A bird on the hand

 HWMBO bought me a falconry day for Christmas.

It was a full day with lots of different birds.  We were a fairly small group of people so there was plenty of hands on opportunities.

There were a lot of birds there to be seen and held.

From tiny owls to the largest owls.  Hawks, falcons and eagles.

Some of them were characters.

My favourite was the peregrine falcon.  It was gorgeous.

And very fast

 And not prepared to share it's quail with anyone.

We had a rustic lunch, some with better table manners than others.

Boxed up the ferrets

And headed off into the fields with the dog, ferrets and a couple of hawks, as you do.

It was lovely walking along with the hawks for company.

 I kept saying in my head "say your pwayers wabbit"  but the group of people I was with did not strike me as having grown up on a diet of Elma Fudd and I decided they were thoughts best kept to myself.  Very hard work for me.

 At one point the group behind the leader, myself and another guy was being rather loud and the leader told them to shush as we were close to the rabbit set.  I wanted to say sooooo badly "Shhh, be vewy vewy quiet, I'm hunting wabbits"

 There were also a pair of red kites hovering above us for most of the time, I wondered if they were hoping we would flush something out for them but they wouldn't take the big rabbits like harrier hawks.  I think we were just lucky to see them too.









In true bugs bunny tradition, the rabbits we flushed out and the birds chased managed to get away and will fight another day.

It was a perfect day, if bone shatteringly cold, I would do it over again in a (cold) snap.

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Life isn't always as it should be is it?

Life isn't always as it should be, is it?

I am completely aware of how bad that grammar is and I just don't care.


This morning my fat cat ran so hard at the bedroom door it flew open, the cat ran in and deposited its own body weight bright yellow vomit on the cream carpet.  I chased it out, the cat that is, the vomit remained attached to the carpet slowly seeping in and dying it.  The cat threw up down the stairs, along the hall and finally on the door step.  So my day started trying the mop up more sick than a cat should ever be able to hold whilst wondering how the hell I am going to find time to take it to the vets. I suspect I won't find the time and when it finally becomes desperate I will receive a berating from the vet for not acting sooner.

The reason why I don't have time is because I am trying to work, run a Ranger unit and ferry my non-eating daughter around numerous weekly health appointments with GPs (typically useless), dieticians (sodding useless), Private Allergy clinics (helpful in that she doesn't have any), Psychogists (a weekly 3.5 hour round trip - how wonderful that the services are so close), and finally the golden prize..an eating disorders clinic..jury's out on that one until we've been.

I spend at least 3 hours a day trying to convince her to eat.  It's a soul destroying exercise which I am losing.  I suspect she will soon be in hospital.  That will be the end of her studies.  I am sick with worry.

My knee?!  Oh that's no better, I am struggling to walk at the moment which is an interesting development after being discharged by the hospital with a "we don't know what's wrong with it, the scans show nothing, the injections didn't work, go try some more physio"  So I cannot run.  Which is lucky, as I don't have time anyway.

I have my first race for life of 3 coming in 3 weeks time.  I apologise in advance to all the people that have sponsored me already.  I do plan to try to hobble round.

HWMBO is in Canada.  My problems are not his problems.

Life isn't always as it should be.

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A day at Warwick Castle

Whilst Cog is so ill she's finding it increasingly difficult to mix with people her own age so we are back to school holidays of old with us two going out for days.

So we set off early for Warwick castle.


I thought it was about 35 years since I was last there, although COG's father told her we had been there together before she was born.  Clearly not a memorable day for me!!

The Stately Home part inside was just as I remembered it.

I loved the glass 'tubes' on this chandelier.

The weekend house party had been dusted down a few times I think but it all still felt rather familiar.

In our usual lucky way, there really weren't many people there at all.

I distinctly remembered queuing slowly up and down these stairs on my previous visit and wondering why bother when Cornwall and Wales was full of castles with no one else in them.

















But this time Cog and I had the battlements and towers completely to ourselves.

We watched part of the falconry display from one of the far towers and had a look afterwards at the eagles and vultures.






There was a Horrible Histories show on at different times of the day, predictably just as the heavens opened.  Some people were very British about is and dug in.



But we headed down the 'Kingsmaker' which had been put in at least in the last decade (!) and was very good.

 We had a lovely wander around the grounds with tea in the conservatory to warm up.

 And then into the maze which had been done very well indeed.

With some thought beyond profit which for Merlin Entertainments, I was impressed with.


It was good to see living history still in progress at the Tollbar round-about on the way home.  There have been roadworks there so long (at least 3 years in my recollection) that they will also be grade 1 listed soon.

A day of blasts from the past and jolly good fun (except the journey!)

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A few days in Brighton

 In a bid to miss the big crowds Cog and I went to Brighton Thursday to Saturday just after the Easter bank holiday.

Turns out it was indeed a cunning plan.

We went to the Pavillion on late Thursday afternoon and had it pretty much to ourselves.  There were a couple of older ladies in the tea room and us, but that is all.  It really is a beautiful place to visit with a very well done audio guide.

