Arn't 'Hoodies'Suppose to be Banned

Hooded Merganser - adult male

The day started well enough on Radipole as the sun rose above the Royal Hotel with single Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher showing themselves, and 4 Pochard feeding at the top end. For a ninth day I had been hoping for a 'November' look at the long-staying Hooded Merganser and as I approached the Visitor Center my luck was in but only a distant view. With that a woman arrived with a huge bag of bread and everything, including my quarry, took to the air to capitalise and allowing the shot above. Regardless of provenance (I have my personal theory on that), I have now been lucky enough to see this beautiful drake in every month of the year.

Some of the 15 Turnstone on the Greenhill groyne

In warm, bright sunshine I continued my wander towards Lodmoor, on the way picking up a Great Northern Diver in Wey Bay and 15 Turnstone.

Whoever coined the phrase 'a thing of beauty is a joy to behold' must have been looking at a Goldfinch at the time.

Ruff with Semi-submersible Dunlin

On these early winter mornings the moor has been full of birds and apart from the epidemic of dogs, a most pleasant place to spend a couple of hours. Before I'd even crossed from the beach side a low flying Brambling called as it disappeared seaward. The next addition to the day list was a single Daragh, followed by several dozen Green & Goldfinch and the airborne Lapwing flock. Together we soon found the Ruff among half a dozen each of Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin plus a single Water Pipit and Sparrowhawk and large numbers of Common Snipe at the 'hump'. I had planned to bus it to the Bill, but the prospect of photographing both the Ruff and Pipit along with the welcome sunshine I stayed a further hour. The Pipit wasn't even relocated, but finding a Firecrest at Overcoombe and getting a decent view (if not photo) of one of the Marsh Harriers was well worth the stay.

Marsh Harrier - Lodmoor

By now needing a drink I headed towards JD Weatherspoon's, and on the way completed my Christmas shopping. With the impending trip it had to be done in the next few days, and despite the whole gig amounting to no more than a 24 pack plus 3 selected cards and a single sheet of wrapping paper it was a drudge. As I arrived at the bar so did my mates Val and Alan who invited me to partake with them. Lucky for them I guess it was just a pint of lime and soda at a princely 15p so they got away with it, but feel it will be my turn all too soon. Before I'd even had chance to sit Kim (the manager) thrust 2 tickets for the pubs 10th anniversary party on Wednesday into my hand. I've been to a couple of their parties before, and I kid you not she knows how to throw a party - so guess where I'll be mid-day Wed? A lovely hour with mutual friends and new acquaintances.

Bah Humbug from the man who makes Ebeneezer look like a spendthrift during the season of good will.

followed by an Albatross or two, you may like to accept this next, short, run of photographs as your own personal Xmas Present?

Black-browed Albatross - Antarctica

Ditto

Southern Wandering Albatross - Antarctica

Ditto

Living in the Past (but ony for a few hours)

What a fitting tribute to our Military Personnel past, present, future, those who fell and those who remain. I attend this wonderful remembrance (being one of them) whenever I can, and don't think I have ever seen such a turn out. Deciding to muster at the ANZAC memorial I wandered through a sea of faces, many of which I knew. For the rest of the day it was impossible to walk from A to B without stopping every few yards or so to talk to yet another character.

Here, adjacent to Weymouth's main cenotaph, the parade formed while I marveled at the number of youngsters involved. The cadets of the 3 main services plus scouts, cubs, brownies (or whatever they may call them these days) all proudly sending forth representatives to lay their wreaths.

There were of course 'The Veterans', who's numbers are now much reduced from my previous visits, but my mind wandered to old shipmates such as Sid Dolton who spent his war in the Submarine Service. I was fortunate to catch up with Sid at the Submarine Centenary calibrations at HMS Dolphin, as a few months later he passed away.

Later the parade, escorted by their various 'standards', marched to the US Military Memorial to those who not only passed through our town on deployment, but also gave their lives in the combined effort.

Diane, Sooty (Jnr), Jo and Tom

It was here that my dear friend Sooty Stockley was to become the first of what we hope may become a long tradition. Laying a wreath to all those American troops who passed this way each making a contribution. The photograph shows some of the Stockley clan, with their partners) heading to the dedication.

Sooty talks to long time friend Anne Hunt before 'doing his bit'.

