tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38081052024-03-13T17:31:02.557+00:00Fred's blog: steam trains, coach trips and British foodA journey into the mysterious world of semi-retirementfredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.comBlogger951125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-22300702468198224612023-08-30T11:01:00.005+00:002023-09-01T10:24:42.238+00:00Edinburgh 2023<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/53147297941/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lumo"><img alt="Lumo" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53147297941_c0429a72ff.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><div><br /></div><b>Tuesday 15 August</b><br />By Lumo to Edinburgh<br />On a seat with no view!<br />Spotted <i>Flying Scotsman</i> outside the NRM York<div>Pint at <i>Cloisters</i><br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Wednesday 16 August</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Andre and Dorine</i></div>Assembly Rooms, George Street<div>A mime/ puppet show about dementia</div><div>Amazingly there were only three actors (lots of papier-mache heads!)<br /><br /></div><div>Sam Campbell, <i>Bulletproof Ten</i><br />Pleasance Grand</div><div>A one-night only 10-minute show (13 minutes actually) for £2</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Junk</i> for small plates street food dinner<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/53147297906/in/dateposted-public/" title="Wemyss Bay to Rothesay ferry"><img alt="Wemyss Bay to Rothesay ferry" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53147297906_cae49c80a6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><b>Thursday 17 August</b></div><div>Day trip to Rothesay, Isle of Bute via Wemyss Bay and Glasgow Central,<div>train and ferry where they were filming a BBC show <i>Dinosaurs</i></div><div><br /></div><div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/53147793158/in/dateposted-public/" title="Wemyss Bay station"><img alt="Wemyss Bay station" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53147793158_333ed4213f.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Friday 18 August</b> <br /><i>When the apple ripens</i>, Peter Howson at 65 City Art Centre. Grim<br /><div>Simon Munnery, <i>Stay Safe </i>Stand 1<br /><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Pakora Bar</i> for dinner <br /><br /></div><div>BBC <i>Fresh from the Fringe</i>, Dynamic Earth<br />Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Tadiwa Mahlunge, Dan Tiernan, Adam Rowe, Lorna Rose Treen and Lindsey Santoro. The guy with the beard was funniest IMO<br /><br /><b>Saturday 19 August </b><br />Modern art galleries on 13 bus and Charley lunch</div>Alberta Whittle creating dangerously at Modern 1<br />Decades: the art of change 1900-1980 at Modern 2<div><br /></div><div>Dimanche,<br />Church Hill Theatre</div><div>Physical theatre about climate change with amazing weather effects<br /><br /><b>Sunday 20 August</b> <br />Daniel Kitson, <i>First Thing (Work in progress)</i>, Roundabout at Summerhall</div><div>Up at the crack of dawn to see Daniel Kitson at Summerhall in First thing ( work in progress) in the round in the Roundabout. Everyone got a script with lines highlighted, mine was script 67 and the line was 'cock rings and candy floss? ' I normally hate audience participation but we didn't have to leave our seats so it was ok. He deconstructed the thing as he went along. It's not a play he said - or stand-up -but the audience (reading from a script <i>he</i> wrote) disagreed!<br /><br /></div><div>Home for the England football final</div><div><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/53147297916/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fishmarket, Newhaven"><img alt="Fishmarket, Newhaven" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53147297916_29804f6a00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Tram to <i>Fishmarket</i> restaurant, Newhaven,</div><div><br /></div><div>Robin Ince, <i>Melons</i></div><div>Stand New Town Theatre, George Street</div><div>Punching a melon!<br /><br /><b>Monday 21 August </b><br /><i>Mervyn Stutter's 30th year gala</i>, Pleasance Grand<br />Ed Byrne, Jo Caulfield, mentalist Colin Cloud, A comedy of operas, Spirit of Ireland, Yes-Ya-Yebo, Show Stopper, Havana Street Party<br />Meet Jayne and Lauren, Pleasance bar<br /><i>Chaakoo</i> (Indian) for dinner.<br /><br /><b>Tuesday 22 August </b><br />Rob Auton <i>The Rob Auton show</i></div><div>Gentle autobiographical stand up/spoken word. He even mentions his cock ring! Now where have I heard that before?</div><div>Assembly Roxy</div><div><br /></div><div>Talbot Rice Gallery I hate pitch-black rooms!</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Sora Lella</i> Vegan Italian for dinner.…</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Wednesday 23 August</b></div><div>Home on the Lumo and yet another joke seat!</div><div><br /></div><div>More on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Miller_(architect)">James Miller</a></div><div><br /></div><div>More photos <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjASCrr">on Flickr</a> </div><div><p></p></div></div></div></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/albums/72177720310789251" title="Edinburgh 2023"><img alt="Edinburgh 2023" height="153" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53147297921_bb32ca9440.jpg" width="200" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-2959172399485166472022-08-28T11:06:00.023+00:002022-08-30T10:50:57.153+00:00Edinburgh 2022<p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Tuesday 16 August 2022</b></span></p>Me and trains are going through a bit of a bad patch of late! After getting to Kings X in time to have a half at the <i>Parcel Yard</i> I boarded the (wrong) train to Edinburgh. At Stevenage, the train stopped cos the train in front had damaged the overhead cables. We were there six hours! The people in the train in front had to evacuate the train, walking along the track with luggage to Hitchin or Bigglestwade. <div><br /></div><div>We eventually got the go ahead to proceed North. The food and drink ran out and to top it all when we got to Newcastle we were told this train was terminated. Thankfully another albeit fullish train picked us up. By this time it was well after midnight - seven hours delayed and the queue (or lack of a discernible queue) at the taxi rank was another story! Still, we're here now and <b>Simon Munnery</b> here we com!<br /><p><b>Wednesday 17 August</b></p><p><b>Simon Munnery</b>, <i>Trials and Tribulations</i>, Stand 1</p><p>Mathers bar: beer</p><p><b>Meal at Taistel</b></p><p><a href="https://www.taisteal.co.uk">https://www.taisteal.co.uk</a></p><p><b><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52312510395/in/dateposted-public/" title="Edinburgh 2022"><img alt="Edinburgh 2022" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52312510395_5b0f631430.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></b></p><p><b>Thursday 18 August</b></p><p>Talbot Rice Gallery: <b>Céline Condorelli</b>: <i>After Work</i></p><b>Henry Naylor</b> : <i>Afghanistan is not funny</i>, Gilded Balloon<br /><br /><div><b>Sophie Duker</b>: <i>Hag</i>, Pleasance,</div><div><br /></div><div><p><b>Friday 19 August</b></p><p>Edinburgh Printmakers</p><p>Fontainbridge Fox: beer</p><p>Meal at <b>Maki Ramen</b> : vegan ramen with too many noodles</p><p><b>Summerhall Rum Cruise, Union Canal</b></p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52312494669" title="Edinburgh 2022"><img alt="Edinburgh 2022" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52312494669_d552bde69c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><b>Saturday 20 August</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Why is it so difficult to get to the modern art galleries? Two art buses were hiding behind Modern Art gallery 2, but no one to drive them. The website says get the 13 bus, but does it even exist? Missed it anyway so it's a taxi there and the mythical hourly 13 on way back.</div><div><br /></div><div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52312381188/in/dateposted-public/" title="Edinburgh 2022"><img alt="Edinburgh 2022" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52312381188_0379f4f1f6.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Modern Art 2: </span><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Barbara Hepworth</b><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">: <i>Art and Life</i></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Modern Art 1: <b>New Arrivals</b><i>: from Salvador Dali to Jenny Saville</i></span></p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52312504470/in/dateposted-public/" title="Edinburgh 2022"><img alt="Edinburgh 2022" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52312504470_e00e11e26d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Meal at <b>Ondine</b>: fabulous scallops<br /><p><a href="https://www.ondinerestaurant.co.uk">https://www.ondinerestaurant.co.uk</a></p><p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52312381168/in/dateposted-public/" title="Edinburgh 2022"><img alt="Edinburgh 2022" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52312381168_797d6406db.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><b>Wee Red Bar</b> (Art School/Book festival): <b>Paul Higgins</b>: <i>This is Memorial Device</i></p><p><b>Sunday 21 August</b></p><p><b>City Art Centre</b>: <i>National Treasure: the Scottish Modern Arts Association</i> (lovely art nouveau paintings, but photography forbidden)</p><p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52312488844/in/dateposted-public/" title="Edinburgh 2022"><img alt="Edinburgh 2022" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52312488844_a960cf28ac.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p>Fruitmarket</p><p>Summerhall, met Charlie</p><p><b>Apiary Restaurant</b>: (smaller) scallops for starters and main</p><p><b><a href="https://www.apiaryrestaurant.co.uk">https://www.apiaryrestaurant.co.uk</a></b></p><p>Lyseum studio for <b>Tim Crouch</b>: <i>Truth's A Dog Must to Kennel</i></p><p><b>Monday 22 August</b></p><p><b>Joanna Neary</b>: <i>Wasp in a cardigan</i>, at Stand 2</p>Street Food Mushroom Pie at Underbelly</div><div>Bumped into <b>George Egg</b> and <b>Paul Zenon</b><div><p><b>Olaf Falafel</b>:<i> STOAT</i></p><p>we saw him flyering outside free fringe venue - 2 jokes in Top Ten</p><p>Walk across Meadows</p><p>New<b> Henderson's</b> haggis and roots</p><p><a href="https://www.hendersonsrestaurant.com">https://www.hendersonsrestaurant.com</a></p><p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52312510390/in/album-72177720301631875/" title="Edinburgh 2022"><img alt="Edinburgh 2022" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52312510390_d0b7d06d7e.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></p><p><b>Tuesday 23 August</b></p>Email from LNER to say 11am train cancelled, so got to Waverley early and jumped on the 10am, Coach C, stopped at Retford due to safety checks on dip in line, but got going after half an hour! Phew!<p>More photos on<a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjA4GgD" target="_blank"> Flickr</a></p> <a href="https://fredpipes.blogspot.com/2019/08/edinburgh-and-dundee-2019.html" target="_blank">Edinburgh (and Dundee) 2019</a></div><div><a href="https://fredpipes.blogspot.com/2018/08/edinburgh-2018.html" target="_blank">Edinburgh 2018</a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div></div></div>fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-58265144258051571342022-08-08T10:37:00.007+00:002022-08-09T09:41:42.703+00:00Danube River Cruise 2022<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52231665345/in/dateposted-public/" title="Amadeus Cara on the Danube, Vienna"><img alt="Amadeus Cara on the Danube, Vienna" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52231665345_406b3ce5a0_z.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> <div><br /></div><div><i>or</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The Misadventures of an Old Duffer Abroad</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Amadeus Fleet MS Cara <br />9-16 July 2022<div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.harmonyvoyages.co.uk/oysterband-danube-river-cruise/">https://www.harmonyvoyages.co.uk/oysterband-danube-river-cruise/</a></p><br />Much as I enjoy Jane McDonald (and lately Susan Calman) travelling the world on giant cruise ships, no way would you get me on one, it's my idea of hell. But how about a river cruise, visiting cities I'd never been to but wanted to? Before lockdown for example I was planning a trip to take advantage of free travel for pensioners in Hungary. Then, I saw that Oysterband were planning such a journey down the Danube to Budapest, and so, after paying a deposit to Harmony Voyages, I sought the advice of <a href="https://www.seat61.com">The Man in Seat 61</a> to plan the rail journeys there and back.<br /><br />Now, I don't like getting up early, so it was the 15.04 Eurostar to Brussels, a night at the Ibis Gare Midi, then on to Passau - the start of the cruise - via Frankfurt Airport ( this duffer managed to get off a stop too early - at Plattling - but it allowed me to have a pint of dunkel and a pretzel waiting for a local train.) I'd booked a night in the Art Hotel because I thought it was near the station. Wrong! It was quite a walk, and as a conversion of an old house, there were many creaky wooden steps to ascend! Luckily a couple had arrived same time as me and gave me a hand. The 'private bathroom' was a disappointment too, being at the end of a long corridor.</div><div><br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52231177248/in/dateposted-public/" title="Organ at Dom St Stephan, Passau"><img alt="Organ at Dom St Stephan, Passau" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52231177248_407c067a49_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>A highlight of Passau is the second biggest organ in the world, at the Dom St Stephan, and there is a recital at noon each day. Wonderful! So, after that experience, it was onto the boat and I must say for the following seven days everything about it was pure luxury (except no BBC on the TV). We had cocktails with the captain and the first of the sit-down four-course meals, and the Austrian red wine kept coming. We were however meant to travel up to Regensburg, but there was not enough water in the river.<br /><br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52231177628/in/dateposted-public/" title="The sun deck of Amadeus Cara"><img alt="The sun deck of Amadeus Cara" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52231177628_d0df7b07bd_z.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br /><br />Now, no matter how well you pack you always forget something. This time it was the USB to tiny USB cable used to charge my battery pack. Luckily the sound guy on the boat charged it up for me. Two other annoyances were dodgy GPS roaming on my phone which meant I couldn't play Pokemon Go or use maps to find out where I was, and the pin on my Halifax Clarity card was not being accepted. Santander card did come to the rescue but watch out for transaction fees!</div><br />On <b>Day 3</b> of the cruise (11 Juy) we called at Linz and took a ride on the steepest friction tram outside of Portugal (and maybe San Francisco). <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%B6stlingbergbahn">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%B6stlingbergbahn</a><div><br /></div><div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52231447664/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Pöstingbergbahn Linz"><img alt="The Pöstingbergbahn Linz" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52231447664_4ace05ebc0_z.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Days 4 and 5</b> we docked at Vienna. But it was a long walk to the tram stop on the D line - apparently Viking Cruises had nabbed the closer berths! My plan was to navigate the Ringstrasse by tram, which I did most of, I think! <br /><br /><b>Day 6 </b>(14 July) Bratislava. I thought I'd take a tour of the city on a Dotto train or army truck, but had half an hour to wait so jumped on a tram - and got lost! No, I didn't go up the 'flying saucer'. <br /><a href="https://www.u-f-o.sk/en/ufo-vyhliadka.html ">https://www.u-f-o.sk/en/ufo-vyhliadka.html </a></div><div><br /></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52231182988/in/dateposted-public/" title="Flying Saucer, Bratislava"><img alt="Flying Saucer, Bratislava" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52231182988_1e60e0667f_z.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><div><br /></div><div><div>What I found out about the tram network is that if you miss your stop and jump off next stop to get a tram going back the other way, it won't necessarily follow the same route! Thankfully a young couple put me on the right track after a detour down some tunnels under the castle! Earlier a young lad who spoke English helped me navigate the ticket machine. Thea Gilmore and her talented son tonight. </div><div><br /></div><div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52230181272/in/dateposted-public/" title="Freedom bridge, Budapest"><img alt="Freedom bridge, Budapest" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52230181272_b0ebd1db94_z.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a ...="" adrian="" br="" for="" has="" left="" portugal=""><b>Day 7 </b>(Friday 15 July) was the final day of the cruise in Budapest under the Freedom Bridge. We'd seen two <i>Oysterband</i> concerts and an <i>Oysterband 3</i> (which was augmented by everyone except Adrian who'd had to leave to play with <i>James</i> in Portugal. Plus two concerts by Thea Gilmore and her talented 15-year-old fiddler son. The food had been sensational, tho some people were skipping meals towards the end.</a></div><div><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52231447789/in/dateposted-public/" title="Oysterband"><img alt="Oysterband" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52231447789_190649a7e6_z.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><div><a ...="" adrian="" br="" for="" has="" left="" portugal=""><div style="display: inline;"><br /></div></a></div><div><a ...="" adrian="" br="" for="" has="" left="" portugal=""><div style="display: inline;"><b>Day 8</b> (Saturday 16 July) after breakfast we were set adrift in Budapest and a taxi to my T62 hotel opposite the Eiffel designed Nyugati Station.</div></a><br /><div><br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52231179406/in/album-72177720300715438/" title="Gyermekvasút ( Children's Railway) Budapest"><img alt="Gyermekvasút ( Children's Railway) Budapest" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52231179406_190649a7e6_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>The plan was to ride the <b>Children' Railway</b> - to get there: Tram No 61 at Szell Kalman ter to Varosmajor stop then change to the <b>Cog Railway</b> (Service No 60) and ride it to the end. It was very popular with cyclists with a whole carriage dedicated to mountain bikes. So, it was up a path and into the booking office for a ticket, but... they didn't take cards and they didn't take euros! I had no Hungarian money, so that was that - it was diesel anyway. So a pint and catfish soup at a local bar and it was back down the cog railway.<p></p></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52230180807/in/dateposted-public/" title="Cog-wheel railway, Budapest"><img alt="Cog-wheel railway, Budapest" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52230180807_3f14f9f860_z.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><div><br />That evening, searching out Ruin Bar <b>Szimpla Kert</b>, I came across an Apple shop so asked a young Genius how come I wasn't receiving internet on my phone? A few clicks later it was all working. Asking how he did it, he shrugged and said it was something to do with the carrier. I was no wiser but at least maps were working, for now! A ruin bar BTW is a cross between a 1980s warehouse party and a farmers market. A bit too busy for me!</div><div><br /></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52231178841/in/dateposted-public/" title="Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar Budapest"><img alt="Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar Budapest" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52231178841_ff9fd33895_z.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><div><br /></div><div>BTW, none of the staff at the Apple shop had heard of ruin bars! So it was on a busy tram back to the hotel, only it wasn't - it turned a few corners, stopped and chucked everyone off to make way for a huge demo to walk past! Lost again, so I walked until I recognised a landmark, the Opera House and the Basilica, I'd been heading completely wrong direction! Fortified by a beer at <i>Captain Cook'</i>s pub, I tramped back to the T62 and a whiskey.</div><div><br /></div><div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52231182736/in/dateposted-public/" title="Hungarian Railway Museum Magyar Vasúttörténeti Park Budapest"><img alt="Hungarian Railway Museum Magyar Vasúttörténeti Park Budapest" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52231182736_431ceb90dd_z.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br /></div><div><a ...="" adrian="" br="" for="" has="" left="" portugal=""><div><br /></div><div><b>Day 11</b> (Sunday 17 July) </div>T62 Hotel Budapest <br />Hungarian Railway Museum Magyar Vasúttörténeti Park <br />I intended to take a scheduled local train from Budapest Nyugati Station 11.20 or 13.20 but couldn't see one on the departure board (I was expecting a heritage railcar ). So, after a long trek underground to a temporary container ticket office, and a back-up of instructions from Zsuzanna at reception, I took two buses and a walk in the heat to get there. I was greeted by </a>two huge roundhouses filled with (mainly) black locos. </div><div><a ...