Have a good one.
Friday, 31 December 2010
Happy New Year to you all. Have a fantastic 2011!
Have a good one.
Thursday, 30 December 2010
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Friday, 22 October 2010
A day of Natural History
Having a great day at the Natural History Museum. So much to see, so little time to see it all.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
A clean fix?
What are the odds of me actually getting our washing machine to come alive again? At least I won't charge myself a £75 call out fee just to tell me "you'll need a new one mate!"
Friday, 24 September 2010
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Chateauneuf-du-Schafes
Just giving the garden a tidy and I've spotted a grapevine with a good crop of grapes growing. Not enough to make my own vintage just yet. ;-)
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Monday, 9 August 2010
Friday, 6 August 2010
Unusual office visitor
We had a visitor to the office today that caused an alarm. Luckily he was passed his best but he still sent a shiver down the spine.
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Farnborough Airshow
A great day at Farnborough airshow topped off by a great display from the Red Arrows. Simply amazing.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Sunday, 13 June 2010
Put your feet up mum & dad, we'll paint the bench
I'm dreaming I know but I'm sure the day will come soon.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Friday, 11 June 2010
The Football League | Blogs | World Cup | WORLD CUP BLOG 1
In a new blog on www.football-league.co.uk, Stuart Roach shares his first experiences of South Africa, focussing primarily on The Football League players on duty in this summer's World Cup:
The sign that hung from an office block in downtown Sandton yesterday could so easily have been put there as a grand welcome to The Football League's player representatives at this World Cup.
As tens of thousands of South African fans lined the streets to welcome the Bafana Bafana team that carries the perhaps overly optimistic hopes of a nation, statements of defiance were everywhere.
"United we shall stand" read one; "Aweh Mzansi Aweh" (go people go) cried another. But it was the belligerent "45 million of us, 11 of them" which caught my Football League eye.
The World Cup has had a unifying affect on the people of this country - finally the Rainbow Nation is united in a single sport - and the weight of support behind their team could offer a significant psychological boost as South Africa aim to avoid becoming the first host nation to fail to progress beyond the group stages.
South Korea enjoyed a similar groundswell of unconditional support in 2002 and when progress from the groups would have sufficed they surpassed all expectations by reaching the semi-finals. It will take more than passionate support to elevate a team of questionable ability to the knockout stages this time around, but if Carlos Alberto Parreira's squad are feeling humbled by the overwhelming home support then the players who plied their trade in The Football League last season must feel a little lonely in comparison.
Actually, there are 11 of them, but Marek Cech, Jay De Merit, Rory Fallon, Adam Federici, Jonas Gutierrez, Gonzalo Jara, Brad Jones, Chris Killen, Robert Koren, Tommy Smith and Chris Wood can at least count on the support of not only their own nation's fans but also the interested eyes of an army of Football League fans from all 72 League clubs. Millions of us watching only 11 of them.
First up for the Football League representative group is USA defender De Merit, who faces the not insignificant task of keeping Wayne Rooney quiet as England take their World Cup bow at Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday. De Merit, who helped steer Watford out of relegation trouble in the Championship last season, is far from fazed by coming up against England's talisman despite acknowledging him as one of the world's finest talents.
''I have played against him three or four times with Watford, certainly twice in the Premier League, once in an FA Cup semi-final, and there is no argument that he is in the top three forwards in the world. He has proved that this season with his scoring record," De Merit said.
''He is becoming a 100 per cent complete player. Rooney doesn't just test you as far as your soccer skills go. He tests you mentally, he tests your reserve, he tests your physical ability as well. He is the ultimate competitor.''
De Merit was talking from the dairy farm opposite USA's well-guarded base camp in a quiet suburb of Johannesburg. The farm has become the US media centre, where chickens roam as freely as the accredited journalists and the heavy whiff of cattle hangs in the air - a curious setting for those with a good nose for a story.
