"As You Like It" at Stafford Castle

This production has everything from a psychedelic milk float to a flower power Boycie (John Challis from Only Fools & Horses).
Whoever thought of setting As You Like It in the 1960's "far out man". It's all kaftans &  bandanas as the cast compete for laughs. The winner is Eric Potts as Touchstone but this comic masterpiece would not have been possible without his Audrey played by Shirley Darroch. It was never explained why there was a random milk float on the set, if anyone figured that out let me know. But all in all a jolly good wheeze, with the back drop of Stafford Castle for this open air performance.
This comedy lends itself to this adaptation, with the protest songs denoting the anti-war peace & freedom of the hippy generation with good prevailing in the end (if only life were so). The Bard couldn't half write 'em.

You can get your copy of Shakespeare's "As You Like It" at http://bit.ly/1jPKT3Z
The production at Stafford runs until the 12th of July 2014, tickets available at http://www.staffordfestivalshakespeare

Seeking out the less traveled path, then why not try the joys of the English Countryside.

Verity is the spice of life for the explorer so biodiversity gives you the interest, excitement & sheer satisfaction of expanding your world. So where will I find all this verity, well let's start with Natural England's the most important ground fed flood meadow, Mottey Meadows.

The Mottey Meadows Hay Making Festival 21/06/14

The meadows lie only half a mile from the village of Wheaton Aston in Staffordshire but are tucked away, allowing this unspoilt spot to continue as it has since the 14th century. But for one day each year there's a celebration of our natural heritage held on the site by the Friends of Mottey Meadows.

 This year's festival had fun for everyone, with marquees to protect us from the burning sun on this midsummer's day. As I browse the cornucopia of stands a few catch my eye. First is the Bat stand, We are all going Batty & at this time of year there is a good chance of spotting a Bat at dusk so keep your eyes open & don't get them stuck in your hair. For more information go to http://www.staffordshirebats.btck.co.uk.

Next it's the South Staffordshire Beekeepers who have a hive with a glass front to demonstrate the wonder of these magical creatures.

 If you are interested in being with bees then visit http://southstaffsbeekeepers.co.uk .

Finally, a wonderful display of Owls & Falconry. Mottey Meadows, a great place to pickup birds & my favourite was the Barn Owl.

For more info try http://www.owlandfalconrycentre.co.uk

So next it was time for a trek through the Meadows themselves, guided by the experts from Natural England.

The day ends with a beautiful sunset

Learn more about Mottey Meadows at http://bit.ly/1pzgEnd

Weston Park

A calm relaxing stroll through the house & gardens of Weston Park today. Celebrating 50 years of the site being open to the public. Not having visited Weston Park for a few years, I'm reminded of the glorious vistas across the Park & Capability Brown’s landscaped gardens.

Weston Park is situated on the border between Staffordshire & Shropshire, with its name coming from the De Westons who first settled on the site in around 1150. The current house was erected in the 17th century. If you visit the house here are a few gems to lookout for:
 In the Entrance Hall there is a fine Stubbs & the theme of the paintings is equestrian.
In the Breakfast Room there is a portrait of George Carew, Master of the Mary Rose who unfortunately perished during the ships demise, the artist is Hans Holbein the Younger.
In the First Salon are two nautical paintings by Claude Joseph Vernet, "The Calm & The Storm".  
In the Second Salon is "A Council of War" by Bassano, Leandro da Ponte.
But my favourite is in the Dining Room "Sir Thomas Hanmer" by Sir Anthony van Dyck, take your time in this room as there are several other great works.
Next to the Drawing Room, here can be seen Gainsborough's portrait of Lady Torrington. This is just my selection & I'm sure you will have your own.
After viewing the house it's time for a quick jaunt around the Park.

The shelter by the lake

The Temple of Diana Weston Park

But now my carriage awaits & don't spare the horses.

The Monaco F1 Grand Prix weekend 2014.

Saturday The 24th of May
The day started with a morning walk & the wildlife here is different, with small lizards basking on the rocks in the morning sun & red squirrels skipping through the trees. The sun is bright without a cloud in the sky, as I take breakfast al fresco in Saint-Raphaël.
But next it's the short drive to the train station. I struggle with the ticket machine but with a little help obtain the return Billet for the trip to Monte Carlo. The excitement builds as the train follows the coast along the Cote d' Azur. At Cannes the train is full & at Nice it's a squeeze but everyone is on for the short route to Monte Carlo.

Monte Carlo Train Station

Back at Monaco for F1 qualifying.
I have a good view of the final corner with its pit lane entrance & can see the top of the cars as they ascend the hill towards Casino square. I next see the cars in the distance as they exit the tunnel on the run down to the Chicane, finally I glimpse the protagonists on the exit from the swimming pool but if I crane my neck, I can just see the apex of Rascasse.

My view of the circuit

First the bad luck, both Felipe Massa & Jenson Button failed to make it to the final session of qualifying. Massa came to a halt when trying to avoid a Caterham & was not very happy about it. The biggest controversy of the day was between the two team mates at Mercedes, with Lewis claiming that he was blocked by Nico. Now the good luck, Inspite of all the controversy & changes for Monaco the Mercades are still quickest, as Nico takes pole position with Lewis just behind. The good news for the fans is that we now have a grudge between the drivers in the lead team & that means close racing with no holds barred.


