Archive for 2010
View the archive for: [ 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 ]
December 2010
-
Farewell in 2010
On the last day of 2010, it might be reasonable to remember some of the people who passed away during the year. We will remember these, and of course many others.
-
Excellent Weekend at Matlock Bath
Anne and I had an excellent weekend recently at Matlock Bath. It was what is known as a "fam" (familiarisation visit) organised by the Northern Branch of the Group Travel Organisers` Association (GTOA).
-
Ghost Walk Around Market Harborough
The delightful old town of Market Harborough was the setting for one of my Ghost Walks recently.
-
Free Mystery Tour is Better Than Free
The annual Free Mystery Tour will be taking place on Wednesday 23rd February. Seats are always much sought after, and this year it`s going to be even better than free!
November 2010
-
Another Successful Morning Trip
I recently lead another of the popular morning Coach Trips. This time it was "Mysterious Leicestershire Tour".
-
Billy Boulter VC
I went to another meeting of the Community History Network recently, at the Reference Library in Bishop Street.
-
New Walks Available in Southend
For those who live in Essex, I have another couple of Guided Walks available in the Southend area.
-
Raphael at the Victoria and Albert
Anne and I visited the Victoria and Albert Museum at Kensington on a Sunday afternoon recently.
-
Worthwhile Visit to Liverpool and St. Helens
I recently went on what is known as a "fam" (familiarisation visit) to Liverpool and St. Helens.
-
Who Are All These Kings?: Oliver Cromwell
Although not actually a king, Oliver Cromwell was the ruler of England for several years in the mid 17th century.
-
Jolly Hockey Sticks
There was another meeting of the Library Club recently at the Central Lending Library in Leicester.
-
Hockley Made an Interesting Walk
I was in Southend recently to lead another Guided Walk in the area. This time, it was "Hockley".
October 2010
-
Don`t Miss the Guided Walks in London
From time to time I lead Guided Walks in London - two different ones on the same day.
-
Day Trip to the Isle of Wight
I went as a passenger recently on a trip run by Woods Coaches of Leicester to the Isle of Wight.
-
Coach Trip Introduces Lovely Maldon
I led one of my popular Coach Trips recently for Leicester people.
-
Two More Coach Trips This Year
There are just two more Coach Trips this year.
-
Group Leisure Show
I attended another trade show recently at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) at Birmingham.
-
Event UK at the NEC
I went to a trade show recently at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) at Birmingham.
-
Norman Wisdom
Norman Wisdom, the very popular English comedian, has died aged 95.
-
Visiting Group Shown Stamford
I had the pleasure recently of leading a Guided Walk around Stamford for a visiting group.
-
Talk on Leicester Factories
There was another talk at the Library Club recently, and as usual I attended.
-
Tony Curtis
Tony Curtis, a huge box office star of the cinema, has died aged 85.
-
Excellent Weekend at Greenbelt
I spent the Bank Holiday weekend, with Anne and several friends, at the Greenbelt Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.
September 2010
-
Charnwood Forest Tour Went Down Well
The latest morning Coach Trip was the "Charnwood Forest Tour".
-
What I Did in Prittlewell
I spent the first 21 years of my life at Westcliff, literally down the street from Prittlewell. Both places are suburbs of Southend, although Prittlewell is the mother village.
-
Visiting Salford
Anne and I visited Salford recently, to see our son Robin who is at university there.
-
Excellent Visit to the Olde Barn
We had an excellent visit (my wife Anne and I) recently to the Olde Barn hotel at Marston near Grantham.
-
Two Million Visitors for Space Centre
The National Space Centre in Leicester has welcomed its two millionth visitor.
-
Leicestershire Legends and Traditions
I delivered my "Leicestershire Legends and Traditions" talk again recently. It is one of the most popular of all my talks.
-
A Day at the Races
For the first time in my life, I went to a racecourse recently to actually see a race meeting.
-
The Sutton Companion to Local History
An excellent reference book for anybody with an interest of any sort in local history is "The Sutton Companion to Local History".
-
Visit to the Grace Dieu Ruins
We paid a visit to the Grace Dieu ruins recently.
-
A Short Break in Kent
Anne, my wife, and I had another short break recently, this time in Kent.
