Comic Mel Smith Dies

I was looking on the BBC website and I came across the sad news that Mel Smith has died at the age of sixty of a heart attack.

Many people will remember him for programmes like "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and "Alas Smith and Jones" , the latter running from January 1984 to October 1998. He was also formed the company Talkback with Griff Rhys Jones which became on of the UK's leading production companies. 

 

He died at his home on 19 July. According to reports the  London Ambulance Service was called to his home in north-west London and the comedian was confirmed dead by the ambulance crew. A later post-mortem confirmed that he had died from a heart attack.

He was part of a generation of comedic/actors that included his long time television and stage partner Griff Rhys Jones, Rowan Atkinson and Pamela Stephenson all of whom rose to fame in the television programme "Not the Nine O'Clock News. It was on that programme I first came across him and started laughing at his brand of humor him and his co stars peddled on the show, later like many I went on to watch him in "Alas Smith and Jones" on the BBC.

Like many I will miss not having him about on this planet, and over the years he has given me many a laugh especially with Griff Rhys Jones. Like always my heart goes out to his family and his friends and all that met and worked with this great man.

Missing Pictures

Someone noticed the lack of pictures on the early posts on the blog and there is a reason why they have disappeared. Originally the pictures where hosted from my face book account and since then Facebook must have changed how they share photographs and they have disappeared. Over the summer my plan is to restore those pictures form my Facebook account and make the blog complete once more.

The Apprentice - The Final 2013

Congratulations to Leah Totton on winning tonight's final of The Apprentice after another enjoyable series of the long running show on the BBC television after beating Luisa Zissman, which might prove to be lucky escape for Sir Alan Sugar.

She had to fight her way past the buffoons that thought they are the future champions, but in the end showed there egos were bigger than the business intellects. There is drive and ambition and there is being big headed and thinking you know everything and that other don't know better than you, and those that fail tend to fall into that  group of idiots that show all that is wrong with British management. Thankfully Alan Sugar and his team aren't that stupid and they see through the lies and the half truths to see the contestants for what they really are. How do that do that team work, Sir Alan listens to his advisor's and takes what they have said on board before he acts. It is the one thing nearly all the contestants could do with learning and the same thing goes for business in the United Kingdom in general.

Finally one thing I have noticed that since the show is now about securing investment  rather than getting a job with Sir Sugar it has lost it's way a little compared to the original in terms of the people that it attracts. Don't get me wrong I still like the show, but the people that apply don't seem to be of the stuff that the original shows contestants were made of. They don't have the same business skills sets and tend to be just idea's people rather than future business leaders, and that is something that would never have done in the original concept of the show.

Out and About - Sutton on Sea

Rutland is miles from the sea, but on a day like today when the weather is hot it is juts nice to go and find those sea breezes even if it means traveling miles and miles. One of the places that can be reached relatively easily is the Lincolnshire coast.

One of the many little places you can go, if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of places like Skegness is Sutton on Sea a little further North up the Lincolnshire coast. This is a much smaller place and far less commercialise than it bigger neighbor with less noise and caravan parks to spoil the natural beauty of the place.

The beach itself is has been a award a seaside award and is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards. It is absolutely stunning having miles upon miles of sand for the young and the old to enjoy alike. It beaches like his on a summers day that make you wonder why anyone would spend a fortune leaving these shores in the current economic climate. 

However if you want to get away from all you could go to the Lincolnshire Country park a bit further down the coast. There you will find mile upon mile of sandy beach and not a ice cream or an amusement park insight to drain your pockets of your precious pennies. All you have to do is ignore the ugly wind farm that some silly government allowed to be built which spoils what on a sunny day would be an idyllic view.

Finally they is one warning I must impart and that is to avoid the Dolphin Fish bar in Sutton on Sea, it servers some of the nastiest chips I have ever had the misfortune to eat, I hope for their sake it was just a off day, or they will find the don't have a business soon.  That aside if you are looking for a trip out and some where quieter than a main resport I can highly recommend Sutton on Sea and the in general the beauty of the Lincolnshire coast.

Places to go in and around Rutland

There have been as the summer has gone on a larger number of searches than previous summers on places in and around Rutland, so I thought it would be a good idea to do a post on places to visit in and around Rutland.

