Billy Mac is top left. Is that Bob Donaldson bottom left? The guy top right, is that Jeff Young the Welsh rugby player who played for Upwood once (or twice?). My memory is going the same way as my hearing!!!

For God's sake he's surrounded by flaming women - how? I ask myself!!! Wobblegob (sorry Barry, can't beat them so etc etc) is front right, can't believe he's a Granddad now!!

Leon has put a couple of photo's up for submission to the "Where are they now" section. Leon
"Had a mail from Derek Bottomley and he enclosed a couple of photos so I thought they may be of interest to you for the blog.
Up Up and Hold,"

News from home now. Alice has decided that all she wants in the world, all she ever wanted in fact, is a Nintendo DS Lite. No problem we say, just work for it. She hasn't stopped doing "chores" around the house and her balance stands at £21. Today she defrosted our big freezer for us. "My hands are numb Granddad" so I let her stand down and come back later. She now intends to visit Plymouth market and see if she can flog our old videos and some of the cuddly toys she no longer wants! She is a member of the now defunct Portman Building Society so I am looking forward to seeing her face when her cheque drops through the letterbox! Until then keep scrubbing the floors gal!!!

To whoever asked me the question. Hearing aids are "Siemens". I actually watched "Mock the week" last night and understood what they were saying when they said it. Normally I catch a bit then have to wait for the subtitles to catch up before realising what they were all laughing at!!

It's now that time you have all been waiting for. The words of wisdom from Green Fingers himself. I should have a vote, should his blog colour be a manly jump out of planes from a great height blue, or should it be down to earth get back to allotment old man green?

Take it away old tractor boys loving Turnip head himself. Common you Greens!!!!

"Suffolk Sojourn 17 of 134. Greetings Paulie - and first of all - Many Congratulations to you both on your 37th. That means the quarter you had at Upwood was your first home - very cosy and full of good vibes it was too. Ref Leon's missive - shocked to hear about Billy - very poignant as Leon had just sent a photo of a 5-a-side team photo with both Billy and Bob D. featured. On a brighter note, now that Leon has done much spadework and found Bob and Wobblegob - maybe they'll contribute to your blog. Would be nice. Thank you for the support versus Leon ref my veg growing - this thing is getting bigger than both of us! Enough. Hearing Aids!?!**! You're joking me Paul - Blimey - I thought you were Clk Sec - not Eng Mech! Anyway - Keep your eye on the Tractor Boys, they were unlucky at your end the other week - and where are they in the Championship? (Pilgrims? Dream on). Finally - Ongoing Wishbone stuff -Laurie W. took over from Ted Turner in 74 - saw them at Oxford whilst at Abingdon. Info for Leon -Sorry - boring... what with the veg stuff too... help! Looking forward to HR's reply on the Gibson Flying Balalaika, Wobblegob and Bobbys contributions ... till then - Blue Skies. "

By the way I ended up a Pers Admin via P&A Clk via Clk Sec. Don't remember any more messing about with the trade name. Can't believe I've been out for 15 years come this November!! Put a few people in Court since then who would have preferred that I stayed in!!

Some good some sad.

Been a busy boy as usual recently. Yesterday I finally got my hearing aids, one for each ear. It is going to take a couple of months to get used to them and I start off at an hour a day. I remember when I used to call guys KOS - now I am one officially!!

Val and I made it to our 37th yesterday, and they said it wouldn't last! I think I must be so very easy to live with, an individual full of patience and goodwill. I'm on very safe ground here as Val has no idea how to turn the PC on and Ches and Al would be bored before they got to this bit!!

I am handing this post over to Leon as, as he says, some good and some sad news. Go for it Leon "Hi Paul and Val and family. Hope you all are well and that your Sunday lunch was good. Football played a part in my weekend as well because I managed to get tickets to the arsenal on Saturday for me my wife and my father in law who is visiting us from Sweden...... Fantastic day as we won of course but also the first time for us in the new Emirates Stadium. Wow 62100 people there and was brill. Now for some good but also sad news. Remember when I was on about Barry Wilkinson etc well low and behold he appeared on Friends Re-united web site (forces section), so I contacted him. I now have his own mail address so we can do exchanges without the Friends re united bit. Anyway he has just celebrated 34 years of marriage to Eileen has kids and grand kids. Took redundancy? and is now out of the mob and living in Gloucester. He remembers you from Upwood and Innsworth and has asked me to say hi and pass on his regards. The sad bit is that he told me Colin McQuiston died 3 years ago. He was an alcoholic, like his brother and father, and he had a fall hitting his head and died from the injuries. He was divorced from Wendy and had children but was working as a civvie at Innsworth after he came out of the mob. Very sad. On a lighter note I cannot believe that Mr Rotavator has gone all Alan Titchmarsh re his vegetable prowess, although maybe he practised his " Up Up and Hold " on his rhubarb and carrots... Personally I think he nips to Stowmarket Tescos buys the veg takes the labels off and declares them his own....... What do you think? Also I must check this Wishbone Ash thing as there appears to be a glut of Turners playing in the band. I did meet one guitarist who is/was playing with them. His name is Laurie Wisefield and I met him in the early eighties as went out with a sister of a girl I used to work with in the studios in London. Nice guy. He went on to support Tina Turner on tour but have heard nothing since. Must end now as Father in Law wants his din dins so best wishes and will scribe soon...... Leon "