John (Sooty) Stockley 'doing his bit.

Hey look, there's a pair of Ancient Mariners over there!

Friends Rachel, Sarah and Sooty's wife Gill

It would be fantastic to meet people like this every day, but especially Rachel, a sprightly octogenarian, was simply overflowing with smiles and positive chat.

Sooty, Gill and wreath - proud to have paid their tribute.

The simple words say it ALL.

Afterwards we visited JD's, by the Town Bridge, and had a shared platter, drink and reminisced over earlier days. The 3 of us intend to do the same again on Thursday, so good to be together after what has been a while.

Nicky & Chunky (you can call me Graham)

and finally here's one for Lisa. I came across these 2 'Herberts' in Weatherspoon's and they wanted me to pass on their warmest regards to you Frederick and Bernard. We also had a chat about some of the wonderful time we three had spent together, especially as guests of Chunky!

Some Antarctic Beauties

With a total lack of subject matter today, I'll have to resort to the archives again for photographic value.

Southern Fulmar, for me one of the absolute 'stars' of the Antarctica trip during the last couple of weeks of 2007 and the first of 2008. Dinky and seemingly more sleek than its Northern cousin, the shades and wing patterns somehow just did it for me.

The confiding and ever present Snowy Sheathbill is, by a long way, the least favorite of the deck crews who ply these waters. The main component of their staple diet are Seal faeces and they are not slow in depositing their own on paint and varnish work and everywhere else for that matter. I was hoping to get close enough to take a photograph!

Nicely camouflaged in the snow

but not on the deck of a cruise ship

and pretty deft on the wing as well

Radipole was all but devoid of birds except for the usual suspects, even Med Gull numbers were down to single figures today. There is an early high water being 'springs' and all so bypassed Ferry Bridge, but found the Bill area equally bleak. On the way to the Obs, and a cup of coffee, there was literally nothing of note, but some great banter with Ed Welland put that to rights. Returning via Culverwell and the Top Fields I had hope of an encounter with the Barn Owl of recent days, but even that was not to be. However, bonus came by way of a startled Merlin which flushed from cover, and on the way to Sweethill there were 7 each of Song Thrush and Pied Wagtail, a single Stonechat and Common Buzzard and several Skylark. As I passed FB on the bus a decent number, probably 400, Brent had arrived to take up feeding station, but that was it.

Seemingly shy, Snow Petrels in the main were only seen at great distance. Luckily there is usually an exception to the rules and this individual was just that.

The Snow Petrel is the only member of the genus Pagodroma. It is one of only three birds that breed exclusively in Antarctica and has been seen at the South Pole. It has the most southerly breeding distribution of any bird.

Who could fail to love this little gem?

Before I reached home I did receive a phone call fro another of my ex-bosses, Les Evans, to tell me of the arrival of his first grandchild, a boy. Les and I go back a good way and since my departure he, and his family wife Dolina and children Abigale and Thomas, have stayed in touch. During my usual April week in Scotland this year I paid them a visit, and as I was able to stay over we enjoyed an excellent meal out with a group of mutual friends.

An Evening with Husband, Trower and Bruce

Got back to Weymouth safely last night at 20-00, but disaster struck as both Weatherspoon's were packed to capacity, so had to pass on the lamb shank. However, on the upside I did bump into Norman and Diane Petty in company with Graham Lewis on his annual visit to Weymouth from his adopted home in Vancouver, Canada. Norman became a distantly related 'in-law' some years ago, and was also a longstanding team member on Buchan Alpha a long time before I went there. Under such circumstances Vinny Johnson at the Marlborough is always a guaranteed standby, so I settled for cod, chips and mushy peas, and got Baz (he sends his love Lisa) to taxi me home. Despite the date of my return, between London, Victoria and home I didn't notice a single bonfire, but there was the odd firework lighting up the sky. However, there was a blaze on the way back. As we approached the slip road , off the M27, to the old Cadnam roundabout the traffic ground to a halt, and up ahead we could see the flames of what turned out to be a car on fire. Two appliances arrive simultaneously, and it was extinguished in super quick time, but I don't remember seeing a car produce so much flame!

