Leaving Belfast with a bang

We're off on holiday tomorrow - Jamie and Charlotte don't have to rock up at their new school building until Thursday 10 September, mainly because it hasn't yet got a roof.

And we've reached the "final packing" stage.

People who've known me for a long time will be shocked to learn that I'm struggling to narrow down my summer wardrobe.  This is because people who've known me a long time say I always looks the same.

However, the biggest challenge we face is finding another bag for Jamie to carry on board.

Below you can see the bag he's taken on as cabin luggage for the past few years.

It's his Busy Bees trolley dolly and it was given to him when he was attending the local Busy Bees nursery.  Yes, he's been a walking brand ambassador.  But that's a matter for them.

He had it with him on Tuesday when we were passing through security at Belfast City Airport.  We'd had a great few days, the airport wasn't busy and all was fine with the world.

Jamie's bag went through the scanner with all the others and I was about to pick it up.  But I was beaten to it by the security lady who advised that it was being taken off for a special scan.  Okey dokey, Jamie's eyes are fairly close together and you can't be too careful.

A couple more minutes passed before I was asked to go and see a grim-faced security man standing in a dark corner behind a desk. Over I went.

"Hello sir," he said.

"Hello," I replied.  It seemed the obvious response.

"Sir, I don't know how to tell you this.  But your son's bag has shown traces of TNT."

I shit you not.

My new best friend - as he instantly became (my choice) - then spent the next 10 minutes asking me questions about what I'd been up to over the previous few days, where I'd been (he wasn't familiar with the Big Marquee Weekend), what I did for a living, who I'd met, and so on.

But we weren't really getting anywhere.  And neither might I be if I couldn't find a way to sort this out.

Then the conversation took an unexpected turn.

"What's in your toiletries bag," asked yer man.

"Urmmm....deodorant, contact lens stuff, toothbrush, shaving stuff.......oh, and moisturiser," I whimpered.

"A-HA!"  boomed my mate.

"Man moisturiser, all men are at it these days - even men from Norn Iron," I protested.

"What make?" he asked.

"Nivea - for MEN.  Like in that TV advert with the Liverpool players in.  They're all men," I battered on.

"GOOD ANSWER!" he announced, with what seemed like genuine pleasure.

"Thank you.  Do you moisturise yourself?"

"No.  But that's where the TNT reading came from!"

He then proceeded to explain that apparently 90% of explosive materials are organic.  (I almost interrupted to remind him he was in Belfast and he might be better to keep his voice down).  And Nivea (for Men) moisturiser had many of the same natural substances in it.  You learn something every day.

Anyway, given that around about this time tomorrow we're due to pass through Turkish customs - where many wannabe ISIL suicide bombers have recently chosen to go for their last piss-up before heading into Syria - we've decided that Jamie's Busy Bees bag will not be coming with us.

Should we be fortunate enough to gain entry, my next update will be from that part of the world.  And if we're not, I wish each and every one of you well.                  

The weather was fair when I called to see Clare

I almost choked on my Sunday lunch last weekend when a friend sent me a picture of the Sunday Life article you can see above (that's my head on the left above the ad).

Nominations for the the Northern Ireland Pub of the Year Awards have just opened and, as regular readers of this increasingly irregular blog may know, my girl Clare Johnston deservedly walked away with last year's Bar Person of the Year Award.

Clare is the landlady of The Railway Arms in Coleraine, also known as Johnstons as it's been in the family for years.  It's my local bar when I'm home and, without question, is my favourite hostelry on the planet.

The reasons for my adoration centre on what Clare has done for and to the place, and how she treats the people who care to visit.

The most recent Johnstons upgrade came as recently as this month when the beer garden was given a splash of splendour.  

Given the "unpredictable" weather on the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland, it is more likely to be frequented by smokers than sun worshippers.  But I don't like to miss out.  So last week, before my arrival, I told Clare I would be in with a packet of sweetie cigarettes to join in the fun.

And she very kindly mentioned this in her Sunday Life interview, the text of which you can read HERE.

On Monday I was delighted to keep my word.

