Well that's General Admission done

Well that's General Admission done for another year. A long, hot 4-5 days work.

Notable events:

• An woman falling over & hurting her shoulder when she tripped over the carpet on the Kings fence covered area.
• Karl blaming us for something that happened on his 'patch'/something that was nowt to do with us
• The appearance of hazard tape on the carpet for the 1st time in 10 years
• Carol Vorderman coming in & spending £760 on photos & frames (the frame order alone was £500)!
• A new temp lady for framing (Paul couldn't do the Friday) who broke glass & slashed a load of bags/frames when opening the box
• Phil leaving 2 boxes of frames outside & 1 being nicked
• Everybody (baring Karl) liking the bigger tent (also useful when packing up as could move stuff out of the way)

Monday 22/06/15

To NMS fist thing this morning. Got in at 07.40 and only person there until just after 8.00 when Mick came in. Phil got in a bit later: he'd been ill over the weekend too. Guess he'd picked up the lurgy that hit Mick twice in a week.

The tent outside was done so we went over a couple of times with all the mounts and dumped them. After 3 trips we couldn't really do any more so I came over to RNB. Used the Uni 4 and was once again reminded that the 'timetable' is more of an aspiration than something to rely on.

Did a load of vet school forms that Phil had forgotten about and also the photos that Natalie had put out on Thursday and which UMS had finely bothered to collect/deliver.

Oh Phil did mention banner but he doubted that Mick would want to bother at this stage (only had ages to do it).

Weekend 21/6 & 22/06

Saturday 21/06/15

Up late AM and down to St Giles' to sign up for the pubs tour. Went to the Isaac to watch qualifying. Found a very jaded Heather watching the cricket.She'd got well squiffy at the Barbican do (glass kept being refilled so didn't know how much drinking). She'd honked in the train loo on the way home so on coke/water.

As Nicole didn't wan to turn 1 screen over we went to the Portland to see if they'd put it on but watching cricket there too. Ended up going home & listening to the shocking coverage from BBC Radio Five Live.They (and I) kept missing bits because they would pop off for other events (eg rowing or tennis) or run the news and promos for forthcoming shows.

Utterly Shite.

Afterward we went on the tour with Adam. It utterly pissed it down while we were doing the tour. It was better than last year (despite the rain). Returned to the Isaac to dry off and have some food. Watched thew cricket with Heather (and an increasingly large crowd of blokes (stag do?)).

England actually won the game!

I doubted that they could manage it and Heather agreed but retained hope.

A fantastic run chase and England won the ODI series 3-2 :¬)

Sunday  21/06/15

Down to Aldi for some nosh then to the Isaac for the Austrian GP. Had to sit through tennis but it wasd nice talking to Pat. Heather came in for lunch and asked loads of questions about the sport as she wanted to understand more about it.

A good race but a potentially fatal accident on lap 1. Raikkonen had a problem exiting the bend and veered left just as Alonso passed him on that side. Kini collected the McLaren and he ended up on top of the Ferrari nearly taking his head and/or his hands off. Luckily both walked away.

Rosberg won the race after beating Hamilton to the 1st corner prior to the crash & safety car. He never looked back: Lewis did attempt the undercut but it didn't come off. Then he compunded his problems further by crossing the pit exit line resulting in a 5 second time penalty. Massa held off a charging Vettel superbly to come home 3rd (where his kid had predicted he'd finish) after a terrible Ferrari pit stop had put Seb 12 seconds back.

Friday 19/06/15

Into NMS and calls to Falcon about the next batch of folders. They got 1800 to us mid-morning. Started packing these and texted Lou to see if still up for giving me a hand. She came in after lunch with Hazel and did 2 boxes while I did 6. Finished a tad early but, as Neville wanted to go home early (Mick off sick; Phil & Natalie on leave) we pushed off to the Grafton to pick up phone case from Argos.

Went to the Hopbine then to the Isaac.

Thursday 18/06/15

A pleasant morning (definitely better than yesterday's muggy/sticky humidity conditions).

After a shower I emailed Natalie/Mick asking if they could let me know when the folders arrived. Then got a text/email from Phil to let Jo @ Falcon know my contact details so could liaise. Jo called me up and I told her the new address (and emailed it too). 1300 + folders should be at PandIS around mid-morning.

