Chelsea - Close to Home

Chelsea v West Brom, 26 December 2008

This fixture was always on the agenda, as Chelsea is only a few kms from home. Once we decided that we were not going away for Xmas, tickets became a priority. Chelsea only made 1400 tickets available to the travelling fans, but the credit crunch and Boxing Day meant we were able to get tickets, not that cheap at 45 pounds each.

Stamford Bridge is very strangely set out, with a hotel attached to one side, and a fancy restaurant backing on to one end. On match day the club shop had a huge line so we gave that a miss.

Sitting with the WBA fans was, as always an experience. There was plenty of jewellery and tracksuits about.It was a really nice sunny day soDean was able to visibly wear his West Brom top.

Here's Dean the proud supporter:



And Lou trying it out for size, with her "Louise, Number 1 Chick" West Brom badge santa gave her, and our "Loyal Supporters Only" door hanging behind. What die hards we are.

Weekends away with the Yarralls

Mum and Dad Yarrall were over in October and we went away with them and Sarah both weekends they were here.

First Weekend

We left London on Friday night and drove to Stratford-upon-Avon. Saturday morning was spent wandering round Shakespeare country (including Shakespeare's birthplace) and checking out the farmer's market.

Then off to Birmingham to see West Brom vs Fulham. Dad Yarrall is a shareholder so he was keen to see how his 'investment' was getting on.

Plenty of fun was had in the cold autumn weather, going to the club shop, getting a half time Bovril (vital in the cold), and enjoying the 1-0 win for the Baggies.

Post game, drove down to a motorway layover for the night. Went for a wonderful pub meal at the Gaydon Inn (near Warwick). If you are in the neighbourhood, check it out.

Sunday, drove to Northampton to catch up with Dad's flatmates from Scotland during his time in Glasgow in the 1970's. All their families were there so a big long lunch in a pub was held. Good to catch up with them all.

2nd Weekend

With everyone a little more tired, we decided to do a bit of a shorter trip. We travelled into Kent and toured round the countryside and the seaside. Canterbury was our base, so we visited the Cathedral, home of the Church of England, famous for the matyrdom of Thomas a Beckett.

Louise also convinced us to visit the Canterbury Tales musuem as she had studied the Chaucer text at university. A great all-imersive experience, with selected tales illustrated with moving characters, diaromas and authentic smells!