A Big Weekend in the Wee Village

I rabbited on about Macosquin's Big Marquee Weekend, here and on social media, for weeks on end.  And my enthusiasm proved to be well-placed.

Really, what an incredible few days.

I spent the first 10 years of my life living in Macosquin - a small village on the outskirts of Coleraine - and the people there are second to none.  Add to this a group of local organisers who were prepared to take a risk, and a list of artists spread across three days who were amongst the best that Northern Ireland has to offer and success was guaranteed.  

After a clubland night on Friday (I'm much too old for that caper), Saturday came to life with madly energetic Coleraine band Cellar Door, followed by this lot.

Remind you of anyone?

Well I do hope so, because they are an Oasis tribute band.  Roll With It is their name, they hail from Belfast and they were eerily magnificent.

Ending the evening was Armagh outfit Con Jovi (work it out).

In the background you can see Jon Con Jovi on the MIC; in the foreground you can see Vanessa on the beer.

That was Saturday.  Then Sunday swiftly followed (ouch), with country music the theme of the day.

Joint top of the bill was Claudy man Ritchie Remo, who went down an absolute storm. Here he is having a fiddle on the floor.

 

Then he fiddled on the stage, joined by his little boy (AWWW!!).

  
Whilst Vanessa and I fiddled in the audience with his father-in-law Kenny, an avid Leeds United fan.

I hope you're digging my cowboy shirt.  

As night fell, Mrs White dined al fresco (I spoil that woman)...

...whilst her father-in-law (left) held court under the roof of Mary Pat's Bar.

Finally, bringing the curtain down, was Ireland's top Garth Brooks tribute act Jason Hughes.

Yes he does have friends in low places etc etc.  He can also sing a bit.

I felt very privileged to be asked to help promote the event.  But spotting so many faces I hadn't seen for far too long and exchanging tales was an even greater pleasure.

Thanks to everyone involved for the welcome and the fun.  Top of the list was my oldest friend Drew Hutchinson, aka DJ Steady. Wearing the purple tee shirt, Drew was the big brain behind a triumphantly professional operation.

Roll on Big Marquee Weekend II next year. 

Primal Scream

I'm all sore - and it's made me hate the gym even more.

I've never been a fan, you see.  But at the age of 43 and with memories of the London Marathon and four Great North Runs increasingly distant, I've had to find other ways of remaining alive.

So last year I joined our local gym.

After a few sessions of gently raising some very small pieces of iron, I found myself very bored and in need of greater motivation/a kick up the arse.

I discovered a remedy in the form of spin classes, during which I was often told to get off my bike and do press-ups because I wasn't trying hard enough.  Fair enough, and I was comfortable in the knowledge that I was still putting in more effort than on the pigeon chest press machine.

And I remain spinning once a week, although trainer Jason now makes me do punishment burpees for a little change.

But I've been getting a bored again.

Cue "The Primal Series." (GRRRRRR!!!!)

Yes, dear readers, I've decided to bring out my inner animal by "working [my] body like nature intended," according to the gym bumpf. (Another GRRRRRR!!!! anyone?)

In layman and laylady's terms, what we're talking about is a range of five 30-minute sessions that do different things presumably to different parts of your body.  (I'm not yet an expert).

Earlier this week, I did "Core" which basically hurt all my middle bits.  Then today I did "Conditioning" which hurt all my middle bits again, together with some other bits that escaped damage on Tuesday.

And I've loathed every second of it.

Core was harder, principally because Jason was the trainer and wanted to make me cry.  He came very close.

Today was a little less physically tough, but more taxing mentally because our adolescent apprentice trainer kept telling my three co-participants (all 50-year-old plus women in leotards and lots of make-up) and I that she was "proud" of us.  She then ended the session by trying to flog us those gloopy protein drinks that men with big arms allegedly inject into their eyeballs

But I'll stick at it.  I might leave "Strength" for a while.  Perhaps until I gain an element of strength.  And "Perform" suggests dancing, so that'll never happen.  But maybe me and my girls might move onto "Renew" at some point.

I'll keep you posted.            

Fake War of Words: Lifting the Lid

It’s the story the music world is talking about.

