30th June - Phil's birthday - Pasta party

Brian contacted me in the afternoon to say he had double-booked himself and would not be going tonight. I therefore set off for Kay's on my own when it stopped raining. Phil greeted me at the door and told me that the others were having a committee meeting in the lounge so we were waiting in the kitchen. Sue, Neil ,Sandeep and Leigh arrived not long after me. Leigh pointed out that the curtains were closed in the lounge - very secretive! Eventually the meeting finished and we went into the lounge to find Debbie, Andrea,Anya, Sarah and Kay. Sarah left straight after the meeting to go to Chester (not sure why!)
Phil went back in the kitchen to start cooking and soon bought in a large bowl of pasta and a variety of sauces. Whilst we were eating, John and Simon arrived. Rachel ,Mike and Tim arrived later and Laurie brought her friend Jude with her. They talked about their holiday in Spain where they had met - it sounds like they had a good time. Phil seemed to insist on playing classical music which not many people liked so whilst he was out we swapped his CD for Queen's Greatest Hits - much better!
This led to a discussion about live concerts and I discovered that I'm the only one who still goes to them regularly.
We chatted about the recent weekend away - everyone seemed to have enjoyed it. We seem to be lucky where the weather was concerned - if we had gone this weekend we would have loads of hassle as weather has been dreadful.
Later on in the evening Phil brought in two birthday cakes - one was a rich chocolate cake and the other was an iced sponge and Debbie brought in some chocolate cornflake cakes which disappeared very quickly.
I left at about 11pm and had quite an easy journey home despite the fact that I had to take a slight detour because part of Great Cheetham Street was blocked off.
Despite the fact that there was only a small number of people there tonight I quite enjoyed it as it meant that I had the chance to chat to everyone.

24th June - After the ball was over...

I had breakfast at 9 with Chris and Brian as planned. The continental breakfast was pretty good - we had cereal, muffins, fruit and coffee. Peter had decided to have a lie-in as he was pretty tired. We went over to the other hotel where we split up into groups to go to church. I went to the Anglican church with Keith, Brian, Leanne, Liz, Rob,Phil and Ella. St Helen's Church was a very traditional looking building - we reckoned it dated back to Norman times but once we went inside we found it was quite modern. They had a band and all the hymns and responses for communion were on an OHP so there was no need for books. The congregation was quite large - about 100 - and the service was lively. We stayed for coffee afterwards and chatted to members of the congregation who were quite friendly.
Unfortunately it was raining when we came out so we dashed back to our cars and headed back over to the Red Kite pub for lunch. We arrived at a similar time to the other group who had been to the Pentecostal church. I ordered duck in orange sauce with new potatoes. Chris had roast beef and Yorkshire pud with all the trimmings and Brian had roast turkey. Dave had a Chicken and Apsparagus pie. The portions were quite generous. Peter had benefitted from his lie-in though he said there was quite a rush for the last serving of breakfast.
Sarah, Susannah and a few others joined us later - they had been to the local sculpture park which they said was quite interesting - mainly modern art work.
We originally planned to ge the earlier train back but this didn't work out as Chris wasn't sure where the station was and the signs in the town centre weren't all that helpful. After saying goodbye to him, Brian and I caught the first train to Leeds where we found the first train to Manchester was going to Victoria station. It was one of those trains that stops at every station and had no buffet trolley, but I think I was too tired to care. Eventually we arrived back at Victoria and jumped on trams going in different directions. I had a light meal at Mum and Dad's before going back home for a much needed early night.
In all it was an excellent weekend - I'm so glad I decided to go.

23rd June - Northern Lights Summer Ball - Wakefield

I met Brian at Piccadilly Station and we had a good train journey to Wakefield. We checked into the Travelodge and found that the rooms were quite spacious. By coincidence we met Chris in the foyer and he offered to give us a lift to the Cedar Court hotel where the ball was taking place. Once we arrived there we had a look around to see if we could find anyone else. We found Keith in the gym and returned to the foyer where we met Sandra and looked at the plan for the evening. As I have now joined the Northern Lights Committee, I was asked to help out on the desk taking people's details. We then went up to look at the room which was quite large. The tables were on one side of the room laid with blue and white tablecloths and candlelabra and the dance floor was on the other. We returned to our hotel to get changed and left the others to put the finishing touches to the room.
I met up with Brian in the foyer and we took a taxi down to the Cedar Court. When we reached the Rowan Suite we saw that all the baloons were in place and the band were starting to set up. I sat down with Keith who was wearing his kilt (!) and we started to book people in as they turned up. I was pleased to see quite a few familiar faces including Leanne who I had talked to about the ball when I last saw her at 25+ and a few people I met at the Halifax day. Everyone looked great in their ball gowns and suits.
When the band started their first number, Chris led me onto the dance floor for the first dance. Despite being the only ones on the dance floor I think I did quite well and we certainly had quite a few compliments afterwards. After a couple more numbers they announced that the food was ready. The buffet was excellent - there was dim sum,samosas, pizza, sandwiches and salad. I chatted to a few others at our table including Caroline, Rob and Liz who I met at Chris's party. When the meal had finished, we had what Paula called "Death by Notices(!)" when all the forthcoming events were announced. Sandra, Chris and Keith were presented with wine and flowers and thanked for all the effort they had put into planning the ball. We then had the ice-breaker activity. We opened the envelopes we had received when we walked in and split into groups to answer the questions inside which included "What would you do if you won £1 million?" and "Describe you ideal house." It certainly got everyone talking.
After this the band started up again and the floor soon filled up. As well as the usual dances they decide to include a barn dance which was a bit chaotic, a St Bernard's waltz and the Gay Gordons. I even managed to have a go at "Double Trouble" with another girl and Chris. I think we did ok, considering it was my first attempt.
By the end of the evening, I was pretty shattered after all the dancing. When the party was over I helped to tidy up. Everyone said they had had a briliant evening.
We went outside to find that it was raining but even I didn't mind as I needed cooling down. Chris drove Peter,Brian and I back to the hotel and we arranged to meet for breakfast at 9 the next morning.
In all it was a great evening - the best ball I have been to.

