Always on the trot

Saturday a.m. and it is -2.5C outside so the car needed a good de-icing. Had a good trip home from Manchester by train , met a man who knew Young Billy who runs the Dolphin, and who had been to The Mercat , so we had a good blether, and as he also had a bottle of "le vin rouge", it was very sociable.

My meeting at the Co-op Buildings , Manchester, was with fellow members of EPIC - Ex Police in Industry and Commerce, and was very good. About sixty members present, which is not too bad considering how far north of the Watford Gap, the venue was, next one in May will be in London and the usual attendance there will be at least double, if not treble yesterday's attendance.
Some excellent speakers, on a variety of subjects, two new members from Wales, The Blue Mountain Group, very interesting.
However, not enough time to chat today, off to the wedding of Kai and Lindsay shortly.

Like a dammed yo yo

Nearly bed time here in Manchester where I have returned - yes - drove down yesterday then home- had a sleep and came back again on the train today. Journey down was fine, could have had a cheaper ticket if I had known the train was going to be quiet, however, I at least had a comfortable seat, food, drink and wine. HOWEVER - when we got to Preston, there was no second carriage waiting so everyone crammed into what was left and they downgraded the 1st Class so everyone piled in to whatever space was free. I can apparently apply for a refund - but how many do or will.
Arrived at the Hotel, at the same time as some of the rest in our group - no trace of my booking !! however, one of the other said that I could take a room allocated to someone who had called off - no problem, receptionist gave me a key and off I went - nice room, I am happy - BUT -she never took my name, details, etc., so if something happens to me they have no idea at all who is actually in this room . But , do I care - no - I am happy to have free WI FI, and red wine.
Quite interesting getting to sit and chat to my colleagues for once - we have one chap here who is off to do a bit more than Sparky Mark did, he is taking a big group to Everest Base Camp, BUT he and some of the group are planning on trying to get to the top. Downside of this being that he trains every day, BUT has his staff training with him also - I wish him the best of luck, as do his staff , who will be pleased when he stops training.
Bit more news tomorrow when I am better dressed.

In keeping, another wee bit o' Burns.

Long day on the road, not helped by high winds and busy roads heading South.

Arrived home and had my haggis, neeps and tatties as per tradition on this day. I did not have to read the Address to the Haggis, as it was featured in full on Chris Evan's Radio 2 Breakfast show, which seems to have gone down really well. So, instead of the Address to the Haggis, I am giving you, "Lines Written on a banknote", which Burns wrote on a Bank of Scotland note on 1st March 1780, having fallen out with "Bonnie Jean's parents" and while he was considering leaving Scotland for the West Indies.

Lines Written on a Banknote"

Wae worth thy power, thou cursed leaf!
Fell source o' a'my woe and grief!
For lack o' thee I've lost my lass!
For lack o'thee I scrimp my glass,
I see the children of affliction,
Unaided, thro' thy curs'd restriction,
I've seen the oppressor's cruel smile,
Amid his hapless victim's spoil
And, for thy potence, vainly wish'd
To crush the villain in the dust,
For lack o' thee, I leave this much lov'd shore,
Never, perhaps, to greet auld Scotland more.

Happy Birthday Rabbie Burns

Burns Day today , and me up at at the crack of dawn, possible even before the wee mouse - and no sign of a red red rose for my sweetheart - ( that might be Valentine's day).

Great night at RA Laird O Cockpen last night , good crowd, excellent Degree working by all, and visitors from Castlepark; Gorebridge; Esk 42; , etc.

Looks mild and Ok this morning , which is good after yesterday mornings snow fall - so now about to set off for Glasgow and Risley . White van men fear not - I am in the Smart Car today!!! - I feel the blood pressure mounting already.

Through the eyes of the lens

Monday night, now fully recovered from Saturday's wine lunch, had a day at work and been out in the sun , yes, sunshine, cold but nice and bright.
I took the camera out as I was unhappy after Saturday, a few of my pictures were not fully in focus and I still have no idea why.
However , a few pics of Penicuik here, the old tower at St. Mungo's Church yard; Penicuik Town Hall, and the latest occupant of the original William Low Supermarket.

Going back to Saturday, popped in to have my ears set on fire by the Turkish boys, seated next to me was Gavin Hastings, former Scotland Rugby Captain, in for a shave. I was really embarrassed for him when another customer who recognised him started making a fuss and was telling the Turkish boys who he was etc. classic stage whispers, and really out of order.

An Excellent result for Edinburgh Rugby with their win on Sunday taking them through to the next round of the Heiniken Cup - playing at home in Murrayfield.

Lots of praise for the Big Pole Dancer and his staff at the Standing Order, George Street, from my friend who had been there on Saturday morning, totally unsolicited, he was giving me a rave review of the place and staff after his visit, not realising our association with the management there - well done.

Back to work at The Dolphin tomorrow, and staff are getting ready for their Burn's Dinner on Saturday - should be good

Should make it to RA 500 tomorrow night, but no late session for me, off to Glasgow and Risley on Wednesday, then SODS Law, having to go back to Manchester by train on Thursday.

A fine wine tasting

A great afternoon / evening had by all - I think. The wine tasting at the Mercat Bar was excellent, a choice selection of wines accompanied by great food.
There were over forty enthusiastic souls present, some who even managed to get most of the quiz questions correct - but I am not sure who won or what they won.

For me it was quite special as I met a friend who I have never ever met, and we have known each other for fourteen years. I did work for him for several years and we talked almost weekly on the phone. He was formerly a senior Detective in the Greater Manchester Police who was the lead Officer in the Myra Hindlay (Moors Murder) case.

There is another similar event in the pipeline, so watch this space for further details.

Crests from the Trades Hall

Jumping from PC to lap top at the moment and I found these two crests, (amongst many) which were taken at the last 49 Club Dinner in the Trades Hall, Glasgow. The crests of all the old Guilds are around the cupola in the centre of the ceiling. Terrible Thomas took the photos for me but they were lost somewhere inside a memory card and only reappeared after I thought I had deleted the card - all a mystery to me. The Maltmen are the brewers. and obviously the Masons are self explanatory.

Change in the weather again, now getting windy again and more snow forecast for later. BUT hopefully it will be dry in The Mercat Bar where the wine lunch will be taking place.