Give cyclists a bit of room!!

For those not in the know, I've become a bit of a cycling fan since I started my health kick back in January. More or less everyday I make my way out onto the roads, and run the gauntlet with the idiots behind the wheel.

Why is it that most drivers seem hell bent on clipping cyclists as they pass them?? One idiot this morning at 6am, yes I know it's a bit sad being out at 6am on a Sunday morning, but it is without doubt the best time of the day to clear your head and avoid (or so I thought), the average smuck on the roads, decided he would get close enough to check the tyre pressures on my bike! What a complete and utter TW@*! If ever I should see this cycloptic fool, he clearly could only see out of one eye, I shall be sure to educate him on early morning road etiquette!

Living History Show a Marvel

Many of you will know my interest in 20th Century History, and in particular the history of the Soviet Union both politically and socially. The Great Patriotic War (WWII), is perhaps the defining moment of the 20th Century, especially as far as the Commonwealth of Independent States is concerned, which is perhaps why I was so delighted to encounter a group of living history enthusiasts at a recent show in Kent.

The 2nd Guards is a group of UK Based enthusiasts, who at weekends relive the live of the Red Army Soldier during WWII. This is not in any way the glorification of war, far from it! It is in fact a way that todays generation can touch and feel the enormous sacrifice made by ordinary men and women around the world during this period of global terror. I for one was captivated by not only the 2nd Guards, but the German, British, American, Dutch and other nations living history groups on display at the War & Peace show at Hop Farm. The event is an annual offering, and below are just a few shots taken at this incredible insight into the 1940's.

Birthday Treat...St. Basil's Cathedral Delights

Folks, your's truly celebrated a birthday a couple of weeks ago, and yesterday I was presented with this rather stunning fruit cake of St. Basil's Cathedral! It is truly a masterpiece of baking!

The cake was skillfully created by a good friend of mine, Rajinder, who clearly has a talent for all things cake, never mind Jane Asher!. In fact so good is she, that all of her friends have been encouraging her to go into the cake making business full time, and I'm pleased to say that after an awful lot of nagging, she has. So if you fancy tasting some of Rajinder's handy work for yourself, please get in touch with my Boarding Lounge Team, via the website contacts page, and a member of the team will be only too happy to put you in touch with the latest cake making talent to hit London.