What's On in Ulverston

MAY 2013.

"HERMANS HERMITS"

At the Coronation Hall,  25th May.

Tickets are £12.50 and £10.00

Tickets are available from the Coro,  or by ringing;

 Rowly Saunders on 01229- 889286

Phil Preston on 01229-615166

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31st May - 7th June

Ulverston International Musical Festival at The Coro

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CARTMEL RACES

Saturday 25th May  Evening Racing.  "Vintage Fashion Night"

Monday 27th May.  Racing.  First race at 2pm

Wednesday 29th May.  Racing.  First Race 2pm.

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Ralph's 'Blog'

THURSDAY 23rd MAY 2013.

What a mixture of weather today!  Sunshine,  some rain and even some HAILSTONES!  What is going on?  It's reaching the end of May for goodness sake. Over again to Broughton in Furness.  A delightful part of the world.  Seems like I may have to open a branch there shortly as I have a few properties there to offer for sale and I received yet another today.  ( Details next week).  My Racing Tips ALMOST came up trumps. As I managed to find 2 winners from 3 selections.  And the loser only lost by a short head.  Blast!  It's Cartmel this weekend. Evening racing on Saturday and the weather should be nice,  but the Monday looks a bit grim with some heavy rain moving in from the west.  It's Vintage Evening on Saturday so everyone is encouraged to dress accordingly and join in the fun.  We're all going again on Wednesday  so we should be all well and truly skint by then.  I've noticed that the cottage at the top of Soutergate is being painted after all these years.  It has been an eyesore since I don't know when.  Quiz was good and Bill Little won £134.25 for answering the Rollover Question correctly.  ( In which year did the Russians launch their space station "Mir"?).  Well?  Do you know? 

WEDNESDAY 22nd MAY 2013

A very nice sunny day but started off sadly at the funeral of an old friend Cyril Spibey who celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year.  He was from Lancashire and served in the war in  Bomber Command.  Bright as a button  with a sharp wit,  excellent mathematician and a clever Bridge Player.  Tall and elegant and always very smartly dressed,  he didn't give up driving until he was 98.  Had plenty work to get on with and Helen managed to sell another. Had my last job across at Broughton and went in the Merc Sports.  Home in time for a meeting of the Heart of Ulverston at UVHS and we all made some good progress. Home then for tea and out later on to The Rose for the final night of Sugarfoot.  There was a good crowd in,  including the Seeley's,  Belinda,  Maggie and Peter, Bruce and Derek,  Peter R, Derrick and  Alan amongst lots of others.  Finished off for the last one at The Mill where it was "Open Mic " with some folk music.  Pretty good really. 

TUESDAY 21st MAY 2013

A very pleasant morning with some bright sunshine,  and at times, it was quite warm and pleasant.  Across to Broughton again and directly afterwards to Whitbeck to see some lovely people who treated me to declicious strong coffee and home made biscuits.  Mmmmm!   Got on well again.  The tornado in Oklahoma is so awful.  The amount of destruction within minutes is incredible and of course,  the tragic deaths of folk and children at school.  The buildings always appear to be flimsy to my eyes.  Made from timber mostly which isn't that substantial.  The tonado was reported as having 200mph winds.  Nothing much, I suppose,  would be able to withstand that sort of battering.  It must have been terrifying for everyone. "Tornado Alley" they call it.  The Met boys have explained how tornadoes develop and they are a regular feature of that part of the world.   Stayed in for the evening and did some work on my computer installing Dragon Naturally Speaking.  A marvelous speech recognition programme.  It really is quite marvelous and got totally involved with it.

MONDAY 20th MAY 2013.

A pleasant and warm morning.  Occasional bursts of some sunshine but then clouds come back over.  Oh! When!  Oh! When!  When will the summer begin? Got on very well and managed to sell one .  Visited a gorgous place in late morning.  The quality was outstanding from the moment I first saw it right through to the gardens. Quite lovely in every respect.  I had the opportunity to visit my old pal Jock.  He's still complaining so that means he's doing ok.  It gives me great pleasure to report the rise of the FTSE to the highest it has been since 2000, closing at 6751.63.  We all want this enthusiasm to permeate through the entire economy and I'm very hopeful that it will.  The scaffolders are surrounding the former Social Services building ready,  so I understand,  for it to be demolished.  It occupies a large site in Brogden Street at the corner with County Road and was recently sold for "a song". Went up to Clare's for a very nice tea. Alan is home from his weekend in Chester so I met up with him and Willy for a "swift half".  He's had a good time though the hotel was " rather pricey".  Home then,  read the papers and watched a spot of tv.  A nice day.

SUNDAY 19th MAY 2013.

Had a bit of a lie-in till nearly 10 then my LDSB followed by FE, T&M and a POSC.  Tidied the place up a bit then out to the garage to take the Merc out for a spin.  Stopped off at the Lakeland Motor Museum at Backbarrow where there was an Exhibition of sports cars in the car park.  Crowds were there and the place was packed solid.  Had a run out to J36 and blew all the cobwebs away ( if there were any) .  The Merc is singing like a bird.  Glorious roar.   The sun started to break through and on my way back home I thought I would take the Suzuki out for a ride.  The bike looks great and I got all togged up and had an exhillerating ride around the Lakes.  It was the Windermere Half Marathon and there were lots and lots of hardy souls doing their bit for charity.  Well done to all of them and to the organisers of the event.  Home then feeling rather happy with myself and spent a pleasant hour on the Poop Deck with a pot of Lapsang Souchong listening to "oldies" on the iPod.   Got all W&P and  met up for Cocktails @5 in the Farmers. Derek was absent as was Alan but we were joined by Paul and Sarah ( recently returned from Sri Lanka)  Willy and Sue,  Sue and Elizabeth and Maggie and Peter so there was a good crowd out.  Home fairly early,  watched a little tv (Mock the Week) and off to bobo's.  Another very pleasant and enjoyable weekend.

SATURDAY 18th MAY 2013.

A rainy day and loads of work.  Got soaked more than once and didn't finish till nearly 3.   Productive though so I'm a happy bunny.  Home then did my bit of weekend shopping  and watched some excellent racing on the box thanks to Channel 4 + 1.     Stayed in for the evening though I deliberately chose NOT to watch that stupid Eurovision Song Contest.  Will we EVER win.  I preferred to watch some of the Fast Show on DVD which was hillarious.  It was accompanied by a wee dram and a King Eddy.  I know how to live.

FRIDAY 17th MAY 2013.

A very nice morning which turned into a very nice day.  Plenty work to get on with and measured up a delightful,  elegant Victorian house in Broughton ( Details later).  Managed to sell yet another "biggy" which always pleases me!   Plenty action now on  the housing front but it's still got a long way to go before it's back to "normal".  It was a true pleasure  driving through this wonderful countryside with the sun shining brightly and with the Aircon on in the car.  Treated myself to fish and chips from Haverigg.  Delicious with a can of Vimto.  It's Dam Busters Day.  70 years since that audacious raid on the German Dams.  A very emotional  programme was on tv. Met up with everyone for Early Doors.  There was a good crowd out and as it was such a pleasant evening we all went "walkabout" visiting several of the hostelries of the  town!

THURSDAY 16th MAY 2013.