If you haven’t heard, yesterday the roof blew off the Big Marquee as the two tribute bands headlining the Brit Pop versus Rock line-up in Macosquin in a fortnight’s time got involved in a fake war of words.

As I trust you’re fully aware, the three-day live event gets under way on Friday 21 August with a Clubland night topped by Micky Modelle and Ultrabeat, before climaxing on Sunday with a tasty country music menu featuring JD Country, Ritchie Remo and Ireland’s leading Garth Brooks tribute act Jason Hughes.

But it’s on Saturday 22 August when sparks were already expected to fly as Belfast’s Oasis look and sound-alikes Roll With It go up against Bon Jovi copycats Con Jovi from Armagh.

However, when I spoke to members of both bands yesterday, the verbals swiftly began when Roll With It’s “Liam” told me cockily that Con Jovi would “cast no shadow” over the Belfast boys’ performance on what is sure to be a spectacular night. 

"Liam" - he's a rock 'n' roll star 

 “Look man, some might say that Con Jovi are half a world away from us,” speculated Liam, who said he was looking forward to lots of cigarettes and alcohol after coming off the professionally-constructed stage.  “We’ve played all around the world and, unlike the real Oasis, we’ll not fade away and plan to live forever.  We’ve got a masterplan, I’m a rock ‘n’ roll star and Con Jovi can slide away.  Come the Big Marquee Weekend, they’ll be standing on the shoulders of giants as we bask in the sunshiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine. D’you know what I mean?”

And d’you know what? I did.

So I put Liam’s insults to “Jon” from Con Jovi who wasted no time in hitting back, saying that his band were planning to give Roll With It “a taste of their own bad medicine.”

"Jon Con Jovi" - keeping the faith

“Hey, we weren’t born to follow,” said Jon.  “We’ll have a nice day in Macosquin and leave in a blaze of glory.  But we won’t runaway and, no apologies, Roll With It are livin’ on a prayer if they think they’re better than us.  This ain’t a love song and I say to Liam, you give love a bad name. Keep the faith.  I’ll be there for you, always, but don’t lay your hands on me or you’ll be wanted dead or live. These days life isn’t a bed of roses and you were born to be my baby. What about now?”   

Not for me to comment.  But perhaps Liam’s pretend big brother “Noel” might have some thoughts.  So I asked him and, after short volley of poetic swearing, he responded with a challenge to Con Jovi. 

“Either stop crying your heart out or go let it out!” barked Noel, before changing tack, little by little. 

"Noel" - doesn't look back in anger 

“We’ll never acquiesce so let there be love,” he said like a big hippy.  “I’m a songbird and I don’t look bank in anger.  But after the gig, Con Jovi can stand by me as I sit on a wonderwall and toast Roll With It’s victory with a champagne supernova.  Then wake up with morning glory.” 

Before hanging up, fake Noel also revealed that Roll With It are planning to travel from Belfast to Macosquin in a supersonic car.  “She’s electric,” he told me proudly.

Armed with such explosive words, I had no moral option but to tell the showbiz press and also circulate the comments on social media.  And had Twitter and Facebook been around 30 years ago for Live Aid, I suspect the reaction and pre-event hype would not have been any greater.

But unlike Wembley's Live Aid, there is still an opportunity for you attend Macosquin's Big Marquee Weekend.

Day tickets are priced at £10 for Friday and £12 on Saturday and Sunday.   A two-ticket is also available priced at £20.  You can get them from Mary Pat’s Bar, Romaya Hair Sanctuary in Coleraine or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659. 

And if it’s a nice night we can have a whole lotta rosé.  (Sorry, that’s AC/DC). 

The show did go on

Despite Saturday's tragic air accident, CarFest North did continue - albeit under a dark cloud.  And fun was thankfully still had.

Indeed, repeatedly quizzed to name their favourite part, both Jamie and Charlotte have steadfastly stuck to the same line: "All of it."  A rare but very welcome response.

But this was the moment that amused me most.

