Brewery, home of Robinsons Family Brewers. Here, it finally looked like Iron Maiden's dreams could be realised. After a serious talk between Bruce Dickinson and head brewer Martyn Weeks, which Bruce described as an 'interview', about what the band's aspirations and commitment were, the two men set about deciding the flavour, colour and taste of Iron Maiden beer. With the recipe sorted a name was that all that remained to finalise. Wanting to have something patriotic on the label, Trooper instantly leapt into Bruce Dickinson's mind. In May 2013, Trooper was born.

Iron Maiden's song, The Trooper, was released as a single on June 20, 1983. Steve Harris, the band's bassist, wrote the song and based it on The Charge of the Light Brigade, which took place at the Battle of Balaclava, during the Crimean War of 1854. The Charge of the Light Brigade was the result of a misunderstanding of an order, given by Commanding Officer Lord Raglan, and resulted in 600 British cavalry men charging the Russian artillery in a courageous, but foolhardy, assault which resulted in a massive loss of life. 

The single's cover art was designed by Derek Riggs and had the band's mascot, Eddie, in full cavalry uniform charging forward, with a sabre in his right hand and the Union flag in his left. This name and image were perfect for the band and for the fans. Who could complain?

Well, the Swedish, actually. Not the fans, mind, but the law makers.

There was no problem with the beer or the name, but the label would have to be changed, to allow it to be sold in Sweden. This is because Swedish law forbids, elements of war, weapons or aggression to be featured on alcoholic product. So, after altering the label to focus solely on Eddie's face, the Swedish powers-that-be were placated and Trooper became available to the Swedish fans. 

As far as I know, this label is supposed to be exclusive to Sweden, but I have found Trooper on sale in the United Kingdom with this Swedish label. On the plus side, I have discovered that purchasing Trooper, with the Swedish label, is cheaper by up to 70p per bottle. 

Trooper has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of 4.7% and is a deep golden ale, made from a unique blend of three different hops and has a slight lemony hint.

In its first year, over 5 million pints of Trooper were brewed and it is now exported to just under 40 countries, quadrupling the export sales of Robinsons Brewery.

In August 2014, Trooper won gold in the British Bottlers' Institute (BBI) Competition 2014. The BBI president Ed Binstead said,

“Trooper was an outstanding entry. It was marked as the clear gold winner in that class by ALL the judges, I can’t remember this happening before. We set very high standards when conducting the blind tasting, none of the judges know the products they are tasting, so the results reflect purely the quality of the products taste. Summing up I would say very well done to Trooper.”

If you like Real Ale's, grab yourself a bottle of Trooper and yell, "Up the Irons!"

Trooper Beer

Robinsons Brewery

Iron Maiden

British Bottlers' Institute

Campaign for Real Ale

Poem: Keep

For how long have you stood there,

Opposing the forces of nature and men?

Your sleek yet sturdy body,

From somewhere way back then.

Your skin as hard as iron,

And as unyielding as steel.

You have protected thousands,

With your determined will.

Now, after long years of silence,

You begin to weep.

Thinking of yourself forgotten,

My friend, my guardian, my keep.

Poem: Morning Sun

The great bird shuddered,
Her engines spluttering to life.
The men looked at each other,
Thoughts turning to family and wives.

The great bird lifted,
Reaching cruising height.
As the the men wondered,
If they would return this night.

The great bird flew,
On towards her enemy.
Below darkening cloud,
Above rolling sea.

The great bird banked,
As explosions shook the night.
The sound of Hell,
With Heaven's Light.

The great bird soared,
And, with target below,
Her cargo was loosed.
And she turned for home.

The great bird survived,
Carrying seven mothers sons.
Who now stood thankful,
In the early morning sun.

Short Story: Splash of Colour

I sit beside a fallen tree, looking down into my field that has been transformed, these past few months. My once lush emerald pasture has been replaced with a patchwork of myriad browns. My once proud trees lie twisted and broken, like so much mangled machinery. Spread without any thought or care, refuse spoils the once manicured ground. Timber frames and mangled steel, cause ghostly silhouettes to dance across the uneven ground, by the diffused sunlight. Water, which fills the pits and troughs, reflects the dull, colourless sky, adding to my sombre mood. My heart feels heavy. Nothing moves. Nothing lives.

But, suddenly, there is clarity. The droplets from the fine rain, acting like a lens, focus my attention. Amongst the refuse, at the edge of the field, do my eyes deceive? Is there movement? Is that colour? I resist blinking, trying to focus on the mirage before me. Finally, I blink and the mirage has taken shape. A figure stares up at me. My body aches as I rise to my feet, the figure watching me closely, as I make my way down into the field, if can still be called that.

My progress is hindered by the thick mud, which sucks at my boots, threatening to pull me into the bowels of the Earth. The figure before me turns, heading toward the centre of the quagmire, seeming to float across the surface. My breath becomes laboured, as my ageing body fights to keep me moving forward. As we get closer to the centre, the figure seems to undulate in-and-out of focus. A wave of nausea sweeps through me as the figure turns and holds my gaze. Tears fill his eyes as he dips his head. With a last great effort I step forward, throwing my arms around him. But he disappears and I topple into the mud. As I push myself up and out of the mud, I notice a flower, swaying in the gentle breeze, exactly where the figure had stood. At this moment the sun breaks through the clouds and  illuminates this splash of colour. Somehow, against all the odds, surviving in the mud and detriment... a Poppy.

