James, Amy and Madeline had arrived on Friday but as I got home late from Rotterdam I didn't see them. Got up early on Saturday and we all went into town in the morning. In the afternoon we started our exploration of Reading's revamped childrens play equipement with a trip to Coley Park. All good except the swings which have very short chains.I did a BbQ for tea. On Sunday I went to RSAC to do a bit of an audit of the sound equipment. In the afternoon we went to the Robert Hewitt playground which in the past has always been empty but now its been done up it was very busy. We went down the big slide. M cooked a roast chicken for tea. Watched a good film called WALL-E. On Monday morning me and Amy took Madeline to the new soft play area at Palmer Park where we did more sliding. Then we went to the nearby outdoor play area. Chilled out a bit in the afternoon and played with duplo. Amy cooked a tuna pasta bake. On Tuesday morning I was looking after Madeline by myself and went off early to the Robert Hewitt playground only to find it closed. Had to head for Coley Park instead and stopped off at the Dover Street playground on the way back. There were 3 Asian women using the gym area at Coley Park which surprised me. M and James took Madeline out in the afternoon so I took advantage and did a bit of guitar practice. On Wednesday I took Madeline to the Robert Hewitt playground and this time it was open.There was a playground inspector checking the equipment which included measuring the distance between the toadstools for some reason.Madeline managed to climb the stairs to the slide but I couldn't video it as my phone wouldn't unlock. I googled how to unlock but my phone wasn't set up correctly to do it and I didn't know my Samsung account password. I tried their chatbot and it suggested restarting my phone which you can do by pressing on/off and volume down for 10 to 15 seconds and that cleared it. I also got a response about my password issue query so pretty good customer support by Samsung I reckon and I now have my phone setup so I can unlock it. JAM went to visit Josh, Vicki and Isla in the afternoon so an opportunity for more guitar practice. M spent most of the day at BRO. On Thursday morning I took Madeline to the Courage Park where there is a good slide. We popped in at Robert Hewitt on the way back. She's getting good at climbing. Had a band practice in the afternoon. Went well. James and Amy went to The Biscuit Factory via Blue Collar. So M was looking after Madeline and put her to bed. She also cooked a fine beef casserole. A good time was had by all. On Friday me and M walked to RISC with Madeline and bought a few bits and pieces for her then walked back via Coley Park. JAM went to the Last Crumb late afternoon to meet up with the Caversham gang. I went to RSAC where I was doing sound with Graham. It was one of Sid Siddle's Club Velocity gigs and excellent as usual. Only 2 artists as opposed to the normal 3 but both really good. First up was Darcey Hope. A singer song writer with a guitar. Great voice, a bit like Joni Michell and really good songs. The headliners, Sean McGowan and his band, were very different. Like Billy Bragg with a really good punk band backing him. All really friendly, helpful people too. I also learnt a few things. They wanted their guitars, bass and drums (just the kick) miced up. Mainly so they could get everything in the monitors. I'd always thought this to be a real pain but it was actually quite good on the desk as I had more control. On Saturday morning JAM went to the Robert Hewitt park and Madeline had crackers and cheese when she got back.
They then caught a train to Bristol for Andy and Em's wedding. Meanwhile I drove to The Chequers in Berrick Salome for a Cracking Up gig. We were playing at
Rokefest.
They had a professional sound man there so all the instruments were miced up and coming through the monitors. The first time we've had that. Only one monitor channel though. We did get a sound check as we got there early and the first act was just a singer with backing tracks on a laptop. Me and Mike both found it difficult to here our guitars. I kept asking for more of mine in the monitors. We did OK though. Had to get off really quickly so the next band could get on. Seemed like a nice event, it was for charity. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I then drove to Bristol to meet the Ounsley clan in a restaurant. Managed to park right outside. After the meal I drove M and Tom and Sally to a pub where a lot of the Kelly clan were watching Luton vs Coventry in the Championship playoff final. I dropped stuff off at the hotel and got to the pub just after the Hatters had won on penalties so everyone was in high spirits. Unfortunately Reading Women were relegated that afternoon as well. Sunday was the wedding at an amazing deconsecrated church called The Mount Without.
After the ceremony we were led by a
brass band to a nearby park for drinks and games. Unfortunately the Kellys lost to the Smiths at tug of war.
We then went back the venue which had been laid out for the reception.
The food was excellent provided by a local Italian restaurant. Andy had proposed using a ring made of tin foil so to mark the occasion they provided some for us to decorate ourselves.
Afterwards there was dancing in the crypt.
A great do. Got up early on Monday and was back home just after 9 30. Tom and Sally popped in on their way back so we chilled out in the garden and then had pizzas cooked by Tom with little help from me. Great way to round things off. Unfortunately we heard from Jeannie that Andy is seriously ill in hospital with
Guillain-Barré syndrome. He"s in intensive care and is sedated. Bad news indeed. JAM left about 8am on Tuesday so spent the day putting the house back to normal.
.JPG)
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