I’ve been down in Loddington this week on a ‘work trip’ in full white van mode, with ladders and dust sheets in the back! Helping out with a bit of painting, decorating and general moving of ‘stuff’. A pretty dull drive almost turning in to something exciting, but nothing materialised despite the concerning motorway signage!

Not much to show for our efforts, except lots of magnolia and a respectable looking house. I was rather pleased with my efforts on the previously faded and peeling wooden door – I used up an old tin of bright green gloss that I found in the Den, but forgot to take a photo of my masterpiece.

Between jobs I had a few quick socials with the locals as well as some fine dining with Mother. It also turned out that one of my favourite bands were playing in the venue called the Roadmender in nearby Northampton. I’d not been to the venue since I was at school, (or Northampton for that matter), but had seen the band a few times over the years.

After a few last minute texts to old friends, Joe and I got tickets and met up in time for a leisurely dinner before the show. We almost managed to get the four of us that saw Reef play a very early gig in Corby in 1993, to a crowd of about 8 people, but not quite. It was a fun way to reconnect though.

A full value night of rock and roll, then straight into the van and drove directly to Wales, crawling into bed at around 02:40am as the first of the autumn storms began to arrive.