All posts by Tim Lenton

Rain all the way

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Oliver, Amy and David at Caddington with a selection of Christmas presents

The journey to Coventry and back on Sunday went very smoothly – not much on the road, and a temporary  let-up from the rain. Arrived back in Norwich shortly before David arrived from Caddington. Christmas Eve saw the traditional visit to Waitrose to pick up the turkey (and a few other things), following which we dropped in on Heather and Simon with their presents. Weather damp and unprepossessing, and it continued that way as Dot and I made our way to church for midnight communion, leaving Andrew asleep and David in bed.

Phil, Dot and I had a brief rehearsal in the hall for our playing of Silent Night, for which we had taken a revolutionary approach and learned to play it without written music. The old church was pretty full for the service (over 100, I’m told), and we also had a small choir, which was excellent. I did one of the readings, as Howard was ill. Afterwards I had to take down and put up notices on the gates, then lock the gates for Boxing Day (legal requirement). It was very wet, and this took some time, with Carrie S waiting to take the keys away so that she could open up on Boxing Day morning.

Christmas Day dawned – well, wet again, and the food was delicious. I was also spoilt by the number and quality of presents, in addition to my new iPhone4, which I had bought off David who, together with my wife, now has iPhone5. All very gadget-orientated, and even more so the following day, when we travelled to Caddington to meet the grandchildren, who were delivered by Vicky and Julia. There the children opened their presents, and we had a late supper, after which I travelled north to deliver Andrew back to The Langleys. Again, the weather wasn’t too bad, but there was a lot of traffic on the M1. Happily, however, no hold-ups, and I was back by 9.45pm.

We all stayed the night in Caddington, and returned to Norwich the next morning, when, amazingly, it was wet. Even wetter, in fact: heavy rain all the way, with very low cloud, only relenting marginally when we reached Norwich. Dot and I were the advance guard, and I was quickly down to Budgens, and then Tescos, to procure various items, including a trifle for Amy or, as it transpired, David. Played a lot of games after lunch, and after tea too.

Today it has been slightly less wet. David went shopping for children’s clothes, and Dot and Amy went to Morrisons and Hobbycraft, whence Oliver and I had to meet them because they had accumulated so much stuff. This afternoon it was Coppit (oh yes it was), and now we are about to tackle what looks like a very appetising toad in the hole. Amy has also put together a new year Victoria sponge, with a little help from Dot.

The end of Battlestar Galactica

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About to leave for Coventry to pick up Andrew, who is joining us for Christmas. After a very wet day yesterday, it’s dry here at the moment, and the forecast for this part of the country is OK (unlike the south-west, where there is flooding). The car should be OK, too as we had a new headlight leveller fitted on Thursday (another very wet day). I waited for the work to be done and managed to write a piece for my website in the garage waiting area, which was useful.

On Friday Julia Higbee popped round in the morning, and I went into the city in the afternoon to finish off my Christmas shopping. Started by dropping off cards to Jude and Maggie Bird, so it was a bit of a circuitous route. But all went well. Yesterday Dot spent most of the day cooking meals for Christmas week and I spent much of it feeling sorry for myself, as I had some problem with my intestines, but I think that’s improving. More uncomfortable than anything. Jonathan called in during the afternoon.

We ended up on the sofa watching the end of Battlestar Galactica. Yes, we finally made it. Not a bad ending, though I have to admit I had got a bit fed up with many of the characters. A bit too much introspection, perhaps. However, it was all very clever and resolved a lot of things which seemed irresolvable. I think it was impossible to resolve everything.

Knee-deep in the season’s activities

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David and Bridget Archer – providers of fish and chips

I think Christmas is here. At least, we seem knee-deep in all the activities associated with the Christmas season, and a few others too. Not much time to stop and think since my last post.

On Friday we had the traditional Archant pensioners’ Christmas lunch in the traditional hotel, with the traditional rain outside. Quite a pleasant meal: sat with Su, Brian and Julie Bedson, and we were joined by new EDP/EN editor Nigel Pickover, who was his usual expansive self. I have to admit that I quite like him. I said this to Su, and she retorted that I liked everyone, which is not true but a nice thing to say (I think). I was served tea by my first cousin once removed – Lewis (Kitsune Le’) Lenton, who is Mark’s son, an artist and a bit out there. Still, he was tuned in enough to introduce himself, which was nice.