And the big defender wasn't giving much away this week when he suggested that his side still has a lot to prove, despite reaching the final of the Confederations Cup here last year.
"Being Americans, we always have something to prove as far as soccer is concerned. We understand who we are and we understand that there's still a long road. But we can also see people starting to care. We need to continue to have success as a program and as individuals, because in a media-driven place like America it's success that's going to continue us along that right road."
Whether or not USA secure a positive result against England on Saturday De Merit will have high hopes of reaching the knockout stages, but so too will West Bromwich Albion midfielder Robert Koren, whose Slovenia side are in the same qualifying group.
Koren will be hoping for a starting place when Slovenia kick-off their campaign against Algeria on Sunday and he is set to come face-to-face with De Merit in Johannesburg on June 18, a game that could ensure at least one of them makes it through the group stages.
"Our aim is definitely to finish first or second in our group," Koren said recently, adding: "We are aware that making it to South Africa is a big achievement, but I believe that we can surprise people."
Despite being one of the smallest nations at the tournament and among the bookies' rank outsiders, Koren could be right, especially when you consider that Slovenia knocked Russia out of the play-offs to book their place in South Africa.
Goalkeepers Jones (Middlesbrough) and Federici (Reading) will also be hopeful of progressing beyond the group stages, even though both are likely to have to accept a back seat to Aussie first-choice Mark Schwarzer when the Socceroos kick off their campaign against Germany in Durban on Sunday.
Newcastle United defender Gutierrez is another of the Football League stars whose nations get up and running this weekend as Argentina face South Korea in an awkward looking group that also includes Greece and Nigeria, respectively ranked 12th and 20th in the world.
"I will draw on my experiences at Newcastle this season, where everything we have achieved has been built on a tremendous team spirit and work ethic," Gutierrez told The Times. And with superstar playmakers Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez driving a formidable Argentine challenge, those qualities could yet see Gutierrez adding to his Football League championship success with another winners' medal this summer.
Stay tuned to www.football-league.co.uk throughout the World Cup for Stuart's blogs, direct from his base in Johannesburg.
Saturday, 5 June 2010
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
231 Miles and a Big Thanks
231 miles were cycled over these last few days and its been a tremendous experience we shall never forget.
231 Miles and a Big Thanks
231 miles in total were cycled over these last few days. This has been a absolutely tremendous experience we shall never forget.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Friday, 28 May 2010
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Day 4 - The Mother of all Punctures
Wednesdays journey - Purley-Sonning Bridge-Shiplake-Henley-Marlow-Bourne End-Cookham-Maidenhead-Bray-Dorney Lake-Windsor.
Today, we were joined by a friend (Mark) who cycled with Tim from Caversham Bridge and met the rest of us at Sonning Bridge. Just down the road at Shiplake I got the mother of all punctures - a huge thorn right through tyre and tube. We mended about 3 different punctures and the day was already 40 minutes behind schedule.
The aches and pains that Mike and I had at the start of the morning disappeared by Henley. The cool start of the day was a cycling pleasure and we stayed pretty close to the river for most of today's trek, catching flies in the mouth with almost every gasp for air. The picturesque landscape and beautiful homes we looked upon through Henley to Cookham reminded us how the other half live. (See pics of Henley & Bourne End)
A sarnie and coffee was enjoyed by all basking in the sun in a Marlow park. Yet again, a short stop is enough to make your legs stop doing normal things like walking. Thigh muscles are tight and I know I'm not the only one.
A quick stop at Dorney Lake and the Olympic rowing venue was made. I took a picture. They were preparing for some triathlon event and I kind of looked like I might be part of the action (I had a bike and helmet and shorts and stuff) but I think those days are long gone.
After 43 or 35 miles depending on where you started from this morning we arrived at our Windsor B&B just before 5pm. Well, we did go to the wrong one first and when we were told to go next door there was laughter. 147 miles and here we were gate crashing the wrong B&B!
Mark returned to Calcot on his bike and was home 2 hours later. An incredible 70 miles from him today!
