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2008 Campsite Olympics

This weekend was the inaugral Campsite Olympic Games. Lime Tree Park, Buxton won the extensive bid process due its excellent grassed areas and relatively low level of human rights infringements.

The competitors were all at the absolute peak of physical and mental fitness. The finest examples of humankind I ever set eyes upon. In no particular order we had me, Martin & Char, Pete & Ginny, Emma, Clint & Joel, Jon, Gareth & Hels, Goldsy, Nick & Amy, Paul & Suzie, Louise, Mark & Rachel and Dave, Maria, Harry & Theo.

Whilst most athletes engage in high altitude training. The campsite athletes took the less orthodox route of subterranean fitness conditioning in the Blue John Cavern. I was unable to join them but I understand the stalactitic deposits were some of the best they'd ever seen. After they returned to the surface, the team nutritional experts recommended a large pub lunch in Edale. Charlotte's choice of a cumberland sausage and a cornish pasty is exactly the dish Paula Radcliffe chooses before a big race. [insert your own punchline here].

The opening ceremony was quite something. Whilst Beijing had fireworks and music, Buxton '08 had a man with a flag. The list of events was exciting and diverse, it included:

• target darts - gold medal won by Shep


• rope puzzles - gold medals won by Shep & Clint


• talking with your mouth full - gold medal won by Nick


• three-legged race - gold medal won by Paul & Suzie


• wheelbarrow race - gold medal won by Paul & Suzie


• limbo - gold medal won by Rachel


• standing long jump - gold medal won by Clint


• egg throwing - gold medal won by Pete & Ginny

Which meant that, at the end of the events, we had a four way tie at the top of the medal table. Paul, Suzie, Clint and me all had two gold medals. Consequently a play off was required. We have Dave to thank for supplying a dazzling array of fancy dress for the event. Apparently all Royal Navy officers have an extensive wardrobe of dresses and wigs. The play off saw a drag queen (me) v a sailor (Charmo) v a cowboy (Suzie) v a sheikh (Clint) in am all-or-nothing sprint around the campsite. Our eventual winner, ladies and gentleman, was Mr C J Walker. Well done to him but I'm sure you'll all agree that sport was the winner.

The closing ceremony lasted all night and involved quite a bit of beer, wine and riddling. Terrific weekend. Oh, and it was Charlotte's birthday. Nearly forgot that bit.

Tony Blackburn's (not that one) 40th birthday party

Tony has reached the big 4-0 and it was his birthday barbecue bash yesterday. Considering Jo is due to drop any day it was quite an achievement to host so many people - I think they had lots of willing helpers, I did nothing!

K and I went down to Emma & Tariq's yesterday lunchtime. We were staying with them in Amersham. Tariq had created a fantastic album of the best of his photos from our wedding. That was a really thoughtful present. Eight months after the big day and we still haven't done an album for ourselves so we were delighted that someone else has taken the initiative.

We travelled over to J & T's at about 4pm and the party was already well under way. The garden was full of people and, luckily, the weather was being friendly. Tony found someone to look after the barbie, and we were all helping ourselves to drinks so the birthday boy could relax.

T had bought a crate of bitter and I think I was the only one drinking it. All the southern softies were on the lager. I did my best but couldn't get through it all! I was also getting gyp for my liking for pork and pastry based products. Every time I looked down, someone had but a sausage roll, pork pie or scotch egg in front of me - not that I'm complaining.

At midnight, we were still sat outside, eating, drinking, laughing and chatting. Great party. Happy birthday Tony.

Michelle & Gareth's Wedding

It was Michelle and Gareth's wedding yesterday and K & I were very happy to be invited.

There had been a lot of rain over the weekend but Saturday dawned bright and sunny.

The ceremony was at the Catholic church on Monks Road. It was the first time I've been in that church and it's very beautiful inside. K & I had got there a bit early so we had a quick snifter in the Jolly Brewer - hadn't been in there for ages and had forgotten what a good pub it is.

The evening party was at the Lawn in Lincoln. All K's workmates were there and their was a lot of enthusiatic dancing.