18th June - Modern Jive at Prestwich

After two weeks off due to my London trip and Church family committee I finally got the chance to go dancing. It looked like there were less people there tonight - some of the regulars like Rob and Sid were missing. The beginners moves were Basic, Yoyo, Wrist Spin and Step Across. Had quite a few dances in the break including one with a younger guy who said I looked terrified. I guess that's because I'm not used to doing drops with strangers, but it was a good experience.
The intermediate moves included a secret shouder drop and wurlitzer lean. I ended up dancing with Eddy at the end of that which was good. After watching the advanced class I went home. It was a good practice for Saturday and good to be back.

17th June - Last day of weekend away at Lake Bala

I managed to get up early this morning despite going to bed late last night. I sat with John, Alan and Mike for breakfast. There was no cooked breakfast today - just toast and cereal. After breakfast I went upstairs to pack. At 11am we had our service. The songs were led by Duncan and Vanessa gave a very personal testimony based on 23rd Psalm. It must have taken a lot of guts to share such personal stuff. After the service we sang "Happy birthday" to Phil and his cake from his Mum was brought in. It was decorated with a football and a mini golf course complete with golfer. We then had lunch which was roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with roast potatoes,broccoli and carrots. I enjoyed it despite not being a big fan of roast beef. The pudding was more my style - orange cheesecake and there was cheese and biscuits to follow too.
I found out that the walk after lunch was going to be a fairly long one led by John so decided not to go on it. I stayed behind and watched the volleyball instead. By now the weather was getting quite hot so I put on a bit of Susanna's suncream as I had decided not to pack mine. Some of the people who had a long way to go like Adele, Alison, Wendy and Norman left early. Rick, Julie and Ian left at three as Julie had to pick up her son from her Mum's. After three games of volleyball others started leaving too. We left at about 4pm and had a pretty good journey home which took just under two hours. I had salmon salad at Mum's before returning to my place. I had an early night to make up for the lack of sleep I had over weekend.
In all it was a good break - I'm really glad I went.

16th June - Second day of weekend at Lake Bala

I had breakfast with Kay, Anya, Elaine,Karen, Debbie and Julie this morning. There was the option of a cooked breakfast today so I had beans on toast with saute potatoes. After breakfast about half of us went off to the lake for sailing and canoeing. The rest of us went into Bala to look around the shops. We also went for a coffee at the internet cafe. I resisted the urge to look at my e-mails - I reckoned it could all wait until tomorrow night. After this we went in the Rainbows End shop and Cafe and found that we really should have gone there for coffee - Cath and Tina said they were good. We then returned to the centre for lunch of Pasta Bake followed by Jam Sponge and Custard.
After lunch we set off for the train station where we caught the steam train which runs along the shore of the lake. It was a pleasant journey,but I reckon I should have avoided the open carriage as the smoke made my eyes water. When we arrived at the station we had drinks in the station cafe. Quite a few of us opted for Hot chocolate and other ordered flapjack and shared it with me. We decided to travel in the carriage with windows on the way back - much better for my eyes. When we disembarked I took a few photos of the steam engine and then set off for the village. I had another look round Rainbows End with Debbie and Julie. When we arrived back at the centre I found that Kay had bought the necklace she had been admiring earlier. Tea was fish and chips followed by ice cream. After tea we set off for the pubs again. We intended to go in The Goat as there was a disco on, but it looked dead when we arrived so we went to the White Lion instead. I tried out the Welsh Whisky which was quite good.
We then went back to the Goat where we were chatted up by some dodgy locals. Needless to say we only had one drink there and moved on to the Bulls Head for the Karaoke night. Kay and Karen sang 'I will survive'. They then had a game of 'Play Your Cards Right' which no-one won so they said the jackpot rolls over to next week. After this Kay had another go at the Karaoke and sang Black Velvet. By now it was past 1am so we went back to the centre. I decided to go straight to bed as I was very tired.

