 |
| Venue Number Three |
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
#WarwickAleTour - Venue Number Three
A quick nice and punchy post for you, here's a clue to the third venue...
#WarwickAleTour - Venue Number One
Ahoy there!
You'll soon see some of the rather fantastic #WarwickAleTour posters popping up across Warwick.
A massive thanks to thrillstardesign for designing them for us, very charitable of you, we owe you a pint! They're a small local graphic design studio in Warwick, who come highly recommended!
Top marks to Charlie Hunter, the main beer drinker, erm, I mean man, behind the tour. You'll meet him if you come along.
Also props to the Warwick Rocks and Food & Film Festival crew for endorsing and getting behind the event, albeit not strictly film or food (although we've had a few pints of stout in the past that were more than a meal themselves!).
Anyways, without further ado, it's my great pleasure to announce* the first venue on the 2013 Warwick Ale Tour...
* OK, well, announce is hardly the right term, but some of you will know which venue this is.
You'll soon see some of the rather fantastic #WarwickAleTour posters popping up across Warwick.
A massive thanks to thrillstardesign for designing them for us, very charitable of you, we owe you a pint! They're a small local graphic design studio in Warwick, who come highly recommended!
Top marks to Charlie Hunter, the main beer drinker, erm, I mean man, behind the tour. You'll meet him if you come along.
Also props to the Warwick Rocks and Food & Film Festival crew for endorsing and getting behind the event, albeit not strictly film or food (although we've had a few pints of stout in the past that were more than a meal themselves!).
Anyways, without further ado, it's my great pleasure to announce* the first venue on the 2013 Warwick Ale Tour...
 |
| Venue Number One |
* OK, well, announce is hardly the right term, but some of you will know which venue this is.
Warwick Ale Tour 2013 - Warwick Rocks Food and Film Festival
Warwick Ale Tour
It's happening, soon. Sunday 25th August to be precise.
It's a free walking ale tour around five of Warwick's finest drinking establishments, serving the very best in Real Ale.
There will be knowledgeable helpers on hand to guide you through the hoppy delights that await you.
You'll also visit a brewery, be talked through the beer making process by a local brewery, embark upon a few mini-pub quizzes, make new friends and perhaps have a couple of drinks on the way.
Best of all, we'll make sure that we finish up in Warwick's Market Square ready for the evening showing of Princess Bride.
It'll all start at around 12:30pm at a venue soon to be announced.
Please make sure that you've registered in advance of the crawl, ticket information coming soon.
It's happening, soon. Sunday 25th August to be precise.
It's a free walking ale tour around five of Warwick's finest drinking establishments, serving the very best in Real Ale.
There will be knowledgeable helpers on hand to guide you through the hoppy delights that await you.
You'll also visit a brewery, be talked through the beer making process by a local brewery, embark upon a few mini-pub quizzes, make new friends and perhaps have a couple of drinks on the way.
Best of all, we'll make sure that we finish up in Warwick's Market Square ready for the evening showing of Princess Bride.
It'll all start at around 12:30pm at a venue soon to be announced.
Please make sure that you've registered in advance of the crawl, ticket information coming soon.
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
(re) Born to Run...! - Running around Warwickshire, Warwick, Leamington and Hampton Magna
It was on Saturday 16th March 2013 at 9:31am that I realised I needed to get quicker at running.
Exactly 30 minutes and 8 seconds earlier, I had just started my first ParkRun in two years (I had done two back in 2011).
I play a few sports, I'm not a super athlete but I'm not mega unfit, or at least I thought not! Five very slow kilometers later, after being overtaken by all and sundry, including kids, mothers, dog walkers and even people pushing buggies, I realised that I should be running quicker than I was.
Back in 2011 I ran my very first ParkRun in 26:36, which to you half-able runners is slow, I know, but for me, was (until yesterday) my PB. Fast forward two years, and I was three and a half minutes slower (quite a bit over a relatively short distance).
It was at 9:31am on Saturday 16th March this year that I decided to do something about it, I decided I'd run it quicker, I decided that I should be running 5k in around 25 minutes, and I decided I'd reduce my time by a minute each month until I did so.
The plan was to do a sub-30min in April, sub-29min in May, sub-28min in June, sub-27min in July, sub-26min in August, finishing in September with a sub-25minute time for a 5k run.
The time could be set at any time, anywhere, provided that it was over a distance of 5km.
You'll see from the graph below, that so far I've been hitting my targets (albeit just in June!).
As part of my plan, I joined the Hampton Magna Harriers beginners running group, led by Anthony and Clare, it was a great way to continue and improve my running, it's almost fun even!