-
Joining the Facebook Age
I can now announce that I am on Facebook!
-
Kenilworth Made Another Great Trip
Another great Coach Trip that I led recently from Leicester was "Kenilworth and the Heart of England".
-
Caribbean Carnival Beats the Rain
This year`s Caribbean Carnival in Leicester was just as spectacular as ever.
-
Who Are All These Kings?: Charles I
Charles I was King of England and Scotland during the 17th century. He was the first to succeed to both kingdoms together, and the only such king to be executed. This was the culmination of a civil war, of which there had been a good number in England previously, although this was so radical in its outcome that it is always referred to as the Civil War.
-
A Short Stay at Exeter University
I had a short break, with my wife Anne, recently at Exeter University.
-
Tales of Victorian Animals
The recent meeting of the Community History Network, under the auspices of Leicester City Council, featured a talk by Cynthia Brown.
-
Hippos Sighted All Over Rutland
People who live in London, or have visited it in the last few months, will be aware of the brightly coloured elephants that appeared all over the capital earlier this year.
-
North Wales Tour Was a Big Hit
My recent Coach Trip entitled "North Wales Tour" turned out to be an even bigger hit than usual.
August 2010
-
Strolling Around Thurmaston
The Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology was a good event, which gave various opportunities for looking around villages in these counties.
-
Britain`s Best Park is in Colchester
Colchester, the oldest town in Britain, has lots of claims to fame, and I have just become aware of another one.
-
Antiques at the NEC
From time to time, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) at Birmingham plays host to an antiques show named Antiques for Everyone.
-
A Walk Around Castle Hill Park
The recent Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology gave a number of opportunities to visit lesser known parts of these counties.
-
Norman Pilgrim
Sadly, my friend Norman Pilgrim has passed away.
-
Walk Around the Grace Dieu Ruins
Among the events organised as part of the recent Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology was a walk around the ruins of Grace Dieu Priory.
-
A Stroll Around Desford
The recent Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology included a good number of events, some of which I took advantage of when I was free from other commitments.
-
Spielberg Classic is Favourite Family Movie
"Radio Times" asked its readers to vote for their all time favourite family film, and they voted in their thousands.
-
Amazing Church at Breedon-on-the-Hill
I recently had the privilege of showing a group from Bakewell around the amazing church at Breedon-on-the-Hill.
-
Adventures of the Bearded Cinema Manager
The U3A at Market Harborough recently invited me to give a talk to their thriving group, and of course I was pleased to do so.
-
Scare Yourself Silly This Autumn
Undoubtedly a very popular aspect of my activities as a Blue Badge Guide is the body of Guided Walks which I tend to refer to as Haunted Walks. Most people think of them as Ghost Walks!
-
French Children`s Choir Shown Leicester
I recently had the pleasure of showing a party of French schoolchildren around some of the most interesting features of Leicester.
July 2010
-
Rose Fair at Wisbech
I went recently, as a passenger, on one of the Coach Trips run by Woods Coaches of Leicester.
-
What I Did in Leigh
Leigh, for centuries a fishing and shipbuilding village on the estuary of the River Thames, is now a suburb of Southend, my home town.
-
Talk on Early Career in Cinemas
I gave a talk recently to the Leicester Hard of Hearing Club, on my early career in cinema management.
-
Ladies Group Discover Market Bosworth
I led a private Guided Walk recently around the delightful little town of Market Bosworth.
-
The Oxford Companion to English Literature
A book that is really quite indispensable to anybody involved with writing in practically any way is "The Oxford Companion to English Literature".
-
Schoolchildren Discover Victorian Leicester
Brocks Hill Primary School at Oadby asked me recently to devise and lead a Guided Walk around the centre of Leicester for their pupils.
-
Girl Guides in Leicestershire
There was another talk recently in Leicester under the auspices of the Library Club.
-
New Talk Celebrates Kings in Leicester
I have a new talk available to give to groups. Like quite a few of the other talks, it has a connection with local history in Leicester.
-
Leicestershire Legends Amaze Vista
I went to Shepshed recently to give a talk for Vista, the admirable organisation that supports Leicestershire`s blind and partially sighted people.
