Cherubs and the Champions League for Champions....

....Kel and I started off the day with long overdue Skype call to Ruth, Andy and baby Jude - now over 10 weeks old.



He was on fine form, managing to be sick twice and plenty of drooling during the short conversation!


[a more serene Jude from earlier in the week]

Then we were treated to lunch over at Matt, Fiamma and little Wolfe's house in Upper Clapton.


Fiamma & Wolfe

Wolfe's latest toy obsession is the hoola hoop, so Kel and I were treated to many demonstrations of his new found talents!



All the while, Matt was rustling up a fantstic pork chop with pollenta & sweet potato mash, and Fiamma topped it off with an amazing apricot & raspebery flan. Yum.



Soon after leaving, the realistaion, (for me, not Kelly), and excitement of the Champions League Final was kicking in. Retreating back home, Doug, Liam and I decided such an occasion should have food fit for champions.



We started with mixed salads, a charcuterie board, olives, anchovies and other tapas. And as we rolled out in to the second half, we brought out a marvellous cheese board, garnered from Neal's Yard Dairy.



All washed down with some marvellous pinot noir, it made for a brilliant accompaniment, to a fantastic game of football.



The match itself saw a Barcelona victory over Manchester United, that for me, confirmed their superiority in the modern era of club football, if not the title of greatest club team of all time. A sight to be behold and worthy winners.

Nick's stag do....

....The weekend was spent at Far Moor End cottage, near Ennerdale in the Lake District with twelve guys and Nick, the stag. The rolling hills provided a stunning backdrop to our accommodation, as we dined al fresco on the Friday evening with a BBQ.



On the Saturday we went gorge walking, which was fantastic fun - I impressed myself by jumping of several ledges I thought I wouldn't. Our reward was a pizza night and a top up of booze.

[full slideshow]



A great weekend had. Now roll on the wedding!

Adam & Eve Vs AMV Creative, football match....

....I managed to help organise a football match against former employers, AMV on Monday night.

It proved to be a fruitful evening as we ran out 5-2 victors and we uncovered a rather talented team at Adam & Eve. Get in there lads.

Matt Elliott Memorial Cup....

....This annual tournament is yet another telling tribute to the late Matt Elliott, (in whose memory, you'll remember, Kelly & I were afforded our South American adventure earlier in the year).


Rugger buggers

The day celebrates Matt's memory and in turn raises money for the charities, Kids Company and Skye Mountain Rescue. It is organised and hosted by Hackney RFC, the afternoon kicked off with an all ladies curtain raiser, before a round robin tournament ended with victory for Richie's team.


Richie's post-accidental-elbow wound

An all day BBQ, drinks and raffle preceded post match drinks and buffet in the Marina Bar, tranquilly located on the edge of the canal. A hugely successful, fitting and emotional day.


Rick Elliott, (Matt's dad), addresses the crowd

[full reel]

AMV Park Cup...

....Our bi-annual football match at work, where the 'suits' play the 'creatives' was competed toward the back end of last year. The 'suits', (my side), brought the overall score level by running out 3-1 victors in this fixture. (Watch out for a Messi-like goal by yours truly. And some Robert Green-like goalkeeping from the opposition!)

Daily Sport....

....Should be done on iPhone, iBook and trusty terrestrial TV, thank you.

Kelly & Roy hit 1....

....I know anniversaries should be of the post-wedding variety, but Kel and I decided to celebrate one year together with a jaunt to Hastings. The reasons were two-fold. To get out of London for a night, but also to, (sad but true), go for a walk in our new shoes, bought for our South American adventure.


Foyles B&B

We stayed at a wonderful little B&B called Foyles. Set in a listed 18th Century building, right on the front in Hastings Old Town, owners Sharon & David, (and dog Charlie), have created a World War II memorabilia cafe, above which sits three twee rooms.


Cafe scene, complete with bunting.

We arrived on Friday evening and decided to stay in. After being greeted by Sharon, we were left to ourselves in the cafe, so we sat amongst the paraphernalia and got stuck in to plenty of pre-bought cheese and wine.


