Archive for 2009
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December 2009
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Did You Miss the Shrewsbury Trip?
A happy group of Leicester people came with me on my recent Coach Trip to Shrewsbury, the last one of 2009. If you did miss it, you missed a treat.
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The Six Wives of Henry VIII
There was an interesting talk at Vaughan College in Leicester recently on the six wives of Henry VIII. It was at one of the meetings of the Vaughan Historical and Archaeological Society.
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Working in Southsea
Southsea is one of the many places where I have worked for a short time.
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Walks Meeting at County Hall
I attended a meeting at Leicestershire County Hall at Glenfield recently, relating to Guided Walks.
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Rugby Club Shown Leicester
I led a special Guided Walk around Leicester recently for members of a London rugby club.
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Happy Christmas to Everybody
December 25th is a special day for people all around the world.
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London Walks Were Much Enjoyed
I led two Guided Walks in London recently. Twice a year I have a day in the capital when I lead two different Guided Walks.
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Roger Knight Visits Cricket Society
There was another meeting of the Leicestershire Cricket Society at Grace Road in Leicester recently.
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Haunted London
An interesting book for anybody interested in London, or in ghostly phenomena, is "Haunted London".
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Girl Guides and Ghosts
I led a private Ghost Walk in Leicester recently for a group of Girl Guides.
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A Haunted Evening for Monday Club
I led a private Ghost Walk recently in the Old Town of Leicester.
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Christians Awake! Written for Daughter
One of the fascinating stories that I relate on my seasonal Guided Walk or talk entitled "Ding Dong Merrily on High" concerns the well known carol "Christians Awake!"
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A Bit of Fun at Skittles Evening
My wife Anne and I had a fairly rare evening togeter recently, when we went to a Skittles Evening at Swithland.
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Armistice Day Talk at Library
A recent talk to the the Library Club at the Central Lending Library in Leicester was specially designed for Armistice Day.
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Little Donkey Man Dies Fifty Years On
Eric Boswell, the schoolmaster who wrote a Christmas song often believed today to be traditional, died recently.
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Christmas Talk at De Montfort Hall
I gave my Chrsitmas talk "The Holly and the Ivy" recently at De Montfort Hall in Leicester.
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World Travel Market 2009
I attended the World Travel Market again recently.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Henry VII
Henry VII was the King of England who founded the Tudor dunasty.
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Group Travel Organisers` Weekend at Bedford
I had a good weekend at Bedford when attending the Group Travel Organisers` Association (GTOA) regional familiarisation and annual general meeting.
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Essex Woodlands Tour Was a Big Hit
The recent "Essex Woodlands Tour" which I ran as part of my year round programme of Coach Trips was a great success.
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Join Me on Coach Trips in 2010
I have a great programme of Coach Trips lined up for 2010. They all leave from St. Margarets Bus Station in Leicester, which is nice and central for anybody living in Leicestershire.
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Historical Talk on Leicester`s Former Slums
The Vaughan Historical and Archaeological Society held another fascinating talk on Leicester`s past recently at the city`s Vaughan College.
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Aussie Murray Speaks at Grace Road
A recent meeting of the Leicestershire Cricket Society featured a talk by a celebrated Australian cricket writer.
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Richard Todd
The film star Richard Todd has died.
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Walk and Talk Along New Walk
I led two short Guided Walks recently along the historic New Walk in Leicester.
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Girl Guides Go a Haunting
Lots of groups ask me to lead them on Guided Walks, especially Ghost Walks, and I led one recently for some Leicester Girl Guides.
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Jane Gilks
I`m very sorry to say that my friend Jane Gilks, the well known Barrow-upon-Soar hairdresser, passed away a few days ago.
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A Visit to Shrewsbury
People are sometimes surprised when they see me as a passenger on a Coach Trip, knowing that I run an extensive programme of these trips throughout the year.
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Old Mercia Tour Was a Big Hit
The Old Mercia Tour which I led recently was a big hit.
November 2009
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Working in Ipswich
One of the towns where I worked briefly during my long career in cinema management was Ipswich.
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Neville Shows More Films
There was another film show recently at Claremont Methodist Church in the Belgrave area of Leicester.
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Part Two of Essex Whistle Stop Tour
I went on another Whistle Stop Tour of Essex recently. This one, like the first, was organised by Carol Jolly of the Essex Tourism Association, and was designed to show group travel organisers some of the outstanding attractions that can be visited in the county.
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Haunted London
A book that will be of interest to those who love London and those who love a good ghost story is "Haunted London".
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Batteries Recharged by the Sea at Morecambe
My wife Anne and I were able to do a quick recharging of batteries recently with a one night stay on the coast at Morecambe.
