Le Mistral Lunch Munch

 Le Mistral munch lunch

12th January 2026

Thanks to Pam for organising lunch on a day when we didn't need to shovel our way out of the snow to reach Wirksworth. Finding a free car park space in Wirksworth is becoming increasingly challenging, but we each seem to have our own special places. 

As none of us had pre-ordered, as per Le Mistral requests, it gave us plenty of time to have a pre-chat, order drinks, discuss the best options and then wait, for what was an acceptable length of time. Thanks to Julia's lead, four of us opted for the rather delicious Le Mistral Classic. Janice opted out and went for the veggie tagine and Pam needed something slightly more substantial to go with her first glass of wine since her hip operation. Steady on Pam, you do have to walk back home!  

We try for a group photo, but apart from Julia, it's not good enough, so we do the old pass-the-phone around to get half decent shots!

As ever, I can't remember the exact order of conversation but here's adding a bit of flesh to some of the usual topics.

We all hoped that Maggie is behaving herself in Columbia and doesn't stray too close to the border.  The much travelled Alison seemed confident that Maggie was visiting the right sort of places. Ski trips were mentioned, although waiting for a decent dollop of snow seemed to be quite important.  Jo and Helen having narrowly missed each other in Lanzarote were now going their separate ways.  Hope there's not a power cut when you visit Tut's tomb, Jo. If it does make sure your phone is fully charged or take a candle. 

Le Croque Classique

Clearly Pam's post-operative mood is lifted by the news she is now drug-free and is allowed to drive... and drink ... but obviously not at the same time. The NHS has been wonderful to Pam but I had to admit to going private for my needs as I am not deemed to be in enough pain by the never seen GP.  According to my new private friends I am at best 'flexible, wonky and loose'.🤣.  The cost is actually cheaper than a local massage, so that's justified that then. 

.. uncovered

Somewhere we arrive at discussions about arranged marriages.  Now, call me pedantic but all marriages have some element of being arranged, but some are more arranged than others.  We chat about the growing trend of lives lived in secret from families to those who were chosen to live a very nice lifestyle with a drop dead gorgeous, monied fella. 

Just desserts

Just as a point of interest, for those of you sadly unable to join us, that some, who won't be mentioned, thought it irresponsible to be advertising 50% off all food so soon after the seasonal stuffing. But it was a case of principles? Get stuffed! 

Lovely tea towel for all that washing up.

Janice's mice before Christmas stirred by all her replacement plumbing seem to be happily munching through her much treasured hazelnuts. My much repeated Boxing Day mouse-gate from years ago got a mention too... and I'm finally replacing the carpet this year!  Pam's new sun room got a mention with photos on our Whatsapp thread.  It needs approval from us of course Pam! Hint, hint! We'll bring a dish....run around it and chillout .. just like Jo's Christmas special. 😉

Having whiled away more than two hours of fun, some of us had places to go.  On my return to my car parked with less space than where I had left it, I meet Ollie and the latest addition to Pam's family.  She's cute! 

For those of you needing to even up your leg length, my meeting with my Sports Injury therapist (Valentina from the Sports Injury clinic on Enterprise Way) goes painfully well and I am now strapped up with those mystifying plasters which all good athletes wear.  

Looking forward to our next meeting.  A postcard from Antigua may separate the now and then!

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Christmas 2025

 Christmas 2025

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

As has become the tradition, contributions are posted in order of when received. As ever, our chosen charities are reflected on those which touch our hearts through family circumstances to global humanitarian concerns. 

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

Charlotte

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year. I'm sad I haven't seen much of you all this last year but sometimes life gets in the way. I hope that I can get to more gatherings in 2026. 

💝

My chosen charity this year is Cancer Relief in memory of my brother and in support of my niece who is undergoing treatment. 

Love to you all. Xx

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

Pam

Warmest wishes to all the GBs - such strong and wonderful women and such supportive friends.

💝

This year I continue to support Medicins Sans Frontiers

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

Julia

Happy Christmas to all the Gelly Babes!

Hoping we manage to meet up in January.  Much love to you all, Julia xx

💝

This year my Christmas donation has gone to Crisis, the charity which offers help to people experiencing homelessness. 

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

Janice

And every day for that matter! Have a good one, one and all.

