Jan
22
2024

Cleaning and more cleaning

by Willenhall Lad

As I’ve got my house up for sale, a potential buyer wanted a viewing on Sunday last which meant that in addition to packing up my gear, I had to spend (again) most of the weekend cleaning the house as if it was a military inspection.

However, the weekend was punctuated by a charity event run by my Cousin John for the Falklands Veterans and a great trip to The Vine with Yorkshire Jon, JC, Rob & Charlotte and we also ran into Fazza and Bev.

Anyway, Sunday went off okay – seemed interested – and the Brother-in-Law gave me a chuck so afterwards we grabbed Mrs. B and went to the OK Diner for a late breakfast.

Anyway, this week will probably be more packing but hopefully, not much cleaning……

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Jan
15
2024

On the Move

by Willenhall Lad

This weekend was rather taken up with two issues:

  • Cleaning the house up for my intended move to Penkridge
  • Help The Nephew out with the computing part of his dissertation

Other than that, we had a very enjoyable time at The Littleton Arms (even though the bill was £117!) and at the The Vine with Rob and Softlad martin on Friday night. I do like The Vine.

I also bought a new (second-hand) loco from the Toy fair at Walsall Wood.

Usual weekend in The Principality really. I suppose I must make the most of them whilst I still live here.

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Jan
07
2024

Southampton 4:0 Walsall

by Willenhall Lad

First game of the new year saw us travel to see Walsall in the 3rd round of the FA Cup to play Southampton. First time I had seen an away FA fixture ever.

They lost 4-0 but gave Southampton too much respect for the first 25 minutes and by then they were 1-0 down.

Walsall had some good chances but were frankly, outclassed by a Premier-contenders  Southampton who were very clinical and in Ryan Frazer, the winger, they were a bit tormented by a good player with a bright future.

Walsall were handicapped by a long injury list and also Freddie Draper has been called back by Lincoln City and this was obvious really as they had a number of key players missing in key positions, such as Stirk and Matt.

A long day out with my Brother-in-Law , Sister and her mate Cath (how can talk for England and possibly the UK) but well worth it.

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Dec
31
2023

2023: Recovery

by Willenhall Lad

It’s New Years Eve again and a short time for reflection on the year about to pass.

Following last years tortuous time, I spent the early part of the year sorting out my Dad’s estate and helping my Mom.

Work has picked up, especially since March.

April saw me with some of the junior members of the family at the Leicester Space Museum followed by the Newark Air Museum the week after which were both excellent trips.

Of note is that I largely managed to stay away from hospitals – just the Godson at the QE and he’s recovered – and only 1 funeral – Phil’s Uncle Jack so good on that score.

The King’s Coronation was a distraction in May, and my Birthday in June as well as a number of trips to Sheffield throughout the year.

July I went to a brilliant Test Match in Leeds, the escape room and got very drunk at Rosco’s Birthday bash at the Old Bush. We managed a day out at Edgbaston for the cricket as well. I played some of the Touch Rugby Tournaments around Staffordshire.

August was particularly busy with a wet trip to Duxford and Andy Lyndon’s Wedding anniversary as well which brings me to The Orkney’s in September which was a great holiday. Holiday of a lifetime really.

October was back at work and preparation for the Trade Show at St Andrews in November which also I did 3 Quizzes.

December was really busy with winding work down and seeing lots of family and friends – in fact Christmas has been magic, too much booze and a great break.

Tonight is the usual panic over where to celebrate the New Year but I’m not that bothered really – a drink in The WMC will do. It’s the people not the venue that counts.

Anyway, roll on 2024 – this is a big year upcoming for lots of reasons such as:

  • Moving house
  • Niece’s wedding
  • Last full year working full time

let’s see how much actually happens…..

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Dec
27
2023

Christmas 2023

by Willenhall Lad

First Christmas at my Sisters new house (and for 4 years, they have been to mine or stuck in Covidland) saw the usual over-eating, walk round the village, games and late night drinking.

And as usual, Boxing Day football and more games followed so a great time had by all.

Today, I’m quite tired as we had to get up at the unearthly hour of 0600 hrs because the Niece (left) had an appointment in London for some wedding stuff. Therefore, I’ll be mainly resting up and trying to get some more sleep after a few nights on an airbed – not the most comfortable.

 

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Dec
27
2023

Walsall 2:0 Crewe Alexandra

by Willenhall Lad

Our traditional Boxing Day outing to The Bescot saw Walsall beat Crewe 2-0 in a tight, competitive game after a slow start.

