A Minety Moment

No need to rush off on the bikes today.  The gig was just a few miles from Swindon in the village of Minety.  Jamie and Bev, our hosts, had been at the Warminghurst concert in Sussex and had booked this extra date for the tour.     Time for some R and R.    With such a beautiful day, clear blue skies, we took breakfast outside.    Many of the helpers from the literary festival were packing up and leaving.  We were only involved for the last day but the whole event had seemed to go well and the concert at the town hall had ended the festival on a high note! One of Richard's. Another highlight of the evening was the performance of the poet A.F. Harold.   He has been described as Peter Cook and Spike Milligan rolled into one.    Took some time to catch up on my personal chores. No details required there.   Richard and family set off to town for shopping and  lunch  in Swindon.  On their return  and before departure for the gig we sat down for a tour review meeting with Louise.   Richard looked nervous.  He had exercised more control over the budget and there had been no further frivolous spending.   As we were going to be heading seriously north in the coming week we looked carefully at the rides ahead and the logistics.    It was a chance to take stock on the charitable side of the tour so far and find out just how much we had raised for Big C to date.    

Concert income:  £1,179.44

Donations en route: £95.00 

Big C tour total: £1,274.44 

We are so pleased with this. It helps to make the peddling worthwhile. Many thanks to all those who have bought tickets and attended concerts and to those who have, in addition, donated to Big C. 

With the business meeting closed  the maestro went into gig mode!    Bikes packed and with a restocking of the CD's we set off for what should have been a short spin to Minety located to the west of Swindon.    Somehow, we have yet to assign blame for this, we got completely lost.  Taking a wrong turn and peddling for three miles in the wrong direction.  Very frustrating.  We got it sorted and having doubled the distance required we rolled in to the Vale of the White Horse just before 16.30  After dithering around  trying to decide where we would play.   Do you notice how I have introduced "We".  Please do not misconstrue this.  Fear not,  I have not developed my playing to be able to duet with Richard.   It merely reflects the team bonding that has developed in the presentation of the the show. Eventually we settled for inside and the main function bar.    We were expecting a good number to turn up for the evening.    No major problems getting set up.  Double doors near the stage area and plenty of plugs for power.     Rachel organised our supper before the show. We both opted for the salmon.   This turned out to be the best pub meal we have had on tour. Our complements to the chef. The concert started a little before 19.30         It appears, on the evidence of the last two nights that Richard is upping his game.  The playing was exquisite to say the least and each and every number was met with rapturous applause.  Many high points.  The artiste does not usually take requests but when asked to play Tubular Bells  he was happy to slot this in as the encore and it made a fitting end to a great  evening.  Jamie and Bev were delighted  with the night.    Positive cd sales.   Swift pack up, not too much nattering from me, leaving time for a drink in the bar before we made it to bed just before midnight.