Sunny one minute, rain the next.  What's going on?  It's the middle of May and it should be quite lovely by now.  The trees and hedgerows are looking splendid with lots of Cherry blossom evident as well as those exquisite Magnolias.  Oh! How I love those.  Exotic they are.  Plenty work to get on with and managed to sell a "biggy".  Bingo!  Lots and lots of interest in The Old Smithy at Broughton.  Not surpriesed,  just very pleased.  So much interest that I am there ALL of Saturday afternoon.  That's my racing up the Swanee!  The Quiz was well attended with 21 enthusiastic teams battling it out.  The Rollover was NOT WON ( £124.00 ) and so it will be around £145 next week.  Not a football fan but I always admired Beckham and he has finally decided to retire. Heard the sad news that Cyril Spibey has died peacefully in his sleep having achieved the grand old age of 100 years.  An exceptionally nice man.  Bright, intelligent,  smart and witty.  A great bloke.

WEDNESDAY 15th MAY 2013.

A mixed day weatherwise but an excellent day workwise!   Plenty good business to attend to and work is good!  It's such a relief to hear Mervyn King the Governor of the Bank of England finally express enthusiasm and positive  features of the economy.  The FT rose yet again and closed at 6686.  It still has to continue to improve to reach that magical 6930 which is the highest ever, but the direction now seems to be UPWARDS!!!  Positive reports now should come along  from various other agencies, and so the circle goes on.  Everyone gains when the economy is on it's feet.  People spend money and that's at the heart of it all.  Had a Board Meeting to attend in the evening,  Everything went smoothly and without incident so  it was all over quickly.  I went out to the Rose later and met up with some of my friends and enjoyed Trickle Charge playing my sort of music.  Afterwards I enjoyed the "last one" in The Mill which had "Open Mike".  The place was pretty full and there was a lovely atmosphere.  The builders have almost completed the re-building of the Health Centre wall and what a teriffic job they have made of it.  It looks wonderful!

TUESDAY 14th MAY 2013.

What started off as a rather iffy morning turned out to be quite  pleasant day,  even though it should be warm and bright for mid May.  Still wearing a leather topcoat! Lucy and  Helen worked extremely well to catch up with everything as we were a little behind due to the introduction of the new computer system. Still not 100% but getting very close.  Main stumbling block is the email side.  Got Paintshop and the other programmes functioning as they aught to and I suppose we will overcome the remaining few little niggles quickly enough.  But I think also that they both went home pretty well mentally exhausted! It's always nice to be busy and we seem every day to be getting busier.  The FT reached another "high" and creeping ever closer to the magical 6930 which was the all-time-high nearly 7 years ago. We are standing at last night's close at 6686.  It is just an indicator of course,  but it does suggest that the economy is improving..  The cobbles in Market Street are now completed and  I must say that they do look good. Work is going on at the Deli in King Street and several Traders have reported increases in business.  Went out to a meeeting in Newby Bridge in the evening and met up with an old friend that I have not seen for months. He is looking very well simply suffering from "the aches and pains of an old man".  A keen racing man,  the first thing he mentioned to me was Tom Queally's fantastic 1781 treble on Saturday.   I was home for shortly after 10,  a cup of hot chocolate and off to bobo's.  Busy day tomorrow!

MONDAY 13th MAY 2013

A nice morning but distinctly colder.  Later in the day there was even some hailstones!  It was windy too so it was leather jacket,  hat and gloves.  Should be short sleeved shirts by now.  Middle of May.  I ask you! So much for global warming?   Those Happy Chappies at the met office are even saying parts of south Wales and southern England may " suffer from some snow flurries on Tuesday".  Wouldn't it be such joy to be sitting opposite one of those chaps at a dinner party?  Great conversationalists. The life and soul of the party.  James came to see me about Lakes Got Talent 2013 of which I am proud to be the sponsor.  Posters and other advertisements are out now and already he has been swamped with applications for auditions (  www.lakesgottalent.co.uk ) We are holding the auditionss in Barrow,  Ulverston and Kendal so if you,  or someone you know, wants to apply for a slot then get on the website as soon as possible.  The Grand Final is at The Coro,  Ulverston on 10th August and it is certainly going to be  fantastic!  Went up to Clare's for a delicious "Martin Special Madras Curry".  It was gorgeous!  Back home then to catch up with some bits and pieces and a relatively early night.

SUNDAY 12th MAY 2013.

Up bright and early as it was Flag Fortight de-rig morning.  240 flags to take down,  label up and put back into storage.  there was a good team out including Colin and Jayne Kendall,  Judy and Colin Pickthall,  Peter of course,  Derek and Dan,  Matt and Andy and Andrew and Joe.  All done in double-quick time as we were finished and in Gillam's for coffee and a toasted sandwich by 12.30.  Could always do with some more help in these matters and any volunteers would be most welcome.  The Town always looks bare once the flags are down.  Rather like 12th night after the Christmas Cards and Decorations have been put away.  Sad really.  The weather was pretty ropey and we all got a bit damp but that's not the end of the world is it?   Home then to a hot bath and an afternoon and evening in.  Very pleasant with a good meal and a relaxing time with the papers.  A good weekend.

SATURDAY 11th MAY 2013.

A very busy day not finishing till well after 2.   Saw some of those hardy and  courageous souls walking ( some running) through Dalton to the Finish line of the annual Keswick to Barrow Walk.  A 40 mile slog and  some finish within 5 hours.  My Grandson Josh completed it in just over 7 hours running the last 15 miles..  Well Done Josh!   2500 souls set off from Keswick at 6 in the morning and to get there on time he was up an out by 3.30.  They raise a staggering amount of money for charity adn I send my congratulations to them all and a special word of praise to all those who helped in any way.  The organisation of such an event is fantastic and all praise should go to the Organising Committee. Whizzed around the town for my weekend shopping and then watched some excellent racing on the box. Tom Queally came up with a wonderful treble which would have returned just under £18,000 for a £10 stake. Marvelous! Met up with Alan and Nice neil in the Rose for a TTT adn later joined Derek and Sue and Dave Seeley in the Farmers. Had a very nice time as Derek had picked on a 8/1 winner for the Syndicate. Bingo!

FRIDAY 10th MAY 2013.

A rainy and misty morning especially going over Kirkby Moor.  First job was over at The Hill again and from there into Broughton to measure up a super slate detached cottage.  ( Details shortly).  Had a very busy day and didn't finish till almost 6pm.  Lucy had a dreadful day in the office as some of the programmes that the old computers had did not successfully transfer to the new computers so she was not too happy.  It was one of those days when you can work very hard  but achieve very little.  We'll persevere,  of course,  and will get through I'm certain.  But in the meantime it will simply put us behind a bit.  The new computers otherwise,  are so much faster and slicker than the old ones so once we overcome this little hiccup things will be fine.  Met up for Early Doors but left at 7 to meet up with some other friends for our monthly curry at the British Raj.  The meal was quite excellent.  Don't ask me what it was because I don't know, all I know it was nice!  Afterwards went into the Capitola then The mill and finally ended up in the Jammey Kelly playing nine-card brag with Ken and Eric!

THURSDAY 9th MAY 2013.

A wet and windy day!  Plenty to get on with and didn't finish till 6.30.  That's more like it!  Some excellent properties coming onto the market and I have a very full diary for tomorrow as well.  It's a shame to see folk scuttling around sheltering from the rain and wind.  Such a change from a day or so ago. "What a difference a day makes".  You have to be tough to  live in the UK!  The cobbles in Market Street are just about completed now and they didn't cause as much disruption as was expected adn the workmen seem to have done a very nice job. There was a good crowd at the Farmer's Quiz.  Even though Alan, yet again, got the chance to answer the Rollover Question he got it wrong.  Again!  Ooooh!   It will be standing at around £115 next week.  Building up nicely again.  It's the fabulous Keswick to Barrow Walk on Saturday and it is fully subscribed with over 2500 hardy souls setting off. There is a shorter walk,  from Coniston to Barrow  too.  The amount of money that is raised for charity is enormous and last year exceeded a quarter of a million pounds.  Fantastic.  My congratulations to all those who take part and of course,  to the excellent Organising Committee and all their helpers.  Well Done!