Yes it took Walsall some time to get going against Crewe’s press and their physicality did put them under pressure – one or two heavy tackles against Tom Knowles saw him sprawled on the floor and needing the physio. 5 yellow cards for Crewe backed the point up.

However, Walsall gradually asserted themselves and took the lead through a Freddie Draper header and one in the second half from Oisin McEntee saw them home.

We had our now usual seat in the Main stand but this was marred by some old timer constantly moaning about Knowles – who I thought had a superb game – and the Brother-in-law was most put out only kept in check by the presence of the Niece.

Walsall are a curious side this season as I’ve said before. they have beaten some of the best sides in the division but failed against the lower teams.

5,672 was a good attendance for the game as well.

The Niece keeping an eye on things

 

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Nov
29
2023

Napoleon

by Willenhall Lad

The Godson took me and The Major to see Napoleon, Ridley Scott’s epic tonight.

To say I was looking forward to this would be accurate. To say I was disappointed would also be an understatement.

The battle scenes were realistic enough but the film centred more on the relationship between “N” and “J” i.e. Josephine. Too much in fact.

It’s hard to condense 30 years of reading into a 2 1/2 hour film but it skips through some of the major events in his life too much and misses out bits like the war in Italy (where was his most famous battle – Marengo?) -suppression of Prussia, the invasion of Spain, the 1809 war against Austria.

The part that made it hard was that Waterloo was a joke. It barely resembled the actual battle’s main points which have been well documented in the intervening 208 years.

The funny part was when he died on St. Helena, he just keeled over which is one of several inaccuracies in the film as he actually died in bed of stomach cancer.

Joaquin Phoenix looked the part but played it more Elvis than Maurice Chevalier but he could have made better effort with the accent. he was definitely poorer than his Gladiator appearance.

Napoleon was of course revered by The French although hated by the rest of Europe but he’s one of the most famous characters in history. Even for me, I thought he deserved better than this film and I expected more of Ridley Scott.

Was I entertained? Well no, just annoyed really.

 

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Nov
24
2023

Scapa 1919 by Innes McCartney

by Willenhall Lad

This is a specialised book I bought whilst visiting The Orkney’s last September by renowned diver, Innes McCartney.

It deals with the surviving wrecks of the German High Seas Fleet which were scuttled to avoid dissemination by the victorious allies in WWI.

The High Seas Fleet was one of the main reasons Britain went to war in WWI as it was the first industrial arms race pitting naval supremacy through industrial output.

There were 66 ships lifted out of 74 scuttled and this book deals with the salvage of them and the surviving 9 wrecks which includes 3 battleships and 4 light cruisers. The latter are dealt with in great detail including many photographs and scanning imagery.

As I went to The Orkney’s, and have spent many hours reading and studying naval matters, this was a great book to acquire. I regret now not going to the Stromness Museum whilst we were there but we were most tired on that day having walked to Hoy and gotten up early. I’ll have to go back.

 

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Nov
20
2023

3 Quizzes and a band

by Willenhall Lad

Highway 61 at Essington Working Men’s Club 2023

Reflecting on quite a week really, not only have I been out a lot around Hereford & Worcestershire for work but also I took part in 3 quizzes in which I managed a 2nd and two First places!

Also over the weekend, which has been quite busy, I have been to see Highway-61 in the WMC with some of the neighbours  which includes another neighbour, Jeff.

They play a good mixture of Blues, rock from the 1970’s mainly so has a limited but good appeal to the village. Jeff plays really well so always worth a listen. 5 pints of club mild didn’t leave me too incapable either which was a bonus. 4 PM start is a bit awkward though with those of us with stuff to do.

 

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Nov
13
2023

Lest We Forget

by Willenhall Lad

Members of the Staffordshire Regimental Association

It’s been Remembrance weekend so the usual trip to Bilston Cemetery with Major Orton had a surprise this year as we stumbled upon the Staffordshire Regimental Association holding a brief service.

The actual Sunday event was really cold and chucking it down – the coldest I’ve been at the parade for quite a few years at Lane Head.

This was quite a busy weekend for me – again – as with the Remembrance events, football and lunch with my Mom at The Spread Eagle Gailey, I did actually manage to replace the silicon in the shower tray and also fitted in a great visit to The Western with Greenpeace Gav and Ted.

Sunday night at The Min was a laugh as well as we avoided the drunken landlord and his tall stories.

Lane Head War Memorial 2023

 

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