Set off at around 10.30 for RNB then got packing at around 11.00 (had arrived 15 minutes earlier but Natalie hadn't remembered to call me). PAcked all 1350 stopping only for lunch from Aromi II. A very nice aubergine & tomato thing in a ciabatta -like flatbread.

Also got a 20" x 15" frame/mount out for Sidney Sussex student who was killed on Huntingdon Road - college are doing an alternative certificate for her parents (who are coming to the graduation, which is a bit macabre/odd/morbid!).

Wednesday 17/06/15

Surprise, surprise no sign of Bruce 1st thing but he did ring about 09.30 to say the gasman still hadn't been. [Now 12.30 & he hasn't come in.]

Chatted to Loren about problems with Phil:

• He's out @ the honorary degree ceremony today
• He's on leave Thursday & Friday
• He didn't know when the folders are coming in
• He doesn't know when the stock tent & marquee are being set up
• The new banner that he's been planning to use hasn't been printed (and probably wont be now)

It's only the biggest event of the year so not knowing what's happening when &, effectively, taking 3 days off should be fine!

A quiet morning spent setting up S6 and trying to remember passwords for all the sites I use.

Sarah came down to run the newsletter but the printer was fucking it up (like water distorting the print). Tried calling Ricoh several times but gave up after waiting ages. Will let Bruce do it in the morning.

Lou came over after lunch and did 4 more job applications. Also a rejection from shambolic group based at Addenbrookes (closing date 23/05 & kept emailing her old address despitebeing told not to). Probably for the best given their amateurishness!

Watched the NZ innings at the ODI in Nottigham while she did this and then to the Isaac to watch the rest of the game. Heather came in late (missing Rashid conceeding 28 runs in 1 over!) as she'd been shopping for an outfit for party at the Barbican on Friday. Watched England batter their opponents , winning by 7 wickets= to level the series. Didn't watch Heather retrieving some tuna that fell off her fork & down her top into her decolletage ...

Tuesday 16/06/15

A waste of a day in many ways.

Went to PandIS (via the Regal for yoghurt & coffee) and ended up waiting ages for Mick to arrive so I could get started. Packed the maps & the change cards into the old folders. Then down to the undercroft to sort stuff out. Spent ages unscrewing doors from the old sports cabinet (1 screw broken so had to wrench door off it). Put 12" x 10" frames + other bits in/on it, which looks tidier.

Sorted other stuff out but then couldn't do anything further as no folders to stuff yet. According to Phil thay might come tomorrow (when he's out doing the honorary degree thing) or it might be Thursday or Friday (when he's on leave). Asked Natalie to let me know when they come in so I can go over.

Walked back to RNB in the sunshine and spent afternoon doing pretty much nowt. Bruce went to the 3D talk and I think he's realised that it's pretty complicated so he's going to let Ronald keep up on it. He also asked if I was in tomorrow ("may not" (ie definitely wont) be in in the morning and definitely out tomorrow afternoon at Addenbrookes).

Went out to the Isaac and Heather turned up - she'd had a crap day (very busy and a new member of staff who just watched everybody running about). She also said the garden party was terrible: because of the rain nobody wanted to sit on the grass, consequently the queues were horrendous. To cheer her up I gave her the bails I found in the cupboard in the undercroft.

Chatted for the remainder of the night & she was much happier when she left.

Put this on charge.

Monday 15/06/15

A quiet (as in dead) day - only job I did was ding the online orders for Phil.

It was seemed pretty quiet throughout the UIS but behind the scenes there was still fall-out from Friday afternoon's meeting with Sue emailing & asking what happens to her & poiting out that if we want a world class service that means a lot of money for people & equipment (not holding things together with gaffer tape & good will).

Went to the pub in the evening & it was good to see Chilla there for the 1st time in ages (works in Stapleford & opens up//closes up so is often too tired).

While we had beers we were on 'Meringue Watch' for the 1st May Balls of the season. Disappointingly we only saw 1 but we did see a lot of nice dresses (dark haired girl in electric navy was best ) and a girl who appeared to be going in her nightie.

