WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020 [HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE]

So that's nearly it for yet another year, and what a miserable year it really has been for us all. So I want to send out some festive wishes to everyone, have a very Merry Christmas may you enjoy a wonderful time with family, friends and loved ones. Try not to argue, say hello to your neighbours ...  then eat, drink and ... well yeah actually that'll do it for me. Personally I'll be having a nice quiet one at home alone, treating it as another "bonus Sunday" so having a lovely long lazy day, do some dinner after the Queen has been on and then settle down with a Bond film or something funny perhaps. Not much on I expect but nice change to be off work for the week and maybe there will be a few pleasant surprises along the way.

I have bought myself a nice bottle of Highland Park Whisky, which was one Dad enjoyed, and so I shall be raising a glass to all those no longer with us, Mum, Dad, friends and family. Will have a look at the Kempton Park races for Boxing Day which includes the King George VI chase and there's a feast of football later this week, thankfully I am off till the new year so plenty of time to spare. Doesn't look like I am meeting up with people this year. For Christmas Day itself, before the eating and drinking gets out of control will just be putting on some music and enjoying the day at home alone. Will probably also get some of my Dads model trains out for a bit of a run on a test track I have. The important thing is to just rest, try not to worry about things, and enjoy the day.

I hope you all can have a wonderful time yourselves too.
Have a very Merry Christmas   Martin Xx 

AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 2020 - 31st AUGUST

August Bank Holiday Weekend
What's in store for us this final Bank Holiday before Christmas, and one that would usually signal the end of the long school holidays, but they been closed for months now. While I'm unlikely to venture too far out we are still looking for something to enjoy. Signs of the domestic football season finally restarting again for the 2020-21 season, the FA Community Shield between Arsenal and Liverpool will have taken place on Saturday, the Women's shield also taking place between Chelsea and Manchester City. The Scottish Premiership is already well underway but the English games will not begin for couple of weeks yet. 

There is Formula 1 racing in Belgium this weekend, (won by Lewis Hamilton, no surprises there) with their Grand Prix held at the Spa circuit and then we'll have the Italian Grand Prix at Monza next week too.  

Horse Racing Meetings - Monday 31st August
Usually a very busy weekend of racing with festivals taking place around the country most of them traditionally family fun days, sadly this year with no spectators allowed on course the big meetings for instance at Cartmel was run last weekend and there are only three meetings in Uk due today, we will settle for the following few meetings here in Uk and Ireland. Ripon stages the feature for the day their Champion 2yo Trophy (Listed). These are the Bank Holiday meeting's scheduled for today, Sandown Park is an evening fixture which is rare for a Bank Holiday in Uk, would have gone if we'd been allowed. 

Ripon Flat Turf
Sandown Park Flat Turf [Evening]
Southwell Flat All Weather
Downpatrick NH (Ire)
Roscommon Flat (Ire) [Evening]

We shall take a look at the feature races around the various tracks today;
RIPON [1st race 12:15]
Feature event - Ripon Champion 2yo Trophy (6f Listed) @13:50
Selection - Bahrain Pride [James Doyle]. [WON 4/1]
  
SANDOWN PARK [1st race 15:00]
Feature event - Hampton Handicap (5f) @15:35
Selection - Maygold [Oisin Murphy]. [3rd 9/2]
  
SOUTHWELL [1st race 12:00]
Feature event - Thurloe Handicap (5f) @14:40
Selection - Moveonup [e.w.] [Tyler Heard].

DOWNPATRICK [1st race 13:00]
Feature event - Adare Manor Opportunity Beginners Chase [2m 3f] @15:05
Selection - Braid Blue [SF O'Keeffe]. [Unseated 1st]

ROSCOMMON [1st race 16:00]

Feature event - Irish Ebf Median Sires Series Race [7f] @16:00

Selection - San Martino [JA Heffernan]. [Non Runner]

Going home to Plough Lane

With the 2020-2021 Premier League season not set to start until 12th September this year and as a fan of AFC Wimbledon we have just had the League One season fixtures issued for this our fifth year at this level with an opening league game away at Northampton Town, plus the first round of the League Cup vs Oxford United both matches are away which is good as our new stadium on Plough Lane isn't going to be ready for another month or two and even though all games for now will be behind closed doors it would be something to get excited about. The Dons home fixtures will be played at QPR's Loftus Road (Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium) while the building process continues safely at Plough Lane, a date of 25th October has been pencilled in for completion. So our first "home" fixture will be against Plymouth Argyle at QPR though the first real home game at the new stadium could be against Blackpool Town if things go to plan, possibly even with a few fans in attendance if the test events go well.

