Extended Weekend - but not a quiet one!
Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2013-10-07 08:09:48 - Graham EllisBack to Manchester this Monday morning for the final 2 days of a PHP course for the graduate intake at my customer. I've trained the same 10 bright people for the last two weeks too - looking forward to finishing things off with them by tomorrow evening, then south to Milton Keynes.
Since I was here last Wednesday, it's been a busy few days.
First - a reminder of Manchester last week; view from the tram back to Piccadilly, scores of police protecting the Conservative Party Conference...
Thursday was largely catching up on paperwork after a very long journey home on the Wednesday, with the last train connection missing again. Billy loves it when I'm working from home...
Friday saw the launch of "Opportunity Melksham" - more than just a jobs fayre, but a jobs fayre with pre and post support services to make a real difference. The initial meeting, hosted by Melksham Extended Services was held at Well House manor; here's Duncan Hames MP addressing the meeting. It's really good to have his knowledgable and active support in so many things like this.
Saturday was Taunton - TravelWatch SouthWest. The plan was to go by train, the reality was that trains were being cancelled and diverted all over the place and as I had been asked to talk to the audience of some 200 within the first hour, we panicked a bit and drove all the way. Sorry - no pictures of the day "Don't photograph and drive" I think they say. But I will share a morning picture dogwalking out in the field before the trip
Sunday was Apple Pressing day at Well House Manor. Some 50 or 60 people; two apple presses rather than one this year, and still queues. Last cream teas of the season. And a great time had by all. Good to catch up with friends (old and new ones) and neighbours (near and far)
And so back to Manchester. "Where can I buy my ticket" asks one of the seven people waiting at Melksham station for the first train of the day - the 17:25. "Get it on the train" we advise as there's no booking office or machine. Except the conductor hasn't got a ticket machine with him either...
So we all end up traipsing downstairs at Swindon and queueing (that lost the buffet some income!) at the single window that was open and in the hope of catching our onwards train. Vital in my case, as the first train from Melksham connects eventually with the very last Eccles tram (which I take to Salford Quays) from Manchester Piccadilly.
