May blossom time

I was absorbed by the second legs of semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League (not that I missed much of the first legs) but disappointed by Arsenal’s performance (or rather impressed by Manchester United’s performance) as this semi-final was soon settled with early (“away”)goals. I was convinced after the results of the first legs of both semi-finals that the “away goal” rule would have an impact: and so, although Chelsea put in another fine defensive performance against the stars of Barcelona, I never thought the one goal lead that Chelsea held for most of the game was going to be enough. However, I have always wondered why a top professional side cannot employ tactics to ensure possession of the ball for the very late stages of a game and deny the late goal which seems to settle so many games. I must be missing something. Miss the post match antics of Chelsea I didn’t: as poor as the referee was, I was appalled by the behaviour of Didier Drogba (and of Michael Ballack during the game). Disappointed as they must have been there is no way that this behaviour should be condoned. I turned to “The Times” columnist Simon Barnes as I thought he was bound to make some comment on it all and sum it up so much better than I could. I was quite shocked to read that he had a completely different angle on it (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/simon_barnes/article6244418.ece), and although I agree with much of what he had to say I still feel that Frank Lampard’s reaction was more suited to a highly paid and high profile professional than some of his team mates.

Sex, drink and debauchery are just the thing for a Saturday night and I was not disappointed with the fine performance by Colston’s Choral Society of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. This opening piece of the 20th century German composer’s work based on a collection of 13th century songs discovered in a Bavarian Monastery will give a taste of the performance. (Not worked out how to upload audio files yet !)


I often marvel at the talent of youngsters (not only at Colston’s) but on this occasion it was the ability of two young members of staff Tom Arrand (baritone) and Rachel Vaughan (soprano) which impressed me. The Chatterton Hall at Colston’s School is a very good venue for a concert such as this.


Rachel Vaughan (soprano) and Tom Arrand (baritone) and Colston's Choral Society

I was a little nervous that afternoon to have to speak at the memorial service for Wally Feiner , a colleague at school for nearly 30 years. In fact it turned out to be quite a joyous affair and I was very pleased to meet up with many ex-colleagues, one of whom I had not seen for 40 years, and many Old Colstonians who represented the whole range of years that Wally has taught at Colston’s. It was also fun getting my thoughts together as it brought back to me all sorts of good memories of the last 40 years.


After the Memorial Service

In the garden the camelias are passing over and now it is the time for the azaleas, and what a picture they are. But not as splendid as those we saw at the wonderful National Trust property at Kingston Lacy which we visited on the way back from a few days in Dorset.


Kingston Lacy


The acers were pretty amazing too!

We had gone to Dorset for a lunch to celebrate the 40th Wedding Anniversary for Graham & Maggie Ferris (I had been Graham's best man at the wedding). It was a fabulous lunch at Gordleton Mill and we really enjoyed meeting all the family and especially catching up with my godson Robin and his wife and 3 daughters, and enjoyed the company of a diverse (ages mainly) group of very interesting people on our table. To avoid staying in an hotel we had booked a National Trust Cottage near Studland and we had very enjoyable vists to Lulworth Cove (in the rain),



Studland, Corfe Castle (including splendid lunch in The Greyhound) and the RSPB Nature Reserve at Arne. Even more rain here but, as well as seeing some birds we came very close to a deer (see video below).






From Corfe Castle

It was even exciting catching the ferry from Studland to Sandbanks on our way to the New Forest. In the evening we had a stroll on the beach at Studland and saw various gulls, oyster catchers and, to our great surprise, another deer.


You might expect to see these gulls on the beach but not this ...




Kingston Lacy on the way back finished off a great 4-day break.

It seems as though this mini-break was non-stop activity but what added to the enjoyment was the fact that we had plenty of time to sit and read. I must confess to delving into the notes of the 3-day Dreamweaver web design course that I did in the previous week but for most of the time I was engrossed in Alison Weir's "The six wives of Henry VIII". Being so ignorant of history it is a real page-turner as I have no idea of what is coming next. I have only got through Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn so far, but it is pretty gripping and enlightening. Alison Weir's style makes it so accessible, just as in her book on Eleanor of Aquitaine and her first novel about Lady Jane Grey "The Innocent Traitor", both of which I really enjoyed.

Sax practice took a knock and the subsequent lesson was rather disastrous.

The stress of sax and golf

Saxophone practice has been most enjoyable and the incentive of hour-long lessons during the holidays has been quite motivating. However, an element of panic crept in when I couldn't play a bottom C in preparation for a workshop and concert I had subscribed to. It might not have been so serious if I was going to make my debut with a tiny local wind band but the thought of performing with the National Sax Choir of Great Britain (even if it was the most minor part possible) was quite daunting and the whole experience was then not only challenging but stressful. I kept telling myself that it was good for me to be out of my comfort zone but I was not too sure when it came to the day. The National Sax Choir were fantastic and I really enjoyed the concert which was pleasing from an aural and visual point of view and convinced me that I had chosen the right instrument to attempt to play.


Hiding at the back of the National Sax Choir

A good spell of weather encouraged us on to the golf course more regularly and I was gratified by the leap Wendy has made in her performance even if it means she has now beaten me on four successive occasions. Losing to Wendy is less stressful than playing in medals which always reduce me to a quiver. The most recent medal I was 11 over par but didn't lose a ball or go out of bounds once (although having to play provional balls 4 times showed how often I skirted with danger) it was just that my putting was abysmal.

We discovered a new National Trust property (new to us at it was a 15th-century Manor House) at Great Chalfield Manor and enjoyed the garden so much that we returned before the week was out - and we weren't tempted by cakes or teas as there is no catering provided (although The Courts and Laycock are not too far away).


The gazebo and reflection in the Lower Moat at Great Chalfield Manor


The stained glass window at the parish church of St Ann at Great Chalfield Manor


Honeysuckle


Water Avens


The year of the bluebell?