Rutland Water

One of the reasons many people come to Rutland is to visit Rutland water and for good reason, it is very beautiful. Many people elect to cycle around the reservoir and for good reason, it is probably the best way to see it other than risking getting wet in a boat. Around the shores you will find ample parking, cafes, pubs and places where you can hire bikes as well a boats if you are a sailor at heart. With the odd adventure playground and places for picnics it is an idea place to take a family for a day out.

Rocks to Rails

A little gem to be found in Rutland is the Rock to Rails museum just outside the village of Ashwell. Run by volunteers and set in a reclaimed quarry it gives a taste what the iron ore production in the East Midlands was like until the demise of the British Steel Industry which also saw the closure of many quarries in the region. The museum has an ironstone exhibition, a working railway line with steam engines, a workshop and loco yard, a nineteen sixties style cafe and a nature trail. It is advisable to check the museums website before you visit to make sure it open and check the days the steam trains are operating. From experience it is a great place to take the children and you can get up real close to the exhibits, so go and enjoy this gem.

Northfield Farm

Northfield Farm is located on the A606 between Oakham and Melton Mowbray. It is a working farm that produces it own meats from rear breed cattle and sells some of the finest meats I have ever had the pleasure to cook. Other than being a fine food outlet it is an open farm where you can see up close the working of a modern day farm and a great place to take the children. There are normally baby pigs in the pens near the farm buildings, other animals that you can see in the fields, a childrens play area and a cafe. It is worth a visit if your in the area and if you want a decent Sunday dinner then pop into the farm shop and pick yourself up a one of best joints of meat you can find in the East Midlands.

Oakham

Oakham is a really pretty market town set in some beautiful countryside, but if you want to see it in all it's beauty don't delay going to visit this charming town. The town is rapidly being spoilt by over development. Green spaces and the green fields surrounding the town are being turned into concert jungles and the nature will soon be town spoilt forever. See it now before it is too late and it becomes a blot on the landscape and a supermarket heaven for those that like such things; those who don't miss the joy of shopping on the High Street, for the lovely small business in the town will soon be long gone to be replaced by connivance stores and charity shops.

Uppingham

Uppingham is well worth visiting as are some of the surrounding countryside and villages (some of the best in Rutland). Relatively unspoilt be the developers and their friends at Rutland County Council it retains a lot of its character. The main shopping area is still full of family run businesses that have been trading in the town for years. A must is the bakery which sells some of the finest rolls I pastries that I have ever had the pleasure of eating.  Not far from Uppingham you will find the next two attractions, Bede House and the Eyebrook Reservoir

Bede House

Bede House was originally the merdieval wing of a palace belonging to the Bishops of Lincoln, and in 1600 it was converted it into an almshouse for 12 poor ‘bedesmen’ and two women. It remained in use as a almshouse until 1930. Nearby there are the remains of the rest of the palace and a impressive village church. The house can be found in the beautiful village of Lyddington, just outside Uppingham, which is well worth visiting in it's own right with it typical stone built Rutland cottages.

Eyebrook Reservoir

Eyebrook is the forgotten reservoir, over shadowed by it bigger neighbor Rutland water, but it is well worth visiting if you are into wildlife, especially bird life. It is equally as stunning as Rutland water and a great place if you are into fishing. Even in the winter months the hardy fisherman can be seen on the water trying to catch something to take home for dinner. The only thing to beware of is the width of the roads and the odd cyclist that travel round the water, so if your in a car just take it easy and don't forget to pop into the church at Stoke Dry and see the wall paintings, which includes Norman image of what appear to be Red Indians! 

Stamford

Just on the boarders of Rutland in Lincolnshire is the beautiful town of Stamford. Walking through the streets is like walking back in time. The town is well known for its medieval core of 17th–18th century stone buildings, older timber framed buildings and boasts no less than five medieval parish churches. The town itself is a conservation area, in fact the first conservation area, and since then the old town has been made an area of outstanding architectural and historic interest. It is a natural treasure and It is a place you must visit if you are in the area, in fact it was once voted the best place to live in a national poll.

Kirby Hall

 

Moving in Northamptonshire, and the Corby area once famed for it still mills they is the remains of one of the finest country houses in England.The house was based on French architectural pattern books and expanded in the classical style, and although mainly roofless the evidence of its former glory is clear for all to see. Set in gardens that match the style of the house it is well worth the entry money to get in. If the weather is fine take a picnic with you, there are picnic benches in the garden but avoid race days at Rockingham Speedway unless you want the noise of motor cars spoiling your meal.