A very small part of the mass migration of Wood Pigeons above the coastal fringe of the county

Black-headed Gull

My arrival at Radipole this morning coincided with the opening of North Hide, but the walk was in vain as there were only 8 Canada Geese there so I continued a walk around the rest of the reserve. Once again Wood Pigeons were predominant, with several 'thousands' passing overhead, while what appeared to be a 'few' Song Thrush and Meadow Pipits were also on the move. On the ground 7 Chiffchaff were present, with one in full song, a group of 10 Bearded Tit showed particularly well and a Great Spotted Woodpecker traversed the 'loop'. A single Kingfisher seemed content flying backwards and forwards beneath the span of the road bridge, and a reasonable number (52) of Mediterranean Gulls were either bathing close to the Visitor's Center or preening on the car park. It had been, I thought, a particularly mild morning but by mid-day the rain started to set in, and as I had to get a flu jab it was time to end the birding.

Great Crested Grebe now sporting 'winter plumage'

Two views of Mediterranean Gull


At home a parcel from Amazon awaited, which could only have been 'Seven Moons Live' a collaboration between Jack Bruce (Graham Bond Organisation, John Mayall, Manfred Mann, Cream et al), erstwhile Procol Harum axeman Robin Trower and the much understated Gary Husband on drums. The later was initially trained as a classical pianist, but is something of a revered multi-instrumentalist, especially in the world of jazz fusion, with a CV too extensive to contemplate. This DVD was another 'punt' as recommended by Andy Lindsay but not exactly a 'shot in the dark' as Mr Bruce has long been my world No1 bassist, while Trower hovers just outside of my top ten favorite guitarists. I have been privileged to seen Jack playing live with both Bond and Mayall, while Trower was one of the highlights of the '79 Reading Festival. bringing back memories of one of the most exciting moments in Rock that I have witnessed. In a word the album is 'superb', including some hint of jazz fusion (doubtless inspired by Bruce and Husband) on a bedrock of blues. In the main original compositions by one or other of the band members, but also featured are Sunshine of Your Love, White Room and Politician from the Cream era. Jack's voice stands up to the years, while Robin still undoubtedly thinks he's Jimi and has lost none of the trademark facial expressions. Gary I assimilate with Bonzo's nipper, Jason Bonham, a steady, competent work-a-day drummer, so together this trio really hit the spot. Just for information the gig was recorded at De Vereeniging, Nijmegen, Holland on the last day of February this year. So, without further ado I'll get back to another listen.

Oh Wot a Nite

Some pictures from yesterday

Eggs Benedict at the Foreign Exchange restaurant

The Nations tribute to Sir Kieth Park

The man himself
RAF guard
Rooftop security
Former Leader of the Conservative Party Micheal Howard arrives

Boris doing what he does best - spouting off!

Sir Kieth in his temporary home on the 'Forth Plinth'

and so to 'last night'. We met our mate Stephen Williams in the newly opened and highly recommended St Alban restaurant on Lower Regents Street for what was to be a most memorable evening. The food and particularly the wine were exquisite, while the ambiance and decor were perfectly complimentary, but unfortunately the service was a little slow. Stephen, MD and owner of the world wide fine wine company The Antiques Wine Company has been using this eatery since opening and he was not slow in letting them know of our concerns. This for me was a once in a year occasion and as such started with poached duck egg on a bed of watercress and the most delicious black pudding I have ever eaten. Perfectly complimented by a 2007 Tenuta Falkenstein Pratzner Riesling, the other 2 had the Frois Gras. They also chose the same Black Pork Belly as a main course, but I couldn't resist the Yorkshire shot Red Grouse (year tick), all accompanied by roast and creamed potatoes, roast carrots and spinach. The boat was certainly pushed out on the wine front, but with the master himself making the selection there was little, if any, chance of disappointment. The rule of thumb is, always serve the best wine last, so it was a Brunello di Montalcino 2001 (a '77 vintage of this fine Toscana, some years ago remains the best wine I have ever drunk) in the first place, followed by a very special Spanish '95 Vega Sicilla Unico. While we opted to forgo 'duff' a note should be made of the bread, which among a varied selection included fennel sticks which with a drop of Italian 2005 Pinot Nero 'Krafuss Estate' was about as good as it gets. Stephen generously footed the bill for the wine, but even then we left £630, between us, lighter. Maybe I should have said earlier, once in a 'lifetime'.

