Davids beloved Giant Anthem X2, a Christmas present in 2009, was creaking badly, very badly. After swapping headsets, bottom brackets and greasing everything in sight, it was the rear suspension next.

As you can see shot to pieces. Attempts to remove the bearings failed so it was a call to ‘International rescue’ in mechanical engineering – brother Ian. Bits were packaged up and sent North.

However, with the outcomes not thought to be very optimistic, the bike went to the attic in a box.

However, a week later the bits were back fully repaired. Truly a miracle. Friday night. the rebuild got underway

Saturday, the final adjustments and a clean and polish

Great joy and rejoicing, and a 3 hour ride round Hampshire to celebrate on Sunday.

After the culture, why food of course. Booking at Pescatores, with vouchers courtesy of Mr Tesco. Three starters

Three mains

But just two puddings

To London for a literary tour.

First The George in Southwark a National Trust owned Georgian Pub – the only galleried Georgian Pub in London. It was meeting place for Shakespeare and Dickens.

We ate there of course – Tuna Sandwich and Steak Pie

And then by foot to Fleet Street, by accident passing a pub called The Punch. No time to stop – James was waiting to meet us.

Must go again. However, on to ‘Ye Olde Cock Tavern’, a stopping place for Pepys, apparently.

Finally to the National Gallery for ‘Inventing Impressionism’

Another excellent meal out. Good bottle of Chablis, John Dory with Clams and Prawns and Salmon for Julie. Baked Camembert starter and Cheese Cake Sticky Toffee Pudding finish.

Encouraging Will to take a break from his tough study program on the run up to his finals, we took a night out at the Speedway

Just an excellent night out, with a superb final race which meant the match ended in a draw

Courtesy of Cisco and our fine Leader, Tim Hicks, our small but perfectly formed team at work had a fun fund lunch at the new Rick Stein Restaurant in Winchester.

So that was the starters, on to the mains:

and for puddings, three of us had the same thing, so just two pictures

Beautiful !

Thanks Tim

After Julies big win on the local village lottery draw, it was a special meal out at the Dew Pond, Burghclere. We hadn’t been for a while (well over a year) and with mixed interim reports, weren’t so sure.

We, we needn’t have worried. The restaurant was full so had a great atmosphere, the service was excellent slightly understated for a fancy restaurant, but it better that way.

A table d’hote type menu with 5-6 choice for each for 3 courses for £35. I had scallops and choritzo starter with a fillet steak main. Julie had the Sea Bream

All beautifully cooked and tasting great!. I had the tasting selection of sweets, Julie had the chocolate thingy.

A really nice evening!