tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116156022011-09-17T14:00:38.556+01:00Fruitless attempts at writing historical fiction and general historical witterings.Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.comBlogger4691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-44571922688522783312007-02-15T11:50:00.000Z2007-04-03T16:48:03.192+01:00

Rather than flicking between the blog and myspazz (as Martyn calls it), I'm transferring over to MySpace, which is at:http://www.myspace.com/alexbordessaand my blog will be at: http://blog.myspace.com/alexbordessaThanks for reading :-)AlexAlex_Bordessa @ yahoo.co.uk (remove the blank spaces around the @)

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-66750016746299923622007-02-15T10:02:00.000Z2007-02-15T12:06:08.992Z

Does it really matter if history lessons are history? Adam Hart-Davis, Wednesday February 14, 2007The GuardianGee, thanks Mr Hart-Davis :-( Apparently all that matters is that pupils learn English, Maths and Science. That's rather disappointing for a chap who's used the fruits of the labour of historians of all shades (including archaeologists) for his tv and radio programmes. Just because his

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-78996023619459343382007-02-14T14:37:00.000Z2007-02-14T14:48:25.766Z

Sue Ellen Welfonder on Write Here Write Now has three great tips for writing:1) Don’t be afraid to write bad copy – you can always fix it later2) Use specific detail. Animal says something. Dog is better. Collie paints a word picture3) Write as if there aren’t any criticsNot sure if they had Collie dogs as such back in the 5th or 6th century. My inner critic needs to be taken out and murdered in

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-14906830623204411212007-02-14T12:38:00.000Z2007-02-14T07:59:54.817Z

Write Here Write Now covers the nitty-gritty in Newletter 11. Jane Wenham-Jones gives this sage advice:Write what comes naturally to YOU. You must believe totally in the story you’re telling. If it doesn’t arouse you, why should it move your readers? Remember that your characters should be turned on in their heads as well as their nether regions – that’s where the sexual tension comes

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-59580033479162887262007-02-13T20:13:00.000Z2007-02-13T08:27:35.942Z

Isla Dewar has contributed a piece on atmosphere for Newsletter 10 of the Write Here programme:If you are writing about a long trudge though a downpour, remember how it felt to have rain slipping down the back of your neck and your jeans sticking to your legs, and that first hideous seep of chilled water work its way into your shoes. Remember how you knew that you may be walking now, but soon you

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-77833514050591557382007-02-12T20:03:00.000Z2007-02-12T20:51:00.953Z

Elizabeth Chadwick's Write Here post (Number Nine) over the weekend was excellent, as one would expect from such a talented Historical Novelist.One of the things I learnt quickly when taking up the writing again, but after accumulating a wealth of historical knowledge, was that the story should come first, not the history. Chadwick echoes this:Remember [though], that the story comes first -

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-61651122804796529222007-02-10T11:48:00.000Z2007-02-10T10:57:12.270Z

I like musicals. I don't know why, but when they're on the goggle-box, I'll nearly alway clear the decks and settle down to watch. Particular favourites are: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (love the songs and there's top of the range dancing), West Side Story (same again, but more edgy), and Kiss Me Kate (songs and dancing again). But in general, I like any musical, the whackier the better (

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-31423298210772812912007-02-09T10:29:00.000Z2007-02-09T10:59:13.859Z

Friday's Write Here post was written by Roger Sanderson. He writes medical romances for Mills & Boon. While emphasising that his ideas might not suit some, he makes a good point. Just setting off not knowing where you're going is a recipe for writer's block. He advocates starting with a plan. Write the blurb for your book, then write the synopsis. Having laid the foundations, then proceed to

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-76004415498043525732007-02-08T21:28:00.000Z2007-02-08T15:43:20.879Z

Quite by accident, whilst browsing on York Library's catalogue, I came across this blurb:Farewell Britannia : a family saga of Roman Britain by Simon YoungBrilliant young historian Simon Young has invented a multi-generational family, part Roman, part Celtic (invaders intermarrying with natives) to tell the dramatic story of 400 years of Roman rule in Britain. Vivid historical detail is balanced

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-64045496139550867292007-02-08T15:28:00.000Z2007-02-07T11:14:43.065Z

It's official: we have new neighbours. Late last week there were certain bangings going on, and early this week there were definitely signs of something afoot. Then yesterday we had a note through the door from the new owners telling us what was going on. Very nice of them to warn us, in fact, a great start. Judging from their names, one or both, may not be British; in fact they've been so

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-66932314882249354112007-02-07T10:39:00.000Z2007-02-07T10:47:20.331Z

When I was a young 'en I used to scribble my stories in school exercise books. The other day when I saw this sort of A6ish size school exercise books I had the urge to buy them and start scribbling. I sat on the urge, realising they wouldn't work with the way I write now. For one, I tend to type directly onto computer :-)But yesterday I succumbed to a pack of cheap A4 size exercise books. They

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-31893207655325546312007-02-06T13:44:00.000Z2007-02-06T13:59:19.742Z

After I sent on the three posts that Gabriele missed, lo and behold, Write Here Write Now decides it's having so much trouble with its emails that it's putting the posts on the Web. Tcha! Typical. Anyway, the previous posts, and the rest, will be here.Judging from what's said in today's post, I'm doing OK on the romance front - lots of conflict, saying (and doing) the wrong thing,