Saga of the MPS continued with emails & tweets being exchanged. Ipsot is that the 1st order was rejected by Vodaphone but the 2nd was accepted. Which is crazy!

After the fillies & frocks & men in tuxedos we watched the semi-final of the Under 20 RWC. England beat South Africa , just.

Sunday 14/6/15

Went back to the T&GCF to get more bits that we hadn't bought yesterday. Lou got 3 individual pies (beef & ale; game in red wine & beef bourginon) for £10 and I got some more cheese & chutneys.

Went round the steam engine area again looking for Instagram-worthy shots such as this one.

Was pissed off that the shooting area had left. Had planned to have 5 shots on an AK47 and 5 shots with an AR15 then try out a crossbow, trebuchet and ballista but they had left on Saturday night. Maybe it was such a washout they decided to go home. Spent the money on 4 bottles of Essex beer instead.

Chatted to Ray for a while. He missed the rain on Saturday as he was in London for a meeting & a posh dinner.

Watched some of the single-combat from the 'Knights of Chivalry' re-enactment group.

Didn't stay too long as it was still pretty cold (though wasn't raining). Went to the Isaac and watched loads of women come in a.d try to work out how to order drinks. To think these cretins will be running the country in 30 years time is frightening!

Watched the Slovenia - England game then home.

Saturday 13/06

To the Town & Gown Country Fair early in the morning and had a look about. Bit pissed off that:i) the chutney guy wasn't there
ii) the beer tent was being run by somebody else & only had 1 or 2 beers (and those from keg rather than barrel).

Went over to see traction engines & saw a steam car from America.

Got a call from Heather who decided to come down. When she turned up she'd seriously misjudged the weather as she was wearing shorts!

Went round the marquees with her and introduced her to several items suc as toffee vodka (apparently it was so nice I'm a bastard for getting her to try it!). It started to chuck it down and it set in for the afternoon.

Wandered about and had different ciders before Heather decided she was getting too cold and went home.

Ali & Tim appeared and we had a quick wander before repairing to the Grain Store for beers in the warmth. Helen & Colin (and somebody whose name fails me) turned up too. A coule of hour of laughter and beer ensued.

A good day despite the rain.

Friday 12/06/15

A warm start to the day. Suggested to Phil that we did biz cards with new address on for the old folders suggesting we are moving 01/07/15 (plebs wont know any different).

Did these and a load of maps for the older folders - seems better to do this instead of throwing them out.

Had a phone call at 08.32 from John of Fingerprint. He finally came in and sorted both the guillotine & folding machine with a decent service to both.

A looooong meeting in the afternoon with lots of the same questions around the same points. Essentially everybody is to have talks with everybody else about whether they do the same things ('functions') and then there will be 'groups'.

Probably.

Several people, particularly Sue & Ruth, aren't happy as staff they manage will be split over different areas. Sue, for example, was unhappy as this was the first she'd heard of this (been doing special exams). Ruth has already seen the changes impacting on her role and now further changes afoot.

Some observations from Steve on the lack of morale and also the weird way things work here (or don't). Welcome to the wacky world of Cambridge University!

Lots of discussions on money too as the old UCS equipment budget now covers ex-MISD staff as well. And it's being frozen too (for 5 years?). Steve's said to everybody let him know what we need & he'll fight to get it.

Good luck with that mate....

Lou came over and did some job applications and then we went over to Coton for the 'soft opening' of the Plough. It looks lovely and they had Breakspeares on too :¬) Lots of people there and all very appreciative of the work that's been put in and how nice it looks.

Lou also had several of the whitebait with lemon mayo that she said were lovely.

Also saw a stag beetle - never seen a live one up close before.

Ambled back to the Isaac and met Heather & Georgi who were watching the cricket (England lost again, this time via D-L method). Three very drunk people came in. One comes in before but was so pissed he tried to stand up and face planted into the chair opposite. They then tried to chat up Victoria & her friends before being told to leave via the back door. Having continued to harrass the ladies (leading Vic to draw the curtain down) they then came in. Eventually Dushan told them they had 2 minutes to leave otherwise he'd call the police. After a number of complaints (and more attempts to woo the ladies) they finally staggered out saying it was a shit pub & they'd never be back. Doubt anyone cares & I imagine that Dushan also warned the other pubs on the way to town abnout them (too drunk to get served anyway).

