ChrisFest July 2009 ~ Part 1 of 2

Brother Chris's 40th Birthday Party at Mole End, France 17th July 2009.

If you've fast internet why not click here to watch in 720p HD on YouTube & then hit on the player to go full screen!

Henry & Edward Birthday Party | 20th March 2010

Henry & Edward each invited five school friends to their joint Birthday party at The Warehouse indoor climbing centre in Gloucester.

If you've fast internet why not click here to watch in 1080p HD on YouTube & then hit on the player to go full screen!

Another Raceweek finishes in Cheltenham

In 1964, Petula Clarke took ‘Downtown’ to No 2 in the UK chart. Tony Hatch’s iconic song is now due to be released by the racing world 46 years later. Tony has written the first ever parody of the song, entitled ‘Cheltenham’ and given his seal of approval for its release on Monday 8th March, when racing fans nationwide will be able to help make the song Number One in the UK and Irish charts, ahead of the Festival. The single is for the sole benefit of The Riding for the Disabled Association, The Bob Champion Cancer Trust, Racing Welfare and the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Ireland.

Richard Gurney, who is the creator of the initiative and who went to Tony Hatch with his lyrics, said: “Tony has given racing an opportunity to reach a wider audience in the run up to the Cheltenham Festival, the single will raise funds for very good causes and perhaps best of all it will be fun and give everyone something to sing about.”

Gurney concluded: “It is quite simple really, a lot of hard work has gone in to producing this song from a lot of people and in my opinion the Cheltenham crowd are the most knowledgeable and supportive crowd anywhere in sport, if they and the racing world support us, we will be Number One.”

Henry Linton | ABRSM Piano Recital | Study In F | 6 Feb 2010

Last summer Henry passed his Grade 2 piano exam with Distinction. Consequently he was invited to play one of his new Grade 3 pieces "Study In F" at the ABRSM High Scorers' recital concert held at Christ Church,Nailsworth,Gloucestershire,UK on 6th Feb '10. Then afterwards we all went for a celebratory curry!

Or you can click here to watch in HD on YouTube & then hit on the player to go full screen!

Skiing & Skidooing in Åre - Sweden | January 2009

Yes I know it's a bit late but I was just reminiscing about the fantastic time I had twelve months ago when I went skiing with some friends in Åre - Sweden. The skiing was great, whilst the skidooing was breathtaking and certainly a new experience - carreering through forests and skimming across frozen lakes. But the après ski was something to be seen and certainly unique, care of the fantastic Wallmans Dippan club!

It's panto time! Sleeping Beauty at The Everyman Theatre

Henry, Edward & Daniel assisting on stage. Edward puts the "the dame" in her place at 03:15!

A lucky escape

I feel extremely lucky to have survived this terrible car accident. I do not recall what happend at all as I sustained head injuries and facial lacerations due to my head going through the windscreen. However it appears that it was entirely my fault as I misjudged the nasty double-bend on the A46 near our cottage (between Nailsworth & Stroud). Apparently the road was closed off & I was taken by ambulance to Gloucester Royal Hospital. How many accidents have we witnessed in this place since moving here 13 years or so ago...& now me.

In addition I also suffered concussion (my head smashed into the windscreen) and severe multiple fractures to my left ankle resulting in the second of two operations under general anaesthetic (the first to clean up my face and remove all the glass).

Thanks to all the people who visited me in hospital & who sent cards - I really appreciated this during those endless, lonesome days & nights.

Luckily I was able to keep myself occupied thanks to a fellow patient lending me his 3G Mobile Dongle for my laptop.

I suffered a sever fracture on the ankle joint which resulted in a plate and nine two-inch screws...

The car, unfortunately, is a write off but I've already received the payout - more than I shelled out for it in the first place! And my protected NCB...ahhh!

My head hit the windscreen

I was cut out of the car

And because I stayed on the NHS ward, BUPA are paying me £500 (£50 a day). Crazy...

Now at home mending. Still taking the morphine and self injecting against DVT. Beginning of July will return to hospital for a check-up and then if all's well the physio starts! Don't think I'll be skiing next season though....!