The Great War: A Commemoration Service Day

Sunday August 3, 2014

The West Watford History Group, the website of which my mum keeps up-to-date, as well as being a founder member of the group, had been invited to attend a special service for the World War One Commemoration, at St. Mary's church, followed by a buffet lunch at Watford Museum. My mum gladly accepted the invite, on behalf of the group, and asked me if I would accompany her.

 

Order of Service for the World War One Commemoration.

Mum and I left my house, at 09:30, and took a slow walk into Watford, where we grabbed a coffee at Caffe Nero. Mum spotted a few friends and acquaintances, who we joined, as we entered the church, where we took a seat near the back of the church.

The service began with the entrance of a Civic Procession, which consisted of Dorothy Thornhill, Watford's elected mayor, and various councillors. Maurice Saunders, president of the Croxley Green British Legion, with various servicemen and ex-servicemen. Richard Harrington MP, Watford's Member of Parliament, and other dignitaries.

With everyone seated, Reverend Tony Rindl welcomed everyone to the service, before we all stood to sing the hymn, All my hope on God is founded. This was followed by a Call to worship and Psalm 59: The innocent war victim pleads for deliverance.

This was followed by a two-part drama: Britain enters the War.

Set on August 3, 1914, part one of the drama was set in the House of Commons, from the viewpoint of Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary, and we are shown why the British government felt it necessary to go to war.

The second part was set in the Foreign Office, with the US Secretary of State meeting with Sir Edward Grey, after the twenty-four hour ultimatum has been handed to Germany. The lamps are going out all over Europe.

The drama was brilliantly executed and was so enthralling that not a murmur was heard, from the hushed audience. This was followed by a reading: Revelation 6: 1-8: The Four Horsemen are unleashed.

There were then more prayers and hymns and readings, before the story of the Men of St. Mary's was read. This concerned a stories of some of the 114 men, from the Parish, who fought and died in The Great War. One of these concerned two brothers who both died in different battles, but on the very same day, in 1917.

The Reverend Tony Rindl then gave his sermon, with the message that, when given a choice, 'to do nothing is often the worst choice of all.'

With the service over, the congregation began to filter out. Some went for coffee in the church hall, while others headed out into the noon sun. Somehow I got separated from mum, so I took the opportunity to have a look around the church, itself. A few minutes later we found each other, out in the churchyard, and made our way to Watford Museum.

 

Flags hanging in the Essex Chapel.

Many of the congregation had made their way to the museum, before us, and were mingling inside the old Benskins Brewery building. So, grabbing a small plate of food, and a glass of orange juice, mum and I headed outside, where a gazebo had been erected. Considering the heat of the day it was far cooler beneath the gazebo, compared to inside the museum. We were soon joined by Mayor Dorothy Thornhill and an RAF serviceman and his family. The conversation went from the service to general chit-chat about Watford and what we like and love about our town.

We then decided that we should make the most of our time, at the museum, and went for a tour. It has been many years since I last looked around the museum, probably because it always appears closed. As it turns out, the museum is only open Thursday - Saturday, from 10:00 - 17:00. There are some nice displays, but I feel that there must be so much more that could be shown, if only they had the space. The Cassiobury House exhibit consists of a large room with paintings on the walls. The rest of the room is empty. Was there nothing more that they could do with it? Anyway. After a good look around we spoke to a few people, grabbed a drink and headed for the door. Mum had filled a paper plate with small cakes, on the suggestion of one of the volunteers, as the there was so much food, it would be a shame for it to go to waste.

 

The Pennant Bar in Watford Museum.

We then made our way home, with mum's friend Sue and her grandson, via Lady's Close. Seeing as the gates to the Watford Grammar School for Girls were open, we went in to see the refurbished Lady's Close house. This was once a private residence, but is now the English department, for the school. From here we carried on our way home.

 

This once private residence is now the English department, at Watford Grammar School for Girls.

From the service to the museum, it was a different but interesting day, that I am happy to have been a part of.

Bug Jam 28, part 2

Saturday 19 July, 2014

After just a couple of hours of sleep, I awoke to another glorious day. Jason and Len were already awake and, after a quick change and clean, I joined them in the sun.

Len and I wandered off to look at the stalls, where I was hoping to purchase some gifts for Emma and the girls, and grab a coffee. After a good look around, I managed to find some gifts, which I took back to the tent, before cracking open a can of beer. We then went off to watch the cars racing down the strip, before heading back down the pit lane, to speak to the drivers and to get a closer look at their suped up cars.

[caption id="attachment_1612" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Last minute 'tweaks' are made to the engines of many cars in the pit lane.[/caption]

We then looked around the Rat & Rust display, which consists of cars that the owners have lovingly customised, while leaving them to rust.

[caption id="attachment_1610" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This lovingly customised VW has been fully customised, which includes; a garden bench for the front seats, a pool cue for the gear stick and a fully functioning bar in the boot.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1611" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This bar, in the back of a customised VW, is fully functional.[/caption]

With the sun doing its best to cook every living thing in the vicinity, we headed back to the car, where we found some shelter by sitting in the shadow of our neighbours VW van. As on the Friday, the temperature soared to 32 c, or 89.6 f, making it very uncomfortable.