I listened to the guide then irritated Cog by repeating it all to her as she didn't want one.

We went on the wheel just as the sun was starting to set.

So we got great views.

and a beautiful light.

 We played crazy golf ( a family tradition)

 And then walked up to the pier

 to see the sunset properly

 And watch the town lights start to shimmer.

 Friday we shopped...a lot.  North Laine and Laines. Until my only words to HWMBO over the phone were "I'm really sorry....but you should have seen what we didn't buy!!"

The wind turned cold so we went into the Sealife Centre.

I found this a rather pleasant view for a cup of tea, and it was lovely to be entertained by the excitement of the young children around us.

 The centre is rather old and dank compared to others I've been in but they like to remind you how old the buildings are and the gothic ceilings and pillars partially made me forgive them.

We spent a long time watching the turtles swim over us...again there were hardly any people in there compared to others times we've been to sealife centres.

Another walk along the pier and a few games on the slots and we were all in.

 Saturday morning the sun shone bright, the wind had dropped and we walked further up the beach a while after breakfast.

As we left for home on a clear road we could see the cars in the other direction pouring in.

We had a lovely few days and it was a break from some of the tension we have been suffering at home recently due to Cog's health.

We will go back.

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Tips for travelling with Guiding Groups in London

Tip 1 Make sure every girl has your details on them 

Wristbands are ideal, or a tied on label, don't rely on stickers that peel off jumpers and lose ink in the wet.

When we have taken our Brownies to London we always put a wristband on them.  It has the name of our Leader In Charge on it and our Brownie Unit mobile phone number on it.  Never write the child's name on it.  This would make it much easier for a stranger to 'befriend' a lone child and lead them into a false sense of security.

With Senior Section I made sure they all had both leaders mobile numbers in their phones and I gave them all a small laminated card with our numbers, the emergency number and the number of the place we were staying.



Tip 2 keep photos of the girls with you 

Get permission from parents and take a photo on your phone of each girl on the day, this will help you if you need to show it to someone and it can also be transferred electronically for police distribution if needed.


Tip 3 make sure they know what to do if they are separated from you 

Tagging up a child is one thing, but they have to know what to do it they find themselves alone or lost.  A good set of rules is:

1) don't panic

2) stand still, chances are your leader or parents aren't far away and will come to you quickly.

3) if definitely alone ask someone in uniform for help, preferably Police but transport worker if at a station.

4) if you can't see a policemen, go into a shop and ask for help.

5) if there are no uniforms, no shops, ask a lady with children to help you.

6) remember my phone number is on your wrist, ask them to call it.

7) if on a tube, get off at the next stop and stand at the wall, I will come to you.  Ask a transport worker (uniform) on the platform for help.

8) if you are on a tube station alone and we are on the train, stay where you are, stand still at the wall, we will come back to you.

Make sure your girls know their rules about what they must do if they find themselves alone or lost. Remember to reassure them that whilst they need to know what to do, it is highly unlikely to happen and shouldn't worry about it.

Tip 4 make your group visible

Get your girls to wear something distinctive, bright neckers, flowers in their hair, same coloured caps, something to help you identify them in a crowd.

Tip 5 High ratios for younger children

For younger groups have a higher adult to child ratio than the mandatory ratios for very busy places like the tube, 1 to 2 is fantastic for brownies if you can get enough adults.

Allocate children to adults so each adult knows exactly who they are watching whilst on the move.

Tip  6 keep counting

Count, count, then count again!

Tip  7 think about how to walk in groups

Walking through parts of London can be hard, some parts get very congested on the paths.  It is easy to get split up.

When walking in a group have one adult responsible for being at the back, try to ensure you don't get gaps and the person at the front should stop occasionally to allow a 'regroup'.

Tip  8 Pre-plan moving around on public transport

Understand how you will manage public transport as a group before you start on the journey and explain it to the girls too.

When getting on and off the tube or trains have one adult allocated to be last off platform and last off train/bus/boat.  They do a quick visual check themselves before getting off and on.

When your group gets off a tube or train, all walk to the wall and stand still until the initial rush has died down, head count and group walk to the barriers.  It is much less stress if you don't try to move with the initial train rush, even in rush hour there is a minor lull between trains.

Get them ready to leave a boat before your stop and count them both before you get off and after you get off. (It's not as time consuming as it sounds)

Tip 9 think about your loo stops

Have a look at my London Loos for Guiders to help you along.

Tip 10 Think about your Risk Assessment

Remember to think about your Risk Assessment.  Don't just copy one someone else has written but reading others can help you think in the right direction.

Here are some of the ones I used for my Rangers on a weekend visit:

The group may get split up at any part of the weekend. One person may be left alone.

Regular head counting and regrouping to clarify next stage instructions. Each Girl will have the trip organiser’s mobile telephone numbers on them (on a card handout and have been told to add it to their phones if they have one.).  For specific greater risk times (like tube travel) a separate hazard is identified 

Party member may get injured

Will be carrying a ‘mobile’ first aid kit with plasters and bandages for immediate first aid.  A check has been made of where the A&Es are closest to the areas we will be in.  Guys (near Westminster) has minor injury 8-8.  St Thomas’ (near Tooley street)  has A&E.  The Royal Free is very close to Pax Lodge.  In event of serious emergency one adult would go with casualty, one adult would stay with group.  Emergency Contact  would be called and parents contacted..