By now the witching hour had been reached and it was agreed definitely 'game on', so we taxied to the Dover Street Jazz and Blues bar, now celebrating its 30th year in existence. Under these circumstances it is usually better to buy an inflationary priced bottle of wine than individual drinks, but it was quickly decided this would be the first and last here as the club had seen better days. The 6 piece band,playing Blues classics was, to be polite, crap so we soon moved on to Nam Long a Vietnamese restaurant cum bar cum club, owned by the worldly Mr Thai. He and I got down to some serious reminiscing about Hanoi and Saigon (for heavens sake don't mention Ho Chi Minh City) as I had been there more recently than our senior host. We made the acquaintance of several of his clientele, while I struck a chord with security head Adrian Kellett, nephew of the late wrestling legend Les Kellett, an amiable giant of a man when I mentioned my home town. It was the place where he first found love, and for a fair amount of what was left of the evening it was Julie, Julie, Julie! Before we departed Thai indulged us in a nightcap (or more correctly a morningcap) and a chauffeured ride home in his Merc. We slept through breakfast waking at about 09-00.

This morning we visited the Saatchi Gallery of which we had received conflicting advise, some saying not so good with others highly praising. For my money it's well worth the visit as sited in Chelsea, easy to access and free to enter. Below are a few photos from our visit which we found most enjoyable, especially Yuan & Yu's 'Old Persons Home.

Got to finish now as just an hour before the return National Express, but before doing so a good hotel is The Melbourne House Hotel, 79 Belgrave Road, London, SW1 V2BG 0207 8283516.

The Saatchi Gallery, Sloan Square, Chelsea

The most thought provoking thing I've seen this year!

The Chelsea Wheelchair Formation Dancing Team

Coming to someone near you soon!

It's all MINE
Andy contemplating what he looked like a few years ago

My favourite piece in the gallery

The artist of my favourite piece in the gallery

Crosses are Green and Crosses are Blue

Men About Town

So far today, we have enjoyed a Continental breakfast followed by a walk from Pimlico to the South Bank via Lambeth Bridge. At the London Eye I was describing to Andy how much Ille and I had enjoyed the video which accompanies the flight, and decided to pop in to see if we could just do the film and not the Wheel. We were met by Danny, the Manager, and I described our plight as a strange request which he said he had never been asked before. A most convivial man, he instructed one of the attendants to take us to the front of the queue and let us watch for free! I enjoyed it as much a second time, while Andy was also impressed then we continued along the Thames side to Tate Modern. Andy's daughter Sarah, who teaches 'art' had described it as a lot of dross with some excellent gems to be found. We found the building, the redundant Southwark Power Station, most interesting with its intricate brickwork and an interior light, bright, fresh and airy. The exhibits were on the whole interesting particularly the 'room size' work by Cornelia Parker entitled 30 Pieces of Silver. Constructed from steamrollered silver tableware, the flattened items were formed into the said 30 pieces shaped like coins and suspended from the ceiling.

We then moved, via the notorious Millennium footbridge, to the other side of the river and met up with one of Andy's old ship mates Jeb Kitchen, now Managing Director of Bibby Lines, and enjoyed a pleasant lunch together at the Foreign Exchange. The afternoon had been laid aside for a visit to the Satchi Gallery, but in the event we happened across the unveiling of a statue in Trafalgar Square to deceased Chief Air Vice Marshal Kieth Park, architect of the Battle of Britain. Needless to say there was enough gold braid to go round, and in addition to military types Boris Johnson, Michael Howard and others were in attendance. The unveiling, of a most striking representation of the man donning his flying gloves, was carried out by the Park family, which for now stands on the Forth Plinth but will, in 6 weeks time, find its way to Pall Mall. As the white silk cloth fell to the ground a Typhoon fighter and a Spitfire roared overhead making for quite a spectacle.

There was only time for a brief visit to the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery before we returned to the hotel to prepare for this evening. Tonight we dine with our mutual friend Stephen Williams MD of the Antiques Wine Company who, to describe as a colourful character would be under selling the description. There should be more of this in tomorrows post. Unfortunately I have misplaced my camera lead so no photos to accompany this post, but again I'll endeavour to rectify this before long.