Say cheese!

The plan for the walk the following day was along the coast, up to Hastings Country Park and back. About 10k. It proved to be a wonderful and indeed testing walk. The ups and downs along the cliff edges made for stunning scenic views and ultimately a rewarding, strenuous walk. (Our new shoes will have been pleased with their introduction to the outdoors).


(That's the sea behind us).

We finished our brief visit with a wander around the Old Town, with George Street in particular a really lovely parade of shops and cafes. (We took advantage of one, of course, with a coffee and a cake).
A lovely, if brief, way to celebrate our first year together. (And I thoroughly recommend staying at Foyles B&B too).

(The full reel):

Cancer Research 10k, Victoria Park....

....Kelly and I signed up to the Cancer Research 10k some months ago. We did it as much as a challenge to ourselves, as to raise money for the cause. We were fairly disciplined in our training so felt pretty good on the day. And what a day - glorious sunshine glistened over Victoria Park, where 3743 people gathered together to run and raise money for those who have lost or overcome their battle with cancer. Only then did it hit home, the real reason for the run and what a great cause the money you have all generously helped Kelly and I raise, will go towards. The race itself was enjoyable and I surprised myself with a good time of 36m 40s, with Kelly coming home in a very good 51m.


Gemma, Nicolas, Kelly, Roy, (post race).

Our sponsorship page is still open, so click here if you'd like to make a donation.
After the run we went for a well deserved roast at The Hemingway nearby, before heading home for well deserved rest.


Nico, Liam, Nick, (Gemma at the back), Kelly, Roy

Nike Aqua-sock: A tribute....

....A post I thought I may never make and a strange one at that, but I feel compelled to talk about them. Twelve years ago I went on holiday with the Smith family throughout America. I still remember vividly to this day, the afternoon we walked in to Nike Town in Las Vegas. What, a whole town dedicated to Nike? I was beside myself. I bought a couple of things in there, including these Nike Aquasocks.



They were $30 tops. I took them back to Newcastle and wore them as a fashion shoe the likes of which the Quayside had never seen before, (regrettable, indeed, but at the time these shoes were coveted and complimented by friends). I wore them briefly after I moved to London, but soon realised perhaps they were best used as their name suggests. For water sports and such like. So, due to a total lack of adventurous water sports action over the last ten years, there they have sat, from shelf to shelf, bedroom to bedroom, home to home. Until our trip to Croatia that is.


(spot the Aquasock cameo)

The pebble beaches meant we were advised to wear this exact type of shoe, and boy were they useful. And dare I say, actually still slightly tasteful, no? I really am no hoarder, but I feel pretty pleased with myself that I kept a hold of these after all. I have no idea if they are still in production, mind. And the moral of the story? Go to America with the Smiths.

AMV football: Suits Vs Creatives....

....This was the seventh match between rival departments at work. For the second year running, the spring match was played at Brentford F.C. - a wonderful setting for us to play in and an opportunity to play out that life long fantasy of the pro footballer. For the first time in four games, the suits, (my team), beat the creatives. And convincingly at that. A great day out and one it seems everyone knew about......


Stuart Hall sets the scene.


The game. Kind of.


Ben Paxman, Suits goalkeeper, post match interview.

Look Mum No Hands....

....This cycling cafe & workshop has been open for a couple of months now and I have stopped briefly for a drink before, but this time I wanted to make fuller use.



Liam, Richie and I decided to go there after work on Thursday to watch the highlights of Le Tour from that day.



The bar and cafe is fantastic, clad in memorabilia and plenty of French bunting in homage to the big race.



The coffee is good, (reputedly), and the home made goats cheese and broccoli pie that I had was wonderful.



They even have a license to serve alcohol too. We sat back and watched Mark Cavendish live up to his reputation as one of the most fearsome sprinters in the pack and then watched him break down on the podium after quite a tough year.



We stayed there for a few drinks more, then cycled off, but it is definitely worth a visit if you're pedalling in the area.

England 1-4 Germany....