="" adrian="" br="" for="" has="" left="" portugal=""><br /></a></div><div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52231457269/in/dateposted-public/" title="Hungarian Railway Museum Magyar Vasúttörténeti Park"><img alt="Hungarian Railway Museum Magyar Vasúttörténeti Park" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52231457269_4523df4bd9_z.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div><div><br /></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><div>Had a ride on a miniature railway and a quick pint in the restaurant and I was shown to the secret station and a quick route back to Nyugati Station.<br /><a href="http://www.vasuttortenetipark.hu/en">http://www.vasuttortenetipark.hu/en</a> <br /><br /><b>Day 12</b> Monday 18 July <br />Budapest to Prague (with replacement bus!) <br /><a href="https://www.seat61.com/stations/budapest-nyugati.htm">Budapest Nyugati</a> 09.40 to 37/36 <br /><a href="https://www.seat61.com/stations/prague-hlavni.htm">Prague Hlavni</a> 16.42 <br />Hotel EXE City Park Prague <br /><br /><b>Day 13 </b>(Tuesday 19 July) <br />Prague to Brussels <br />DB had been sending me emails that there could be possible delays on this service and lo and behold on the Czech/German border we all had our passports checked by the German Border police. Then further along the line, instead of proceeding to Regensburg the train turned back, we were thrown off and had to await a local to take us there.</div><div><br /></div><div>At Frankfurt Airport however the train to Brussels had a big X by it on the departure board. The DB man said no more trains tonight but, if I got myself to Cologne I was entitled to a free hotel room - which I didn't want cos I'd already paid for a hotel room at the Ibis in Brussels!. At Cologne there were two DB staff trying to deal with an angry mob of irate passengers. I was told to wait with a Swiss family and eventually we were led off to a taxi which took us all the way to our hotels. It was midnight when I got there, but I got a Chimay from the bar and so to bed. The lad with the family had been watching the clock, which ended up €400.</div><div><br /><b>Day 14</b> Wednesday 20 July <br />Brussels 12.56 to London 14.00 <br />St Pancras - home</div><div>What a day! My watch strap broke at Brussels Midi (rescued the watch) , my suitcase lost a handle screw (luckily I had cable ties) at St Pancras, so when I got to Brighton I thought hurrah I was home... err not quite! Because of the woman’s footy at Falmer, the trains had extra carriages so although my one stopped at London Road, I couldn’t get off, so... I went on to Lewes and up the slope and down the lift thence a stopping train to the afore mentioned LR, helped off the train by a couple of our finest riot policemen, and down the hill . A cunning way to avoid the dreaded LR steps maybe? House still here thanks to Susan Sainsbury for keeping an eye out. A can of porter from the fridge, and telly to catch up on... life is good.., come on England (spoiler alert! they won)!</div></div><div><br /></div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/52230175337/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Danube, near Vienna"><img alt="The Danube, near Vienna" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52230175337_2ea0bf5fe6_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>The Blue Danube! More photos on Flickr </div><div><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzYZR1">https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzYZR1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/albums/72177720300715438" title="Danube River Cruise"><img alt="Danube River Cruise" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52230184892_a5da3496e8_z.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
</div></div>fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-5323061135608919002021-03-17T13:13:00.005+00:002021-03-17T13:20:40.635+00:00The forgotten Guildford Festivals<div class="separator"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/51042703886/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Small leaflet"><img alt="Small leaflet" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51042703886_0e41a272b9_n.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<p>College chum and friend of the arts lab, <b>Robin Bradbeer</b>, reminded me that 50 years ago the third Guildford Arts Festival was on, with me as Festival Director! Googling around, it struck me that there was next to nothing on the three major festivals that preceded the low-key Surrey Free Festivals on campus (starting in 1970). The first in the series was in March 1969, directed by Rick Welton (who I was in <a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.com/search/label/Helix">Helix</a> with). Somewhere in my house I have the brochure for it, but can't just lay my hands on it! Battersea College of Advanced Technology had become the University of Surrey and moved down to Guildford (as I also did that year) and the festival, bankrolled by the Students Union was a gift. if you like, to the town, cementing a link between Town and Gown.</p><div>I can't remember much of that festival, but a memorable moment came on 11 March 1969. At 10.30 every night the members' bar at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre became the Festival Club with intimate theatre, acoustic music and revues. This night we saw David Bowie play at the club with guitarist Hutch, as 2/3 of <i>Feathers</i>. There has been lots of online discussion about this gig (as there has been with Led Zeppelin's first gig), but I was there, along with about 20 other people, to hear Space Oddity on Stylophone and see some mime!</div><div><br /></div><div>The second Festival took place in March 1970 - I can't remember the name of the Director. I applied for the job but was turned down. The Guildford Arts Lab always had a presence at these festivals and on 4 March 1970 we had <i>The assassination of William Blake as performed by the inmates of Guildford Arts Lab under the direction of the Marquis de Pipes</i>!! starring Mike Horovitz, Brian Patten, Graham Clarke, Clive Young, Gus Garside, Robin Shirley, John White, Dave Ambrose, Nick Gray and Cyberdescence light show. Wowie Zowie! what a line up.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/51046005846/in/dateposted-public/" title="Guildford festival Two 1970"><img alt="Guildford festival Two 1970" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51046005846_f0133b73f2_n.jpg" width="279" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div><div><br /></div><div>I designed a natty poster for it, along with Dave Ambrose's <i>Palimpsest of Erly Engle-Land</i> on the 3rd, with Dr Strangely Strange, and <i>Combination Plus</i> with Fran Horovitz and Roger McGough on the 1st. There was also an all-night Pyjama party with Chris Farlowe, back at Battersea on the 10th.<br /><br />As precursor of Festival 2 there was an event called <i>Meetings and partings</i> with Davy Graham and Shirley Collins, in February.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>On 27/ 28 June 1970, the <a href="https://blogs.surrey.ac.uk/archives/2015/05/21/free-fest/">first Surrey Free Festival</a> took place, as a reaction maybe to the money spent and lost on the three big festivals. Featured 'local group' Genesis, Bridget St John and <a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.com/search/label/Poppa%20Ben%20Hook">Poppa Ben Hook</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>So in 1971, I applied for the job again and got it! - 8 months work for £800. I booked the pop and folk acts, mostly via Lynne Boot (Adrian Boot's partner) at Blackhill Enterprises, but my main job was to design the brochure (all done with Letraset and Cow Gum) and posters (which were all screen printed by Henry Dudley in his basement). </div><div><br /></div><div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/8561733751/in/album-72157718663878536/" title="Roy Harper at the Civic Hall"><img alt="Roy Harper at the Civic Hall" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8098/8561733751_27339844a5_n.jpg" width="218" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div><div><br /></div><div> You can see who was in it from <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsmURQ1Nd">the brochure scans</a>: from The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to the Brighton Combination, via Kevin Ayers, Mike Westbrook and Roy Harper. </div><div><br /></div><div>John Fahey was booked through promoter Stuart Lyon but the tour never happened. It was a big programme with lots on every night from Friday 5 March (the Eve of Festival ball, for which I had to hire a DJ!) to Sunday 14 March and the wonderful eight hour <i>Copan Backing Track</i> from Mike Westbrook, with a projected clock by Cyberdescence. Wish I could have seen more of it! Afterwards I applied for various arts jobs with no luck, so it was back to commuting up to London for a job in publishing.</div>fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-29565384247520541422020-03-19T10:36:00.001+00:002020-03-19T10:36:31.058+00:00Pipesy on the wirelessAbout a month ago I was invited by <b>Susi Oddball </b>of <a href="https://bhcr.org.uk/">Brighton & Hove Community Radio</a> to take part in <i>Your Voice Matters</i>, a sort of <i>Desert Island Discs</i>. So armed with six of my favourite CDs I arrived at their tiny studio in the Brighthelm Centre - a bit late cos my bike had a puncture - to record what turned out to be an hour and a half's natter about my life. It's finally been uploaded to Mixcloud and can be found here:<br />
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<a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/susioddball/your-voice-matters-31-jan-2020-with-susi-oddball-and-alan-fred-pipes/">https://www.mixcloud.com/susioddball/your-voice-matters-31-jan-2020-with-susi-oddball-and-alan-fred-pipes/</a><br />
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<b>Playlist</b><br /><br /><div>
1. <b>Del Shannon</b> 'Runaway' 1961<br /></div>
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2. <b>The Graham Bond ORGANisation</b> 'Wade in the water' (from <i>The Sound of 65</i>) 1965</div>
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3. <b>The Michael Nyman Band</b> 'Chasing sheep is best left to shepherds (from <i>The Draughtsman's contract</i>) 1982<br /></div>
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4. <b>David Devant and his Spirit Wife</b> 'Miscellaneous' (from <i>Work, Lovelife, Miscellaneous</i>) 1997<br /><br />5. <b>John Shuttleworth</b> 'Y Reg' ( from <i>The Yamaha Years</i>) 1997<br /><br />6. <b>The Rutles</b> 'Shangri-La' (from <i>Archaeology</i>) 1996</div>
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Meanwhile, my solitary life has become even more solitary thanks to coronavirus COVID-19. Civilisation is in 'Lockdown' for now - add for me a touch of the vertigo - making life very boring indeed. Events have been cancelled, the shelves of supermarkets are empty. Happy 73rd birthday to me!</div>
fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-9532734686520704272019-08-22T11:09:00.002+00:002019-08-22T12:00:11.781+00:00Edinburgh (and Dundee) 2019<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/48586227717/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dundee 2019"><img alt="Dundee 2019" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48586227717_5af4a3d10b_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Again, just an itinerary!<br />
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<b>Tuesday 13th August</b><br />
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To Edinburgh on delayed slow LNER train</div>
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Spotted 45699 <i>Galatea </i>outside NRM, York<br />
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<i>A note about bus tickets:</i> the English bus pass is no good in Scotland, so its either a single (currently £1.70) or a Day Saver (£4) from the driver, exact change, no change given, but now you can use your contactless card, and it automatically caps at the day saver price... it almost feels as it the journey is free!</div>
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<i>Fringe tickets:</i> you can now book online and pick the tickets up at certain sites - just swipe your card and the tickets pop out... no queuing, no pin to key in. Magic!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/48586039436/in/dateposted-public/" title="Edinburgh 2019"><img alt="Edinburgh 2019" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48586039436_9b3be2c43c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<b>Wednesday 14th August</b></div>
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On the Gallery bus (suggested donation £1) to check out the wonderful collage exhibition, <i>Cut and Paste: 400 years of collage</i>, at Modern 2, and lunch (baked potato with aubergine filling) plus <i>NOW</i> at Modern 1.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/48586040466/in/dateposted-public/" title="Edinburgh 2019"><img alt="Edinburgh 2019" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48586040466_3c8eedf2e4_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>To National Portrait Gallery </b>for <i>Artists Rooms, Self Evidence: Photographs by Woodman, Arbus and Mapplethorpe</i><br />
<b>Paul Zenon:</b> <i>Trust Me!</i> 17.30 Le Monde, George Street<br />
<b>Stewart Lee:</b> <i>Wok in progress </i>19:10 Stand New Town Theatre<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/48586039036/in/dateposted-public/" title="Edinburgh 2019"><img alt="Edinburgh 2019" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48586039036_de56bd8e60_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<b>Thursday 15th August</b><br />
More Art: Stills for <b>Cindy Sherman</b>: <i>Early works 1975-80</i><br />
Nothing on at the Fruitmarket, didn't fancy the City Art Gallery<br />
<b>Bridget Riley</b> at the Royal Scottish Academy, and <b>David Mach</b> colleges downstairs<br />
Summer Sessions <b>James</b> at Princes Street Gardens<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/48586040106/in/dateposted-public/" title="Edinburgh 2019"><img alt="Edinburgh 2019" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48586040106_85c722b721_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Friday 16th August</b><br />
It's seeing <b>someone new</b> day!<br />
Walk to George Square for <i>Best of the Fest Daytime</i>: enjoyed <b>Lost Voice Guy</b> and <b>Jonny and the Baptists</b>, not so much the others<br />
Talbot Rice for <b>Samson Young</b>: <i>Real Music</i><br />
<b>Kieren Hodgson:</b> <i>Maestro</i> at Pleasance Beyond - what a find, would have liked to have seen his Lance Armstrong show too<br />
Spotted <b>Paul Ritter</b> in the Pleasance courtyard<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/48586040066/in/dateposted-public/" title="Edinburgh 2019"><img alt="Edinburgh 2019" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48586040066_88cbfb7183_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Saturday 17th August</b><br />
Walk to <b>Summerhall</b> for some art and <b>Extinction Rebellion</b>, spotted <b>Paul Ritter</b> again<br />
<b>Rhod Gilbert: </b><i>The book of John</i> 20:30 at Pentland Theatre, EICC<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/48586038871/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/" title="Edinburgh 2019"><img alt="Edinburgh 2019" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48586038871_e7fe18dd70_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Sunday 18th August</b><br />
New <b>Printmakers </b>venue, featuring <b>Hannah Tuulikki: </b><i>Deer Dancer</i><br />
<b>Simon Munnery</b>: <i>Alan Parker Urban Warrior Farewell Tour</i> 15:20,<br />
<b>Daniel Kitson</b>: <i>Everything smells of orange</i> 5pm, both in Stand 1.<br />
<i>Butterflies</i> 20.05 Zoo Playground 1, starring <b>Milly Roberts</b><br />
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<b><br /></b><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/48586082861/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dundee 2019"><img alt="Dundee 2019" height="240" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48586082861_8c01b7f076_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Monday 19th August</b><br />
Dundee day trip by train: to <b>The McManus</b> <b>Art Gallery and Museum</b> via <b>Desperate Dan</b> and the new <b>V & A Dundee </b><br />
Dinner out at <i>Wedgwood</i> on the Royal Mile<br />
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<b>Tuesday 20th August</b><br />
Homeward bound. Spotted 45596 <i>Bahamas</i> and 60103 <i>Flying Scotsman</i> outside the NRM York.<br />
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<a href="https://fredpipes.blogspot.com/2018/08/edinburgh-2018.html">Last year's Edinburgh visit.</a><br />
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More photos <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsmGp64Z6">on Flickr</a>.</div>
fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-1272382003128927512018-11-05T12:06:00.000+00:002018-11-06T11:10:36.748+00:00Going Dutch 2018<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/31743619478/in/dateposted-public/" title="Going Dutch October 2018"><img alt="Going Dutch October 2018" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1904/31743619478_5a2b18d7ed_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<b>Day 1: Tuesday 23 October 2018</b><br />
An ad in <i>Bluebell News</i> had caught my eye - a trip to <a href="http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bluebell Railway</a>'s twin, the <a href="https://www.stoomtram.nl/en">Museumstoomtram</a> at Hoorn on the Zuiderzee in Holland, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. When I received the itinerary however, I saw it included two of my pet hates: getting up early, and travelling by train on a Sunday! Ah well, its only once a year, so on Tuesday 23 October it was up at 4am, and an Uber to the station for the 5.47 to St Pancras, where I bought a sandwich at M&S (not needed!) and joined the Going Dutch party in the Eurostar departure lounge. We'd been booked Standard Premier (First class?), so breakfast - and a beer - was included... the first of many meals.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/44891021514/in/dateposted-public/" title="Going Dutch October 2018"><img alt="Going Dutch October 2018" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1948/44891021514_ea7bde6e00_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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It was the direct train to Amsterdam, but we got off in Rotterdam to visit <a href="http://www.miniworldrotterdam.com/ENGindex.htm" target="_blank">Mini World</a>, a giant model railway and docks, with a GB exhibit under construction. It works on the principle of 1 minute = 1 hour, so every now and again it goes dark and the buildings light up. Then was back to the station for a first class train to Amersfoort, where we were staying for three nights in the <i>rh Hotel</i>, where we had dinner.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/31743230248/in/dateposted-public/" title="Going Dutch October 2018"><img alt="Going Dutch October 2018" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1932/31743230248_6be1b1228c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Day 2: Wednesday 24 October 2018 - First steam trip</b><br />
We travelled by train to Apeldoorn to join the Veluwsche Stoom Trein, pulled by a giant German loco, 23 076. We had the Wagon Lits to ourselves and were greeted with a huge slab of apple cake for elevenses. This was followed shortly by lunch: soup, mushroom vol-au-vent, cheese rolls and fruit cake! On the way back we stopped at Beekbergen where the loco took on coal and water, and we got to see lots of German locos.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/31743233898/in/dateposted-public/" title="Going Dutch October 2018"><img alt="Going Dutch October 2018" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1952/31743233898_fc3f3dedee_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Back at Amersfoort we had a snail's-pace walking tour of the older parts of the town, including <i>De Drei Ringen</i> brewery where we enjoyed some of their Dubbel and the obligatory cheese. Then it was to <i>Restaurant Dara</i>, for a middle-eastern 'tapas' (mezze?) comprising an enormous number of dishes that kept on coming. The walk back took us past the medieval bridge all lit up.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/44702248895/in/dateposted-public/" title="Going Dutch October 2018"><img alt="Going Dutch October 2018" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1939/44702248895_571cff3052_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Day 3: Thursday 25 October 2018 - Utrecht</b><br />
Another early start and it's the train to <a href="https://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/#!/">Utrecht Railway Museum</a>. After tea and biscuits in the old station we were let loose in the museum, which is more like a theme park, with a dark ghost train, a rollercoaster runaway train 'flight simulator' and a trip 'down a coal mine' in a rickety wooden lift. Lots else to see, including many locos built in Manchester. After a lunch of cheese rolls and soup, it was a short walk to the canal and a boat trip on <i>Domstad </i>round the waterways of Utrecht. The final destination was <i>Oudaen Castle</i> with its brewery and restaurant. Then it was back to Amersfoort for our final night there.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/45615869011/in/dateposted-public/" title="Going Dutch October 2018"><img alt="Going Dutch October 2018" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1959/45615869011_2fcf7a5e50_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Day 4: Friday 26 October 2018 - Hoorne and the Zuiderzee</b><br />
