A Friend In Need Is Sent Back To Yorkshire

Well, he's gone and I can get back to the small amount of normality that reigns in this house. It was most rewarding to be able to introduce Jim the Medic to just a few of my friends, and to that end would like to thank Bowie, Sheila, Paul & Annie for their company at dinner on Wednesday, Joy for buzzing around as usual and for a lovely evening with Nigel and Julie last night.

Going back to yesterday, there are a few things I need to clear up. First and foremost to thank Ginge and Val for their usual warm welcome plus the tea and cake, as ever good to see you both! Secondly, there is no such village in Dorset as Morton as my mentor rightly pointed out, there is an 'E' between Mor & ton = MORETON . While in the same vein, yesterdays heading should have read 'Rogues' (one who is playfully mischievous; a scamp) Gallery and not Rouges = a shade of lipstick I am informed by the same source.

and as promised yesterday here are a few photos of the windows in Moreton church.

The early part of last evening was spent with my eldest daughter Julie and her partner Nigel at

the Gurkha Restaurant in Weymouth.

At long last they arrive as Jim and I finish our second pint, then enjoy the extremely courteous service from the Nepalese staff and the diverse selection of food from the Far East. Afterwards,

Peter Green and Van Morrison headed for Number 6 hoping to enjoy some music, but the band seemed a little 'off song' but the alternative was to have a yarn with

Mine Host Peter Smith. Weymouth's very own Mr Music I haven't seen the man for a number of months so there was much to catch up with. Reminiscing was a large part of it, as our thoughts strayed back to late 70's when he had the Springhead pub at Preston. Undoubtedly the best Sunday Dinner on offer in those days, the highlight would be the afternoon Blues session. This was a fine chance to convert my 2 girls to that wonderful music, but didn't always have the desired effect as Julie gravitated towards Wham (and more particularly George Michael) while Lisa got keen on Pink Floyd with an occasional blast from Genesis.

We all 3 discussed the demise of Gary Moore earlier in the week, so where not surprised to hear Pete has arranged a tribute gig in his name. This is a do not miss occasion as it will feature most members of Bad Reputation especially Jon Storey, as he continues his own 'comeback', who was once in a band that opened for Gary.

Advert:-

Friday 25th February 2011 @ Number 6, King Street, Weymouth
'Gary Moore tribute Concert'

GARY MOORE
1952-2011

On Sunday 6th February 2011 musician Gary Moore died in his sleep of a heart attack while on holiday in Spain. Acknowledged as one of the finest guitarists that the British Isles has ever produced; Gary Moore’s career dated back to the sixties. Moore graced the line-ups of several notable rock bands including Thin Lizzy, Colosseum II and Skid Row, to name but three, and to this year maintained a highly successful solo career. Gary is survived by four children; daughters Saoirse and Lily and sons Jack and Gus.

His family take great comfort in the fact he died of natural causes and was looking forward to his holiday prior to recording a new album. Gary was thrilled by new guitars he had just bought and was planning to play shows throughout the world, later this year.His family has requested that their privacy is respected during this sad time and no further comment will be made. They would very much like to express their heartfelt thanks for the show of support and all the kind messages from friends and fans alike, the world over.

and if any more convincing were required 'clock this'!

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CEkQtwIwBA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D4O_YMLDvvnw&rct=j&q=gary%20moore&ei=D6JWTdHEPMqy8gO50-SIDQ&usg=AFQjCNGAibWUUNBXS70zeUbvidK5OOznPA&sig2=zEX4GsuGof7ACybNdgtv5g&cad=rja

A few photos from New Zealand

Cape Petrel (settled)

Dusky Dolphin

Hutton's Shearwater

Northern Giant Petrel

New Zealand Fur Seal

Salvin's (Shy) Albatross

and a link, sent to me by Paul Harris, that anyone with the slightest interest in birds will want to view!

http://www.cpafz.com/bbs/viewthread.php?tid=28207&extra=&page=1

To finish here's a little story, related several times over the past 3 days, to show just how caring my friend Jim the Medic really is. During a severe bout of tendinitis while on the oil rig I finally had to resort to consulting Jim. Asking me to describe the degree of pain my shoulder was causing, I told him it was impossible to even raise my arm to comb my hair. "No problem solving that" said Jim, "come back and see me after work and I'll shave your head"! That one deserves inclusion in the Lancet.