Sunday, 31 March 2013

VIDEO FROM ST NAZAIRE


At last I have something on You Tube.

3 videos from St Nazaire.



BACK TO ST NAZAIRE



Wednesday and Thursday I went with Bill down to St Nazaire for the 71st anniversary of Operation Chariot.


Around 50 turned up for the simple ceremony at Escoublac British War Cemetery



Thursday was a parade at the HMS Campbeltown memorial on the sea front at St Nazaire 


Myself with branch standard bearer Ray Yeowell.
Ray was on HMS Amythyst in 1949, a story that was told in the film "The Yangtze Incident"
The story is told quite well on this website.

No lasting damage to Ray from this incident, he just supports Crystal Palace for his sins!!!!!
.  


A fantastic turn out at an emotional ceremony. 


New branch Chairman Derek Powell (A submariner for his sins) lays the wreath.

Having spoken to the remaining vets of this heroic operation, this was once again a very worthwhile visit.

If any old shipmates want to come next year, just contact me and we can sort something out.

Thursday, 21 March 2013

DINNER PARTY




Wednesday night, and dinner at Chez Wignall.
Melon and Parma Ham.
Thai Fish cakes
Beef Bourguignon followed by Apple Pie.
Lots of wine.
Deep sleep
Wake up late
Hangover.

A great night.

Sunday, 17 March 2013

OLD NAVY PHOTOS

Thanks to my Mum for digging these out.
Below is my class at HMS Pembroke, Chatham on 8th October 1977. Royal Navy School of Cookery.
Me back left..


And this pic is me on my passing out day at the Cookery School on 15th December 1977.
Number 1 in the UK charts when this was taken was "Mull of Kintyre" by Wings.
How Old am I?



Wednesday, 13 March 2013

BUM CAKE



Saw this strange cake in the supermarket this morning.
It's actually two doughnuts filled with peach cream liqueur and jam on the outside.
Bizzare!  

DOGS IN SNOW


Just a few pictures of the dogs enjoying the snow this morning.

.




24 HOUR BLIZZARD



After the flood, Monday night bought 80 mph winds with continuous snow.
Sadly the front garden tree that the dogs like to chase eachother round did not survive.
It just split in half.
It's going to have to be chopped down and replaced.
It was also one of Arthurs favourite places to sleep.


HEAVY FLOODING



Sunday night the heavens opened.
By the next morning the ditches were full and the stream had burst its banks.
The water came right up to the garage, but luckily I had taken precautions and moved the booze stash to safer ground.


The scene down by the stream where we take the dogs.


After about 3 hours the water levels sorted themselves out.
Close thing.

Sunday, 10 March 2013

25,000




We are very nearly at 25,000 views for this blog.
Remarkable!
So to celebrate this momentous achievement we are offering an all expenses trip to Chez Gard, flights and accommodation included,  for a 5 course meal including wine.
All you have to do is log on and be our official 25,000th visitor and we will pay all your expenses to come and stay.

Rules.
1. Competition open to residents of St Potan only.
2. The webmasters decision is final.
3. If you don't like it, don't enter. 
4. Some products may contain nuts.
5. No French.

ADMIRAL GARD'S KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN


I am very well aware of the libel laws with big American companies, so I can't use Colonel Saunders for this posting.


The nearest KFC is 50 miles away in Rennes, so it was time to hold a dinner party a bit different from the normal curries, chinese, Sunday roast type of thing.


Loads of Fried chicken with chips, corn on the cob, coleslaw, wine, more wine, and another wine.
Bill, Sharon, John & Chrissy, plus Mikhail joined us on Saturday night for a bit of a non dieters feast.
A damn good flour and spice mix for the chicken made it a great evening.


Of course, being the chef sometimes takes it's toll, especially as I am creeping up to my 52nd birthday in 3 weeks.
Cards and gifts to..
Alan Gard 
La Saudrais
22550 St Potan.
No socks and pants please..or Brut!!


Wednesday, 6 March 2013

CURRY LUCH


I did a curry lunch for 40 at the Chaval Blanc in Plancoet, raising money for a hospice.
37 attended for Chicken Tikka Massala at 5 euros a head.


A bit of an ulterior motive for doing this function was to get in practice for the Royal Navy Association "Raj Day" which is happening for around 60 people in June.




DESERTED BEACH



Nothing like brushing the cobwebs away after a heavy night with a walk with the dogs at noon on a Sunday


The wind was howling with a touch of rain in the air.


Doesn't affect dogs tho.


St Jacut beach was empty.