It was first class again to Hoorne via various diversions, and after dumping out bags at the station, boarded a steam tram to Medemblik to catch the MS<i> Friesland </i>for a rainy day cruise to the Open-Air Museum at Enkhuizen. The <a href="https://www.stoomtram.nl/en">Museumstoomtram</a> is more like a light railway, with three steam locos in operation (6513, 7742 and 8107) plus a diesel railcar. At a different time of year, they'd be puffing through tulip fields, but this time of year it's cabbage and cauliflowers! The Zuiderzee I discovered is a fresh water lake, not the sea!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/45565364072/in/dateposted-public/" title="Going Dutch October 2018"><img alt="Going Dutch October 2018" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1964/45565364072_ee013485a6_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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At the Open-air museum, we checked out the steam laundry and the smithy and had coffee in the bakery. The post office even sold real stamps (€2.10 for a postcard to UK). We didn't have time to see the indoor museum and it was a long walk to Enkhuizen station - there were shuttle boats apparently. Thankfully, the <i>Petite Nord Hotel</i> was not far away and we checked in and began the long walk (for me) to the restaurant <i>Steak and More</i>, by the harbour, which provided me with a tuna steak!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/45615893281/in/dateposted-public/" title="Going Dutch October 2018"><img alt="Going Dutch October 2018" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1936/45615893281_0c73752af8_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Day 5: Saturday 27 October 2018 - day on the steam trams</b><br />
Technically a free day, this was a whole day on the MSHM, with a packed lunch provided. So it was down to Medemblik where I took a photo of MS <i>Friesland</i> in the sunshine, then caught the railcar for one stop then back on the next train to Medemblik them finally back to Hoorn stopping off at Wognum to take some pictures of the trains. The Dutch like to put on a performance, so little acts of theatre were enacted at the various stations, getting the kids involves carrying parcels etc.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/44702238895/in/dateposted-public/" title="Going Dutch October 2018"><img alt="Going Dutch October 2018" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1947/44702238895_fb68d94753_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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My plan was to catch the Hoorn tourist bus (golf cart) to the harbour and the <a href="https://www.museumhoorn.nl/pg-5548-7-7390/pagina/english.html">Museum of the 20th century</a> but couldn't find it. So it was back to the hotel and thence to <i>Barrels Pub</i> for a Bock. There was more bock back at the station where we were treated to a slap up dinner of various <i>stamppot</i> with a couple of veggie sausages for me!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/45615884321/in/dateposted-public/" title="Going Dutch October 2018"><img alt="Going Dutch October 2018" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1960/45615884321_b9001ac278_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Day 6: Sunday 28 October 2018 - Homeward bound via Train World</b><br />
Lots of changes today: Hoorn > Amsterdam > Rotterdam > Antwerp (the most beautiful station in the world?) > Schaerbeek, where we visited <i>Train World</i> (my second time), to reacquaint with Atlantic streamliner 12.004. and had a lovely farewell meal in their <i>RN Express</i> cafe. Then it was back on the train to Brussels Midi, and on to the Eurostar, economy class this time! At St Pancras, the Thameslink trains were only going as far as Three Bridges, but outside the station it was well organised with queues for various destinations, including an express service to Brighton. I walked home from the station, getting in around midnight and after a day turning back the clocks twice!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/44702231705/in/dateposted-public/" title="Going Dutch October 2018"><img alt="Going Dutch October 2018" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1979/44702231705_2f83d4e379_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I must say this was one of the best organised trips I've been on, thanks to <b>Roger Price</b> of the Bluebell. The only money I spent was on the odd beer, postcards and stamps. It was as if I'd given a wad of money (just over a grand) to a butler or concierge and said show me a good time. I did things I'd never do travelling solo, such as going first class, and staying at posh hotels, eating at posh restaurants. It was tiring and intensive, with a little too much walking for me, but I now have lots of happy memories.<br />
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More pix on <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsmm2VuZG">Flickr</a>.<br />
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<br />fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-20789221106349336902018-10-02T11:42:00.003+00:002018-10-03T10:52:48.785+00:00The Duchess at Severn Valley Railway<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/44204181364/in/dateposted-public/" title="6233 Duchess of Sutherland at Kidderminster"><img alt="6233 Duchess of Sutherland at Kidderminster" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1944/44204181364_9aa6d3bb92_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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An email informed me that 6233 <i>Duchess of Sutherland</i> would be rolled out of the West Shed at Butterley after a major overhaul and paint job in LMS crimson, on 9 September. But what caught my eye was that she would be at the <a href="https://www.svr.co.uk/">Severn Valley Railway</a> 20-23 September for their Autumn Gala (and at the ELR 19-21 October). Further research told me 46100 <i>Royal Scot</i> would also be at the SVR - and 70000 <i>Britannia</i>. So, a trip to the West Midlands was in order. I decided to try a ticket spitting site and got some good prices (scroll to bottom), though I was told had I gone <a href="https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/">Chiltern Railways</a> from Marylebone it'd be even cheaper.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29987398657/in/dateposted-public/" title="70000 Britannia at Kidderminster"><img alt="70000 Britannia at Kidderminster" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1947/29987398657_7a812feb8f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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So, despite a cancellation at London Road and a delay on the 12.23 Virgin train to Birmingham New Street, I finally arrived at Kidderminster, via Smethwick Galton Bridge, a station with an elaborate arrangements of platforms! I managed to get a bus into town and checked in at the <i>Premier Inn</i>. The NUJ were boycotting Wetherspoons so I had a wander round: a pint at <i>The Swan</i> near the Town Hall and the man who invented stamps, and another at <i>Ye Olde Seven Stars</i>, a bit further afield.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/44011583005/in/dateposted-public/" title="34027 Taw Valley at Kidderminster"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1940/44011583005_3c6e263cff_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="34027 Taw Valley at Kidderminster"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<b>Day 1 Saturday 22 September</b><br />
It was a Pokemon community day so it was breakfast at a coffee shop and a wander to capture Chikorita. Three shinies were enough to evolve one of each and so it was off to the station. The first loco I encountered was a surprise: 34027 <i>Taw Valley</i>.<br />
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What I discovered about Kidderminster station was that instead of the loco running round and taking the train back, the engine would detach and the loco from the previous train would go on the front, in this case GWR no-namer 2857. This took me to Bridgnorth via the elephants and rhinos of Bewdley, where I missed the return train being pulled by LNER Q6 63395, due to a queue to cross the footbridge. So, got back on the GWR no-namer to Arley where I crossed the line and waited in the rain for the <i>Duchess</i>.<br />
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I jumped off at the next station Highley and got an empty 'local' train pulled by GWR 813 back to Arley (Only), where I caught a train back to Kidderminster hauled by 46100 <i>Royal Scot</i>, and what a great noise she made. After a cheeky half of porter in the station forecourt, I went looking for another recommended pub, <i>The Station Inn</i>, the other side of the main line. Then it was a walk back to town via a real find: <i>The Weavers</i> micro pub, my kind of place, where I had a pint of dark mild.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29987390427/in/dateposted-public/" title="46100 Royal Scot at Kidderminster"><img alt="46100 Royal Scot at Kidderminster" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1953/29987390427_5961a1460f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Day 2 Sunday 23 September</b><br />
Kidderminster has a big bus station but not many buses, and on Sundays hardly any. Google maps told me a 3 bus to Stourport would get me part of the way, but instead of dropping me the other side of the horrible underpass, it carried on for miles before another bus stop, so I stayed on board and exactly an hour later after touring the housing estates of the West MidlandsI was back where I started! Never mind! At the station, 46100 <i>Royal Scot</i> was basking in the sunlight, and that GWR no-namer was ready to take the train towards Bridgend. This time I got off at Hampton Loade and caught the <i>Duchess</i> back to Kidderminster, where I hung about until the train was taken out by 70000 <i>Britannia</i>.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/31051112078/in/dateposted-public/" title="6233 Duchess of Sutherland at Kidderminster"><img alt="6233 Duchess of Sutherland at Kidderminster" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1952/31051112078_ca685c778e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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We now had the best possible view of the <i>Duchess</i>, in a siding, awaiting the next train, which I joined. I went back to Hampton Loade and crossed the line to see if there were any pies left on the platform stall, sadly not, so Headed back to Kidderminster pulled by 43106 'The Flying Pig'. Then it was across the road to the Captain Cod chippy for a fish bite (what fish?), chips and mushy peas plus cup of tea for a £4.50 deal then along to the <i>The Weavers</i> again, for two pints, and a walk back to the hotel.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29987405147/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ivatt 43106 (The Flying Pig) at Kidderminster"><img alt="Ivatt 43106 (The Flying Pig) at Kidderminster" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1950/29987405147_0dca4cd45a_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Day 3: Monday 24 September</b><br />
As a bonus I'd decided to ride the <i>Heart Of Wales</i> line from Shrewsbury to Swansea. To get to Shrewsbury I got the 125 to Bridgnorth, then (Google had told me an hour later, but there was one waiting) a 436 to Shrewsbury, where I had 2 hours to kill. Most of these I spent in <i>The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse</i> opposite the gothic station. Eventually our one-carriage train arrived and we began the 4 hour journey through the rolling hills of central Wales. Not nearly as spectacular as the Scottish lines but interesting none the less, with one of the longest announcements ever, what with all the Welsh names as well as the English, many of which were request stops! At Swansea I checked in to the<i> Grand</i> bang opposite the station, and after checking out 4 crap pubs in the vicinity settled for the hotel bar and a couple of pints of Doom Bar.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29987424777/in/dateposted-public/" title="Llanwrtyd Wells on the Heart of Wales line - Monday"><img alt="Llanwrtyd Wells on the Heart of Wales line - Monday" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1942/29987424777_08b884d8e6_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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On Tuesday it was back to Brighton via Paddington (my first time there!) and Victoria, where I was grateful for the new lifts, but my journeys always end with those steps at London Road.<br />
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More photos <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/albums/72157701823389685">on Flickr</a>.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/45003458942/in/dateposted-public/" title="Severn Valley Gala tickets"><img alt="Severn Valley Gala tickets" height="320" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1912/45003458942_2dbf6897e7_n.jpg" width="221" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-71374079403394603862018-08-20T11:10:00.000+00:002018-08-22T10:41:30.434+00:00Edinburgh 2018Again, just an itinerary:<br />
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<b>Wednesday 8 August 2018</b><br />
Travel via St Pancras and Kings X with a cheeky pint at the <i>Parcel Yard</i>, to Waverley<br />
19.30 <i>Waiting for Godot</i> at the Lyceum<br />
Much more entertaining than I expected!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/43169410005/in/dateposted-public/" title="Gallery Bus"><img alt="Gallery Bus" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1797/43169410005_8bae38e1ec_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Thursday 9 August</b><br />
Art bus day<br />
To The Museum of Modern Art 2 (the Dean) for <b>Emile Nolde</b><br />
and the other one for more art<br />
National Gallery for <b>Rembrandt</b> (very brown) and <b>Barbara Rae</b>'s North-west passage<br />
19.10 <i>Limmy's Vines</i> at the Stand New Town Theatre Grand Hall... 'Fine wine!'<br />
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<b>Friday 10 August</b><br />
14.30 <b>Ali Brice's</b> <i>Lemonade Stand</i> at the Hive (Heroes of the Fringe) - recommended by Mike Powell<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/43357433204/in/dateposted-public/" title="Sympathetic Magik, Edinburgh"><img alt="Sympathetic Magik, Edinburgh" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1776/43357433204_4080f64b33_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Saturday 11 August</b><br />
Eevee day with Pokemon on the meadows<br />
Walk to Summerhall via Bristo Gardens<br />
Orson Welles drawings, Kurt Schwitters portraits, Pussy Riot, John Keane<br />
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<b>Sunday 12 August</b><br />
13.00 Mark Thomas. <i>Check up: our NHS at 70 </i>at the Traverse 1<br />
15.20 Simon Munnery <i>The wreath </i>at the Stand<br />
18.45 Kevin Quantum: <i>Vanishing Point</i> at the Underbelly Cow Barn<br />
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<b>Monday 13 August </b><br />
14.15 <i>The Bench</i> Gilded Balloon Rose Theatre Attic (oh those stairs!)<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29138848547/in/dateposted-public/" title="Baltic, Newcastle"><img alt="Baltic, Newcastle" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1779/29138848547_346552b805_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Tuesday 14 August</b><br />
Away day to Newcastle<br />
Laing Art Gallery for <b>Glenn Brown</b><br />
Baltic: Lots of art<br />
18.00 <b>Graham Fellows</b> at Newcastle Stand <i>Completely out of character</i><br />
with <b>Niopha Keegan</b> of <i>The Unthanks</i><br />
<i><br /></i><b>
Wednesday 15 August</b><br />
13.20 <b>Foxdog Studios:</b> <i>Robot Chef</i> at Boteco do Brasil Basement - computer games fun<br />
Evening meal at <i>Thrive</i>, Bruntsfield<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/43169409845/in/dateposted-public/" title="82210 in its new LNER livery"><img alt="82210 in its new LNER livery" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1777/43169409845_22567265f6_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<b>Thursday 16 August</b><br />
Home by delayed LNER train and slow Thameslink (should have waited for the brighton one)fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-7601527772487177632018-06-20T11:15:00.001+00:002018-06-26T10:34:20.578+00:00Bergen by train (and ferries) 2It's always good to get some jeopardy at the start of <a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.com/2018/06/bergen-by-train-and-ferries-1.html">an ambitious itinerary</a>, stops you worrying about connections etc. The Thameslink timetable fiasco had one silver lining - tickets were valid on Gatwick Express trains, but I'd still have to get the tube from Victoria to St Pancras at rush hour. However on the morning TV news they said a train had broken down at Gatwick Airport and to expect delays... so, I set off straight away. Made it.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/27942193777/in/datetaken/" title="Bergen by rail 4"><img alt="Bergen by rail 4" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1744/27942193777_7a73cab2c2_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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The other major worry was right at the end of the trip when the German ICE train from Cologne to Brussels arrived 45 minutes late, and on another platform! By the time we were detoured because of people on the line, we arrived 1hr 21minutes late. Of course I'd missed my Eurostar and I was imagining all kinds of scenarios - staying the night in Brussels, buying new tickets and claiming back on the holiday insurance, etc. I needn't have worried - the Eurostar check in person just booked us on to the next train. Back at St Pancras, a Thameslink train turned up and I got back to Brighton in time for the last train to London Road. Phew!<br />
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So when people say the trains always run on time in Germany? That was a long time ago. There was another delay from Cologne to Hamburg when a thunderstorm caused the train to be late by about 50 minutes, but as Hamburg was that day's destination, no connection to worry about, just a late night.<br />
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Apart from that, there was one other change to the plan. The train from Hamburg to Copenhagen was meant to drive on board a ferry (yes, the train went on the ferry, like the old <i>Golden Arrow</i>). Only it didn't - the train terminated at Puttgarden, we got onto buses, the buses drove onto the ferry for the 45 minute passage, then we rejoined the buses to travel all the way to Copenhagen Central station (mind those cyclists!). I had to get to Nørreport station for the shuttle bus to the ferry port, so I bought a ticket from a machine using my card, was directed to platforms 9 or 10 by a helpful member of staff, and a local train came straight away. Getting across cities from ferry port to station was a major worry - if I ruled the world, there would always be a bus linking station, town centre, ferry terminal, and major tourist sights. Like there <i>isn't</i> in Bergen!<br />
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Bergen of course was the highlight of the holiday. I'd originally thought of going on a cruise up the fjords, but a) thought I could do it cheaper, and b) didn't want to be cooped up with all those <i>Daily Mail</i> readers. Two overnight, reasonably sized ferries were enough for me! So I googled 'steam railways in Norway' and found the Old Voss railway with its 1913 4-6-0 loco. Digging deeper, I found that about six times a year it featured in a <a href="https://en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do/bergen-heritage-tour-p3897513">Heritage Tour</a>, comprising a steam ship (also built in 1913) SS <i>Stord 1</i>, the aforementioned steam train and vintage buses. At around £40 this was the bargain of the week. The whole holiday was built around this Sunday event. I arrived far too early at the steam ship - the ticket said 10am, I arrived at 9.30am but the actual sailing wasn't until 11.15am. The <i>Stord I</i> was delight - we could go anywhere - on the bridge, even down some greasy metal steps to the engine room, where a Cheshire built steam engine could tear your limbs off. No stoker, it was fuelled by oil!<br />
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On the Monday I'd booked another tour - <a href="https://www.norwaynutshell.com/original-norway-in-a-nutshell/">Norway in a nutshell</a>. This involved an early start to collect the tickets for my self-guided tour from the station, and as stated earlier there didn't seem to be a bus or tram linking the area of my hotel at the harbour fish market to the central station. Found it and joined the queue. First leg was a trip up the Bergen-Oslo railway I'd travelled down on. You could take the tour in any order and I was delighted when most of the train got off at Voss. The rest of us carried on to Myrdal where we climbed aboard the Flåm Express for a scenic journey down to the fjord.<br />
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The start was in the clouds, but we stopped at a waterfall and were encouraged to get out... to our surprise, music started and a faraway <i>Huldra</i> in a red dress did a dance up on the rocks. At Flåm I visited the museum, gasped at the huge cruise ship in the harbour and got on our modest ferry to sail down two beautiful fjords. I was surrounded by Taiwanese girls ('Were not Chinese! We hate the Chinese'), so didn't get out on deck.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28938089488/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fjords"><img alt="Fjords" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1721/28938089488_28613bc56f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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At Gudvangen we got onto buses for a truly hair-raising descent into the Nærøydalen valley via 13 hairpin bends and two waterfalls. It is one of Northern Europe's steepest roads, and the driver took it very slowly!<br />