In the evening of the same day we went to a drinks and nibbles evening at the vicar’s. I spent much of the time talking to Melissa Snell: we are very much on the same wavelength, except that she is in love with Bolivia. Also spoke to her husband Simon and to Margaret Comerford. Quite an odd evening, because there were many people there who I didn’t speak to at all. Dot struck up a conversation with a teacher who may have persuaded her to join a music group where she will be able to play her violin.

On Saturday Dot and I went to see Norwich beat Wigan 2-1. Go0d match, which we deserved to win. Our recent record is now second only to Barcelona in the top five European leagues, and we’re eighth in the Premiership. Ran into Peter Franzen (former EDP editor) for the second day running, which is a bit excessive. Weather was not too bad, but I wore lots of clothes, just in case.

Sunday saw the usual Christmas event at St Augustine’s, designed and organised by myself. We were pretending in a rather halfhearted way to be a radio programme, and there was some appropriate dialogue as well as carols, readings and poems. Everyone was very appreciative, which is the nice thing about St Augustine’s. It was followed by our Christmas meal: most people contributed, and it was very good.

Sue and Roger Eagle came round for lunch on Monday: they are really good company, and we have much in common. Had far too much to eat and have been feeling overfull ever since. As a result decided not to go to the Christmas chess event; flaked out and watched a bit of Battlestar Galactica instead.

It was all go yesterday, and fortunately the weather was fine. We started by picking up Dot’s glasses from Little Plumstead school (her gloves are at Barnham Broom, or possibly Diocesan House by now) and then drove to North Walsham for tea and sausage rolls with Jessie. We then proceeded to Sainsbury’s and bought flowers for the cemetery, from where we moved on to Sheila’s. She seemed pretty well, though a little vague on some matters. More sausage rolls, and a mince pie too. From there we went to Rosie’s, where we had ginger wine. Rosie is in quite a bit of pain with her back but is as determined as ever to carry on doing what she always has: in this instance making 175 wreaths for customers and friends.

In the evening, and far from traditionally, we had Tuesday Group fish and chips, supplied by the Archers but eaten at ours. The usual suspects tucked in enthusiastically. Added excitement was provided by Ian, who had locked himself out and spent much of the evening trying to contact his sister, who has a key. Eventually the Archers gave him a lift to Cringleford, where said sister lives, and deposited him there. It was unclear whether he was staying or whether his brother-in-law was going to be able to (a) find the key and (b) take him home.

Today has been fairly mild. We had our hair cut, and Dot left for Barbara’s. I then almost forgot to pick up Philip to take him for his benefits assessment, but Joy rang and reminded me. This took two trips, because as usual they kept him waiting a long time. In between I posted  a package and sorted out the church cheques for paying in. After picking Phil and Joy up and taking them home (dropping in at Surrey Chapel to leave some cards) I returned home and left immediately for the city, where I paid in those cheques and took a Christmas parcel to Dipples, receiving one in return! Quite chilly by the time I got home. Dot has just rung to say she is on her way back.

In need of an expensive leveller

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Flashback to autumn: Julia, Dot and Dave at the Gunton Arms after a warming lunch.

For some reason we seem to be ahead of ourselves in the run-up to Christmas. Most of the cards and presents are ready, if not dispatched. And this despite my illness earlier, and Dot’s being indisposed on Tuesday this week, when she had a sore throat and stayed in bed instead of going to Barbara’s. This gave her a chance to become familiar with her new iPhone5, and she started asking Siri (her electronic friend) philosophical questions. Ah, well.

On Sunday I led the service and Liz preached – rather well, it has to be said. She spoke about righteousness meaning primarily right relationships. On Monday I played my first game of serious chess for some time, standing in as a guest on Board 4 for the A team in the Williamson Cup against Norfolk & Norwich A, the strongest team ion the league. Amazingly I won against a player graded 177, and the team won too, 3½-½.

For all you chess fanatics, here is the game:

White, Tim Lenton; Black, Gabriel Barr.

