Cornbury Festival

Two weeks after the event I have finally got round to writing up the blog, sadly it’s not going to have been worth the wait for this posting!
Last year I managed to get a day at the festival to pick Charlotte up but this year we decided to go the whole hog and camp and stay for the weekend, so pleased that we did, but even then we didn’t stay as long as we could have done so next year…who knows.
Lewis, Dan and I met up with John Bampton and his mate Ashley and between us we set up our tents on the Thursday night, we ended up putting 8 tents up, Holdy turned up by the time we’d finished his! Reluctantly I took Lewis and Dan home leaving John & Ash to savour the atmosphere and have a few drinks…
I had Friday off so Lewis and I got there 1.00pm and wandered round with a few beers, and slowly everyone else started turning up, Wayne, Kez, the girls (and their friends), Tash and Jack and Charlotte & Maisie and everyone was excited and enjoying everything that was on offer in the tents and that.
Unfortunately,the beers were flowing a bit too much…drank too much and made a fool of myself so that was a shame! No more to say on that episode…
Serious hangover following morning so everyone just left me in the sweltering tent until midday..up in time for lunch, beers and more importantly…Deacon Blue! They were the band I was looking forward to all weekend and they didn’t disappoint. I got to within 6 rows from the front and it was fantastic, looking round it was just middle-aged men jumping up and down singing along, they played for an hour and all the favourites were run through. I could have gone home after that as I was happy!
We then went over and watched Sophie Ellis-Bexter and she got the crowd going during her stint as well.
On the Sunday we packed up (didn’t have to as we could have stayed the night and come home on Monday) and that took ages to sort out but once done we then wandered round again and watched more music, The Straits (Dire Straits) and then what all the kids really wanted to see – Olly Murs – he went down a storm and was actually pretty good even for the grown ups! That was then 7.30pm so we made our way home – exhausted.
Everyone had a fantastic time, total freedom to come and go as they pleased and just chill, relax, eat and drink. If tickets were available now for next year I’d buy them right now, so hopefully we’ll make it for longer as the Sunday would have been nice to stay the night as well.

Here is a link to some more of the photos from the weekend: http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliandark/sets/72157627023156369/

Jack’s Sports Day

We’re not allowed to go and see Lewis & Charlotte’s sports days any more as they’re grown up now so it’s still a pleasure to go and watch Jack’s one. Perfect weather today as far as they were concerned with no rain or sun so nothing to worry about.

Jack is so competitive at all he does and you could see his disappointment when not winning races, but he won his skipping race and came second at the sprint, ‘waiter’ race and the long distance race so he was pleased with his performance.

The school is good because it is inclusive and the kids that clearly can’t run or do well are not criticised by the other children for ‘letting the side down’ as would be the case perhaps when older, it nice to see them all cheering on some of the children who are quite clearly not physically able, it’s a great way to introduce humility to a lot of these other kids at a young age.

I was speaking to Jack about it in the car taking him to karate as there is one particular lad who’s clearly disabled but the whole school love him and encourage him which is impressive as we all know how horrible kids can be!

I’m now sat outside Charlotte’s gymnastics class for an hour whilst she, Isabella and Rosie work on the bar, this week I think. Normally it would be mum doing it but she’s not feeling well after her most recent chemotherapy on Friday and has been off work today and yesterday. We’re wondering if it is only sickness and tiredness or whether it’s more of her hair coming our and it’s depressing her and she doesn’t want to be seen.

We’ll get to the bottom of it and will probably just turn up on the doorstep and see her, Tash plans to anyway.

Jack’s skipping race can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qmiVZRf9o0 – he’s quite shy and retiring at the end!

Race for Life & other things – making it hardly a lazy Sunday…

Charlotte & Natasha ran the 2011 Race for Life this weekend, both doing a great job of completing the course in exactly 30 minutes which for them was really good, it was incredibly hot as well so all the more impressive. It was packed there at the University Parks, they had 7,500 participants along with Dads and kids supporting tells you how many were there.

They ran with Kerry, Chloe and Sharon. Katharine Casey was there too and it was her birthday so there was a ‘bring and share’ picnic organised afterwards which was nice, loads of lovely food! Stayed there for an hour or so, whilst all the kids played football or did their acrobatics or competed with each other at something or other like climbing trees and the like.

We then went up to the Rover Cowley Works as there was a Family Open Day there so we met up with Holdy and Millar and pottered round taking the kids to the various stalls, they’re all competitive in their own way on the running machines and rowing machines and anything else – funny to watch them. Stayed there for a couple of hours and then went over to Bicester to see Nikki and Gaz for a barbie.

 

Stayed there for a few hours as well!!!

All day it’s been unbelievably hot, we’ve had crap weather this summer so far and Sunday/Monday were forecast to be hot and we’re all moaning that it’s too hot…can’t win eh?

Had a good day though and it was great to see everyone, managed to get some good photos as well

 

 

 

 

Jack found a unique way to cool down in the heat when he got back to our house!

Visiting Wimbledon with Charlotte

Had a great day yesterday when I took Charlotte to Wimbledon for her first time. Mum got some tickets from a chap at work so we took them on as Mum and Sue are going to the Men’s finals as well…it’s alright for some! Tash couldn’t get the time off so I took Charlotte instead.

Left Oxford around 10.00am and made our way to the Park & Ride in the local College and it was nice and easy and we made perfect timing to get there. Charlotte didn’t stop talking the whole way there, mostly about rubbish but it was nice to listen to!

When we got there she was really impressed, I don’t think she had much idea as to what to expect and couldn’t believe the size of it, the numbers of people (it was packed) and the money evidently on display everywhere! We had a walk around some of the courts and the tennis was under way on some of the outside courts so we watched some of that before making our way to Henman Hill, or is it now Murray’s Mount, and we started on the packed lunch watching the huge screen.

We were on No.1 Court sat right at the very back but it was a good view as you got to see everything and could appreciate the angles and quality of the tennis on show, we were in the shade though so were quite cold but we got to see some good tennis from the following players:

 

- Andy Roddick v Andreas Beck (Roddick won but it was a decent match)
- Wozniacki v Parra Santonja (Women’s game in under an hour – Wozniacki destroyed the other girl!)
- Robin Soderling v Phillip Petzshner (looked to be good but we left after first set – Soderling won 3-1)

After the Roddick match we sneaked out and sat on the Hill, or Mount?, and had our strawberries and cream – they were great and as we’d taken our own we had loads more than the punnet for £2.50!!