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Other highlights included the Oslo to Bergen train line itself - very scenic with ice and snow, but lots of tunnels - and the fabulous Fløibanen<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span>Funicular. It wasn't working the first night, but was the second night - and at 10 quid, well worth the experience. The ferry from Bergen to Hirtshals was great too, especially since I had a porthole! I'd prebooked the Commanders Buffet at 30 quid and did my best to consume as much seafood and Carlsberg the 90 minutes allowed. I watched a covers band called Waterproof until time for bed - my taster of life on a cruise ship over.<br />
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Oh, and I didn't expect it to be so hot! Packed wrong things...<br />
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<b>Firsts</b><br />
First time in Hamburg<br />
First time in Denmark<br />
First time in Copenhagen<br />
First time sleeping on a boat<br />
First time in Norway<br />
First time in Oslo<br />
First time in Bergen<br />
First time on a fjord<br />
Furthest north I've been<br />
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More photos <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/albums/72157670139857778">on Flickr</a><br />
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Full <a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.com/2018/06/bergen-by-train-and-ferries-1.html">Itinerary here ></a>fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-21794105221649326422018-06-18T11:24:00.001+00:002018-06-20T11:18:08.088+00:00Bergen by train (and ferries) 1<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/42761866182/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bergen by rail 3"><img alt="Bergen by rail 3" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1756/42761866182_f5af61009e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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First, a big thank you to <a href="https://www.seat61.com/Norway.htm">The man in Seat 61</a> for the invaluable info on getting anywhere by train.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28938088088/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fjords"><img alt="Fjords" height="240" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/884/28938088088_c8cbbbd519_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Here's a brief itinerary.<br />
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<b>Day 1 Thursday 7 June 2018</b><br />
1. Train: London Road to Brighton<br />
2. Gatwick Express to Victoria (delays! Thameslink timetable chaos plus broken down train at Gatwick)<br />
3. Tube to St Pancras (sardines!)<br />
4. Eurostar train to Brussels<br />
5. ICE train to Cologne<br />
6.Train to Hamburg (thunder and lightning, 50 min delay)<br />
Hotel Novum Continental in Hamburg<br />
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<b>Day 2 Friday 8 June</b><br />
7. Train from Hamburg Hbf to Puttgarden<br />
8. Bus to ferry M/F <i>Deutschland</i><br />
9. Ferry to Rødby in Denmark<br />
10. Bus to Copenhagen<br />
11. Train to Nørreport station<br />
12. DFDS shuttle bus to DFDS Ferry Terminal in Dampfærgevej<br />
13. Sail overnight on MS <i>Crown Seaways</i> from Copenhagen to Oslo (no window in cabin)<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/41000890760/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rail journey from Oslo to Bergen"><img alt="Rail journey from Oslo to Bergen" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1748/41000890760_3c0e4bfbfe_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<b>Day 3 Saturday 9 June</b><br />
Ferry arrives in Oslo at 09:45<br />
Walk to Central Station<br />
14. Train from Oslo to Bergen (scenic, snow, lots of tunnels)<br />
15. Bergen light railway (Bybanen) towards fishmarket<br />
Magic Hotel Korskirken, Bergen (free breakfast)<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/42093306324/in/album-72157670139857778/" title="Bergen by rail 3"><img alt="Bergen by rail 3" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1730/42093306324_f38e75e53d_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Day 4 Sunday 10 June</b><br />
<a href="https://en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do/bergen-heritage-tour-p3897513">Bergen Heritage Tour</a><br />
16. Steam ship SS <i>Stord I</i> from Holbergskaien to Garnes.<br />
17. From Garnes to Midttun with steam train<br />
18. From Midtun by veteran bus back to Holbergskaien<br />
Magic Hotel Korskirken, Bergen<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/41910726925/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fjords"><img alt="Fjords" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1730/41910726925_6dc6732ea9_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>Day 5 Monday 11 June</b><br />
<a href="https://www.norwaynutshell.com/original-norway-in-a-nutshell/">Norway in a nutshell</a>
Fjord cruise 8.43 at railway station<br />
19. Trolly bus towards station<br />
20. Train to Myrdal (most people got off at Voss)<br />
21. Flåm railway down (Kjosfossen waterfall with dancing Huldra)<br />
22. Ferry <i>Skagastol</i> from Flåm to Gudvangen (Taiwan girls)<br />
23. Gudvangen to Voss by bus (via hair-raising hairpin descent)<br />
24. Train from Voss to Bergen<br />
25. Bybanen towards fish market<br />
26. Fløibanen funicular back at Bergen<br />
Salt cod at Bryggeloftet & Stuene<br />
Magic Hotel Korskirken, Bergen<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/27942062017/in/album-72157670139857778/" title="Bergen by rail"><img alt="Bergen by rail" height="240" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/900/27942062017_0c52248af2_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Day 6 Tuesday 12 June</b><br />
27. Taxi to Fjord Line ferry terminal<br />
28. Sail on MF <i>Bergensfjord</i> from Bergen to Hirtshals (got a porthole! Commander's buffet, Waterproof covers band, 10 quid pint Carlesberg)<br />
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<b>Day 7 Wednesday 13 June</b><br />
29. Shuttle bus (DKK30) to Hirtshals station (just ticket machine and shelter)<br />
30. Local train from Hirtshals to Hjoerring (no cafe, no ticket office, text toilets, accident bike and old man)<br />
31. Train from Hjoerring to Århus (coffee)<br />
32. Train to Hamburg<br />
White asparagus and Duckstein at Baumann's Bierbar<br />
Centro Hotel in Hamburg<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/42093358804/in/album-72157670139857778/" title="Bergen by rail 4"><img alt="Bergen by rail 4" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1744/42093358804_46a26c508e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Day 8 Thursday 14 June</b><br />
33. Train from Hamburg to Cologne (coffee and roll)<br />
34. ICE from Cologne to Brussels (40min delay, then mad rush change of platform get to Brussels 1hr 21min late)<br />
35. Eurostar to St Pancras (booked on next train, no charge)<br />
36. Thameslink train to Brighton (hurrah!)<br />
37. 11.41 Seaford train to London Road, and home.<br />
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More photos <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/albums/72157670139857778">on Flickr.</a><br />
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<a href="https://fredpipes.blogspot.com/2018/06/bergen-by-train-and-ferries-2.html">Bergen by train (and ferries) 2 ></a>fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-36004876948934987832017-11-06T12:24:00.003+00:002018-06-18T11:27:16.298+00:00Steam on the English RivieraEnd of October is when most heritage railways pack up for the winter, and get ready for the Santa Specials. The <a href="http://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/" target="_blank">South Devon Railway</a> was having a half-price weekend to commemorate the clocks going back, so I travelled down to Torbay on Friday 27 October to get me some steam action. The trip involved changes at Gatwick Airport, futuristic Reading and Newton Abbot to reach Paignton (£20.80 from the <a href="https://www.gwr.com/" target="_blank">GWR</a> site, I refuse to buy from Southern on principle). The scenery beyond Exeter being wonderful. Arriving at the flat Torbay town, first sight was of a forlorn <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GWR_7800_Class_7827_Lydham_Manor" title="GWR 7800 Class 7827 Lydham Manor">Lydham Manor</a> outside the <a href="http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dartmouth Railway</a> station, which is just a level crossing hop from the mainline station.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26357273149/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="7827 Lydham Manor"><img alt="7827 Lydham Manor" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4483/26357273149_5acfa7dbff_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7827 Lydham Manor</td></tr>
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So, on to the Brampton Guesthouse and my £25 a night single room (with shared shower room and loo)! After a walk down to the pier and a couple of pints of dark ale with fish and chips at the <i>Talk of the Town </i>Wetherspoon's, it was off to bed.<br />
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Saturday, after a superb fried breakfast, I wandered into town to get the 10.30 steam train. This stretch of the Dart Valley wasn't going to be running on Sunday. It was hauled by Standard Class 4 75014 <i>Braveheart</i> - why? cos it used to do the Fort William to Mallaig run when the film was being made.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/38078964396/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Devon"><img alt="Devon" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4448/38078964396_caf43860eb_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">74014 Braveheart at Paignton</td></tr>
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This carried us down to Kingswear, where we got an included ferry ride to Dartmouth (£15.75 concession), a charming town with posh delis and artesan markets. After chasing a few Pokemons I re-crossed the river on the proper ferry this time (the first leg was on a cruise boat helping out).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/38078951306/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Devon"><img alt="Devon" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4564/38078951306_db8909676b_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dartmouth ferry</td></tr>
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<i>Braveheart </i>was the only loco running, so back at Paignton I hopped on a 12 bus and went to visit Brixham. When I were a lad my dad drove us down to Torquay in his Commer van - no motorways, it must have taken days! I remember visiting Brixham, and seeing the William of Orange statue (tho I though he was on a horse!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/38102036302/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Devon"><img alt="Devon" height="320" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4516/38102036302_f22d8c9cc5_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William of Orange at Brixham</td></tr>
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I tried to find a decent crab sandwich to no avail, so got the bus back and continued on to Torquay, where after a stroll round the harbour, found the <i>Green Ginger</i> Wetherspoon's for a well earned pint. Back at Paignton I popped into Lidl for some sustenance and went back to the B&B to watch <i>Casualty</i>.<br />
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Sunday's journey to the <i>other </i>Dart Valley line, the <a href="http://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/" target="_blank">South Devon Railway</a> was a little more complicated. I established that the hourly Stagecoach <i>Gold</i> bus (wot, no number?) went to Totnes, but not very near the station. As it happened, it stopped more or less opposite, but it was a longish walk to the station via some woods and a footbridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/38078967436/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Devon"><img alt="Devon" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4518/38078967436_91b07a2efd_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Devon Railway footbridge</td></tr>
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It was a surprise to see a pannier tank in London Transport livery No L.92, and this took us in Great Western splendour up to Buckfastleigh.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/38078967426/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Devon"><img alt="Devon" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4523/38078967426_6e71561030_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Transport pannier tank No. L.92</td></tr>
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On the way we passed the other loco, a Prairie tank No. 5526, which after a pasty in the refreshment rooms I travelled back to Totnes behind (my ticket granted me freedom of the line all day).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/37424363134/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Devon"><img alt="Devon" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4450/37424363134_ab94e60a1f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GWR prairie tank No. 5526</td></tr>
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Back at Buckfastleigh I explored the sheds and workshops and saw locos in different states of repair, including 4920 <i>Dumbleton Hall</i>. There was something I though was a Deltic doing manoeuvres in the yard, but turned out to be<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/38078966626/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="4920 Dumbleton Hall at Buckfastleigh"><img alt="4920 Dumbleton Hall at Buckfastleigh" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4482/38078966626_ba7dac2a3c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4920 Dumbleton Hall</td></tr>
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I thought I might be able to catch a bus from Buckfastleigh, in fact a red London bus had been doing tours of the town and abbey all day, but had finished by the time I walked up to the main road to see what I could find. No luck, no bus for ages, so I walked back down to the station to get the last train to Totnes, and... it was being hauled by the diesel! A Class 37 No. 6975.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/38078948696/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Devon"><img alt="Devon" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4516/38078948696_783ea73954_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Class 37 No. 6975</td></tr>
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A big plus point was that I could travel back in the observation car! Back at Totnes it was getting dark so I trudged back to the mainline station and bought a ticket to Paignton via Newton Abbot, only to find my Senior railcard had expired! Had there not been a fast train in, I'd have renewed there and then to enjoy my discount... ah well. Back at Paignton it was straight to the Wetherspoon's for a well earned pint!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/38078966426/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Devon"><img alt="Devon" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4578/38078966426_74dc9d3a81_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronze Age workings, in the shape of an axe head</td></tr>
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Monday morning it was another splendid breakfast, then a walk to the station to get a new railcard and a scenic ride to Exeter St David's where I'd be staying a couple of nights with my friends Dave and Jude, highlight of which was a visit to a Bronze Age site at a secret location, to see some mystery objects! The only regret is that I failed to see the <a href="https://www.babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk/" target="_blank">Babbacombe Cliff Railway</a>, but I'd overheard a woman on the Dartmouth train say it was broken anyway...<br />
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More photos on <a href="https://flic.kr/p/211UDsU" target="_blank">Flickr</a>.fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-83903705399808103522017-09-05T11:18:00.002+00:002017-09-05T15:54:38.365+00:00Edinburgh and Hull 2017Again, no more than a listing of shows seen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/36904668701/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Edinburgh August 2017"><img alt="Edinburgh August 2017" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4334/36904668701_b322d62365_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan Coley <i>The Lamp of Sacrifice, 286 Places of Worship, Edinburgh </i>2004</td></tr>
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<b>Edinburgh</b><br />
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<b>Tuesday 22 August:</b> to Waverley by train via St Pancras (£31.70). Spotted <i>Flying Scotsman</i> outside the NRM York. Pint in Cloisters bar and night in, watching me watching the Middleton Pace-Eggers on a TV programme about Utopias.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/37045567165/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Edinburgh August 2017"><img alt="Edinburgh August 2017" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4427/37045567165_c61cd9ca03_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gerald Leslie Brockhurst <i>By the hills</i> 1939</td></tr>
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<b>Wednesday 23 August: </b>to the BBC area to queue for <i>The Now Show</i> (Punt and Dennis) tickets, no luck. Gallery (mini)Bus to Museum of Modern Art Two for <i>True to Life: British Realist Painting in the 1920s and 1930s</i>. Superb exhibition if you like this period of deeply unfashionable art, which I do! Across to One for small exhibition of Ed Ruscha and cardboard churches by Nathan Coley. To Fruitmarket for Jac Leirner <i>Add it up</i>, a sort of Martin Creed thing using everyday objects arranged to make art. To the <i>Standing Order</i> for a Wetherspoon's pint, and to <i>Sandy Bell's</i>, to catch up with Peter Chrisp. Then into the stand-by queue at the BBC for Punt and Dennis radio show and I got in! Doug Anthony All-Stars were one of the guest acts.<br />
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<b>Thursday 24 August:</b> £4 day bus ticket to Summerhall to see the art. Not impressed. To Talbot Rice, ditto. Bus back to Tollcross and a coffee and custard tart at Colony. To King's Theatre for Jarvis Cocker's <i>Room 29</i>, a musical about Hollywood, with Chilly Gonzales and the Kaiser String Quartet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/36210477064/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Edinburgh August 2017"><img alt="Edinburgh August 2017" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4412/36210477064_7e4bd6e8ee_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvation Army Knitted Bible Story, from Warrington</td></tr>
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<b>Friday 25 August: </b>Bus to Nicholson Square, popped into the <i>Knitted Bible Story</i> at the Salvation Army and Sue Perkins <i>Live! in Spectacles</i> at Pleasance Grand, then after a beer in the courtyard, Nick Helm's very sweary <i>Masterworks in progress '17</i>. To George Square for a cullan skink pie and mash and a walk back to the flat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/36648935080/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Edinburgh August 2017"><img alt="Edinburgh August 2017" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4386/36648935080_13f009b249_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avro Vulcan B.2A XM597</td></tr>
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<b>Saturday 26 August: </b>day off! Bus to St Andrew's Square to meet Mad, then train to Drem and bus for the National Museum of Flight. There I was reunited with <a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/my-day-trip-to-new-york-on-concorde.html" target="_blank">Concorde G-BOAA</a> and a Vulcan amongst other treasures, including a Lego event. Bus to North Berwick, train, and a Korean meal at <i>Ong Gie </i>back at Tollcross.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/36237862563/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Edinburgh August 2017"><img alt="Edinburgh August 2017" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4442/36237862563_995e9e1e6f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Dragon of Profit and Private Ownership</td></tr>
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<b>Sunday 27 August: </b>Bus to National Library for film about Staffa and Shackleton exhibition, thence to City Art Gallery for <i>Edinburgh Alphabet</i>, a miscellany of stuff from the archives. Visited the green <i>Dragon of Profit and Private Ownership</i> at Trinity Apse, and Al Murray's <i>The pub landlord's saloon</i> at the Speiegeltent Palais du Variete. Don't sit at the front! His guests were... The Doug Anthony All-Stars doing the same song as at the BBC! Pizza at the Wildman then to the Festival Theatre Studio for Martin Creed himself with <i>Words and music</i> singing twee Ivor Cutler style songs to an electric guitar. Taxi home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/36904681431/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Edinburgh August 2017"><img alt="Edinburgh August 2017" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4356/36904681431_395dc6f3bb_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops! Black Burns by Douglas Gordon</td></tr>