Normally, at Bug Jam, we would have been sitting atop the mound, between the dragstrip and the Live Arena, but, as there was nothing going on in the Live Arena, we chose to stay where we were. Thankfully, the cloud started to build, allowing the temperature to become more bearable, which allowed us to go and watch some more of the Jet Funny Cars.

We stopped off at the Fuelers Bar, for a seriously cold pint and a bite to eat, before settling down to watch the cars. Some of these were reaching speeds of close to 300 mph, or 480 kph, and were difficult to keep in the frame, as I videoed some of the best ones. Still, it was a great show.

With time getting on, we headed back to the tent, where I settled down to relax and read a book, before heading back out to watch the live music. Len sat in his car and caught a quick nap.

Feeling fully recharged, Jason informed us that his cousin would be arriving soon, to take David home, as he wasn't feeling too well. Sure enough his cousin, Joe, arrived and David disappeared off with him. Len and myself then headed to the live stage, where Call Me Blondie, were just taking to the stage. They belted out all the classic Blondie songs, plus a few Debbie Harry ones, too.

[caption id="attachment_1609" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Probably the best act of the entire weekend, was 'Call Me Blondie', a tribute act to 'Blondie and Debbie Harry'..[/caption]

When they had finished their set, the Cuban Brothers took to the stage. Well, I watched them for about ten minutes, before deciding that they weren't my cup-of-tea and headed back to the tent. Len decided to get some sleep, so that he was refreshed for the drive home, while I stayed up and read some more of the book, that I had brought with me.

My quite time was quickly, and rudely, interrupted by Jason and Joe. David was asleep in Joe's car, so Jason and Joe had decided to stay and enjoy the music tents and, since the music wasn't to their taste, were going to head home. So, Jason grabbed a few bits of his gear, from the back of the car and, after bidding farewell, headed off with his cousin, into the darkness that is Podington Airfield. I settled back down with my book, before turning in to sleep, at about 02:30.

Sunday 20 July, 2014

I was up so early, on the Sunday morning, that I was changed and packed before Len awoke. When he did finally arise, we headed off for a coffee and a bacon sandwich. We reached the food wagon, just as it was opening, so we sat and watched the cleaners and other early risers, meandering around the deserted funfair and stalls.

With the coffee and bacon sandwich done with, we took another look around the entire site, before heading back to the car. My tent was down in a few minutes and, with everything packed, we headed off for home.

It was not the best Bug Jam, that I have been to, but it could have been better. Hopefully next year it will be back to its best.

Bug Jam 28, part 1

Friday 18 July, 2014

As has become custom, Len and myself met with Jason and his friend David, at about 08:45, and headed for Podington Airfield, otherwise known as Santa Pod Raceway. For this was Bug Jam weekend. A chance to relax in a field, watching hot rods, dragsters, stunts, live music and much more.

The trip up the motorway saw us heading in to a thunder-storm, with the rain reducing the visibility so that Len had to concentrate a lot more. After a minor detour, thanks to Jason who convinced us that he knew a quicker route, we still arrived at Santa Pod a little after 10:30, just as the rain stopped. We were quickly through the gates and were directed to a General Camping area, which was on the far side of the dragstrip, near the music tents, pit lane, funfair, stalls and main stage.

I immediately set about setting up my tent, while David set about setting up his. A few minutes later and, with the tents up, the beer began to flow. Jason had introduced himself to our neighbours; Jason and his partner Vicki, had a camper van next to us, while on our other side were a group of northern couples, whose names escape me.

With the time just after noon, Len and I decided to go for an exploratory, leaving Jason and David to catch some rays and listen to music. As Len and I headed passed the music tents and main stage, aiming for the stalls, a Dakota, from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, made an unscheduled, but welcome, flypast.

[caption id="attachment_1599" align="aligncenter" width="300"] An unscheduled flypast from the BBMFs Dakota.[/caption]

As we meandered around the stalls we could hear the revving of motors as mechanics tweaked the engines, in the pit lane. The smell of rubber and oil filled the air as we ambled through the crowds and around to the embankment, that looks down on the dragstrip and the Live Arena.

[caption id="attachment_1600" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Caravans, flags, tents and a deserted Live Arena.[/caption]

Standing atop the embankment, with the sun reaching its zenith, Len and I took in the sights. As far as the eye could see flags fluttered in the light breeze. Vehicles of all makes and sizes covered the airfield, while tents of varying size, shape and colour filled the grass between each vehicle. Smoke rose from countless bar-be-cues, filling our nostrils and making our stomachs growl. On the dragstrip, machines cleared the surface of water and debris, from the earlier storm. It was then that we noticed something was missing. The Live Arena was empty. Not just empty, but deserted. There were no Monster Trucks or Stunt Bikes. Nor any crushed cars in the middle of the arena but, worrying of all, there was no Terry Grant! Len and I looked at each other puzzled, before we decided to head back to the tent, where we try to find some answers. On our way we headed along the pit lane, where we spoke to some of the drivers and mechanics, one of whom tried to sell us his Ford Consul hot rod, for a mere £21,500.