WEDNESDAY 8th MAY 2013.

A nice enough morning but it's somewhat cooler which is a pity. Just when I thought Spring had Sprung it's back to "iffy".  There was a permanent threat of rain and my first job was at The Hill and thats when it started!  Got there in good time and my Clients were prompt which I always appreciate.  They seemed to like the house and I'm hopeful that they like it sufficiently to buy the place!  Of course,  the views from the house were obscured by the misty weather and that was a shame,  as it has a very good view over the countryside and over the estuary.   Back to Ulverston then and expecting Shawn  to come with my new computers.  He said he would be here by 1 and he was true to his word.   It's going to take a little while  to familiarise ourselves with the new features that  the new computers have.  I went over to J36  to see the new premises of 1818 Auctioneers run by my friend David Brookes.  A very impressive place and it is certain to be very successful.  Extremely convenient in its location being easy to access from Cumbria, Yorkshire,  Scotland and the South.   I travelled onwards to Kirkby Lonsdale to pick up some fish and chips then home as I had a meeting at Town House for the Carnival.  Afterwards I popped out to listen to the music at the Rose where I met Peter andJim,  then on to the Farmers where I met up with another Peter and we finished off with "open mic" at The mill.  Very pleasant day.

TUESDAY 7th MAY 2013.

A gloriously sunny morning and all is good with the world!  What a delight when it is warm and bright.  Even turned off the central heating.  Now maybe that's a step too far,  you might say,  but I do take risks from time to time.   I had a very busy day to myself and very interesting too. Shawn failed to deliver the new computer system and he was on the phone really acting sheepishly ( Shawn  Sheepishly,  no pun suggested)  promising he will be here on Wednesday at 1pm.  Helen haas already told him that there will be NO coffee and chocky bickies util the whole system is up and running smoothly.  Had a meeting of the UTA at The Mill.  It went very well and I was  home for 7 when I had a some tea and relaxed with a wee dram listening to my music.

MONDAY 6th MAY 2013.

 A cloudy morning when the Forecast App on my phone was certain that it would be a brilliantly sunny day all day!  What's going on?  Had my breakfast and got togged to get out on the Suzuki Bandit wearing my red leathers,  red boots,  red gloves and red helmet.  The Red Baron Rides Again!  It was lovely riding when the roads are bone dry and the sun is shining.  Crowds on the road of course,  and there was a massive hold-up for  those travelling south  at Junction 36.  There was plenty traffic on the road to Kirkby Lonsdale exacerbated by some road works covered by temporary lights.  This caused massive hold-ups.  Unsurprisingly there was a huge gathering of bikes at Devil's Bridge so much so that it was difficult to secure a parking slot.  The Tea Bar was making even more money than usual.  I saw some of my friends and sat on the wall for a while sipping a mug of tea whilst chatting.  About bikes. Had a nice ride back  and tucked up the Bandit ready for another ride on another sunny day.  Or evening.  Freshened up a bit then lay out in the sun on the Poop Deck before  going up to Clare's for tea.    Then home again and had an easy eveing and an early night ready for getting back to work on Tuesday.  A lovely Bank Holiday Weekend.

SUNDAY 5th MAY 2013.

A rather poor morning on the weather front, so I had a lie-in before my usual SMR.  Had MK's this week and they were rather splendid.  Pottered around and took a crack at the DTGK Crossword managing to get stuck pretty firmly.  A bit of a poor show and I was disappointed with my effort.  I decided to have a run over to Broughton to seek out a property that I have been asked to compose a report on.  Found it after not too much trouble but it looks in a poor state.  Later in the afternoon the sun did decide to shine brightly enough to penetrate the heavy cloud,  sufficent for me to enjoy an hour on the Poop Deck with a pot of Lapsang Souchong whilst listening to my iPod. I met up for Cocktails @ 5 in the Capitola where Derek had reserved the elevated area for us all.  Wendy and Vicky did us proud and provided a delicious platter of cheese,  ham. crackers and olives.  It was very much appreciated by us all.  There was a good turn-out of Rachel,  Belinda,  Dave and Sue Seeley,  Derek,  Alan,  Willy and Sue,  Maggie and Peter.  Maggie brought 2 friends and we all had a very pleasurable afternoon .  After a while we sauntered off to the Rose,  then the Farmers then finally ending up in Hope.  Goodness knows how late it was when I finally toddled ( tottered ) off home.  But after all it WAS  Super Sunday!

SATURDAY 4th MAY 2013

A lovely day just perfect for the start of the Bank Holiday Weekend.  Did my shopping around the town and there were lots and lots of folk about enjoying the atmosphere and the spring sunshine.  The racing was brilliant.  Glorious Goodwood,  Newmarket AND Doncaster.  What more could a racing fan ask for ?  Did well with my selections managing to bring home an excellent 12/1 shot coupled with a 2/1 shot.   Lisa rang to say that they were actually at Goodwood and thet she had had  some good luck and had managed to find FOUR winners.  She's always been very lucky at the races and long may it continue.  I met up  with Alan and Dave for a TTT at 5.30.  Sue had not won as much as she had hoped for but it all goes into the Racing Syndicate Savings book! IT is building,  although somewhat slowly, for the Christmas Pay-Out.The target is always to exceed the previous year's Pay-Out, and so far this year we are only slightly ahead.  Home then to watch a spot of tv and a nice supper.

FRIDAY 3rd MAY 2013.

A lovely day though it was breezy again.  Had a rather good day managing to sell two!  Always a nice thing to report.  The market does seem to be picking up but folk have said so before and then the market has faltered. So I'd best keep quiet.  The Local Election results were very interesting with the fantastic surge of votes going to UKIP and damaging all the other parties. It will be good reading in the weekend papers.  Perhaps with UKIP it may be  that they are saying what the other parties cannot say,  but what the electorate actually want.  It might spur the government into some urgent action?  Let's hope so.  Should be some excellent racing over the weekend as it's Glorious Goodwood,  Doncaster and Newmarket.  Lisa,  Dennis and Amber are off to Glorious Goodwood as a treat for Dennis's ( late) Christmas present so I do wish them every success and that they come home with lots of "folding stuff".  I went out for Early Doors and met up with the usual crowd of reprobates in the Farmers,  then onto the Rose and finally to the Hope and Anchor.  A very nice night out.

THURSDAY 2nd MAY 2013.

Some of you noticed my error of yesterday in as much as I had inadvertantly called it the 1st APRIL and it should have been MAY of course.  Well done to you all especially Anna. It was a beautifully sunny spring day with clear skies and rising temperatures.  Everyone is in a much better frame of mind when the sun shines.  But it is ALWAYS shining in my heart!  Had a very nice day to myself and had a pleasant stroll around the Market.  Lots and lots of folk were out and there were some more market stalls too for everyone to enjoy.  As the weather was so good, I took the opportunity to take some photos of a lovely country house that will be on my Register next week.  Those Happy Chappies at the Met Office have said it will rain on Friday but we should have a glorious Bank Holiday Weekend.   I hope the sun shines brightly.    I went to the Quiz but we had fewer teams than usual, perhaps they were all in their gardens with the BBQ going?  The Rollover was not won.  Derek  missed it by ONE YEAR!  Oooooh!  Absolutely awful news of a tragic road death at Lindal of a little 14 year old girl.  It's impossible to imagine the grief that poor family are having to endure.  Everyone is so sorry.  A minibus  with some school children from Windermere was involved.  How awful for them too.  It's the Local Elections today and I was a  the Polling Station before 9.  Rather imagine nationally UKIP may have some good results.