I think Leon is on shaking ground throwing doubt on Upwoods very own Alan Titchmarsh, dodgy ground there mate. Podga is very proud of his ability to grow big things!! You'll probably have a carrot sent to you through the post, with mud attached, just so you can cook, taste and then swallow your words!

Sad about Billy Mac. I had no idea about the drinking thing. Nice to see that you have got in touch with Barry. Let's hope we see a comment from the man himself soon!

I must go as Val has just given me a mug celebrating the Coronation of George VI and Queen Elizabeth in May 1937. I am supposed to find if it is worth anything! She thinks the Internet is the answer to all! Will let you know if I have any success. Look after yourselves.

back to work over a week - need another break!

Alice and Alice

Just struck me as funny

I tried to post over the last couple of days but have been hindered by a technical hitch. For some reason best known to itself, the anti virus part of my PC defence system decided it would have a strop. Once a month or so I do a complete scan of my PC courtesy of Microsoft, It's a free service they provide if you want further info just leave a comment and I will send you the link. Well, this service checks out the things that my normal PC guard should check. I reckon my PC Guard got jealous went into a strop and decided not to play with me if I was going to play with the big boys - it took it's ball home and wouldn't let me play.

Anyway it's all now sorted and I am safely back on line. In a minute or two Podga's latest missive will appear and an interesting link from HR.

I have been back to work for over a week now and it feels like I was never away in the first place. Frighteningly it is only four years (less a couple of days) to my intended retirement from full time work. I really don't feel like nearly an OAP, maybe I'm one of the immature ones!!!

Sun is shining and Ches and Al will be over later for Al to prepare Sunday lunch for us all. Yes I know, I'm a slave driver but the football is on so I'm afraid if they want to eat then she will have to get into that kitchen!

Without further ado I will hand over to Podga whilst I have a think about what photo to put on top of this post. "Suffolk Sojourn 16 of 134. Greetings from East Anglia. Got back from 2 weeks of tranquility on the river this w/e and have finally caught up with emails/admin etc and trawled your adventures. What a hectic weeks' leave you enjoyed! Glad you could use/post the photos' from Upwood, ref the Polaroid of us with the zobbit kid - Leon took it. I note you are saving the Groucho/Harpo for later - you tease! What a star Al is - the surprise party for Ches looked brilliant, and full marks to her for sorting it out from start to finish. Be positive Ches - it'll happen. A coupla points - My veg growing prowess is renowned - maybe you've forgotten when I took you up to my allotment at Boscombe and we plucked Sunday lunch from the earth (except the beef and the lemon treacle sponge!) A good weekend surely? Ref the Turners' in Wishbone Ash - my mistake - not actually brothers, and no record of a Glen Turner by the way. Are you you thinking of Glenn Cornick (Tull, Wild Turkey)? Anyway - on my own tonight - Bil in London on a course for 2 days, and as I write, at the Troubadour on the Brompton Rd with a bunch of her old mates from FANY - Bunfight! FANY? Look at the website/let me explain - have you got half an hour? Glad all is well - I aim to be 1000th visitor - till then - love to all. Blue Skies - CT"

Just a quick response to Podga - rest of you can make a cuppa if you are bored with the reminiscing. The only bit I remember about the weekend in question is starting in a bar - I don't recall leaving it - and then interviewing some locals on a tape recorder that seemed to appear from nowhere. I believe we claimed to be from the local radio station. I don't remember getting home or your obviously wonderful hand reared veg. Did we do the "interview" on the way to your allotment? That would explain how I suddenly found myself in the countryside rather than in a bar!! Maybe this is one of the many incidents in my life which has persuaded my to give up the alcohol intake!!!!

According to my copy of "Rock Record" edited by Terry Hounsome and Tim Chambre (1979 version) Glen Turner is listed under Wishbone, although he never appeared on an album. As the aforementioned "Rock Record" was compiled and updated by fans I would guess that Glen had something to do with the band somewhere along the way - which is why I guessed at him being a brother. As a matter of interest I think "Rock Record" is now online. Try Terry Hounsome or rock record on google. I'm sure I did it some time ago and got a result. My claim to fame is the "Styx" part of the publication, back in the days before I converted vinyl to CD. As for B and FANY - not sure I should go down that road in a family blog!! Groucho and Harpo kept in reserve, unless, of course, anyone wants to have a look - just leave a comment.