Yes, even though she's really lazy, Charlotte is still my number one girl so it was fitting that she spent a few seconds in pole position on the Oulton Park race track. What you can't see however is, behind me, there was a crowd of cooing middle-aged mums cheering at the sight.  And as I pushed her on her way, Charlotte gave a little regal wave to them - prompting an even bigger roar from the ladies gathered behind the safety fencing.

The photo was taken early on Saturday morning and we were there for The Great Festival Dash consisting of a lap of the circuit.

And yes we all did it, Charlotte being propelled by me.

She got a medal too, which made Jamie grumpy given that he ran a full lap without stopping.

Back at the campsite, Charlotte then chose to rub it in by pretending to fall asleep.

Women.

Talking of the campsite, it was actually much more pleasant than I expected.

Jamie and Charlotte enjoyed pretending to drink wine under canvas.

  
Whilst outside, Mummy concentrated on pretending that real wine was in fact Capri-Sun.

Yup, that's a wine box she's decanting into a Capri-Sun pouch for smuggling purposes.  Classy bird.

Back inside Oulton Park, there was plenty to do and see including dancing JCBs....

...and the Red Barrows 'barrowbatic' display team.

They were wheelie funny.

But it was on the two main stages where greatest interest lay for the crowd of 30,000.

We chose to give the Boomtown Rats a miss on Friday night, which turned out to be a wise move after Bob Geldof came on stage hammered and swore at the child-heavy crowd for an hour. What a willy.

Unsurprisingly, there were no such problems on Sunday night with Will Young, who arrived dressed as a racing driver.  (CarFest, you see, although he forgot to wear shoes).

  
Nor indeed The Proclaimers who sang about how great Scotland is for 45 minutes, before taking the high road home.

 
 Finally, a quick word about my old school chum Pete "Happy" Wilson.

He and his wife Michaela, who live just a stone's throw from Oulton Park, put us up the night before the event.  And then they joined us on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the fun.

But they weren't alone.  Their charmer of a son, Dylan, was there too and amused and entertained the junior Whites in equal measure - saving Vanessa and me a job.

With a bit of luck, we can get to do it all again next year.

A sight best never seen

I said last time that I'd tell you about our trip to CarFest North, and I will.  But if you've been following the news over the weekend, you'll appreciate that it wasn't the weekend anyone had envisaged.

I've reached that stage in my life where, every so often, I think I've seen most things.  And then I'm corrected.

We were standing watching with many others at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Saturday afternoon when pilot Kevin Whyman's fast jet flew overhead before disappearing behind a clump of trees, probably a mile away.  I turned around for a few seconds for a reason that escapes me.  When I looked back, the sight was one of a plume of black smoke.

My initial thought was that the plane had gone down.  But then I said to myself that, as with many so things, I was wrong.  You see planes crash in films or on TV but the odds of it happening in front of your eyes are minimal.

Anyway, you know the rest.

The whole episode kind of passed Charlotte by but we're still trying to explain it to Jamie.  We're not getting very far, but we're trying.

A couple of passing thoughts.

The way the organisers in general and host Chris Evans in particular handled the incident was a huge credit to all involved.

As you may have seen, Chris Evans spoke to the crowd late on Saturday afternoon - about three hours after the accident had happened. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.

And on Sunday, we stood for a minute's silence - bookended by two tunes from a military band.  

But back to Saturday.  The first band on after Chris Evans' short speech was Texas.

But what to do?  Lead singer Sharleen Spiteri (pictured below) could hardly come out and shout "Are you ready to rock?!" Because the crowd was anything but.  

So she guided everyone through it. Slow stuff to start, gradually building up.

She was great.  But what a sad weekend.

I'll try to inject a bit of fun tomorrow.

Feast of Fests: Part I

As the excitement surrounding the Big Marquee Weekend continues to surge (tickets going very fast), we Whites are preparing to cross the Pennines for another three-day music festival to get us in the mood.

It's CarFest North which, after two-and-a-half hours of trying back in November, I managed to bag family tickets for.

Fans of Chris Evans' Radio 2 breakfast show will know immediately what I'm talking about.

And if you're not a Chris Evans lover, you'll be relieved you're not going as it's being hosted by Chris Evans.