1 g3 f5 2 c4 d6 3 d4 Nf6 4 Nc3 g6 5 Bg2 Bg7 6 Nf3 0-0 7 0-0 Qe8 8 Re1 Na6 9 a3 (probably not necessary) c5 10 d5 h6 11 Qc2 e5 12 dxe Bxe6 13 Nd2 (Bf4 is probably better) Qf7 14 e4 (looking to strongpoint e4) Nc7 15 exf (planning two self-pins on the strongpoint square) Bxf5 16 Nce4 Rae8 (afterwards Gabriel suggested Ng4 for Black here, with an intended sacrifice on f2; White may be able to play Nf3) 17 Nxf6+ Qxf6 18 Ne4 Qd4 19 Bf4 Qxb2 20 Qxb2 Bxb2 21 Rab1 Bxa3 22 Rxb7 Ne6 23 Nxd6 (Bxh6 is also strong) Nxf4 24 Nxe8 Nxg2 25 Ree7 Bb2 26 Rxb2 Bd7 27 Rxd7 Rxe8 28 Kxg2 1-0.

On Tuesday I kept an eye on Dot and then took Ian, Harriet and Judy to Vicky’s for Tuesday Group. Quite a carful, but fortunately the suspension held up. Yesterday Dot was better and resumed her perambulations around Norfolk schools, while I went into the city to pay in some cash, as well as posting some cards. Today, with the weather still crisp and sunny, we travelled to Mundesley, where we had tea and coffee in the Royal Hotel’s new cafe, combined with an open meeting of the Paston Heritage Society. Not as many present as expected, but all went well. Peter Sissons was there, plus Maria Vincent and Patricia, our new trustee. And, of course, Penny, Rob and Lucy.

Afterwards Dot and I called in at the garage and discovered that, as expected, we need a new automatic headlight leveller, which will set us back in the region of £500.  Onwards to pick up pills from the chemist and post parcels at the sorting office. Then some printing of booklets for Sunday’s service while Dot went out to get a couple of small things for Menita’s children, and to buy some petrol. Oh yes, however advanced you are, it’s still all go.

Rare ventures into the wintry world

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At last I’m feeling better: it was the longest-lasting stomach problem I can remember having, but it seems to be past. And to add lustre to this damp, cold and windy morning, my blood test results are normal, whatever that means. Well, it means that my PSA level is still negligible (0.1) and whatever caused my recent ailment wasn’t in my system a couple of days before, or couldn’t be detected by a blood test. Isn’t medicine fascinating?

Meanwhile, Dot seems to have got nearly all the Christmas presents, making a sweep through various outlets. I went into the city a couple of days ago and paid in church money, then bought a couple of presents, and some Christmas cards from the Norwich Christian Resource Centre. On the way up London street I bumped into Stephanie, who I hadn’t seen for a long time. So that was all good.

On another of my rare ventures into the wintry outside world I visited the supermarket with Dot. I want that noted. Inside, I’ve written a new article for my website and ordered a couple of Christmas things, as well as organising what Nicholas calls the Christmas play. It isn’t, of course.

Feeling rotten, lingering on

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I can’t say I’m at my brightest. After my Paston / Dragon Hall meeting with Natasha Harlow on Thursday morning, the slightly queasy feeling I had during the morning accelerated considerably. I had a lie-down in the afternoon, got up for a haircut at around 6.30pm, had a bath and was then violently sick. This happens to me so rarely that I can’t remember the last time. Obviously I felt better immediately and thought that would be about it. But no. The sickness was followed by diarrhoea, and I felt rotten again, retiring to bed.

In the distant past, when I’ve had anything like this, it’s been over within a few hours, or a day at the most, but this has lingered on. I haven’t been sick again, but the other thing has been reluctant to leave me, and only now does it show signs of improving. However, I still feel very rough and at times wouldn’t be surprised if I were sick again. Had to cancel rehearsal yesterday for gig tonight, and have now of course cancelled gig. No church this morning, either.

No idea what the culprit is. Food poisoning? If so, what? Mushrooms and sauce heated up? Lousy milky tea from cafe? Or is it connected with my cleaning of kitchen sink pipes the previous day? Or is it some winter vomiting virus? Or is it, as they say, the symptom of a deeper illness? I should get my blood test results tomorrow, but the blood may have been taken a day or two too soon.