Rockingham Castle

The former royal castle and hunting lodge at Rockingham is a mile north of the town of Corby. It was built on the instruction of William the Conqueror on the site that has for many years been used to site fortifications because of its position on elevated ground overlooking the valley of Welland.  As well as visiting the castle itself and doing the official tour you can also visit the gardens and the tea rooms. Throughout the years the castle is host to a number of events and it is well worth checking out the official website to see what is going on before you visit. It is not cheap to get into the castle but it is worth the money if you make the day of it and there is plenty to do if you take your time and wander around taking everything in.

Rockingham Speedway

If you fancy a change from all the countryside and you enjoy the roar of a large engine then Rockingham Speedway is for you. The track itself was opened in 2001 and it was constructed on the site of the former British Steel Works in Corby. The circuit is based around a banked oval and the intention was to bring the American oval racing across the Atlantic to Britain, and it is the fastest banked track in Europe. Over the summer months Rockingham Speedway hosts a number of events including the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. Before you go the circuit check the official circuit website and buy your ticket online to save you some pennies, buy tickets on the day is considerably more expensive, and if you feel you want to try it yourself why not take your own car for a high speed spin.

Foxton Locks

 

Moving now into Leicestershire you can find largest flight of staircase locks on the English canal system with two 'staircases' of five locks. Foxton Locks are located on the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal just over 3 miles west of Market Harborough close to the nearby village of Foxton. Other than the working locks there is museum where you can learn more about the locks and how they were built. There are miles of canal towpaths to walk along and there is a tearoom and a choice of local pubs serving food, as well as for those on a budget areas where you can enjoy a picnic. While you are there you should also take in the town of Market Harborough.

Belvoir Castle

Set in the Vale of Belvoir the current castle is the forth to stand at the site since Norman times and for a 1000 years has been the home of Duke and Duchess or Rutland. The current building dates back to the early 19th Century replacing various buildings that were destroyed in the Wars of the Roses, the Civil War and finally by a major fire in 1816. Normally vistors are took on tours of the house whose highlights highlights include the lavish staterooms, the Regents Gallery and the Roman inspired State Dining Room. Currently the gardens are being restored to there former glory by the current Duchess, but having said that they are already beautiful. Being a family home the castle is only open on specific dates it is best that you check the official site before you head out for a visit, but be warned it isn't a cheap but there is a lot to see as long as you have the entry price.

National Space Centre

 

On the outskirts of Leicester is the National Space Centre that was opened in 2001 as all-weather attraction for all the family. The centre is filled with rockets, satellites in includes one of only two Soyuz capsules on display in the West. The centre made up from six main galleries of exhibits that space flight, astronomy and cosmology. It also has a cinema and planetarium, a gift shop and a restaurant that is located in the nozzles of a two launch vehicles. Finally be warned it isn't a cheap place to visit but special deals and family tickets make it slightly more attractive than it would be otherwise.

Donington le Heath Manor

Donington le Heath Manor which is near Coalville in in North West Leicestershire. It is a lovely old medieval manor house set in authentic laid out medieval gardens. The house itself was built over 700 years ago and dates back to 1288 and includes exhibitions on medieval life with occasional exhibitions on a wide range of subjects. Interestingly it was home to Everard Digby who was a close friend of Guy Fawkes, and he was executed in 1606 for being one of the Gunpowder Plotters. It is enter the house, which free parking and there is a cafe if you need a drink or fancy a homemade cake or two. During the summer they have loads of events again all free. It is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the summer sun. 

Langer Airfield

An airfield might be a strange place to suggest to visit, but at the weekend it can be a very colourful place to visit. It is home of the British Parachute School so not only can you go along and watch people jump out of completely serviceable planes, you can even have ago yourself. The best time to go is on a sunny windless weekend and the Airfield has a café for food and drinks and toilets for when you are desperate. The airfeild itself is in Nottinghamshire and about a 30 minute drive from Oakham down some beautiful country roads.

Finally in such a short post it is hard to include all that there is to see in one place, so if i have missed your favorite place in and around Rutland I'm sorry, but if you search the blog it might just turn up. To everyone that reads this I hope you have a lovely summer and enjoy the sun while it lasts.