Taking place at Oulton Park racing circuit in deepest, leafy Cheshire, the event features cars (not that arsed), lots of things for kiddies (our kids are arsed) and a pretty impressive live music line-up across two stages.

The Boomtown Rats will be there to sing all two of their hits, plus Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, The Proclaimers, Primal Scream, Level 42, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Midge Ure and Texas, amongst others. For example, when the going gets tough after we're forced to listen to Will Young, Billy Ocean is due to be wheeled on.  Suddenly.    

Crucially, given how much I generally hate camping, our tent is already pitched and comes complete with blow-up mattresses (hopefully already blown up).

But none of this starts until tomorrow.  Before then, we're due to spend tonight in the abode of my old school chum Peter 'Happy' Wilson (pictured), his wife Michaela and charmer of a son Dylan.   Pete kindly phoned me the other day to ask if I still liked a Guinness.  I said I did, along with regular
intakes of oxygen and an occasional wash.  

My thoughts on CarFest North will most likely appear here on Monday together with accompanying photographs. I'm not sure what of yet, but expect Sophie Ellis Bextor to feature in addition to Bob Geldof and a shoe-horned reference to me not liking Mondays.  I'll not tell you why.

He's been 'Seen on TV' - now you can see him in Macosquin

Last spring I set up a spoof Twitter account, just for a bit of fun.  But it all ended in tears - along with those of many thousands of others.  

My Twitter handle was @GarthBrooksHorse.  And, as luck would have it, I was pretending to be Garth Brooks' horse.  With the US country music big cheese due to play in front of more than 400,000 loopy fans over summer five nights in Dublin's Croke Park, I thought it might be a laugh to get involved.  And I did my research.  He most certainly did have a horse and I wanted to give it a voice as the hype surrounding his boss's Irish trip built to unfathomable heights.

And then Garth Brooks went and cancelled all his gigs.

To be fair, it wasn't entirely his fault.  He was originally booked for three, his promoters added two more, local nimbies complained, the council wouldn't extend his licence to cover five shows, and he huffed in his barn and wouldn't come out to play.  Literally.  He may still be there.  

Understandably, this left a lot of Garth fans feeling bereft.  Given that the entire population of Ireland is six million and around 400,000 of them had a concert ticket, well, go figure.

But a year after their crushing disappointment, there is finally something for Brooks devotees to look forward to.

Because on Sunday 23 August in the glorious village of Macosquin, Jason Hughes - Ireland’s best-loved Garth Brooks tribute act - will join other big names in the local country music scene to bring the curtain down on the inaugural Big Marquee Weekend.  

Pretty impressive, eh?

In case you've been living under a stone, the three-day music festival will take place in a professionally-erected marquee in the car park of Mary Pat’s Bar less than four miles from Coleraine.

It all kicks off on Friday 21 August with a clubland DJ night headlined by Ultra Beat and Micky Modelle.   

Bon Jovi tribute act Con Jovi and Oasis dead ringers Roll With are the star attractions on Saturday in a Rock v Britpop head-to-head, with Cellar Door and Adam Buick providing top notch support. 

And then on Sunday, mega-popular two-piece band JD County and the brilliant Ritchie Remo – whose version of 'Hit the Diff' has now attracted more than half a million views on YouTube – will join Jason in providing an all-day feast of country music.

My pal Drew Hutchinson, who is organising the event with Robert Todd and the bar’s proprietor Hughie Hamilton, told me he's been taken aback by the level of interest the Big Marquee Weekend has generated since being announced.

“What started off as quite a modest event when we first came up with the idea has really taken off,” said Drew, aka DJ Steady, who will also be spinning discs throughout the weekend.  

“Kerry McLean has talked about it on her BBC Radio Ulster afternoon show and it’s been getting lots of mentions on social media.

“We’re now getting ticket enquiries from all over Northern Ireland, from across the border and from England.

“The quality and variety of the acts over the three days has been the key and no one will leave disappointed – unless, of course, we sell out before they’ve managed to get their hands on a ticket.

“Jason's appearance has excited a lot of people, particularly after Garth Brooks decided not to bring his big hat to Dublin last year. 

