Ravi Kanbur

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Several months ago I had an email from a friend from back in my university days, (Ravi Kanbur). I had not seen him since leaving university.  He had found me on the web.  This weekend he threw a party to celebrate his 50th birthday, and 25th anniversary of his marriage to Maggie.

The event took place at the Beet club in Ely, where we were entertained to a 60’s disco, and a fantastic feast of food.  There was a great mix of people from India, Cambridge, Oxford, Scotland and Wales.  Those who attended from my undergraduate days were, Simon Potter, Mike Bell, Norman Housley and Richard.Gleed.

Afterwards we adjourned to the Lamb hotel where we were entertained by rugby songs.   Sunday we visited Ravi and Maggie in their home in Ely, and then went onto Newmarket to meet my father for a Christmas present exchange.

Margaret and David for lunch

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On Sunday we visited Margaret and David for lunch, and the annual Christmas present exchange.  It was a very nice lunch of roast wild duck and oodles of cheese.

Managed to trap Oliver the cat, and was able to tickle him under the chin.  After he escaped, he remained very aloof and never entered the house again.

Jimi Hendrix

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With Rosemary away for the week visiting an old school friend in Devon, I decided to have a day off and visit London.  I chose the worst possible day.  The day before and the day after were beautiful sunny days.  The Thursday was the wettest and most miserable day of the month.

I caught the train down into London, to visit the Jimi Hendrix exhibition at the Marquee Club in Leicester Square.  The collection is estimated to be worth around $15 million and features thousands of unseen photos, promotional materials, recordings, videos, clothing, guitars and more.   Much of the exhibition was up for sale by auction.

Afterwards I visited China town for a meal, and had duck with a gloop sauce.  It was disgusting.  Must read the menu more carefully next time.

Fred Giacoma

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Travelled down to London to meet up with Fred Giacoma and family, and Christine Buckley.  Met them at the Tower of London, had a tour around the tower, saw the Crown Jewels, and the armoury. Afterwards had a drink and some food in the nearby Weatherstones. Rather embarrassing being guided around an iconic London tourist site by an American.

Guernsey

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Went for our usual week to the Grande Mare hotel on Guernsey.  Again we chose to use the bus for transport around the island.

Some good meals in the hotel and at the Auberge.

Some strong winds and rough seas, but not as bad as those on the South coast of England.

The health spa was open for us at no charge this year.  Think its on our maintenance bill though.

Electricity power cuts

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Power cuts at home all day.  Visited the P&A for a few drinks with the regulars.  Just before food was going to be served, the electricity men came in and announced the power was going off for 30 minutes.

In the end it was off for 60 minutes as they reconnected our transformer.

Wolves

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This Sunday was a day for walking with Wolves and petting Wolves.  First it was up early and out for brunch with Peter Worsley and Catherine Side.  The brunch was excellent, with cereal, juice, fruit, potatoes and black pudding.

Now it was off the woods where we met up the rest of the Cambridge Society and the Wolves.  The UK Wolf Conservation Trust looks after the wolves.  They are used to educate people and dispel myths about wolves.  Additionally they are used to raise money for wolf conservation in other countries.

We allowed the wolves to identify us first by smelling out hands.  We then had a two plus hour walk in the woods, following the wolves.  At intervals we were allowed to pet the wolves.  We approached cautiously, letting them smell our hands, then went behind them and stroked their underneath. Touching their tops was not recommended, as this is a dominant action.

After the walk we moved on to the actual wolf centre at Beenham.  Here we saw the rest of the wolves.

Plough and Anchor fire

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Today was the fire lighting day at the Plough and Anchor.  Traditionally the fire is lit on the 1st October every year.  Jake lit the fire, where upon the bar and restaurant was filled with smoke.  It took quite a while before the draft was sufficient to draw all the smoke up the chimney.  The fire will now remain continuously alight until spring.

We had a conker knock out competition, and Jake provided us with pies and excellent pickle onions.  It was a truly excellent Friday evening.