Last night was the final session in the beginners course, which culminated in a timed 5k run (about two laps) around Warwick Racecourse. For those that remember, last night was hot, very hot, hot hot hot. I set off at a half-decent pace, and completed the first lap with relative ease. It was a lovely sunny evening, and is a very picturesque spot for a run. The start of the second lap was hard, I'd seen it all before, and there seemed to be even less of a breeze this time. It continued to get harder and harder, and I came close to walking, but I knew if I did that, then I'd struggle to get started again. I slowed my pace, gathered my breath, composed myself, then kicked on in the second half of the second lap (any Americans reading this would probably refer to it as the final quarter!). Cheered on by the HMH coaches and other runners, I managed to smash my sub-27min target, with a time of 26:31. Which for me is pretty good, in fact, it's a new PB (if only by 5 seconds).
The trick now is to continue my progress, I've got to shave off a further 91 seconds before the end of September. I've been trying to jog every morning before work, and run occasional interval training in the evenings when I get chance. I'd be grateful for any readers tips if you have them?!
Hopefully I'm getting towards a pace now where I'll be comfortable running alongside the intermediates at Hampton Magna Harriers and joining in with the #WarwickRunClub! (When I get chance that is, the calendar is looking very busy for the near future).
Anyways, if you see me running along the Grand Union Canal in the morning, say hello!
If I hit my targets over the next months, expect another blog post; and if I don't, then this is likely to be the last post on the subject!
2015 Update:
So it's taken a while (yes, ages, I know!) but I've finally got back out and running again a bit. My original aim was to run a sub 25 minute 5k.
Last month (April) I ran the Leamington Parkrun (25.04.15) and managed to get under 26 minutes. I felt great and went around the course in 25:30, a half minute underneath my milestone target.
This month (May) I was holidaying in Devon and ran the Killerton Parkrun (02.05.15). It's been just over two years since I started this post, with a sub 25min 5k as the target, and I managed it. Knocking almost a minute off the PB from the month before, getting around a very undulating course in 24:32!
I wonder if a sub-24 minute, sub-23 minute, or even a sub-22 minute 5k is possible?!
Exactly 30 minutes and 8 seconds earlier, I had just started my first ParkRun in two years (I had done two back in 2011).
I play a few sports, I'm not a super athlete but I'm not mega unfit, or at least I thought not! Five very slow kilometers later, after being overtaken by all and sundry, including kids, mothers, dog walkers and even people pushing buggies, I realised that I should be running quicker than I was.
Back in 2011 I ran my very first ParkRun in 26:36, which to you half-able runners is slow, I know, but for me, was (until yesterday) my PB. Fast forward two years, and I was three and a half minutes slower (quite a bit over a relatively short distance).
It was at 9:31am on Saturday 16th March this year that I decided to do something about it, I decided I'd run it quicker, I decided that I should be running 5k in around 25 minutes, and I decided I'd reduce my time by a minute each month until I did so.
The plan was to do a sub-30min in April, sub-29min in May, sub-28min in June, sub-27min in July, sub-26min in August, finishing in September with a sub-25minute time for a 5k run.
The time could be set at any time, anywhere, provided that it was over a distance of 5km.
You'll see from the graph below, that so far I've been hitting my targets (albeit just in June!).
As part of my plan, I joined the Hampton Magna Harriers beginners running group, led by Anthony and Clare, it was a great way to continue and improve my running, it's almost fun even!
 |
| Warwick Racecourse, Toasty Warm. |
Last night was the final session in the beginners course, which culminated in a timed 5k run (about two laps) around Warwick Racecourse. For those that remember, last night was hot, very hot, hot hot hot. I set off at a half-decent pace, and completed the first lap with relative ease. It was a lovely sunny evening, and is a very picturesque spot for a run. The start of the second lap was hard, I'd seen it all before, and there seemed to be even less of a breeze this time. It continued to get harder and harder, and I came close to walking, but I knew if I did that, then I'd struggle to get started again. I slowed my pace, gathered my breath, composed myself, then kicked on in the second half of the second lap (any Americans reading this would probably refer to it as the final quarter!). Cheered on by the HMH coaches and other runners, I managed to smash my sub-27min target, with a time of 26:31. Which for me is pretty good, in fact, it's a new PB (if only by 5 seconds).
The trick now is to continue my progress, I've got to shave off a further 91 seconds before the end of September. I've been trying to jog every morning before work, and run occasional interval training in the evenings when I get chance. I'd be grateful for any readers tips if you have them?!
