A Day at the R's

Decided to get Dave and Marilyn's other car out, the Fiat Punto so Adam and I could go down to London to see Queens Park Rangers(QPR) take on Bristol City. Well we should have left Su with the Fiat and taken the Peugeot as being Diesel it is far more economical. We dressed warmly and at about 9.30am set off for High Barnett underground Tube Station so we could make our way to Woods Lane or Shepherd's Bush Station. The London Underground is quite a good system but I still think Paris Metro takes some beating. Because of it being a bank holiday they were doing maintenance work on the lines so what should be a simple trip was a bit harder with line closures however we had plenty of time to get there. Adam supports Liverpool but his  late Uncle and his  Father are avid QPR supporters. Adam was a bit worried we were going the right way but we soon saw a few supporters and as we approached Woods Lane we followed those wearing the Blue and White Hoops. We made our way to the stadium and there was a heavy Police presence including Police on Horseback. I decided not to try my luck in taking my SLR and off course the 70-200mm L lens would be an instant ejection. My decision was vindicated when I got to the Stadium and in truth if I had off been more organised I most likely could have got a permit to take my camera. I used my iPhone and my little compact Panasonic despite signs saying no Cameras. It was interesting watching the pro photographers with their Humongous lens...mostly Nikons I am afraid. I saw one Canon with a cannon like size lens. At half time the photographers were madly downloading on to Laptops no doubt filling reports for their respective papers. The atmosphere at the Stadium was electric and it was great that I had managed to pick seats amongst the home supporters. Seats around us had peoples names on them.I had never experienced a Soccer (Football) Match in the UK and I have to say even if you do not follow the game the experience is worth it. Adam visited the QPR shop prior to the game to get a  few souvenirs and you can buy QPR everything, tablecloths, car dice...I don't know you name it and here it is in Blue & White with QPR logo on such is the fans dedication.
Now the seating is very snug and can understand why people stand until the Match starts not only are they snug side to side but there is not much foot room so every time someone wants to get in or out you need to stand so they can shuffle by. QPR came out fighting and would have had 80% of the possession so the final score of 2 All did not reflect the match intensity. As stated in today's Sun they made two school boy mistakes and certainly QPR should have had 5 goals but Bristol had David James ex England Goal Keeper, he saved Bristol from defeat and unfortunately when Bristol made a break for it they were more accurate and QPR were poor in defending, great in attackl but poor defending. Any way the match was scoreless at half time and QPR were well in front until the last few minutes when Bristol  levelled the score. QPR could not recover despite several attemps at goal. We left the match and followed the crowd to Shepherds Bush Station. Adam popped across to the Markets at Shepherds Bush then we made our way back to Retford. We made the mistake of stopping at a Little Chef for dinner on the way back....do not frequent these, the food and service is crap. Both Adam and I donated ten pounds each and it will be the last time. Heston Blumenthal obviously was unable to save them and I am surprised they still operate.

