Skittles last night at the Perry St. Club for the Hustlers.This time we beat the Bedrockers by 14 points to 2 and I thought I had an OK night until I realised that I was lowest score with 57 and was the only team member not to hit a 'spare', but we had just hit 380 which is our highest score of the season to date so it was not too bad !
This keeps up the pressure on the Outlaws in the league and hopefully if they falter we can take advantage.
Ale on tonight was .... you guessed it Sharp's Doom Bar !
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Patch Birding
I've recently started thinking about the birds I haven't seen as opposed to the ones I have and began to realise that the birds I usually see 'on patch' are getting harder or even impossible to track down.
Things like Little Owl,Dipper and Woodcock used to be 'gimmies' in the past but have all seemingly disappeared from their usual haunts.
A mixture of habitat loss, disturbance and shrinking populations means that to 'tick' off these once common species you have to travel further afield and as a consequence probably not bothering.
I used to be able to see all these species and more within a two mile radius of home on a winters walk and if you add the summer migrants that have also gone such as Cuckoo, which has all but gone from South Somerset you start to get quite depressed.
Its a good job I've got a birding trip organised for the weekend to keep my spirits up !
Things like Little Owl,Dipper and Woodcock used to be 'gimmies' in the past but have all seemingly disappeared from their usual haunts.
A mixture of habitat loss, disturbance and shrinking populations means that to 'tick' off these once common species you have to travel further afield and as a consequence probably not bothering.
I used to be able to see all these species and more within a two mile radius of home on a winters walk and if you add the summer migrants that have also gone such as Cuckoo, which has all but gone from South Somerset you start to get quite depressed.
Its a good job I've got a birding trip organised for the weekend to keep my spirits up !
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Chard Reservoir
Chard Reservoir lies on the outskirts of the town and was built in 1842 as a feeder for the Chard canal. It is now run by South Somerset Council as a nature reserve and in recent years has become an important passage stop over for migrating birds particually in the autumn with regular sightings of Osprey,Black Tern and Little Gull. There is also a heathly population of Little Egrets and Great Crested Grebes.
Today though the only birds on view from the 'Chaffcombe end' were a few Tufted Ducks and Mallards and one female Pochard.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Chard Junction Gravel Pits
This afternoon I popped down to my local 'patch' at the Chard Junction gravel pits. This mixture of working gravel quarry and restored nature reserve has been hosting two adult male Ring-Necked Ducks since the end of last year.
They were easily viewed although were a bit wary due to a dog walker near the edge of the pool.
Also there were a pair of Teal,twenty plus Canada Geese and the usual Coots and Tufted Ducks and a smart Green Sandpiper.
A walk around the reserve proper didn't produce any other notable birds, but the Little Grebes were very vocal with their 'chittering' calls.
As I was walking back to the car I had a flyover Raven giving its distinctive 'Cronk' call.
They were easily viewed although were a bit wary due to a dog walker near the edge of the pool.
Also there were a pair of Teal,twenty plus Canada Geese and the usual Coots and Tufted Ducks and a smart Green Sandpiper.
A walk around the reserve proper didn't produce any other notable birds, but the Little Grebes were very vocal with their 'chittering' calls.
As I was walking back to the car I had a flyover Raven giving its distinctive 'Cronk' call.
Combe St Nicholas Sewage Works Part 2
This morning I contrived to go to the recycling centre in Chard again and then had another go at getting a photo of the long staying Yellow-Browed Warbler at Combe St Nicholas sewage works.
This time I had a bit more luck and even though the sun's position wasn't great did manage to get a couple of half decent photo's.
I also called around to the Reservoir again looking for the Mandarin's but only saw the usual Great Crested Grebes, Tufed Ducks and Mallards.
Saturday, 25 February 2012
February Ale Trail
Once a month myself and a few friends head out the local towns and villages to sample ales on offer. Last month we nipped over the border into Devon and visited the Old and New Inn's at Kilmington and the Tucker's Arms at Dalwood.