Thursday 10/06/15

A nice sunny morning.

A long day of doing bugger all - only one job all day. Bloody hot & sunny all day which mad walk into town not brilliant.

Went into town early to go and sort out the phones. Decided to just upgrade to a SIM only deal for one year. This costs less than half of what we were spending each month. Given Lou's lack of employment this seemed sensible. As I knew what we wanted the whole process took 10-15 minutes.

Went to the Maypole for a change (nice pint of Sam Smith's Organic Lager) then to the Isaac as the Castle was rammed.

Wednesday 10/06/15

Found out that Neville had ordered 9000 mounts from Dennis Wright. That's about 180 boxes that have to be found space for where no space exists! He ordered 2000 5" x 7" when I already have about 2000 from a few years ago. Part of the problem is that a) he has never been here so doesn't now about the lack of space & b) he didn't bother asking what we had (if he had I would have told hime not to order the 5" x 7" mounts as we had plenty).

Spent an hour moving stuff from 1 place to the other and managed to clear 2/75 shelves but that's no where near enough for what's coming. Jim said we could put the some in the store that has the gas bottles in but that's going to essentially take up the whole area (can't reasonably get any more in the room unless Monica & Lynn's stuff is moved elsewhere).

Managed to clear some space from the shelves in stores by moving it all to packing room but there's going to be a lot of mounts in the 'bottle store'.

Bruce finally got in touch with Fingerprint but found that they guy is pretty busy. Accordingly he decided to cut the forms anyway (and hope for the best!). We took it in turns doing a box or so each to break the boredom up.

Had a surprise message From Sue asking for our "Metrics" - essentially the stats of what we've done over the previous month so Sue can tell management if they ask her. Did a sort of "stream-of--conciousness" list of what I could remeber in the last month or so.

Had a meeting in the 'new' meeting room created out of Girish's old store. Bruce rekoned it should be labelled "The Arbury Room". Sue told us a bit about problems with exams & convo she had with Steve Riley about demotivated staff & how everything is a bit weird (eg mysterious 'adjustments' to the finance/accounts).

Finally bit the bullet and ordered (or at least tried to) new phones from 'Mobilephonesdirect'. 2 x orders (as, annoyingly you have to go through the process twice; once for each phone). Now awaiting approval from Vodaphone. If it doesn't work out/is denied we can still go and either upgrade with 3 (will cost a lot more though) or sign a 12 month extension (will be less & still have unlimited data but will be stuck with older phones for a year).

[Update: Vodaphone said no so it's onto plan B. Only debate is whether to go for month extension or a year ].

Bruce pushed off about 4 with all the forms etc plus other stuff.

Tuesday 09/06/15

Lou came in with me and we had breakfast before she used the old Mac to check various email accounts. While munchingon a croissant we saw a brown hare frolicking in the field behind the cafe.

We went through the jobs I'd found on Monday and I kicked her into doing an application for the job at Queen's (she didn't really want to do it as she found it difficult to start). Finally got it done and she dropped it in the UMS on the way out.

Got a 'nice (ie nasy) surprise' when Jim said that Neville had ordered loads of envelopes & mounts a couple of weeks ago & the packaging had arrived. All 3 pallets of it! Managed to find space for it all but there's now no room for the mounts when they arrive x:¬[

Still no sign of Fingerprint.

Met Lou in the Isaac and had a huge 'nice (as in really nice) surprise' when Ferdan came in. Haven't seen her for ages. She's doing an open university course in Turkey so pops back there for exams but apart from that she's mainly stuck in Oakington.

Heather came in to watch the end of the cricket 1 day match which England won (by over 200 runs). Also saw Madelaine who said Brian is still pretty poorly after his fall in the bath.

Monday 08/06/15

Back to work ... Booh!

Had a nice hot shower then started on the remainder of the forms at 08.00. Only 96 emails and most of them were promotional/ad rubbish. Finished printing & gluing all the forms. Just waiting for the guillotine to be sorted (ie. Bruce to pull his thumb out of his bum & get in touch with Fingerprint like he'd supposed to be doing for 2 weeks).