💝

I'm donating to UNHCR

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

Lynn

With very much love to all Gelly Babes, and hopes and wishes for a wonderful 2026, 

from Lynn and Tali xx

💝

My chosen charity is Ashgate Hospice

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

Maggie

Wishing all the Gellybabes a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2026

 💝

I have made a donation to the Red Cross

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

Alison

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. xx

💝

My chosen charity this year is Rainbows hospice. 

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

Helen M

Happy Christmas

💝

My chosen charity is Crisis

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

Helen J

Love to everyone over this winter season. Here's to more meet ups in 2026. Xxx

💝

In support of both brothers-in-law who are under medical care this year, 

I am donating to two charities of their choosing: 

Maggie's (Everyone's home of cancer care,) Royal Marsden hospital. A charity providing free expert care and support in centres across UK. 

and

CRY: Cardiac Risk in the Young, Leatherhead. 

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

Jo

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

With love and best wishes. Xx

(Please note that this is a translation of an audio message from Jo. My technical skills have evaded me)

💝

My charity is in aid of The Children's Society

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

Let's see if we can find times in our increasingly busy lives to meet up more in 2026 for those very special friendship hugs, laughs and deepening companionship. 

🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟

 

Musical Chairs at Middleton

 Musical Chairs at Middleton-by-Wirksworth

National Stone Centre 

24th October 2025

Say no more!

It is the longest time on record between meet ups. Four months!  And, thanks  to Pam's last minute sensible planning, seven of us were able to make it.  Yes, 7  out of 10 is very  good indeed. 

 

As I had arrived a bit early, I started organising the seating.  I just can't help myself, can I? Two tables seemed fine to me, but the management decided we needed three tables and duly arranged them.  

Everyone else arrived in dribs and drabs.  First in were Lynn and Alison. 

Counting out the pennies for the car park fee

Hotly pursued by Maggie, fresh from the gentle uphill walk from home, then Pam with Jo and finally Julia who only had to cross the road really. It was decided, by me, that a medium-longish blog was definitely going to happen even though we were just having a sit down.  Or, were we? 

We settled in for our first drinks with Julia and Jo sharing a pot of tea.  A teasing wave of a t-bag for Julia, and a proper dunking of builders' tea for Jo. But, Pam wasn't satisfied with the table lay out.  She moved one so that we were more cosy and could hear each other. Oops Pam, the management were not happy; you moved the wrong one.  So, just as we had ordered our main meal (not the parsnip soup which had been cooking for at least 3 hours and was still not ready) the management moved it all back to where it was when I first arrived! Now, whose tea was where now? And where was my phone? And did anyone notice the box of Belgian chocs being handed around in secret under the table? How did we choose which two to have? 

Two tables are better than three!

We felt we had had enough exercise for the day, so continued with our various chats. The trouble with a big group is that we split into little groups, so I'm afraid the blog is mostly about what I heard, but I can't remember when! However I do remember at the three table stage, that Jo had had a marvellous time in Snettisham looking at Knot:

No, not this sort...

Jo's Knot had a lovely fly around and then just grouped together and didn't move.  It's what they do;  they do it very well. However, the Greylag geese were definitely on the move.  Hundreds in fact and very noisy they were too; they do it very well.  Meanwhile, back in Derbyshire, the skies are now getting busier with the winter arrivals; look out for skeins (not of wool) but of the Pink-footed goose (pink wink sound, pink feet) and Whooper swans (whoop sound)... easy!!

Whooper, not whopper, although they are big. 

Of course we talked about the news and how we mostly can't bear to listen or watch, unless you are Lynn: she knows everything from Radio 4 about the T man and his mates. We briefly snarled about the rise and fear of fascist ideologies and how we like being 'woke'. A tenuous link, but we are in the National Stone Centre and some tribute must be made to the display

Hmm... from development to break up...equally applicable to the behaviour of ...

We mentioned the climate (and yes, the dread of drill baby, drill).  Maggie had been in Seville, extremely busy in October; yet another Saints' Day.  But, the temperature was not nearly so hot as in August when Seville peaked at 45C, just when the The VM needed a bit of a move around the parish on the 15th.  Wouldn't have wanted to be under that tableau in those temps.  Actually, wouldn't have wanted to be in that temp anywhere.

A room by the cathedral can be a bit noisy when the bells get going as also happened with Alison in Spain (I think) on 23rd December.  Not so noisy as perhaps being in a bell tower on the stroke of midday in Reykjavik: me.  