HAPPY 51st BIRTHDAY TO ME -- 30th APRIL 1969 - 2020

I have made it an annual resolution to ensure that I am never working on my birthday and once again have the whole week booked off to enjoy myself. That was of course before we encountered this pandemic Covid-19 so now what to do with all that time? Well today (Thursday 30th April) I would have paid an overdue visit to the crematorium and spend some time having a 'chat' with Mum and Dad, but sadly as it stands we cannot even do this. I appreciate this is important and something no one has really experienced on this scale but the amount of time spent at home and working remotely is very difficult especially on the mental heath aspect of things. So as I'll not be going anywhere this time I have cancelled the week off that was arranged and will have to work it instead. The plan will be to take a week off later in the year (hopefully) and do something special then, meeting my Brother Graham and other members of the family and all the friends that I miss too. 


In the meantime we'll just have a quiet one safe at home, probably open a bottle of something nice and raise a glass to wish you all a lovely day too. 

Happy Birthday to me. 

EASTER WEEKEND [AKA FOUR DAYS STAYING HOME]

A very different Easter break this year, usually we all look forward to four days off work and for many they'll have been going away. All cancelled now under the current lock down and stay home guidance of course, but we will still have a little look at what we could have been doing and use that as an incentive to plan something fun for when all this might finally be over (whenever that might be). 

Plans were in place to get away to the Isle of Wight over Easter, visiting amongst other places their Heritage Steam Railway based at Haven Street (above) and all being well meeting with my friend Steffi, but that's all put back for another day now sadly. There would also have been plenty of sport on over Easter normally with the All Weather Championship finals at Lingfield Park on Good Friday a feature that I would have enjoyed together with football action for AFC Wimbledon. There doesn't appear much chance of either happening again soon, though horse racing 'might' continue behind closed doors though no date is set for a resumption only that nothing will change until May 1st at the earliest. 

So what might I be able to do other than stay indoors for four days 😞. Guess after a bit of a clean and tidy up (which is long overdue) we'll have some of the model trains out for a clean, test and lubrication. Shall also take the opportunity to record them into a spreadsheet for each scale I have and take some pictures and notes to update other sites in time.
Next update is likely to feature one of these;

 

KEMPTON PARK BOXING DAY 'KING GEORGE VI' MEETING 2019

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE

The year feels like it's flown by once again and here we are looking at the end of December with our disappointing season on the flat already finished at Kempton so a nice change of pace as we return today over the jumps for one more big meeting. The annual Boxing Day NH meeting at Kempton Park will be our final event till next year comes around and it of course will feature the renewal of the King George VI Chase and supporting Grade 1 event the Christmas Hurdle.

Will Paul Nicholls win again with last years winner CLAN DES OBEAUX can he rise to the occasion again for a repeat win or will we see another superstar in the making with the talented CYRNAME, also trained by Paul Nicholls who was able to end the run of the awesome Altior (himself now unlikely to line up). Shall we see a challenge from the Irish trainers this year sending over anything special to take on the home team or keep them safe across the Irish Sea and leave it till Cheltenham in March. I can remember when the best of the French chasers came over but that too seems to have stopped now. There are of course plenty of supporting events including the Kauto Star (Feltham) Novices Chase won last year by La Bague Au Roi under the champion jockey Richard Johnson and the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle which was won by Verdana Blue who sprung a surprise beating stablemate Buveur D'Air who at the time was the reigning Champion Hurdler.

We will have a six race card on Thursday afternoon, plenty of quality events leading up to the King George VI itself at 3:05pm. The going is currently forecast as "Soft", there is a lot of rain expected overnight and throughout the morning itself so this might get closer to "heavy" though the weather should be fine for the time of year during the afternoon although a bit chilly so wrap up warm, maximum temperatures expected 8C.