A couple of people came in from Ricoh to talk, yet again, about new printers. I don't think there's that much of a rush as the previous agreement ran out a year ago ... By the time anything actually happens we'll be discussing printers that are 2 generations on from the current range.

PandIS are all in the new offices (very cramped). After some discussion with Phil/Helen Sargan about web address to use we found that the UIS one wasn't coming 'onstream' until September. Phil & I decided to order just 5000 folders for the summer. Wonder if they'll be ready nest week....

Went to the Isaac in the evening but went home early as they'd left the door open and the cold night air was coming in so it was freezing.

Sunday 07/06/15

A lazy day after another late evening. Got up mid-morning and wandered down to the market. Bought some bread and then headed back uphill in the mild sunshine.

Went to the Carpenter's for a change. Met Dave P who entertained us with anecdotes like the time he & his mates ended up eating Afghan food in a carp ark-based restaurant in San Diego. Or the time he met Michael Hesseltine in a bar in London & was amazed to find out he was taller than Dave himself. He aslo said he'd ask around Lenovo as may be able to get a Lou job there (couldn't primise though).

Lou had a big lunch inside as had a headache. I had chilli, cheesy chip in the sun.

Came inside late for the start of the Canadian GP programme. Watched the race:

i) drive of the day was Vettel, closely followed by Massa, who carved trough the field from 18th to 5th

ii) McLaren-Honda had another terrible weekend. They really are useless and even Alonso got fucked-off when told to save fuel when he was being passed by Manor. He even said they looked like 'amatuers' over the radio.

Lou went home early so I stayed for the post-race stuff. Looked around and realised I was the only 'customer'. The only others were Anna, Dushan, Vicky & Barbara.

Went home at around 22.00-22.15

School tomorrow.

Saturday 06/06/15 - Strawberry Fair Day

Lou was still tired so snoozed while I read. Got and left about 12.15 and headed to Midsummer Common. Wandered round all the stalls looking at what they had. Lou was looking for a gypsy-type skirt that she could use under her black one. Couldn't find exactly what she wanted so we went for a beer in the Portland bar.

Had a nice pint of Redwood (can't remember who is was from) and went for more ambling. Bumped into Pete and met his lady & young Ryan.

After wandering about we got hungry so got a rubbish crepe (bit doughy and the filling was cold). Were getting some beer to wash it down when we met Martin S.

Caught the end of the set by a young lady with a great voice and then a 6 piece reggae band who were really good. TBH I was just waiting for Thy Last Drop (saw them at SIC II). They were absolutely brilliant and I ended up down by the front, though not in the steampunk mosh pit!

Wandered some more and Lou got a wrap-around skirt & I got a stripy grandad shirt for £10 ... Bargain.

Stoped on the way home to listen to a brilliant ska band (didn't catch their name) who had us dancing in the sunshine.

After getting down to some good sounds we headed for the Isaac. Met Steve, who'd been bopping to the ska band too and Kevin. Heather came in a bit later and we watched quali before the Champions League Final. The pub got really rammed and there were the usual fuckwits who came in after KO & were surprised that all the tables/chairs were gone.

A good match, if you were from Barca. Not so much if you were a Juve fan - they were down after about 5 minutes. They finished 4-0 down, with Suarez scoring, to lift the trophy yet again.

Friday 05/06/15

Spent morning reading before heading to Midsummer Common. The City Council had tweeted that there would be events & give-aways ahead of Strawberry Fair. Turned out to be bollox! As nothing happening we went to the Hopbine instead.

Mooched about before heading over to RNB to see if Lou's new suit had appeared. It had so brought it home and hung it to get the creases out.

Over to the Isaac for a few pints before getting ready for formal at Darwin with Pablo & Jessica.

A really good night and the food was pretty good (better than Queen's ?). Best thing, apart from the conversation, was the mango sorbet in an edible dark chocolate cup. Spent the next few hours in the bar chatting & drinking before finally leaving at midnight.

Thursday 04/06/15

A really hot day (finally summer was here) so wandered along the river. Wandered around Stourbridge Common (found a stream didn't know existed) before popping to the Green Dragon.

Saw this old roaster. Clearly hadn't moved for a while as it had cobwebs on it.