[caption id="attachment_1601" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Yours for a mere £21,500[/caption]

A quick scan through the programme revealed that there was nothing, of any consequence, happening in the Live Arena until Sunday. Sunday?! Then it was only to be the Monster Trucks, Swamp Thing and Podzilla, the UK FMX motorcycle team and a display of Lowrider cars. That was no good for us nor, as it turned out, for a lot of the people that we spoke to. Those with families, or had a great distance to travel, needed to leave on the Sunday to make their way home. On all the previous Bug Jam weekends, that I have attended, the Live Arena has been one of the biggest crowd-pullers. There was usually a show on the Friday night, with two shows on the Saturday and a final one on the Sunday. Each of these years has had different acts perform, from Joseph Peace and his crazy fire antics to Rodrigo the Human Cannonball. From motorcycle stunts to BMX stunts. But, there has always been Terry Grant and his stunt cars. These shows would go on for over an hour, each time. This year the Live Arena would remain empty, until Sunday.

Feeling more than a little annoyed, Len and I went back to watch some of the drag racing and wait for the flypast proper. As we watched the various cars make their runs, we heard the distant rumble of aeroplane engines. Not your typical jet engines, but proper engines. Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, with propellers attached. With camera on video mode, I scanned the skies. Then they appeared, banking around from the south. A Lancaster Bomber, flanked by a Hurricane and possibly the greatest aeroplane ever to take to the skies... A Spitfire. Continuing their banking manoeuvre they then straightened up and flew down the dragstrip, banked again and did another run above the adoring crowds. The sound was deafening, but wonderful at the same time. Beginning to feel more than a little hungry, we decided to grab a bite to eat, before returning to our pitch.

[caption id="attachment_1602" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane.[/caption]

A video of the flypast.

With Jason and David busy in the music tent, listening to garage-house-techno-acid-crap, I left Len at the tent and went off to see what the Live Stage had to offer. The cover band The Hot Red Chili Peppers were belting out some classics and, although they sounded the part they didn't look the part. The clouds soon began to darken and the unmistakable smell of imminent rain filled the air. I made it back to the tent, to find Len chatting with the neighbours, Jason and Vicki. Grabbing a beer I joined them, under their canopy, which was attached to the side of their VW camper. Soon enough the rain came down, as lightning lit up the evening sky. We continued talking until Vicki discovered that it had gone 4 o'clock. 4 o'clock?! Where had the time gone? We bade goodnight to Jason and Vicki and, while Len settled in to his car, I decided that I was hungry, so off I went in search of a bacon roll and a coffee. I returned to the tent just after 05:30, with the sun rising, and climbed into my tent to sleep.

To be continued...

Sunday in Cassiobury Park

Sunday, 29th June.

Since the weather was determined to remain warm and sunny, we decided to take the girls for a stroll. We normally head out on a Sunday, regardless of weather, just to get the girls out in the countryside. Sometimes we walk along the Ebury Way to Rickmansworth or, travelling the other way, towards Watford and Oxhey Park. Today, however, we decided to head to Cassiobury Park.

After packing some drinks and snacks, we headed out and through Croxley View to Ascot Road, where we crossed Rickmansworth Road and entered the Park. Our entrance to the park was marked by a heron, gliding through the air above the River Gade.

Erin was soon out of the battlewagon and running along the path, looking at the butterflies, Jays and dragonflies. There were also small fish, that were clearly visible in the crystal clear waters of the River Gade, until a dog jumped in, churning up the gravel on the riverbed.

[caption id="attachment_1554" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Not the best shot, but it is the best that I could do.[/caption]

We continued to follow the River Gade, until we crossed one of the narrow bridges near the Cassiobury Park Nature Reserve. We would normally have carried on following the River Gade, into Cassiobury Park, but, as Emma pointed out, our new battlewagon could fit across the narrow bridges, whereas the old one was too wide.

With fewer people in this section, we strolled along with the Grand Union Canal, on our left and the Nature Reserve to our right. Soon, the River Gade rejoined us, as we approached the bottom of the park.

We headed up towards the paddling pools and cafe where, while Emma sat with the girls, I purchased a cappuccino and a bacon roll, for Emma, and a latte and a cheese burger, for myself. These were soon demolished, at which point we took the girls into the playground. Both girls were soon on the swings, before Erin decided that she wanted to go on the slide.

[caption id="attachment_1552" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin and Keilyn have a little swing.[/caption]

But not the little slide. The big kids slide. She soon mastered the giant steps, clambering up after the older kids, before screaming like a banshee, as she hurtled down the enclosed slide. Immediately she was back clambering up the steps to various platforms, before hurtling down the slide again.

Keilyn, meanwhile, was bemused by her sisters antics, preferring the more sedated swing. Soon, though, Keilyn discovered the smaller climbing frame and slides. And that was it. She was soon running back and forth along the platforms. Hanging from the various bars, while her feet dangled below her, before almost throwing herself down the slide. And, just like her sister, she was straight back up to do it all again.

Erin & Keilyn: Sliders

After a good while, we decided to make a move towards home, via Morrisons to keep Erin happy. With shopping purchased, including some mini sausage rolls that Erin and Keilyn immediately tucked into, we continued our journey home.

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing, while we awaited the arrival of Emma's mum and dad, before the girls started running riot around the garden, again.

All-in-all it was a lovely Sunday with family.

A Lotto Win & A Barbecue

Sunday, 22nd June.

Emma arrived home, from work, at 08:00 and set about feeding Keilyn, who had only just finished her milk, while I nipped to the shop to get some charcoal for the Barbecue.

