Beaulieu

Went to Beaulieu on Friday..It's the home of Lord Montague and has a typical Country home, an Abbey but is also home tho the National Motor Museum.  It's located within the New Forest in Hampshire.

There's a bit of something for everyone and if you're into your motors it's very good.  As well as cars from every era, there are the 'special' cars from F1 champions, Bluebird and other land speed record holders to Bond cars, TV favourites  and everyday classics.  There's also James bond world, a collection of Bond gadgets and cars and Top Gear World, a collection of props and their converted cars from the show.



Here's a just a few..

James Bond World

Some of the cars from the movies..



The classic underwater Lotus from the Spy who Loved me 

Top Gear World

If I wore that would I get on that?

Dampervan!  Driven by Richard hammond in the episode when they try to cross the Channel

Nissank!  Driven by Jeremy Clarkson in his successful crossing of the Channel

Clarkesons 'Stretch Fiat' from the episode where they made stretch limos and took stars to the Brit awards in them!



 Motor Museum



MaClaren and Williams Race winners - driven by Senna and Hill

classic F1



Some of the land speed record holders including Sunbeam and Bluebird

All lights and chrome.....some classics

Harry Potter fans should recognise this one..?

In a motor car, what a happy time we'll spend....





Give this man a medal....report from the Telegraph

 

FA Cup draw at Arsenal shows that Leeds United are still famous and belong back in the Premier League

Those of us gathered at the Emirates on Saturday were presented with another stirring reminder that Leeds United are only on loan to the Football League.

Making his point: Leeds United manager Simon Grayson at the Emirates Photo: EPA

By Henry Winter 11:00PM GMT 08 Jan 2011

Henry's Twitter

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Leeds United will be back in the Premier League one day, playing at the Emirates on an annual basis. The size and passion of their support and the quality of individuals like Robert Snodgrass will continue to lift them up.

Most importantly, their ambitious manager Simon Grayson has the drive, nous and level-headedness to keep Leeds marching on together, marching on upwards.

The club’s colossal support, 9,000 of whom had brought a real atmosphere to the Emirates, may need to rework their chant of “we’re not famous any more”, even if it is sung with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Leeds will always be famous, just occasionally off the national radar. The FA Cup provides an opportunity to show they are still here, still believing.

At the final whistle, Grayson’s men went over to salute those chorusing “we’re Leeds and we’re proud of it”. Not for the first time, Snodgrass led the way across Arsenal’s lush lawn, walking to the corner to applaud the jubilant crowd. Alex Bruce strode through the middle, ripping off his sweat-stained shirt and launching it into the writhing throng.

Leeds captain Jonny Howson was also stripped to the waist, the armband now clamped around a bicep, the midfielder finally able to draw breath after his immense efforts. As he led his players towards the tunnel, Howson glanced up, slightly surprised, to find row upon row of Arsenal fans had remained behind to clap Leeds off.

The refreshing attitude suffusing Leeds has been reflected elsewhere this season. Ian Holloway’s Blackpool have taken the Premier League by surprise, attacking relentlessly. If Leeds follow Grayson’s old club up into the Premier League, they would undoubtedly continue to abide by such positive principles.

Grayson is like Holloway, a real football man driven by a desire for his team to work hard and entertain. Before Leeds emerged from their well-appointed dressing room, Grayson told his charges “do yourself proud”. No regrets. Go for it.
And they did. Kasper Schmeichel, Howson and company gave everything, seizing the lead through Snodgrass’ penalty and resisting the rising red tide until the class of Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas eventually told. Any tinge of frustration at the denouement lasted only a moment in Leeds hearts. The delight at the draw, at getting such aristocrats back to Elland Road, was voiced long and loud.
Hearing a noise above them, a few hundred Leeds fans immediately looked up to the corporate section on the tier above. Soon thousands were pointing and waving to the smart seats, where a handful of Leeds supporters were unveiling a club flag. It felt the friendliest of invasions.
Not famous any more? No chance. Not with so many strong people dragging them back towards the promised land. Leeds’ performance here was a reminder of the quality that can be found outside the Premier League.
From back to front, Leeds’ players did their club proud, also delivering a display that was in the rich tradition of FA Cup endeavour. Schmeichel and Bruce excelled in frustrating Arsenal.
Snodgrass particularly caught the eye. Although lacking electric pace, the 23 year-old undeniably possesses the technical calibre and invention to threaten leading defences, whether through the middle initially here or then out wide as Grayson cunningly set Arsenal more challenges.
Snodgrass shone against Tottenham last season and Andrea Dossena’s Liverpool career never recovered from his mauling by the Scot at Elland Road. Arsenal will not find it straightforward in Yorkshire next week.

National Smith Day

Did you know that across the pond in the good ole US of A it's National Smith Day?!!?  Well it is.  Apparantly you are supposed to find a Smith and give them a hug... I'm still waiting for mine!

Those crazy Yanks.

Blast from the Past

Back in May 1985 we saw the horrific tragedy of the Bradford City fire disaster.  After a period of reflection I decided to do something to assist the survivors and relatives of those who had lost their lives.  Seems strange that being a Leeds fan I should want to do this considering the bile chucked at all things LUFC from our lowly neighbours but somethings transcend petty local rivalries.