Hopefully I'm getting towards a pace now where I'll be comfortable running alongside the intermediates at Hampton Magna Harriers and joining in with the #WarwickRunClub! (When I get chance that is, the calendar is looking very busy for the near future).
Anyways, if you see me running along the Grand Union Canal in the morning, say hello!
 |
| Grand Union Canal, better than a treadmill. |
If I hit my targets over the next months, expect another blog post; and if I don't, then this is likely to be the last post on the subject!
2015 Update:
So it's taken a while (yes, ages, I know!) but I've finally got back out and running again a bit. My original aim was to run a sub 25 minute 5k.
Last month (April) I ran the Leamington Parkrun (25.04.15) and managed to get under 26 minutes. I felt great and went around the course in 25:30, a half minute underneath my milestone target.
This month (May) I was holidaying in Devon and ran the Killerton Parkrun (02.05.15). It's been just over two years since I started this post, with a sub 25min 5k as the target, and I managed it. Knocking almost a minute off the PB from the month before, getting around a very undulating course in 24:32!
I wonder if a sub-24 minute, sub-23 minute, or even a sub-22 minute 5k is possible?!
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Blog on the Tyne, or Folk on the Water
Blog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine, but the Folk on the Water is for the people.
If you've not heard of it before, basically it's a floating music festival in Warwickshire. Several musicians jump on a boat, and take their time pootling along the Grand Union Canal, playing the odd gig along the way.
It's been running 21st June, and will continue to run until 7th July, the last three days of which are in Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick.
Friday 5th July - The Grand Union, Leamington Spa
On Friday the Kate's Boats narrowboat moors up in Leamington. On board will be:
Kathryn Hallberg
Matt Hernandez
RemedySounds
Hollie Aires
Anna Baines
Tiz McNamara
Apparently Kathryn has flown all the way from Austin, Texas for the festival, that's committed!
Saturday 6th July - The Cape of Good Hope, Warwick
The Saturday will see the narrowboat moored near my home in Warwick, artists appearing are:
Ian Bourne
Waiting for Susan
Matt Hernandez
RemedySounds
Joe Dolman
Will Johnson
Kathryn Hallberg
Some of you may recognise Matt Hernandez from his acoustic shows at the Wild Boar in Warwick and the Clarendon in Leamington.
Sunday 7th July - The Cape of Good Hope, Warwick
The Cape has it's second night of Music on Sunday night, those playing will be:
Daisy Chain Quartet
Supine Orchestra
Miss Ellie
Huffy
James Herring & Band
I had the pleasure of seeing Miss Ellie at a recent concert in Warwick, she was absolutely fantastic! Well worth venturing out on a sunday night for. It's a cracking pub for a pint too!
So why not get out of the house, get yourself a pint and listen to some live music, it's all FREE!
Update: after watching a few videos, that RemedySounds chap looks like he'll be well worth a watch.
Also, it seems Waiting for Susan do a few cracking covers!
If you've not heard of it before, basically it's a floating music festival in Warwickshire. Several musicians jump on a boat, and take their time pootling along the Grand Union Canal, playing the odd gig along the way.
It's been running 21st June, and will continue to run until 7th July, the last three days of which are in Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick.
Friday 5th July - The Grand Union, Leamington Spa
On Friday the Kate's Boats narrowboat moors up in Leamington. On board will be:
Kathryn Hallberg
Matt Hernandez
RemedySounds
Hollie Aires
Anna Baines
Tiz McNamara
Apparently Kathryn has flown all the way from Austin, Texas for the festival, that's committed!
Saturday 6th July - The Cape of Good Hope, Warwick
The Saturday will see the narrowboat moored near my home in Warwick, artists appearing are:
Ian Bourne
Waiting for Susan
Matt Hernandez
RemedySounds
Joe Dolman
Will Johnson
Kathryn Hallberg
Some of you may recognise Matt Hernandez from his acoustic shows at the Wild Boar in Warwick and the Clarendon in Leamington.
Sunday 7th July - The Cape of Good Hope, Warwick
The Cape has it's second night of Music on Sunday night, those playing will be:
Daisy Chain Quartet
Supine Orchestra
Miss Ellie
Huffy
James Herring & Band
I had the pleasure of seeing Miss Ellie at a recent concert in Warwick, she was absolutely fantastic! Well worth venturing out on a sunday night for. It's a cracking pub for a pint too!
So why not get out of the house, get yourself a pint and listen to some live music, it's all FREE!