On arriving, at Vimco, I had my lottery ticket checked and found that I had matched three numbers, resulting in a win of £25. Happy days. I then picked up some charcoal, cheese, Polish sausages, a couple of limes and headed for the till.

I arrived back home to find that Emma had bathed both the girls, who were now running around the house in pretty dresses. With coffee made, Emma went up to bed for a sleep, while the girls and I watched Sofia the First, followed by Gnomeo and Juliet. The latter of which is a highly entertaining telling of Shakespeare's classic Romeo and Juliet, told with Gnomes. While Keilyn had her morning snooze, I prepared some fresh home-made Lemonade.

[caption id="attachment_1516" align="aligncenter" width="180"] The first batch of home-made lemonade is ready for the barbecue.[/caption]

Before I knew it, it was lunchtime. Erin had soup, while Keilyn had chicken noodles. With both girls fed and watered, they disappeared into the garden for a run and play, while I relaxed with a bit of music.

Emma soon arose from her slumber and headed off to the shop to grab a few last-minute items, returning home just minutes after my mum had arrived. Alysha was in Cambridge, at a dance competition, so couldn't make the barbecue.  Soon, the food was cooking, (as were we in the hot afternoon sun), and cold drinks were soon flowing. We had Lincolnshire sausages, beef burgers made with mature cheddar and red onion, pork burgers with chorizo and the Polish sausages, that I had purchased earlier. Emma had made a salad and buttered the rolls and, very quickly, the food disappeared. Even Keilyn was enjoying her first barbecue.

As we sat and ate, a Robin kept flitting around the garden, waiting for someone to drop some food. He didn't seem to mind the girls, who were running and screaming around the garden, as he hopped between various perches.  Then the girls were in the paddling pool, with my mum. Water was squirted and splashed, helping to cool everyone down.

[caption id="attachment_1517" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Keilyn and my mum have fun in the paddling pool.[/caption]

As time drew on, my mum made her way to her dad's house, while Emma and I cleared away the remnants of the party. A few scraps of a bread roll were placed on the bird feeder, for the Robin, while the plates and cutlery were stacked in the kitchen. With this done, Emma went upstairs to get ready for her third night-shift, in a row, leaving me to play with the girls.

Erin went up to bed, just after 6 O'clock, with Emma heading out the door soon after that. Keilyn then promptly fell asleep, so up she went, too. With the washing up done, I headed outside to sit in the warm evening sun, with a cold beer, and relax. Soon, I had a visitor. The Robin that had been loitering around the garden, all afternoon, was now quite happy to sit on the back of a chair, not two-feet from me, eating the scraps of bread. Then he would fly off, before returning ten minutes, or so, later to have some more.

[caption id="attachment_1518" align="aligncenter" width="180"] This Robin kept me company, throughout the early evening.[/caption]

All-in-all it was pleasantly perfect family barbecue.

 

Father's Day Weekend, part 2

Sunday, 15th June.

Another early start, as both girls were awake at 06:30. After listening to them playing in their room, I decided that it was time to get up.

Breakfast was soon sorted, followed by the obligatory glasses of squash and small box of raisins, each. I stuck with my normal breakfast: Black coffee.

Erin then helped me open my Father's Day cards and present, which was a new tool kit. It has everything; Pliers, screwdrivers, spirit level, adjustable wrench, hacksaw, set-square, sockets, tape measure and much more. It was perfect, as my existing tools have been broken, misplaced or just not up to scratch.

With everyone dressed we loaded the girls into the battlewagon and headed to Morrisons, for a spot of shopping. Typically, as we arrived at the supermarket, the Heaven's opened. This seems to be a recurring thing, this weekend. Anyhow. Shopping didn't take too long, by which time the weather had improved dramatically. With Keilyn still in the battlewagon and Erin walking, we made our way, slowly, back home.

Emma cooked us all an amazing grill-up, which is a lot healthier than a fry-up, although it still has the same ingredients. The girls didn't seem too interested in it, but at least they tried it and ate some of it. Keilyn's main problem was that she was till tired.

With everyone fed, we all settled down to watch Cinderella II, as this has taken over as Erin's favourite thing to watch, after Sofia the First. Emma and Erin sat on the sofa together, while I held Keilyn in my arms, in an attempt to get her to sleep. Within a few minutes Keilyn was asleep, followed by Erin, Emma and myself.

As Cinderella II finished, Keilyn and I awoke. We left Emma and Erin asleep on the sofa, and played around with the various toys, until Emma and Erin stirred. Feeling completely refreshed, the girls went outside to play in the afternoon sun.

[caption id="attachment_1511" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Erin sports her matching dress and hat.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1512" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Keilyn sports her mis-matching dress and hat.[/caption]

With tea finished and Emma ready for work, Erin went up to bed, at which point her big sister, Alysha, arrived. Alysha had been at a dance competition in Aylesbury, all day, and had popped in on her way home. I opened her card, before deciding that we should bring Erin back down, to see her big sister.

Emma then headed to work, leaving me with my three girls, who were busy getting all the toys back out, and generally having a great old-time. Too soon, though, Alysha had to leave, so it was back off to bed for Erin, followed quite quickly by Keilyn.