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-88371864491994073952007-02-05T17:54:00.000Z2007-02-05T17:58:15.399Z

... wasn't so helpful. It was a bit about men writing romance, particularly under pseudonyms. Hugh Rae (who writes as Jessica Stirling, amongst others) contributed a little about how he approaches writing romance.Tomorrow it's how to write a non-soppy romance. As one who stumbles just a tad over writing romantic scenes, I'll be happy for any advice :-)

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-54121635070505090492007-02-04T17:12:00.000Z2007-02-04T17:19:03.049Z

Blurb straight from the website:Apprenticeships in Fiction is a groundbreaking scheme that has already had a significant impact within the field of literary development. In the second year of the scheme, we are proud to be able to offer an expanded programme to five talented emerging novelists. Subsidised placements and one free bursary award are available to first-time writers of commercial or

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-49324554404248290852007-02-03T10:44:00.000Z2007-02-03T09:57:26.660Z

I've had a couple of posts from the Write Here programme which I signed up for in January. Today's post exhorts the writer to engage the reader. As a reader, I want to be grabbed by the writing from the outset. In the first place, I'm likely to have picked up the book because the subject matter interests me, but the writer has to be focused to keep hold of me.Today's author is Janice Galloway,

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-32340958318290224512007-02-02T15:29:00.000Z2007-02-02T15:47:40.332Z

The article is more or less done. In total, it only took about 4-5 hours tops. All that time I took creating other things to do.What a nitwit :-)And next on my avoidance list is to read and review two books by April. Fab. I wasn't really courting these books - they have been thrust upon me. The non-fiction book turned up long after I'd given up hope of it appearing, and the fiction book was

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-47945202525782239352007-02-01T16:14:00.000Z2007-02-01T16:38:22.408Z

Sometimes I get very annoyed with myself. I tend to avoid writing reports and articles till the last moment. It drives me nuts, but I keep doing it. Yesterday, I cried off again, deciding instead that I really needed to watch Scott of the Antarctic. Oh honestly! It's amazing how I find things I absolutely have to do before writing reports. But I only watched it because today I was going to

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-24252839067395810292007-01-31T21:28:00.000Z2007-01-31T21:51:00.464Z

I've had a read of the prologue and the first chapter of Usipi. I agree with Gabriele - it is overwritten. It's slow to start, and hasn't really picked up by the end of the chapter. I think the author has dutifully set his scene, but there's too much information being imparted at such an early stage. None of the characters appeal to me either, so I'm not drawn into the story. Obviously, I can see

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-72435919708931913822007-01-29T16:20:00.000Z2007-01-29T16:31:39.922Z

Picked this up on one of the noticeboards:Drafted into the Roman army and forced to campaign in northern Britannia against their will, German warriors of the Usipi tribe decide to mutiny. With an island full of angry Romans to the south of them and hostile Britons to the north they capture three warships and embark upon a daring voyage to their homeland and freedom. Their path will not be easy,

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-44498644058182069802007-01-29T09:51:00.000Z2007-01-29T10:02:23.965Z

It was Resident's First Weekend in York, so it was very busy in the Small Museum. Because the locals can get in free for two days, it was extremely lively on the Saturday (our buggy parking space was packed to the gunnels at one point), and still pretty busy on the Sunday. I was Duty Manager on Saturday, and found myself running around trying to find things for a lot of the time, as well as

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-50531875239809114172007-01-25T10:02:00.000Z2007-01-26T09:19:36.412Z

Susan, on her blog has listed her ten favourite endings to books. I contributed the last few lines from Rosemary Sutcliff's Sword at Sunset, but another one has come to mind:One flash of sweet memory as the darkness swoops. Hild's young face, walking into St Peter's in York, where I set her free for baptism. Joy shining in her eyes.I have done this, if nothing else. I gave Hild to Christ, and all

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-11416181662110752502007-01-25T08:14:00.000Z2007-01-25T08:12:57.765Z

When I had a character called Ida in one of the scribblings sent in for the writing course I went on ages ago, the comment came back:Is this character a homosexual, because his name infers itOh please :-) So immersed am I in the zone of strange Anglo-Saxon monikers, it never occured to me. Ever since then, I've been on the look out for these oddities. There are a lot of male AS names that end in

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-69813256915930760212007-01-24T15:01:00.000Z2007-01-24T16:16:22.000Z

I've just listened to The Bringer of Peace a radio play on BBC Radio 4. It was about Gustav Holst, who is known really only for his Planets Suite. This is a shame, as there are other, really good pieces by him. Unfortunately, they are ruddy difficult to get hold of. Despite his name (he called himself von Holst, for much of the time, but more of that later) I think he's very much a British

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-28623483508189663352007-01-24T11:20:00.000Z2007-01-24T11:34:23.816Z

Had a flurry of snow yesterday, and it didn't really settle. A bit more today, and then it rained. So no settling snow. Just as well. For Batman on site yesterday it was 'permafrost' - the soil iced up overnight and then didn't defrost at all during the day. It doesn't help that his trench is in the shadow of a large building, so does not get the sun. Consequently, the soil can't be dug properly

