Park run

A glorious morning, and huge turnout at Park Run. Such a perfect start to the day. 

In the evening, the Minx and I took the bus to Failsworth for 'A Night Of Music And Wine', hosted by my guitar teacher, Paolo, along with Zito Wine, a shop run by a couple called Filippo and Natasha.

We'd allowed a little contingency into our travel time, of course, so we had ample opportunity for a quick drink at the Willow Tavern, right by the bus stop. Just opposite was a United Reformed Church, which is the same 'brand' that I grew up in. I noticed it because it was a former Congregational church, just like the one I went to as a boy.

I sent a picture to my mum, who is still an active minister, and interested enough to do a bit of research. If you can make out the reference to Macedonia in my photo, it turns out that is a reference to Acts 16:9, which was the text on the first Sunday when the church opened. (I was also happy to hear that the church is still going, just in a new building.)

As for the evening proper, well, I had been nervous; the show was in the wine shop with only fifteen tickets for sale, so it promised to be intimate. Gulp. 

But actually, it was great. I'd had every confidence in Paolo, who chatted easily and played brilliantly, but the wine was superb, as were the snacks. I'm really glad we went. 

In fact, the only mildly awkward moment was when Paolo introduced 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out', which is a song he taught me to play. Generously, but highly misleadingly, he said "This is a song that Fenner and I sometimes jam together', which implied a level of guitar playing on my part that is many, many grades above my actual ability. Thankfully, no one asked me to play!