Here are our thoughts and selections for the rest of today's NH card;
12:50  Ladbrokes 'Free Bet Today' Novices' Hurdle (Class 2) 
2m, 8 Runners
We kick off the Boxing day meeting with a decent novice hurdle, Nicky Henderson usually unleashes a decent prospect here (won this last year with Mister Fisher) and indeed runs two this afternoon with both FRED [WON 9/2] and VEGAS BLUE worth noting, the latter appears to be the main hope with two wins from two so far. Paul Nicholls also runs a pair with ECCO strongly fancied while RED FORCE ONE is co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and was only a neck away from winning a listed event at Ascot so market support for this one would be interesting with experience of the soft ground anticipated here today. Away from the top two trainers one to note at a big price could be the Dan Skelton horse SOUTH SEAS who was runner up on debut at Southwell against a David Pipe 'good thing' and could be better than that bare form entitled to have come on for that run. 

RESULT -- 1st :  FRED 9/2.

13:20  Ladbrokes Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap) (Class 3) 
2m 4f 110y, 12 Runners.
An interesting Novice Handicap now, a race won last year by Mick Channon (Glen Forsa) and he saddles HOLD THE NOTE today which is of interest was a good hurdler and could improve for stepping up over fences, one to keep an eye on in the handicaps throughout this season. Venetia Williams horses fare well on the soft ground and her ROLL AGAIN is an ex Willie Mullins a winner recently over 3m on soft going and could be the one to beat. At a bigger price SOLOMON GREY was obviously outclassed up against Cyrname and Altior at Ascot but could be better suited to this trip and opposition and certainly capable of running to a place here. 

RESULT -- 1st :  COMMANCHE RED 4/1.

13:55  Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)
3m, 7 Runners
Formally known as the "Feltham Novices' Chase" this is now renamed as the Kauto Star Chase after the multiple King George and Gold Cup winner, shame to see some of the original names that I had grown up with being replaced. A small field of seven today which limits our each way interest somewhat although should still be a race to follow for the future given the quality that has come out of this event in the past including last year's winner La Bague Au Roi. Colin Tizzard looks to have a strong chance with his SLATE HOUSE [WON 3/1] who is rated highest, BLACK OP is a year older and Tom George's 8yo should find this trip within his range even on soft going. While JARVEYS PLATE has already won a small field contest this season beating on odds on shot in the process and was a listed hurdle winner at Cheltenham last season so commands respect, just wish it was eight runners for the place betting options.

RESULT -- 1st :  SLATE HOUSE 3/1.

14:30  Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)
2m, 10 Runners
Another Grade 1 supporting event before the King George but it's another relatively small field without any real live Champion Hurdle stars. With the Irish challenge remaining at home and not a lot of depth now in the Champion Hurdle events to be fair we see Nicky Henderson saddling three in this including last years winner VERDANA BLUE, wouldn't be a surprise this time if able to repeat that win but has more competition this time around including stablemate and likely favourite FUSIL RAFFLES who is unbeaten for Henderson including an impressive course and distance success as a novice. GETAWAY TRUMP returns to hurdles after an unconvincing start over the larger obstacles, the Nicholls horse shouldn't be dismissed lightly, while support for Colin Tizzard's ELIXIR DE NUTZ would be interesting and this is my each way selection today was a talented novice and in good hands. 

RESULT -- 1st :  .

15:05  Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)
3m, 6 Runners
Today's feature event only has six entries but its still full of interest nonetheless, ASO would appear outclassed here but there is nice prize money down to sixth place so a clear round will still pick up a nice prize, last years winner CLAN DES OBEAUX commands respect attempting a repeat win, has last years runner up  THISTLECRACK [N/R] in opposition once again but this does seem a race for the younger horses to take control. 

CYRNAME is the obvious favourite and will be interesting to see if the money comes in big numbers, beat Altior last time at Ascot in what was effectively a match and will have to be at his best to see off LOSTINTRANSLATION who himself improved his reputation beating Bristol De Mai in the Betfair chase at Haydock in a battle. And that just leaves FOOTPAD over from Ireland for Willie Mullins, if he stays well then will certainly be in the mix. Should be a cracking race, for me I'm going with LOSTINTRANSLATION [NAP] to improve again, then it's the Gold Cup which should be very interesting this time around.

RESULT -- 1st :  CLAN DES OBEAUX 11/2.

15:40  Ladbrokes Football Acca Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
2m 5f,  17 Runners
Our finale has the largest field of seventeen, we are headed by CANYON CITY with a 10lb claimer in the saddle which will help but we still overlook and favour LASKADINE a 4yo for Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty. 