We saw Sue & Simon just below us but we didn’t get the chance to have a chat and catch up with them, sent a couple of texts but that was it, we left at 6.30pm and got some chips in Merton and then got home for 9.00(ish). We were very lucky with the weather, it’s been raining today and Day One as well and we got uninterrupted play which you always worry about here in the UK!

It was a lovely day and it was good to spend time with Charlotte as just the two of us, she’s a lovely girl – I am very proud of how she’s growing up. My only regret is that I didn’t leave my phone at home, I couldn’t help answering it and sending work emails and the like and it just made me feel washed out at the end of the day and I didn’t feel I gave Charlotte enough attention – I won’t do that again and will be more protective of my time with her and the family in the future.

That’s my intention anyway!

Weekly round-up…

It’s been a very busy few days, and I am writing this sat in a school reception area watching Lewis do skipping with some of his old friends from the Jump Nation competition here in Kingston-Upon-Thames. They’ve opened a class and there are about 25 kids in there of all ages and Lewis is one of the oldest. The team from Pulse are here so it’s nice to see some old faces although the journey here was a bit of a pain and took 2 hours because of the rain and traffic. Not sure how many times we’ll be coming but I have done the ‘Good Dad’ thing and brought him along and will let him decide what he wants to do, just a 135 mile round trip is a bit of a pain and clashes with Taurus training on a Monday. (Updated comment – he loved his time there tonight and wants to come again)

Talking of long round trips, last week I was in York training 2 Science Learning Centre users on SPIRIT – 7 hours round trip but thankfully stayed overnight on the York University campus on Thursday. That was interesting to see how it’s all set up and it would be fantastic experience for any one of the kids to attend. I was very impressed indeed. Training went well but it meant I didn’t get back home until 9.00pm on Friday night, made the weekend a whole lot shorter!

Sunday was Father’s Day, the kids know me too well and Charlotte got me a bag of toffee and Jack got me a bar of chocolate, Lewis got me the world’s biggest mug – yes it was bloody huge and I filled it up with coffee, drank it out of principle but won’t be doing that again…half measures will be plenty in the future.

Father’s Day was also Summertown Stars 5-a-side tournament, my A team did really well and got to the quarter finals and were all over Cumnor but they equalised with seconds to spare and then beat us on penalties which was frustrating as we’d have had a semi-final with Kidlington had we won as we deserved. Ah well. They had a presentation for me at the end of the tournament (my parents!) and they gave me a card with loads of nice thank you comments but also another Red Letter Day voucher – incredibly generous.Tash and I will probably do something together such as a pamper weekend or something like that, we’ll got through the website and spend it well.

Last Sunday was also busy, Lewis, Nathan, Gaz, Paul, Jason and I went paint balling as part of our Xmas present from Tiffany. Poured with rain the whole time but it didn’t dampen our spirits and we had a great time. Spend too much on the paintballs but it was really good, I was very impressed. Apart from at the end when I got hit too many times and it bloody well hurt! I think I’d do it again, but I must admit I prefer the Laser Gaming, probably because it doesn’t hurt!

I think I mentioned in a previous post that Mum’s hair is coming our gradually, it’s only thinning out at the minute but she’s only halfway through the chemo course, so she and Tash went out to the wig shop this week and had a laugh sorting one out. It’s the one thing that Mum was really worried about but I think she’s just got on with it as something she can’t avoid so is taking it in good spirits.

That’s it, Charlotte and I are off to Wimbledon tomorrow, we have tickets for No.1 court so looking forward to that, it’ll be nice just the two of us. Hopefully the miserable rain that we’re experiencing right now will disappear and we’ll have a long day of it – I’ll take the brolly just in case though!!!

A child’s wisdom…

"Dad, you're hair is going grey"
"Yes I know Jack, I'm getting old"
"You're not going to get another girlfriend looking like that!"

Mum’s Second Chemotherapy Session

Mum had her second session on Friday and once again came out of it saying that it all went fine and she wasn’t suffering any ill-affects which again was really pleasing to hear.

Spoke to her on Saturday and Sunday and the same thing, felt tired but thought that might just be the tablets that she needs to take. She and Derek had been out for the day to Stratford-Upon-Thames and watched some films back at home as well.

Tasha emailed her today though and unfortunately she’s started noticing that some of her hair is coming out, so the cold cap treatment might not be doing its work. I didn’t speak to her but Tash will persevere and if need be then Mum might look at getting a wig or at least some scarves.

This is what she was dreading, but I think her attitude is that “whatever happens, happens!”, but I think she’s not too pissed off because she’s getting through the treatment with such minor affects when expecting to be really sick and everything.

We’ll see.

Paul Scholes retired yesterday

One of my favourite players, Paul Scholes, retired from football yesterday. One of the best players in his generation and hugely admired amongst his peers, International and UK-based. There was loads of stories and accolades that can be found about his but he was looked up to by other players which can be no better compliment.
Some people on Twitter and noticeboards were criticising his tackling ability, or lack of, but that’s not relevant when you run a YouTube search on his goals and contribution if you ask me and shows a complete lack of understanding of the game.
Unless of course they were simply wanting to buck the trend and say something contrary just to be ‘clever’!
Thankfully, he’s not dropping out of football altogether and is going to continue being involved in a coaching capacity, I don’t much care that it’s with Manchester Utd as I don’t support anyone but for him not to pass on his skills and experience to younger players then that would have been a shame.
I wish him all the best good fortune in the rest of his career.

Another Great Weekend…

Bank Holiday weekend, what didn’t we do?!?!

Friday after work we had a BBQ and invited Jason & Sharon Millar and their kids, Wayne & Kerry Holden and their kids and Liam & Zoe Carroll and their kids so a bit of a houseful, or more to the point a garden-full as we stayed out all evening! As usual far too much to drink but all the banter and silly chat and it was a lovely evening. Got a fire up and running which always goes down well with the kids as they can toast marsh-mallows and add wood to the fire. Who doesn’t enjoy playing with the flames once in a while? Late night but well worth the effort, we enjoy having people round for food and drink.

Saturday was the Cholsey 5-a-side tournament for Lewis’s team, they did really well and got through to the quarter-finals but then were cheated out of it by some outrageous decisions but the local referee. I don’t get involved with the silly chatter but I was so close to going mental! I bit my tongue as I didn’t want to get some crap fine, but Sammy got sent off for telling the ref he was shit – he was right but he’ll still get a suspension and £40 fine, not worth it for some uptight bully!