Update: after watching a few videos, that RemedySounds chap looks like he'll be well worth a watch.
Also, it seems Waiting for Susan do a few cracking covers!
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Glastonbury Festival - highly valuable cheap items
As you'll no doubt be aware, this weekend is Glastonbury Festival.
A funny thing happens at Pilton Farm, for this weekend only, certain items will become worth their weight in gold at this music festival. Use this as a sort of beginners guide to Glastonbury, or a useful check list of what to take for Glastonbury Virgins...
(1.) Toilet Paper
Lets get this one out of the way first. It seems that no-one is able to write about Glastonbury without mentioning the toilets. You'll need to remember your own TP, or beg/borrow/steal* some.
* don't steal kids, it's wrong.
(2.) Cold Cans of Beer
The sun will come out at some point, heating up your tent and heating up that crate of Stella that you used for a pillow last night. Somehow, someone, somewhere has COLD cans of beer, the holy grail. How have they managed that? You've got no idea, but it tastes sooo good.
(3.) Wellington Boots
It will be sunny at some point, but it will also rain, lots. With thousands of people walking over the grass, it soon turns into knee deep mud. Wellies will save you from the dreaded trenchfoot!
(4.) Schedule/Programme
Everyone gets given one on their way into the festival, but everyone loses them. If you want to know who's next appearing on the JazzWorld Stage, you'll need to nestle up next to your neighbour and take a look at their schedule. Be prepared to get close, they come on little lanyard things, and people are unwilling to take theirs off from around their neck, in case they lose them, like you did with yours!
(5.) Phone Battery
The king of kings, phone battery. You set off from your house with 100% battery, brilliant you think. Getting excitable on the drive to Somerset you check the weather, text your friends, update your facespace with who you're looking forward to seeing. You check out the rumours of Daft Punk or David Bowie* playing secret sets. You check out the latest happenings at Wimbledon, apparently all the favourites are getting knocked out?! Suddenly you're down to 72% battery already. The first night you phone around a few friends, you arrange to meet up at the big stage "near the right", can't find them and phone them a few times again. You're down to 37%, it's still only the first day! Phone battery towards the end of the festival is a rare thing, befriend those who have it. Leave it too late however, and it's useless, who else are you going to phone, their phone went flat on the first day!
* I saw David Bowie headline Glastonbury in 2000, it was pretty much the best gig I've ever been to, if he plays this year and I miss it, I'll be gutted. Fact.
A funny thing happens at Pilton Farm, for this weekend only, certain items will become worth their weight in gold at this music festival. Use this as a sort of beginners guide to Glastonbury, or a useful check list of what to take for Glastonbury Virgins...
(1.) Toilet Paper
Lets get this one out of the way first. It seems that no-one is able to write about Glastonbury without mentioning the toilets. You'll need to remember your own TP, or beg/borrow/steal* some.
* don't steal kids, it's wrong.
(2.) Cold Cans of Beer
The sun will come out at some point, heating up your tent and heating up that crate of Stella that you used for a pillow last night. Somehow, someone, somewhere has COLD cans of beer, the holy grail. How have they managed that? You've got no idea, but it tastes sooo good.
(3.) Wellington Boots
It will be sunny at some point, but it will also rain, lots. With thousands of people walking over the grass, it soon turns into knee deep mud. Wellies will save you from the dreaded trenchfoot!
(4.) Schedule/Programme
Everyone gets given one on their way into the festival, but everyone loses them. If you want to know who's next appearing on the JazzWorld Stage, you'll need to nestle up next to your neighbour and take a look at their schedule. Be prepared to get close, they come on little lanyard things, and people are unwilling to take theirs off from around their neck, in case they lose them, like you did with yours!
(5.) Phone Battery
The king of kings, phone battery. You set off from your house with 100% battery, brilliant you think. Getting excitable on the drive to Somerset you check the weather, text your friends, update your facespace with who you're looking forward to seeing. You check out the rumours of Daft Punk or David Bowie* playing secret sets. You check out the latest happenings at Wimbledon, apparently all the favourites are getting knocked out?! Suddenly you're down to 72% battery already. The first night you phone around a few friends, you arrange to meet up at the big stage "near the right", can't find them and phone them a few times again. You're down to 37%, it's still only the first day! Phone battery towards the end of the festival is a rare thing, befriend those who have it. Leave it too late however, and it's useless, who else are you going to phone, their phone went flat on the first day!
* I saw David Bowie headline Glastonbury in 2000, it was pretty much the best gig I've ever been to, if he plays this year and I miss it, I'll be gutted. Fact.
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