For me it's wide open and preference is for two big price selections against the field, low weight helps on the soft going, so GORTROE JOE (Dan Skelton) and OSCARSMAN (Sue Smith) won a maiden hurdle but both have recent place form too and are about 20/1 as I sit here writing this.  G JOE PLACED 40/1 !! Nice result on the way out today.

RESULT -- 1st :  HONEST VIC 10/1.

Hope you enjoying your Boxing Day and still have a bit of turkey left over, wish you all the best for the end of the year for those of you disappointed that we didn't have a White Christmas here's what it would have looked like.

We'll be back with a new season on the flat in January 2020 and also at Cheltenham on New Years Day. 

HERE'S WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS 2019 ...

So that's nearly it for yet another year, I want to send out some festive wishes to everyone, have a very Merry Christmas may you enjoy a wonderful time with family, friends and loved ones. Try not to argue, say hello to your neighbours ...  then eat, drink and ... well actually that'll do it for me. Personally I'll be having a nice quiet one at home alone, treating it as another "Sunday" so having a lovely long lazy day, do some dinner after the Queen has been on and then settle down with a Bond film or something funny perhaps. Looking forward to the Gavin and Stacey special this year, makes a change from the usual Dr Who and Mrs Brown which to be honest isn't that funny for a long time.

I have bought myself a nice bottle of Highland Park Whisky, which was one Dad enjoyed, and so I shall be raising a glass to all those no longer with us, Mum, Dad, friends and family. Will have a look at the Kempton Park races for Boxing Day which includes the King George VI chase and there's a feast of football later this week, thankfully I am off till the new year so plenty of time to spare. Should try and meet up with a few people if I can. For Christmas Day itself, before the eating and drinking gets out of control will just be putting on some music and enjoying the day at home alone. Will probably also get some of my Dads model trains out for a bit of a run on a test track I have. The important thing is to just rest, try not to worry about things, and enjoy the day.

I hope you all can have a wonderful time yourselves too.
Have a very Merry Christmas   Martin Xx 

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY RACING -- 27th MAY 2019

Has been a very busy time for horse-racing for me of late, enjoyed my 50th Birthday at Ascot at the beginning of May and then last week had a great evening out to Sandown Park for my brothers birthday. Now we have a host of Bank Holiday fixtures to enjoy. Could go out to Windsor, although it's not one of my favourite tracks it is local and sure to be extremely busy. Maybe it is just that I am getting older now but I do recall that Bank Holidays used to be a feast of racing, about ten meetings and now we've only six in UK (plus an evening meeting in Ireland) which is not much different from a regular Saturday? Probably just my imagination or memory playing tricks on me now that I am older ... still a good day to be enjoyed out there.

CARTMEL BANK HOLIDAY FIXTURES ARE BUSY

National Hunt fixtures;
Cartmel (above) -- the traditional Bank Holiday meeting with funfair and hopefully lovely sunshine. Their seven race card begins at 14:10. The feature race on Monday is the Class 3 Veterans Handicap Chase off at 15:20 and a field of 10 has been declared where I fancy the chances of DOING FINE with Tom Scudamore in the saddle.

Huntingdon -- The other NH meeting this afternoon begins at 13:30 and has been billed as their "family fun day". Another seven race card on offer and the children will be entertained by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Their most valuable race is the 2m Handicap Chase off at 15:15 and might well go to the consistent ISTIMRAAR who does mix hurdles and chases and is usually in the frame. (Non Runner).

Flat fixtures;
CHELMSFORD CITY (All weather) -- The Essex course hosts their Family Fun Day in aid of Help for Heroes. First race is at 14.00 and there's a load of competitions to get involved with for a great cause, children go free, and there's plenty of their favourite superheroes too. Their best race is only a class 4 handicap (15:50) over two miles which can go to the Charlie Fellowes trained CARNWENNAN [WON 11/8F] who won a similar event at York and this four year old could still be on the upgrade now over these trips.

REDCAR -- Probably the feature race meeting of the day with the renewal of the Zetland Gold Cup worth more than £31,000 to the winner. Racing here gets underway at 13:50  with a 2yo novice event that can go to MECCA'S HOT STEPS here the Zetland is off at 16:10 very competitive as always and I've have a look at both EPAULEMENT (a course and distance winner with a similar size field) with SOCIETY RED against the rest.