Last night it was Nigel's turn to drive and we made our way east to the `Mason's Arms at Lower Odcombe,just outside of Yeovil.
The Mason's Arms is thatched pub with its own brewery and a good reputation for food. Ales on offer last night were Odcombe No.1,Spring and a seasonal beer A Winters Tale. I opted for a Winters Tale at 4.3%abv, while the others tried No.1 and Spring. It was a dark beer with hints of cinnamon and cloves and not at all unpleasant.
As we were not eating we felt a bit out of place and didn't stay too long but we did check out the 'brewery' on the way out. One of the smallest I've ever seen.
Next stop was the Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil, the only pub in the country with this name. Here I was in for a treat as they had Adnams Broadside on , one of my favourites from one of my favourite brewery's.
Also on was Sharp's Doom Bar and Butcombe Bitter but we all plumped for the Broadside at 4.7%
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As we were leaving we saw this amusing sign out on the pavement.
Next stop was the Royal Oak at Hardington Moor ,also known as 'Sonnys'. Here we had a choice of Otter Bitter or Branscombe Vale 'Dem Bones' at 3.5% and served straight from the cask.We all chose Dem Bones and we were treated to a pleasant session ale. This is a vibrant village pub with plenty going for it.
We then went to the Muddled Man in West Chinnock and before going in had to take a photo of the pub sign.
Ales here were Hopback 'Back Row' a special brew for the six nations championship at 4.6%, this was a ruby bitter with a malty taste and Cottage 'Fagins Ale'. I chose the Back Row.
We then made one more stop on the way home at the Cat Head in Chiselborough, another restaurant come pub and had a Butcombe Bitter at 4.0%.
Another successful Ale Trail completed with some old and new beers and pubs.
Roll on next month and the Culm Head Inn.
Last night it was Nigel's turn to drive and we made our way east to the `Mason's Arms at Lower Odcombe,just outside of Yeovil.
The Mason's Arms is thatched pub with its own brewery and a good reputation for food. Ales on offer last night were Odcombe No.1,Spring and a seasonal beer A Winters Tale. I opted for a Winters Tale at 4.3%abv, while the others tried No.1 and Spring. It was a dark beer with hints of cinnamon and cloves and not at all unpleasant.
As we were not eating we felt a bit out of place and didn't stay too long but we did check out the 'brewery' on the way out. One of the smallest I've ever seen.
Next stop was the Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil, the only pub in the country with this name. Here I was in for a treat as they had Adnams Broadside on , one of my favourites from one of my favourite brewery's.
Also on was Sharp's Doom Bar and Butcombe Bitter but we all plumped for the Broadside at 4.7%
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As we were leaving we saw this amusing sign out on the pavement.
Next stop was the Royal Oak at Hardington Moor ,also known as 'Sonnys'. Here we had a choice of Otter Bitter or Branscombe Vale 'Dem Bones' at 3.5% and served straight from the cask.We all chose Dem Bones and we were treated to a pleasant session ale. This is a vibrant village pub with plenty going for it.
We then went to the Muddled Man in West Chinnock and before going in had to take a photo of the pub sign.
Ales here were Hopback 'Back Row' a special brew for the six nations championship at 4.6%, this was a ruby bitter with a malty taste and Cottage 'Fagins Ale'. I chose the Back Row.
We then made one more stop on the way home at the Cat Head in Chiselborough, another restaurant come pub and had a Butcombe Bitter at 4.0%.
Another successful Ale Trail completed with some old and new beers and pubs.
Roll on next month and the Culm Head Inn.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Somerset CAMRA Pub of the Year
Last night saw three friends and I at The Castle Green Inn in Taunton (www.castlegreeninn.co.uk)
We were there to see them receive the Somerset CAMRA Pub of the Year award.
This is an open plan type pub in the centre of Taunton and we were welcomed by the landlord upon arrival and told that we could join the beer club, which is free to CAMRA members(£1 to non-members) and entitled us to ales at £2 a pint on a Wednesday night.