                                                     WEDNESDAY 1st MAY 2013.

A lovely morning but the weather  did deteriorate and became overcast and misty.  Had a good morning however,  and after lunch I joined my friend Peter at Lakeside and had a very pleasant sail up Windermere.  It's very interesting to see the shore from the lake rather than the usual view of the lake from the shore.  There are some beautiful houses to be seen with some pretty boat-houses too.  On the way home I called in to see my old pal Jock.  He hasn't been on top form of late but I know what will put him to rights,  and that is a good spell of warm sunny weather.  Oh!  And a couple of wee drams, perhaps. I had a nice hour on the Poop Deck after tea,  listening to my iPod. before getting ready to go out at  9 to meet up with some friends in the Rose to enjoy "SIDECAR" who play Rock'n Roll music.  Great stuff.  There was a good crowd there,  rather reminiscent of the "old days" when it was so crowded that you had to squeeze your way in.  I was all set to come home when everyone decided to have the "last one" in The Mill.  There was a band on there as well and a decent crowd in.

TUESDAY 30th APRIL 2013

What a glorious morning!  Clear blue skies and bright sunshine. And the winds have just about gone completely too.  Is spring really here?   There was a fire which has gutted the "Flames"  ( approppriate name?) Pizza/Kebab Shop in Fountain Street.  I believe there were no casualties but the place was gutted,  and it's all boarded up now.  The big news of course is the abdication of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and that the new King will be Crown Prince Willem-Alexander .  She has abdicated after 33 years on the throne and he will be the first King of the Netherlands  since 1890.  We had a good day in the office and out and about. I went over to Grange to collect some keys first thing, for a new property for us to market.   Didn't finish work until well after 5 again which I consider to be "good".  Had a nice tea and then went for a very pleasant evening walk up Gill Banks.  The Fair is in the Gill and it opens tomorrow till Saturday evening,  so the kids will all be happy.  Even if the parents may not be as it's an extra expense!  I was looking forward to watching programme on Channel 4 "Crash for Cash" principally because it was based in County Durham but the was a change of programme so I hope it gets rescheduled.  It's Mayday tomorrow and this weekend will herald Black Eye Friday and Super Sunday.  The weather is confidently predicted to be "GLORIOUS".  Sounds like Suzuki Bandit weather for me!

MONDAY 29th APRIL 2013.

A very windy and blustery morning.  It always seems to be like this the moment the flags are put up around the town.  And it's chilly too.  Still wearing a leather coat and thermal gloves.  And it's MAY on Wednesday!  Had an early appointment with my Doctor at the Health Centre and I'm relieved to say that it's nothing for me to be concerned about.   Measured up a delightful Barn Conversion ( details available on Tuesday) with about an acre paddock and a walled garden ( Totally and utterly private)  and all enjoying fabulous open views out over the Bay.  Sounds idyllic and it IS idyllic. Not one to be missed.    I went up to Clare's for tea.  Josh is somewhere in Europe on yet another holiday jaunt so it was just Clare,  Martin and I sitting down.  A very nice tea of roast lamb.  Tasty and,  in fact,  rather scrummy.  Home then to listen to Paul Jones R&B then a terriffic final of UC where Manchester Uni beat UCL.  A great match.  Then I watched a programme of WW1 "from the air".  The introduction of aerial photography and the Royal Flying Corps.  Fascinating.

SUNDAY 28th APRIL 2013.

A wet and blustery day!  Told you!  The flags are taking a beating already.  Followed my usual Sunday Morning Routine of a LDSB followed by MK's,  T&M and a POSC.  Always delicious!   Simply pottered around as the weather did not encourage me to get out and about. Read the papers and got well and truly stuck on the GK Crossword.  Managed the codewords this week as smooth as silk. I got all W&P and went up to Croftlands Community Centre ( I was Secretary of that  Association when we built it in 1990.  Incredible that  that is 23 years ago).  I had been invited to attend the Opening of the new Castle on the playground which had been burnt down.  Michelle (from Pure in the Market Place) was one of the principal "movers" to raise sufficient money to have another installed by raising money from the local residents as well as some good hearted companies and individuals anmounting to,  I believe,  around £8000.  John Woodcock the local MP was present as was our Mayor Cllr Brenda Marr,  several  other town coucillors and hundreds of well-wishers.  The Fire Brigade ,  the Police,  Neighbourhood Watch and various others had stalls and displays,  there were Bouncy Castles etc  and so the kids were well amused.  The Ribbon Cutting was at 4 and it was lovely to see the Community come together so well.  Home then and I went off to meet up with my friends for Cocktails @ 5.  We  had a smashing time with much good-hearted banter.  Alan reported that the Syndicate had won £27.50.  Better than of recent weeks but insufficient to keep him "in the saddle" so it passes on  for next week's attempt.  Had the last one in the Capitola then home for an early night.  The conclusion of a rather busy weekend.

SATURDAY 27th APRIL 2013.

Up and out by 6!  No such time!  Met up with Peter and got all the flags out of storage and  delivered them to the different locations around the town.  All the teams were out and it didn't seem too long before the town was transformed and looking rather good.  Putting the flags out usually heralds some windy weather.  Will it come true again this year?  Returned the pick-up to my friends place and I got off home and got ready for work.   Had a rather good day and, as the weather was so pleasant,  I was able to use the Merc Sports.  I just love being out in that car.  Didn't finish till nearly 4 so home then to have a relaxing hour in the chair watching the racing on tv.  Some great stuff.  Even had half an hour on the Poop Deck in the sunshine.  Met up with Alan and Neil for a TTT at 5.30.  A very pleasant recreational hour,  or so,  then home to wind down some more and then off to an early night.  Shattered!

FRIDAY 26th APRIL 2013.

A very pleasant day though rather windy and distinctly cooler. Plenty to get on with again.  And that's the way that I like it.    Visited my old pal Jock.  He's doing well though he wants the temperature to rise a bit more!  Picked up the Pick-up  in readiness for tomorrow morning when all the flags go up around the town.  Got all W&P in my penguin suit and met up with everyone ,  also suited and booted at  the Farmers at 5.30.  Team photo at 6 and the taxis arrived at 6.25 to whiz us all off to Barrow for the Annual Royal Society of St George Festival Dinner at the Lisdoonie.  The place was full to the door and there was a lovely ambience.  We sat down promptly at 7.30 and got tucked into a good heartly meal washed down with copious amounts of various liquids.  The speeches were ok but Willy excelled and presented a splendid speech which was very well received and was certainly the best one of the whole night.    Back to Ulverston and had time to catch Last Orders in the Farmers. A pleasant conclusion to a lovely evening.

THURSDAY 25th APRIL 2013

A wet and blustery morning which eventually turned out gloriously sunny and bright.  Had a nice day with plenty to get on with.  A very tense day as the Planning Committee at SLDC were considering the  two supermarket proposals fro Ulverston.  There was a direct Twitter comnnection to Kendal Town Hall and one of the computers was linked to it for the whole session.  First up  was the Beehive development by Sainsbury's and that was REJECTED  with only ONE vote in favour.  The second application,  of course,  was the application by Robinson's brewery to develop the brewery site in Brewery Street and that application scraped home by ONE VOTE.  So the papers will be full of it today and it will be the main talking point for along time just what way in which it will affect Ulverston. There were many  folk who vehemently were against any development and many who were in favour,  but the decision has been made now. So some will be very happy and others rather upset and disappointed.  Had a good Quiz  but the Rollover was NOT WON. 

