Boudicca Way - Part 2

Today we had a linear walk from Tasburgh to Pulham St. Mary.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 166 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's my turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 166 - Pieces of Pie

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is my turn. It is number 166 in the series. How many pieces of pie can you find in it?

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. Oh. By the way... there's a favourite story that goes with this about a sort of pie that didn't make it into the grid... A Piece of Pie.

Gipping Valley River Path - Part 2

Today we did the rest of the Gipping River Valley path we had started last Monday - beginning at Great Blakenham and finishing at the end in Stowmarket. Read about Part 1 here.

Times Crossword Championship 2026

Yesterday was the annual Times Crossword Championship in London and, once again, I was competing.

Gipping Valley River Path - Part 1

Today we had a linear walk from Ipswich to Needham Market along part of the Gipping Valley River Path.

Shotley Walk

Today we took a short bus ride to do a linear walk from Shotley back to the Suffolk Food Hall.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 165 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Sawbill's turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 165 - by Sawbill

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Sawbill's turn. It is number 165 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

East Harling Walk

Today was the first Thursday of the month and time for the U3a Bury St Edmunds longer Walks group monthly walk. Today it was John's turn to lead and he took us across the border into Norfolk for a walk from the woods near East Harling.

Stanton Walk

Today we had a circular walk from Stanton taking in Wyken Vineyard, Walsham-le-Willows and Stanton Grundle.

Johns Walks 2026 Updated

Hadleigh Walk

Today we had a new circular walk from Hadleigh.

Geoffrey Clarke RA

Geoffrey was the sculptor who designed the Crown of Thorns on the tower of St. Michael's Church, Linlithgow that we visited on our holiday to Scotland (see here).

Heritage Open Day - Norwich Castle

Today we took a trip to Norwich on a Heritage Open Day visit to Norwich Castle.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 164 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Phil's turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 164 - by Phil Jordan

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Phil's turn. It is number 164 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

An East Lothian Day Out 3

We are in Scotland for a week staying at Seton Sands, Longniddry, where we have a nicely appointed static caravan. Today was our last day and, after taking sister Sue to Longniddry station, we went on to visit East Linton, Haddington, Port Seton and Cockenzie.

Hazel and John's Ruby Wedding Anniversary Celebration

 

We are in Scotland for a week staying at Seton Sands Holiday Village, Longniddry, where we have a nicely appointed static caravan. We are here for my cousin Hazel and her husband John's Ruby Wedding Anniversary celebration and decided to make a week of it. Today was the day of the celebration.

An East Lothian Day Out 2

We are in Scotland for a week staying at Seton Sands, Longniddry, where we have a nicely appointed static caravan. Today we met up with Kirsty and David and took a trip to Dunbar, North Berwick and Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve.

Melrose and Bowden

We are in Scotland for a week staying at Seton Sands, Longniddry, where we have a nicely appointed static caravan. Today we took a trip to Bowden, near Melrose, to visit Dawn's sister Jane and her husband David. 

An East Lothian Day Out 1

We are in Scotland for a week staying at Seton Sands, Longniddry, where we have a nicely appointed static caravan. Today we had a day out visiting North Berwick, Drift Café, Tantallon Castle and Gullane Bents.

Linlithgow

We are in Scotland for a week staying at Seton Sands, Longniddry, where we have a nicely appointed static caravan.

Seton Sands Longniddry

We are in Scotland for a week staying at Seton Sands Holiday Village, Longniddry, where we have a nicely appointed static caravan.

Gislingham Walk

Today we had a circular walk from Gislingham.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 163 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's my turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 163 - Cheers! by Johninterred

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is my turn. It is number 163 in the series. The title "Cheers!" is a hint at the theme. Can you find all the thematic answers?

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

St. Ives Walk

Today we had a circular walk from St. Ives Park&Ride.

East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival 2026

Today was the last day of the 34th East Anglian Beer and Cider festival, which started last Wednesday. 

Rushbrooke Walk

As part of my recovery exercise programme I did a 7.25 mile circular walk from home today via Rushbrook.