In the evening it was the Champions League final between Man Utd and Barcelona at Wembley. Currently Barcelona are the best team in the world and they proved as much in front of millions of viewers winning 3-1, it was incredible to watch. They can’t be touched at the minute, they have the best players and team ethic where they pass the ball constantly to work the space and beat down their opponents. No one could begrudge them the win and they made it look so easy against a Man Utd team that are hardly lighting up the world but are still one of the top five teams around – but FCB simply looked like they were training! Messi, Iniesta, Xavi – gifted players that we’re very luck to watch at this time in our lives.

Sunday we went out for a cycle ride down by the river, past the Perch and into Oxford, nice to explore a new route. Jack spent some of his HMV voucher on a DVD, popped into the Old Prison complex to treat ourselves to a Krispy Kreme donut and then back home along the river again.

In the evening Tash and I went out to Newbury Racecourse as she was provided with VIP tickets for the Rod Stewart concert which was the first leg of his UK tour. So we were treated to a couple of free drinks in the VIP suite and then right down near the front of the stage to see the concert. At 66 you wouldn’t guess his age, the concert was brilliant and he played for 2 hours. So many songs that are memorable, you forget the ones that he’s sang in the past. Felt a bit guilty as there were at least 20,000 people so we left during the last song, “Do ya think I’m sexy” and then heard the encore “I am sailing” in the car park and left so as to miss the traffic, to make it worse they then released a huge firework display!

I’ve never left a concert early to beat the traffic and I will never do it again either!

So if that wasn’t busy enough on Bank Holiday Monday we took the kids down to Bath for the day, poured down with rain the whole time so that wasn’t much fun but we wandered round the Roman Baths which was really interesting and then had a bit of a walk around a walking tour. I’d downloaded the walking tour on everyone’s mp3 players the night before but for some reason they weren’t impressed that the now have a playlist called “Bath Tour”…no pleasing some people is there? Treated ourselves to Pizza hut at the end of the day to cap off a lovely weekend.

It was good to spend time with the kids today, they’re funny when they’re on form, each has their own personality to bring to the family and as much as it grates sometimes and we bicker we have a good laugh the majority of the time. It’s a shame I didn’t record us singing along to “Your Song” in the car on the way down…a most amusing rendition.

So all in all, quite a busy weekend really, now back to work for a rest…yeah right!

Working from home or in Starbucks…which is best?

Sometimes working from home has its benefits…this morning I dropped the car off at the garage for its service and MOT, then wandered down from Shotover to the Churchill Hospital and had my broken finger prodded and bent. Now that might not hurt the Physiotherapist but it bloody well hurts me! All good and only one more session required apparently. The finger is on the mend.

And then it was a walk up to Headington, sit in Starbucks and get on the wireless internet and work over coffee and cookies…I don’t get this at home!

I took a detour walking to Headington and went through Mattocks Close which is behind where I used to live and was a field, bit of nostalgia for a Friday morning, passed the Youth club and up New High Street where the shark is in the roof of the house and saw all the short-cuts we used to take as kids through people’s gardens when being chased or going to call on mates. I was tempted to knock on the door of one house to ask if the shortcut was still there, but then I thought better of it as they might call the police on me thinking I was ‘casing the joint’!

Just had a call from the garage, car passed MOT but brakes need sorting, so will get a call around lunchtime to go and collect it, so BLT could be in order now.

Now to get on with work, wish they’d turn the music down, it doesn’t sound so good when the phone rings to speak to clients.

What a weekend…

It all started off fine with the Summertown Stars Presentation evening on Friday night. We had a good turn out and it was very pleasing to be able to give Jack the Player’s Player of the Year award, well deserved as he admitted to some of the parents after getting it! “I agree!” he replied to a couple..ah well, he’s only 10. Lewis also picked up Most Improved Player for his team so it was a good night for the Dark family.

Saturday night Charlotte & Tash went to Newbury races for a concert and watched The Wanted, they had a great time.

On Sunday we were going to to canoeing but the weather was crap so pottered around and then went up to Shotover and met Mum. She’s doing okay with her cancer although throughout the week she’d been getting pains in her arm and she finally complained about it and they found that she’d had a blood clot – not good. So they sorted that out but it means she needs to inject herself in the stomach with a blood thinning agent for the next 6 months! It never rains…

Sunday evening wasn’t so good…Sue’s dog Heidi is on her way out and she finally died at 6.00pm, cue tears and sobbing from everyone in the house, Sue, Tash, Charlotte and Jack, all very sad indeed. I then had to bury her immediately, can’t say that was enjoyable. Poor thing, she didn’t suffer and went quietly in her sleep.

I managed to get out for a run in the evening, first one for months and I was useless, 4 miles in 40 minutes so not good at all. But I will try to get it going again over the next few weeks so that I start to get fitter and in more shape, we’ll have to wait and see. So a traumatic weekend all in all, hopefully this week will be better.

More wisdom from Jack

More wisdom from Jack before going to bed...

"God is actually a really good person, he's invented loads of good things but he's made some bad things as well...such as...school...fruit....and girls!"

I love our little chats at bed time!

Olympic Torch Announcement

Lord Coe unvieled the route of the Olympic flame today and announced that it could be viewable by 95% of the population as they are trying to ensure that it's almost in everyon'es back garden

When asked how close that is in reality he replied "About an hour's drive" - how big is his back garden for goodness sake?!?

Mum & Cancer

I have been meaning to write this sooner

Around January this year, Mum was diagnosed with Breast Cancer as part of the 3 year routine checks, they didn't know how bad it was until the results and then said she'd need a mastectomy which she duly had a few weeks later.When getting the results from that and her lymph nodes and the like they were able to confirm that it hadn't spread elsewhere that they could see but it was a particularly aggressive cancer and they couldn't give 100% assurance that it was cleared and out of her body.

So they have decided that she needs chemotherapy and a course of Herceptin so that they can basically try and completely flush it out of the system and it not creep back in 6 months time.

So Friday last week was mum's first Chemo visit and incredibly she suffered no side-effects other than to be tired - incredible. She has 6 chemo sessions in total 3 weeks apart and then 9 months of Herceptin about 2 weeks apart so all very serious and time-consuming.

Her work have been brilliant as has Derek so she has no worries there.