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<b>Monday 28 August: </b>Bus to Book Festival, and then to the Stand for Simon Munnery's <i>Renegade Plumber. </i>He never disappoints. To the Portrait Gallery for coffee and tram to West End and bus to the Pleasance for <i>NewsRevue 2017</i> at Beyond. As you'd expect: songs and dances about current affairs competently done. Watched the end of festival fireworks from Sam's kitchen window!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/36210750534/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hull City of Culture 2017"><img alt="Hull City of Culture 2017" height="320" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4439/36210750534_02948e966c_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hull telephone box</td></tr>
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<b>Hull</b><br />
<b><br /></b>It's never dull in Hull. It has its own railway and its own telephone boxes.<br />
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<b>Tuesday 29 August: </b>Train to Hull (£20.45).<b> </b>Walk to Haymarket, pint of Peanut Butter Stout at <i>York Tap</i>. Met at Hull Paragon station by Rick for a night in with trout.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/37045795165/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hull City of Culture 2017"><img alt="Hull City of Culture 2017" height="320" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4346/37045795165_852169c6a9_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philip Larkin's trousers, and vest</td></tr>
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<b>Wednesday 30 August:</b> to University to see Philip Larkin exhibition <i>New eyes each year</i> at Brynmor Jones library: his books, his trousers, his cameras, his knick knacks. I was delighted to find next door a wonderful art gallery of mainly early 20th century art, and lots of self portraits. Hearty soup at Zoo, then later to <a href="http://www.ambiente-tapas.co.uk/restaurants/hull/" target="_blank">Ambiente</a> in the Fruitmarket for tapas and to the Freedom Festival Tent for <i>Counting Sheep Revolution: a guerrilla folk opera</i>, a Ukrainian immersive experience with lots of songs. Thankfully I wasn't dragged into the country dancing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/37045803095/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hull City of Culture 2017"><img alt="Hull City of Culture 2017" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4359/37045803095_b6742858ed_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearty soup from Zoo</td></tr>
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<b>Thursday 31 August:</b> Park by Premier Inn for walk round the Fruitmarket and Humber Street Gallery. Check in at Royal Hotel for the night. Walk up to Ferens Art Gallery (Mr Ferens didn't like the Pre-Raphaelites, too modern! Missed the Skin exhibition. Then across the square to the Maritime Museum and a pint of Old Moor's Porter at the Wetherspoon's <i>The Admiral of the Humber</i>. Picked up from hotel and to the George Street Car Park for Ragroof Theatre's <i>Bridges y Puentes</i>, another immersive, this time about immigration and written by Dorothy Max. Got a passport! Then rush to festival tent transformed for a Freedom Festival Gala evening with entertainment by <i>Slightly Fat Features</i>, a troupe of comedy jugglers, champagne, wine and a veggie lunch box.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/36210740264/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hull City of Culture 2017"><img alt="Hull City of Culture 2017" height="240" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4382/36210740264_738ce3b8f3_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferens Art Gallery</td></tr>
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<b>Friday 1 September: </b>RMT Northern Rail on strike so early Hull Trains to Doncaster, but no further. Had to wait hour and a quarter for my Virgin train, but rest of journey uneventful. (Hull to London King's Cross £9.90; St Pancras to Brighton £11.55)<br />
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More photos <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/36874940112/in/dateposted-public/" target="_blank">on Flickr</a><br />
<br />fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-11985757459383480342017-08-10T12:40:00.000+00:002017-08-11T10:22:47.873+00:00Guildhall and Pokemon Go<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSt4Pk86sMdwiOUYnEHjMUkgvjKwFgGj7vRZMq3gp5Mk1rMit_9VyPGcAIMyTh2RvoBQO7tQq41KRnTWQZOT-BZkRSGqBu-l1rXbnlpnp4uVqOqlXcD7z_zyApAo4li10GTUU/s1600/IMG_5284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSt4Pk86sMdwiOUYnEHjMUkgvjKwFgGj7vRZMq3gp5Mk1rMit_9VyPGcAIMyTh2RvoBQO7tQq41KRnTWQZOT-BZkRSGqBu-l1rXbnlpnp4uVqOqlXcD7z_zyApAo4li10GTUU/s320/IMG_5284.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was Romans day for the kids</td></tr>
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I've been living in or near London for nigh on 50 years. I've visited the National Gallery, the Tates, you name it. But thanks to a heads-up on Facebook by Mary-Lou, on Tuesday I was about to visit an Art Gallery I'd never even heard of, the <a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visit-the-city/attractions/guildhall-galleries/Pages/guildhall-art-gallery.aspx" target="_blank">Guildhall Art Gallery</a>, in the City of London.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4_8cXqg6grGxHtG0-IdYv1HMoHuO9KOPweMv65RSQYV_03EaxsGYT1kwDvDlw43eP1tDgdSZfs8cPfg75CjWZlLegcYg6Bw3IF0e4QUdvaniM6qllSN2RvD3raU6Go_5yfze/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4_8cXqg6grGxHtG0-IdYv1HMoHuO9KOPweMv65RSQYV_03EaxsGYT1kwDvDlw43eP1tDgdSZfs8cPfg75CjWZlLegcYg6Bw3IF0e4QUdvaniM6qllSN2RvD3raU6Go_5yfze/s320/IMG_5292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1999 exterior</td></tr>
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What attracted me was a photo of Rossetti's <a href="http://preraphaelitesisterhood.com/la-ghirlandata/" target="_blank"><i>La Ghirlandata</i></a>, a gorgeous picture of <a href="http://preraphaelitesisterhood.com/category/alexa-wilding/">Alexa Wilding</a>, with May Morris (Jane's 10-year old daughter) posing as the angels above. It's full of symbolism, described in detail to a small group of us taking the free guided tour. The only thing Rossetti got wrong were the flowers at the bottom of the picture. I didn't expect a lot more to be honest, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Photography was allowed too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgurSMztFy58BF_AtqdNbGoj13OirKynLmNtG-LF_BMUiYSR56BJZdyNvHUrUqOUNzFbEsVNXKnFdvHvKthHYlrBob_i5gvsC7Rzf7vZefL4xPQDOxTyXN-jhUd74uNQWLkoR/s1600/IMG_5283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgurSMztFy58BF_AtqdNbGoj13OirKynLmNtG-LF_BMUiYSR56BJZdyNvHUrUqOUNzFbEsVNXKnFdvHvKthHYlrBob_i5gvsC7Rzf7vZefL4xPQDOxTyXN-jhUd74uNQWLkoR/s320/IMG_5283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rossetti and others</td></tr>
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Almost every Pre-Raphaelite and follower is represented: Holman Hunt's <i>Eve of St Agnes,</i> a smaller version to that in the Walker; Millais' <i>The woodsman's daughter</i> and the pair of <i>Sermons, My First </i>and <i>My Second. </i>Then there are other treasures, such as Lord Leighton's <i>The music lesson</i> [<b>Fun fact:</b> Leighton became a Lord on his deathbed, the shortest peerage in history, just one day], and Paul Delaroche's <i>The execution of Lady Jane Grey</i>, our forgotten queen, so poignant as she was tried for treason in the Guildhall next door, and William Shakespeare Burton's <i>The wounded Cavalier</i>, also full of symbolism.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRkZL9JjTJpRN5V27rdKc2i_fn-SYJKAtxJAQRazED6TfopuBvUTcVkuVnNdQZ1NdVeUEdvo2mP0QUQR45jo0ryOLPQbXXRN6Ypo1oNFJp3HVwRUlHL2KPdK96csIsjf14KI-/s1600/IMG_5288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRkZL9JjTJpRN5V27rdKc2i_fn-SYJKAtxJAQRazED6TfopuBvUTcVkuVnNdQZ1NdVeUEdvo2mP0QUQR45jo0ryOLPQbXXRN6Ypo1oNFJp3HVwRUlHL2KPdK96csIsjf14KI-/s320/IMG_5288.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burton and Holman Hunt</td></tr>
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<div>
Take the free guided tour (Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays) and you'll be taken to all the nooks and crannies (mind you, I'm convinced I missed a room under the main gallery, where the bottom half of John Singleton Copley's <i>The defeat of the floating batteries at Gibraltar, 1782</i> resides. What a whopper, the largest painting in Britain. There are several big 'uns on display. I was taken by the more formal <i>The ninth of November, 1888</i> by William Logsdail depicting the Lord Mayor's procession. Beautifully painted, it looks almost 3D. The collection of London paintings are down below, and even deeper is a Roman amphitheatre!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyzDWnnMYj-ezGXYJ3TJSTlKIqM5VseVkxzWvPAbRWqZumsRkevXXe_POw9Dqb3UVftRQ8_7R61VluolhPCSwJHdLOF1xMmlqlSri7kx9L3ewdiviLJ676UERU0KceEjK7Nzd/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyzDWnnMYj-ezGXYJ3TJSTlKIqM5VseVkxzWvPAbRWqZumsRkevXXe_POw9Dqb3UVftRQ8_7R61VluolhPCSwJHdLOF1xMmlqlSri7kx9L3ewdiviLJ676UERU0KceEjK7Nzd/s320/IMG_5286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another whopper: Michele Tedesco <i>A Pythagorean school attacked by Sybarites</i></td></tr>
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<div>
The building itself, though founded in 1886, was reopened in 1999, after being mostly destroyed in the Blitz. I got the bus from London Bridge and spent the rest of the day chasing <i>Unown</i> and <i>Kangaskhan</i> in the Pokemon Go city event. They were not as plentiful as I'd been led to believe, but tracked down a <i>Kanga</i> at Victoria station and a couple more at Green Park. My one and only <i>Unown</i> was found in Lincoln's Inn Fields. And I was so pleased that I treated myself to a pint of something welsh-sounding at a nearby Wetherspoons, <i>Penderel's Oak</i>, named after another Cavalier.<br />
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BTW the last exhibition I went up to London for was <i>Alma-Tadema: At home in Antiquity</i> at Leighton House, back on 12 July, the day of the David Devant and his Spirit Wife gig at the Monarch in Camden Town. No photography allowed, but a fine exhibition. [<b>Fun fact</b>: Alama-Tadema was born plain Mr Tadema, he added the Alma so he would come first in catalogues.] There's an Alma-Tadema in the Guildhall catalogue but not on display, or maybe on loan to Leighton House*, or maybe in that room I might have missed!<br />
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* <i>A Pyrrhic Dance</i> was indeed in the Leighton House exhibition.</div>
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fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-24202816396478624542017-05-23T12:19:00.000+00:002017-05-26T12:03:12.491+00:00Ludlow, SVR and Ironbridge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/34679476012/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bridge over the River Teme"><img alt="Bridge over the River Teme" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4270/34679476012_9731587f13_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over the River Teme</td></tr>
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I'd been invited to Jane's surprise 60th in Ludlow, so I thought I'd tag on a visit to the <a href="http://www.svr.co.uk/" target="_blank">Severn Valley Railway</a> in Kidderminster, a bus pass trip to see the Iron Bridge and a visit to my Uncle and Aunty in Shifnal. So, on Saturday 13 May, Ellen drove Jackie, Deborah and me up to our creaky Air B&B right in the centre of town. The surprise party, organised by Jane's kids, worked out remarkably well, but it was a long walk back to the B&B.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/34710515651/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Gluten-free"><img alt="Gluten-free" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4275/34710515651_3d447e6fef_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ludlow market</td></tr>
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Sunday we spent wandering round town and around the castle - there was a food festival on - and had lunch at the <a href="http://thegreencafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">Green Cafe</a> down by the river. Jane nearly fell in whilst texting along an eroded muddy river bank! We bought food from the market to eat back at Jane's again.<br />
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On Monday I walked with Jackie down to the railway station, had a coffee in Tesco's then I flagged down the 2L bus to Kidderminster for a very scenic journey up and over the green Shropshire hills. I'd booked two nights at the Premier Inn, which was a converted mill with lovely brickwork. The hotel was right by the bus station, so after a quick pint at the <a href="https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/worcestershire/the-penny-black-kidderminster" target="_blank">Penny Black</a>, I did a recce of the railway station, and I got lost choosing the wrong exit from an underpass! Phone and Google Maps got me to the stations, where I had a chat with a bearded volunteer, grabbed some leaflets, then caught a bus back to the Wetherspoons for four bean chilli and another cheap pint.<br />
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Tuesday I took a bus to the station and bought a day rover ticket for £18.80. First train of the day was steam at 10.15am - an 0-6-0 pannier tank No. 1501. A coach party had bagged most of the carriages but I got a nice enough seat. We passed a safari park at Bewdley and I saw some elephants and a rhino, then No. 7802 <i>Bradley Manor</i> in the station!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/33857585724/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="No. 1501"><img alt="No. 1501" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4160/33857585724_bc3d497bce_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No. 1501</td></tr>
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I alighted at Highley to visit the <i>Engine House</i> locos in the new Visitor Centre, including 2-10-0 No. 600 'Gordon', Ex-Longmoor Military Railway, and Standard tank No. 80079, built in Brighton 1954. The next one built, 80080, is currently working at the East Lancs railway!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/34699850245/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Severn Valley Railway"><img alt="Severn Valley Railway" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4181/34699850245_4bf31ea676_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No. 48773 and No. 600 Gordon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/34569341471/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Severn Valley Railway"><img alt="Severn Valley Railway" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4182/34569341471_3e512414d7_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard tank No. 80079</td></tr>
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After a quick cup of tea, I jumped on the next train, pulled by a diesel No. 271, to Bridgnorth, where there were lots of locos to admire outside the sheds, including No. 34053 <i>Sir Keith Park</i>, also built in Brighton. Now I've been to Bridgnorth before, in 2008 on <a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.co.uk/2008/04/rails-peaks-and-fells.html" target="_blank">a coach trip</a>, and all I remember was that scary bridge linking the station to the town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/34710116321/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bridgnorth foot bridge"><img alt="Bridgnorth foot bridge" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4198/34710116321_0a6ae31171_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridgnorth foot bridge</td></tr>
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I wanted to visit the Cliff Railway, so marched across it and turned right downhill to Low Town, where I found a pie and mash cafe called <a href="http://bamboobridgnorth.co.uk/" target="_blank">BamBoo</a> with a bewildering number of options! After lunch (broccoli and mushroom pie (small - a bit dry) with cheesy mash, mushy peas, carrots and veggie gravy, since you ask) and a pint of Hobson's, I crossed over the road and bought a return ticket for £1.60 (no singles) for a ride on England's steepest inland funicular, in its 50s style coaches up to High Town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/34315421190/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bridgnorth cliff railway"><img alt="Bridgnorth cliff railway" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4193/34315421190_ce78ae32c8_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Railway</td></tr>
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Then it was a walk round the other side of the castle, over that bridge again, and onto a train hauled by GWR 2-8-0 No. 2857 back to Kidderminster where I had a pint of mild in the <i>King and Castle</i> followed by a bus ride back to the hotel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/34659402856/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="0-8-0 GWR No. 2857"><img alt="0-8-0 GWR No. 2857" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4160/34659402856_e417dcab5e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GWR 2-8-0 No. 2857</td></tr>
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On Wednesday 17 May, I took a 297 bus to Bridgnorth, and for the first time saw the town centre and High Street. Bought a sandwich at Tesco's and boarded the 114 to Telford, where I had a hour to kill. It was raining so investigated the shopping mall, bought some stamps and a bottle of wine at Asda then set off on the 96 to Ironbridge, where I had half an hour to take some snaps, cross the bridge, and have a half of Hobson's in the <i>Tontine Hotel</i> before being collected by my cousin and taken back to Shifnal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/34710113591/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Iron Bridge"><img alt="Iron Bridge" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4245/34710113591_0ed0103a2e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas Telford's Iron Bridge</td></tr>
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They very kindly took me to eat at a pub <a href="http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/fox/homepage/" target="_blank">The Fox</a>, opposite where Jeremy Corbyn once lived (<i>Yew Tree Manor</i>), and on Thursday my Uncle gave me a lift to Shifnal station, to travel home via Wolverhampton and the London rush hour. I arrived back just in time for a <a href="http://www.beyond-the-level.org.uk/" target="_blank">Beyond the Level</a> party at Moe's Cafe!</div>
fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-25049966383930119972017-04-21T10:38:00.001+00:002017-04-21T10:38:18.438+00:00Clogs, steam, art and pace-eggers: Part 2. Steam and pace-egging<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/33222881343/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="City of Wells"><img alt="City of Wells" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2902/33222881343_4140fe4282_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City of Wells at Ramsbottom</td></tr>
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On Good Friday I made my way to the East Lancs Railway and got a free round-trip members' ticket. I intended to go straight to Ramsbottom, but it was a diesel, so I got the train to Heywood, hauled by <i>City of Wells</i>. At Rammy, I was taking some photos when I bumped into my Facebook friend Stephen Porter and we retired to <i>The Railway</i> for a pint. We were then joined by the <a href="http://www.burypaceeggers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bury Pace-Eggers</a>, who performed their play. All mummers plays follow a similar pattern: St George fights the Turk, gets killed, then the Doctor appears and cures him. There is then a rematch and St George triumphs! It's all about resurrection.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/33877969142/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bury Pace-eggers at Ramsbottom"><img alt="Bury Pace-eggers at Ramsbottom" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2905/33877969142_fef1ec7bab_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bury Pace-Eggers at Ramsbottom</td></tr>
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We followed the pace-eggers to the <a href="http://www.irwellworksbrewery.co.uk/" target="_blank">Irwell Works Brewery</a> which was rammed, and after they finished, enjoyed another pint. I caught the <i>Union of South Africa</i> train back to Bury, and the bus back to my sister's.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/33905491111/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Union of South Africa"><img alt="Union of South Africa" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2875/33905491111_b0bdd9fd41_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">60009 Union of South Africa</td></tr>