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-29286408240145688342007-01-22T12:02:00.000Z2007-01-22T12:22:23.367Z

Phew :-) I managed to survive my first duty manager session at the Small Museum. Had all the right keys, got into the right places, found the till and float, got past the stroppy till (it didn't want to work, but I pressed the 'Clear' button which sorted its head out), and had a very quiet day. There was some faffing about with lights, but an off-duty staff member kindly dropped in and that was

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-78436069463679445712007-01-19T09:45:00.000Z2007-01-19T09:59:41.237Z

Yes, I know NaNoWriMo is in November, but there's nothing like thinking ahead :-) I'm seriously thinking about doing it, so I have something writerly to aim for. I'd have to clear the decks of anything archaeological. Anything with any sort of deadline would have to be done before then so my brain doesn't have an excuse to get majorly distracted. Should be doable ... But then there's the

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-42185999649619801832007-01-18T19:48:00.001Z2007-01-18T19:57:50.020Z

Since a couple of blog-friends have gone onto Myspace, I thought I'd try it out. The results are here:http://www.myspace.com/alexbordessaI think you can't see all of it unless you're invited to become a friend, or request to be one. What I liked about it is that you can choose to have a music track on it. There's plenty of choice, and I went for Split Enzs' Six months in a leaky boat, though I

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-45920099160129678122007-01-17T16:57:00.000Z2007-01-17T17:36:37.420Z

This is only to re-assure Martyn that he missed nothing by not moving here (unless of course he has moved here, and I'm about to refer to him by accident ...) One of the members of The School of Stupid Parking may well be the newbies on the block, in which case perhaps they have an excuse. A couple of doors down from us the house was sold, around September. However, the new occupants are a

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-27810751283888326592007-01-15T17:37:00.000Z2007-01-16T14:34:28.745Z

I recently caught the latter end of a discussion on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 about Mel Gibson’s new film Apocalypto. It was archaeologist Mark Horton versus film critic Cosmo Landesman:'The film,' Mark Horton said,‘was a farrago of half truths and colonialist misconceptions as well as confusing aspects of Mayan and Inca culture and being anachronistic by some 400 years'‘So what. It’s

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-70930638693745682152007-01-15T13:47:00.000Z2007-01-15T14:47:43.165Z

If you've got a whole book sitting around unpublished, why not try entering Bookforce's Undiscovered Authors competition? I say a whole book, as the closing date's 31st January 2007. So get that synopsis written and send it all off ASAP (after checking the entry requirements carefully first, of course).Well known author (at least in the Arthurian novel field) Helen Hollick is now with

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-44759066423406019792007-01-14T12:03:00.000Z2007-01-14T12:18:06.315Z

In yesterday's My Mentors column (Guardian, 13th January) Lindsey Davis wrote about the people who helped her to get published. Firstly her boss in the civil service knocked her English into shape. Then a judge of a writing competition wasn't able to give her the first prize, but took an interest. The judge also advised Davis not to give up the day job, but it was too late by that point. The

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-32867462755714560242007-01-12T12:05:00.000Z2007-01-12T12:21:12.360Z

Just seen this mentioned on the the HNS discussion list:How about spending the most boring month in the year, February, doing something crazy and creative?In February 2007, you could be writing the novel of your dreams with Write Here Right Now, Radio Scotland's 'write a novel in a month' project.Last year 1000 writers all around the world signed up to take part.This year we're bracing ourselves

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-64330356543142215642007-01-08T17:04:00.000Z2007-01-08T17:16:05.707Z

An old gentleman made me smile today. I had zoomed into the local supermarket and picked up some bananas. I half noticed a chap then going to root in the banana display himself. Just as I paid for the fruit, the old chap said to me: 'Thank you for choosing the bananas. I haven't had any for a long time' He then brandished the bananas in his hand. Somehow, I'd reminded him he liked bananas, and

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-86323800429244951952007-01-01T16:48:00.001Z2007-01-01T16:48:49.710Z

Olga has listed her favourite things of 2006, which is a good, upbeat, way of looking at things. I could have a long list of what I didn't like, on both a personal and more outward view (I think it's been a particularly bad year), but I'm not going there.My favourite things of 20061) Living with Batman. I've been with him for 27 years, so I guess another one wasn't too hard to bear ;-) 2)

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-40403252029851470862006-12-31T16:55:00.000Z2006-12-31T17:39:13.405Z

I'm getting the chance to listen to some of my favourite music at present. Currently on is The Essential Philip Glass. I only like certain tracks on this one, but the tracks I favour I really, really like. Coming up is his Hymn to the Sun and Window of Appearances, both from the opera Akhnaten. These pieces are certifiably bonkers (particularly Window) and I suspect either you get totally caught

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-74022484843032107542006-12-30T17:54:00.000Z2006-12-30T17:54:02.098Z

I don't check out Miss Snark as often as I should, so it was good that Gabriele mentioned that Miss Snark was doing her Crapometer again. This is alway instructive, and Miss Snark is focusing on the hook this time round. Reading the entrants, time and again I saw authors fail to say what the novel was about. Now listing what happens is one thing, but I think Miss Snark is looking for the the

