Random 
The Ridgeway – Finishing the Job
There were four of us did the Ridgeway. Stuart, Nick, Polly and myself along with Simon the Telly on the first day. Now a few days before we started Polly tore a claw out, skylarking in the woods, and was put on R&R so missed the first day. Gutted? We all were apart from Simon… Read More ›
“Silence” by Steve Roake
You know us balloonists are a funny lot. We share a common denominator but we vary by so many ways. From Time to time I think about things, with nothing in particular in mind and then suddenly something will enter my head and I’ll study it at length to fully understand all of its virtues…. Read More ›
The Great Ridgeway Amble Part1 – Avebury or Bust
The Ridgeway is arguably the oldest road in Britain, well, being local, we reckon the Icknield Way is more likely! I have lived with both all me life as they run through Wendover. They are one of the same (nearly). Step out the Swan’s front door and you are walking on them. Ancient history underfoot…. Read More ›
“Tranquillity” by Steve Roake
‘Tranquillity’, the word conjures up various differing ideas for people based upon their ideal definition of what is peaceful utopia. It tends to be a unique position where you find yourself in a place unexpectedly where the surroundings leave you in broad agreement with life in general. It manifests itself as differing things to different… Read More ›
Malmesbury, Mustard and the story of the Tiger
“Eaten by a Tiger! Without mustard?” we echoed as one. “Yes,” said Barry, “Really. Look over here.” We did and it was true, a very lovely little lady explained the story to us. We were not sure whether to laugh or feel sadness. Granted we’d had a pint and indulged in a drop of hot… Read More ›
The Radcliffe Progressive Music Society – Reborn in Oxford
Remember days behind the old school desk? If it was any good your school would have had a Progressive Music Society held in a Sixth Form Tutor Room blagged off of a Physics Teacher named Mr Bowden who was really good at rugby and mainly mutilated the school First Fifteen during the school versus staff… Read More ›
In the groove – Intro Outro and the art of Going Bonzo
ESB plays some strange tricks on you. Before you know it you’re discussing the characters in the song ‘The Intro and The Outro’ by the Bonzo Dog Doo/Dah Band without the aid of an Immac phonewotsit. Clustered at the end of the bar we started running through the musicians introduced in the fantastic ditty complete… Read More ›
Three men (and Jane) in a boat – St George’s Day goes nautical
Best kept secret’s of men and mice, or whatever the saying goes, ensured that this years’ St George’s Day went nearly as planned, or as much as a plan ought to go. We only celebrate St George’s Day when it doesn’t fall on a weekend or Monday. Can’t remember what happened last year but I… Read More ›
Let there be Light – Very, very early doors in Oxford
Now I’ll tell you why we don’t do ballooning in this country in the winter. Its mainly because its dark, cold, wet and windy, an argument totally supported by weather conditions at five o’clock in the morning on Saturday 15th February when we went to celebrate the long-awaited re-opening of the stunningly beautiful Oxford University… Read More ›
Titanic Tales and thanks for the fish – Two go to Northern Ireland
Many years ago we passed through Northern Ireland as part of the Autoglass Round Britain Rally with the Shell Unleaded hopper. We had a quite a few adventures but never quite enough time anywhere for a look see. Keeping ahead of a bunch of rally drivers was task enough. We did briefly visit Belfast though… Read More ›