Listening intently to Maggie

On both sides of the table

Riot Women.  Now there's a series I've not yet watched.  Some have managed to watch it gracefully over a few nights.  Not Pam!  But a binge-watch with a count down to her hip op is perfectly acceptable.  Other programmes and films were mentioned; Jo added them to her trusty notebook. One of which may have been the film 'The Menu' (very dark humour about people who eat posh, like me) which somehow triggered a chat about Buxton eateries:  Lubens and Ithaca (a prettier name than Zorbas or Niko's) for a good Greek restaurant.  All within easy walk of the wonderful Buxton Opera House.

I'm not quite sure how we were transported to travelling to Cornwall down the M5's previous incarnation and wondering how the whole family managed to fit into an old Austin 7,  fry-ups in lay-bys and the need to stay overnight on route.  Cornwall then; favourite childhood beaches, usually the same one.  Cornwall now: Pam's mostly 'go-to' county which is on hold for a bit. Cornwall now: famous for its named chefs.... ahh.. is that the link? 

As we were nearing the car park deadline, a forlorn face appeared at the window: Chris with a rather stylish Lizzie.  London is warmer than than up north so thank goodness she remembered to pack her long coat.  I thanked the long-suffering for coping with us, met with a smiley grunt!. It was around then that we started to depart.  Chris and Maggie were off for a lovely walk.   Julia then did that sort of wave without looking back, down from whence she had come.  

 

Bye Julia!  Oh, she's already gone!

Meanwhile Jo and Pam went on a tour of the wild flowers.

If only we had all been invited!

Lynn met another young man as we soldiered on up the particularly steep slope to the car park. Can't take Lynn anywhere, she'd already chatted to the men in biking lycra at the start of our coffee. Difficult to tell if she actually knew him!

And, just when you thought the blog was all over.  I noticed on the last blog from June that some called Herry from Dubai had made a comment about parking. We're famous! We have a follower or just some random person advertising their services for free on our blog!

And, it is now... all over,  until November? Hopefully with the missing trio busy elsewhere. 

Cromford Car Parking!

 Calming influences of Canadas at Cromford

12th June 2025

It would have been easier to park a barge than at those darned car parks. In Ringo's car park,  I faff about to find a good shady spot and realise the pay machine has disappeared!  Not having downloaded Ringo (no signal anyway), hoping not to have jumped into the fine of £500 I skedaddled off to the Wharf and paid a handsome £7 for the day in the machine that did work, whereupon I met Julia and Maggie, also early. Julia's answer was that Bob pays for her from the comfort of his sofa... perhaps I should have asked Bob to include me! 

Whilst Julia (thankyou) bought me a flat white, I calmed myself down with a few canada geese on the school run. One adult, breaks free 

Do you think that's a good idea to park yourself there, dear? 

But its a pretty place to be in a broody mood

Julia, Maggie and I settle into our coffees and tea with free hot water, waiting for Jo, who does arrive at the correct time.  Cheerfully announcing...

I found a free spot on the road... 😬

We caught up on our ailments, mine in particular, and decided that it's a delicate balance between resting and being active.  However, a sports' injury physio specialist is a godsend, especially if operating from Pride Park Velodrome, where there is a nature reserve called The Sanctuary.   Free parking too with certain conditions attached (cycling, join the gym class, have an injury or be in an elite bird group).

Our attention turns to a money spider making friends with Jo. 🕷 gets a  mention, as promised! We talk a bit about financial issues but the temptation of a walk before lunch  in the rising heat, cannot be resisted. 

We discover the swimming lessons are going well. (Jo's pic)

Sheep are obviously not interested in swimming, but woolly coats are a bit warm for today

Shade works best.

I'd rather be in the water (Jo's  pic)

Cooling ferns

What is Maggie explaining now? 

We arrive back at the Wharf where Lynn has just arrived: "I parked for free on the road" 😬😬

We settle in for lunch whilst Lynn catches the eyes of not one,  but two gentlemen waiting for the loo and she only knows one of them too! Can't take her anywhere.

Here's one of them. 

We are finally quorate with Pam arriving hoping Phil and grandchild share the same nap time! Apparently Ringo wasn't working, so she had to move car parks too.. 😁

We catch up on local news: the demise of curriculum choices for both students and adults in the area, twinning expansions and collections (or not!) for leaving staff.  Clearly one needs the help of the money spider to help untangle that web!🕷🕸

Train travelling is trendy and don't forget to pack your best PJ's if you are not ensuite or are sharing with strangers! We won't mention what the hole in the floor is for 😁 😁

Now, what was Pam  explaining? 