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Lecture on Prominent Mediaeval Women
I went to a very interesting talk recently at the Adult Education Centre in Leicester. It was at a meeting of the Richard III Society.
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Guided Walks with a Christmas Feel
With the Christmas season coming up fast, it`s probably the right time to point out that among my programme of public Guided Walks there are some with a distinct seasonal feel.
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A Visit to the Yorkshire Dales
I went as a passenger on a Coach Trip with Woods Coaches recently. This is the Leicester company from whom I hire coaches for my own trips.
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Talk on Terraced Houses
I went recently to another meeting of the Community History Network at the Central Lending Library in Leicester.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Richard III
Richard III was King of England for a short period towards the end of the 15th century. He was the last of the Plantagenet kings.
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Leicester History Talk to Royce Institute
I was privileged recently to deliver a talk to members of the Royce Institute in Leicester, the second time that I have given a talk there.
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Umpire Evans Speaks to Cricket Society
I went to another meeting of the Leicestershire Cricket Society recently. I am glad to belong to this fine society as it gives a chance to keep in touch with cricket during those awful months when there is no actual play to go and watch.
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Haunted Walks More and More Popular
The Haunted Walks, or you might well prefer to call them Ghost Walks, that I lead largely but not entirely in Leicester have become more and more popular this year.
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Did You Miss the Bath Trip?
Well, you will be kicking yourself if you did miss my recent Coach Trip to Bath. A great trip to a great destination, and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
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Group Leisure Travel Trade Show 2009
I attend quite a lot of trade shows during the year, and one that I went to recently was the Group Leisure Travel Trade Show.
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Hoggard Joins Leicestershire as Captain
Leicestershire County Cricket Club have pulled off a considerable coup by signing the England fast bowler Matthew Hoggard, and apponting him as their new captain.
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Event UK
I went to another trade show recently.
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Guided Walks in Essex
From time to time I go back to my home county of Essex, and lead some Guided Walks in the area.
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Some Dates Still Free for Christmas Talks
In the few weeks leading up to Christmas, I usually give a number of talks to groups on a seasonal theme.
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Unusual Birthday Present for Mrs Robinson
I led a most unusual Guided Walk in Leicester recently, as a birthday present.
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Did You Miss the Boston Trip?
Well, if you did miss my Coach Trip to Boston, you missed one that was universally enjoyed by everyone who took part.
October 2009
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Working in Clacton
The pleasant Essex seaside resort of Clacton is one of the many places where I worked briefly during my career in cinema management.
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Thoroughly Enjoyed Green Belt Festival
I spent the Bank Holiday weekend at Green Belt , a Christian festival held annually at Cheltenham Racecourse.
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Woods Open Day Helps Charities
I was one of a good number of people who recently attended an Open Day run by Woods Coaches at their depot at South Wigston.
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Cathedral
A superb book which should be appreciated by anybody who habitually looks at this website is "Cathedral".
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Catenians Enjoy Waterside Walk
I had the pleasure recently of leading a private version of one of my popular Waterside Walks for a group.
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A Sunday Morning Stroll Around Rothley
I led a very pleasant Sunday morning Guided Walk for a group recently. It was a version of my "Rothley" walk, which features on my public programme every year.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Edward V
Edward V was briefly King of England in 1483, and is chiefly remembered as one of the "Princes in the Tower", allegedly murdered.
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Floorscapes in the Cultural Quarter
I went on an interesting Guided Walk in Leicester recently, entitled "Floorscapes in the Cultural Quarter".
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Congratulations to James Taylor
Hearty congratulations are in order to the 19 year old Leicestershire cricketer James Taylor.
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Saga Visitors Find Out About Leicester
I gave a talk recently for holidaymakers in Leicester who were in a party organised by Saga Holidays.
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Batteries Recharged Again by the Sea at Torquay
My wife Anne and I had a lovely short break recently, being able to recharge our batteries by the sea at Torquay.
September 2009
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Dee Joins Summer Wine Cast
A Leicestershire actress has joined the cast of the long running and phenomenally popular TV series "Last of the Summer Wine".
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Wildlife Lovers Shown Historic Leicester
I recently led a private version of my popular "Historic Leicester" Guided Walk.
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Margaret Tells of Prisoners of War
I went to another meeting of the Community History Network at the Reference Library in Leicester recently.
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All Time Best Essex XI
Members of Essex County Cricket Club have been voting for their all time best team, and the club have now announced the results.
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Robin Hood Theme for Coach Trip Worked Well
I led one of my morning Coach Trips from Leicester recently. This time it was the "Robin Hood Country Tour".