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-51537866469783137792006-12-30T12:57:00.000Z2006-12-30T13:31:32.554Z

I've got a couple of polar fiction books on my list to track down:Mrs Chippy's Last Expedition by Caroline Alexander. This is about the cat on Shackleton's Endurance trip. It will come to a bad end, that's for sure. Oh, and Mrs Chippy was actually a tomcat ...The Birthday Boys by Beryl Bainbridge. Centres on the men in Scott's final polar party. Should be interesting.These two are both in the

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-15074858898142950372006-12-26T12:59:00.000Z2006-12-26T13:20:38.125Z

Don't know if I'm considered generous with the crimbo presents, but Batman got the bug that I had early last week, so I'm certainly generous on that front ;-( Lucky him. I think I can say it was my fault that I not only did the Christmas Dinner, but I washed up too. The washing-up bowl is normally his domain, but he was way too ill to be doing that. I let him dissolve in front of the tv, while I

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-49001862538704690732006-12-22T11:47:00.000Z2006-12-22T17:19:46.633Z

Starting to feel a bit brighter now, though not up to poking my sinusitis-prone snoz out of the door yet. The squirrels, after being slightly put-out by the square white baffles Batman put up, have got around the obstacles and are back on the birdfeeders. Darn it.We don't mind them, but they are taking food out of the birds' beaks.Meanwhile I've been reading The Fifth Man by Charles Lagerbom,

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-85638181393581089512006-12-19T22:08:00.000Z2006-12-19T22:13:17.067Z

The interview chap hasn't rung. Suspect that at this time of year references for most of the candidates haven't appeared yet. Frex I didn't even post my ref's addresses on till last Tuesday. Never mind the interview organisation sending off letters to request refs in the Christmas post. Or the person they've offered it to hasn't made their mind up.Anyhow, I'm sneezing too much to be bothered. Yes

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-57073491559515223012006-12-18T09:57:00.000Z2006-12-18T11:00:54.577Z

Last Thursday I managed to drop the iron on my right big toe. The good news is that the iron wasn't hot at the time. However, the toe rapidly became a lovely purple colour and wearing a shoe entailed the bruise being rubbed somewhat, i.e. it's made walking rather difficult. And yes, this injury is on the foot that had caused me so much trouble for the past couple of years. Funnily enough, in the

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-82201162240168555172006-12-14T12:04:00.000Z2006-12-14T12:14:49.597Z

Well, finally, they've put Monty Panesar in to bowl for the Ashes. It comes to a pretty penny when someone like me (who really isn't interest in cricket) is shouting for Panesar to be allowed in. I can even tell you which county cricket team he's in (Northants). Batman reckons that part of Panesar's success is his competitive spirit - he's obviously determined to get batsmen out. I think it got

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-7462681016074991582006-12-13T19:17:00.000Z2006-12-13T19:22:57.175Z

Despite my dodgy cv, I got an interview for the job I applied recently. It's on Friday, at noon, and includes a couple of tests, so that should be fun all round ;-) They're a very politically correct organisation, and I daresay I fill their quota of having to interview old crocks. I'd love to work for them, as they are a charity broadly involved with the environment.

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-17730380881010551632006-12-08T09:13:00.000Z2006-12-08T09:39:35.856Z

There's a rather good BBC4 series called Voyages of Discovery on at present. This is where I say 'hurrah' for the Freeview box, as BBC4 is only on digital. It's not to say that programmes don't appear on BBC1 or 2 later, but it's much later. Things like Voyages I don't think I can wait for. We've had Magellan, who trusted he wasn't going to fall off the end of the world. Last week it was the

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-26121121662626489172006-12-07T20:39:00.000Z2006-12-07T20:54:59.142Z

I've just finished the Short Story Collection All the King's Horses which is the collection of winners from the Fish Historical Short Story Prize. I can understand why they were chosen (I'd put all of them as an A or the occasional B), but there are one or two I just don't like. Don't like the style. Don't like the approach. I think one of them is particularly 'tricksy' Oh, and it was in First

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-4951112740285714412006-12-06T09:12:00.000Z2006-12-07T20:55:45.128Z

I had to write this on my blog, as I realised it was likely to be rather long for Carla's comments. These are very much my thoughts about the book, rather than a review.I read this book after many years of hardly reading fiction at all. I just about kept up with the Arthurian fiction, and that was about it. But in 1999, I joined the Historical Novel Society, saw a review of Flight and thought it

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-46463958058701014592006-12-04T10:01:00.000Z2006-12-04T12:42:16.959Z

Sorry, this isn't a review, but I have a few comments about Attila by William Napier (sorry, again). I am on the fourth chapter and it's driving me bananas. I'm not sure I can actually keep reading. Since it's set in the 5th century, I feel I should, but ...Where to start? I think the main problem for me is that it's in the omniscient view. So, the reader gets to meet rather a lot of people, on a

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-60642682129791614022006-12-01T11:35:00.000Z2006-12-01T11:48:43.398Z

I'm anticipating another attack of the miseries since I'm having to fill in a job application again. I like the look of the job, but once you get down to filling the form in, then the problems start. This one wants to know the reason for leaving previous jobs Strangely, only one of them should I be putting: couldn't stand working in such a disorganised place with such a lack of teamwork. And,

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-24432747687349844632006-11-30T13:50:00.000Z2006-11-30T13:56:43.093Z

Couldn't resist this report from the Guardian about a complicated bronze object found in a wreck. Now known to be an astronomical calendar, it's reckoned that other such machines did not survive due to being melted down for scrap.