With the house to myself, at last, I picked all the toys up, did the washing up, before deciding to try out my new tool kit. For the last few weeks, our back door has been getting harder to close and lock. So, after looking at the front door fixings, I decided to try to fix it. As it turned out it was simpler than I thought. One screw, in the top hinge, had come loose. After tightening it, the door worked perfectly, again. Superb. Also, the cold tap in the kitchen, which had recently been replaced, had a habit of turning itself on. A quick tightening of the fixing, with my new adjustable wrench, solved that.

I then set about watching Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, before turning in for the night.

All in all, a great Father's Day weekend.

Father's Day Weekend, part 1.

Saturday, 14th June.

A typical start in the Morrissey household, saw the girls up and dressed, before Emma got in from work. Once they had been fed, I loaded them in to the battlewagon and headed off into town, giving Emma a chance to sleep.

We headed down Vicarage Road, crossing Whiggenhall Road and down on to the Lower High Street. We passed the Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre before arriving at the Waterfields Retail Park. Cutting across the car parks, while avoiding the few shoppers out that were out this early, we headed for our destination... Pets at Home.

Usually, on entering the store, there are pens with rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice, degu and other varied small livestock. Today, however, there was just one rabbit, two degu and a couple of hamsters. At least seeing the rabbit made both Erin and Keilyn happy. Heading straight for the Aquarium section, I picked up some fish pellets and some frozen food, plus a new plant for our tank, before taking the girls to look at the reptiles. Erin was fascinated by the snakes and the bearded dragons, while Keilyn was content to just sing to herself. As we approached the fish tanks, Erin began shouting, "Shark!", while pointing at every fish that wasn't a shark. Keilyn, on the other hand, just stared at the tanks of myriad fish, while saying, "ish, ish". They were quite cute and amusing to watch.

Only leaving Pets at Home, we headed across Dalton Way and entered B & Q, just to have a look around. There were some interesting items, in the sale, but I resisted the urge to purchase something, instead deciding it may to be time to head homeward.

Since the morning was getting warmer, with the sun doing its best to shine through the cloud, we headed back along the River Colne, through Oxhey Park. Even the park was pretty deserted, apart from a group of eight Friends of Oxhey Park, who were busy picking up litter and rubbish, from along the river's edge and the surrounding grassland.

From here we crossed Whiggenhall Road and continued our journey along the Ebury Way. With Keilyn fast asleep and Erin walking, it turned into a pleasant and leisurely stroll.

[caption id="attachment_1505" align="aligncenter" width="300"] One of the Information Boards along the Ebury Way.[/caption]

Typically, Keilyn awoke as we arrived home, which was precisely the time that the Heaven's opened, saturating the garden and the washing, which would have been almost dry.

After the girls had eaten their lunch, the temperature began to soar, so it was into the garden we went. Toys were soon littering the lawn, as Erin and Keilyn chased each other up and down the garden and in and out of the play house. Keilyn soon began to flag and after a couple of minutes, in my arms, was fast asleep. While Keilyn slept, Erin continued to run around the garden until Jason arrived with Charlie, just after 4 O'clock.

Erin, obviously not wanting her sister to miss out, sneaked upstairs and awoke Keilyn, much to Keilyn's dismay. Fortunately, after a few minutes, Keilyn was soon back in the garden and causing havoc with her sister and Charlie.

Jason and Charlie left, just before 5 O'clock, which allowed me to feed the girls and get them to calm down a little, before they went up to bed.

With the girls all tucked up in bed, I decided to empty the paddling pool, thereby giving the grass below it a chance to recover.

Considering that it took over 10 minutes to inflate, with a manual pump, and holds 900 litres (nearly 200 imperial gallons), and took over 30 minutes to fill, it only took 2 minutes to empty. Placing my camera on the floor, at the edge of the decking, I got this video of, not just the deluge, but the spiders fleeing from beneath the decking, as their homes flooded.

Emptying the Paddling Pool: Or, Spiders fleeing their homes.

Once that was empty, Emma and I enjoyed a quiet evening together, watching the TV.

Stay tuned for part 2.

Stunts and Music

Over the weekend, Erin and Keilyn have both discovered hidden talents.

[caption id="attachment_1488" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin and Keilyn sit up the garden, clapping hands.[/caption]

On Saturday, Erin and Keilyn were both playing in the garden, when Erin fell out of the playhouse. Except, as it turned out, she hadn't fallen out by accident, but intentionally fallen out. Thinking that this was amusing, she did it again, and again, and again. Keilyn thought that this was highly entertaining, too, which only made her sister fall over even more.

Then, on Sunday, Erin began throwing herself from the rocking cow, much to her sister's chuckles and approval. From this she progressed to jumping on the trampoline and swinging her legs out, so that she landed on her bum.

A little later, while Keilyn was sitting on her chair in the garden, Erin put her chair next to her sister and promptly fell over, taking the chair with her. Keilyn was by this time chuckling non-stop, so Erin did it again, and again.

[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAMwsXBE8ZY[/embed]

Keilyn, on the other hand, falls over all the time, normally resulting in a bruise to her forehead, as her head is the only part of her body that she normally damages. Unlike her rough-and-tumble sister, Keilyn prefers to play with the myriad musical instrument toys that are stored in the house. Don't get me wrong, Erin enjoys them, too, but is happier running around and exploring, whereas Keilyn is a lot more thoughtful.