It's obviously been a huge shock but she's borne it well and we (my wife is very pro-active) and the kids have kept her busy taking her out and having meals and all sorts. Louise lives in Kings Lynn which is annoying as she's not down here much but we're doing our best to support her etc.

I hope this diary will be a record of her battle and success to defeating this awful disease...

Love you mum.

Jack's Praise to me!!!

- Dad, did you get a certificate for making me? 
- Your birth certificate I suppose Jack. 
- No that's mine, you should have got a certificate because you did a good job!

Another weekend over

Butlins was fantastic, kids had a great time and loved it, parents as well, some great photos.

Mum had first chemotherapy treatment on Friday and has suffered no affects whatsoever, can't believe it. Amazing woman and very proud of her. Hope that's the way things will continue because you hear all the horror stories of illness and that which we were preparing for...5 more sessions to go, fingers crossed.

Worked hard this weekend, off to British Red Cross tomorrow for training and then to Rochester and two Oxford customers on Thursday - all over the bloody place! 

Butlins

Off to Butlins tomorrow taking Jack's team and doing what I have done twice with Lewis's team. Should be fun and everyone is looking forward to it. Still haven't packed yet so need to get that sorted.


It's been a really bad time of things later, I'll update all the happenings shortly as I don't have time now, but we've had Roy next door die, my Mum has breast cancer and is now going to have chemo, all sorts happening. 


On that note...

It's the weekend

Thought I lost my Facebook account last night - I removed the email addresses linked to the account so that I would stop getting notifications and then logged in use a Hotmail.co.uk address and it started a new account - nightmare! Eventually worked it out after over an hour of emails etc but it's now back to normal. In saying that, I am trying to reduce Facebook use so I shouldn't really care about it. But once in a blue moon won't hurt I guess.

England cricket is in good voice this morning after we thumped the Aussies in their own back yard again to retain the Ashes with a 3-1 series win Down Under. It's been very easy for the team which is a shame but it's good to be able bash the Aussies of course! The Barmy Army have been in good form as well.

Looking forward to the weekend, Jack has his mate Danny over and then there is football at the weekend, should be nice. We play Abingdon on Sunday, hopefully get a decent result after a very indifferent first half of the season. We'll have to wait and see.

Bloody thieves

Not a good day yesterday - Lewis and 4 mates at school had their wallets and phones stolen whilst they were at the Ferry Centre for a school PE lesson. Their bags out of 25 were the only ones affected, really pissed off as it amounts to over £90 worth of things gone. New wallet from Grandma for Xmas, £10 in it, phone and credit and bank cards in the wallet so we were rushing round cancelling everything quickly

Didn't get anywhere with Ferry or the School taking responsibility so we won't be able to get any of this back as it's not worth claiming on the insurance of the house. Nightmare and very frustrating.

Lewis was actually one of the luckier ones, one poor lad had his brand new iPod stolen. Poor lad was in tears

I then made things worse by panicking and registering my credit card with an online mobile tracking company and it looks like it's all a scam so I am trying to get that all cancelled - last thing I need is more money lost! We'll see.
So that was yesterday, today I was in central London with Collins doing training, it was okay but I was shattered on the way there and on the way back - both times I was fast asleep on the train. Nice to catch up on some sleep but not good from a work perspective as getting something done on the train is a bonus. Ah well.

Not sure what to do this evening, have a busy weekend lined up already so need to either get some work done or some of this learning that I am trying to improve on...where to start?!?!?

Time Bandits and Scrabble

Just beat Jack and Charlotte at Scrabble - it was close as well!

Now we're watching Time Bandits, class film, such good fun.

Yesterday it was Out of Africa which was great to see all the scenery that we saw only last year on our safari.

Before that it was Kick-Ass - even Tash loved it, that's saying something.

Back to work today which was okay in the end, not going into the office now so that's a bonus.

I need to work on a resolution to 'better' myself so have been reading before bedtime and now need to focus on training and other things. I want to work on the kids football coaching as well.

2011 - Another New Year

So it's another New Year, where did the last one go to?

Xmas was good, had a really long break and there was the snow that came the week before that was so deep and everyone loved it. Perfect. Lots of great presents and a few resolutions that I will try and stick to, one of them being this blog....we'll see how it goes.

Kids are home today but for Tash and me it's back to work and the usual crap that comes with that.

Ah well, best get on! Have a good one

Xmas on its way

Well, Xmas is getting closer again and at the end of November we were hit with the first of the snow and unbelievably icy temperatures. And as per usual the whole country ground to a halt and everyone panicked or crashed their cars and our office was closed for two days. All a bit sad really.


One nice thing was getting football called off! We've been able to enjoy time as a family and yesterday was lovely, went to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (it was okay, but the kids loved it) and then went to Milletts to see Father Xmas after having been to Appleton this year and their Tree Barn so we have everything ready for setting up the decorations


On Saturday Taurus were performing again with Talent Oxford and it was really pleasing to see Jack in such a starring main role, he's damn good at what he does. He's really able and throws himself into things with a gusto, he was brilliant. Will post a video when we get hold of one!


Had some really sad news yesterday, a chap from the Summertown committee was killed in a car accident yesterday, drove into the back of a lorry and car caught flames. Wife and two young kids left behind, isn't that tragic? Didn't really know him to be honest as I'd not been to many meetings but still such a shame.


Actually, bit sad about that so will sign off as not in the mood to carry on writing at the minute.

OMBL Representative

Jack went for trials to get into the OMBL Rep side on Saturday and was successful. I was so very proud of him, really, really pleased.


There was at least 70 kids there and some great talents so it was especially pleasing that he shone enough to be noticed. He was the only one from Summertown that even went, but he got stuck in and he'll make friends with people there. Lots of faces I recognised, mostly coaches and parents but all the best players from the league were there.


That made my weekend which was about the only highlight unfortunately, it's been a rubbish one, we got beat 6-2 for the u10s with 6 players missing, very frustrating. Ah well, it's only kids football!

A Wicked Experience

Had a great weekend in London. We took the day off on Friday and tried to get Take That tickets in the morning but failed miserably because of server issues as everyone in the country tried as well. Wandered round Oxford St & Hamleys and had an early meal in Prezzo so we could take the kids to watch Wicked. 


What a great show that was, luckily it was just up the road from the hotel so we were able to walk. It was fantastic, Charlotte saying it was  the best one she's seen. It's the first time I've been at a show where there is a standing ovation at the end. Loved it.