Enthusiastic and full of ideas

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Poor quality picture of top quality girl: Amy in tea cosy and glasses

A couple of visits to the surgery in the last couple of days: the first to see Dr Hampsheir to test my blood pressure, which was up a bit but not too much; the second for an all-purpose blood test. Awaiting results with unbated breath, in a similar way to my awaiting  a dry day – knowing that such things exist but are unlikely to happen any time soon.

Yesterday it teemed down while Rob picked me up and transported me (with Lucy) to the Norfolk Record Office for a meeting with Dr Alban about our planned Paston exhibition there at the end of next year. That went very well, with all parties enthusiastic and full of ideas (no, it doesn’t sound like me, does it?) Tomorrow I am meeting Natasha Harlow to discuss Dragon Hall.

Still raining today (despite misleading patches of blue sky) when I took Dot up to purchase her iPhone 5. This took well over two hours, partly because the guy serving us did not know an awful lot about switching from one phone contract to another, then because we couldn’t open Dot’s old phone to get the old sim card out and find out what the model was, then because Dot couldn’t remember her Apple password …. well, you get the picture. The whole process involved most of the people in the Apple shop at some time or another, but we did eventually emerge into the early evening, where it was – yes, you guessed. It was raining. We picked up a bus outside Debenhams.

This gave Dot a relatively short time before she had to go out again to a governors’ meeting at Little Plumstead. If I were to say she was calm and relaxed, I would be lying. She does seem to have been very busy again this week. But at least she has an iPhone5, and before she went out I managed to switch on her contacts.

Alongside poetic greats

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Julia wonders if she has bought enough drink for the evening.

The gas man eventually cameth at 1.20pm last Wednesday (claiming he thought it was an afternoon appointment) and quickly sorted out the radiators: one had a sticking valve and the other had accidentally been turned off – the movement to do this was a quarter turn, surprisingly. He also allayed my fears about the system staying on because of a pump valve sticking while we were away. Apparently there are loads of failsafes on the system, and the boiler would eventually turn itself off. So that’s all good.

When he departed Dave and I finished our lunch and went to Stranger’s Hall museum, which proved surprisingly interesting: it has a warren of rooms representing different historical periods. Afterwards we continued through the rain to M&S, where we met Dot and Julia, and I resisted buying a jumper. After a pause for afternoon tea we returned home by way of a couple more shops, and ate in.

Thursday was Dot’s 67th birthday, and the weather was much nicer. We took a bus up to the Sainsbury Centre and after coffee in the cafe there (seated at the next table to Charles Clarke) we looked at the main exhibition and then at portraits by John Hedgecoe, which included one of my friend Lisa D’Onofrio, alongside other poetic greats such as Paul Larkin, Ted Hughes and John Betjeman.

Afterwards we walked along the river part of the way to Cringleford, but had to abandon halfway because of the mud. We diverted on to Bluebell Road, had refreshment in Waitrose cafe and helped Dave and Julia buy 12 bottles of Beaujolais nouveau, which I believe is a kind of wine. We then caught the bus home, changing at St Stephen’s. No sooner home than we were out again,up to the craft fair at the Forum, where it was cold, especially outside. Dot bought a ring, and we returned home in time to prepare for our evening meal at Prezzo’s, for which the Robinsons joined us. It proved to be their last evening as non-grandparents.

Yes, Charlie Theodore Smith, son of Sophie, was born at 2.20am, narrowly missing Dot’s birthday and weighing in at over 9lb, which is a bit excessive. On the same day Dot left at 8.30am for Thetford, where she was doing a day’s SIAS training, and the Evetts headed north at 9.45am for Scarborough. It was all go again. For them.

Dot returned just after 4pm, and by 5pm we were heading down the A11 for Caddington, where we were due to spend the night before lunching with much of the Coomes family near Bishop’s Stortford and proceeeding to David and Kristine’s for the rest of the weekend. This was partially scuppered by illness striking DC and Lydia, and we ended up spending Saturday with David, Oliver and Amy, which was very nice. Took Amy swimming in the morning, then on to Sainsbury’s, where we bought food under Amy’s guidance and then washed the car at Amy’s request. David and Oliver returned from Finchley, where Oliver’s school football team had won 6-2 in pouring rain.