Once Erin has gone to bed, Keilyn gets to play without her boisterous sister getting in the way. Sometimes it's with the dolls, or blocks, but tonight she decided to play with the musical instruments. Specifically, the toy harmonicas.

Another thing that she does, is that she walks with her left arm behind her back, every now and again. It is quite cute to watch, but I have no idea where she has picked it up from.

[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQVH06ruM3U[/embed]

Until next time, May It Be Well With You

Nottingham, part 3: Homeward Bound

Sunday, May 25th.

Considering how easy it had been to get to Nottingham, getting home would prove to be a mission as, for some reason, we couldn't travel directly from Nottingham to St. Pancras, although we had done the reverse the day before.

[caption id="attachment_1425" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nottingham Railway Station.[/caption]

Instead, we had to catch an East Midlands train to Skegness and change at Grantham. As we boarded the 14:03 train to Skegness, Erin suddenly announced that she needed the toilet. A quick look along the four carriages informed us that this little train had no conveniences. A look at Erin told us that she wouldn't be able to hold it until Grantham.

Now, anyone who has ever been to Nottingham Station, and had to catch a Skegness train, you will know that it usually leaves from platform 2, which is the furthest platform from the toilets. Typical.

So I had to run, while carrying Erin, back along almost the full length of the platform, to take her to the toilet. Then, when she had finished, I had to run all way back to the train, arriving one minute before it was due to pull-away. Keilyn was oblivious to the fact that her dad and sister were nearly left behind, as she was fast asleep in the battlewagon. Forty minutes later we arrived in Grantham.

Grantham lies in Lincolnshire and is famous for having the first female police officers in the world, after London. The RAF Bomber Command's No.5 Group and the Operations HQ were based there, which organised the Dambusters Raid, of May 1943, among others. Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris also lived in Grantham, for a while. The Beehive pub has the country's only 'living' public house sign: A beehive of South African bees, situated directly outside the pub, since 1830. Isaac Newton went to school in Grantham and it is where Margaret Thatcher was born.

Due to 'problems with the overhead power lines' (read, due to some ethnic group stealing the overhead power lines) our connecting East Coast train at Grantham was delayed by about ten minutes. When the train did finally arrive, we clambered on, having already collapsed the battlewagon, and looked for our reserved seats. As it turned out, a young student couple had decided to take them. After getting them to move we settled in to our seats. Once again it wasn't long before Keilyn was asleep in my arms and Erin was watching Cbeebies, before needing the toilet, again. Emma and I are both convinced that anywhere that you take Erin, she will say that she needs the toilet, just to check out the cleaning facilities. 

Sure enough, not long into our journey, the message came over the speaker that there were 'problems with the overhead power lines' just south of Stevenage. Thieving b*s*a*ds! Because of this our train was diverted on to the Hertford Line, aka the Hertford Loop, where we got stuck behind a First Capital Connect train, that obviously had to stop at every station. Not once did anyone at Network Rail, or whoever it is that checks these things, decide to have the slower train pulled into a siding, so that we could pass? No. We just dawdled along, adding an extra half-an-hour to our journey.

[caption id="attachment_1478" align="aligncenter" width="225"] King's Cross station, on a sunny Sunday afternoon.[/caption]

Eventually, though, we did arrive at London's King's Cross station. We waited, on the platform,for the other passengers to clear through the gates, before heading out into the afternoon sun ourselves. With Keilyn strapped back into the battlewagon, Erin helped me with the suitcase, as we took a low stroll to London Euston. After a quick check of the train departure times, we went back out to the plaza and had a bite to eat.

When we did head back in to the station, we discovered that the arrival and departure times were all wrong, due to 'problems with overhead power lines'. I am saying nothing. With time getting on, and the London Overground being suspended due to engineering works, we boarded a packed London Midland train to Watford Junction. Within twenty minutes we arrived and promptly jumped into the back of a black taxi, on our final leg home.

The journey must have taken it out of the girls, as there was no whining or playing about, when we got home. We put Sofia the First on the TV, while we got them changed, and then they went straight to bed. After something to eat, Emma and I were not far behind, either.

All in all it was a great but long, weekend.

May It Be Well With You.

Nottingham, part 2: A Race and A Castle

Sunday, May 25th.

Considering how late the girls were up until, the night before, they were both awake before 07:oo, ready to party again. Breakfast, at the hotel, was being served between 08:00-10:00, so we headed down at just after 08:00, which made us the first in. Emma and I had a Full English, while Erin satisfied herself with Rice Krispies. Keilyn was being fussy and, having turned her nose up at Weetabix, decided on yogurt, followed by some toast. When we had finished, we headed back up to our room and, making sure that everything was packed, checked out of the hotel.

The rain wasn't as heavy as the previous day, instead it was that fine rain that soaks through even the most waterproof of clothing. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait long for the bus to arrive. It dropped us at Upper Parliament Street, at which point the rain stopped and the sun came out in all its glory. With the time close to 10:00 the city was deserted and, as we headed down to the Old Market Square, we realised that many of the roads were sealed off, due to the arrival of the Milk Race. Also, because of the road closures, the trams weren't running, so there were buses on Tram Replacement.

[caption id="attachment_1440" align="aligncenter" width="300"] No trams were running due to the Milk Race[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1441" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Buses were on Tram Replacement, for the day.[/caption]

The Milk Race was a multistage cycling event that toured Britain between 1958 and 1993. This year the Milk Race returned, to Nottingham, with the elite men’s race and elite women’s races, featuring numerous world and Olympic champions.