-
The Home Guard in Leicestershire
A recent meeting of the Community History Network in Leicester included a talk on the Home Guard.
-
Who Are All These Kings?: James I
James I was King of England in the early part of the 17th century. He was already King James VI of Scotland, and was the first to be acknowledged as king of both countries.
-
Most Enjoyable Weekend at Bexley
My wife Anne and I had a most enjoyable weekend away recently. We stayed at Bexley, as guests of the Holiday Inn.
-
Welland Valley Tour Was Much Enjoyed
I recently led another of my popular Coach Trips from Leicester. This time it was the morning trip entitled "Welland Valley Tour".
-
Lord Mayor of Leicester`s Trousers
I sat wide-eyed and open-mouthed at the Page Two story in the "Leicester Mercury", "Lord Mayor`s trousers fall down".
-
A Day Out in Southend
I had a day out with my wife Anne recently in Southend, my home town.
June 2010
-
Super Day in London
I had a super day in London recently with my wife Anne. We went down on the train on her birthday.
-
Last Services at St. Peter`s and St. Gabriel`s
Last Sunday (27th June), the last services were held at two churches in Leicester - St. Peters Church, Belgrave and St. Gabriel`s, also at Belgrave.
-
Fabulous Portsmouth Made Super Trip
I led another of my popular Coach Trips recently, this time to the fabulous maritime city of "Portsmouth". This time, my wife Anne was able to come with me.
-
Coach Tour Around the Rhubarb Triangle
I went on another of the Coach Trips run by Woods Coaches of Leicester recently. I always enjoy going on other people`s excursions, even though of course I run my own programme.
-
Leicester is Top City for Curry Houses
Another accolade has come the way of the wonderful multicultural city of Leicester, giving yet another good reason to visit the city.
-
A Closer Look at Town Hall Square
The Adult Education Centre at Wellington Street in Leicester asked me recently to lead a Guided Walk in the City Centre as part of Adult Learners` Week.
-
Hello - Glad to Say I`m Back
I`m very pleased to say that I am now contactable again by email, the address being colin@crosbyheritage.co.uk
May 2010
-
Splendid Trip Through the Trough of Bowland
I went as a passenger recently on another of the Coach Trips run by Woods Coaches of Leicester, the company from whom I hire coaches for my own excursions.
-
Free Ghost Walk for Group Organisers
There will be a chance later this year for Group Organisers to see what fun a Ghost Walk is.
-
Academic Venues Show
I went to London recently for a trade show. This time it was the Acadfemic Venues Show.
-
More From the Amazing Duke Special
Anne, my wife, some friends and I went to Nottingham recently for a performance by the amazing Duke Special.
-
What I Did in Chalkwell
Chalkwell is a suburb of Southend, and only a short distance from Westcliff, where I grew up.
-
Fascinating Visit to Audley End
My wife Anne and I had an excellent day out recently to Audley End, the magnificent house near Saffron Walden in Essex.
-
In Search of the Midsomer Murders
I went on a very pleasant Coach Trip organised by Woods Coaches of Leicester recently. This time it was "In Search of the Midsomer Murders", looking at places where filming for the popular TV series has taken place.
-
The Book of Lists: London
A smashing little book for those who love London and enjoy titbits about this amazing city is "The Book of Lists: London".
-
Everybody Loved the Derbyshire Tour
A recent Coach Tour for Leicester people went down very well indeed. Entitled "Derbyshire Tour", it was a roam around the attractive county of Derbyshire.
-
Exploring Oadby on May Day
I led a Guided Walk around Oadby on May Day.
-
Who Are All These Kings?: Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I was Queen of England for most of the second half of the 16th century, and one of the country`s longest reigning monarchs.
-
Looking After Leicestershire`s Footpaths
A recent talk at Vaughan College in Leicester was particularly interesting for those of us, including Blue Badge Guides, who habitually make use of public footpaths.
-
Ghostly Stories at Devonshire Court
I gave a talk about ghostly matters recently at Devonshire Court in Oadby.