Stayed in during the afternoon and played games after watching F1 qualifying, then David made a second excellent evening meal (toad in the hole; the first was salmon) and after the children had had a bath and gone to bed, we drove home, arriving about 10.30pm. It was still raining hard. Dot had been given her presents the previous day – a scarf, some soap, a necklace and a bracelet.

So that mean we were at church for Heather’s visit: she spoke on the disappointing vote which fell short of approving women bishops and got quite emotional, but it was a good sermon. I prefer to think of the vote as overwhelmingly in favour, but not overwhelmingly enough. But then I’m not a woman. Some of you may have spotted that. Ruth played violin with us, which was a refreshing change.

Embarrassing moment in Loch Fyne

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River Bure near Horning, at about 3.10pm on a late November afternoon.

Managed to fit in a load of supermarket shopping and a visit to three banks before Dave and Julia arrived at 1.30pm on Monday. After lunch we went for a walk round the lesser known parts of the city, taking in Rouen Road, Ber Street, Hall Road, Southwell Road, Trafford Road and Brian Avenue. Obviously there is a good reason why these are lesser known, but we didn’t let that put us off. Dot saw Charlotte and Sophie through a window at 81 Trafford Road and shamelessly accosted them. Sophie is on the brink of motherhood but not quite there.

On the way back we called in at John Lewis and that shop on the hill that sells quality furniture upstairs and coffee downstairs. Some very nice stuff, but you can’t keep buying furniture. It was raining pretty solidly by the time we got home, and there was a lot more of it yesterday, when we had hoped to do a walk near Oxnead. In the event we started at Wroxham Barns for coffee, went on to Oxnead Church, then took a brief walk down to the river with our umbrellas up. Didn’t do the bit behind Oxnead Hall because of mud.

Continued by car to the Gunton Arms, where we had lunch (Lincolnshire Poacher sandwich for me, bagel for Dot and rarebit for the Evetts). Really enjoyable, and the setting of course is excellent. On again to Alby Crafts, where I bought a few small things (I had been tempted by a coat at Wroxham, but resisted it). By this time it was getting dark and we drove home. Later we walked up to Loch Fyne, where I tried to use an out-of-date Gourmet card (via iPhone app), which was rather embarrassing. It seems they haven’t renewed my subscription: I can’t find anything taken off my credit card.

Very tired last night. Still tired this morning, partly because I had to get up at 7.30pm in case the gas man came at 8am. Of course he didn’t. It’s now 11.12am, and I’ve heard nothing. Meanwhile another radiator seems to have bitten the dust, this time in the kitchen. Dot and Julia are out shopping (aaargh), and Dave has gone to the station to get a Motor Sport magazine.

Gradually fading light

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On Thursday we voted for a police commissioner, and he got in. Not many people can say that. In more exciting news, two of the radiators in the house are cold, and the Evetts are due tomorrow. In addition, the heating failed to turn off last night when it was supposed to, so when the gas engineer eventually turns up (Wednesday is the latest offer) we will have a few questions to ask him. Hope he can answer them.

Meanwhile on Friday we went with the Robinsons to the world-famous Poringland cinema experience and saw The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which much to my surprise was both brilliant and inspiring, despite being set in India, which is probably the country I least want to visit.

On Saturday, while Dot got rather over-excited watching Norwich City beat Manchester United 1-0, I attended a birthday celebration for Bridget, who was 52. This took place on the Southern Comfort, which started at Horning, set off down the Bure and visited Ranworth Broad in gradually fading light. Atmospheric: really enjoyed it, especially as the forecast had been for constant rain.

Amy Myers in party mood

Spent quite a lot of time talking to Amy Myers (5), who has developed a lot and is fun. She had  a small admirer called Emily (2).

I drove Howard to Horning (and back). Anna, like Dot, had intended to come but had mistimed her return from Derbyshire. The cake was good, and I also had a chat with Bridget’s mother, Joy, who I’ve known for a while. She writes short stories. By today Anna had a stomach upset, so didn’t make church. Dot did make church and seems to be pretty healthy, which is just as well in the circumstances.

Phil came round and lent me a booklet by Paul on the life of Mollie Wurr, who I knew way back in Surrey Chapel days.