This morning we set off to go up to London to go to the V&A to see a couple of exhibitions. Went to our new Chiltern Rail station. Instant suspicion, only two cars in the free car park. No trains cos of engineering works and no railway-run bus link from that station to one with trains. Drove to Haddenham. They had bus links, but the next “train” wouldn’t get us into London until nearly 2 hours later and the tickets were £23.80 each! Decided not to bother, too expensive & too little time there. Prefer a lunch out at those prices. I looked into a railcard. It gave 1/3 off but only to the holder & it cost £26 for a year. I don’t catch that many trains. No wonder few people use public transport.
The Ozz man cometh
Just spotted an Ozzfest in the O2 arena for September 18th. So far the following bands are playing: Ozzy Osbourne, Korn, Murderdolls, Skindred. Lots more bands to be announced, two stages. I have bought my standing ticket. https://www.ozzfest.com http://www.o2blueroom.co.uk/events/Ozzfest-2010/383
Bicycle Race
Fantastic, my Bike voucher has arrived, I can buy my bike now. Rang the shop, out of stock, won’t be getting it now until after Glastonbury. I’ve ordered a racing bike, millions of gears and carbon fibre forks, I can pick it up with my little finger. All road users, you have been warned, here comes Tour de Buckinghamshire with team Blasdale Tour in his yellow jersey.
Caius alumni drinks party
On Saturday we went to the annual Caius alumni garden party. This is a thank you party for those who contribute to the Caius fund. This fund is to maintain the outstanding college, provide much needed funds to maintain the unrivalled standards of education, and to keep the university open to disadvantaged students. The party is open to those who maintain a minimum benefaction to the college.
In total Cambridge University has raised one billion pounds in recent fund raising. This was achieved two years ahead of target.
Back to the day, I met up with two other Caius alumni from my year, one was Chris who used to run the late night bar and organised the May Ball. I was able to tell him that Sonja Christina from Curved Air was still touring with a version of that band. Curved Air performed at the Caius May Ball in 1975. I think Chris had made some comment in the past about showing her up to her room in Tree Court, and short skirts. Rosemary and I had been to see Curved Air, The Strawbs, Focus and other bands in Aylesbury last year. I spoke with Sonja (from Curved Air) after the Aylesbury gig, but alas she did not remember playing Caius college. I see they are playing at the Croissant Neuf stage in The Green Fields, Glastonbury.
We also met up with Richard and Andrea, friends we meet with regularly now. I was asked to remove my shoes from her blanket while we were watching the Bumps! Somehow I always disgrace myself with my shoes in front of Andrea.
Food at the garden party was as usual very good, and masses of it. The sun shone as well, a wonderful event in the historic courtyards of Caius College.
Next we went down to the river, and watched the final day of the May Bumps. Caius 1st were second behind 1st & 3rd Trinity. The final day was a row over, despite the promise from the Master that we would bump Trinity at Caius Meadows. Oh well, there is next year.
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Stephen
I am so happy to be alive.
Yes, today the delivery man arrived at 8.30 with our Glastonbury tickets. Yes its official the Blasdales are off to Glastonbury. I am so so excited, while Rosemary is treating this with trepidation.
Wotton Underwood open day and Tony Blair’s pad

The country residence of Tony Blair, the Wotton fete on his back door.

Tony Blair's spy camera, monitoring who enters by the back gate.
Visited Wotton Underwood for their open day. Looked around a few of the gardens, participated in teas and cakes and purchased a few items at the book/bric-a-bracstall. Alas this year the
trains were not running.
We had a tour around Wotton House, guided by the owner. This gave us excellent views into Tony Blair’s garden. Alas all we saw where two rather bored armed policemen enjoying the sunshine. Rosemary said she didn’t think much of them as garden ornaments. Tony Blair and Cherie Blair were not is residence at their country pad.
One minute silence
This is a test blog
Jen’s 60th birthday
Jen, an old school friend of Rosemary, was having a surprise birthday party. The party was on Sunday, and was taking place in Jen & husband Bev’s pub, The Cat Head Inn, Chiselborough, Somerset. Jen and Bev have been landlords for the last few weeks, and seem admirably suited to the task in hand.
Rosemary and I drove down and stayed with Sue (another school friend) and Ken on the Saturday night. Judy (from Manchester), the fourth member of the quartet of friends, joined us. Feasted in the pub across the road. One could hardly be any nearer.
Sunday was a late start, some walks around the estate, and then a drive over to The Cat Head Inn to surprise Jen. Success!