Stewart Silverware

An item of silver presented to James Stewart of Killymoon, Esq. Click to enlarge.

Photographed in the Ulster Museum on Sunday, 30th October, 2011.

Ahoy, Dirty Duck!

The Dirty Duck (bar-restaurant in Holywood, County Down) was in particularly festive spirit last night. Devilish spirits, in fact. The theme was Halloween and many revellers were wearing fancy dress, including one female impersonating Holywood's famous son, Rory McIlroy.

There was karaoke, too. Not shy at exercising the old vocal chords, Timothy Belmont stood up and gave the lucky (!) patrons a rendition or two.

We were seated in close proximity to the speakers, too close indeed. The customary musical entertainment (two guitarist singers) arrived after ten o'clock and it was all terrific, foot-tapping stuff.

It is believed that the publican himself joined in.

The grub at the DD remains very good indeed and last night was no exception. I had a sumptuous large lamb shank in a fruity jus with onion mash and batons of carrot and parsnip. This was superb and cost £13.

BP, the drinking compadre, donned the old nose-bag and got stuck in to chicken fajitas with all the trimmings.

It was a truly enjoyable occasion and well done to all the staff.

EU Membership

It has been reported that senior Civil Servants are urgently reviewing every aspect of the UK's membership of the European Union to support the Prime Minister's pledge to bring back powers from Brussels. 

It includes social and employment law, financial regulation, the EU budget, policing, crime and immigration. Other areas include the Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies, environmental legislation and the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. 

Might I also suggest such areas as the repeal of the Metric System, including its place within the National Curriculum. 

The reintroduction of traditional British Passports in their distinctive hard-back navy blue with gold lettering would also be welcome.

Any more contributions from readers for further reforms?

Mobile Saga

The saga continues regarding my old mobile phone. My provider tells me that it still has over £15 of credit on it, so it must by lying unused somewhere.

No matter. I have contacted the airport again. My provider is sending me a new SIM card and thereafter the balance will be transferred.

How does one back up names, contacts and data? Apparently I must start from scratch with the new phone. Unless, of course, my old phone turns up...

New Mobile Phone

I have bought a new mobile phone. It is a Samsung Tocco Lite. I purchased it at the Carphonewarehouse and the whole pack, including two year warranty, headphones, battery, charger and a provisional SIM card with ten pounds' worth of credit, cost £60.

I expect to retain my old number with my current provider, though it would seem that I'll need to start from scratch regarding contact numbers!

Back to Porridge

It will be good, simple traditional British comfort grub for Timothy Belmont tonight. I fancy classic bangers and onion mash, with carrot or broccoli.

For pudding, perhaps a blackcurrant sponge with cream or a Kent apple tartlet.

My goldfinches have all deserted me, so I have replenished the feeders forthwith.

I'm hoping to get up to the Sports Club for my sixty lengths of the pool later.

Deputy Lieutenants

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY LIEUTENANTS

Mrs Joan Christie OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, has been pleased to appoint:-

Mr Steven Montgomery, 53 Grove Road, Kells, Ballymena, County Antrim BT42 3LR

Mrs Camilla Jane Cole, Broughgammon, 50 Straid Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim BT54 6NP

To be Deputy Lieutenants of the County this Commission bearing date the 5th day of October 2011

Joan Christie, Lord Lieutenant of the County
18 October 2011.