WEDNESDAY 24th APRIL 2013.

A bit of a dull morning and  a spot of rain now and again.    First thing I took my Suzuki Bandit down to Steve at Auto Diesel Technics for it's annual MOT.  Steve did it right away adn the bike sailed through without a fault anywhere.  It was rather nice having a little run out on the bike early in the day.  Tucked her back up ready for a sunny day all gleaming and shiny.  Still runs  beautifully smoothly,  just as you would expect a 4 Cylinder 600cc machine to run.  Motorbikes are dangerous things and driving with extreme caution is an absolute necessity.  Always ride with "day-notice" lights on,  wear Hi-Viz leathers,  stay well back from all other road vehicles,  and only overtake when it is clear and safe to do so.  Cars  can stop so much quicker than bikes and some car drivers do drive with total disregard for other road-users. Had a nice day to myself adn finished after 5 again just in time to attend a meeting of "Heart of Ulverston" at UVHS at 6.  Home then  for a nice tea and a read of the papers.  Got heavilly involved in tomorrow's racing at Punchestown and have made my selections for two possible "doubles".  ( See my Racing Tips column).   Sprinter Sacre did the job again making it 10  wins out of 10.  Chasing Frankel ( 17 from 17 ) and the Australian star Black Caviar ( 25 wins from 25  and now retired undefeated).  Only bet if you are fully prepared to lose!  It's only a bit of fun! And Bookies are the usual winners.  SO BE WARNED!

TUESDAY 23rd APRIL 2013

It's St George's Day!  Patron Saint of England.  Had my flag out and wore my red rose with pride!  Even had my cufflinks and lapel badge in, just for good measure.  It's the Annual Banquet on Friday down at the Lisdoonie.  Our crowd assemble at the Farmers all dressed up in Black Tie all looking devastatingly handsome!  Got on well and managed to sell another which will please my Bank Manager.  Absolute scandal in the Horse Racing department with Godolphin stables caught injecting some of their horses with "banned  substances".  Sheik Mohammed will be furious of course as Godolphin are such a fantastically highly rated organisation.  Supreme and world class.  Heads will roll!  Had a good busy day and didn't finish till well after 5.   I rang Alan and we popped out for a TTT meeting firstly at the Farmers and then on to the Capitola and the Rose.   Picked up some  F&C up on the way home! 

MONDAY 22nd APRIL 2013.

A pleasant enough morning but distinctly colder. Brrr!  Rain came later in the day.  And it will shortly be May!  Had a nice, quite busy, day and received some "Instructions".   Finalised figures for the Royal Society of St George Annual Banquet,  this Friday at the Lisdoonie,  and submitted the table plan for consideration. I saw that the demolition of Graham Atkinson's Car Body Shop on the corner of Victoria Road and Alexander Road is nearly  completed and I understand that some residential units are to be built on the site.  There's always something happening in this little town?  It's St Georges Day tomorrow so I hope there will be a few red and white flags out.  I'll be wearing a red rose too. It's the start of the Annual Flag and Banner Fortnight this weekend when the town is bedecked with flags fluttering from many of the shops and businesses and  I am delighted to see more private houses are starting to have their own flags too. Went up to Clare's for a very tasty tea.  Josh is off on his travels on Wednesday.  Off to Amsterdam firstly, and then through Belgium to Germany then back to Amsterdam.  A great adventure.  I watched one of the semi-finals of UC.  Another nailbiter.  What a shame that someone has to lose?

SUNDAY 21st April 2013.

It's the Queen's 87th Birthday today.  God Bless her!  Its also the 33rd London Marathon.  Started with the inspiration of Chris Brasher back in 1980.  A fantastic event enjoyed by everyone and lots and lots of money being raised for charity.  Brilliantly organised and a showcase for the rest of the world to view England.  I always end up in tears when I see those brave souls in the wheelchairs.  Fabulous upper bodies but with damage of some sort to their lower body.  Fantastic.  And the blind competitors running with a  guide.  How wonderful!   Got up around 10 and followed the usual Sunday Morning Routine of a LDSB followed by,  this week,  MK's,  POSC and T&M.  Delicious.  Stayed in all day as the weather was pretty grotty.  It rained and rained and rained some more.  Then,  around 4 the sun came out, so I spent a very pelasurable hour sitting out on the Poop Deck listening to my iPod and "grabbed some rays".   I got set and met up with everyone for Cocktails @ 5 when I glad to confess to drawing a complete and total blank with the racing.  Shameful.  I was home before 8 and read my papers and had an early night.  A pleasant weekend.

 SATURDAY 20th APRIL 2013.

A lovely sunny morning though still rather cool when not standing in the sun.   It was the St George's Pageant in the Market Place and I played Baron Hardup with my two henchmen Derek Henderson and Baff Owen.  Tim Balchin played St George and Louise Walton was the Maiden in Distress.  Great fun was had by all.  The crowd enjoyed it and the other entertainment ( Banger Dobbling) Balloon Toys and  Tombola Stall etc etc.  Great simple fun.  All carried out in glorious spring sunshine.  I drew out the winners of the Willy Wonka Chocolate bar Competition promoted by Mr Simms Traditional Sweetie Shop.   They managed to raise £1000, yes One Thousand Pounds, for St Mary's Hospice with the promotion so many congratulations to them.  I met up with Alan for a TTT and we were joined by Nice Neil.  We had a very pleasant early evening drink then home for a spot of tea and simply watched the TV.  A good day.

FRIDAY 19th APRIL 2013.

A lovely sunny day and  we did some good business too.  What a pleasure it is to be getting around this lovely part of the world with the sun shining brightly and with the air conditioning on!  The Greenodd junction is CLOSED all this weekend ( 6 am Saturday till 6am Monday) as they are preparing for the construction ( 30 years behind schedule) of a roundabout.  It is necessary to do some rock blasting,  so the junction is closed entirely,  which will cause a lot of frustration as traffic seeks out alternative access.  Should be fun!  Likely to be VERY  busy in Spark Bridge. It's the ST George's Pageant this  Saturday in Ulverston Market Place and the weather looks as if it will be just about perfect. Always a nice event for the kids to enjoy.   I met up for Early Doors in the Farmers at 6.  A good turn-out and we enjoyed our evening.  It's the London Marathon this Sunday so I trust the weather will be perfect and that everything goes smoothly.

THURSDAY 18th APRIL 2013.

Another very good day and things seem to be warming up a tad.  That's what we all want to see and hear.  It was blowing a gale and there is an amount of damage being caused.  I've had a couple of signs blown down but that's easy to correct. Soutergate in Ulverston  is being resurfaced so there are detour signs around the town .  It's only a temporary thing and things will be back to normal very shortly.  Of course,  the Evening Mail had headlines painting a very bleak picture  " motorists face an 11 mile detour".  Must have been a "slow news day".   Jeff Barker who many folk in Ulevrston will know has passed away.  He was at UVHS for many years and was the "loudspeaker man" at all the local shows. Famous for playing Jimmy Shand records over the speaker system!  I attended a rehearsal for the St George's Day Pageant in Ulverston this Saturday.  ( Activities from 11 o'clock and the Pageant itself at 1pm).  Went out to the Quiz at 8.30 and we had a big crowd.  The Rollover was NOT WON so it's creeping upwards again.

WEDNESDAY 17th APRIL 2013.

