Shivering on the Ledge and more "De-Manche"

Our UK trip culminated in three days at Cropredy. Unlike for our previous festival (in 2009) we had the car with us and could camp with a bit more comfort (e.g. chairs!), but despite trying to get there as soon as entry was allowed we were put in a field that was quite a long way from the stage, and at a point that was a very long way from the loos! Never mind - we only had to stop for rain twice during the simple erection of the small tent! The weather throughout was very variable, but generally good enough for sitting outside at the two fringe pubs and in the arena field. The headline acts were superb! UB40's set was tight and great fun, Seasick Steve was not only great as a solo act but had brought in some excellent support - including Robert Plant! Unfortunately that Friday night was bitterly cold and we just could not face staying to the end, so had to listen as we went back to the tent!. We had been intent on seeing the Blockheads on the last afternoon, but got stuck in the Red Lion where Spank The Monkey played, and this then led to some viewing of the Adderbury and the Hammersmith Morris.

Other acts on the stage include The Dylan Project who played 80 solid minutes of skilled covers, and we also enjoyed Badly Drawn Boy - about whom we previously knew very little, but found The Coral (and to an extent Horslips) lacking in "stagecraft" to complement the music., and Charlie Dore is indeed a one-hit phenomenon. It all concluded - as ever- with Fairport and some old favourites. This time we just about managed to stay to the end despite the cold. (August!!!!), then it was up early on Sunday morning to de-camp and leave the UK! - This year's surprise meeting was with Malcolm N - who worked in IT with Ruth in Croydon, and whom we had also seen at other Fairport gigs over the years. Thanks to him and Mary for the festival pics!



And as for the Cropredy community......, and some delightful images here.

Middle class or what?

We had an uneventful drive down to Dover, and a last decent pint before being allowed on to an earlier ferry than planned, arriving in Dunkerque in time for a first French dinner!

A new word - "De-Manche":- definition: the act of finding oneself wine-less or bar-less near the Channel ports - as a result of forgetting about France on Sundays!