-
Three Outstanding Trips in the Offing
As is widely known, I organise a good number of Coach Trips from Leicester every year, and most people who have been on them agree that they constitute a most enjoyable experience. Not only do I take you to great places, I also give a commentary along the way, bringing to life the fascinating sights and places encountered en route.
-
Excellent Day When Visiting Halifax
Calderdale Council, in Yorkshire, recently launched their new Visitor Guide, and invited a number of people in the tourism field to attend the event.
-
Question and Answer Session at Grace Road
The Leicestershire Cricket Society recently held an extra meeting at Grace Road.
-
Who Are All These Kings?
While leading Guided Walks around Leicester and other places, I am often asked by people, when I mention particular Kings (or Queens), "Who Are All These Kings?"
-
Mystery Weekend Destination Was Eastbourne
My wife Anne and I had a smashing weekend recently when we went as passengers on a Mystery Weekend run by Woods Coaches of Leicester.
-
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust
There was another very interesting talk recently at the Library Club, held at the Central Lending Library in Leicester.
-
Time to Arrange Your Group`s Ghost Walk
It may sound a little early to be saying this, but if you would like your group to experience their own private Ghost Walk around Leicester, now is the time to start making the arrangements.
-
WI Ladies Tour Mediaeval Leicester
I recently led a group of ladies from Broughton Astley Womens Institute on their own private Guided Walk around Mediaeval Leicester.
-
Brian Tells of a Grocer of Distinction
There was another meeting of the Community History Network in Leicester recently.
April 2010
-
What I Did in Westcliff
Although I was born in Rochford, and always regarded Southend as my home town, I lived with my parents for the first 21 years of my life in the Southend suburb of Westcliff.
-
Did You Miss the Latest London Walks?
Well, if you did miss my most recent Guided Walks in London you will be kicking yourself.
-
Antiques for Everyone
I went to an excellent aniques show recently at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) at Birmingham.
-
The Black Plaque Guide to London
Anexcellent addition to the bookshelves of anybody interested in London is "The Black Plaque Guide to London".
-
A Great Day in Portsmouth
Anne, my wife, and I had a great day out recently when we went to Portsmouth.
-
Christ in the Centre Draws Thousands Again
On Good Friday, my wife Anne and I joined the thousands who made their way into Leicester City Centre for "Christ in the Centre".
-
Who Are All These Kings?: Mary I
Mary I was Queen of England for a short period in the mid 16th century. She is often known as simply Mary Tudor or as Bloody Mary.
-
Enjoyable Day Touring Yorkshire
I went as a passenger recently on a Coach Trip run by Woods Coaches of Leicester. This time it was a tour around parts of Yorkshire.
-
Did You Miss the Lancaster Trip?
Well, if you did miss the Lancaster Coach Trip you missed a good one. Silly you!
-
Olympic Athletes to be Based at Loughborough
The British team for the 2012 Olympic Games will be based at Loughborough, it has been announced.
-
Talk on Historic Railway
A recent meeting of the Vaughan Archaeological and Historical Society, which I attended as I often do, featured an interesting talk about one of the world`s earliest railways.
-
Ghostly Talk for the Park Lodge Project
I gave a talk recently for members of the Park Lodge Project at Clarendon Park in Leicester.
-
What I Did in Southend
Although I was born in Rochford (four miles away) and brought up in Westcliff (a suburb), I always regarded Southend as my home town, and in truth still do.
-
A Rare Weekend Away
It is quite rare for my wife Anne and I to have a day together, never mind anything approaching what most people would call a holiday.
-
Best of Britain and Ireland at Olympia
A recent trade show that I attended was Best of Britain and Ireland, held this year at Olympia in London.
-
At Last it`s the Cricket Season
Cricket lovers all over the country will be happy now, for at last the close season has ended and the new season is beginning.
-
How Great to Visit Lords
Most cricket followers, given the opportunity to visit Lords, the world headquarters of this wonderful sport, would accept with alacrity.
-
Fascinating Day Provided by Lichfield Council
I was one of the guests recently on a familiarisation day hosted by Lichfield City Council.
-
Waterside Walks Starting Again
The very popular Waterside Walks are about to start again for 2010.
-
Jane Tells it Clean and Tidy
There was another meeting recently of the Library Club, which is held on an occasional basis at the Central Lending Library in Leicester.