Next day we did the tourist thing and went round Covent Garden, Houses of Parliament, Downing St, Trafalger SQ and back to Covent Garden. Jack got a caricature done with his money which we were against but so glad that he did do it as it was brilliant. 


Sunday was Halloween which as usual everyone made a big effort and the street was really busy with loads of families going up and down scrounging off us! I did the music again and that was fun.


Oh, and the German student arrived. So all in all, a busy weekend!

Our Kenya Safari book

Kenya Safari 2010 by Julian Dark | Make Your Own Book

Happy Birthday to me

Has a great day today, spoiled by the family. Went to Turnpike and had a lovely meal paid for by mum.


Now work tomorrow so early night!

Travelling on a Friday

I can't win! Last week was a nightmare getting home from the office as I left late and was stuck on the M25. This week I thought I would travel in by train and got the 6.30am one then got stuck on the line and delayed for 40 minutes because of cables being nicked and signal problems. Travel on the road would have been even worse apparently as there were accidents. I need to make sure I am not travelling on a Friday really - I have had enough bad experiences of this to last me a lifetime!!

Hanging by a thread

Probably not a good time to be posting but I reckon I might be getting sacked tomorrow...I have a meeting with the MD (my boss) and it's the frostiest of relationships with him at the minute it's a nightmare. Working all the hours possible and have done 25 hours in the last two days but still can't get up to date or deal with all that's coming in.


Well, I think it would be weight off my shoulders but God only knows how the rest of the family would take it. I might be over-reacting and over-worrying once again but it wouldn't surprise me one little bit if my meeting was accompanied by the Company Secretary tomorrow! Well, instead of talking about it, it's 11.20pm and I need to put together some documentation to back up my situation and argue my case

Placebo Effect and Hippocratic Oath

In my quest to learn something..,I looked up the two points above. I had a good idea what they were but to confirm:


Placebo Effect results when a patient is given a tablet/cure which doesn't actually have any chemical effect at all. It's conning the patient and using mental suggestion to fool them into thinking they're better


Hippocratic Oath - this was originally attributed to Hippocrates about 500BC and was along the lines of 'every doctor will do his best and honour his patients'. It stuck for 1,000s years and contrary to popular belief is no longer a requirement for Medical students but it's still remembered!

First game of the season

I was hungover admittedly but I was okay!


On Sunday we had Lewis & Jack's first matches of the season. Jack beat Summertown Comets 14-1, he only scored the one goal, a right-footer from distance which was good and then Lewis won 2-1 to Harwell & Hendred scoring with the last kick of the match so all in all a successful weekend. Lewis did well and defended against his player well. It was straight off for him to run a karate session and straight to bed for me!


I am going to stop drinking for quite some time now, until the next offer anyway...!

Night out & mad religion

Not looking forward to tomorrow morning if I am honest! Why not? It's the first game of the season for Jack's team, surely you should be excited I hear you ask. Well, it's the night before that's the problem!


We're all out on the town tonight for Wayne's birthday and I think there will be over 20 of us old-timers scaring the young girls of Oxford. Starting at 5.30pm for cocktails is going to make it a very long night indeed so probable hangover tomorrow morning!


9/11 anniversary is tomorrow and there is a pastor in the States who was planning to burn copies of the Koran to demonstrate his hatred of Islam. Unsurprisingly the followers of the Islam faith are not amused and are demonstrating and planning attacks on anyone remotely 'American'. I was reading this and thinking what a fucked up world we live in, is it really necessary to have a pissing contest as to who's God is best? It's always been that way and it winds me up so much. Funnily enough though I was reading this and said to myself, "Thank God I am an Atheist!", and then laughed out loud when realising the contradiction. I know, little thinks please little minds but it did amuse me. Sadly a quick Google search confirmed I wasn't a comic genius as that phrase has been used time and time before...


Anyway the pastor how bowed to pressure from all over the world and cancelled his planned book burning, but it  shows that some nut with a congregation of only 50 can cause some panic and hatred so easily.


Not a pleasant thought!

New Regime

I have created an "I will..." list at the start of the week and listed all the things that I will/want to achieve with my life, short term and long term. So far so good but then it's only a few days old. What's on the list I hear you say...well nothing too exciting but a couple of key ones are to learn more and then to update on here what I have learned so that it's remembered!


Also some other things:

• Improved confidence, productivity, learning & stop wasting so much time doing rubbish things
• Get up earlier in the morning - aiming for 6.00am
• Become more sociable - going to be a tough one that
• Get down to under 12 stone and run 15 miles a week

So nothing earth-shattering but we'll have to see if there is anything I can cross off, as and when I do then I will update the blog as a record of my achievement! 

Out in the Kayak

Made it out in the kayak yesterday for an hour and a bit. Charlotte, Jack, Tash and I went as far as the Perch and back again but the skeg made all the difference and we actually got it working well. Met with some new neighbours as well who seem very nice and all that. They want to use Charlotte as a student model so that was nice to hear. What else? New student arrived, Maria from Italy, very nice girl. I did a BBQ and then it was Tiffany's birthday so they got a limo and went into Oxford.

Back to work today

Well, back to the grindstone today after a week away in Weymouth with the family and the Holdens. Had a good time but the weather was crap and the camp-site was basic to say the least, but we made the best of a bad job. We came home a day early as I think we'd all had enough and the day we decided was dry and warm so it was a chance to pack up in decent weather and actually get out of the field which was a worry for me! Going in there I got stuck in the mud and needed pushing out.


Weymouth was fine though, watch City play their match down there on the Saturday and went on walks etc so good fun.


Will be getting back into the routine now as well as Jack's football training started on Sunday and Lewis's starts tomorrow so all good fun.


Not looking forward to the next fortnight with work though to be honest - there is so much on my plate it's scary! Oh well, best crack on...

Empty house..

Tash and the kids have been at Standlake since Monday but are due home today sometime. They've had a great time and the weather has held up, it was forecast heavy rain so they've been lucky and have been wake-boarding and in the ringos etc. It's meant it's been quiet here but i have looked after Max the student and he's a really nice lad.


It's also meant I have got some work done without being distracted and clocked up 22 hours already in just two days! Probably not healthy but necessary unfortunately. Well, another day begins so best crack on with things.

Charlotte's back!

Having been away for a week with her friend Issy, Charlotte returned yesterday and it was lovely to see her. She had a great time and the photos of where she stayed looked fantastic, the people live in a huge mansion it seems in lovely grounds. 