A very windy day,  dull and cold.  Some heavy rain is on it's way and the wind is forecast to persist too for a couple of days which is not a good prospect.  Especially as it's the St George's Pageant in Ulverston this Saturday.( Though my App on the phone says it's going to a pleasant  and DRY day so I hope it's right!).  The kids love the whole idea of St George and the Dragon.  I am playing the wicked Baron Hardup and with my two Henchmen,  Baff and Derek we seek out and then tie to the stake the pretty Princess ( Louise ) to be devoured by the Dragon.  But in the nick of time the gallant St George arrives riding his white charger,  kills the Dragon and rescues the Princess.  Aaaah!  There was a meeting of the Carnival Committee and everything is falling into place nicely so the Ulverston Carnival will take place on Saturday 6th July.  The Theme is "Celebrate your Decade". Sadly I learnt that the Barrow Carnival will NOT take place as they have no Organising Committee.  A great shame. 

TUESDAY 16th APRIL 2013.

A lovely bright spring morning but with some wind about!  The wind increased during the day and is going to bring some rain with it for the next couple of days.  But the temperatures are gradually rising so the Daffs and Crocus are looking quite magnificent.  I'll be over in the Ulpha Valley to "my Daffodil meadow" this weekend to admire "A host of golden Daffodils".   Had another good day. In the afternoon I met up at UVHS for a photo shoot for the start of "Heart of Ulverston" with representatives from the Evening Mail,  Glaxo,  Siemens, UVHS and the Town Council.  Watch out for the campaign which is being run by the Evening Mail.  I went up to Clare's for tea. ( Roast chicken dinner.  Mmmm!).  Marissa has gone back to Leeds University and the house seemed empty without her.  I went out for a stroll around the town in the pleasant evening sunshine ( though it was a bit windy) and had a look at the cobble repairs in Market Street.  The contractors are going to work as swiftly and efficiently as possible to minimise disruption by avoiding any work from Wednesday evening till the following Monday morning so Thursdays and all the weekend should be disruption free.  I was  shocked at the dreadful bombings at the Boston Marathon.  What sort of people live in this world?  There can be no  possible justifiaction for such a malicious act. Killing and maiming purely innocent people.  And did you see that awful man George Galloway ( backed by Skinner of course)  standing up in Parliament?  What!

MONDAY 15th APRIL 2013.

A very nice day and plenty to get on with though the first thing I had to contend with was the re-starting of the repairs to the cobbles in Market Street. It does cause disruption and in a little town like Ulverston the disruption is massive!  The real complication is the Achilles heel of the junction of Brogden Street/Market Street.   It has now been agreed that in order to minimise the disruption, to traders. customers and traffic,  work will be done as efficiently as possible but ONLY on Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday.  Had several viewings to attend to and I was invited  to attend a meeting at 4 which was very good and afterwards to the Dinner at the Olde Mill at Bardsea.  There were lots of old friends there and it was good to see them.  Didn't get home till after 11!

SUNDAY 14th APRIL 2013.

Woke up to dull skies.  Not a good omen ans I had hoped to get out on the Suzuki Bandit,  but it was not to be. Had a bit of a lie-in and followed my usual Sunday morning routine of a LDSB followed by a FE, T&M and a POSC.  Altogether quite delicious!   I lounged around and read the papers from front to back and made a gallant effort to do the GK crossword.  Got about 60% under my own steam but then had to surrender to the might of the Internet.  The papers were full to bursting about Margaret Thatcher.  The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday and there are threats to some civil disorder which will be a shame, in my view.  Respect for the dead. I enjoyed my chilling out all day and then got ready to meet up for Cocktails @ 5.  There was a good turn-out and Helen and David were out too.  They were off to the Rose for tea.   We had a very pleasant evening finishing off at the Capitola.  I was home fairly early and had an early night.  Another very pleasant and enjoyable weekend.

SATURDAY 14th APRIL 2013.

A beautiful spring morning.  Bright sunshine and clear blue skies.  This is England!  Plenty work to get on with and  I was able to do some of the jobs in the sports car with the roof down.   Final job was over at The Hill and then it clouded over and a few spots of rain.  What is this stuff?   I enjoyed watching the racing on the box and managed to find some profitable ponies.  I meet up with Alan for TTT, repeating last week's programme of an evening out followed by a curry back at my place.  Alan managing to consume a tad too much of my Brandy.  Again!

FRIDAY 12th APRIL 2013.

A gloriously lovely Spring Day!  And another busy day all over the area.  There certainly seems to be "movement" after all this time of being in the doldrums.  There was a terrible smash at Tank Square Roundabout where a  big wagon carrying meat turned onto it's side.  How anyone was not killed is a mystery as there are always folk sitting on the wall.  There were lots of flashing blue lights of course and traffic was simply diverted to enter town via Swan Street as brewery Street was completely blocked. I went out for Early Doors but only till 7 when I went off for my monthly curry night at the British Raj with another group of friends.  ( Best curry that I have ever had at that place. Don't ask me what it was because I don't know!). We had a  lovely time with much fun and friendly banter.   Regrouped in the Avanti Capitola and then home for a, relatively, early night.

THURSDAY 11th APRIL 2013.

Another nice day with plenty folk in town as it's Market Day and the kids are still on Easter Hols.  The big fruit and vege stall that occupies a large stall space right outside Tesco found a Ford Ka parked right in the middle of their space.  No problem!  They just built their stall around it.  The Warden planted a yellow ticket on the screen and the Owner never showed up.  Or at least he never ADMITTED to showing up! If he had, he WOULD have had a "showing up".  No matter one's individual feelings there is a  British conviction that respect is shown for the dead.  And these demostrations over Margaret Thatcher's death I do find disgusting and shameful.  Stamping on her picture.  Waving banners and other examples of peaceful protest is a feature of Britain,  and quite rightly so,  but this is really awful.  I attended the Public Auction at Harrison Coward's Auction Room in Ulverston of "Hanover House" in Victoria Road ( adjoining the Red Rose Club/ Drill Hall )  and a Pony Paddock in Thwaite Flat.  They were well attended and  both were sold quickly,  the house for £73k and the Paddock for £30k.  Got a sprinkling on the walk back to the office as the weather had deteriorated,  and we got some rain!  Rain?  What's that stuff?  Seems ages since having some. The temperatures are set to rise over the weekend,  even as far as exceeding 50F.  Phew! Shorts and T-Shirts it is then.   It was the Farmer's Quiz.  Very well attended with 22 teams battling it out.  Anna got the chance to answer the "Year Question".  She got it right and walked home with £270.75!!

WEDNESDAY 10th APRIL 2013.

Another lovely spring day and plenty good folk in town.  The kids have had a belting good Easter Holiday,  much to the relief of their parents.  Lisa, Dennis and Amber are certainly enjoying their few days back home in Ulverston, and we are enjoying having them here.  Picked up another very nice 3 bedroomed semi-detached house,  smart as a bean,  and with no chain either.( Details and Viewing available on Thursday ).  It is very sensibly priced ( £120,000 ), so it won't hang around for very long I should think.  I called up to see Jim at the farm ( fabulous views from his place ) but he was nowhere to be found.  Must have been out counting his lambs! Had a final job at 5.30 and then up to Clare's for another lovely family dinner.  I must say it is very good having all these meals cooked for me!  I do feel very spoilt. This time it was one of Martin's very special curries.  And he did us proud.  It was absolutely delicious and all the plates went back completely clean.  I left just before 9 to get changed before going to the Rose where Lisa and Dennis joined me half an hour later.  "Rumours" were playing and they were on top form, playing to a very appreciative audience.   They play all sorts of music,  including R&B,  which Dennis particularly likes.  Lots of my friends were in the pub and they all made Lisa and Dennis  feel very welcome.

TUESDAY 9th APRIL 2013.