-
Travel Fair at Museum of Rowing
I went to another trade show recently. This time it was the lovely riverside town of Henley-on-Thames.
-
Sweeney Todd:The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Anybody interested in the dark side of London`s history and folklore will want to acquire "Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street", a fascinating book on the subject.
March 2010
-
Destinations at the NEC
I went to another trade show recently, this time at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) at Birmingham.
-
Celebrating Sobers` Six Sixes
The Leicestershire Cricket Society meeting at Grace Road recently featured a talk given by Grahame Lloyd, the author of a book entitled "Six of the Best".
-
Hurry to Book Your Group`s Summer Evening Walk
One of the most rewarding things I do is leading Guided Walks for groups, be they Womens Institutes, Rotary Clubs, U3A branches, historical societies, churches, or anything else.
-
Warwickshire Borders Made for a Popular Tour
A recent Coach Trip that I led, as part of my year round programme, was "Warwickshire Borders Tour".
-
St. David`s Day Visit to Mid Wales
On St. David`s Day, I went on a Woods Coaches trip, appropriately to Wales. St. David, of course, is the patron saint of Wales.
-
Charlie Gillet
I am very sad to say that Charlie Gillet, the rock historian and radio presenter, has died aged 68.
-
Britain in the Sixties
My wife Anne and I went to a film show recently, held at the modern church of Christ the King at Beaumont Leys.
-
Essex Tourism Show Held at Splendid Hotel
The annual Essex Tourism and Leisure Show was held recently, and as always I attended it.
-
Bobby Charles
Bobby Charles, the outstanding Louisiana singer songwriter, has died aged 71.
-
Coach Trip to Cambridge
I went as a passenger on a Coach Trip, run by Woods Coaches of Leicester, to Cambridge recently.
-
Confex 2010
Earls Court in London was the scene of another trade show which I attended recently.
-
Who Are All These Kings?: Jane
Jane was the short lived Queen of England for a very short spell in 1553.
-
Travel Fair at Milestones
I went to another travel trade fair run by Tourism South East recently, this time at Milestones.
-
Free Mystery Tour Was a Hit Once Again
The Free Mystery Tour took place again recently. This annual event, which I have been running since 1995, is organised to celebrate International Year of the Tourist Guide, which aims to show that, wherever you go, you are always better off to be shown around by a Blue Badge Guide.
-
Top Twenty Visits of 2009
As a Blue Badge Guide, I visit lots of places. A year ago, it occurred to me that it might be fun to rate the places I had been to during the previous year.
-
An Afternoon in Cambridge
I spent the afternoon in the historic university of Cambridge recently.
-
Vista Group Hear About Church Dedications
I gave a talk recently to the Loughborough group run by Vista, who provide services to blind and visually impaired people.
-
Working in Northampton
Northampton is another of the places where I worked briefly during my long career managing cinemas and theatres.
February 2010
-
St. Clare`s Children Learn About Coalville
I led a private Guided Walk recently for Year 6 pupils (9 - 10 year olds) of St. Clare`s Catholic Primary School at Coalville.
-
Travel Fair at Hall Place
I went to a travel trade fair recently at Hall Place in Bexley.
-
Roadside Cafes and Truckstops
"Roadside Cafes and Truckstops" is an invaluable litle book for somebody like me who organises Coach Trips.
-
Destinations at Earls Court
I went to another of the big trade shows in London recently.
-
Grace Road Welcomes Graham Gooch
There was another meeting of the Leicestershire Cricket Society at Grace Road in Leicester recently, and this time the speaker was none other than Graham Gooch.
-
Robin Performs in West Side Story
My youngest son Robin, now studying at Salford University, took part in a production of "West Side Story" recently.
-
Retired Teachers Discover Market Harborough
One of the towns where I get most requests for a Guided Walk is the historic Leicestershire market town of Market Harborough.
-
Clare Tells of Vista History
There was another meeting of the Community History Network in Leicester recently.
-
London Walks Coming Round Again Soon
For those of you who look forward to the Guided Walks in London which I lead from time to time, here`s some news of the next ones.
-
Did You Miss the Wells Trip?
