All Posts

One of the joys of volunteering at our local Oxfam bookshop is that you never know what treasures you are going to find. When Sari and I cleared out my parents’ flat, we boxed up all the books and took them to the local charity shop, including two huge volumes of the Oxford English Dictionary (A - L and M - Z). We had no idea that these things simply don’t sell anymore. I have learned such a lot since being at Oxfam. We always have some Delia cookbooks for example. Is there

We have, on many occasions now, offered up thanks for our little French visas. Firstly, when Missy Bear was delayed, and we spent a few weeks waiting for the boat itself. Then while waiting for various bits of equipment to show up in Canet and then Barcelona. And we are thankful again now, because we can stay in Aubeterre without the old Schengen clock tick-tocking in the background. We’ve not heard anything yet about progress on MB. The boatyard is owned by a young couple,

Daring to dream of Sicily? It’s the combination of waiting and not knowing that is most frustrating. Here we are, in beautiful Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne, enjoying the sunshine and 30-degree heat, whilst eating lovely food and enjoying trips to the Dordogne. What could be nicer? Yet, a significant part of my thoughts resides in Arbatax, wondering what progress, if any, is being made on Missy Bear by the shipyard. It’s only been a week-and-a-half since the haul-out. I don’t want to

Monastery next to the shrine at Bonaria You’ll have all heard our news by now, so I won’t dwell on that. Other than having to sort out insurance and getting a boatyard booked, we actually had a really nice time in Cagliari. Richard planned a lot of sight-seeing to keep us busy, and we certainly walked a good few miles, and up and down hills. The Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria was quite poignant, as it is a shrine to distressed sailors. Mr Cheeseman. The restaurants were great

Whilst in Arbatax, on the east coast of Sardinia, awaiting Missy Bear’s admission to Yacht hospital, I continued reading a book that Alix had bought for me from the Oxfam bookshop in Cirencester, where she volunteers. It is called ‘Portillo’s Hidden History of Britain ’. I quite like Michael’s narrative style and I can recommend the book, which basically looks at the stories behind some of Britain’s fabulous buildings, some of which are soon to be re-purposed. Cambridge Milit