Usually I am not a one for gifts and presents. A childhood thing, don't ask, so birthdays and Christmas are just an annoyance - bah humbug and all that.
I probably spend time over recent years on keeping family, staff and clients happy that it was a really welcome surprise that I was given a gift that brought a big smile to my face as you can see in the photograph.
When the summer holidays are over it makes like so much easier for us to drive across to West Dorset and take in some of the most beautiful scenery around the UK. Driving around is easier and parking easier also.
One nice day out is to drive to Wareham for a short stop and look around. They have a market down by the Quay on Saturdays, which also as a nice riverside walk as well as bars for food and drink.
After all these years of living in Dorset I have finally made it onto the Swanage steam train. It was pretty fun taking the short journey over to Corfe Castle and back. Worth doing once and something to take friends onto who are visiting the area.
Website: Swanage Railway
Just had a long enjoyable weekend in Guernsey.
I didn't realise how near it is. As the crow flies it is a similar distance to London and flying in a plane means the journey is pretty damn quick.
The duty free, yes, no duty, is cheaper on the plane than at Southampton Airport. We could have got two litre bottles of Gordon's Gin or Russian Standard Vodka for £10 each. Instead, on the way back I got a litre bottle of Hennessey XO for £95, where a 70cl bottle in the supermarkets here is £135. I've never bought anything so expensive, or an XO before so I will savour it when I finally get round to opening it. We also got two bottles of Mumm champagne for £16 each. Cannot complain, so you must remember to not buy anything at Soton airport.
If you want somewhere new in Southbourne to try for a relaxing drink and nice food then I've been to the Cliff House Hotel a couple of times now. Newly opened a few weeks back, I think it has every potential to do well.
It has a nice patio area at the back and a large garden. Good for late evening and day time alike.
The food is a very good standard as well.
Gordon and Angela Fong - living in Southbourne, working hard, enjoying life, travelling the world, eating great food and drinking some nice tipple along the way.
Give us a wave.