“Disappointed Garth fans have had refund money burning a hole in their pockets for a whole year now.  And at just £12 for a full day of country music, they will still have plenty left after buying a ticket.  I know some of them are still hurting after Garth’s snub, but I think a few drinks from the marquee’s fully-kitted bar will help to ease the pain.”

Day tickets for the Big Marquee Weekend are priced at £10 for Friday and £12 on Saturday and Sunday.   A two-ticket is also available priced at £20.

Tickets can be purchased from Mary Pat’s Bar, Romaya Hair Sanctuary in Coleraine or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

If you are a Garth fan and you did have a ticket to see him in Dublin, just remember how you felt when you heard he wasn't coming.

Do you want to feel like that again?  Well?  Do you?  Not nice, was it?  No, it wasn't.

Please don't go back to that dark place.  Get your Big Marquee Weekend tickets while they still remain - and I'll make sure Jason turns up. 

I wonder if he has a horse... 

No blow for youngster who leaves court on high

I apologise if you've already heard this story on the news but, as we enter the "silly season," it's too good not to tell.

It relates to a 16-year-old boy in Northern Ireland who has just been handed down what can only be described as a "novel" sentence after failing a police drugs test yesterday.  He admitted he'd taken cannabis before being arrested.

Perched on the Bench at Londonderry Magistrates' Court, District Judge Barney McIlhome decided to show the accused some leniency based on the latter's apparent love of art.      

"You must bring with you a sketch pad and a pencil and you can draw me and the solicitors for two hours each day," Judge McIlhome told the no doubt bemused but relieved youngster.  "Only me and the solicitors, and I will review the matter on Wednesday."

The judge added: "If you look stoned you will be arrested."

Let's hope he's not dopey (HA!)

A wee theory

I heard something this morning which I'd not heard before, meaning I must share it with you.

It relates to a philosophy known as "nudge" or "nudge theory" which, for someone with my tiny mind, demands a very simple explanation.

This is opposed to the less simple Wikipedia description of nudge as "a concept in behavioural science, political theory and economics which argues that positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions to try to achieve non-forced compliance can influence the motives, incentives and decision making of groups and individuals, at least as effectively – if not more effectively – than direct instruction, legislation, or enforcement."  

Got that?  Thought not.

Right, let's go with the BBC website which explains nudge theory as "using psychology to change our behaviour for the better."

Any clearer?  Don't worry, an illustrative example will help.  And for that, again I turn to the BBC where I first heard this story this morning whilst chewing a bacon sandwich.

"Perhaps the most famous example of a nudge is at Schiphol Airport in Holland. Managers were fed up with the state of the gents. Men were none too accurate in their aim. Warnings and signs did no good so designers tried a nudge."

Here comes the good bit.

"A black fly was etched into the porcelain of each urinal - something to aim at. Spillages were reduced by 80%."

Isn't that fun?!

But not as fun as this.

I love being a boy.

Marquee Weekend in Macosquin - and it's Big

Prior to moving to the metropolis that is Coleraine, I spent the first 10 years of my life living in the historic village of Macosquin.  (I say historic because those who claim to know about these things say it originated as a 6th-century monastic settlement, which is loads of years ago). 

And I look forward to going back there next month to see some of Northern Ireland's top live music acts take to the stage at the inaugural Big Marquee Weekend.

The three-day festival, which runs from 21-23 August, will take place in a professionally-erected marquee - complete with its own fully-equipped bar – sited in the car park of Mary Pat’s Bar.

In brief summary, the entertainment kicks off on the Friday with a clubland night headlined with DJ sets from Ultra Beat and Micky Modelle, plus local support.

Saturday’s highlight will be a Rock v Britpop battle with Bon Jovi tribute act Con Jovi taking on Oasis look and sound-alikes, Roll With It (pictured below).  Coleraine band Cellar Door are also on the bill with DJs Steady and Trigger playing rock and Britpop tunes to keep the party going.

  

And the weekend is sure to end on a high on Sunday with a country music spectacular starring singer-songwriter Ritchie Remo, popular two-piece JD Country and – in a real coup for the promoters - Ireland’s best known Garth Brooks tribute act, Jason Hughes.  A country DJ will also be there to entertain the crowd between the live performances. 