LEICESTER -- Their own Family Fun Day and good value at £10 entrance plus accompanied children are admitted free. Racing gets underway at 13:45 with a handicap that can go to Rossa Ryan riding AL BARG. Their feature race is the Victoria Park Handicap a race for three year olds off at 14:55 which can go to the Clive Cox trained filly HERITAGE.

WINDSOR -- host their family fun day too with Free rides galore, including the UK's largest dodgems, and a seven race card to enjoy (though you won't see much away from the large screens though due to the track configuration) first race is off at 13.55 which is a 6f handicap and can go to BELATED BREATH [WON 13/8F].

Their big race of the day goes off at 15:05 and is the sprint handicap over five furlongs for three year olds. A race where we hope Ryan Moore can get DEPUTISE away on terms this time having stumbled out the stalls on previous appearance.

IRELAND;
BALLINROBE -- The only Irish meeting today is an evening NH fixture beginning at 17:45. They have a couple of nice races but the biggest prize on offer tonight is in the 18:45 Mares Handicap Hurdle which can go the way of the Gordon Elliott trained ARCTIC SOFIA who is lightly raced and can continue to improve for her new trainer.

Whatever you doing this Bank Holiday I hope it's sunshine and fun for you. Enjoy your day and back to work tomorrow. 

HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY TO ME -- 30th APRIL 1969 - 2019

I have made it an annual resolution to ensure that I am never working on my birthday and once again have the whole week booked off to enjoy myself. So what to do with all that time? Well today (Tuesday 30th April) I shall first pay a visit to the crematorium and spend some time having a 'chat' with Mum and Dad, hopefully the weather will be kind. Afterwards look to find somewhere to go out and have a nice lunch somewhere, preferably by the river so might be a trip to Richmond or Kingston but will probably be alone for the day, that's fine I've plenty of other things to do this week and will hopefully meet up with few friends and family. There is a slight chance of meeting up with a dear friend Kate, and if that happens then I will be delighted and make the day free to see her as lunch with good company is an enjoyable way to spend the day. 

Later on this week we have planned some days out which begin with an annual excursion to Ascot races on Wednesday will be joined by my older Brother and all being well a few others. It's an annual event going racing for this meeting in particular we've been doing it for the last 15 years or so, usually a nice day out, plenty to see and do. Certainly a cause for a few beers, and maybe a meal out after racing back in Twickenham perhaps. 

What else can I expect for my 50th, not too much planned for the week although if Wednesday goes to plan we can get out later in the week too. The main aim for today is to enjoy yourself, whatever you get up to try and stop worrying about things that you cannot control and concentrate on changing the things that you can have influence over.

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY RACING -- 28th MAY 2018

Been a busy time for horse-racing for me of late, last week had a great evening out to Sandown Park for my brothers birthday and now we have a host of Bank Holiday fixtures to enjoy. Could go out to Windsor, although it's not one of my favourite tracks it is local and sure to be extremely busy. Maybe I am just getting old but I do recall that Bank Holidays used to be a feast of racing, about ten meetings and now we've only six in UK (plus an evening meeting in Ireland) which is not much different from a regular Saturday? Maybe it is just my imagination or memory playing tricks on me now that I am older ... 

CARTMEL BANK HOLIDAY FIXTURES ARE BUSY

National Hunt fixtures;
Cartmel (above) -- traditional Bank Holiday meeting with funfair and hopefully lovely sunshine. Their seven race card begins at 14:10. The feature race on Monday is the Class 2 Oakmere Homes Handicap Hurdle at 15:20 and a field of eight declared where I fancy the chances of OLD HARRY ROCKS and at 14/1 is a good win/place bet today.

Huntingdon -- The other NH meeting this afternoon begins at 13:30 and has been billed as their "family fun day". Another 7 race card on offer and the children will be entertained by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Their most valuable race is the 2m Handicap Chase off at 15:10 and might well go to WALDEN PRINCE a course and distance winner and in receipt of weight from the field.

Flat fixtures;
CHELMSFORD CITY (All weather) -- The Essex course hosts their Family Fun Sports Day in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. First race is at 13.55 and there's a load of sporting competitions to get involved with for a great cause. Their best race is only a class 4 handicap (15:50) but can go to Mark Johnston ADDICTED TO YOU who went down by a head in a better class race than this last time and Franny Norton is the right man to have on your side today.