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On Easter Saturday, it was a bus to Bury, then to Bacup. The last time I visited this mill town was when a DMU from Bury started running there. As I arrived, I saw a small crowd in the town square - I'd just missed them. So, I had a wander round, found the shortest street in England, and to my delight discovered a vegan pie shop in the market! Then it was a leisurely walk out of town where the Coconutters performed in several locations, accompanied by the Stacksteads Brass Band playing some very catchy tunes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/33260527853/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Britannia Coco-nut dancers, Bacup"><img alt="Britannia Coco-nut dancers, Bacup" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3941/33260527853_2529077d4a_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britannia Coconut Dancers at Bacup</td></tr>
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They start with a bit of listening and pointing, then off they skip tapping their 'coconuts' in time with their clogs. At the <i>Irwell Inn</i> (closed) they headed back into town where after a dance in the town square they split into two sides, and I bumped into my niece's friend Adele and family. They gave me a lift back, via a micro-pub <i>Hop</i> in Rawtenstall, where I had a pint of coconut chocolate porter. A great day out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/33285485833/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Middleton pace-eggers"><img alt="Middleton pace-eggers" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2912/33285485833_3d2f13d947_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middleton Pace-Eggers</td></tr>
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After doing nowt much on Easter Sunday, I popped in to <a href="http://buryartmuseum.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bury Art Gallery</a> for a quick look on Easter Monday and was pleased to find the little cafe was in business again. I then travelled to Middleton to see their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Middleton-Pace-Egg-Play-502663033177579/" target="_blank">Pace-Eggers</a>. They were meant to start at 12 at the <i>Dusty Miller</i>, but there was no sight, I bought myself a half (pints £2.10!) and in they came, loads of them. I saw the play four times, ending up at the Wetherspoons, where I had another pint (of Swordfish). They were being filmed by BBC4 for a series on Utopias. So, it was back to Bury, and on Tuesday caught the tram to Manchester and home. I was disappointed to find the Ian Allan shop had closed, but all in all it was a fantastic week in the North.<br />
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<b>Blacking up</b><br />
Now then, the blacking up of morris dancers and mummers has become a contentious issue, with the Coconutters being barrred from The <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-37172500" target="_blank">Shrewsbury Folk Festival</a>. If I ruled the world I'd do what some morris sides have done and choose another colour of face paint, blue say. It's no good hiding behind 'tradition' when blackface does offend some people today, however unintentionally. The idea is that it was originally a disguise to protect workers from bosses, using coal or cinders. However the Moorish connection does rather undermine that excuse.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/33285486753/in/dateposted-public/" target="_blank">More photos on Flickr</a><br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/-oDBrA1YPIo" target="_blank">Some videos on Youtube</a><br />
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> <a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/clogs-steam-art-and-pace-eggers-part-1.html" target="_blank">Clogs, steam, art and pace-eggers: Part 1. Art</a><br />
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<br />fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-82714720950637013312017-04-21T09:43:00.000+00:002017-04-21T11:21:31.593+00:00Clogs, steam, art and pace-eggers: Part 1. ArtI've wanted to see the <a href="https://www.coconutters.co.uk/" target="_blank">Britannia Coconut Dancers</a> for a long time, and this year made an effort to fulfil this ambition. The only guaranteed gig is Easter Saturday on their home turf of Bacup, a bus ride away from Bury. I also discovered from a Facebook group called <i>Bury Olden Days</i> that the <a href="http://www.burypaceeggers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bury Pace-Eggers</a> would be performing in Ramsbottom on Good Friday. And that the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Middleton-Pace-Egg-Play-502663033177579/" target="_blank">Middleton Pace-Eggers </a>would be doing their longer mummers play with more characters on Easter Monday. And that it was Pacific weekend on the <a href="http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/" target="_blank">East Lancs Railway</a> featuring A4 <i>Union of South Africa</i> and West Country Class <i>City of Wells</i>. But first, some Northern art...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEioFV6CvdfZ0Ds-cEh9dUJpMBQGlwEe32IGjeaPuXh7APkEDBbbidxvuhRwK1cMQW3AdMPQTEduloozNXMcp9tWbRmzgBI-wsdg6VnBRxXAS10hWCFiNs4l5ei1DtnGkyI3Ip/s1600/IMG_4632+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEioFV6CvdfZ0Ds-cEh9dUJpMBQGlwEe32IGjeaPuXh7APkEDBbbidxvuhRwK1cMQW3AdMPQTEduloozNXMcp9tWbRmzgBI-wsdg6VnBRxXAS10hWCFiNs4l5ei1DtnGkyI3Ip/s320/IMG_4632+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiffany glass vase</td></tr>
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I've been ticking off Northern art galleries - last time it was Blackburn, this time it was the turn of Accrington and Burnley... two in one day! I travelled up to Bury on Tuesday 11 April via the <i>Doric Arch</i> bar at Euston station. Had a rest day on Wednesday and on Thursday set off to the <i>Haworth Art Gallery</i> as you go into Accrington. I arrived at 11am, but it didn't open until 12. Luckily the cafe was open and there were Pokemons to catch in the grounds. The Haworth has the finest collection of Tiffany glass this side of New York, taking up the whole upstairs of the hall, thanks to Joseph Briggs who in 1891, aged only 17, left Accrington to seek his fortune in America. He worked with Tiffany all his working life and sent his collection back to his home town in 1933. They do have a small collection of Victorian art too, but most of the downstairs was taken up by local artists.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6pNRP7IhXBPEZ94jnkl7CSeQyNonT49uZktmRy7SXYzDY7vSW__nVXDAAhhheiXFtzoVsj7QkTS_EL8hX48wm5tdBeD5ujbLRhjZA8L8h7iVFCbQjjzUvuo-uzOaSm5wjRZJ/s1600/IMG_4639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6pNRP7IhXBPEZ94jnkl7CSeQyNonT49uZktmRy7SXYzDY7vSW__nVXDAAhhheiXFtzoVsj7QkTS_EL8hX48wm5tdBeD5ujbLRhjZA8L8h7iVFCbQjjzUvuo-uzOaSm5wjRZJ/s320/IMG_4639.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towneley Art Gallery, Burnley</td></tr>
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So, it was on to the central bus station and the M3 bus to Burnley. I knew getting to the <a href="http://towneley.org.uk/" target="_blank">Towneley Art Gallery</a> would be tough, as it was in the middle of a park, but underestimated the amount of walking I had to do. Their website said bus no. 1 went near, but it was not that close - a dog walker said it'd take me half an hour to get there! So, plodding along the side of a stream, I finally made it to the stately home and got in free with my Art Fund card (a fiver to anyone else). After a few wrong turns (turn right at the mummy, the front desk woman said) I found the art gallery floor, and a splendid collection it was: with Burne-Jones, Alma-Tadema, Leighton, Poynter, Waterhouse and many other minor pre-Raphaelites represented. They also had a fine collection of Pilkington pots, and the postcards were only 25p each! Photography was forbidden, but the attendant allowed me to take some general views.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedLr7lyPmD1refeAftUi2db09SfeQiLYRB2Fwhhz2a_Jv_xat_N-mvc2gXpEpZyAsfDYqP5YdxXGNKfMWBahy9FRzfCLJx745z6KTPv7lEuf0g4jlRmz54s7t7TFydxYsw4cU/s1600/IMG_4643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedLr7lyPmD1refeAftUi2db09SfeQiLYRB2Fwhhz2a_Jv_xat_N-mvc2gXpEpZyAsfDYqP5YdxXGNKfMWBahy9FRzfCLJx745z6KTPv7lEuf0g4jlRmz54s7t7TFydxYsw4cU/s320/IMG_4643.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pilkington Royal Lancastrian pottery</td></tr>
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On my way out, I asked the ticket woman the best way to the nearest bus stop and she told me people generally call for a taxi. Oh, if only I'd taken her advice... I got totally disoriented and even the GPS on my phone was no use. At least it wasn't raining. But eventually I skirted a golf course and caught a bus back to Burnley bus station - and stayed on it as it travelled back to Bury.<br />
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<a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/clogs-steam-art-and-pace-eggers-part-2.html" target="_blank"> < Clogs, steam, art and pace-eggers: Part 2. steam and pace-egging</a>fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-56478200162066118752016-08-30T11:58:00.001+00:002018-05-28T11:01:57.539+00:00Islay and Oban: Part 2 Oban<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29070429992/in/album-72157673028075076/" title="Oban sunset"><img alt="Oban sunset" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8176/29070429992_2705fa0f41_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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So, my 16.10 arrival at Oban was dramatic, with a sudden heavy downpour after a pleasant day's sailing. Luckily there was a Wetherspoons on the quay, <i>The Corryvreckan</i>, so I sheltered there for a while to check out the Pokemon situation. After it eased off, I found a cashpoint and wandered over to the <i>Royal Hotel</i>, one of those hotels popular with coach parties, and had seen better days. I was in Room 218 with a view out the back.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29176288915/in/album-72157673028075076/" title="The Green Shack"><img alt="The Green Shack" height="240" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8584/29176288915_a34070c47d_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I went back out to the harbour and, tempted by a free hot mussel, ordered a £3.95 portion from the famous green shack, eating them in the rain, under an umbrella - not easy! Then it was back to Wetherspoons for another pint and, after watching the sun set, back to the hotel for a £5 tot of Oban.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29176294895/in/album-72157673028075076/" title="Wethespoons"><img alt="Wethespoons" height="240" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8339/29176294895_8c2acd2906_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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On Sunday, after a breakfast of beans, fried egg and potato scones, with tea served quickly by unflustered staff, I made my way to the distillery, where I showed my classic malts passport and got a free tour. The distillery is much smaller than Laphroaig, with half the stills - I did learn that the yeast came from Hull. At the end of the tour we got to sample 13-year old whisky, then the 14-year old in the shop, where we got another free glass. I used my £5 off voucher to buy a bottle, for £40. There was no photography allowed on the distillery tour. They have a tasting bar open until 6.30 serving wee drams for a bargain £3 a shot.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28554380664/in/album-72157673028075076/" title="Oban Distillery"><img alt="Oban Distillery" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8322/28554380664_42370e98e9_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I dropped off the bottle at the hotel, checked out the free wifi in the lounge bar, then walked to the harbour. There was a big queue at the Green Shack, so I tried the <a href="http://waterfrontfishouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fishhouse</a> upstairs, where they were doing a two-course lunch deal for £13.99. I had smoked haddock chowder and roasted local coley on a bed of prawn and leek risotto, washed down with a local beer - <a href="http://www.obanbaybrewery.co.uk/" target="_blank">Skelpt Lug dark ale</a>!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28554345024/in/album-72157673028075076/" title="Purple Heather seal boat"><img alt="Purple Heather seal boat" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8161/28554345024_805a76a563_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I'd been debating whether or not to go on the boat to see the seals, but as the rain had stopped I just had time to get there by 2pm, just as they were casting off. It was £10 and we headed for the steam ship monument, past the 1950s cathedral and finally to a rock full of seals. We also saw a pair of sea eagles and an M&S salmon farm.<br />
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After a pint at Wetherspoons (Sirius Dog Star) and a portion of chips with curry sauce, I wandered back to the hotel to find a keyboard and accordion duo playing for a coach party of Canadians. Then from nowhere, entered a very loud piper! marching up and down swinging his kilt!<br />
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Monday, it was an early start to get the 8.57 train to Glasgow, another scenic journey. I walked from Queen Street, past Robert Peel, to Central where I had a longish wait in the Virgin First Class Lounge! Yes my £46.20 ticket back to Brighton was first class! I had two cappuccinos (from a machine), loads of biscuits and popcorn and played Pokemon until it was time to board my delayed train (floods near Preston). On board I had free cans of beers (Wreckless), a dry tuna salad and lots of pretzels. The Gatwick Express at Victoria was late too, and when I got back to Brighton there was an hours wait for a Seaford train, so it was a taxi home!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29098233391/in/album-72157673028075076/" title="Tickets home"><img alt="Tickets home" height="240" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8244/29098233391_7623867108_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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More photos <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/sets/72157673028075076/" target="_blank">on Flickr.</a><br />
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< <a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/islay-and-oban-part-1-islay_60.html" target="_blank">Part 1 Islay</a><br />
< <a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/edinburgh-2016_39.html" target="_blank">Edinburgh 2016</a>fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-13994721238844681222016-08-29T11:03:00.004+00:002018-05-28T11:01:33.913+00:00Islay and Oban: Part 1 Islay<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28888823240/in/dateposted-public/" title="Islay ferry MV Finlaggan"><img alt="Islay ferry MV Finlaggan" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8396/28888823240_c0b0c87b1a_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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While I'm up in Scotland, I always like to tag on a little extra journey: this year it was the whisky island of Islay and a town I've always wanted to visit - Oban. I discovered that twice a week there's a ferry from Islay to Oban (even though I couldn't find it on the inscrutable CalMac timetables). So Thursday morning 18 August I walked down to Haymarket station and bought a ticket to Glasgow Queen Street. After a pint at a convenient Wetherspooons, I set off to find Buchanan bus station (no trains go that way). What I didn't know was that the Citylink coach was going to Campbeltown! Anyway I found it and the journey was very scenic, past the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, Loch Long and Loch Fyne, where we had a comfort stop at Inveraray.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28888653920/in/dateposted-public/" title="Loch Fyne at Inveraray"><img alt="Loch Fyne at Inveraray" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8408/28888653920_c36877dd4f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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At Kennacraig I bought my two ferry tickets as a £15.80 HopScotch deal (bargain!) and boarded <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Finlaggan" target="_blank">MV <i>Finlaggan</i></a> for the 2-hour journey, where I consumed a couple of bottles of <a href="http://www.islayales.co.uk/" target="_blank">Islay beer</a> and a bowl of chips. At Port Ellen it was a short walk to the <i>White Hart Hotel</i>, where to my surprise the bar and restaurant were closed - but the key to room 3 was waiting for me at reception. The room was fine and I had a view of the sea. I walked to a rowdy pub, the only pub, the <i>Ardview Arms</i>, drank a pint of McEwans and checked my wifi in a quiet room to the right. After a wee dram of Laphroaig Quarter Cask (£5.80) i wandered back to the hotel to watch the olympics.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28888814150/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lagavulin distillery"><img alt="Lagavulin distillery" height="240" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8177/28888814150_f53638b0ab_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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The <i>White Hart </i>lived up to its Fawlty Towers reputation at breakfast, where two extremely flustered women tried to keep a minibus full of Poles and a celebrated musician happy with poached eggs. Mine - beans, fried egg and potato scones - was fine however. I walked to the bus stop - I wasn't sure of the times as I'd found two different timetables on the internet, but one arrived heading towards Ardbeg so I jumped on and bought a £10 day ticket. It passed Laphroaig and Lagavulin distilleries (which were supposed to be just a short walk from Port Ellen) and turned round at Ardbeg. I decided to jump off at Lagavulin and try to get on a tour. No luck, they were full, but I got my passport stamped. So, after failing to get a lift, it was a trek through the drizzle along the cycle path back to Laphroaig.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28888660510/in/dateposted-public/" title="Tasting at Laphroaig distillery"><img alt="Tasting at Laphroaig distillery" height="240" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8068/28888660510_f6e381d1e1_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Not a lot of people know this, but I own a plot of land on Islay, thanks to Laphroaig whisky and I was able to print out a map of its location. I also got 'rent' in the form of a wee bottle. The £6 tour was great - unusually they do their own malting - but I still had a two hour wait for the next bus, so I sat down in the comfy lounge, tasted a few more drams and played Pokemon Go with their free wifi!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28888667190/in/dateposted-public/" title="Laphroaig plots"><img alt="Laphroaig plots" height="240" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8225/28888667190_bb4e61904f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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The bus took me along long straight roads across the island to Port Askaig, via Laphroaig's peat bogs by the airport, where a raucous group of men up for a charity football match (one played for Arsenal!) were waiting, but the bus had to do a school run, so we went to the pub (<i>Port Askaig Hotel)</i> and I had a surprisingly nice pint of Tennents 60/- Light (more like dark mild). After a sing song on the bus, and them calling me Ronnie, they got off at Bowmore and I travelled back to Port Ellen in peace.<br />
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I gave the posh restaurant at the <i><a href="http://theislayhotel.com/" target="_blank">Islay Hotel</a></i> a go for a cappuccino, and stayed to eat in the bar, where they had Islay Ales on draught. I had roasted scallops followed by chunky fish pie. Excellent!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28554430294/in/dateposted-public/" title="View from the White Hart Hotel"><img alt="View from the White Hart Hotel" height="240" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8465/28554430294_d1d0e16352_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Saturday 13 August,</b> morning, the women at the <i>White Hart </i>were even more flustered, giving me bacon instead of tatty scones, but never mind. At check out, one of them told me the hotel was up for sale and the owners didn't want to lose his licence hence the bar downstairs being dark. I caught the 9.40 bus to Port Askaig and met two old girls who'd been on the bus the day before. I had an hour and a half to kill so jumped on the ferry to Jura (£1.30 return) with the women and back on my own, then a cup of tea and wifi in the <i>Port Askaig Hotel.</i><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28888784230/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jura ferry"><img alt="Jura ferry" height="240" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8540/28888784230_2b048e6a52_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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The big ferry was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Hebridean_Isles" target="_blank">MV<i> Hebridean Isles</i></a> and the four-hour cruise took us past many islands, with a stop at Colonsay, most were uninhabited - in fact we didn't see any houses until almost at Oban. I had minestrone soup and more Islay beer. The weather was glorious until we arrived at Oban, where it threw it dowm. Luckily there was a Wetherspoons nearby...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28888768590/in/dateposted-public/" title="Arriving in Oban"><img alt="Arriving in Oban" height="240" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8083/28888768590_cf5cc21384_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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More photos <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/albums/72157673028075076" target="_blank">on Flickr.</a><br />