A lovely spring day with plenty sunshine though remaining rather chilly when out of the rays!  Had plenty to get on with and there's more coming in which is excellent.    Lisa, Dennis,  Amber and Marissa all went out for a walk up to High Dam at Finsthwaite and enjoyed the fabulous weather and the even more fabulous scenery.  They live in the Thames Valley which,  by definition, is as flat as a pancake so whenever they come back home for a few days they grab the opportunity to "Get up on the fells"!   The wild daffodils are out in profusion and look wonderful and there are lots of spring lambs gambolling around too so  GET YOUR CAMERAS OUT AND REVEL IN GODS PLAYGROUND! We all met up at Helen's for a particularly tasty tea followed by a few glasses and lots of fun and laughter.  They are all going back to Ascot on Thursday morning on the Pendolino so Wednesday is their last day.  Another family tea is scheduled,  this time at Clare and Martin's.  No doubt a scrummy curry?   My Racing Tips came up trumps yesterday.  I picked out  3 horses,  all running at Carlisle,  and suggested that they would make an "easy treble".  And they did!  A modest outlay of but £20 would have returned a very nice £141.99.  So I hope you got them!

MONDAY 8th APRIL 2013.

The start of another week.  And for me,  the start of another year,  as it's my birthday!  Hope I am able to say that a few more times?  A rather nice day weather-wise too.  Still a bit on the chilly side but if you are lucky enough to be in the sunshine it's beautiful!   I was saddened to hear that Baroness Thatcher had died after suffering a stroke.  No matter what your politics,  it must be said that she was a formidable character who made many changes to the  British way of life.  The Leaders from each of the political parties showed their clear respect for The Iron Lady. She had been unwell for some time and was very frail.   Helen and I met Lisa, Dennis and Amber at the Station at 4.17.  They are up just for a few days from Ascot and they all look very well. Amber appears to have gown a foot or so! We all went out for a very pleasant dinner at The Rose.  There were 10 of us ( Helen and David,  Lisa, Dennis and Amber,  Clare, Martin, Josh and  Marissa and Jack and Sean joined us later ( after Man City had beaten Man United Ooooh!).  The Family  had  bought me a lovely gift and cards.  The gift was really special,  as they had commissioned a painting of my Offices in Upper Brook Street by Rob Broadhurst,  and it's magnificent!  It will get pride of place !  What a rich man I am to have such a wonderful, caring, family?

SUNDAY 7th APRIL 2013.

I woke up late with a slight headache. Hardly surprising after the excesses of the previous evening.  Missed out on my usual FE just a big POSC and then into the car to show a house at The Hill at 11. A very good showing and with the strong liklihood of a sale ensuing.  IT was a gloriously sunny day so when I got home I had a late FE and spent the entire afternoon on the Poop Deck sunbathing in the glorious warm sunshine, whilst listening to my iPod ( Rock and Roll Gold ) and having a stab at the crossword.  Did rather well managing to complete probably 70% or so before resorting to the internet for a tad of help!  I met up with everyone for Cocktails @ 5.  There was a good turnout with Sue,  Alan,  Ding Dong,  Willy,  Maggi and Peter and then Dave and Helen Abbott.   We all had a good bit of fun and banter before I left for an early night.  Lisa, Dennis and Amber are coming up from Ascot on the train tomorrow so I'm very much looking forward to seeing them.

SATURDAY 6th APRIL 2013.

A lovely day!  Out from very early and had a "right busy day"!  There seems to be a more definite improvement in the market which is what everyone wants to hear.  Didn't finish till after 2 and then home to enjoy the racing from Aintree on the box.  The big race,  the wonderful Grand National was as exciting and thrilling as ever, though my selections,  SEABASS could only manage 13th place of the 17  who completed the course.  The winner was Aurora's Encore coming in @ 66/1,  so the bookies were ecstatic.  They stood to lose an absolute fortunes in Seabass had come home.  2 of my friends picked up nicely on Aurora's Encore.  One because their daughters house is so named, and  my other friend always backs number 35.  Simple!  A fabulous days' racing and no injuries either?  That's always good news.  I was fascinated by the pictures of the "ladies" on Ladies Day.  Ooooooh!  Alan invited me for TTT at the Farmer's.  It was very crowded and we had a good evening followed by a takeaway from the NAAZ back at my place accompanied by a bottle of Remy Martin!

FRIDAY 5th APRIL 2013.

Had a very full day and managed to sell one.  And that's always nice.  Very cold and a bit of wind too.  So I was well wrapped up when I was out.  Had a rather good day on Day 2 of the Aintree Festival.  I hope you all followed my "Easy Money Treble"  as they all romped home.  No matter the odds it is always a thrill to see your selection cross the line in front of all the others.  My selection for the Grand National  remains unchanged.  It simply has to be SEABASS.  Of course,  there are the usual spoilsports who want the race abandoned as it is too cruel and horses have died.  No one in the racing game wants to see their horses injured in any way and they treat their horses like royalty and they LOVE them. Racing is a huge industry too and that shouldn't be forgotten.  But everyone is entitled to their opinion.  I met up with the gang for Early Doors and we had an really super evening.  Can't wait for the Grand National!

THURSDAY 4th APRIL 2013.

First Day of the Aintree Festival and found 2 good winners ( 17/2 and 5/4 ).  Somehow I missed my horse Oiseau de Nuit which won a bundle for me at Cheltenham ( £ 500 for a £20 stake) a couple of years ago and she romped home at Aintree @ 20/1.  Damn!  The winner of the previous race was Tartan Snow which came home at 100/1.  A £10 e/w double would have returned £25,652. ( Twenty Five Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Two Pounds).  How about that for a nice afternoon at the races?  There is some excellent racing on Friday, especially the 3.05.  Sprinter Sacre shows all the correct credentials to go off hot favourite but the opposition is formidable with Flemenstar,  and Cue Card ensuring a really hot battle.  It's probably one of the best races ever!  I've already booked time off so that I can watch it on the box!  And don't discount Finian's Rainbow either with AP McCoy on board ( currently 15/1 ).There's only 6 in the race so it will be a game of racing tactics.  A sly and cunning plan is called for!  Had an excellent day at the office and didn't finish till nearly 7.  That's the way it should be.  Got ready and went off to the Farmer's Quiz where 22 teams battled it out.  A good night was had by all except Sam who had the chance to answer the Rollover  ( £252.50 ) which he got wrong by ONE YEAR!  Oooh!  So it will be around £275 next week.  Getting very exciting.

WEDNESDAY 3rd APRIL 2013.

A gloriously sunny day!  Really lovely,  especially when in the sunshine.  Still very chilly when not!  It was very strange driving over Kirkby Fell in bright sunshine when the sides of the fell road are still several feet deep in packed snow.  Had a very good day not finishing till 6.30ish.  Grabbed a quick tea before hosting the first meeting of the Carnival Committee ( Carnival Day Saturday 6th July.  Mark it in your diary now!)  in my Offices at 7.30.  We got on well. and with a stroke of luck and a following wind,  it should be another great success.  Always looking for helpers of one sort or another so if you fancy lending a hand please get in touch with me anytime.   I stayed in for the rest of the evening just "chilling out" and checking the runners adn riders for the first day at Aintree!  Yippee!

TUESDAY 2nd APRIL 2013.

