That’s me staring for the next Scottish Highlands tour! Set off on the 3rd May, getting the train from Grantham to Aviemore on 3rd May. Then staying in the Aviemore area for two nights. Then on the 5th May getting a train to Elgin, there for just one night. Then Aberdeen for one night (6th May). Before getting the train back to Grantham on the 7th May!
Here are some of the books, I am taking with me :).
Reggie Yates’ Extreme Russia (BBC 3/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Monday 20th April 2015)
In the second of three programmes revealing the extreme side of Russia, Reggie Yates finds out what life is really like for young people in what has been described as the hardest place in Europe to be gay, a year after the introduction of the anti-propaganda law. He travels to St Petersburg for Queerfest, a 10-day arts and culture get-together for the LGBT community. Reggie spends time on both sides of the battle lines – with the Queefest team as they face the daily fight to keep their festival open, and the homophobes who want to see it closed. He also meets Dayra, a young lesbian viciously stabbed and left for dead by homophobes, and activist Kiril who is still fighting back and who shows Reggie how Putin’s repressive laws make it almost impossible to protest without risk of arrest. On the other side, Reggie meets leaders of Orthodox pressure groups like God’s Will, who would stone gays to death if the law allowed it, and Vitali Milonov, the architect of the anti-gay propaganda law.
The Restoration Man (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Wednesday 22nd April 2015)
George Clarke chooses four of his favourite church conversions from the show, celebrating the creative dreamers brave enough to take on the challenge of restoring them, from a couple who hoped their old fisherman’s church in Devon would bring them together, to a young father whose single-minded dedication to restoring a medieval Welsh chapel almost broke his young family apart. In idyllic rural Cumbria, restoration novices risked financial ruin to transform the village church’s iconic spire, while a couple from Newcastle battled the elements to create a bohemian artistic retreat 400 miles away in the Outer Hebrides.
Secret Britain (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 22nd April 2015)
Series exploring the hidden corners of the UK and revealing landscape secrets. In Scotland, Adam Henson climbs the fearsome, secret side of Ben Nevis and Ellie Harrison probes a monster mystery at the heart of Britain’s deepest water, Loch Morar. The most extraordinary map of Scotland is revealed, overgrown and hidden in the landscape. In the heart of the Highlands, Adam is delighted to discover a cattle ranch that allows him to live out a boyhood dream; while on the Black Isle Ellie visits the mysterious and atmospheric Clootie Well. It’s been a shrine to healing since Celtic times, but why are its ancient rituals still popular today? Together Ellie and Adam also go hunting for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s secret hideaway, a tiny but timeless cave in the very same landscape where commando warfare was invented during the Second World War. And they conclude their journey of discovery with a magical ride on the real Hogwarts Express.
W1A (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 23rd April 2015)
A one-hour special marks the return of the award-winning comedy about the BBC. One year on and head of values Ian Fletcher has finally got his own office. He and the team have a new set of challenges to rise to, including the impending visit of HRH Prince Charles. The question is, which of the management team will get to shake the royal hand? Head of BBC brand Siobhan Sharpe and her team at Perfect Curve have been tasked with giving a makeover to the BBC coverage of Wimbledon following rumours of a bid from a rival broadcaster. Her response is a brand mash-up to end all mash-ups. Meanwhile, over on the creative frontline, entertainment-format producer David Wilkes is trying to come up with the next big factual-entertainment series after Britain’s Tastiest Village failed to fly. He’s got the title – Up Town, Down Town – he just hasn’t got a show. Finally, intern Will Humphries’s security pass won’t let him into the building. Is it a technical problem or something more significant?
The Last Leg (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:05pm | Thursday 23rd April 2015)
The award-winning gang show returns live to Channel 4 for a hat trick of the usual topical shenanigans, culminating in an election night extravaganza. Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker are back to take on the main talking points of the week including all the latest election news. After Alex Brooker fired the starting gun in the race to rid political campaigning of ‘bullshit’ during his hilarious interview with Nick Clegg, the team reunite at this crucial time with their upbeat, unjaundiced brand of satirical comedy. Piers Morgan joins the team for the first of these three special episodes.
Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys-Jones (itv/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 24th April 2015)
Griff Rhys Jones attempts five remarkable train journeys across the world’s most spectacular continent, Africa. In this episode, Griff attempts to zigzag his way across 1,200 miles through Kenya and Tanzania. The journey proves a challenge, with large sections of the railways relics from colonial days. Boarding a vintage steam locomotive built in Glasgow, Griff begins his journey on the high plateau of south west Kenya. Built by the British, this railway became the backbone of a colony and Griff visits a cattle ranch established by an English aristocrat a century ago. The climate of the Kenyan highlands is pleasant enough for Griff to go for a run, and he meets two young athletes who are aiming to compete in major international competitions. In Nairobi, he finds the very railway carriage which was the scene of one of the country’s most gruesome tales – the man-eating lions of Tsavo.
All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.
Just added Andrea Locatelli to my growing list of lads, that I find extra HOT in motorcycle leathers!
All these photos and many more can be found on his facebook page.
Below are the top three most looked at photos on this website so far during April 2015.
Number 1 (922 views) : Team GB Lycra skinsuit
Number 2 (756 views) : Black Skeleton Glow In The Dark All-In-One
Number 3 (698 views) : Amazing Spiderman 2 Morphsuit
Starting to feel a bit like summer! So it give me a reason to wear shorts for the first time this year. Plus show off my sexy blue Lycra underwear!!
OK this may not be the most interesting video in the world. So doubt, many of you will watch it!
I am just giving my new Garmin Shoulder Harness Mount it’s first test. Just need to try to get it set-up right, so you don’t see the side of my head. Also need to slow down the time lapse next time. Since in just 16 seconds, I covered 1.5 miles.
Britain’s Winter: Storm Heroes (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 12th April 2015)
With first-person footage from those facing the brunt of the weather, including rescuers on the frontline, this documentary tells the story of Britain’s ferocious winter weather. The programme witnesses the work of the rescue services, often manned by volunteers, battling wind, rain, snow and hail to reach those in danger. This winter saw Scotland battered by 113mph storm winds while the north of England faced freak snow drifts. Some of Britain’s biggest winter storms however were in the North Sea. For the 12-man crew of one emergency response and rescue vessel on call for oil platforms, hurricane force winds make for fearful conditions as they encountrer waves as high as 20 metres.
Secret Britain (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 15th April 2015)
Series exploring the hidden corners of the UK and revealing landscape secrets. In North Yorkshire, Adam Henson meets the farmer whose dad discovered a secret Roman villa while ploughing. Ellie Harrison tries to solve the puzzle behind Britain’s highest pub – why was the Tan Hill Inn built atop the moor, miles from the nearest customers? Adam discovers the remains of a forgotten glass-making industry, Ellie visits the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, a teenage boy whose ambition is to be become a gamekeeper shares his favourite secret places in the Yorkshire countryside, and Adam and Ellie’s journey reaches a climax with a hunt for Yorkshire’s finest view.
The Secret Life of the Pub (Channel 4/HD | 10:00pm to 11:00pm | Thursday 16th April 2015)
The average British man spends a year and a half of his life in a pub. For many, it’s a place of sanctuary, somewhere to unwind and just be themselves, or, to quote one boisterous patron: ‘Women go to pubs to talk about their problems. Men go to pubs to get away from them.’ The Lord Nelson, a traditional boozer in London’s East End, has been rigged with cameras to see what men really say when women are not around and they’re not on their best behaviour. Expect plenty of witty banter, a little argy-bargy and an end-of-night drunken sing-along. This fresh, funny and engaging documentary meets a diverse mixture of men.
Have I Got News for You (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 9:30pm | Friday 17th April 2015)
Regular team captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop are joined by guest host Victoria Coren Mitchell and guest panellists Alun Cochrane and Lord Prescott.
Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys-Jones (itv/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 17th April 2015)
Griff Rhys Jones attempts five remarkable train journeys across the world’s most spectacular continent, Africa. In episode two, Griff attempts to zigzag his way across 1,200 miles through Kenya and Tanzania. The journey proves a challenge, with large sections of the railways relics from colonial days. Boarding a vintage steam locomotive built in Glasgow, Griff begins his journey on the high plateau of south west Kenya. Built by the British, this railway became the backbone of a colony and Griff visits a cattle ranch established by an English aristocrat a century ago. The climate of the Kenyan highlands is pleasant enough for Griff to go for a run, and he meets two young athletes who are aiming to compete in major international competitions. In Nairobi, he finds the very railway carriage which was the scene of one of the country’s most gruesome tales – the man-eating lions of Tsavo.