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-33359407761755874232006-11-29T10:52:00.000Z2006-11-29T11:07:10.137Z

This Mulled Wine was being served in the Small Museum over the weekend (and will be served there for the coming three, or so, weekends):1 box cheapest red table wine (aka vin de plonk)Half a 75cl bottle of fruit wine; damson or elderberry seem to do very nicely (see Lindisfarne Fruit Wines)Whole jar of 340g honey, plus a bit more, to taste3 sachets of mulled wine spice, eg. SchwartzHeat gently

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-55774051474697833902006-11-27T20:19:00.000Z2006-11-27T20:47:37.736Z

There are currently some repeats of Dr Who on BBC4. These are the old ones; the ones I grew up with. Only, I saw them in black and white, for the most part. So watching them, I get a feeling of familiarity, but they seemed different some how. It took me a while to work out that it was the colour differential (duh). I didn't get a colour tv till the early 1980s. The early Dr Whos were not much

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-81391895972159905712006-11-25T17:31:00.000Z2006-11-25T17:51:09.170Z

Well, in York it may have started last weekend. Last Saturday was very busy in town, and even the Small Museum had a rise in visitors. And I also observed a rise in what one volunteer calls The Lookie-Lus - namely people who come into the museum shop just looking for presents. They are not interested in coming into the museum per se. So they look, occasionally purchase a trinket, then go.

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-20322790187435429662006-11-23T11:16:00.000Z2006-11-23T11:31:01.217Z

Over a week ago, Batman set out to a local society meeting on his bike. He put one pannier, containing useful meeting documents in it, onto the bike. As he cycled near Cemetery Road, somehow the pannier came loose and fell into the road. He stopped to look back, couldn't see it and was stumped. Stumped until a passerby pointed toward Fulford and said he'd seen the pannier, attached to a car's

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-42093032703778990152006-11-20T16:52:00.001Z2006-11-20T16:56:53.639Z

Humph. If I'd known I wouldn't be able to comment on non-Beta Blogger blogs, I doubt if I'd have changed over. So, those of you are currently being neglected by me: I am reading, but I can't comment :-( Changing over to Beta Blogger was very easy. There is an option for keeping your current template, so you won't lose your front page and any adjustments you may have made. It's good to have the

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-88704373409304319892006-11-12T10:35:00.000Z2006-11-12T10:45:09.820Z

Take eight people - all of whom are convinced they are 100% English. Then submit a sample of their DNA to a series of state-of-the-art tests... Lord Tebbit, Garry Bushell and Carol Thatcher are among the participants who have agreed to place their genetic make-up under the microscope.Channel 4 is airing a programme called 100% English tomorrow. Should be highly amusing, as those who think they

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-52770993191135654382006-11-10T16:16:00.000Z2006-11-10T16:31:01.857Z

Just a quickie: The Historical Novel Society have posted the Editors' Choice selections for November 2006 on their website. This is in advance of the Historical Novels Review coming out later this month. And I note that the Historical Novels Reviews Online, which covers selected electronically published, self-published, and subsidy-published novels has also been updated for November. This

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1501098335602770872006-11-10T09:10:00.000Z2006-11-10T09:21:52.820Z

I shan't be blogging for a couple of days as I get my head down to sorting out some teaching. Got to get my slides together, re-jig my lecture, and then clean the house as one of the speakers is staying with us. And then I've got to teach all day, not my forte by any means. I just want it all over with, and then I can settle down to write my own academic stuff and muck about making leather

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-56245502119854468982006-11-07T12:33:00.000Z2006-11-08T08:50:01.277Z

Gabriele has an interesting blog on perfect beginnings. Interestingly, a week or so ago Michelle Styles also touched on this subject, where she analysed the first page of her published book, explaining why she chose to write what she did. Most illuminating.

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-34112110452991886022006-11-06T12:21:00.000Z2006-11-11T11:13:46.027Z

Got to the bottom of the Scott/Amundsen/Wilson/Shackleton quote, courtesy of Antarctic Circle website.There are two versions, one of which I came across in Cherry-Garrard's biography recently:"... For a joint scientific and geographical piece of organization, give me Scott; for a Winter Journey, Wilson; for a dash to the Pole and nothing else, Amundsen: and if I am in the devil of a hole and want

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-10035811458059779502006-11-05T21:20:00.000Z2006-11-05T21:27:21.634Z

Good grief, I didn't realise that Maximus Decimus Meridius visited my home town ... He seems to have some strange ideas about the Roman theatre though ;-)In truth, John Culshaw does his excellent Russell Crowe on Dead Ringers, shown in a clip put on YouTube. Unfortunately, my favourite Dead Ringers tv sketch is not on You Tube :-( However, the script is on the Internet. It's where Simon