Busy weekend - Friday was Katie's birthday so we all met up in Pizza Italia which was nice and then yesterday it was Brendan's birthday so this time it was Pizza Hut for a kids party. He enjoyed himself for his 4th birthday.


Got lots of jobs done that I have been meaning to do including organising the start of the boys football season and also trying to organise a tour to Butlins at the end of the season for their Football Festival for Jack's u10s. It's quite expensive but I think people will be up for it, hope so anyway as it will be great fun to go to.


Well, incredibly busy week with work so best crack on - Tash is off to Standlake for 3 days so peace and quiet here!

Education Direct has been sold...

Big News yesterday when we were all called into the meeting room with Jason and he announced that the Mailing Centre has been sold to JEM, another much larger mailing house, and all staff will keep their jobs but will become staff for Jem and the Education Direct name will also go with it. We'll become known as The Education Company now.


Surprisingly there was no problem and everyone accepted it with good grace, quite unbelieveable really, it all goes ahead in the next couple of weeks, but has been in the planning for over a year. I was surprised, didn't have any idea that this was occuring.


Went out for a drink with Darren and Jason in the evening and food to discuss this situation but didn't really establish much more to be honest! Interesting times!

Jousting at Blenheim Palace

Went to Blenheim Palace for a jousting display on Sunday but it was only Jack as Lewis was left at home to concentrate on some English work and Charlotte is away with Issy. It was fun and as much as it was all pantomime the strength and power of these horses was still very impressive.


We were both shocked at the size of Belnheim and its grounds as the jousting was in the 'back garden' which is somewhere we've never been to before, we'll definitely make an effort to get there again before our passes expire.


It gave Jack the need to make a sword which we did in the afternoon and spent time whittling it into a point but sadly it snapped so we had to go across into Port Meadow to find some more. That was interesting as we found an area that we've not explored before so that's another walk that will have to be done in the near future!


Photos of the jousting are here

Running with Tash

Went out for a run this morning with Tash, we didn't do so well, she needed to stop twice and we go at a much slower pace, but it was a nice morning - actually it pissed down with rain halfway through so not so good!


Just dropped them into Oxford to do some shopping for Birthday presents although Tash came home from Bicester Village with Xmas presents!!! It will be quiet in the house next week, Charlotte is off to the coast with Issy and I am working away for most of the week which I am disliking more and more to be honest.


Well, I should be doing some work so best crack on!

Lewis is a baby sitter!

Our attempts to help Lewis raise a bit more money took a step further last night when he has his first baby-sitting role looking after Ben and Dominic across the road, not bad for £4.00ph so he came back in at 10.30pm with £16.00...

He's also been asked by Sensei Jake to help on Wednesdays and Sundays with the karate classes which is a real bonus (£5.00ph) which he could really do with, not just for the money but also the responsibility and taking his karate skills that one step further. Well done him.

Keeping fit...

Had a really good run last night, 6 miles in exactly an hour - quickest time and pace for quite a long time, really pleased with myself!


I also upload the video for Lewis and Jack performing at the skipping Championships last night and this is below, I love it seeing them perform together and the cheers for Jack is really pleasing - he's definitely a performer!

Taurus Performance at the Skipping Gala night

This is the video of Team Taurus performing

Team Taurus perform at BRSA Gala Night

The team were invited to the British Rope Skipping Championships Gala Night to perform a couple of routines which went really well. The Championships had been on for four days and the Gala Night was a competitive night for some of the countries and in between the competition there were various acts either skipping or dance or whatever.


The crowd was at least 1500 noisy people, mostly made up of parents and competitors from throughout the tournament. The demo teams that worked for about 10 minutes were brilliant and it was close between South Korea, Belgium and USA but it finished in that order.


However, Taurus were involved in two demos, they did the Rugby routine which went down well and it was brilliant to have Lewis and Jack performing, Jack got huge cheers when his tricks came off. The whole team were then on near the end to perform their routine that will be used in Talent Oxford. They got huge cheers throughout and were really impressive. They got a standing ovation at the end which was incredible, the noise was deafening. It was such a great feeling for everyone involved with the team and obviously as parents we were all proud as punch. Didn't want to leave really as everyone was on a high but eventually left at the end and got home for 1.00am! But it was so worth it. Haven't got decent video of the performance because of where we were sat but will look out for some asap! 


A great evening

Summer Holiday in Devon

We went to Devon for the first week of the summer holiday and had a great time camping at Braunton and surfing at Saunton Sands. Weather was fine and we did well with the surfing so that was an added bonus. We took our niece, Katie, along and she seemed to enjoy it as well.


Definitely fancy going back to the same place as it was perfect for us


Photos available on this link

Early start

Dropped the student off at 6.45am so when I got home I wheeled the kayak down to the river and went down a mile and a half exploring. It was lovely drifting along in the early morning with no hassles from the river boats. Couldn't believe the number of fisherman out and about, there were loads.


Got back and after sorting out the car for the trip to Devon tomorrow we went to Aston Pottery to meet my mum and have a tour of the pottery and that was interesting. Treated ourselves to a nice lunch and then dropped the boys off at Team Taurus. 


Katie was dropped off at ours and after dinner at Sue's, Charlotte, Katie and I went for another trip down the river! Talk about over-kill but Charlotte was really insistent so we went down to the Perch and back. It was hard work as we didn't work as a team and kept turning round which was really frustrating but I kept quiet and we carried on. They enjoyed it though. Bit worried as one of the sides started to slowly deflate - we can't have a puncture already surely? Bit pissed off if we have and will send it back.


Well, off to Devon tomorrow, can't wait, surfing and exercise and fresh air and no work! See you later!

Kayaking in Wolvercote...

Well, got out on the kayak today at Wolvercote and enjoyed it. Hard work and we found that missing the skeg seems to make hell of a difference because we kept getting turned which was really frustrating. Have ordered one so hopefully that will solve the problem. Spent an hour or more going up and down the same stretch but need to go further afield next time. 


The furthest Charlotte, Jack and I went was to the Perch and back, took an hour.

Photos available on this link

Holiday time...well sort of

Kids are now on School Holidays for the next 6 weeks, lucky them, but it will fly by in no time at all. I was working from home today and it's getting harder and harder to cope with this job, I don't know what I can do. I wish I knew what to do. Just always feeling so out of my depth. Oh well, I now break up for a week and we're off to Devon on Monday.


No doubt it will be a manic weekend as we prepare for Monday, but to make things more manic is the canoe has arrived. It's huge as well! Can't wait to try it out on the river and if things go to plan in the morning then we'll take the kids down there in the afternoon. Should be a laugh.