Finally Fifty...and a Happy New Year

I woke up Thursday Morning in Paris Older..50 to be exact. Hard to believe fifty years has passed by in my life. After our continental breakfast we set about on our trek back home to Retford. We caught the Metro back to Charles De Gaulle Airport. Now one thing with flying and going through various airports is the way each airport/country interprets the security measures. We had one case to check in the rest was carry on baggage. Now in my case most likely topping the 10kgs allowance, was two cameras and a netbook . I had to take teh cameras out of the case, the netbook, remove my belt, shoes and of course place the toiletries in the mandatory plastic bag. On the way over from the UK I did not have to go through all this palaver. It appeared I had too many toiletries in my plastic bag so I had to decant material into a second bag?? After getting through security and redressing myself I went to duty free to see whether my chosen after shave etc is reasonably priced. A quick check of the Currency converter on my iPhone and I was buying up. One thing I have learnt is that when you see fragrances cheap, buy never think you can get it cheaper somewhere else. Shortly we were  making our way to our Airplane by airport bus....immediately I think of that Sandra Bullock movie Speed. When we had got up in the morning the sun was shinning and the Eiffel Tower could be seen from the Railway Station at Cabronne, however the cloud and fog had now rolled in. Our flight back to the UK was uneventful however we had to fill out entry cards...something we could have done on the plane, When I made the suggestion to the girl from Jet2.com at Leeds Bradford airport she basically told me to go F*&^ myself. Hmm I won't be letting that matter rest...a stern letter will be sent to their Complaints Officer!!
The weather in Leeds was slightly better than we left however there was still fog and mist. I set off carefully for Retford. We were home in no time and after unpacking made our way back to Wath to celebrate my Birthday with Su's Sister's family. A lovely pub meal was had a few drinks and wearily Su and I returned to Retford. The kids, Adam & Christine were staying in Wath in readiness for New Years Eve.
New years Eve was spent doing our domestic duties, washing, shopping for food and I had my first meal of soggy Fish & Chips for lunch. The evening was spent with Phil & Pauline, neighbours of our house swap owners, Marilyn & Dave. Phil & Pauline are very friendly and an inspirational couple. They have 5 adopted children and have fostered numerous children. At the moment they have one Foster child Sam. Sam is autistic, doubly incontinent and 14 years of age. They have had him for seven years. Sam cannot talk but does some signing and took a shine to both Su & I hugging and kissing us. May be because we gave him two massive Next Catalogues which are his latest obsession. Sam sleeps in a safe room at night and both Su and I take our hats off to Pauline & Phil. Pauline cooked a nice meal and of course I introduced them to one of my cheesecakes. Midnight was observed watching the fire works on telly from London. By 12.30 we were tucked up in our bed.

Fireworks on the Eye

Big Ben 2010/2011

Christmas, Boxing Day....Gone!



Flaming Birthday Cake

 We celebrated Christmas in a quiet style. Firstly we Skyped my Sister and Brother in law back home in Oz, my parents were with them also. I then set to the task of cooking,Turkey, Gammon and Roast Beef along with Veggies and of course Yorkshire puddings. Most of the supplies came from M&S supplement with stuff from Morrisons. We had Pam's husband, George's relatives Gwen, Malcolm and Adelle join us who live in Retford. Despite being in a different kitchen with an unfamiliar stove I think things turned out okay.(No photos sorry as I promised not to touch a camera for a day.) 
Today we went to Wath upon Dearne to see Su's  half sister, Wendy. Su's Nephew, Isaac was celebrating his 14th birthday. A very lucky boy as the cards rolled in with plenty of folding stuff. Su's half brother Francis and his wife Emma and Children Jacob & Mason were there as well as Mark's parents. Wendy and Francis mother Alma was there as also, unfortunately Alma has not been in the best of health lately but was great to catch up with her. A marvellous spread of food, a flaming birthday cake and a few drinks it was a fabulous afternoon. Adam ,Christine and Abby went to the local pubs of Wath for a drink or three as obviously it was not cool to hang out with us. Happy Birthday Isaac....now the countdown to my birthday..gulp

Mason

Jacob

Jacob..he loves the Camera

Mason & Jacob

Birthday Boy Isaac

Christine & Adam

Su & Wendy..contemplating

Francis

Alma

Grandad Peter & Isaac

Emma

Abby

Mark...trying not to laugh

Grandad Peter & Grandma Maureen

Five Cousins Gather ....

Pam. Frank and Eddy

Yesterday we picked up Pam from her friend Joan in Dagenham and went and visited Pam's Cousins in Hendon. We then made our way back to Retford. Pam's friend Joan had served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during the war, She gave Pam  a short write up of her experiences during the war which I will share in a later post. She used to work with Pam in London Transport. My  only regret is I did not photograph Joan especially after reading her War Story. We made our way to Hendon where Pam's cousins had assembled for an afternoon tea. Eddie is the eldest he is 85 the other brothers, Frank 81, George 78 and young Reg 75  and of course Pam turns 80 in January. There was a bit of reminiscing of their life in York Road, West Hendon after George produced a photo of the houses in York Road. George had organised a marvellous spread ( maybe his wife Ruth helped him) and I had to try Eddies baked Cheesecake. Eddie still works overseeing gardeners and makes pewter jewellery. Unfortunately old age has caught up with Frank and his wife Rita has to oversee him but he had a distinguished career writing and performing music for the BBC used in many television shows. She said he still plays beautifully and will send us some of his music on cd. George was a camera technician with BBC TV and you will find his name on many BBC programs of yesteryear (a quick google search confirmed this). George today is a keen golfer and noticed he had a captain's plate on the wall. I did not have a chance to speak with Reg as our two hours went too soon. I took a few snaps of the gathering and regret that had the weather not been so foul, I would have been prepared to stay longer

Pam & Eddy deep in conversation

George(unfortunately Photographer did not focus)

Rita and Frank



Frank




Christine bored!