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-55867921187684044722006-11-05T17:16:00.000Z2006-11-05T17:17:36.769Z

My friend who lives in Bishopthorpe says that Thorpe on Ouse is a very old name for the village. Sorted :-)

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1162660825963365212006-11-04T16:56:00.000Z2006-11-05T17:21:58.048Z

I'm currently reading The Lost Luggage Porter by Andrew Martin. It's a detective story, set in York in 1906. The narrator is one Jim Springer, who has just taken up a position as a detective with the North Eastern Railway Company. It's told in first person, with no frame (eg. he's not obviously writing his memoires) which is great. I don't see why 1st person narratives need frames. The Ripley

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1162469091190237412006-11-02T11:54:00.000Z2006-11-05T16:54:30.951Z

I'm now in a quandary. I've typed out a long email explaining what went on regarding my comments on the short stories. Something in my head is saying Never apologise, never explain. Actually, I think I'll leave it at that.Those who think I'm a nasty person can go on thinking that if they wish, though I will point out that no-one was named, and it's a fact no-one died either. Those who know and

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1162306801588202552006-10-31T14:45:00.000Z2006-11-05T16:54:30.753Z

Got up this morning and felt like I didn't exist, and I was literally dizzy with the knowledge of it. Fortunately, I had to go and do the shopping. The bus stopped to pick me up, so I was moderately convinced that I was actually here. Batman then pointed out that he thought I existed and I realised that the Inland Revenue certainly knows I exist (even if they don't how I can afford it; it would

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1162227066257129602006-10-30T16:39:00.000Z2006-11-05T17:22:41.795Z

It took me a while, but I finally managed to get hold of Mike Ripley's Boudica and the lost Roman, 2005, Severn House. He seems to be quite a popular author, although mostly known for Crime Stories. But his Boudica book was out on loan every time I tried to get hold of it, so finally I put in a request.It's a horrible, awful, realistic and rather good book. It's almost an antidote to some recent

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1162222323304383502006-10-30T15:22:00.000Z2006-11-05T16:54:30.550Z

I have removed two blogs concerning my historical short story experiences. It appears that my intentions may been misconstrued.

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1161861066870141432006-10-27T10:00:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:30.442Z

Bit of a coincidence. When I was quickly looking for links to do with the previous blog, I came across a link to The Last Place on Earth. All well and good; it's the title of Huntford's account of Scott and Amundsen's race to the South Pole. I wasn't exactly rushing to read it, as after reading his Shackleton and reading Fiennes' excellent Scott book, I knew I would be in more another dose of

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1161857209220946362006-10-26T10:32:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:30.339Z

The other week, I got a bumper crop of books from the library. I had requested four books which were either out or at another library, and they all turned up together. So I have a great heap of library books to read and return in good time.First up is Cherry : a life of Apsley Cherry-Garrard by Sara Wheeler. This book was warmly recommended by a friend, and finally I've got round to seeking it

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1161529901873109592006-10-22T15:56:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:30.022Z

Perhaps I shouldn't be let out to the house in general. I had two days out in a row, and I rather liked it. Though it made me tired, as I was being sociable. Had a good time cutting out paper patterns for shoes. Then yesterday I was trying to actually cut leather. My main problem is not being able to 'give it some welly' as the Leather Guru exhorts. I can't consistently press as hard on the

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1161015989430834382006-10-16T17:10:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:29.925Z

I caught wind of this a few months back, and just found something about it on the author's website. They are making a series of Caroline Lawrence's Roman Mystery books. Looks like there's lot of big names in it, and, judging from the pic, the author will also be appearing (along with Simon Callow as Pliny). I do rather like Lawrence's books, and she doesn't shy away from the more unsavoury

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1160756811059388952006-10-14T10:00:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:29.830Z

As I thought, I didn't get any interviews for the library jobs I applied for. I really don't fit in. So my latest wacky idea is to look for possible finds jobs in the archaeology field. Well, I suspect I'm doomed to failure there as well, since my age and/or specialist profile is against it, as well as the fact I'm looking for something local. There just aren't many advertised finds jobs. There

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1160737345741795912006-10-13T11:19:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:29.735Z

The recent film version of Tristan & Isolde (T&I) didn't really seem to have much in the way of publicity, but I heard slightly favourable things about it so watched the DVD. In a way, it serves as an antidote to 2004's lumbering King Arthur, particularly as they are both set in Post Roman Britain. Whilst the material culture is off the mark in T&I there are some really interesting concepts

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1160688234750979902006-10-12T22:13:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:29.628Z

Further to my mournful declaration that I was cr*p at star-spotting, today I bagged one. There I was, minding my own business, trotting out of City Screen after picking up a programme, and I saw him. No, not Maximus, but Jimmy Carr. Who? I couldn't remember his name at the time, but knew he was a comedian. But was I right? Was it perhaps his doppelganger? A quick look at Mr Carr's website

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1160553798680391322006-10-11T08:52:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:29.429Z

I'm sure it was Carla, via her review, who brought Wolf Girl by Theresa Tomlinson to my notice. I got it out of the library and have just finished reading it. I really enjoyed this 7th century set story. It's a children's book and is written in a very clear, direct manner. There was little in the way of material culture gaffs for me to pick up on, which fostered a general trust of the author.