A lovely Italian meal at Francesco's in Peascod St and several nightcaps will have hopefully not done too much damage for the rather shorter trip to Kew tomorrow.
Posted via web from Julian's Charity Bike Ride
Today, we were joined by a friend (Mark) who cycled with Tim from Caversham Bridge and met the rest of us at Sonning Bridge. Just down the road at Shiplake I got the mother of all punctures - a huge thorn right through tyre and tube. We mended about 3 different punctures and the day was already 40 minutes behind schedule.
A quick stop at Dorney Lake and the Olympic rowing venue was made. I took a picture. They were preparing for some triathlon event and I kind of looked like I might be part of the action (I had a bike and helmet and shorts and stuff) but I think those days are long gone.After 43 or 35 miles depending on where you started from this morning we arrived at our Windsor B&B just before 5pm. Well, we did go to the wrong one first and when we were told to go next door there was laughter. 147 miles and here we were gate crashing the wrong B&B!
Mark returned to Calcot on his bike and was home 2 hours later. An incredible 70 miles from him today!
A lovely Italian meal at Francesco's in Peascod St and several nightcaps will have hopefully not done too much damage for the rather shorter trip to Kew tomorrow.
Posted via web from Julian's Charity Bike Ride
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Your Kind Donations
Thank you very much for viewing my blog and for the many kind messages of support – Its been pointed out that I’ve not included details of how to pass on your kind donations.
The Jim Shahi Unit does not have a charity number otherwise I would have set up a page on one of the charity 'Giving' websites. Instead, I would welcome any pledge that you can make, however small, and ask that send them to me at the following address:-
Julian Waller
1 Shelgate Walk
Woodley
Reading
Berkshire
RG5 3DP
Cheques should be made payable to 'The Jim Shahi Endowment Fund'.
The Jim Shahi Unit does not have a charity number otherwise I would have set up a page on one of the charity 'Giving' websites. Instead, I would welcome any pledge that you can make, however small, and ask that send them to me at the following address:-
Julian Waller
1 Shelgate Walk
Woodley
Reading
Berkshire
RG5 3DP
Cheques should be made payable to 'The Jim Shahi Endowment Fund'.
Day 3 - A Temporary Return Home
Tuesday
Our route today ;- Oxford-Radley-Abingdon-Sutton Courtney-Appleford-The Wittenhams-
Wallingford-Streatley-Reading.After the intense heat and mileage of yesterday, today was all about
just doing and getting through it. We had another 45 miles to cover so
were pleased that the temperature was much cooler.It was a shame to leave the Malmaison but after a light but gorgeous
breakfast that included salmon and scrambled egg we headed for our home
town of Reading. Family awaited as this would be our only cheap night
of our bike ride. Just before departing Neil noticed that one of my
pannier rack supports had sheared at a joint. I really didn't know
whether I would get through the day but wasn't prepared to tail end
ride so relied on others to make sure I wouldn't lose a pannier to the
river. I knew I was going to put Halfords above family later. Yet, the
only way was forward and a good supply of cable ties!All too soon we hit a headwind. Not too strong but enough of an
annoyance to sap energy and niggle the soul. Moving from towpath to
minor road, occasionally to a major road and then back to the towpath
to stay on the Thames Path was fine but then at about the midpoint, we
stopped for a bite to eat in Wallingford. After a sarnie, juice and a
ring donut with a cup of good coffee at their old post office, the legs
got too relaxed so it became a struggle on the uphill climbs we
suffered into Streatley and Pangbourne. Having felt better than I
thought I would until Wallingford, I was now hitting a little bit of my
own wall. Tim, Mike and Neil were supportive and once we left Tim near
Purley, my legs finally woke up again and everything improved.At one of the Wittenhams, they hold the National Pooh stick
championships. We went to the bridge there and in memory of Tyrone, we
wrote personal messages on a stick and raced them.It had been another great day, good weather, good pace and no
incidents....of any description. By 4pm we all arrived home. A frantic
dash to my local Halfords to tell them about my experiences with the
gear they sold me ended in new gear (better gear?) being given to me.