Now over to my Red Army man. HR posted a link to the reenactment website. I had a look, didn't realise there were so much interest. Will have a deeper look later but for now over to HR " http://www.military-odyssey.fsnet.co.uk/lh/groups.html
Hi Paul, just a quick one to put into perspective the variety of living-history groups in UK ; not to mention Russia, USA , Sweden etc.
I will do a more general email for the blog later on ( I am out at shooting-club a meeting in Shepton Mallet tonight). I realised that I have not really greeted the remainder of the bods on the blog!"

For info of all if you want to make a comment just click the comment link below. Put yourself in as anonymous but put yourself in the comment so I know who it comes from. I will then simply put the comment into my next post so those that don't click on comment themselves get the full benefit of your worldly wisdom!

As I type this I have still not decide which photo to put up at the top, so this will be an example of time travel for you as you know what is going to happen before I do!! Look after yourselves.

The day after the night before

I am knackered. Last night went very well, first time I have met some of Cheryl's friends and I must say a very nice bunch of people they are. The evening went very well and very quickly. Really impressed with Alice's organisational skills, she and Jaz even laid on entertainment in the form of a dance routine!! Music was from Al's mobile phone - she really doesn't miss a trick, I am unsure if that is a good or bad thing for the future!!!

On Thursday I tried to post but there was a technical hitch and the system wouldn't play with me. Leon had posted a comment and I tried to post it to the blog but now (hopefully) second attempt and, in the now time honoured tradition I will hand over to the orange print man. Go Leon!! "Blimey. Just logged on to the P & V blogspot when up I pop with Mr Rotavator and my famous " Supa 5 " medal ..................I didn't realise that picture was still in existence. As for your pic with McQuiston and the boys wow that does seem a long time ago now. Have saved them in my pics and will send them to Derek Bottomley and await his reactions. Somewhere in my garage I have some pics taken at upwood of the old TSF office. Must have a look this weekend and get them bunged onto a cd and transferred to my pc. Sounds like you had a great leave Paul and now back to the daily grind. Will mail soon as I too have to shove off now and earn the queens shilling.Got to get hold of those guys somehow for a reunion I think. Best wishes..... Leon "

Party photos as promised below

A party going on as I type!

My house has been taken over by the female gender!

Alice has arranged a party for her mum, Cheryl. Those of you who regularly visit this mine of information will know that Ches lost her job and is currently seeking gainful employment (Thanks to 118118 but that is another story!)

Alice decided that it would be nice to have a "good luck with the job hunting party" for her mum. She rang around and arranged everything herself. I had to help with the food tonight as it appears there was something really important on the Disney channel! But the bottom line is that Al sorted out everything.

Val and I held our breath this evening as you never know if a 9 year old has got the organisation right!! We needn't have worried. This is why I am now sitting in my study, the lone male in the house!! Truth is I am hiding!!

Photo's above tell the story!

Many moons ago

Podga and Mike (Leon)

John Penny. Bob Donaldson. Barry Wilkinson

Me. Colin (Billy) McQuiston. Chris (Podga)

Unknown Zobs kid

From August 1972, Seems a long time ago now!!

Podga sent me the photos above and I finally remembered how to use my scanner and what software will produce usable pictures. Took three attempts last night, including one that produced a mega size picture that slowed my PC down something rotten. Moral is always check your settings when moving to new project!

Al and I out to the Miniature Pony Centre out on Dartmoor for the day today. Second visit this hols. Nice place, restful for me and lots to do for Al. She loves watching the guy that does the clown bit in the afternoon, she has now seen him three times and wants to go back for more - he must be doing something right as the kids find him very funny. The animals are great as well as kids can get in and "hands on". Staff are patient considering how busy it is sometimes. Rain held off today and photo's will be posted at some future point in this very blog!

Forgot the Firefly bit

Just noticed that I forgot to mention the Firefly end bit.

Before I get to that thought I should be straight with you all and confirm that I have the cuppa Val made for me and yes, I did go to the shop. Got a packet of Cadbury chocolate fingers, afraid that once opened it is unlikely that the packet will end anywhere other than in the recycling box and very soon at that. They are like Pringles, once opened .......

Anyway. Firefly. For those of you not into Sci Fi "Firefly" was a TV series made with the same characters as the film "Serenity". I bought the box set of the entire series. The series was, for some inexplicable reason cancelled. Can I just say that I thought the series had the potential to be up there with Star Trek and Babylon 5. Why on earth was it cancelled? 15 episodes and stop.