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<a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/islay-and-oban-part-2-oban.html" target="_blank">Part 2 Oban </a>><br />
< <a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/edinburgh-2016_39.html" target="_blank">Edinburgh 2016</a>fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-42491356027907670342016-08-25T11:48:00.003+00:002016-08-30T12:03:19.197+00:00Edinburgh 2016<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28888591960/in/dateposted-public/" title="Edinburgh freebies"><img alt="Edinburgh freebies" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8037/28888591960_403a7bc143_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Again, not much more than an itinerary:<br />
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<b>Friday 12 August 2016</b></div>
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Travel up by train. Because Southern is so unreliable, get taxi to the station. Virgin East Coast delayed due to person on line at Newark, so had a half at the Parcel Office. Arrive Haymarket an hour and a half late, pint with Sam at Lock25 and go and inspect new BBC venue at George Heriot School. Raining.</div>
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<b>Saturday 13 August 2016</b></div>
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£4 bus day ticket to Stand 3 for</div>
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12:00 <b>Daniel Kitson</b> <i>presents an insufficient number of undeveloped ideas over ninety testing minutes,</i> basically him talking to biologists on the front row, very funny though, and he's so quick witted.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29142693716/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dazzle Ship at Leith"><img alt="Dazzle Ship at Leith" height="240" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8140/29142693716_5ac7359e89_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Bus to <a href="https://serranomanchego.co.uk/" target="_blank">Serrano Manchego</a> on Leith Walk for tapas, then to Leith docks for the <a href="https://www.1418now.org.uk/commissions/dazzle-ship-scotland-4/" target="_blank">Dazzle Ship</a>. Bus back to Pleasance, thence to Mandarin House/Star Sea for chinese food and Blue Blazer for drinks then back to Stand 3 (same seats) for</div>
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22:05 <b>David Kay</b>, the self-effacing Scottish stand up. </div>
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<b>Sunday 14 August 2016</b></div>
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Taxi to Pleasance for </div>
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13.45 <b>Teatro Delusio</b> by Familie Flöz - puppets and mine in masks, backstage at the opera.</div>
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Walk to Summerhall for<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29176196765/in/dateposted-public/" title="Meet Fred at Summerhall"><img alt="Meet Fred at Summerhall" height="240" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8121/29176196765_2dc52f2aec_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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15.55 <b>Meet Fred</b> by Hijinx Theatre - another puppet becomes self-aware helped by learning disabled actor Martin Vick.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28888598690/in/dateposted-public/" title="Hole in the Meadows I fell down"><img alt="Hole in the Meadows I fell down" height="320" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8404/28888598690_15f0f94e84_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Pint of porter and a quick look round the art before walking through the Meadows looking for Pokemon, where I put my right leg down a dangerous hole!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29142673866/in/dateposted-public/" title="Surrealism at the modern art museum"><img alt="Surrealism at the modern art museum" height="240" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8465/29142673866_596e0943dd_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<b>Monday 15 August 2016</b></div>
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Art day. After a quick look round <a href="https://www.nationalgalleries.org/whatson/on-now-coming-soon/inspiring-impressionism/" target="_blank">Daubigny Monet Van Gogh</a> at the Mound with Mad, 14.30 art bus to Modern Art for <a href="https://www.nationalgalleries.org/whatson/exhibitions/surreal-encounters" target="_blank">Surreal Encounters: Collecting the marvellous</a> to re-acquaint myself with all the paintings from the Edward James collection that used to be in Brighton, now in Rotterdam. Back to Summerhall for more art and with a comp from Max, saw </div>
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17.40 <b>Molhados & Secos - Wet and Dry</b> at Zoo - Argentinian physical theatre<br />
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Walked to Pleasance where I bumped into Jo Neary and Pad and saw</div>
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20.00 <b>Pete Firman </b>Trix at Pleasance Beyond - magic, with Sam dragged on stage!</div>
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<b>Tuesday 16 August 2016</b></div>
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Brisk walk to Traverse for</div>
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13:15 <b>Mark Thomas</b> : The Red Shed - socialist comedy where we got to sing <i>The Red Flag</i>, Wakefield style.<br />
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Sunny walk to Book Festival, then bus to Dovecote and Talbot Rice galleries, then walk to George Square Gardens where we met Millie flyering, and home after a pint or two and a bowl of chips - spotted Paul Zenon and Alisdair Darling.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/28556889453/in/dateposted-public/" title="Best of Fest"><img alt="Best of Fest" height="240" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8434/28556889453_4da64efa81_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<b>Wednesday 17 August</b></div>
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Walk to George Square Gardens for </div>
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12.30 <b>'Best' of the Fest</b> in Spiegeltent Palais de Variete - with drunken woman (<b>Holly Burn)</b>, conjurer <b>Chris Dugdale</b>, Regency comedian <b>Penny Ashton</b> and Hoola Hoops by <b>Flip FabriQue </b>from Attrape Moi, all compered by <b>Lloyd Griffith</b>, who does impressive impressions of diy tape.<br />
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To <a href="http://tanjore.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tanjore </a>for Indian 'pizza' (uthappam) then back to Summerhall for</div>
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17.15 <b>Adler & Gibb</b> a play by <b>Tim Crouch</b> about a student doing a dissertation about a woman making a film about a reclusive American artist and her partner and an art dog (played by a child). Powerful stuff, as you'd expect. Then half an hour later it was back into the same room for</div>
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19.15 <b>Robert Newman</b>: The Brain Show - with Rob disagreeing with the experts and playing his banjolele<br />
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Then it was a final pint and a Mac and Cheese toastie and home. This year I didn't get to see Simon Munnery, nor the Fruitmarket, nor did I walk down the Royal Mile!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/29142657556/in/dateposted-public/" title="Mac and cheese toastie at Summerhall"><img alt="Mac and cheese toastie at Summerhall" height="240" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8332/29142657556_7f7dff9685_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<b>Thursday 18 August 2016:</b> Off to the western isles...</div>
fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-51706142713906538032016-06-21T12:41:00.001+00:002016-06-22T10:28:35.957+00:00Mumbles and South Wales<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/27712306082/in/album-72157669052522120/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Explore South Wales Pass"><img alt="Explore South Wales Pass" height="320" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7533/27712306082_34cc12b83b_n.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Explore South Wales Pass</td></tr>
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When Jackie and <a href="https://roundhillrob.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Rob</a>, Pam and Steve said they'd rented a cottage in June on the edge of the Gower, I jumped at the chance to mop up a couple of heritage railways and art galleries. All did not go to plan, however, and I'm not talking about the weather! At Swansea station, I bought an <a href="http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/ExploreWalesPass/" target="_blank">Explore South Wales Pass</a>, which would give me four days of rail travel and eight days of buses, though many of the bus drivers I encountered had never seen one before and were wary! It cost £45.55 with my senior railcard. I subsequently found out that with my English bus pass, I could have got a day saver on the buses for £3. The Welsh, by the way, get their bus passes at age 60.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/27512940210/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vintage Gatwick Express at Barry Island!"><img alt="Vintage Gatwick Express at Barry Island!" height="240" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7636/27512940210_d9db7f4f17_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gatwick Express at Barry Island</td></tr>
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We travelled down on Saturday, changing at Bristol Parkway and getting a taxi from Swansea station, and Sunday 12 June was the only day the <a href="http://barrytouristrailway.co.uk/" target="_blank">Barry Island Tourist Railway</a> would be open. Sunday was also a day of few buses, so getting to Swansea bus station, then the not-nearby railway station was a trial. Anyway I got to Barry Island to find that the train running was a vintage Gatwick Express, operating as a Park and Ride shuttle - it was also the day of Barry Festival of Transport, with the Red Arrows (who didn't turn up due to weather). Anyway it was only £2 and on the way back (driven from the guard's van) I had the train more or less to myself.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/27180439673/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="View of Mumbles pier from Oystermouth Castle, South Wales"><img alt="View of Mumbles pier from Oystermouth Castle, South Wales" height="240" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7716/27180439673_b659101bb0_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of Mumbles Pier from Oystermouth Castle</td></tr>
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Monday it was a trip round nearby <a href="http://www.swansea.gov.uk/oystermouthcastle" target="_blank">Oystermouth Castle</a>, up and down lots of steps and spiral staircases, and a look at Mumbles Pier (closed), coincidentally meeting up with Rob and Steve, then Jackie at <a href="http://www.thepilotofmumbles.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Pilot of Mumbles</a> for a pint, sheltering from the rain. I caught a bus into town to buy some kippers and cockles from Swansea Market.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/27791201775/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Me and Magritte, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff"><img alt="Me and Magritte, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff" height="240" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7660/27791201775_5933e9c544_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Magritte</td></tr>
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Tuesday it was a trip to Cardiff for the <a href="https://museum.wales/" target="_blank">National Museum of Wales</a>, getting off at Cathays station. Unfortunately seven galleries were closed due to industrial action, including 19th Century British and the <a href="https://museum.wales/articles/2007-05-15/Sea-creatures-of-the-deep---the-Blaschka-Glass-models/" target="_blank">Blaschka glass sea creatures</a>. Plenty of good stuff though: lots of Augustus and Gwen John and a big exhibition about the Battle of Mametz Wood. But I did get to meet my Facebook friends Nerea and Jo, who took me for a pint of Brains at the <a href="https://www.sabrain.com/pubs-and-hotels/south-wales/cardiff/old-arcade-new/" target="_blank">Old Arcade</a>. They live up the Rhondda at Treherbert so suggested I stay over Wednesday then they'd drive me to the <a href="http://www.breconmountainrailway.co.uk/" target="_blank">Brecon Mountain Railway </a>on Thursday.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/27690970782/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Trevethick replica at National Waterfront Museum, Swansea"><img alt="Trevethick replica at National Waterfront Museum, Swansea" height="240" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7347/27690970782_0d918c7a12_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replica Trevithick loco</td></tr>
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So Wednesday it was into Swansea for the <a href="https://museum.wales/swansea/" target="_blank">National Waterfront Museum</a> and <a href="http://www.swanseamuseum.co.uk/" target="_blank">Swansea Museum</a> - I knew in advance that the <a href="http://www.swansea.gov.uk/glynnvivian" target="_blank">Glynn Vivian art gallery</a> would be closed. First though, there was supposed to be a guided tour of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brangwyn_Hall" target="_blank">Brangwyn Hall</a> and Guildhall at 10am. I turned up, but it'd been cancelled due to lack of numbers, so I booked in for Friday. The Waterfront museum is modern, with big things like the replica <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Trevithick" target="_blank">Trevithick loco</a> on the ground floor, and smaller pieces upstairs, including a first world war postcard exhibition. I had a coffee in the cafe first, then braved the various school parties visiting. It was raining stair rods outside!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: start;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/27512904340/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sign in Tram shed, Swansea Museum"><img alt="Sign in Tram shed, Swansea Museum" height="240" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7691/27512904340_876c0a2e82_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swansea Tram Shed</td></tr>
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When it stopped, I popped in to the Tram Shed annexe of the Swansea Museum to see the trams, then on to the main building, which again had a big WW1 exhibition. Two galleries upstairs were closed, leaving only Egyptology and the Swansea Mummy. I was told that on Wednesdays, the Swansea Museum’s store, housed in the former Hafod / Morfa Copper Works in Landore is open to the public, but I didn't have time to find it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/27716212631/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Replacement diesel at Brecon Mountain Railway"><img alt="Replacement diesel at Brecon Mountain Railway" height="240" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7514/27716212631_6ee96cd83e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diesel replacement at the Brecon Mountain Railway</td></tr>
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So it was on the train up the Rhondda valley, a chippy tea and some tv at Nerea and Jo's. On Thursday we drove over the mountain, past old mines and wind turbines to find that the German steam loco at the Brecon Mountain Railway had broken and there was a diesel replacement. Ah well, it was a fabulous journey anyway, but it would have been nice to hear a steamer working hard up those inclines. We saw the other US locos in the shed (through windows) and the viewing gallery over the workshop, plus another two in the Steam Museum at the cafe stop. Then it was a lift to Merthyr Tydfil (home of Trevithick) and the train back to Swansea.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/27716202831/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Brangwyn Hall, Swansea Guildhall"><img alt="Brangwyn Hall, Swansea Guildhall" height="240" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7683/27716202831_889f18bee6_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brangwyn Hall, Swansea</td></tr>
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Friday was the guided tour of the 1934 Guildhall, with its viking theme, and especially the Brangwyn Hall and murals. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Brangwyn" target="_blank">Frank Brangwyn</a> was commissioned to decorate the House of Lords with panels depicting the British Empire, but they were considered a bit too colourful and lively and were rejected. After a showing at the Ideal Home exhibition, they were snapped up by Swansea, and the half-built Hall was altered to accommodate them. They are magnificent, with lots of topless women, all painted in Ditchling using local models! Then, after welsh cakes and tea, it was a bus ride to lots of places beginning Ll... in the Gower, a Coffee Crunch cone at Joe's Ice Cream Parlour and a pint of Plum Porter at the <a href="http://mumblesalehouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mumbles Ale House</a>, thence home without incident on the Saturday.<br />
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More photos <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/albums/72157669052522120" target="_blank">on Flickr</a>.<br />
<br />fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-8541297344714877552016-05-16T10:52:00.000+00:002016-05-17T09:10:20.145+00:00Bavaria steam, rail and ale: part 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26916228296/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Lake Ammersee"><img alt="Lake Ammersee" height="240" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/26916228296_6cf9a13144_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Ammersee</td></tr>
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<b>Day 5: Sunday 8 May - to the lake!</b><br />
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Another early start to catch the 7.17 to Augsburg. Here we boarded the steam train hauled by 38 1301 to Utting and Lake Ammersee, via a station called Kissing! The heritage coach we were in had a flat tyre, so that meant a loud thumping sound every revolution. After a coffee by the lakeside (where the cafe had a veggie menu!), and watching a paddle steamer pass by, we returned to the steam train for a visit to the Augsberg Railway Park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26881473011/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="38 1301 at Augsburg Railway Park"><img alt="38 1301 at Augsburg Railway Park" height="240" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7574/26881473011_a8187fae74_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">38 1301</td></tr>
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Here I had a quick €1 ride on a miniature railway (no photos!) to get my bearings, a walk round the International roundhouse, and into a shed containing various locos, the Trans Europ Express, people in Bavarian dress, a jazz band and a bar! Then it was backwards back to Augsberg station and back to Nürnberg, to be greeted by a whole station full of footy fans, inc St Pauli with their skull and crossbone shirts. We could have revisited the brewery on Day 2 to see the cellars, but it was a longish walk through the old town so I opted for a tram ride with some of the chaps for an Italian meal.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26949318105/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="0-8-0 well tank at Emermannstadt"><img alt="0-8-0 well tank at Emermannstadt" height="240" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/26949318105_429ffd7be8_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">0-8-0 well tank No. 4</td></tr>
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<b>Day 6: Monday 9 May - our steam charter</b></div>
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Not such an early start to catch the 9.08 to Ebermannstadt. Here we had a guided tour round the shed - which included a prototype electric battery loco donated by Siemens that recharged the batteries on braking, whilst our industrial 0-8-0 well tank was prepared. The journey to Behringersmühle was very scenic with a couple of castles on hills said to have inspired Wagner to write Parsifal. After a beer from a dress shop (well, it was 11.30!) we returned, with a couple of fly-past opportunities on the way.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26949314325/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bamberg Rathaus"><img alt="Bamberg Rathaus" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/26949314325_6058d54902_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bamberg rathaus</td></tr>
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Then it was on to the scenic town of Bamberg, with a route march to tonight's restaurant, then free time to see and photograph the sights. I had a coffee in a cafe next to the Tourist Information, then a hike up to the Dom (cathedral). Dinner was in the <a href="http://www.schlenkerla.de/indexe.html" target="_blank">Schlenkeria</a> restaurant, famed for its smoked beer (they do their own malting), and the best toilets in Germany. The meal - which started with white asparagus soup (we saw lots of it on the veg market), followed by stuffed courgettes - was fine except for the cheese afters, which looked like something the cat threw up. Strangely enough my veggie option was more salad! The smoked beer, however, was excellent.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26950018135/in/album-72157668004594331/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="1906 streamliner at DB Museum, Nürnberg"><img alt="1906 streamliner at DB Museum, Nürnberg" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/26950018135_6388b2bb7d_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bavarian semi-streamliner from 1906</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> <b>Day 7: Tuesday 10 May - homeward bound, but first…</b></div>