Charlotte is at Rosie's tonight with her friends, they have a great time each week when they have their sleep-overs and it was good to have a chat with Shaun and Amanda, Shaun's really into his fitness and everything and showed me his canoe and kayak(s) so I was jealous! Well, best start saving for the next one!


Will let you know how the canoeing tomorrow goes....

Squirrels

Just heard on the news this morning that Squirrels can be regarded as a pest and disposed off accordingly. The example the chap on the TV gave was that if there is one in your house you're not allowed to capture it and set it free into the wild so you have to kill it and he said you could use a trap or shoot it. Shoot it?!?! Can you imagine walking round your house with a shotgun firing at a small furry animal running around the place? Talk about needing to redecorate afterwards!

Homesick already???

Bit fed up actually, I am stuck away for the week in Rochester and it's the last week at school so that means that they're having their end of term activities etc and Jack had his sports day today. Tash is useless and couldn't tell me what he'd done well in so will need to speak to him later and find out.


Managed to continue the fitness drive last night at the Village hotel - love it there, ran for 20 mins, rowing machine for 25 mins, bike for 20 mins and the sweat was dripping off, I was soaked! Bloody hard work. The went and did 20 lengths in the pool, I hate swimming so much but persevered and feel good for it. 


Not sure how much longer I'll be able to keep this up but it's worth making the effort, I look bloody awful at the minute and won't be taking my top off on the beach!


Well, best get on with work, should be interesting, got my document back from Jason and he's slated it and I need to re-do the whole thing, I am not very good at my job it has ot be said - I seem to get everything wrong!

No joy at the Orthodontist

Frustrating day yesterday, spent the morning at the Orthodontist in the JR with Lewis and after God knows how long they confirmed the worse and they won't be able to mend his teeth on the NHS. Really disappointing as it means that it's going to cost us £1300 to get them sorted. We don't have that sort of money! Will have to see what we can do.


Came into work and finished "You only live twice" on the audio book, enjoy listening to these so much.


Work was fine, busy. Got to stay at the Holiday Inn tonight (nowhere is free, it's unbelievable!). Anyway, went in the gym and worked hard on the bike and then on the rowing machine, did about 6000m, arms ached! Lasted just over an hour in there, but they're so boring. Tried the pool and then the sauna but I get restless so went an had antipasta in the bar which was lovely!


First big signing of the season for football, Joe Cole has signed for Liverpool after being made a free agent by Chelsea in the summer. He was holding out for more money at Chelsea and I think he's signed for less at Liverpool, but not bad is it - £90k per week!!! I just need one week of that to pay off the mortgage.

Jack's Tribute to Jack Black!

Not sure what to say or think about this, I think the Demon has gotten into him:

Easy like a Sunday...

Lovely day today, egg muffins in the morning and then pottering around the house until we went out to Shotover Park for a family picnic. Lewis was still tired from D of E yesterday so he didn't want to do the cycle ride that we planned. But it was fun and we had the usual good laugh we always have there. Found a rope swing which they all went on. 


Went to the sand area that I grew up in as a kid and made some damns which then burst with all the water and swamped the lower damns! Great fun and l will never grow too old to do! 


Relaxed for a couple of hours and played tennis, let the kids have a driving lesson in the car park and then I ran home. 


6.75 miles without stopping, took just over an hour, went through town and it was very hot and humid but did okay. Driven now by not looking good, I need to lose so much weight and get in shape. 


New student arrived today, Jorge, from Spain and he's here for a week.


I'm off to Kent for a full week in the office, should be interesting!

Update

Okay, I've been very quiet for a couple of years but I fancy trying to update this on a regular basis now and see what happens!

Had a great night last night with Katharine and Pete coming round and Tash did well with a lovely dinner. Drank far too much wine but it wasn't a drunken night at all. Learned even more interesting things about them both, really relaxing and lovely evening

Charlotte had Georgia and Rosie stay the night, waiting for them to emerge from the garage and will then cook them pancakes.

Need to sort out the garages today, Holdie phoned last night from Standlake as they borrowed our airbeds and we'd not given them the stoppers! Oh dear, they were trying to plug the holes with crayons. Oops...

Right, catch up later!

Jack's Birthday weekend

We won the cup last week, certainly not a classic by any stretch of the imagination but it was good to get the result. Went down to Cardiff on Sunday for the National competition and won comfortably although I picked up a groin strain and then we beat Bicester on Wednesday so we need to win one more game I think to win the league.

Went to Alton Towers yesterday with the kids and also Wayne and Kerry and the girls came along too. I haven't been there for such a long time but it was brilliant, hardly anyone there, the weather was okay (overcast) and we got to go on all the rides possible. Everyone had a great time and I got some good photos that I'll have to upload soon.

It was part of Jack's birthday celebration but not officially. It's his birthday on Sunday and we have family coming up on Saturday and he's going out with friends on Monday as they're off school.

We asked him what he wanted to do on his actual birthday, the Sunday, because there isn't anything really planned so we said, it's his choice to do whatever. He turned round and said that he'd really like to go to the pub and watch football on the big screen! It's his 7th birthday!!!!

Coincidently, it's Man Utd v Chelsea so a big match. We have tried to put him off but that's what he wants to do. So we have had to say to friends and family that if they want to come and see him on his birthday they'll have to come to the pub and watch football. It's making me laugh just typing it, Tash is aghast at the thought.

Cup Final Looming - and I have a cold!

Response from the parents not selected for my football team next season has been pretty accepting. No one has stepped forward to take over the team though which is a bit of a shame, but we'll give it a bit more time.

Had a manager's meeting for SSAFC last night which announced there is to be a trial period next season of support for coaching and training sessions supplied and student coaches which is really exciting, can't wait to learn some more things and take my skills to the next level to help out improve the kids I have

I have the cup final this evening and also a visit to see the author/actor Charlie Higson - he of the Fast Show fame, looking forward to both. The cup final is against Old Hooky at the lovely Chipping Norton, hopefully the pitch is okay and there won't be much wind. If that is the case then it will be a first! Awful place to go to.

Sad email sent out to parents today

Had to send out a pretty shit email today. The coaching of the under 7s this season has been brilliant, but too successful. Word has got around and I have over 40 boys to work with now and it was today that I sent out the email advising the parents that I need to reduce the numbers to only 20 for next season and they would have to find a new manager for the ones not selected.