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1160430448600619422006-10-09T20:14:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:29.328Z

Last Saturday was the first episode of BBC's new series Robin Hood. Or perhaps it should be called Chav Robin or Robin Hoodie. With little attempt at a proper historical setting, awful costumes and a truly terrible script, it was not exactly a joy to watch. The lead has little charisma, though it's probably not the actor's fault as he hasn't much to work with. The only scene of any promise was

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1160411044727602372006-10-09T17:18:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:29.231Z

Currently on Radio 4 at 9.45am and 12.30am, the Book of the Week is The Michael Palin Diaries. It's on for the rest of this week and includes episodes convering Monthy Python and the Holy Grail and The Life of Brian. No need to worry if you miss the episodes as they're on the the Beeb's Listen Again facility for a week after broadcast.

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1160384717104481072006-10-09T09:55:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:29.122Z

On the right, you can see a taster. The focus was actually on romance covers, but this one particularly amused me (note the subtitle: Book Twenty-nine in the Unending Saga ...) Priceless. Found this Longmire site via another list, and it made me laugh so much I cried. There are a couple of pages, and don't miss the covers submitted by readers.

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1159961123327407112006-10-04T12:17:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:29.021Z

Flippin' 'eck, I've missed him again. Russell Crowe was sighted in York again yesterday:STAFF at a York food shop Russell-ed up a treat for a visiting Hollywood film star when he stopped off in the city centre.Eagle-eyed Press reader Ruth McMonagle, 25, snapped a picture of Gladiator actor Russell Crowe in the Cornish Pasty Bakery in Colliergate, off King's Square.The family of Crowe's wife,

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1159814995180712922006-10-02T19:31:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:28.819Z

Still coughing. Still a bit knocked out, but generally getting my body back from the bug. Will venture out to Tescos on the Free Bus tomorrow and see how I go. I should be OK for the Small Museum on Thursday (I hope).Managed to look at the yuck stuff, but couldn't tell if it was Roman or not. There was one fragment of stuff in it which looked a bit post medieval to me, but overall I just

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1159702435139411722006-10-01T12:30:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:28.716Z

I was reminded of this, by the gloriously funny Flanders and Swann, as it was on the radio today. Since this ditty would have been written in the 50s or 60s, I'm a litle surprised it fits weather in recent years. Or is it just that I'm British and by definition obsessed with the weather ...January brings the snowMakes your feet and fingers glowFebruary's Ice and sleetFreeze the toes right off

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1159527205469971012006-09-29T11:40:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:28.619Z

Urgh. I think this bug counts as flu. Have had aching joints, fever, sore throat, coughing and now generally feel knocked out. Didn't get to go into the Small Museum, as I felt worse yesterday than I did the day before :-( Have dosed up to the eyeballs with vitamin C and zinc. Hadn't restocked on echincea (sp?) otherwise I would have that as well. Am making myself eat, though am more interested

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1159359794940322772006-09-27T13:03:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:28.523Z

First bug of the season. I was out a lot toward the end of last week, so it was only to be expected. The flu jab isn't until late October. But the bug it means I can't give blood today :-( Batman's going to, so he's doing it for us both ("That'll be 2 pints then, Mr Batman"). I'm hoping I'll feel a bit better tomorrow so I can do my hours at the Small Museum.Conflict is in the air at present. On

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1159132028209340712006-09-25T09:00:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:28.426Z

A few weeks back I volunteered to help out with an event at the small museum, and am glad I did. It's good to get out of the house, and I always find the museum and its goings-on interesting. The event ran this Saturday, so it took up most of the day, with two friends and their kids also popping in, as well as Batman. In the evening we went to a lecture on medieval hunting. The author Richard

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1158876439760176272006-09-21T22:46:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:28.330Z

Batman didn't get the big promotion job. I'm not impressed and could say many harsh things about archaeological organisations and in particular archaeological managers who ... I'd better say no more; archaeology is too small a world to be majorly indiscreet. I'm usually on the receiving end of this sort of sh*te behaviour, not Batman. Will doubtless sulk for a few days on his behalf. He's taken

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1158752484793427002006-09-20T12:33:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:28.237Z

Picked up this link from one of the blogs I read. It's historical - sort of. If you're a tough girlie, you'll probably be highly beguiled (and amused). And if you're a wimp ... well you're just a wimp ;-)

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1158682361573086822006-09-19T16:52:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:28.144Z

I had a couple of items I wanted to get rid of, but thought I wouldn't be able to sell, and didn't just want to chuck away, so I tried York Freecycle. Within minutes of my message going up, I was inundated by takers. And the items should be picked up this evening. Now I'll have to sort out a pile of redundant computer gear, including my very first modem. People advertise such stuff, and others

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1158584778091042022006-09-18T13:37:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:28.051Z

There seem to be two camps in understanding the 5th century in Britain. I'm thinking here about novels I read, and the way writers (and readers) seem to interpret the era.Camp 1Britain as a whole was groaning under the weight of Roman occupation; it was a bit like Colonial America really. The brave Celts fought against their oppressors for over 300 years, and as a whole the island was happy to