The Lodge Walk

Today we met up with Laura and Laurence at The Lodge Nature Reserve, just outside Sandy, where the RSPB have their headquarters. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 162 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Sawbill's turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 162 - by Sawbill

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Sawbill's turn. It is number 162 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

Pulham St. Mary Walk (Boudicca Way Part 1)

Today I did my first full walk back with Joyce's Weekly Walks Group after my knee surgery.

Barrow Walk

Today Dawn and I did a circular walk from Barrow via Denham Castle.

Up to Speed?

I decided to track my morning walk today (I walk 3 times a day as part of my knee surgery recovery programme) to see if I was able to maintain a decent pace.

John's Quiz

Today, at Joyce's request knowing I wouldn't yet have recovered enough from my knee operation to walk 10 miles, I hosted a quiz for the walking group after their walk.

Watching the Eclipse

We used the colander method. What did you do?

My Refurbished Knee

As many friends, family, other regular readers and solvers of my last Weekend Quick Cryptic Crossword will know, I had an operation for a partial knee replacement 2 1/2 weeks ago. Time for an update... 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 161 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Phil's turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 161 - by Phil Jordan

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Phil's turn. It is number 161 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

Southwold Day Out

Today I tagged along with Joyce's Weekly Walks group for the start of their walk and a few hours of leisure in Southwold.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 160 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's my turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT . You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 160 - Bionic Me by Johninterred

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is my turn. It is number 160 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

Bedford River Festival and Festival of Motoring

Yesterday we took a trip to Bedford and meet up with Laura, Laurence and Sarah for the biennial 2026 Bedford River Festival and Festival of Motoring.

Mildenhall Walk and Summer Social

Today we had a short walk from Mildenhall to The Ark followed by a garden party.

Helmesley

Today we took a short trip from Malton to visit Helmsley and Helmsley Castle with Sarah and Ethan.

Malton

We are visiting Sarah and Ethan in Malton for the weekend.

Long Melford Day Out

Today we visited Melford Hall and then Nethergate Brewery.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 159 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Sawbill's turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 159 - by Sawbill

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Sawbill's turn. It is number 159 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

Framlingham Day Out

Today we took a trip to Framlingham to make use of our English Heritage membership to visit Framlingham Castle and then walk some of the Framlingham Town Trail.

Glemsford Walk

Today we had a circular walk from Glemsford Village Hall via Boxted Church,  Hartest and Giffords Hall vineyard.

Stoke-by-Nayland Walk

Today we had a circular walk from Stoke-by-Nayland - a favourite area to walk.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 158 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Phil's turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 158 - by Phil Jordan

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Phil's turn. It is number 158 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

Something for the Hot Weather

Today I made some home-made chilled gazpacho soup and we had half of it for lunch (saving the other half for Friday when it will be the hottest day).

Kersey Mill Walk

Today we did a variant on an old favourite circular walk from Kersey Mill.

Homemade Pastis Batch #2 - Bottling

 

Time to bottle my pastis.

Tostock Cars On The Green

Yesterday evening we had a little walk from Beyton to Tostock and back to see the Cars on the Green.

Homemade Pastis Batch #2 - Distillation

Today it was time to distil my pastis.

Homemade Pastis Batch #2 - Dilution

It was time for the next step in production of my second pastis batch.

Melton Walk

Today we had a walk from Melton Riverside carpark.

Times for the Times Summer Gathering 2026

Yesterday we had what has become an annual London summer get together of cruciverbalists at The George on Borough High St in London.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 157 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's my turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 157 - In The Ball Park

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is my turn. It is number 157 in the series. The title, "In The Ball Park" is a hint to the theme.  

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

Great Cornard Walk

Today we had a circular walk from Great Cornard on both sides of the River Stour.

Homemade Pastis Batch #2 - Initial Maceration

Today I started on my second batch of homemade pastis.

John's Walks 2026 Updated

Elveden Estate Visit

Today we had a visit to the Elveden Estate for a tour of the farm, its crops and facilities.