As it happens, one of the driving forces behind the event  - alongside Robert Todd and Hughie Hamilton - is my oldest friend Drew Hutchinson (aka DJ Steady).  

“The sight of customers swaying in Mary Pat’s is not unusual on an average weekend evening,” he told me. 

“But the image of many hundreds of people in the car park gyrating to the beat of high quality live music will be a new one. 

“More seriously, I am thrilled at the line-up we have managed to put together over the three days of the festival.  There really is something in there for all musical tastes and, having spoken to all of the artists, I know that they are looking forward to putting on a great show.

“I am not aware of an event like this being staged in the Triangle area before.  Tickets are selling very well with enquiries coming from both sides of the border and also from across the water after we posted the details on social media.

“With only a few weeks to go, I would encourage anyone interested in coming along to buy their tickets now because I am confident we will sell out.”

Day tickets are priced at £10 for Friday and £12 for Saturday and Sunday.   A two-ticket is also available priced at £20.

Tickets can be purchased from Mary Pat’s Bar, Romaya Hair Sanctuary in Coleraine or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

Let me know if you're coming so we can clink glasses.   

We knew he'd grow into it

It was Jamie's "moving on assembly" at Guiseley Infant and Nursery School on Friday morning.  And it was a toughie.  

Our boy has changed a lot over the past three years, as the pictures below prove. 

On Friday, we deliberately squeezed him into the tee shirt he wore on his very first day which, in September 2012, looked like a sweatshirt.  And despite having grown a few inches over that period, be assured that he is actually wearing shorts in photo number two.

But the physical changes are only part of the story.

So many of the positive aspects of his developing character - not to mention everything he learnt in the classroom, obviously - are down to the fine folk of a very fine school.

St Oswald's Primary School has a lot to live up to when he and Charlotte rock up there in September.

Have a bite with Barry

With schools in Leeds having already broken up or preparing to break up in the coming days, the sense of dread amongst local parents is already palpable.

What oh what to do with our dearly beloveds?

But don't despair mums and dads, because I believe I've found a piece to start you off with that two-month jigsaw.  Oh yes.

Because between noon and 1pm  next Wednesday and, indeed, every Wednesday until the end of August, you can have your lunch with Barry.

And not just any Barry, hell no.  I'm talking about Barry the Friendly Dragon.

Thanks to the foresightedness of the good folk at Leeds City Council, the beautiful surrounds of Kirkstall Abbey are being made available for family picnics - with Barry as your host.

However, rightly conscious of health and safety concerns, the Council's open invitation does come with a health warning:

"Just make sure he doesn't eat your sandwiches!"

Consider yourself duly advised.

A great night despite the Big No Show

Prior to yesterday, Jamie's sole big-time sporting experience was having the privilege of sitting in the grandstand at the London Olympics as Coleraine rowing great Alan Campbell grabbed bronze for Team GB (&NI) in the men's single sculls. The memory of it still gives me goosebumps even now.

Three years and I thought it was high time he continued his live sports education.   Actually, the credit isn't mine but belongs to my old pal Paul "Merv" Gaile who came up with some free tickets the day before (a favour beckons)

The result was a visit to Headingley Cricket Ground to witness the Yorkshire Vikings take on Worcestershire Rapids in the NatWest T20 Blast.

And why Yorkshire "Vikings"? 

I dunno.  Maybe the mascot suit was going cheap.

Unlike the mascot miniatures.

Or the pies.

But the outlay was worth it on what was a terrific evening's fun - save for two disappointments.

Number one was was a defeat for the Vikings, their first since the last time they played.

Number two was a golden (first ball) duck for Yorkshire's star overseas player Glenn Maxwell, known as "The Big Show" and renowned as one of the world's greatest one-day batsmen.  I'd talked about him a lot on our bus journey to the ground, and his instant demise was a source of visible disappointment for both Jamie and me.    

And here's the proof as the catch which sent him on his way is taken in front of us.

I'm sure that this time last week Australians were good at cricket.