Sunday the 25th of May - Race Day
I'm back in the same position on the hill over looking the final corner for the race.
Each car appears as a work of automotive genius, as they pass me on the way to the grid.

Niki Lauda in the Pit lane

As soon as they are lined up the celebrities stroll past me on the way to the grid.

Jackie Stewart walks past

Bernie Ecclestone makes an appearance

The BBC film their pre-race appetiser right in front of me, for those not lucky enough to be attending this spectacular.

Suzi Perry, Eddie Jordan & David Coulthard

It turned out to be the race we were all looking forward to, packed with incidents, safety cars & restarts.

With the Mercedes starting at the front & expected to win they didn't disappoint with Nico leading from the start all the way to the chequered flag with Lewis unable to get past on the tight street circuit.

Lewis follows Nico but can't get past

So Nico has proved has racing heritage & the will to win as he narrows the gap in the world championship to just four points. But fear not Lewis fans as he is a specialist at the next circuit as F1 moves to Canada.

The winning car after the race

So it's all over until the same time next year & I'm heading back home, no more  hobnobbing with the rich & famous, I'll return to socialising with the hoi polloi.

F1 Pit lane Monaco

Red Bulls pass the DRS line

Seb in the Pits

The harbour at Monaco

So what a week so far, starting with the Monte Carlo or bust spirit.
 The journey began by loading the battle bus for the assault on this fantastic voyage.

All the way from the centre of England to the cote d'azur, crossing land & sea. The major obstacle being the channel.

 Departing from Dover.

 As I left the ship at Calais the dark clouds were gathering & soon the heavens open. The driving rain slowing my progress, if it wasn't bad enough having to drive on the wrong  of the side of the road. It's long road to the Cote d' Azur & so I stopped half way to get some sleep. Unfortunately my phone is not working in France & this has resulted in some delays in communications but I'll press on regardless. By Wednesday I had arrived in Cannes but as there were no rooms available, I'm staying Saint Raphael. A quick drive up to Nice & then up the mountain road to Monaco.


Thursday starts early as I take the train to see the F1 practice. The first thing you notice in Monaco's spotless train station is the Tobacco advertising, I have clearly left the EU.

The first F1 practice is dry with all but Max Chilton putting in the required laps but the storm clouds hang over the rock above the principality & in between the P1 & P2 the rain & hail comes down. P2 with a wet track so very little action for the first hour. But as the track starts to dry they are all out first on intermediates then soft & finally the super soft tyres. So P3 on Saturday Morning Will give us a clear idea of who's on top.

Rain is forecast For Sunday & that could make things very interesting.

Here's the Agenda for the Monaco Grand Prix 2014

Thursday - 22nd May
08:30 -09:15 Formula Renault 3.5 Series
10:30-11:30 Formula 1: First Practice Session
12:00-12:30 GP2: Practice Session
14:00-15:30 Formula 1: Second Practice Session
16:15-16:45 GP2: Qualifying Session 1
17:20-18:05 Porsche Supercup: Practice Session

Friday - 23rd May
09:45-10:15 Porsche Supercup: Qualifying Session
11:15 GP2: First Race (42 Laps or 60 min)
No Formula 1 activity on Friday.

Saturday - 24th May
08:30-09:25 Formula Renault 3.5 Series - Seria A: Qualifying Session
09:30-09:55 Formula Renault 3.5 Series - Seria B: Qualifying Session
11:00-12:00 Formula 1: Third Practice Session
14:00-15:00 Formula 1: Qualifying Session
16:10 GP2: Second Race Start (42 Laps) 18:30

Sunday - 25th May
09:45 PORSCHE SUPERCUP: Race Start (16 Laps)
11:10 FORMULA RENAULT 3.5: Race Start (16 Laps)
12:30 Drivers Track Parade Formula 1
14:00 FORMULA 1: Start of the 72nd MONACO GRAND PRIX

So the F1 rumor mill is rolling again.

The word is that Ferrari wants Brawn, Bell and Newey but don't put any money on it.
Ross Brawn is available having departed from Mercedes & Ferrari looks a good fit.
The announcement that Bob Bell is to leave his job as technical director at Mercedes would tend to give weight to this rumor. But as for Adrian Newey moving from Red Bull, this could be expensive as he is already paid an estimated $12 million.
The final conjecture is that Fernando Alonso is looking for a drive with Mercedes but who would they move out to make way for the former world champ.

F1 2014
New regulations new drivers but the same old fun.
For the Last few years the team on top has been Red Bull but due to a shake up in the rules this has now changed. The challengers for the automotive gladiators title are  driving a Mercedes. As everyone else tries to catchup Lewis Hamilton & Nico Rosberg have zoomed to the top of the points table. But the next race is a little bit different, with all the glamour & sophistication of the beautiful people. Monaco's tight circuit through the streets of the Principality are the ultimate test of a driver's ability. I'll keep you up to date with all the buildup, practice, qualifying & the race itself as I travel to the circuit to bring you live reports.

In the pit lane at Silverstone last year