We were pleased to see Forge 'Ambrosia' on the board but disappointingly had just missed it, so we plumped for Great Western HPA at 4%abv. This was a pleasant IPA with slight citrus taste. Next up was the Ambrosia replacement which was Great Western Maiden Voyage, again at 4%. This is an amber bitter with a malty taste and was enjoyed by all.
We then watched the presentation of the certificate to the landlord by Phil Emond, Chairman of Somerset CAMRA.
Next up on the ale front was Exmoor Gold at 4.5%, a yellow/golden beer which I found pleasant but unremarkable compared to the Maiden Voyage.
We all then decided to go back to the 'Maiden' for another round and would have gone back for a third but it was finished. It had lasted about two hours !!
To finish we all tried the Otter Head at 5.8% a dark and full bodied ale.
At about 10.30pm Andy's wife arrived to ferry us home after what had been a really enjoyable evening in very pleasant surroundings. It had also been good to meet up with other members of the local CAMRA group.
We were there to see them receive the Somerset CAMRA Pub of the Year award.
This is an open plan type pub in the centre of Taunton and we were welcomed by the landlord upon arrival and told that we could join the beer club, which is free to CAMRA members(£1 to non-members) and entitled us to ales at £2 a pint on a Wednesday night.
We were pleased to see Forge 'Ambrosia' on the board but disappointingly had just missed it, so we plumped for Great Western HPA at 4%abv. This was a pleasant IPA with slight citrus taste. Next up was the Ambrosia replacement which was Great Western Maiden Voyage, again at 4%. This is an amber bitter with a malty taste and was enjoyed by all.
Next up on the ale front was Exmoor Gold at 4.5%, a yellow/golden beer which I found pleasant but unremarkable compared to the Maiden Voyage.
We all then decided to go back to the 'Maiden' for another round and would have gone back for a third but it was finished. It had lasted about two hours !!
To finish we all tried the Otter Head at 5.8% a dark and full bodied ale.
At about 10.30pm Andy's wife arrived to ferry us home after what had been a really enjoyable evening in very pleasant surroundings. It had also been good to meet up with other members of the local CAMRA group.
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Last night it was Skittles at the Perry Street Club for the Hustlers, the other team I play for. The Perry Street Club is a members club in Tatworth and it runs its own Skittle League utilising its two alleys. During the summer months there is also a Ladies League and a four a side summer league so that Skittles is played pretty much all the year round.
The match last night was against the Young Guns and we ran out winners by 14 points to 2. This keeps us in second place in the league behind The Outlaws, but we do have two games 'in hand' and we do still have to play them in the last game of the season.
I managed to get 52 pins but disappointingly finished with a 3 & 4.
Ale on offer was Sharp's Doom Bar again. Although the beers do rotate between Admirals Ale,Doom Bar and Exmoor Ale it always seems be Doom Bar on when I'm there !
The match last night was against the Young Guns and we ran out winners by 14 points to 2. This keeps us in second place in the league behind The Outlaws, but we do have two games 'in hand' and we do still have to play them in the last game of the season.
I managed to get 52 pins but disappointingly finished with a 3 & 4.
Ale on offer was Sharp's Doom Bar again. Although the beers do rotate between Admirals Ale,Doom Bar and Exmoor Ale it always seems be Doom Bar on when I'm there !
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Skittles at the Poppe
Last night I played Skittles for the Jockeys at the Poppe Inn, Tatworth. The Poppe is a lovely old thatched 15th century Inn that serves Hall & Woodhouse Ales.
On offer last night was Badger Original Ale at 4%abv and Firkin Fox, a bronze coloured seasonal ale at 4.3%.
I first played skittles at the pub 34 years ago when it was my home alley, and if I ever play reasonably well it becomes my 'home alley' again to the rest of the team !
And that's what it was last night as I hit a respectable 51 pins which included a 14 'spare'
Earlier in the evening I took a call from one of my ale drinking mates to ask if I wanted to go to the presentation of the Somerset CAMRA pub of the year on Wednesday. This year's recipient is the Castle Green Inn in Taunton and I foolishly agreed to go, although I'm already out three times this week. Ho hum !