Clearly something funny!

Time ticks on  but some of us need to return home: to avoid the impending storm, to grab a grandchild and feed it geese, is that bit right Pam?, release the dog, plan the next holiday or even beat the car park clock 😬😬😁

We missed absent friends and hope we can gather in July.

Kedleston Kingfishers et al!

 

The Kedleston Kingfisher

13th February 2025

Four hardy birders met in the car park at exactly 0946.  Hugs were absolutely necessary, not just because of our friendship, but it was flippin' cold.  Not sure about a still, standing around birding activity, we decided on brisk walks interspersed with some serious stuff.  Maggie, having seen the bird list outside reception,  requested a kingfisher and a pintail.  She's so demanding! 

We didn't fancy the stepping stones in lieu of the out-of-action bridge across lots of mud, so opted for the main bridge where there was plenty to see and plenty of goose poo to try and avoid. .  Here are the orange-billed ones. 

Oystercatcher with grubby bill.

Greylag with clean bill. 

The task was made a bit harder as I didn't always say exactly where the birds were.  Plus, adding in counting the birds was fun, and the coots decided their chances of being noticed were better if they milled around in a large group. 

A lovely view of the Hall, the estate buildings and bridge arches to perfectly frame

three gelly heads! 

We return over the bridge to further test our skills on the other part of the lake.  With further counting and an added task to distinguish between male and female, we find the black and white birds.  Plenty of tufted ducks diving around and good views of goosander 

Handsome male goosander, with female following. 

But, can we find Maggie a kingfisher? 

After a few attempts at following each other's instructions of which tree and branch it had landed on, we find it, at least three times!  

obviously helped by wearing one of the traffic light hats.

Pam was so busy taking this photo, that she missed the kingfisher but she did spot a grey heron in the  tree. 

As we'd found one of Maggie's target birds, we headed towards the cafe for a much needed  warm drink. Jo found us and having admitted she had never been inside the cafe, because we nearly always meet in the warmth and sit outside, we decided a celebratory photo was needed  As luck would have it, one of my friends was on the next table. 

Thank you Val. Hope your coffee didn't get too cold!

We cut through to the gardens and admire the back of the Hall, which is rather grand. 

The gardens were showing signs of winter plants with resplendent groups of 

hellebore 

small swathes of snowdrops

and more snowdrops drifting on their own.

Our walk through the woods was virtually silent with viewings of a only couple of blackbirds. Maggie and I forged ahead (she was hell bent on getting a pintail).  We'd not realised that Pam was fading fast to the point where she disappeared altogether!  Fortunately Jo and Alison filled us in and we now only had to find Jo a kingfisher. We can't be double lucky, can we? 

Right where the kingfishers normally pose for close up photos  at Splash Pool, we find a coot finding nesting material on the edge of the fall...

re named kamikaze coot!

Grey heron likes living on the edge too!

And hooray, Jo finds a kingfisher too!

We get back to the cafe in time to see that Pam has magically reappeared with friends Helen M and Julia, tucking into rather lovely hot bowls of steaming red thai soup, except for  

Alison who plays odd babe out and opts for a bean soup.

We chatted about the usual health issues, rip off dentists and holidays.  Our shared topic as a whole group revolved around various forms of recycling and silly booking systems which don't encourage folks to save the environment. Selling on 'stuff' as Helen M puts it, seemed to be a reasonable way to get rid of sentimental family heirlooms from lovely bone china sets to grandfather clocks (ah, no, Helen M has kept one of those!). 

Finally, we come to books and the rediscovery of the library... not necessarily for borrowing books, but they are essential for keeping one' s own heating bills down!  

So, we come the end of an action packed fun day out .  And here's a bit of proof that we did find the kingfisher (another time for the pintail Maggie).  It's a dodgy photo, but it is there...

 

Level 2 birding with numbers today!

32+coot 

2 mute swans 

3 teal

8 goosander (5m 3f)

24+ greylag 

too many canadas

2 pheasant 

6 tufted  ducks (4m 2f), lots of ducking and diving

3 shelduck  

little egret

2 grey heron

1 kingfisher (bird of the day)

2 great tit 

robin

6 blackbird

jackdaw

jay

buzzard (did you all see it on the ground on the way out?)