15th June - First day of weekend away at Lake Bala

Elaine picked me up at 2pm and we had a pretty good journey down to Wales. We arrived early so we had a wander into the village to look around the shops. We just managed to get back before it started raining. Sarah had arrived first and Mike and Anya were there too. We also saw Charlie who had arrived early and had been walking and checking out the pubs for us. Not long after we arrived Kay, Tim and Kirsty arrived along with Karen. I showed Kirsty the room we would be sharing. It's a bit on the small side, but quite cosy. As the afternon passed more people arrived. I discovered that Jenny wasn't coming as she had decided to go to Australia early because she got a good deal on her flight, but Debbie was coming in her place.
By the time it came for us to have our evening meal most of the party had arrived. Sarah said there would be 50 of us altogether but a couple of people weren't arriving until Saturday. Tea was bread rolls, salad, ham and cheese followed by cake. A few weren't all that happy with it but I didn't mind. By the end of the meal the last few stragglers had arrived including Mike and Alan. It was good to see them again.
After tea we decided to check out the pubs which Charlie recommended. His main recommendation, the Goat seemed a bit crowded so we went to the Bull's Head instead.
I sat with Karen, Tim, Ian, Norman and Eddy and we had a few games of dominoes as we caught up on each other's news. We left the pub at about midnight. When we got back I watched Kay and Charlie play pool for a short while before going to bed.

6th June - Second Day in London

I had breakfast in the hotel restaurant this morning. I was a bit naughty and had a Danish Pastry with my cereal and Fruit Salad. I then went back to my room and worked out how to access the internet and read my email on TV.
I then checked out and went over to Earl's court for the fair. Alex was already there and had started to set up. We seemed to be pretty busy today. On Alex's recommendation I went to Bakers Oven and had Tuna salad for lunch. The afternoon was busy at the fair and by the end of the day we had reached our target of 650 registrations. Alex and I decided to go straight home after the fair but Andy and Jo stayed on. We just about managed to get the 5.05pm train and we had a good journey. I was back home by 8.30pm and had time to go back to my flat.
In all it's been a good two days. I will definately be volunteering to do a fair next year.

5th June - First day of London Careers Fair

I got up early this morning as I had to catch the 7.15am train to London. I made it to the station with ime to spare so I bought a newspaper and magazine. Alexandra who was also going to the fair got on the train at Stockport. She said they had done really well at the fair at the Barbican last week.
We arrived at Euston and took the tube to Earl's Court. Rang the other s to check we had time to drop our bags at the hotel before going to the fair and found we had. Our rooms at the hotel weren't ready so we left our bags in reception and walked over to Earl's Court. Found out that our stand is right near the entrance which is really great as we can attract the attention of the students as they come in. We had a really good day and got lots of students to register with us - over 300 so we should reach our target of 650 for the two days. At the end of the day I went round the other stalls to get free sweets and chocolates(!) Also we all got a free punnet of strawberries from the Sainsbury's stand.
We then went back to the hotel. My room is good but the view from the window isn't brilliant. After an hour's rest I caught the tube to Stepney Green to see Karen (our former Deacon). I found her house quite easily. She was pleased to see me and showed me round the house. It has three floors and four bedrooms. Apparently it dates back to the 1700s but the kitchen was added on recently - about 20 years ago.
Later on in the evening we went out for a meal in Brick Lane. We went to a restaurant called Chillis. I had Chicken Dansak which was spicier than I expected and Karen had Vegetable Jalfrezi. We caught up on each other's news. She told me about her church and the projects she works with. She is off to Iona with some people from the circuit next week. It is the first time she has been.
We left the restaurant at about 9.30pm. I caught the tube back from Adlington Green. It's a good job the hotel is near the station as it was dark by the time I got back.
I was quite tired so I went straight to bed.

2nd June - Louise and Rob's Home warming party

I had a pretty good journey to Macclesfield tonight. I picked Brian up on the way and he made a reasonable job of navigating.We arrived to find there was just Charlie there,but others arrived not long after. Duncan arrived first closely followed by Cath, Tina and Sarah. We sat outside in the back garden for most of the evening.
Apparently it has been renovated quite a bit since Louise first moved in. John arrived later and told us how he helped to develop the garden by knocking down a wall.Later on in the evening Tim turned up with Chris and Denise. They all travelled down together. Chris says plans for the ball are going well. He is planning to stay in the Travelodge like Brian and I although he hasn't booked his room yet. The theme of the ball is going to be blue and white so my dress will fit in nicely. Apparently we have a choice of church for the day after the ball so we will go to the Anglican one.
We decided to leave at about 10.30 as I knew we had a long journey home. The journey home was easier than the one there. We managed to get home before midnight and I felt quite proud of myself for driving all the way there.