September

Outdoor bowling came to end this month, with the closing of the green on Sunday 25. After a wet morning, the bowlers descended on the green under ominous clouds, quite prepared to have an early tea, present the competition trophies and go home. But at the last minute, the rain stopped, the sun shone and we had a warm afternoon and two hours of bowls first.

The following week, indoor bowls started, both the full length version at Littleton and Malvern, and short mat in the village hall.

For some time we had been concerned that the roof of our house needed re-pointing – the mortar was gradually falling away. We had contacted the National House-Building Council to see if it was covered by our new house 10 year guarantee and on Thursday 1 their surveyor came to inspect the property. We were pleased to be told that it was a common problem, that it was covered by our policy and that NHBC would make the necessary arrangements for contractors to undertake the repairs. Within ten days scaffolders had arrived to surround the house with scaffolding; the roofers came the following week to remove, re-bed and re-point all the ridge and gulley tiles, and the next week the scaffolders were back to restore the house to normal. A prompt and efficient response which was much appreciated.

We couldn’t resist having a look out from this lofty vantage point ▲

We visited Alton Towers again for a couple of days. It was cool with the occasional shower but, as always, we enjoyed the break.

Visit to Alton Towers

On Sunday 11 we took our annual ride on the GWR. This year, because of the land-slips on the line, it was on the DMU service on the recently opened section of the line to the north of Toddington, over the viaduct to Laverton. (It will extend eventually to Broadway, where work to recover use of the disused station has already started.)

◄ Teresa about to board the DMU

Having recovered from his problems in the summer, on 12 Roger had his annual medical review – all appeared to be in order.

On Saturday 17 Toddington had its annual fete at the village hall and we called in during the afternoon. A new attraction for this year was an outdoor skittle alley built by one of the short mat bowlers. Of course all the bowlers had to have a go.

◄ Roger takes aim

The same evening, Patrick Street were back in the Roses at Tewkesbury for the first time for a few years. We thoroughly enjoyed their concert which included many of our favourites, but, sad to say, what has usually been a sell-out in the past was rather thin on the ground this year. We came away with the latest CD to put in the Christmas stocking.

Patrick Street on YouTube

(This has become almost their signature track)

Finally, after feeling dissatisfied with our tired old suite for some time, Teresa had selected a newer and more comfortable (we hope) version, which included a special chair for Roger. By the end of the month all the pieces had arrived.

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