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At 9am, after breakfast of muesli and boiled egg, we walked the short distance to the <a href="https://www.dbmuseum.de/museum_en/home_en/" target="_blank">DB Museum</a> for what for me would be the highlight of the visit - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRG_Class_05" target="_blank">the German streamliner 05 001</a>. But first, a walk round the main museum which contained an ancient 4-4-4 Bavarian streamliner from 1906, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavarian_S_2/6" target="_blank">Class S 2/6 No. 3201</a>. The museum was arranged chronologically, and they hadn't shied away form the period 1933 to 1945. The continuation upstairs was closed for building works, and I didn't have time to see the Telecommunications museum on the top floor, so it was outside and through a tunnel to the annexe, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRG_Class_05" target="_blank">the star of our show</a>: 15 001. It didn't disappoint, a huge beast of a loco, in LMS maroon!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26916117406/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="05001 streamliner at Nürnberg Railway Museum"><img alt="05001 streamliner at Nürnberg Railway Museum" height="240" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7654/26916117406_c6943da48d_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">4-6-4 streamliner 05 001</td></tr>
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<div>
After a two-lap ride round the yard behind a narrow gauge diesel, it was back to the InterCity Hotel for our bags and the noon train to Frankfurt. At Aachen we spotted a couple of new Thameslink trains en route to England. Just missed a Brighton train at St Pancras so was joined by Big Alan as far as Three Bridges, and I got home, knackered, at around 10.30pm - we regained our hour down the Eurotunnel!<br />
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More photos <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/albums/72157668004594331" target="_blank">on Flickr</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/bavaria-steam-rail-and-ale-part-1.html" target="_blank">< Back to Part 1</a></div>
</div>
fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-1143480778527775782016-05-13T10:44:00.000+00:002016-05-17T09:11:40.806+00:00Bavaria steam, rail and ale: part 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26676508370/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="52 8195-1"><img alt="52 8195-1" height="240" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/26676508370_613c3322ba_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2-10-0 No. 52 8195-1</td></tr>
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<b>Day 1: Wednesday 4 May - getting there</b><br />
My third trip with <a href="http://www.railtrail.co.uk/" target="_blank">Railtrail Tours</a> and another very early start to get the 8.55 Eurostar to Brussels. That meant catching the 5.44 from Brighton! This was before the London Road trains started, so it was a taxi to the station. In the end I caught the train before the one I'd planned on, so met Martin and got my free coffee and croissant at Des Vins. So, it was an ICE to Frankfurt and a change for Nürnberg, arriving at 8pm. Then it was a coach ride round the city walls to the <a href="http://www.hausbrauerei-altstadthof.de/en.html" target="_blank">Hausbrauerei Alstdthof</a> for my first veggie meal of cheese croquettes and salad (the others had pork and dumpling). With this we got to try three very tasty beers and a red beer brandy! The itinerary had changed somewhat to accommodate this meal and there was an optional return later in the week to look at their cellars that I declined.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26345210343/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Czech 4-8-2 loco 475 III"><img alt="Czech 4-8-2 loco 475 III" height="240" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/26345210343_cdd2af4361_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Czech 4-8-4 475.111</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> <b>Day 2: Thursday 5 May - by steam to the Czech Republic</b><br />
Another early start for the 6.40am train hauled by 2-10-0 No. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRB_Class_52" target="_blank">52</a> 8195-1. At the Czech border, we changed engines to a beautiful 4-8-2 'Mountain' loco 475.111 which took us to Pilsen. Here we marched out of the station and I got left behind, but phoned Martin and was found in the cathedral square. Had a ridiculously cheap coffee (paid in Euros) - €4.20 for three coffees! - then went underground with a tour of the town's joined up cellars. There was a celebration going on of the towns liberation by the Americans, with various re-enactors to be seen. On the way back, we had a meal in the restaurant car and arrived back at the hotel around 11 o'clock.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26345174703/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="10 001 semi-streamliner at Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg"><img alt="10 001 semi-streamliner at Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg" height="240" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7704/26345174703_e81c89fa06_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 001 at Neuenmarkt</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Day 3: Friday 6 May - 10 001 semi-streamliner</b></div>
Phew, a later start today. Time to buy a sandwich and catch the 9.05 to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Steam_Locomotive_Museum" target="_blank">Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg</a> to visit the railway museum (<a href="http://www.dampflokmuseum.de/startseite/" target="_blank">Deutsches Dampflokomotiv Museum</a>) there - tantalisingly close across the tracks, but we had to walk to a bridge to get there. No live steam today, but a surprise was finding the semi-streamliner No. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DB_Class_10" target="_blank">10</a> 001, one of the last locos to be built in Germany (in 1957). We also saw Hitler's coach, a tank painted in photographic grey and an austerity class of wartime locos. A big loco, <a href="http://www.eisenbahn-museumsfahrzeuge.com/index.php/deutschland/staatsbahnfahrzeuge/dampflokomotiven/baureihe-50/50-975" target="_blank">50 975</a>, was outside on the turntable. We had two loops on a little diesel railway, past a snow plough, then back over the bridge to the station, where we spotted a rally of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goggomobil" target="_blank">Goggomobils</a> going on!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26343629484/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Brewery"><img alt="Brewery" height="240" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/26343629484_49041eca9a_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewery museum at Kulmbach</td></tr>
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Then it was back on the train to Kulmbach and a long walk to the Mönchhof Brewery Museum (<a href="http://www.kulmbacher-moenchshof.de/Brauereimuseum.htm" target="_blank">Bayerisches Brauereimuseum Kulmbach</a>), where we were treated to a glass of their microbrewery Museum beer. After the guided tour, including a lovely art deco tiled room of mash tuns, we had more beer samples (no dark beer tho), with pretzel, then a meal in their on-site restaurant, sitting outside - I had two sorts of fish and potatoes. Then I shared a taxi back to the station with Big Alan from Horsham, who'd got one there!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26676447170/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Two Pacifics at Neustadt Weinstrasse"><img alt="Two Pacifics at Neustadt Weinstrasse" height="240" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7676/26676447170_82a655f21c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Pacifics, Swiss and German</td></tr>
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<b>Day 4: Saturday 7 May - two Pacifics</b><br />
Another early start! This time on the 7.29am to Hanau. Here - on platform 101 - we joined a train hauled by No. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRG_Class_01" target="_blank">01</a> 150 to Neustadt Weinstrasse, where we spotted Swiss Pacific 01 202. An extra on the itinerary was a (long) walk to the shed… once again I got left behind in the hot sun, but it was worth it to see the two locos side by side posing. Then a schlep back to the station and over the bridge to their railway museum <a href="http://www.eisenbahnmuseum-neustadt.de/museum.html" target="_blank">DGEG Eisenbahnmuseum</a> (which as the crow flies was within spitting distance of the station) to see a Bavarian pacific and various railcars. After a couple of beers in a cafe opposite the station it was back to Hanau for a meal of warmed up pizza and platform 103 for a train back to Nürnberg.<br />
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<b><a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/bavaria-steam-rail-and-ale-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2 - to the lake! ></a></b><br />
<br />
More photos <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/albums/72157668004594331" target="_blank">on Flickr</a>fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-81166800361832801292016-04-27T10:54:00.001+00:002016-04-27T10:54:15.369+00:00Liverpool, again!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26361845820/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Yo Hole in ye Wall"><img alt="Yo Hole in ye Wall" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1448/26361845820_23c20fcf2e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ye Hole in Ye Wall, Liverpool</td></tr>
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So, on Sunday I travelled down to Liverpool with NUJ DM Delegate Melita on the train and got off at Moorfields. When researching the pubs near my hotel, I discovered about five good ones were situated between the station and the Z Hotel. We popped our heads in the first one but Melita didn't like the look of the big screen, so i asked the barmaid the way to <a href="http://www.yeholeinyewall.com/" target="_blank">Ye Hole in ye Wall</a>, and she took us there!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26029349414/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Yo Hole in ye Wall"><img alt="Yo Hole in ye Wall" height="320" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1512/26029349414_055e37eb2f_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ye Hole in Ye Wall gents</td></tr>
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It's a quaint old pub with lots of snugs. There was a session going on in the first one, and a Sports screen, but the beer looked good so we settled on an empty snug next to the Men's (women weren't allowed in until 1975, their leaflet told me). Mine was a pint and a half <a href="http://www.peerlessbrewing.co.uk/our-beers#" target="_blank">Peerless Oatmeal stout</a>, made in the Wirral. I was convinced the crooner and guitarist next door had been in Liverpool beat groups back in the day!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26635069545/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="View from my hotel"><img alt="View from my hotel" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1467/26635069545_23bd847ca9_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Room 614</td></tr>
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Melita headed off to Lime Street and I crossed the road to find my hotel. It was a converted office building, with the bar and reception on the ground floor. It was next to one of those enigmatic Art Deco buildings without windows that are ventilation shafts for the Mersey Tunnel (but not at all noisy). I was on the 6th floor, with a view of a magnificent building with a sun dial. At 5pm we were promised free wine and cheese - but only one (large) glass per customer, that did me for tea, so it was upstairs to watch my 40in tv and bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26361849890/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Walker gallery"><img alt="Walker gallery" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1580/26361849890_7e4d61c8dc_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walker art gallery</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> Monday morning I walked to the <a href="http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/" target="_blank">Walker art gallery</a> to see the <i>Pre-Raphaelites: Beauty and Rebellion</i>. With my Art Fund card and concession it worked out to be £2.50 entrance, so after a cappuccino in the cafe it was upstairs for the art. The exhibition was more about the Liverpool collectors and contained many lesser local Pre-Raph followers, plus some old favourites, including Rossetti's only nude <i>Venus Verticordia</i>. George Rae had a copy painted with drapery because he found it 'too voluptuous for a respectable old timer like me'! A great exhibition and more outside in the permanent collection. Of course, I bought the catalogue!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26608518016/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Paul Brown at FACT, Liverpool"><img alt="Paul Brown at FACT, Liverpool" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1638/26608518016_bc5b82ffdb_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Brown at FACT</td></tr>
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Then it was to The North Western, the Wetherspoons under Lime Street station, for a beer with Rob and Jackie, who were up for a sundial conference. Now <a href="http://www.fact.co.uk/" target="_blank">FACT</a> (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) was supposed to be closed on Mondays, but I risked it anyway and found the cafe and lobby, where there was a Paul Brown and Son exhibition - <i>Scouse roots: Art that makes itself</i> - open. I had some soup in the cafe then enjoyed the computer art. Then on Melita's insistence I patronised the <a href="http://www.roscoehead.co.uk/">Roscoe Head</a>, opposite, for another pint, of St George - another pub with many rooms. In my snug was a canoodling couple and I didn't know which way to look - no music either to mask their snogging! They eventually left to be replaced by a little old man who told me how much he'd saved by cancelling his landline.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26608523246/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="FACT cafe"><img alt="FACT cafe" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1502/26608523246_7bdaa6f31b_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soup at FACT</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.thebluecoat.org.uk/" target="_blank">Bluecoat</a> shut at 6pm, so I headed down Bold Street to find it. The exhibition on was Double act: art and comedy, which was slightly interesting. I ended up watching a 40-minute video of stand up by 'Karen' of Common Culture, which despite being rude about short men and old people, had some good lines. Her imaginary audience was called Fred! I nearly got locked in…<br />
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So, it was back to the Z Hotel (which I discovered was a stone's throw from Mathew Street), for free wine and cheese, then tv and bed. Tuesday morning I got the tube from Moorfields to Lime Street and caught the train before the one I had scheduled for - I had an open ticket. Found an unreserved seat in Coach U and was delighted to spot 46100 <i>Royal Scot</i> in steam, at Crewefredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808105.post-76671274521109848962016-04-26T13:06:00.000+00:002016-04-26T13:06:12.317+00:00Southport (and Liverpool), again...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26635044915/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="View from Southport pier"><img alt="View from Southport pier" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1664/26635044915_04fe11343f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the end of Southport Pier</td></tr>
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The last time I was in Southport was for the <a href="http://fredpipes.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/birmingham-pre-raphaelite-drawings.html" target="_blank">NUJ DM back in 2011</a>. I was a delegate then, but this time I was an observer. I was also very diligent then, attending every session and a couple of fringe meetings besides, and regretted not taking time off to go to the end of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southport_Pier" target="_blank">the second longest pier in Britain</a>, when it had a tram service. I also missed out on the Atkinson art gallery, which was being refurbished at the time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26031349763/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Southport Pier road train"><img alt="Southport Pier road train" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1443/26031349763_90a2ba82d9_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Promenade Express</td></tr>
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So, Saturday lunchtime I headed for the pier and hung about by an A-board advertising the Road Train, every half hour. It was nippy and a family and me waited what seemed like ages before the 'train' arrived. Bought a £2.50 return and we headed off, me wishing I'd brought a scarf. At the end of the pier was a pavilion containing a cafe and some penny slot machines. No sign of the sea, just endless sand. The driver and conductor were having a fag and a cuppa but eventually drove us back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26608537546/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Atkinson museum, Southport"><img alt="Atkinson museum, Southport" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1490/26608537546_7e4d627179_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victorian sauce inside the Atkinson</td></tr>
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Sunday was much sunnier and I was joined by delegates Amy and Melita to the end of the pier. This time it was a bit busier - still no sign of the sea - and I got the next train back cos I wanted to see the <a href="http://www.theatkinson.co.uk/" target="_blank">Atkinson</a>. It's housed in the same building as the town hall, under a clock tower, on Lord Street, which has many splendid buildings. The art gallery is on the first floor and comprises a large room themed as <i><a href="http://www.theatkinson.co.uk/events/victorian-dreamers/" target="_blank">Victorian Dreamers</a></i>, with a group of saucy paintings in the corner, including <i>Pygmalion and Galatea</i> by Earnest Normand and <i>Lilith</i> by John Collier, plus a couple of William Ettys. There was also a travelling exhibition of more modern works entitled <i><a href="http://www.theatkinson.co.uk/events/one-day-something-happens-paintings-of-people/" target="_blank">One day, something happens</a></i>. Another floor up is the museum, which houses some mummies, a Dan Dare exhibit, Meccano and Dinky Toys and lots about the history of Lord Street. On the ground floor is a cafe called <i>Bakery</i>, where I had a cappuccino.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26569496451/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dan Dare"><img alt="Dan Dare" height="240" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1562/26569496451_4d83740409_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Dare was born nearby</td></tr>
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We were staying in a hotel that had seen better days - the Prince of Wales - me in a tiny single room on the 3rd floor. The DM was in the Floral Hall again (it will be in two years' time too) an we managed to visit a couple of quirky bars, including the <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/SOU/284/barons-bar-southport" target="_blank">Baron's Bar</a> (ale £2.10 a pint) in the Scarisbrick Hotel and the <a href="https://whatpub.com/pubs/SOU/287/inn-beer-shop-southport" target="_blank">Inn Beer Shop</a> with its 'Continental-style seating' at the far end of Lord Street. The strangest thing that happened at DM was at the Saturday night Gala Dinner when someone went to the loo and reported that Michael Jackson was next door! Well, a lookalike was, with a huge queue of women and children getting selfies with him. Apparently it was a show! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26031353353/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Preston Bank, Southport"><img alt="Preston Bank, Southport" height="320" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1685/26031353353_a9453e777b_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the magnificent buildings on Lord Street</td></tr>
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On Sunday I set off with Melita to Liverpool…<br />
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More photos on<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredpipes/26608540016/" target="_blank"> Flickr</a>.fredbloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02149107753127167063noreply@blogger.com0