I watched the last episode today. Up to the now expected high standard. Shame on those who cancelled.

Nearly at the end of the chocolate fingers as well. I suppose that makes the three. Chocolate fingers, Firefly and my leave!!

Soccer start and Firefly end

Ches and Val this Friday

Me and Al at the miniature pony centre early last week

Argyle won away at Hull 3-2, so an excellent start to this season. Wall to wall soccer on the telly and Val has kindly allowed me near the front room, however I think I will give the Torquay match a miss tonight - may be pushing it a bit too much!! Hopefully we will be having a good season this time around lets hope that come May when we read this it will be with a smile on the face.

My last few days of leave coming up and I have not really completed any of the major tasks I set myself, apart from the one at the top of the list - enjoy three wonderful weeks away from the grind. Well I did clear the shed out and dump a load of rubbish that I will probably be looking for in about a month or so!

I have the urge to pop down the shop and get a bar of choccy to have with a cuppa. Believe it or not it's not something I do often, but I am tempted.

Bought the first Hawkwind album on CD last week, I had forgotten how good it was. Not sure why I didn't get it when I was replacing my album collection with CDs after selling them all off. I think I got a greatest hits CD or something like that.

Val has just shouted up that a cuppa awaits me so I have to go. Via the shop???

Hope you are all having a great summer or whatever season you happen to be in in your part of the world. Great to see visitors from around the globe. Hi to you.

A day in the sun

It really does beat work - four years to go!!

A very strong Al and her very small friend Aaron out in the sun today.

HR as a Razvedchik - I don't know to answer your question. You'll have to ask him!

I have just come back from a very tiring day looking after Al and her mate Aaron aka "Floydboy". We normally spend a week going down to Dobwalls during the summer hols but a rather large pile of rubble has stopped us this year. During our drives Aaron was introduced to the delights of the Pink Floyd. He is now a Floyd freak - hence Floydboy. I always try to spread the word!

Anyway back to today. We were supposed to go for a cruise around the Sound and the Warships. Plans change. I went into town with the kids to change my birthday pressy Australian Dollars (from yesterday if anyone wants to note their diary :-) . A little bit of work intruded as some guy was freaking out over his giro in the Post Office. I'm on leave so didn't get involved, but it did make me appreciate my days off a little more! Got my cash. Mum, I am now the proud owner of a Wii game "Mario Party 8", ask Cameron or Tracey sure they can explain!

Sorry about the little domestic diversion there. Back to today. Had to pop back home and let Val and Ches know that the plans had changed so just had to pop into a bakery to get stickies for all. Back home for a cuppa and aforementioned sticky. Then over to Staddiscombe for a tough time looking after two 9 year olds. You can see the pressure I was under from the picture above!

Had a long chat with HR last night instead of watching "My name is Earl". The chat was just as entertaining. All these years and all that's changed is that he has a few more years under his belt and the accent "isn't as posh" according to Val. We spent all that time trying to stop the Red Army and now he is one!

Ah well. 'tis Friday night and methinks Torquay AFC are on the telly in a few minutes so I will wonder downstairs and probably be faced with two fluttering eyes with a request that I watch the match in the kitchen.

Still, football season is upon us again and I have Sky and that funny Spanish sounding set of sports channels - for clarification just look where the ferry from Plymouth sails from and you will see why I get confused. I suppose that means I am tied up until next May. Isn't life hard for us poor footy fans!

Look after yourselves - it's rough out there.

And I am supposed to be on leave - please tell Val!!

Don't need to say anything at all. The photo's speak for themselves, this is Val's idea of Paul having a period of leave when Al is out with Cheryl.

Apart from yesterday when we went out for a drive and ended up in Tesco's!!

Oh yes - there was a sale on!!!! I suppose I did get a rather nice pasty in Tavistock so I can't complain.

Paul and Al chill out day

All good days out in Cornwall have to have Cornish ice cream in there sooner or later. Today it was sooner.

Then find a beach to have lunch and a drink.

Chilled out or wot!!

Pensive mood time. Just after the Art Gallery visit.

Just find a rock to sit on she said. And take the cap off this time! I obey.

Very hot day but our slave to fashion had to wear a jacket.

Cute narrow streets. This is the way in and out to/from the main carpark!!

Thought I would just do a photo log today. Al and I had a chill out day. Val wanted to stay home so Al and I went for a drive. We started off going to Trago, then changed to Dartmoor. Ended up going over the Torpoint ferry into Cornwall as Rame Head became the preferred destination. Couldn't find a car park that covers Rame Head so stopped at Cawsands, had a very nice baguette each on the beach then strolled around to Kingsand. Popped into a newly opened art gallery - bit beyond my price range but very nice. Hope you enjoy the photo's.