My recent Coach Trip to Wells was one of the most successful, in terms of happy faces, that I have ever led.
-
Social Evening at Humberstone
A recent evening saw my wife Anne and I going out together to a social function in Leicester.
-
Who Are All These Kings?: Edward VI
Edward VI was King of England for a relatively short period in the 16th century.
-
A Ghostly Walk Around Coalville
The former coalmining town of Coalville, now a thriving town at he heart of the new National Forest, was the setting for a Ghost Walk which I led recently.
-
Church Group Hears about Leicestershire Folklore
I gave a talk recently to a group based at Christ the King, a modern church on the Beaumont Leys estate at Leicester.
-
Two Thousand Times a Guide
On Wednesday 3rd February I reached an important landmark in my career as a Blue Badge Guide. On that evening, I led a group of people for the two thousandth time.
-
A Visit to Northampton
Anne, my wife, and I had a day out together recently. As we are both very busy in different ways, it doesn`t happen very often that we can go out for the day, but this was one of those occasions.
-
Graduation Day for Kevin
I had the pleasure recently of seeing my son Kevin graduating from Leicester University.
-
Fifty Years Since I Started Work
Yesterday (2nd February) was a very significant anniversary for me. It was fifty years since I started work.
-
Fine Art and Antiques Fair
I enjoyed a visit to an antiques show recently at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) at Birmingham.
-
Excursions at Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace in London was again the venue recently for the first of the major trade shows of the year for group travel organisers. Once again I attended the show.
January 2010
-
Nearly Time for Leicester Comedy Festival
The highly acclaimed Leicester Comedy Festival is drawing near, and will be taking place from 5th to 21st February.
-
Behind the Scenes With Time Team
I went to a particularly intriguing meeting at Vaughan College in Leicester recently.
-
Leicester Tourist Centre is England Runner Up
The Leicester Tourist Information Centre in Town Hall Square has been given an accolade by Visit England. It is the highest ranked TIC in the East Midlands and the secomd best in the whole country, out of three hundred.
-
Weather Stops Cricket Society Meeting
The recent bad weather caused the cancellation of a meeting of Leicestershire Cricket Society.
-
Weather Stops Familiarisation Day
The recent inclement weather put paid to a familiarisation day that I was booked to attend in South Staffordshire.
-
Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Having recently seen Guy Ritchie`s new film of "Sherlock Holmes", I went to the cinema again not long ago.
-
Working in Southampton
The historic city of Southampton is one of the places where I briefly worked during my long career managing cinmas and theatres.
-
Sherlock Holmes
I went to the cinema recently, to see the new version of "Sherlock Holmes".
-
Sing Christmas at the Talbot
I went, with my wife Anne and youngest son Robin, to an enjoyable Christmas event recently at the Talbot Inn at Belgrave in Leicester.
-
Kings, Queens, Bones and Bastards
An intriguing, fascinating and very useful book by David Hilliam is "Kings, Queens, Bones and Bastards".
-
Christmas Talk for Mountsorrel Ladies
I gave a talk recently for the ladies of Mountsorrel Womens Institute, on a Christmas theme.
-
Angela Tells of Christmas Customs
A recent talk at the Central Lending Library in Leicester had a Christmas theme.
-
Who Are All These Kings?: Henry VIII
Henry VIII was one of the most famous Kings of England, although some might say notorious.
-
Christmas Talk for History Lovers
I gave the Christmas talk this year for the Community History Network in Leicester.
-
Christmas Lights at Sileby
When Christmas lights are switched on in a village, it is always an important date locally.
-
Opportunities for Christian Tourism in 2010
Those of you who come on some of my Coach Trips, or who show an interest, will be aware that a strong theme is what has come to be known as "Christian tourism", giving the oportunity to visit places of religious significance.
-
Dennis Amiss Visits Cricket Society
Leicestershire Cricket Society had another distinguished visitor, Dennis Amiss, at a recent meeting.
-
Christmas Talk at Luncheon Club
I gave one of my Christmas talks to members of a Luncheon Club recently.
-
Goodbye 2009 Hello 2010
Firstly, a very Happy New Year to everybody. I hope that everything happens in 2010 that you would wish to happen.