Reg & Pam



Reg




Eddy



The Olde Pub lunch

Retford

Friday we had clear blue skies and a spot of Sun however it did hide the fact there was a bitterly cold wind. After walking(shopping) in Retford, we headed to Wentworth, a village in South Yorkshire that has a population of 1233 people. It is a beautiful country village and of course we had lunch at the Rockingham Arms a pub founded in 1768. We lunched for about two hours and enjoyed the cosy atmosphere of this small pub. We then decided to take  a stroll however the weather was bitterly cold with an icy wind and Pam quickly retired to the car, shortly followed by the other girls. Hence our trip to Elsecar was a drive through but once again a quaint village. I  managed to snap a few photos but am finding that when you have others in tow who are not interested in photography have no paitence whilst i get a collection of shots. We also picked up Christine from her stay with Su's niece Abby. Tomorrow we set off for London so we can take in the sights and I will on Monday attend a photographic course.

Retford- Sun Shining!

Retford

Wentworth Rockingham Arms

Wentworth

Rockingham Arms Wentworth

Bowling Green next to Pub

Rockingham Arms

Beer Garden..Smokers Retreat!

Off to see the Sheriff!

Today we returned our rental car to Nottingham. We faithfully plugged in the address to the GPS and crossed our fingers. It took us about an hour to get there. That is one thing that mystifies me,  everything in the UK looks close and Nottingham is only 26 miles away or 41 kilometres but what we don't count on is the traffic hence the increase in travelling times. Our trip took us past Sherwood Forest but with so much snow on the ground we did not stop. It appears this area has suffered the most from the recent snow falls in the UK and watching the weather forecast tonight looks like they are expecting more snow on Thursday.
Anyhow as the Hertz Rental drop off point took us to the City Centre naturally we went shopping. I found a car park in the Victoria centre which by the way charges to park there..our stay cost six pounds fifty. Our first mission was to get a sim card for Christine as she is currently cut off from the world.... the first store we went to we were told they had no pay as you go cards..they had run out and had no deliveries due to teh snow come back after Wednesday..ah thanks mate but have ever lived with a gen Y who has no phone access? Nooo so in the end the nice lady at the Mobile Carphone Shop told us to get an Orange pay as you go Sim, they offer the best deals. So to the fellow at Three thanks mate you did us a favour...no wonder the UK is going the gurgler..and on that note another experience from today. Christine for some reason got Euros...which very few shops in the UK accept no doubt the recent problems of the Irish and the Euro has reinforced this. Anyway we found a Natwest branch in the shopping centre however it is really a sales centre with a few atms if you want banking services with tellers go down to market square.
So Christine and I trundle on down, stand in line for 15 minutes...can we change Euros to Pounds please...do you have an account with us...no we are from Australia..sorry we can only do that for account holders...you what??? Hmm and British banks are doing it tough, ever heard of charging a higher fee for non bank customers?? Luckily Western Union had no problems in changing Euros to Pounds.
With Christine having pounds in hand it was off to Primark to buy some clothing meanwhile I perused the shelves of Marks and Spencers making my list of what we will have for Christmas Day.   Whilst walking around I was able to snap of a few pictures of Nottingham City Surrounds as well as popping into Jessops a well known camera  chain in the UK. Brits are really paying through the nose for a lot of their camera gear. I have not made a detailed study no doubt a 17.5%  VAT does not help. Tomorrow is Christine's Birthday...more shopping I fear at Meadowhall outside Sheffield...and yes Melanie a shopping tour but given the weather what else is there to do? I would like to go wandering but with the ice and snow around Retford a rather hazardous task at the moment.

Christine in Red Coat Headding to Market Square