Anyway, it was decided that three of us would cycle from Valley Parade, City's ground, to Lincoln, the team they were playing on that fateful day.  Unfortunately, one of the party would drop out at Doncaster through exhaustion leaving just two of us to limp into Lincoln at the end of a long and tiring cycle ride.  Unfortunately it rained all day and all of the way and not being allowed on the A1 we had to take the backroads.  Google Maps estimates the distance as 90 miles - quite a journey.

Anyway, here are some pics of that journey..

Off and running..so to speak



Checking the map..where the hell are we?

Getting some much needed sustenance..wet and cold here!

Pounding that empty road..many miles still to go

Just about there!

Once we there, we rode to the Police station in the centre of Lincoln to get our sponsor sheets stamped by them as proof we had done it.  When all the money was collected Phil and myself had raised over £600..not bad in1985.

It makes me smile inwardly when I hear City 'fans' giving Leeds Utd and even myself abuse for being Leeds..well if the above is being Leeds then I'm Leeds and proud of it.

On On On

Happy New Year!

Hope you all had a great New Years eve. Even Blogs have time off at Christmas and the New Year! I went to the 'Terrace' sreet party and had a great evening culminating in the release of a number of Chinese lanterns into the new year sky!  A good night was had by all although I had to watch the alcohol intake to stop the temptation from breakdancing...

Lighting up the lanterns

The race is on to get them up...



the first three are away!



A picture of modern times?

Networking...

Is there a word for multiple 'D-S-I-ing?  Ollie and his cousins mastering the art of networking their Nintendo DSI's to play the same game.  In this case they are in game racing with Mario karts!

Tweaks for 2011

Just a few tweaks to the site for 2011

1.  Anyone can now add comments without being linked to Google, so get commenting!

2. Picture copying has been disabled (due to request)

3. The last 10 posts are now viewable before being archived



Happy New Year..

Early I know, but it's already arrived in Oz!

Well, the deed has been done and the knee has been opened up..

The 'Arrow' was to assist the surgeon....very hi tech and reassuring!

Best video of 2010?

Here's my recommendation

It'ssssssss Christmassssssssssssss!!!!!

Merry Christmas to you one and all ...

Englands TANGO barmy army strike!

With the all important 4th Ashes test begining on Boxing day here's a reminder of how to TANGO the aussies.  Ady, Steve, Greg and Pedro style!  You may recognise a certain individual in the orange tshirt from 17 seconds onwards...(thanks to Pedro for the technical wizardry)

See Thursdays post below for a photo of the 'Ashes boys' aka the TBA, Tango Barmy Army!

30 seconds after this incident my nephew Jimmy called me on the mobile laughing his head to say he'd just seen his Uncle on the tv lol....5 minutes after the incident a new steward turned up with a chair and sat it down right in front of us facing us lol

On it in the Skyrack, Headingly
L-R Me aka Tango man, Greg aka Tourist (just out for a good day out), Pete aka Pedro, Steve aka 'the Blagger (gets all our tickets for free)



1940's Ollie..

Ollie had to go to school today dressed as a 1940's evacuee...he was quite convincing!  Last week he went to Eden Camp and the week before he had to build an Anderson shelter as part of his homework as the class look into the events of WWII.  I smiled with pride as he sat humming the dambustes theme in my living room at the weekend and when I asked him why he was humming that replied "cos my family flew lancasters in the dambusters..", nearly Ollie, nearly.

"Clean ya chimney Guv'nor?"

update: on looking at the blog Ollie asked his mum "why is there one thousand nine hundred and forty Ollies??"  lol


Lunar eclipse on its way

Coinciding with the winter solstice the eclipse will happen when the Earth directly aligns itself with the sun and the moon.  The effect causes the Earth to block the sun’s rays, casting a shadow over the moon which will see it change colour – from grey, to pink, and perhaps even red.

Star gazers in Britain will be able to witness the beginning of the eclipse, if skies are clear, at 0633 GMT. The stage of total eclipse will run from 0741 to 0853 GMT.   Overall, the eclipse will last for three and a half hours, finishing at 1001 GMT.  Unlike solar eclipses, which should not be looked at without protective glasses, lunar eclipses are perfectly safe to watch.

John Mason, from the British Astronomical Association, said: 'Observers should go out at about 6.30am when, if the sky is clear, the moon will be visible in the western sky, and they will be able to watch as more and more of the southern part of the moon becomes immersed in the Earth's shadow.
'They can continue watching until the eclipse becomes total at 7.40am, and hopefully for a little while after this time, if they have an unobstructed western horizon.'

The brightness of the eclipse depends on the conditions in the Earth's upper atmosphere through which all light falling on to the shadowed moon has to pass.
Dr Mason added: 'For observers in the British Isles, the very low elevation of the moon during the total phase means that it is not possible to predict just how dark the moon will be when it is eclipsed, or what colour it will appear.  'One will just have to go out and have a look

The trees up!

With help from a little elf called Ollie, who i think is trying to ensure he's been a good boy before December 25th!  The lights worked first time!

