Autumn Falls

 Autumn Falls at Swarkestone 

28th October 2026 

A cheerful welcome outside belies the indoor chaos.  Having very carefully explained the needs of our group and booked in advance, despite a jolly good hunt, our named table was missing in action. Being ever resourceful, we patiently grabbed table 101 and hoped we weren't designated later for chucking out! 

Disappointingly, despite the display, pumpkin soup was not on the menu.  It'll probably turn up on next week's leftover menu. We choose quickly, queue longly and wait patiently for waitress service delivery.  Most of which was correct. 

From field to display to plate? 

Obviously everyone was ready for my saga; at least 10 minutes worth of storytelling. But, before that Charlotte went into Blue Peter mode and from four tiny napkins and a couple of wooden stirrers, a more suitably sized napkin was built.  Yes, it worked!

The French saga highlights for those of you unfortunately not present: I tripped on builder's rubble and fell shoulder first into a wall in the south of France.  Three firemen arrived and carried me to Avignon: "You are very brave".  "You have dislocated your shoulder".  "No" says the Doctor " The 1940s xrays say you have not broken anything and I believe them.  Here's lots of 1960s drugs.  Go and buy your own sling".  Next day at the pharmacy "Here's a sling for a broken arm and drugs not allowed in UK". 

There is a bit of supporting horror but more concern for the wall and whether I'd still got any 'stuff.'.. 

We take a break... I mean, a pause. 

Very funny so far... 

...We quite agree

It gives us a chance for other news. Alison has a brand new car.  It takes over her driving and answers her messages.  Beware, the future is already with us.  We'll never truly wonder if Alison even reads her messages now!

The budget is nearly ready.  Andy is very relatable, although someone wished that Kemi wasn't a Tory as she is very quick with her sharp tongue.   Still, nice of the triple lock to be waived aside for cheaper gherkins. 

Meanwhile, Alison's new cat, Peppermint,  causes a stir.  He looks longingly into the shower, as do I, which brings me neatly to:

English saga NHS highlights: "You must wait until you are home before contacting us. We will see you but you must ring up for your own Xray, a wait of 2-3 weeks unless you can  plead your case.  Four days later xray (without a dignity gown) shows the fractures well.  Go to A&E now! Here, wear this new sling and come off all your drugs,,, ish. Read the pamphlet of exercises as we can't get you a physio appointment for weeks.  You would have been better off going to the vets!"  Well, you get the gist...

 

There were other chats but my typos are so bad, I can't decipher what we said. 

I bet Alison's car knows. 

We leave to potter round. Some more keen to get into the X vibes than others. 

Here's a pair of lost legs. They actually waggle!! 

Wouldn't want one of these indoor fountains in the house at our age! 

Oh, look, a giant selfie!

We did miss you Lynn, Julia and Janice but thought 7 out of 10 babes was a good number.  First blog since January,  Where have I been? Roll on a good turn out for November. 

Oh, baubles

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.