Separation Hazard Train travel to and from London. Leaving part of the group behind.

Train is straight to London with no changes. Head count at the start and finish of the journey. 

All tickets are booked with pre-booked seats. Each girl will have trip organiser’s mobile telephone number.

Separate collection/travel arrangements will be made as appropriate.

Separation Hazard Travel on the underground

Each girl will have trip organiser’s mobile number with them. One leader will be given last on/last off responsibility. Strict instructions to be issued that if separated to get off at the next station and stand against the wall of the tube station until the rest of the group arrive. 

Personal safety Hazard Monopoly Challenge

Route around London to visit streets via tube, bus and foot. Reminder of road sense rules and remaining alert. Both with traffic and personal possessions.

Staying overnight at Pax Lodge, WAGGS Centre

Risk assessment as per Pax Lodge

Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

High level of security is already in place at this event. Take particular care not to get separated in crowds outside palace whilst waiting to go in.  Head count after the event prior to leaving

Tate Modern

Commercial risk assessment for premises must be in place. Girls may get split up. Have set meeting place and time agreed in advance.  Each girl will have trip organiser’s mobile number with them. 

Tip 12  Take Badge Swaps with you

There are plenty of opportunities to swap badges, especially if you are going to visit Pax.

Tip 13 Don't Panic

Taking groups to London is not as hard as it sounds, mostly it's just common sense. 

Top Tip:  Make Mountain Top Moments - safely

When we went to the Jubilee we couldn't take many adults with us because of the rules for the enclosure (still within ratio rules though) , but it meant when we walked down the Mall we really would find it hard as the crowd started to surge. 

We made the most of our Young Leaders and 'allocated' the Guides to them whilst we leaders had the Brownies and over all responsibility for all.







I spoke to a wonderful Scouter on the phone just before we walked down the Mall at the front of the procession, with 250,000 other people behind us. He said "Put all your older ones around the outside and walk as a box.  As the crowd start to run from behind close ranks and they will run around you and not split you up."  Clever man, he was right and that box formation kept us together in the crush.

We didn't lose anyone, but I did see a very pale looking brown owl that had lost a girl, it does happen.  I'm sure she will have had her girl labelled up and there were so many police around that day no child could be lost for long but I think the labelling is key to a quick reunion.

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Food, so much food

So another Pack Holiday came and went and this will be the last one with this team of leaders.  I sobbed as I left.  I will miss it so much    It had become a routine known so well to me and the other leader that cooked that we were like a slick oiled machine with those ovens and the menu we used.

But I have to say a was more shattered after this one than I ever remember being before, maybe age has caught up on me.  I did have very early starts though as I didn't sleep over.

I drove to site for about 3pm to help with set up.

Did Friday's soup and hotdogs.

Made the jellies for Saturday evening's dessert.

Crushed biscuits for Sunday lunch time dessert base.

Drove home at about 10:30pm.

Got up early to be back on site for 7am.

Got breakfast ready. Cereal, beans, sausages, toast.

Prepared fruit break and juice.

Prepared salads for lunch.

And pizza toppings

The brownies came and topped pizzas and then I cooked 24 ready for 1pm, which is a bit of a cooker juggling act! With cake for afters, meal 3 is over.

Which leaves just enough time to prepare another fruit and juice break.  Then melt the butter for the crushed biscuits so the brownies can mix it and put into pots for Sunday's dessert.

Tea is pasta (2 types as one is gluten free) and meatballs (2 types), pasta sauces (2 types), garlic bread, mixed veg, cheese to sprinkle and salad followed by jelly and ice-cream.











Good job it's a big cooker.

Then get the bits and bobs ready for smores including melting the chocolate

and making hot chocolate for all.

left for home again about 10:30pm

And back for 7:15am (a lie in woot-woot!)

To make a loaf and a half of eggy bread.











Cereals, toast, eggy bread and beans.

Another mid-morning fruit and juice break followed by mixing up Angel Delights for the Brownies to put onto the biscuits bases they made yesterday.

We get the different sandwich fillings ready and then they all come into the kitchen again to make their own sandwiches for lunch (this is a harder task than you might think - it's amazing how many girls of this age cannot even butter bread).












Extra salad is prepared and lunch is ready.


To be topped off with cake and juice again before they go home.

If you add into all this the kitchen floor sweeping, mopping, oven cleaning, tap cleaning, bin emptying, washing up etc etc and you can see how it is a non-stop weekend end to end.

And yet yes, I cried with sadness not relief when it was all over.

Over the years this is the thing I have become good at.  I can do 48 hours in a kitchen of constant hard work and do it well.  And it's something I am proud of.  I will miss this team but I expect it won't be my last ever catering stint in this kitchen.  With my inability to say no and a large number of unit leaders that know I can do this, I suspect there will be requests for me to do it again sometime.

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