REDCAR -- Probably the feature race meeting of the day with the renewal of the Zetland Gold Cup worth more than £31,000 to the winner. Racing here gets underway at 12.45 here the Zetland is off at 16:10 and last years winner BRIARDALE lines up once more and races off 5lb higher today but hasn't had the benefit of a race this season. 
Was going to pick the Queen's horse SENIORITY but that appears as a Non Runner now sadly so will give my tip as ABAREEQ a winner off higher marks last year, and goes well under Joe Fanning for trainer Mark Johnston.

LEICESTER -- Their own Family Fun Day and good value at £10 entrance plus accompanied children are admitted free. Racing gets underway at 13:45 with a selling race that can go to Hayley Turner riding RACEHORSE. Their feature race is the Victoria Park Handicap a race for three year olds off at 14:55 which can go to the progressing filly ELNADIM STAR who is seeking a four timer.

WINDSOR -- Having cleared up from the Royal Wedding last weekend they host their family fun day too with Free rides galore and a 7 race card to enjoy (you won't see much though due to the track configuration) first race is 13.55.

Their big race goes off at 16:50 and is the sprint handicap over five furlongs for three year olds. A race where MIDSUMMER KNIGHT can snatch this from the front, will be hard to peg back if allowed an easy lead.

Ireland;
BALLINROBE -- The only Irish meeting today is an evening NH fixture beginning at 17.30. They have a couple of nice races but the biggest prize on offer tonight is in the 18:30 Mares Handicap Hurdle which can go the way of AWAYINTHEWEST and Barry Geraghty takes the ride.

Whatever you doing this Bank Holiday I hope it's sunshine and fun for you. Enjoy. 

ENJOYING A WELL EARNED BREAK IN BOGNOR REGIS

Bit of a deviation from the usual football and horse-racing blogs this week, having the entire week off to try and rest and forget about all other problems. Things are not going too well so it's nice to have this opportunity to head down to the south coast for a few nights. Usually I would head off to Brighton but as I have a good friend down here in Bognor Regis making the detour along the coast and enjoying a few days away seemed like the obvious solution. 
The train is an easy option via Clapham Junction for me and by going down during midweek hopefully won't be too busy, the bad weather seems to have made that a sure thing too. We arrive into the station around lunchtime and make our way into town, while the station is fairly central it's a nice 10-15 min walk down to the beach. Although the station dates back to 1902 and pre-electrification time it's clearly had a face lift since then and still a neat terminus and plenty of sidings with a regular service back to London, Littlehampton and what appears to be a shuttle service up to Barnham for connecting services along the south coast to Portsmouth and Brighton. I can imagine this station being a lot busier back in it's heyday and the regular holiday traffic, in particular the Butlins resort, would see a fair few numbers when the sun is out. 

Staying in a nice looking hotel right on the sea front too. The oddly names Royal Norfolk Hotel, it's surely hundreds of miles off target, has recently been renovated and will be ideal for someone who is not very familiar with the location. Checking in at 4pm though so had a bit of time to pass first fortunately my lovely friend was able to collect us from the station and we can begin to catch up, there is much to catch up on too. Hotel room is fine for a single, and decent quality bathroom is also a nice surprise, while overall the hotel still seems a little dated, it's not that bad, and the receptionists and staff do a wonderful job with a smile. 

After checking in managed to take a stroll along the beach and sea front, not much on the pier and the town is still in need of a lot of renovation but it's clean, the sea looks better than at Brighton down the coast and there are not tons of seagulls stealing your ice cream either. As the sun was out every day the warm sea breeze made us catch the sun and I've not got a bright red shiny head that's still burning up now. 

Was picked up by my friend Sarah, she moved down last year but haven't had the opportunity to see her and the new home. After the tour of the home, and meeting the new 'husband to be' (Graham) who turns out to be a smashing fella, had plenty of time to chill out in the garden. Really peaceful, just a few birds in the sky the occasional light air craft and that's all. 

Lovely time had by all though. 

The return home was a trial of patience and keeping calm, a short formed train of 4 coaches, rammed with Army and Navy going to Twickenham for the Rugby today. Took us about four hours to get home, but all in all that didn't detract to a really fun few days away, I'll be back, initially for the wedding but maybe for another short break...but must pack more sun cream this time.