All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.
Just can’t believe, what a great time, I had in the Lake District. The weather could not have been better! Even got sun burnt, which is not a good thing. That just shows how warm it was!
So here are some photos from day 3 (last day) in the Lake District.
The first three are some around the village we stayed in…
The next ones are from the Keswick Railway Path, which runs from Keswick to Threlkeld. If you are ever in the area, I would recommend it! Check out www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/thingstodo/walking/mileswithoutstiles/mws37 for more information :).
The full set of these photo’s can be found at www.gordon-valentine.com/zenphoto/days-out/07-04-2015/
Here are some photos from day 1 of the mini tour of the Lake District.
On the way up, stopped at the Eden Valley Railway, which is just off the A66. Driven past it so many times. This is the first time, I’ve ever stopped at it! Right now the line, has only got one station which is Warcop Station. It’s only a short line, at approximately 2.2 miles. Still, if you are driving past or in that area, I would check it out!
Once we had checked at Coledale Inn, in Braithwaite, Nr.Keswick. Our base for the next number of days. We set off on a great walk with the dog! We followed a walk in the “Dog Friendly Pub Walks: Lake District” book. Which is where, we also found the place he picked to stay it.
More photos can be found at www.gordon-valentine.com/zenphoto/days-out/05-04-2015/
Caribbean with Simon Reeve (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 5th April 2015)
Simon begins his journey on the remote Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, a country on the brink of monumental change. It will soon be split in two by the world’s biggest construction project: a new transoceanic waterway set to rival the Panama Canal. Simon visits the Rama-Kriol people who face losing their ancestral homes and meets the city-dwellers who believe the canal will bring prosperity and wealth to the country. In Honduras, Simon dives the crystal waters of the world’s second-largest barrier reef and conducts an unusual underwater experiment. Back on shore, Simon discovers Hondurans living in the grip of some of the most violent criminal gangs in the world. San Pedro Sula, the country’s second city, has the world’s highest murder rate. Simon’s journey ends in the stunning Jamaica, where he discovers a country confronting its violent reputation head-on. Here, he spends time with young people who have rejected gang life, offering a model of hope for future generations.
Great Canal Journeys (Channel 4/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 5th April 2015)
The concluding episode of series two is set against the stunning backdrop of some of central Scotland’s most glorious countryside, as Timothy West and Prunella Scales travel along the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. The coast to coast adventure starts in Edinburgh and concludes in Glasgow, taking in Scotland’s highest aqueduct and longest canal tunnel, some monumental sculpture, history stretching all the way back to the Romans, and a Scottish love affair from long ago. The two canals feature some striking examples of 21st century engineering and illustrate the potential for the restoration of the nation’s waterways, ensuring their long-term future.
More Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Monday 6th April 2015)
Robson Green returns to his home county of Northumberland, uncovering more hidden gems of one of the most beautiful parts of England. In this episode, he joins shepherdess Emma Gray and goes in search of the Cheviot wild goat, then visits Wallington Hall where he learns the stories behind its incredible Pre-Raphaelite artwork. He pays a call on the Charlton Family whose ancestors were the most feared clan of the border country in medieval times, and learns how they have turned their grand country hall into a family home. Robson ends the programme fishing for salmon with George Purvis, the last fisherman on the Tweed to still use the ancient method of net and coble boat.
Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant (itv/HD | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Friday 10th April 2015)
Series in which John Sergeant sets off on a rich and colourful voyage along the eight best canal journeys Britain has to offer, exploring their extraordinary stories as he goes. In the last of the series, John travels along the Grand Union – Britain’s longest canal – discovering fun characters and places en route and enjoying a delightful, if leisurely, trip from Brum to the very centre of London.
Have I Got News for You (BBC 1/HD | 9:00pm to 9:30pm | Friday 10th April 2015)
The satirical news quiz returns. Regular team captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop are joined by guest host Daniel Radcliffe.
All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.