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1158520901474149852006-09-17T19:54:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:27.944Z

Just found another load of re-enactment stuff to pack up. This time they are lurking in the shed. Batman put them there. What are they? A gert big pile of tent pegs and ropes. It's never endin' I tell yer. By the time I get it all packed up, it'll be Easter and time to get it out again :-) It doesn't help that I am also accumulating leather working gear too, such as this Awl for All. Old-style

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1158406189017863422006-09-16T11:52:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:27.841Z

Lots going on in the street at the moment. The occupiers of the next but one house are moving out. They've only been in a couple of years, but basically did up the house and then sold it on. Previously it was owned by one Mrs Seddon, who I suspect may well have moved in at the same time as our now recently deceased neighbour Alf. That would have been in 1938, btw.So, there'll be new people

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1158321220397118042006-09-15T12:42:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:27.747Z

The other day I visited a leather supplier called LeProvo, in Newcastle. The premises are only a few minute's walk from the station. However, I got a bit lost (as usual) so it took me longer than it should. My map didn't show Charlotte Square, but I found it by following my instincts in the end. I was there to get some shoemaking supplies. My shoemaker guru was supposed to go with me, but he

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1158066319408846212006-09-12T13:58:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:27.654Z

Whilst trying to find out more about the unusual fifth century baths in Faversham, I came across some guided holidays that are really rather tempting. Roman Holidays have a super programme of tours including Roman Germany. Ohh, I want to go. But it costs too much :-(

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1157987527724836912006-09-11T15:56:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:27.559Z

YouTube is very much a Box of Delights. Just found the video of Star Trekkin' by The Firm from 1987. This was the theme tune for a dig. For once, it wasn't one I was on, but I can see the lure for archaeologists. We come in peace, shot to kill might be the catch-word for excavations - because of course when we dig we actually destroy the site. And as for It's life Jim, but not as we know it ...

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1157901070077254822006-09-10T15:56:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:27.463Z

I'm on a bit of an Antartic kick at the moment. So I am currently reading Huntford's Shackleton biography. Also got Nimrod by Riffenburgh (2004) which I picked up cheap at Spelman's. I shall be interested to read the latter, as Huntford is proving to be a frustrating biographer. Shackleton was published in 1985, and perhaps they did things differently then. I shall have to find other

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1157579874792099772006-09-06T22:50:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:27.367Z

No, not another complaint. Another suitable-is job was advertised in the press today. This time it's working at the other University in the city. Only this one is more convenient (being on a bus run that goes from just round the corner virtually to the door of the library) and the pay is more pro rata than the other Counter Assistant job, for virtually the same task. The drawback is that it's all

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1157547554376191622006-09-06T13:17:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:27.274Z

Flippin' 'eck. It's not fair. Currently, both Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis are not slated for either CH4 or CH5 in the UK. Instead, I have to content myself with what amounts to very small previews from YouTube. This one shows the opening titles to what must be series 2 of SG Atlantis, which features the music, by Joel Goldsmith, I rather like. I call it The Full Russian, because of its

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1157474341248291262006-09-05T17:05:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:27.185Z

Batman's not heard the outcome of his interview yet. Apparently it could be weeks rather than days because the two sets of panels (a total of four people) will need to meet and discuss the outcome first. So I'm not holding my breath.The closing date for 'my' jobs is tomorrow, with the interviews (should I get some) the 2nd and 3rd weeks in October. I can hardly wait. Thanks to all those who

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1157371557637511372006-09-04T12:43:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:27.093Z

The theme for today seems to be jobs.Batman is having a job interview today. It's at the place he's worked at for many a long year, but constitutes a major promtion - if he gets it. He's the only really serious internal candidate. Another chap in the department has applied, but it's more a sign of being willing rather than serious contention, as the chap is much younger than Batman and probably

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1156923393853977362006-09-01T07:45:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:26.819Z

Crikey. I bought a Trust USB hub from my local Tescos the other day and it actually works. After buying it, I realised that it said it needed USB 2.0 - whatever that is. Anyway, I became convinced it wouldn't work on my ancient computer. I found the receipt the other day, and I purchased this old nag at the end of 2000, so it's coming up for six years old, which is ancient in computer terms

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1156937256859051092006-08-31T17:00:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:26.912Z

Just before we went away for the Bank Holiday weekend, I found that we had a frog in the bucket again. The bucket lodges under the water barrel outside the shed. Once before we'd found a frog there, and assumed he'd strayed in by accident. Now we're wondering if he really likes it, since it's the second time he's turned up.I took some photos, and as you can see, he let me get really close. But

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11615602.post-1156922576018423572006-08-30T07:54:00.000+01:002006-11-05T16:54:26.730Z

A Bank Holiday in Britain and it's another show. Yes. Hmmmmm. At least we were able to set up in relatively good weather and had one temperate day. Even then, it rained that second evening. But on the Monday afternoon, it got a bit beyond the pale. Rain is one thing - but hail ... And it happened when we were out in the arena. Not surprisingly, my spear work was actually quite good: You were

Alex Bordessanoreply@blogger.com5