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Pleasant Trip to Somerset
I went on another of the trips run by Woods Coaches of Leicester recently. This time it was to places in Somerset.
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Have You Heard That New Group Called the Beatles?
One of the impressive manufactured phenomena of the entertainment industry is higly visible at the moment, with the Beatles` albums being reissued and selling prodigious numbers of copies. They are doing even better than the young forces` sweetheart Vera Lynn.
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Batteries Recharged at Lovely Llangollen
My wife Anne and I had a lovely, battery-recharging, short break recently in the charming little town of Llangollen in North Wales.
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Captain Cook Made for Smashing Tour
I recently led a Coach Trip from Leicester based on the life and times of the great mariner Captain James Cook, which was much enjoyed by those taking part.
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The Haunted Season Begins
The beginning of September heralds the season when I lead lots of Haunted Walks, or you might like to call them Ghost Walks, in and around the ancient city of Leicester - both public walks and private ones for clubs.
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Introduction to Leicester for Saga Holidaymakers
I recently gave another talk about Leicester for holidaymakers, at the halls of Residence of Leicester University.
August 2009
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Saga Visitors Learn About Leicester
I gave a talk recently at John Foster Hall, part of Leicester University Halls of Residence, for Saga Holidays.
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Les Paul
Les Paul, American inventor and musician, died recently aged 94.
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Whistle Stop Tour of Essex
I took part in an excellent familiarisation day recently entitled "Whistle Stop Tour of Essex", designed to show group organisers some of the great places they can bring parties to.
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Wigston Cubs Find Out About Their Town
I led a private Guided Walk recently around the old Leicestershire town of Wigston Magna.
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Essex Walks in September
For a good number of years now, I have been leading Guided Walks in my home county of Essex.
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Did You Miss the Fosse Way Tour?
There was another very nice Coach Tour recently, in the series which I run from Leicester throughout the year.
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Excellent Festival at St. Albans
My wife Anne and I went to the historic city of St. Albans recently for the St. Albans Festival Pilgrimage.
July 2009
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Hallaton Treasure to Tour the Country
Artefacts from the major archaeological find at Hallaton in Leicestershire are to tour the country, to allow the maximum amount of people to see them.
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Historical Society Enjoy Lutterworth Walk
I led a private Guided Walk recently around the historic market town of Lutterworth in Leicestershire.
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Interesting Talk on Indian Textiles
The latest talk at the Library Club in Leicester was about Indian Textiles.
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Working in Colchester
One of the towns where I worked briefly during my early career was Colchester, the fabulously historic Essex town which is the oldest in Britain.
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Morning Trip Celebrated Richard III`s Last Days
I led another of my morning Coach Trips recently. This time it was the "Richard III Tour".
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Dean Forest Railway Was a Delight
I went as a passenger on an excellent Coach Trip recently which included a ride on the Dean Forest Railway.
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Leicestershire Countryside Safe
The Government have announced the locations of the "eco towns" to be built over the next few years, and most of the population of Leicestershire are rejoicing that the proposed site in the county, given the wholly inappropriate name of Pennbury, has not been chosen.
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Womens Institute Learn About London Street Names
I gave a talk recently on the "Street Names of London".
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Women in the Great War
Once again, I went to another fascinating meeting of the Community History Network in Leicester recently.
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The Crimes of Jack the Ripper
A recently published book which will be of interest to all those with an interest in the history of London and of crime is "The Crimes of Jack the Ripper".
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Much Enjoyed Trip to Southwold
I recently took a party from Leicester on a very successful Coach Trip to Southwold.
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Lovely Break in Suffolk
My wife Anne and I had a lovely break in Suffolk recently.
June 2009
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Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, one of the biggest stars in the history of popular music, has died, apparently from a heart attack.
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Success in Quiz Night
My wife Anne and I went to a Quiz Night recently at St. Alban`s Church in the Parish of the Resurrection in Leicester.
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Evington Walkers Explore Historic Leicester
I led a private Guided Walk around Leicester recently for a group known as Evington Walkers.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Edward IV
Edward IV, the first king of the House of York, had two spells as King of England, having been deposed and restored soon after.
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The Gentle Uplands of Essex
I went on a Coach Trip recently with Woods Coaches of Leicester, which had the evocative title "The Gentle Uplands of Essex".
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Mystery Weekend Was Superb
My wife Anne and I went on a Mystery Weekend Coach Tour recently with Woods Coaches of Leicester, and it was absolutely superb.
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Learning About Special Olympics
The Special Olympics were the subject of a talk that I went to recently at the Central Lending Library in Leicester.
