One of our favourite Dutch cities. And this time we are on the premier mooring, the water berth. There hasn't been a space here for 3 months!

We have a good view of them trying to open the Gravestenen bridge - it keeps sticking. Hitting it with progressively larger and larger sticks seems to be the preferred method, and finally jumping up and down on it. All the while, a couple of barges hovering impatiently on either side.

Another amazing do. Sophie and Ian had an Anglo-Welsh 'entente matrimoniale'. They were married in St. Mary's Church Monmouth, and had the reception at Bishopswood house just outside Ross-on-Wye.
150 people watched them saying their vows with huge smiles on their faces. It was one of the happiest weddings that I have witnessed for a long time.
Speeches by Rob (the brides father), Ian (the groom) and the best man were exceptionally good. Rob's being the best wedding speech that I can recall ever hearing. Significant quantities of food and drink were consumed as usual, and everyone seemed to have a good time.

Well that was quite a do. There was a lunch time party on her Birthday proper 23/8, and then a serious bash on the Saturday 25/8. Mostly family but 'old' friends as well. The top table of 9 people had a combined age of over 700years. Speeches were kept to a minimum, much to everyone's relief. Mostly we concentrated on eating and drinking. There were over 50 people at the Roslyn Hotel in Thorpe Bay, Essex.