I feel pretty guilty about it but it was necessary and I can only be honest. We'll see things out to the end of the season and make it enjoyable but it'll still be nagging at me in the back of my mind. The games that we have played have been good and we have won a few and lost few so it's been fun.

Just been out for a job with Tash, well more of a walk really but it was nice to get out together and leave the kids behind for 30 minutes. We'll have to do that more often.

I am getting fitter and fitter by the day, the veterans football has been brilliant and we have had a good season so far. We're in the local cup final on Wednesday night which if we don't win there is something wrong. In saying that, it's at Chipping Norton so anything can happen really.

Work's still busy!!! Nothing changes there.

Fitness drive continues

I actually finished work early(ish) yesterday and went to the hotel gym managing a 25 minute run, 15 minutes on the rowing machine and 10 minutes on the bike - worked up a decent sweat but couldn't be bothered to continue. Not so much because I was tired but more that it was a little boring. How am I supposed to keep my interest and not get bored in those places?

Taking it easy today as there is the vets match tomorrow against Chinnor which I am sure is against Gregs, Gazza, Carry and Ronnie Russell - some old Thame faces from the past. Looking forward to it.

Came back to Oxford this evening and heard an awful story on the news about a family of 9 who crashed their car and of the 7 kids so far 4 of them are dead - the parents are okay but how on earth will they carry on now? Heart-breaking for anyone.

Busy weekend now over

Did loads this weekend, where to start?

Had the first training session for the Summertown Stars u7's team on Saturday morning which went really well. There were 38 boys in the end I think, Tash and Charlotte were doing the registrations and name badges, Lewis and Victoria helped with the coaching and all went like clockwork. There are some talented players in amongst the group which is pleasing to see so it'll be good to see how they develop over time.

After picking up the boys form Team Taurus we went out in the afternoon to Charlecote House National Trust property, very nice place indeed. Lovely hot day lazing by the river and then walking round the grounds and into the house, "Same as all the rest" commented Charlotte! Oh well, hopefully she'll appreciate it when she's older.

Lewis had a cup match this morning over at Florence Park winning 3-1 in quite a good game and then in the afternoon it was over to Sue's for dinner.

Have spent the last couple of hours getting my football details and information up to date and prepared the next Inner City email newsletter to send for the club.

I have also been asked by Lyner and Colin Taylor to put my boots back on for Witney and Nomads respectively, i had to turn them both down unfortunately, I just can't get back into serious football at the weekends - when would we wind Charlotte up by going to NT properties? It was flattering to be considered, but my proper playing days are behind me now I think.

Oh well, this old man had better get off to bed now then.

Fitness drive

Took the car in for a service today at Kidlington and then ran home, quite pleased that I did it but now need to make sure that I continue with the running. Certainly feeling fitter and trimmer already!

The car repairs need to be £2k - taking the piss really, bloody Audi. We refused it so will try and get a better price elsewhere.

Took the team to play Kennington this evening but ended up narrowly losing 2-1, disappointing, but hardly surprising. I am trying to get the team to play with a bit of composure but they're not listening which is frustrating.

Knackered now so off to bed.

Aching a bit as a I type this

Just got back from playing against Stonesfield in the first Veterans match for Oxford City. We had a decent team and this is the same group of players that will be there week in week out which bodes well as we ended up winning 12-2 - match report can be found here

I have also been updating the website this evening and also sent out the Inner City e-newsletter as well so been quite busy really.

I managed to get hold of the 20 size 3 footballs that I have been after, it mean travelling out to Swindon to get them but I got what I wanted so that was important. I also set up the mother in law's computer this afternoon as well. I now need to get broadband sorted for her which will happen over the next couple of days.

Somewhere in all of today I managed to get some work done as well!

Summer Update

Back into the fray tomorrow with Oxford City veterans, looking forward to getting together with some old faces and having a run out. Not feeling very fit at the minute, but with the possibility of playing on a few Sundays as well it should be interesting.

Played last week against an Arsenal 11 who had some celebrities in it. We managed to beat them but it was a competitive game which was good, Mark O'Hara scoring from the halfway line - cracking goal.

What else? Have been away to Sardinia for a week, lovely place, no English where we were which was all the better.

Starting up the u7's team this Saturday, getting quite nervous as I have about 35 boys registered - that's going to be a nightmare to cope with. We'll see how it goes I guess.

Well, as per usual I intend to keep more up to date with this but we'll see how it goes! Off to Swindon tomorrow to collect the footballs I ordered!

Exam Day today

I have the Level 2 exam today - I am first one on as well with attacking play (2v2). Bit nervous to be honest and not 100% sure this will go. All I can do is try my best but I'll be very disappointed if I don't pass it. I have a 6v6 to coach tomorrow - defending so should be comfortable with that one I hope.

Anyway, this has been hard work, so much paperwork to get completed.

Better get the plan finished, fingers crossed

Long time no hear....

I am pissed up as I type this and tash has gone to bed stroppy with me, well I assume she has, i haven't seen her for the last 40 minutes and I am sat here in the dark trying to type this message!!!

Not quite sure what she is funny about - it is FA Cup final day and I have sat through a load of dross drinking my tinnies and then fell asleep - how is that different to any year?

The final was shockingly bad - enough said.

What else has been happening? i am doing my level 2 coaching course and also agreed to be u7s manager next season for Summertown which I am looking forward to. I played in the veteran's final last week against a team from Liverpool who we completely played off the park but just couldn't score which we then lost on penalties.

Work is buy!

We came runners-up for the summertown team and are about to go to Holland next weekend which should be fun.

Well, I am too tired to carry on typing, will try some more later.

Cheers for now

Weekend for the boys.

Very proud parents this weekend, Lewis and Jack had their Karate gradings and both passed. Jack is now an Orange Belt with yellow stripe and Lewis is a full brown belt - he passed with Distinction which is quite unusual - it's as high as you can get at a grading.

Lewis has to go through the routine of his combinations and then a long kata but this is nothing to the end where he has to fight two opponents at the same time. He'd taken a bit of a battering in a different fight and wasn't feeling too good, so when he had to fight we were a little anxious but with encouragement he got through it. It's all good for the character building though so he will certainly benefit in the long run. I have now been uploading the video of the fights onto Youtube and these can be watched now on http://youtube.com/juliandark01

We're really proud of them both - so well done boys. Checkout Youtube anyway, there's a funny video of Jack and some geese!