Back to work after the Easter break.  A lovely sunny day though still remaining chilly when out of the sun.  Had a very busy day and the diary is getting to look like it used to with plenty jobs on.  I measured up a delightful Country Cottage at Grizebeck ( Details available Tuesday 3rd April) with everything you are likely to require.  3 double bedrooms, 2 Reception,  D/G and C/H. a large garden and a garage and spectacular views!  Ticketty Boo!   Had a meeting of the UTA to attend to at The Mill in Ulverston at 6 and then joined Alan for a TTT at 7.  Home then for tea and caught up on some work.  That dreadful affair with the deaths of 6 children has been concluded with the mother and father,  and their friend, all  being found guilty of their murders and so they are to be sentenced on Wednesday.  There were 2 tragic deaths in Bowness over the holiday with a mother and 10 year old daughter being overcome by fumes on their boat on Windermere.  How awful.  The lighter evenings are a blessing.  Everyone comes alive again!  Let's hope the housing business does too?

EASTER MONDAY 1st APRIL 2013.

April Fools Day and my Business Anniversary.  Starting year 29!  Crikey!  Had a long lie-in and had MK's for breakfast.  Very tasty.  Read the papers,  managed to finish the Crossword ( only cheated a bit) and  decided to get out again to enjoy some spring sunshine.  Got the car out and went up to Gummers How.  Found myself a nice quiet spot,  comfortably in the sunshine and enjoyed my coffee and sandwiches whilst trying to "catch a few rays".  Very enjoyable and I do hope there will be  many more sunny days for me to enjoy.  I called in to see my old pal Jock on the way home.  He's doing fine and looking good  for 93.  Whilst I was there he received two other visitors,  Tony and Cathy.  So he does get some company.  Home then and got changed to go up to Clare's for tea.  Had a very tasty slow-roasted leg of lamb.  Mmmmm!  I had missed the Boat Race on Sunday afternoon so Martin kindly found it available on the iPlayer and so we all watched that and enjoyed it enormously.  Oxford won, and in fact,  were never headed.  They led from the very start. There were a couple of scary moments when the two boats came dangerously close together,  but, thankfully,  there was no collision. Home then and stayed in for the evening just watching the box and preparing for work on Tuesday.  A very nice,  if fact,  very pleasant, weekend.

EASTER SUNDAY 31st MARCH 2013.

A wondefully bright and sunny day,  though chilly when out of the sun!  Had a good lie-in after the wondeful Saturday Evening Dinner at the Clarence House Hotel.  I followed my regular Sunday Morning Routine of a LDSB followed by FE,  POSC and T&M.  Delicious! I had remembered to alter the clocks ( Spring Forward ) and I hope you did too.   As it was such a nice day I chose to get the sports car out and had a nice run up the lakes.  Crowds of folk in Bowness as I drove through. Uggggh!  Diverted and went through some less crowded lanes enjoying the spring sunshine.  Back home then and had a cup of tea on the Poop Deck,  nicely sheltered from that cool wind.  Met up with everyone for  Cocktails @ 5.  The pub was well crowded as it was, of course,  "Super Sunday"  There was a good turnout and we managed to secure our corner.  Migrated to the Capitola,  then, briefly, to the Big Kings then the Hope and Anchor before returning to our "base" of the Farmers,  by which time none of us were suffering .  Home then to snuggle down to a deserved sleep.

EASTER SATURDAY 30th MARCH 2013.

A beautifully bright and sunny ( though desperately chilly) morning and  once again,  although the office was oficially Closed I had a special job to attend to at 9.30.  The viewing was very successful and lasted well over an hour,  so, once again, I trust the outcome will be satisfactory.    I did my weekend shopping around the town and enjoyed the racing on tv managing to find one or two winners.  There's the worlds richest race this evening,  The Dubai World Cup worth £3.5Million pounds!!!!  Nice Neil has selected Animal Kingdom and I cocur with his decision.  Let's see what happens?  Next week of course is the Grand National and still my selection remains unaltered with "SEABASS".  Clare and Martin picked me up at 7 and we went off to the Clarence House to celebrate their Silver Wedding!  Can't believe it can be 25 years.  They both look so young.  Josh and Marissa as well as Wendy,  Martin's mum,  made up the group and  we all enjoyed a splendid meal in lovely surroundings.  A gorgeous, memorable, evening.

GOOD FRIDAY 29th MARCH 2013.

I had a bit of  lie-in and I rather suspect there were quite a few others doing likewise.  Simply pottered around enjoying MK's for breakfast.  The Office was closed (of course) but I still had a job on to show some nice folk around a house which they had come up especially for from Kent,  so I could hardly refuse could I?   The viewing went very well and I am hopeful that it will conclude most satisfactorilly.  Home then  and got set to meet up with my friends for Early Doors at 6. There was a good turnout again and we got a very suitable corner to ourselves.  Helen Crawley came in with Sean  and huge crowd including Rob and Jo from Hull whom I had not seen for ages.  Helen was celebrating her birthday ( it would be dreadfully ungentlemanklike to tell you which one). We allenjoyed our evening enormously.

THURSDAY 28th MARCH 2013.

Another chilly day!  Got on well and Lucy and Helen got everything ready for our Business Anniversary Drinks Party.  The office looked very inviting and first guests arrived just after 4.  And then they streamed in!  It was like the classic trying to put a quart into a pint pot.  But you can do anything if you try and so we succeeded!  And we all had a great time.  Maggie Helm brought some sandwiches and Val fetched some tasty chicken wings which were all eagerly scoffed.   My friends managed to drink everything that we had made available and that's the sort of party I like.  There was permananet noise and considerable laughter.  One by one they drifted off several of us met up for " another couple" in the Capitola.  ( It's amazing just how much you can manage to drink when you really want to!).  I ended up in the Farmers.  The Quiz was on which was kindly taken over by Bill Little.  He did very well despite the fact that the place was packed and VERY noisy!  Sen and Jack my grandsons have gone off to Amsterdam.  Can't imagine why.

WEDNESDAY 27th MARCH 2013.

A chilly morning with light snow persisting for much of the day.  Very cold and folk are all wrapped up.  It's going to be a chilly Easter!  Should be lovely and warm.  The hour changes this weekend.  Remember the clock movements " Spring forward,  Fall back"  so do ensure you put your clocks FORWARD one hour on Saturday night.  This will make the evenings lighter and so we can all come alive again!  Out on the bikes,  climbing Hoad Hill,  enjoying a drink in the sunshine,  fishing,  flying kites etc etc.  I was disappointed to see that the Government have lost the case for deportation again for that awful man.  Human Rights coming to his defence.  What about our rights?  The man is a terrorist and he should NOT BE HERE. I went out at 9.30 for a couple and met Dave Abbott in the Farmers.  I enjoyed our chat, and then we both went down to the Rose to listen to Trickle Charge.  The place was nicely full and lots of my friends were in including Helen and Pretty Boy Stanton,  Peter and Maggi Helm,  Peter Rigg,  Belinda and JJ.  The music was as excellent as ever.

TUESDAY 26th MARCH 2013.

A freezing cold morning and light snow to contend with.  More snow is forecast by those jolly chappies at the Met Office for the remainder of the week.  They must be such fascinating folk to  meet up with at a party?    The additional "action" in the housing market seems to be continuing, despite the weather and I continue to be privileged with Instructions to act as Sole Agents  for some lovely,  and very interesting,  properties,  all over the place.  Just take a peek at my full Register. I am a very lucky man, I know so well. I got along rather well and enjoyed my day.  There were some startling pictures on tv of the snowdrifts and the havoc caused not just on the roads,  which is bad enough,  but the poor farmers with their animals ,  especially the sheep and lambs,  being caught out. I have a few farmer friends and they  are distraught at the loss to their flocks.  Sheep were being buried in the snowdrifts and actually suffocating.   I had a nice tea and spent some time preparing the questions for the Quiz which I will be missing this week and will be taken by Bill Little.   It is my Business Anniversary Drinks Party at the Office  on Thursday evening so I would be in no fit state to go to the quiz!