What about my expenses???
What a strange week it has been in politics. So it is with some amusement that I find myself as guest speaker for the Jubilee Sailing Trust at the House of Commons this evening. I thought I would take a copy of my Trans Atlantic budget and see if any MP’s might like to put it through on their expenses. After all, it only equates to 8 moat-cleanings or 22 swimming-pool servicings. And they could have their name splashed all over the boat, far bigger than anything the Daily Telegraph can offer. Joking aside, it should be a great evening in aid of a very worth cause, and I get to share the stage with the all-time best no.8 rugby union player, Dean Richards. CLICK HERE for more info on the JST.
As I mentioned in my last Blog, last Sunday saw the annual paddle up the River Hamble organised by Rosie Hinge of the Hamble Valley Rotary Club in aid of the charity Water Aid. With me otherwise “engaged”, Master Timothy deputised for me and can be seen here doing his share of the canoeing with Rosie and son Mike. You would be forgiven for thinking they were up the Amazon, rather than up the Hamble. Apparently fun was had by all, there were no near-drownings (despite having a member of the Holt family participating) and much money was raised.
For my part, I was in Southampton for a charity cycle ride which was raising money for the Sailors Society. Obviously not a regular cyclist myself, I was there more in an “honorary” capacity and awarding one of the prizes, that of “Highest Fundraiser” which went to Mandy Parker.
On Tuesday, I decided to enter a team into the Rose Road “Brainiest Business in Hampshire” quiz. We learned a lot, most importantly that we are not the “Brainiest Business”. Entering as the “Personal Everesters”, we came a pathetic 16th out of 21 teams. But none of us will forget that “I know him so well” sung by Elaine Page and Barbara Dickson was, in fact, from the musical Chess, not Evita, a mistake in the accumulator round which could have seen us in the top 3. I will be doing my Sir Alan Sugar impersonation and making some redundancies before next year’s competition. I shall mention no names, but Paul Duffield might like to start digging out his P45.
The PE Team, deep in thought..!
Impossible Dream has been weatherbound again, this time in Torremolinos, whilst some strong winds blow through. Not your usual cruising destination but the delivery crew will find no shortage of Full English Breakfasts, Bisto gravy or re-runs of Eastenders. She leave for Gibraltar tomorrow.
After the talk tonight, I am staying over in London. Tomorrow morning I will be driving straight the Challenger Class National Sailing Championships at Farmoor reservoir near Oxford. It’s an event I used to compete at regularly until I got too old. I’ve been asked back to give a talk to the sailors tomorrow night. As fellow Challenger sailors, I’m expecting a lot of questions. And then, to crown the weekend, I have been invited as the Guest of Honour to open the Portsmouth Dragon Boat Festival and to award the prizes. Again, Dragon Boating is not something I have tried but it looks great fun. If you are in the area, do pop down. I shall be in a marquee signing books. CLICK HERE for more info.
Right, I must dash. Now where did I put that expenses claim form?
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