Hey folks the club is open, come on in!
On tonight's agenda we have the Minstrels back again in the gallery with the usual selection of madrigals and fugues, local favourites, the Tone Deafs are playing in the ballroom, tonight they are giving us a selection of covers from the 1970's (break out the loon pants and tanks tops everybody!) Also for members entertainment, the hot tub is bubbling away on the north tower, the bungee is awaiting it's first vic... volunteer.... the racing track is ready for use as are the rowing boats down by the lake. Tonight's tailcock will be the "Hooray Henry" an interesting brew with more than a hint of ginger! Our hot plate special is meatballs in a red wine sauce with pasta, and on the pudding trolley we have tiramisu, as well as the usual selection of canopies and volley vonts. For our members further entertainment, I have to announce the opening of the Towers' gym! Situated in the cellars near the indoor swimming pool (cossies are available for those without one)
Please remember try not to upset Sir Cumference the Towers ghost (doesn't like too much noise) In view of the inclement weather here at the Towers the games room is all set up for our guests.
Anyone wishing to stay over please see Belle in the vestibule to arrange a suite.
For the rofl tonight I have:
1 cross stich kit, half done, chart lost
pack of blunt needles
2 odd socks
jar of assorted buttons
A warm welcome awaits all who dare enter these portals
I believe it does. Trouble is I hardly dare touch it for fear of damaging it further. I reckon Dad had it folded up in his uniform pocket. It is a French version. I'm going to piece it together. My daughters reckon I should contact the local museum
My great uncle James was also killed on the Somme but in November as that offensive was coming to it's end. He is buried at Serre, near Baupaume. His brother John, was killed at the Dardanelles a few months earlier (he has no grave at all) and James wore a black button on his uniform as a way of mourning him. It's all very sad
Your drink Lady J. I've taken the liberty of putting it in a bucket rather than a glass, you may be thristy and in need of a good drink. Frank will be along shortly with some food
Crikey, that's a bit spooky. Dad was in the North Staffs! He was too young to be in at the beginning of the war so missed a lot of the action but went as soon as he could. He was at a place called St Emir (at least that's how he pronounced it) so I'm looking for that too. He still experienced more action than I would have liked him to have done.
Have you looked your uncle up in the Army records, Tone?
Good evening Lady J, I hope you are well? I love the smell of creosote, I used to paint the fence panels in my mums garden just for the smell of it!
That was a long time ago.....
Could that maybe be St. Omer Mammar? I know it was used the by the Germans in 1940 as a flying base during the Battle of Britain. Maybe it's the same place. My great uncles were in the Royal Scots and the Kings Own Scottish Borderers (alas no longer with us, now incorporated into the Scottish Regiment or some such these days)
Yes I have looked him up Mammar, I know his service number, when he joined up ( 1912 ) his regiment was in south Africa when war broke out they were shipped straight to France from there in double quick time. I do have a photograph of his war grave, he is buried close to Mammetz.
Good evening all, phew what a day, a Hooray Henry please Igor and take my donations for the riffle would you please? I have a box full of bubbles, I think they have escaped from an Aero or Wispa and a spiders' web. I shall find a seat and await you Igor.
I was so lucky to get both Dad and Grandad back safe. They both had a few scary close shaves though. If Dad hadn't had a tin of bully beef in his pack to stop a decent sized lump of shrapnel, it would have embedded itself in his back instead. He said it was worth going hungry.
Igor, another bucket of Henry to toast all those we've remembered tonight, please.
And don't take any notice of them moaning about your chains - give 'em all a pair of earplugs with their drinks
You are very kind with you offer My Lady J but I couldn't possibly accept. I have been an anacient family retainer here at the Towers since the days of Madame's Great great grnadfather .... I'm looking well for my years don't you think?