[caption id="attachment_1442" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Milk Race began as the rain was still coming down.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1443" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The cyclists at the mid way point.[/caption]

After watching a few of the cyclists, we continued on our way to Nottingham Castle. It is a castle that I have not visited since I was little, although every time I visit Nottingham I do take another photo of the statue of Robin Hood. By now the sun was shining down and drying up the pavements and grass, so off came the jackets. Erin came out of the battlewagon and Keilyn moved into the front seat, as we made our way through the gatehouse and in to the gardens, of the Lower Bailey.

[caption id="attachment_1465" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Outer Bailey wall and part of the gatehouse.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1466" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nottingham Castle gatehouse.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1462" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Looking back towards the gatehouse.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1461" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Looking towards the medieval bridge and the castle.[/caption]

The Lower Bailey is now a manicured lawn with a bandstand, a statue to Albert Ball V.C. and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross Memorial. The south path gives some stunning views down on to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, the Brewhouse Yard Museum and out over the River Trent.

[caption id="attachment_1444" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The memorial to the World War I flying ace, Albert Ball V.C.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1445" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross Memorial.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1446" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Looking down on Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, from the Lower Bailey.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1447" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A view of the castle rock, and Nottingham, from the Lower Bailey.[/caption]

From here we followed the path around, back toward the Medieval Bridge, which led us up to the Middle Bailey. The Middle Bailey is now a lawn and function space, with a 'Lookout' playground, with forts, sand pits, slides and a medieval throne room, complete with throne. From here you can see the remains of the North-east Tower and the Obelisk monument.

[caption id="attachment_1448" align="aligncenter" width="180"] 'Orf with his 'ead.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1449" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin protects her castle.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1450" align="aligncenter" width="225"] This memorial commemorates the dead of the Afghan Campaigns 1878 - 80.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1460" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Looking towards the castle from the Middle Bailey.[/caption]

We then followed the path up and around to the Upper Bailey and the castle itself, which contains the museum and art gallery. Before we entered the castle we took a walk around the outside, taking in the spectacular views south and west. As the sky had cleared, we could see Wollaton Hall, East Midlands Airport Control Tower and much more.

[caption id="attachment_1452" align="aligncenter" width="225"] This is the entrance to Mortimer's Hole. One of the many tunnels under Nottingham Castle.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1451" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This is the Rock Cottage, as seen from the Upper Bailey.[/caption]

On entering the castle, we bypassed the shop and headed straight into the museum. The museum is full of objects from all over the world, including; a Chinese ivory chess set from the nineteenth century.an iron stirrup from Japan, a South African walking stick, a Samurai sword (wakizashi), the Wedgwood collection, ceramics, silverware, and so much more. One thing that did strike me, as we walked around the museum, was the amount of signs that read PLEASE TOUCH. Having a chance to physically interact with pieces of porcelain, 300 year-old pieces of iron and ancient fabrics was brilliant. (A little disappointed that I wasn't able to handle the Samurai sword, though).

[caption id="attachment_1453" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A Japanese sword.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1455" align="aligncenter" width="225"] A plundered Japanese Temple Bell.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1454" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Part of the inscription on the plundered Japanese Bell.[/caption]

We then headed in to the Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters' Regimental Museum, which displayed uniforms and memorabilia from this famous regiment. With uniforms and private belongings dating from the 1750s through to the present day, there was a lot to see and take in.

[caption id="attachment_1456" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Some of the regimental uniforms.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1457" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Some of the memorabilia from the regiment.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1458" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The Regimental centre-piece.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1459" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The current uniform of the Regiment.[/caption]

There was so much more to see and do within the Castle, but time was against us, so next time we will do The Caves, Mortimer's Hole and the Brewhouse Yard Museum.

[caption id="attachment_1471" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nottingham Museum and Art Gallery.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1470" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Erin chills out with a packet of crisps.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1464" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Castle Rockery, which incorporates flowers from all around the world.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1463" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Following the path beneath the Medieval Bridge.[/caption]

We decided against visiting the Art Gallery, but instead headed to the Museum Shop. A few cards, postcards, toys and pins were purchased, before we headed out of the castle. We took the path around the castle, which led us passed the entrance to Mortimer's Hole and down along wooded paths, beneath the Medieval Bridge and out to the Castle Rockery. We then left the castle and headed for the Robin Hood statues, for the obligatory photo shoot. After getting a photo of Erin with Robin Hood's statue, we headed off to get some lunch.

[caption id="attachment_1467" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Looking up at the gatehouse and part of the old bridge.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1468" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Erin has her obligatory photo taken with Robin Hood.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1469" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Robin Hood.[/caption]

There was only place that we wanted to go for lunch, and that was to the Wimpy restaurant, as Emma and I hadn't had one in many years, After waiting to be seated, we ordered a thick shake each (large) and then ordered our food. The shake was exactly as I remembered and was perfectly thick. The burgers, Fiery BBQ Chicken for me and Mushroom Burger for Emma, were very tasty and filling. Erin busily tucked into some Chicken Chunks and chips, washed down with a drink of squash. On leaving, both girls received a magic string picture, to complete.

With time getting on we made our way to the station, ready for our trip home. And that's when the problems began...

To be concluded...