No quibble, no debate. Fantastic! My thanks to them so I hope that's an
end to my problems here on in.Tomorrow, we four become five as Mark joins us for the trip to
Windsor. A shorter 30 something miles.
We have now completed 120 miles of our cycle ride which should only be
184 miles in total. Yet, we are only a little over halfway there. At
least we have 3 days left instead of the full 2 days taken so far and a
lesser daily mileage.Roll on Windsor, then Kew and finally the Thames Barrier and a Friday
night celebration.
Wallingford-Streatley-Reading.After the intense heat and mileage of yesterday, today was all about
just doing and getting through it. We had another 45 miles to cover so
were pleased that the temperature was much cooler.It was a shame to leave the Malmaison but after a light but gorgeous
breakfast that included salmon and scrambled egg we headed for our home
town of Reading. Family awaited as this would be our only cheap night
of our bike ride. Just before departing Neil noticed that one of my
pannier rack supports had sheared at a joint. I really didn't know
whether I would get through the day but wasn't prepared to tail end
ride so relied on others to make sure I wouldn't lose a pannier to the
river. I knew I was going to put Halfords above family later. Yet, the
only way was forward and a good supply of cable ties!All too soon we hit a headwind. Not too strong but enough of an
annoyance to sap energy and niggle the soul. Moving from towpath to
minor road, occasionally to a major road and then back to the towpath
to stay on the Thames Path was fine but then at about the midpoint, we
stopped for a bite to eat in Wallingford. After a sarnie, juice and a
ring donut with a cup of good coffee at their old post office, the legs
got too relaxed so it became a struggle on the uphill climbs we
suffered into Streatley and Pangbourne. Having felt better than I
thought I would until Wallingford, I was now hitting a little bit of my
own wall. Tim, Mike and Neil were supportive and once we left Tim near
Purley, my legs finally woke up again and everything improved.At one of the Wittenhams, they hold the National Pooh stick
championships. We went to the bridge there and in memory of Tyrone, we
wrote personal messages on a stick and raced them.It had been another great day, good weather, good pace and no
incidents....of any description. By 4pm we all arrived home. A frantic
dash to my local Halfords to tell them about my experiences with the
gear they sold me ended in new gear (better gear?) being given to me.
No quibble, no debate. Fantastic! My thanks to them so I hope that's an
end to my problems here on in.Tomorrow, we four become five as Mark joins us for the trip to
Windsor. A shorter 30 something miles.
We have now completed 120 miles of our cycle ride which should only be
184 miles in total. Yet, we are only a little over halfway there. At
least we have 3 days left instead of the full 2 days taken so far and a
lesser daily mileage.Roll on Windsor, then Kew and finally the Thames Barrier and a Friday
night celebration.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Day 2 - A Night in Prison
Monday
Our day in the saddle commenced at just before 10am as we set off from Cricklade. It was already hot and we had 44 miles ahead to Oxford Malmaison.It was a tiring day in the saddle for me and at times the thought of another long trek in the saddle tomorrow didn't appeal. Our route today took us through Lechlade to Clanfield to Standlake and Wolvercote. We stopped for lunch at the Black Horse in Standlake and the standard was OK. We had some drama in the afternoon as we rescued a Lamb from the Thames (see previous post).
I also suffered a puncture in the afternoon and I am beginning to think that any ill of any description will befall me and my bike!
Our accommodation for the night is Malmaison Oxford - Now a luxury hotel but one time a prison where we spent a night in the cells! Not cheap with four Oxford Gold Beers costing £23. We headed for the city centre for some more reasonably priced fayre! We are having some laughs along the way and at times our eyes are averted to admire the scenery which has almost caused an accident or two!
We passed 8 pubs today, following on from 9 yesterday but we've only frequented 1... Honest ;-)
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