60th BIRTHDAY PARTY

Saturday was the 60th birthday of friend Claudine.

About 70 people went to the Salle de fete in Pleven for a meal and an evening of entertainment.

An excellent cold buffet and as much wine as you could

suffer was laid on. 

As you do for all single ladies of that age, and an audience that included several people in their 80's, a stripper was laid on to do the "Full Monty"

Then he came round and had his photo taken with the desperate women in the audience.

Claudine was well oiled by the end of the night to do her own party piece.

And to finish with, a very nice birthday cake of chocolate and caramel mosse.

TIME TO MOVE ON

After much thought we have decided to move on and head to Spain.

We have put a deposit on A Cave House...below.

They are spacious inside and great value.

All built into a mountain side, they are warm and cosy.

We are confident we can learn Spanish as quick as we learnt French.

The bedroom clinched it!

VIDEO FROM ST NAZAIRE

At last I have something on You Tube.

3 videos from St Nazaire.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N_GFm77UoI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqfHBbrw_Ag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqfHBbrw_Ag

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.

http://www.britains-smallwars.com/RRGP/AMETHYST.htm

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.

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.

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?

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!