There's a Christmas decoration on the tree that I know is over 40 years old as I remember it being on the tree in Rugby.  Got a few special baubles on the tree.

Good Luck ....

to Mum and Dad on your 965 km journey through a snowy winterland on Saturday.  Hope you have a good journey getting from A to B.  I hope the passenger doesn't make it too stressful for the driver with 'back seat comments'  :)

Tomorrow...
Me and the rest of the 'Ashes' boys will be celebrating Christmas.  A few bevvies will be had as we celebrate another impending ashes thrashing of the Aussies.

However this time we won't be up close and personal with the Aussie team!

"You're *!*! aaaaahhhh!"

A thought for the day...

Life may not be the party we hoped for,
but while we're here we should dance.

Sad Day for britain

Harrier jets take off on retirement

Britain's Harrier jump jets have taken off on what is billed as their "final flight" before the axe of Government spending cuts falls on them.
The 16-strong fleet of distinctive aircraft soared into the grey skies above RAF Cottesmore in the East Midlands on a farewell journey due to take them over several other RAF bases.
Weather permitting, they are scheduled to fly over the local town centres of Stamford and Oakham as well as Lincoln Cathedral before landing back at RAF Cottesmore later.
The jets date back to the 1960s when the first generation of Harriers were built in the UK. They became famous for their ability to hover above the ground.
In 1969 the Royal Air Force became the first in the world to use the jets' unusual vertical take-off and landing abilities.
This distinctive feature enabled the aircraft to fly in and out of areas near to the battlefield that conventional aircraft cannot reach.
But the planes fell victim to the recent bout of belt-tightening by the coalition, which announced they would be removed from service in this autumn's defence review.
The farewell flight is in celebration of their retirement, the Ministry of Defence said.

These jets were based at Cottesmore, a base just down the A1 from my brothers house in Bourne, Lincolnshire.  I often saw these Harriers flying low after they had either just taken off from or were returning to base.  Their greatest hour was arguably the Falklands campaign quickly ensuring air supremacy over the Argentine air force with 26 kills to 6 lost.

The Lincoln affair...

Just been to Lincoln with a few friends to celebrate the begining of Christmas.  We tried to solve a 'Murder Mystery' set in and around the historic part of the city and a good laugh was had by all..the snow made things a bit tricky especially as it had covered some of the clues we were looking for!

And they're off...er...just discussing our tactics for solving the mystery

er...still discussing our tactics...

ah..the mystery...me, Jo and Donaldski sleuthing away in the Chinese gardens

hmmm this looks fun,  Densa candidates try to solve childrens play puzzle

"psssst..keep smiling for the camera but there's a pub down there"

er...girls...the clue IS NOT up there!
how old are you  :)

ahhh.. the traditional touristy shot

What's Christmas without a fre pressies...

the one they all wanted....   :)

those Rugby days...part 2

matching hats, matching jumpers...nightmare!
I made it look good :)

larking about at Loch Ken, Dumfrieshire
spot our purple Austin Allegro in the background = square steering wheel!

the start of my sailing career...

the start of my tennis career...serving an Ace against the hapless Des!
the umpire takes it easy..

the beach at either Scarborough or Bridlington
ark at goofy on the right

the start of my golfing career...
hole in one pending..nice jacket and shorts combo :(

I'm away for a couple of days so no updates till the weekend, my operation is on Friday.

Blast from the past...those Rugby days (part 1)

Some of the few pictures from the Rugby days.  Cameras were not as common then, mores the pity.
For those of you who don't know, we lived next to the Corcorrans.  They had three sons who matched my brothers and me agewise.  This is the gang of us on our bikes outside our semi detached house in Dyson Close, Rugby.  Des, my eldest brother is taking the pic on his new Kodak instamatic!





L to R  Ed, Dave C, Mark C, Me and Steve C

Ed and Me enjoying our 'swings' before school!

Enjoying a summers evening drink in the garden of the Red Lion
L to R Ed, my Dad, Mark C, Steve C, me and my mum
Ed's head looks freakishly large lol!

  



Des and Steve C posing in our back garden.
 Note our swimming pool!  Many happy summer days spent splashing around in there!



Friday is fun day!

A day off for me, a day of for Ollie and lot's of snow means only one thing..!







This sledge is Great!

Waaaaahaaaaaaaaaay!









Good fun Dad



Friday Funnies

Ever since this snow has started the wife has just stood at the window and stared....

..I suppose I ought to let her in.

Someone keeps adding soil to my allotment overnight but I've no idea why?

The plot thickens

I almost had a psychic girlfriend..but she left me before we met

All those who believe in psycho kinesis..raise my hand

Friday Puzzles

What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

What's the speed of dark?

How do they stick non stick coatings to frying pans?

Friday Philosophy

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism, to steal from many is research

Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm

If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried


Views of Winter

Have a look at this audio slide show that has the sights and sounds of a very strange and wintery week...  
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11900122 



and finally, check out this story .."Woman dials 999 to report theft of snowman"..includes actual tape of the call.  We need to cleanse the gene pool.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-11908583



Snow today!

And quite a bit of it...

The drive home..

The congestion...this is the main road outside my house

Playing...