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Come Haunting on Midsummer Eve
Did you know that Midsummer Eve has long been regarded as one of the most haunted nights of the year?
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Bank Holiday Visit to Peterborough
My wife Anne and I went out together on a recent Bank Holiday. One or other of us is usually too busy for that sort of thing, but this time we thought it would be nice to go somewhere interesting, but not too far away from our home in Leicester.
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New Talk in Praise of England
Those of you who organise talks for clubs and socieities will be interested to know that I have another talk available.
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Enjoyable Visit to Lacock
I went as a passenger on another of Woods Coaches trips recently, this time to Lacock.
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Cinema Manager Talk in Church
I gave my popular talk "The Adventures of the Bearded Cinema Manager" talk once again recently, this time in a church.
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Working in Chelmsford
One of the towns where I worked many years ago is Chelmsford, the county town of Essex.
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Trio of Historic Towns in the North
A Coach Trip that I went on as a passenger recently took me to three historic towns in the North of England. It just happens that all three are towns to which I have taken my own Coach Trips, and led Guided Walks!
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Enjoyable Tour in Lincolnshire
Once again recently, I went on one of Woods Coaches` excellent Coach Trips, this time venturing into Lincolnshire.
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2010 Coach Trips Programme Now Available
Those of you who like to fill in your diaries nice and early will be pleased to know that my Coach Trips programme for next year is now available.
May 2009
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New London Walks Went Down a Treat
I recently had my day in London, on which I lead two different Guided Walks in the day. I do this in Spring and in Autumn.
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Christ in the Centre
I went recently to the annual event in Leicester entitled Christ in the Centre, which takes place on Good Friday.
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Don`t Go There!
"Don`t Go there" is an amusing little book that you might want to have in your collection.
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In the Footsteps of a King
I had a very interesting day recently in rural South Staffordshire, on a taster familiarisation event organised by the district council.
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Conference Delegates Shown Historic Leicester
I led a Guided Walk around the oldest parts of Leicester recently for delegates to a conference.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Henry VI
Henry VI was King of England for a considerable part of the 15th century.
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Brian Tells the Leicestershire Railway Story
I went to another meeting of the Community History Network in Leicester recently.
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Outstanding Coach Trip to Wonderful Norwich
Once again, I organised a Coach Trip for Leicester people recently to one of England`s outstanding cities. This time the destination was Norwich.
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De Montfort Students Enjoy a Haunted Evening
I led a private Ghost Walk recently for students from De Montfort University, whose main campus is in Leicester.
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New Talk Available on Henry VIII
The hard working people who are charged with finding speakers for group meetings will be interested to know that I have a new talk available, this time on Henry VIII.
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Best of Britain and Ireland
I went to another trade show for people in the group travel business recently.
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A Haunted Night for Young Farmers
A Young Farmers branch enjoyed an eerie night in Leicester City Centre and Old Town recently.
April 2009
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Guiding Twenty Five Thousand People
I have just passed a huge milestone in my career as a Blue Badge Guide. Last night, the number of people I have guided passed the twenty five thousand mark.
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Cricketing Curate Entertains Grace Road
Once again, I went to a meeting of Leicestershire Cricket Society recently at Grace Road in Leicester.
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Easter Eggs, the Easter Bunny and the Cross
I gave a seasonal talk recently. Usually, these are on a Christmas theme, but this time it had Easter as its subject.
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This Year`s Waterside Walks Starting Soon
A very popular feature of my public programme every year is the Waterside Walks series.
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Think Family Was a Useful Event
There was a most interesting and useful event held at the Marriott Hotel in Leicester recently.
March 2009
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Laura Tells of Roman Leicester
There was an interesting talk recently at the Reference Library in Leicester City Centre.
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Working in Brentwood
One of the towns where I worked briefly many years ago is Brentwood in Essex.
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Enjoyable Trip to Beverley
I went on a Coach Trip run by Woods Coaches recently, to the splendid market town of Beverley in Yorkshire.
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Northants Borders Tour Was Much Enjoyed
I led one of my popular morning Coach Trips recently. This time it was the "Northamptonshire Borders Tour".
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London: The Biography
A book that should be in the collection of everybody who has an interest in the historical background to London is "London:The Biography".
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Family History Open Day
I was invited to have a stall recently at the Leicestershire and Rutland Family History Society Open Day, which was held at Beauchamp College at Oadby.
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Travel Trade Britain
I went to a new travel trade show recently at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) at Birmingham.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Henry V
Henry V was King of England for not much more than nine years in the early 15th century.
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Richard Tells of Leicestershire Castles
I went to a talk at Vaughan College in Leicester recently.