On offer last night was Badger Original Ale at 4%abv and Firkin Fox, a bronze coloured seasonal ale at 4.3%.
I first played skittles at the pub 34 years ago when it was my home alley, and if I ever play reasonably well it becomes my 'home alley' again to the rest of the team !
And that's what it was last night as I hit a respectable 51 pins which included a 14 'spare'
Earlier in the evening I took a call from one of my ale drinking mates to ask if I wanted to go to the presentation of the Somerset CAMRA pub of the year on Wednesday. This year's recipient is the Castle Green Inn in Taunton and I foolishly agreed to go, although I'm already out three times this week. Ho hum !
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Combe St Nicholas Sewage Works
Today I had to make a trip to the recycling centre in Chard and as I was in the vicinty of the Reservoir I popped around to the Chaffcombe side to see if there were any Mandarin Ducks on show. Sadly I was unlucky althought there were a few birds there including several Great Crested Grebes and two Tufted Ducks.
I then went around to the Sewage Treatment Works near Combe St Nicholas which has an over wintering Yellow-Browed Warbler in residence.
I first saw the bird on the 6th February but I wanted to try and get a record photo of it. It wasn't my day though as I hung around for half an hour but it didn't show. I did however mange to catch up with the Siberian 'Tristis' Chiffchaff that has also been there. There were a couple of 'Colybita' Chiffchaffs as well and Grey and Pied Wagtails.
I did manage to get a photo of this 'Rock Climbing' Wren as well
I then went around to the Sewage Treatment Works near Combe St Nicholas which has an over wintering Yellow-Browed Warbler in residence.
I first saw the bird on the 6th February but I wanted to try and get a record photo of it. It wasn't my day though as I hung around for half an hour but it didn't show. I did however mange to catch up with the Siberian 'Tristis' Chiffchaff that has also been there. There were a couple of 'Colybita' Chiffchaffs as well and Grey and Pied Wagtails.
I did manage to get a photo of this 'Rock Climbing' Wren as well
Saturday, 18 February 2012
A New Venture
So Here Go's - My First ever Blog Post !
Yesterday I had to go into Yeovil for some shopping and on the way home just had to call into Sutton Bingham Reservoir to see the two Great White Egrets that have been there for the last week.
I tried first by the canoe club but there was no sign so I drove down to the Dorset end of the reservoir and sure enough that's where they were. Year tick number 85.
In the evening I was on duty at the final of the Jubilee Cup Final at the Perry Street Club in Tatworth. I've been on the committee of the Three Counties Skittle League for around fifteen years now and I was due to present the cup to the winners. Perry Street no.2 alley is one of the more challenging alleys in the league and where I play my home games for the Jockeys Skittle Team.It's not a high scoring alley and last night proved no exception as the Club Jokers ran out winners against the the Bell Bandits by 13 pins.
Ale on offer last night was Sharp's Doom Bar at 4%abv, not one of my favourites but a reasonable session beer.
Yesterday I had to go into Yeovil for some shopping and on the way home just had to call into Sutton Bingham Reservoir to see the two Great White Egrets that have been there for the last week.
I tried first by the canoe club but there was no sign so I drove down to the Dorset end of the reservoir and sure enough that's where they were. Year tick number 85.
In the evening I was on duty at the final of the Jubilee Cup Final at the Perry Street Club in Tatworth. I've been on the committee of the Three Counties Skittle League for around fifteen years now and I was due to present the cup to the winners. Perry Street no.2 alley is one of the more challenging alleys in the league and where I play my home games for the Jockeys Skittle Team.It's not a high scoring alley and last night proved no exception as the Club Jokers ran out winners against the the Bell Bandits by 13 pins.
Ale on offer last night was Sharp's Doom Bar at 4%abv, not one of my favourites but a reasonable session beer.
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