30 July to 7 August 2026 - Diary Update

30 July - we have a smart new roof just three weeks after Tony the roofer came to inspect the leak in our kitchen. That roof lasted less than 30 years. The main roof was nearly 100 years old and was showing its age. Very few houses on our estate still have the original roofs, so it seemed a good time to relace ours.

30 July - Sale Sizzler number 4. I took a break and left Sue to take part. She ran the 5km in 24:19 and came 7th out of 17 in her age category. Results here.

1 August - Wythenshawe parkrun #676. A routine parkrun, with Sue chaperoning Owen on this occasion. Full results are here.

In the tea room courtyard, 11 of us - runners and supporters - wrestled our way around a couple of tables.

1 August - dinner in Adlington with Robert and Lyn, and Gerry and Chris. Nice BBQ, and Sue had collected plenty of blackberries for a wonderful tart.

2 and 3 August - feedig Millie, who is slowing down and getting arthritic. I know the feeling!

3 August - Wyre Levee Stompers at Eagley Jazz Club. The last performance before a 6 week break whilst the venue is refurbished. An excellent night; we'll miss these Monday night performances.

4 August - a visit to Bridgewater RHS gardens. A trail of Lego constructions provided interest as we  admired both the flowers and the Lego, not all of which is pictured below.

The chickens were entertaining, this one enjoying a dust bath.

Lunch was delicious, the mussels, prawns and squid (their plate is empty) being especially popular.

Then 45 minutes of Lego building, presumably with leftover bits from the constructions in the garden.

More Lego.

The Chinese garden, and behind me is a mammoth new construction in progress.

Pictures from a compost bin...

5 August - Nick Taylor's work next to Pickering Lodge Park looks pretty much complete. It's really rather good.

7 August - That's all for now, thanks to time constraints and a failure to get the camera out earlier when seven 'Oldies' turned up for their monthly natter at Wythenshawe Park - Martin, Fechin, Keith, Mike C, Mike H, John and Richard.

Thursday 7 May 2026 - Greek Night at Aspire

Together with Paul and Jeanette, Sue and I were treated to another delicious meal at South Trafford College's Aspire restaurant.

What's not to like about an ouzo cocktail?

I'd eaten the feta and basil bomb before I remembered to get the camera out...

This was billed as 'On Arrival', but we'd already got through a plate of assorted bread rolls.

Pork shoulder 'To Start'

'Intermediate' -  fried fish fillet

Main - Duo of Duck

A sharing selection of desserts

To accompany our coffee (or even to take home)

That was a lovely meal. Sadly, thanks to the academic year, we now have to wait until October for their next offering.

Thursday 19 March 2026 - more fine dining at Aspire

Thanks to a very last minute cancellation from a party of 18, the Aspire staff spent some time contacting regular customers with the offer of a prized table at this popular restaurant. Sue and I were luckily able to take advantage and enjoy another fine meal designed and cooked by the students of South Trafford College with a little help from their tutors.

A selection of breads comes to the table on arrival - not mentioned on the menu, but most welcome despite apparent rationing of butter!

A very tomatoey consommé

Chicken Ballotine

Delicious marinaded grilled salmon - my favourite course

Pork fillet with Ham Hoch Hash - the pork was a little chewy - our first minor criticism in many visits

Coconut sponge, mango pavlova and creamy custard

After the menu, coffee is served with a selection of delicious chocolates

We walked home (10 minutes) feeling very spoilt yet again.

'In Between' - Family, Jazz, Jodrell Bank, Aspire, etc - 15 February to 12 March

 15 February 2026

It's always nice to see a happy grandchild.

We went to see Daddy play his guitar in Hootin' Annies Big Band.

It was great.

16 February 2026

It was the turn of Louisiana Nights to play at Eagley Jazz Club.

2 March 2026

After a spell in Wales we returned to Eagley to enjoy a splendid performance from 'The Night Owls'. Was this their last performance together? If so, a sad day.

16 March 2026

While I'm at it I'll insert here a snap of John Hallam and the Tom Kincaid Trio (featuring Dave Tomkins on Bass and Eryl Roberts on Drums). Another fine performance.

4 March 2026

Sue and I enjoyed a leisurely visit to Jodrell Bank, thanks to a birthday present that allows us to visit any time this year. So we'll be back, there's lots to see, and 35 acres of grounds to explore.

8 March 2026

A family lunch in Timperley. Everyone seems happy.

11 March 2026

Sue gave an excellent hour long talk on the GM Ringway trail to 30 or so attendees at Stockport Walking and Outdoor Group's regular Wednesday evening slot. A good turnout, also attended by the trail's PR officer.

My blog entries on this trail are here.

12 March 2026

To conclude this 'catch-up' posting, a few pictures from an excellent menu at the Aspire restaurant. Sue and I joined Paul and Jeanette for a delicious meal from the students of South Trafford College.