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Essex Leisure and Tourism Show
I went to a trade show recently at Brentwood in my home county of Essex.
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Working in Hornchurch
One of the places where I worked many years ago is Hornchurch, in the part of Greater London that used to be Essex.
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Confex at Earls Court
I went to another trade show recently. This time it was Confex.
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Free Mystery Tour a Great Hit
I recently took out a lucky coachful of people from the Leicester area on the annual "Free Mystery Tour".
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Don`t Forget St. George
St. George`s Day is approaching. It is a sad fact that only a small percentage of English people know that St. George`s Day, commemorating our country`s patron saint, is on 23rd April.
February 2009
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A Short Break in Great Yarmouth
Together with my wife Anne and our youngest son Robin, I had a short break recently in Great Yarmouth.
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Great Days Out Fair
I went to an excellent trade show for group travel organisers recently in the North of England.
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I Never Knew That About London
A book that all those interested in Britain`s heritage, and particularly the heritage of London, will be interested in is "I Never Knew That About London".
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Destinations
I went to another trade show recently. I go to quite a few of these, as it`s a very good way of keeping in touch with people in the travel business.
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Hopes of Cornwall Visit Scuppered
My wife Anne and I were all set recently to spend a weekend in Cornwall. It`s not often that we are able to find a time when we can both be free at the same time.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Henry IV
Henry IV was King of England in the early years of the 15th century, and the first of the House of Lancaster.
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Still Not Been to Hull
The city of Hull is by far the largest and most important place in England that I have never visited. The only place of a comparable size in Britain where I have never been is Dundee.
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Working in Romford
One of the places where I worked briefly many years ago was Romford, in the part of Greater London that used to be Essex.
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Angels Fall Victim to the Snow
The Community History Network, made up of Leicester people with an interest in Local History, was due to have its meeting recently, in the usual venue, the Reference Library in Bishop Street.
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Travel Fair at Winchester Cathedral
I went to another trade show recently, at the historic city of Winchester.
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Leicester Market Voted Britain`s Best
Leicester Market has for many years been regarded as outstanding, but now comes an official accolade.
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Did You Miss the Winchester Trip?
Well, if you did miss the "Winchester" trip you missed another most enjoyable day - that`s what all the passengers said!
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A Visit to Cambridge
I visited the historic and very attractive city of Cambridge recently.
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Fifty Years Since Death of Buddy Holly
On February 3rd 1959, an accident happened in Iowa which affected millions of young music fans throughout the world. It has continued to resonate through the years, and there can be few people who have not been affected in some way even now, fifty years later.
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Youth Group Goes a Haunting
I led a ghostly Guided Walk recently in Leicester for a church youth group.
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Historic Syston and District
I gave an unusual talk recently on "Historic Syston and District".
January 2009
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The Monarchy of England: Volume One
An interesting book for anybody fascinated by the concept of kingship is "The Monarchy of England: Volume One: The Beginnings".
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Excursions
I visited Alexandra Palace, high up on its hill in London, recently for the annual trade show known as Excursions.
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Umpires Chief Graces Grace Road
I went to another meeting of the Leicestershire Cricket Society recently. I go to as many of these meetings as I can.
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Top Twenty Visits of 2008
As a Blue Badge Guide, I visit a lot of places during the course of a year, and I thought it would be a nice idea to list the Top Twenty visits that I have made in 2008.
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National Fine Art and Antiques Fair
I went to an enjoyable exhibition recently, entitled the National Fine Art and Antiques Fair.
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Cinema De Lux Lives Up to its Name
My wife Anne and I went to the cinema recently. This doesn`t happen a lot these days, perhaps strangely as I spent many years managing cinemas, in such places as the West End of London, Westcliff, Ramsgate, Halstead and Havant.
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Gardens to Visit Book Now Available
"Gardens to Visit 2009" has just been published.
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Woods Coaches Open Day
I had an interesting morning recently at the Open Day organised by Woods Coaches of Leicester.
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Haunted Birthday Party
I led a Ghost Walk with a difference recently.
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Who Are All These Kings?: Richard II
Richard II was the King of England in the last years of the 14th century.
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W. I. Enthralled by Christmas Talk
I recently gave my "Ding Dong Merrily on High" talk to members of Anstey Women`s Institute, at their Christmas meeting.
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Leicester`s Place in English History
"Leicester`s Place in English History" was the title of a talk which I gave recently to members of the Leicestershire Wildlife Trust.
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Farewell to 2008 and Welcome 2009
As the Old Year ends and a New Year comes into being, may I wish everybody reading this a very Happy New Year, with happiness and success in 2009, whatever your plans and desires.