....And then it was over. For England, the 2010 World Cup has come to an end. Yesterday, we were well and truly and totally deservedly stuffed by our oldest foes. We remained short of ideas and technique, whilst also largely statuesque in defence, as Germany rampaged through us on the break.



Of course, there was the 'goal that never was', but it wouldn't have had any bearing on the final result. The best team won. I will not go in to player descriptions, as it is totally inconsequential now.



We, (and Capello, above), need to go back to the drawing board, whilst I wish Germany the best of luck in the remainder of the cup.



Unfortunately, the proud flag flying atop the Spanish City, at home in Whitley Bay, will have to be taken down. But didn't it look nice there, proudly flapping in the salty sea air? Hmmm.

England 1-0 Slovenia....

....So, we're through. And football wise, it was a good bit better. Particularly the first half.



Gerrard was the man we've come to expect in big games, but also, unfortunately Lampard, as he does in big games, went missing. Capello's big decisions, however, paid off - Milner providing the teasing cross for Defoe's goal, whilst at the other end, Upson made a match saving challenge within his own area with minutes to go. Now we can go back to believing we can win the world cup again. But the reality is, we can't.



We have, (potentially), Germany, then Argentina, then Spain before we reach the final. To be fair, if we can beat them, then we deserve it! Today's afternoon kick off meant that I watched the game in the bar at work. As did everyone else.



A great atmosphere, willing the team on.....and it worked. Next!

England 0-0 Algeria....

....After reflecting on the last game and watching several of the stronger nations also struggle, perhaps England's previous performance wasn't that bad. This one, however, was truly awful.



There is not a great deal to say that hasn't already been said, but there was no spirit, no adventure and no hope in their play.



We have one last game to save ourselves and progress through to the next stage. My only comfort is in remembering a similar run of results in the 1990 World Cup, and we went on to the semi finals that year. C'mon boys.

No you didn't....

....A classic front page from today's New York Post. Over enthusiastic, or just confused?!



EDIT: It seems in fact that the American's aren't as daft as the headline suggests. See here. And thanks to the 'anonymous' commenter, below for the tip off.

England 1-1 USA....

....In light of press reports that referees at this summer's World Cup had each learned 20 English swear words in order to crack down on player abuse, Liam, Doug and I then tried to list those profanities on our kitchen blackboard. We succeeded. And following last night's abject draw with the USA, each of them is a fair description of England's goalkeeper Robert Green.



After a clanger, he has been made the scapegoat for England's unconvincing display, but in truth, in a match where Emile Heskey was our best player, there must be some other problems on the pitch. After a bright start, Steven Gerrard gave us the lead, but plenty more possession led to little more threat and after Green gifted Clint Dempsey their equaliser just before half time, we weren't able to finish off the USA.



I wasn't surprised. I'd be more surprised if England fans are surprised. But, equally, I am not too worried. We are fortunate to be in a weak group and to me it is inconceivable that we do not progress in to the last 16. Beyond that? I am not sure. My original prediction was a Quarter Final loss. Following last night's display, that hasn't changed.

World Cup 2010....

....We have lift off in South Africa. I am more excited than a 29 year old should be. C'mon England!

Keeping up with Kelly....

Matt's stag....

....What goes on the stag, stays on the.....blog?!
In advance of his and Tess' New York wedding in May, Matt's stag party unravelled itself in London at the weekend. It incorporated restaurants, races, roller disco, a nightclub - oh and a different outfit for each!


Pre dinner Greek waiters at your service (Fri)


Matt the jockey following Kempton Races


A man-kini @ Roller Disco, Vauxhall


Hello Sailor @ Guilty Pleasure, Koko.

The full slide show



Oh, and of course something arty from me:


A beautiful rainbow over Kempton Race Course

Paul meets....

....The subject of this post sounds like it could be the start of a regular entry, where Paul meets someone, (remotely), famous. We'll have to see if that comes to fruition. In the meantime, he has met a man that only Brummies, geordies and football fans will know. Brian Little.



Little managed Aston Villa, (my team), a good few years ago, with relative success.