With the bride's family being South African and the groom being Welsh - there was a lot of rugby love in that room. The crazy dancing/gymnastics skills that were on display looked like they had been honed on many a rugby tour!

They looked like they had a great day - we certainly did. Congratulations and good luck to them both.

Ruby at the Walkers

Had a great curry round at the Walker house last night. There were the Sheps, the Walkers, Steve & Patricia and George & Andy.

C & E were great hosts as usual and we were never without a drink in our hands. Walked home with S & P feeling somewhat merry!

As if by magic, the shopkeeper appeared

Top weekend. Started off on Friday afternoon with 18 holes at Millfield with Ross and his mate Lewis. The outward nine was a disaster, I took 63 (my target is 50) but at the turn my fortunes changed and I came back in 46 which is just nine over for nine holes - by far my best nine holes ever!

K was out with the girls on Friday night so Hicko came round to Shep Towers for a chinois, a couple of DVDs and lots of beer. We each ordered a pancake roll, when they arrived they were the size a small dog (this was possibly one of the ingredients too). It was truly a huge amount of food so it took us all evening to plough through it. M still didn't manage his roll but K snaffled it for him when she got home. We watched a Richard Pryor live show followed by seven episode of Mr Benn. Nice.

Saturday morning we were having a carpet fitted on our stairs and landing. We're really pleased with the way it looks - a very regal, deep red. Mark G nipped in around lunchtime - he'd borrowed our tent and was returning it. He had a scan of his nipper to show off - I definitely think I could see the baby smacking its thigh but I didn't mention it. Saturday afternoon was spent on housework, Olympics, mowing the lawn, football and losing money at William Hill. Lincoln got beat again - that's three defeats from the first three matches this season.

Penny & Philip came round for dinner on Saturday evening. K prepared an edgy veggie soup, cottage pie and cheesecake. It was delicious as usual. After dinner we watched the DVD of the Hickertons @ Heart performance from the Ruby Wedding party. It wasn't nearly as embarrassing as it could have been - I think we can still hold our heads up in public.

I was intending to play golf this morning (Sunday) with Paul but the weather had other ideas so I watched more Olympics instead. Team GB are kicking ass in the rowing, sailing and cycling - basically any sport that you can do sitting down. As of today we are third in the medals table behind China and USA (who each have twice as many athletes as us) - if you ignore Michael Phelps we would have the same number of golds as USA - brilliant performances.

We walked round to the Centurion at lunchtime to meet Martin, Charlotte, Pete, Ginny and Jon. It's Charlotte's 30th tomorrow so we were having a celebratory lunch. Food was great and we had quite a bit to drink and played cards. Lunchtime drinking is very dangerous!

My Mum & Dad came round this evening for dinner. K did roast beef with mounds of delicious vegetables and, after dinner, we taught Mum & Dad how to play Texas Hold 'Em. That's not strictly true, actually K taught us all how to play. She was definitely sharking. Dad was very interested to see how his eBay auctions were getting on as the 'Pixie' suit and motorcycle jacket were both proving to be very popular.

I'm knackered now - I need to go back to work for a rest.

Imps Prediction League Update

Finally some points! At least for one of us. Well done John who predicted 2-2 so scores 5 points from the Derby match (which was 1-1 at 90 minutes). So John's top of the league - everyone else is joint last.

Bloody Terrific

It was time to give blood again yesterday. I'll do anything for a cup of tea and a free biscuit. It's my 19th donation so I've got quite a way to go before I catch up with Roy who does our electrical work - he was in the Echo this week, click here to read about his admirable efforts.

One thing I won't be doing again is playing footie on the same night that I donate. I was knackered after about 10 minutes - I think it must have been the lack of oxygen.

Imps Prediction League 2008/09

We're off to a flying start with the Prediction League. Thirteen competitors and not one point between us after the first match. No-one predicted a Rotherham win.

Everyone has now put in a score for the Derby match so I can reveal all the predictions. Click here to visit the Prediction League pages on Google Docs.

Flick to Kick

I have spent the afternoon selling my youth.

All of my Subbuteo stuff has been listed on eBay - 21 lots in all.

If you know anyone that would like to play football in their living room then please direct them here.