A FRIEND DEPARTED.

I use this blog for our life in France as a rule,

but I have to make an exception.

When still in the Navy, I was serving on the

committee at Dean Court Supporters Club,

and after an upheaval, became Chairman.

It was tough times for the club, being totally broke, and

nobody was being paid.

When on leave, I used to help around the club, and

Mick Cunningham worked in an office above us.

He did all the press work, as well as produce the

matchday magazine.

I would get in around 9am for brewery deliveries, and

Mick would already be at work, sorting through details for his 

next magazine.

We would spend the first hour or so talking

all things AFCB.

I think he had every press cutting going back to

the year dot.

Mick also produced the fanzine "Not the 8502" to which,

I contributed often.

Then somehow, Mick organised a group of

beer swilling football fans to play the odd

football game against opposition supporters.

One game was on Hackney Marshes against Orient fans.

The pitch was so far from the changing room that a taxi would have been in order to get the game going.

I slipped on a dog turd, then on returning to the changing room,

found there was no water.

I turned up at the main event that afternoon smelling awful.

There are many stories I can tell  about Mick and our

laughs and times together.

Sadly he was sacked as the programme editor by

Eddie Mitchell in 2013.

Disgusting treatment for a loyal servant.

He had a brain hemorrage whilst taking photos

at the Stoke V AFCB game, and died Sunday around 8am.

Just 55 years old. And a military man in the RAF, whom

he served 16 years.

God bless Mick, a true friend and gent.

LUNCHEON

Glorious autumnal sunshine, and post eclipse

we went to the village resto.

Still brilliant value at 14.50 euros

for 3 courses, and of course a 

bottle of wine on top.

ECLIPSE NIGHT

Went to bed quite early Sunday night, and set the

alarm to watch the lunar eclipse.

It started around 2-15 am and went on through till nearly

6 in the morning.

It happened right in front of our front garden.

A beautiful clear night for once when these

things happen.

Am not claiming these photos are mine,

as Marie took them.

A spectacular night, not to be seen

again till 2033.

RUNNY HONEY

Around 6kg of good runny honey has come out of our 

one beehive his summer.

Last year we left it a bit late and we had solid honey because

of the raspberry canes in the garden,

A big thank you to Alan, Jane, Bill, & Sharon for their help and advice in getting us sorted. 

VIRGIN VISITORS

Great to have a first visit from Kenny and Jaqi.

The weather held for a weekend of fun in Dinan, St cast, and 

of course in the village and home.

Kenny being an ex Navy Chef, and life long Rangers fan,

found the appropriate drink to listen to the

football with.

The French equal to Mad Dog 20/20.

Saturday night was spent in the village bar.

Great photo this.

A good end to the summer season.

FROM THE WEEK BEFORE

A few more photos from the port of Dinan, with

the Lancaster's and Vanessa.

Stopped down for a bit of lunch, and was 

entertained by a jazz band going up and

down the river.

DINAN FOR THE RNA

Tuesday 8th Sept, 14 members went to The St Louis 

in Dinan for lunch.

Was a really decent venue with great food,

so will be back on our own soon.

VISITORS WEEKEND 2

For the UK bank holiday weekend The Lancaster's came over

(Richard, Jane & Sam) along with Vanessa.

Vanessa and Jane I knew from HMS Osprey, and then

along with Richard, we were all on HMS Invincible together

in 1991/2.

Took a trip up to Fort La Latte for a good

look round on a decent morning, then on to

Frehel for lunch on the beach.

ha 

Had another day in Dinan down by the port but as

usual forgot to take photos.

Evenings were spent outside in the marquee

playing board games and having a laugh.

Although Jane was obviously tired.