Ambled back to the Isaac and sat outside in the hot sunshine. Lou and Alissia were supposed to be going for coffee but they decided to have a beer. Alissia supposed to be going shopping for holiday stuff but decided on another beer. She finally went and was back in an hour: 20 minutes shopping in Primark and 30 minutes talking to & signing up to give money monthly to Banardo's.

Wednesday 03/06/15

Woke at 04.30 & couldn't get back to sleep so gave up trying about 40 minutes later. Reaction to Blatter's sort-of-resignation in full swing. Letter implicating his right-hand man, Valke, might have been crucial. Reports that the FBI were after him may also have been a factor suggested some papers.

Thought about going to 'Go West' for a S&H burger but overcast so went into town instead. Feeling hungry we went to GBK as we'd never been there. Burger/ felafel OK but now special. Unlike the bill which (for 2 burgers, a bowl of chips and 2 small beers) was £26!

Wont be going there again.

Popped in to PandIS to look at the new offices and where I might be able to pack folders.

Then wandered over to the Grafton and looked in various charity shops before popping into the Hopbine. Saw Spoon - he was looking well.

Tuesday 02/06/15

Woke up to the sad news that Charles Kennedy had died at the unreasonably young age of 55. He always came as one of the few decent people in politics.

Got the train to Ely under leaden skies. Lovely te at Peacocks (served by the cute redhead again). Russina Caravan for me & Watson for Lou. Went next door and wandered around looking for a bag. Found a battered Gladstone which Lou decided against. Went round charity shops & Lou found something there. Went to the Cathedral vicinity but it started raining heavily.

Took refuge in the Minster (had nice pint of Trooper). Then across the road to ther old Georgian hotel the Lamb. Wether still rubbish so headed to the Station via the Standard. When we got on the train the sun came out (fewkin typical) though it was still very windy.

Got a taxi to the Isaac - the extravagance!

Got in to find that a press conference had been hastily arranged then delayed in Zurich.

While we waited England got tonked by NZ, losing by 199 as they squared the series.

Just before 18.00 Sep Blatter announced his intention to stand down (only 4 days after being re-crowned & attacking US/UK). He said he'll be going in 6-9 months (a bit like Farage).

Just after this Heather arrived from Leeds (very cold at the cricket). All were astonished with announcemnet and, just a few days of arrogance & subsequent bullshit, a diminished figure shuffled off stage right.

Spent the rest of the evening chatting to Heather.

Monday 01/6/15

Lou's 1st day as an unemployed lady.

Went to the Fort for an expensive beer (£9.05!). Wandered to the Portland via the Co-Op to get snot rags for streaming nose. Had a fairly rubbish pizza thence to the Isaac. Scotter came in and we had fun winding each other up (No, I'm not biohazard patient zero!).

Feeling kak so went home after teasing "Ratter" too.

Sunday 31/05/15

Got up late as recoverng from the heavy day. Went to Aldi for Pate and stuff. Dropped these off & then to the Isaac . Chatted to PAt until he left & Pablo and his mates came in after football.

Watched the cricket while eating a spicy wrap, hoping the shilli would kill off an oncoming cold.

Family of utter scumbag twats came into the pub & one of the kids had such a screaming tantrum that after 10 minutes of howling Dick had to ask them to leave (taking their little shites with them).

Home for a quick kip then got ready for the Castle. It was great to meet everybody for a good chat. Jill ended banging her head on the table in tears as Sue told a story that Lou & Jill thought was full of filthy innuendos (eg "It was really stiff and he had to tug on it three times.").

Saturday 30/05/15

Got up relatively early and walked along the river to the Newmarket Rd commercial park. Looked at laptops in PC World so Lou could get a sense of the prices. Then to Dunelm - Lou loved the rabbit-warren and all the stuff inside. Popped into Homebase to look for joint for the gun but couldn't see anything.. Over to Pets At Home where we looked at Bearded Dragons from Australia. Whilst we were there a cat wandered in, drank and then hopped onto cat food slabs to tuant the dogs.

Walked home va the Hopbine with a slab of tins then over to thr Isaac to watch the cricket.Whilst there I hurt my knee standing up! WTAF?!?

Watched the 1st half of the FA Cup final: looked like Arsenal would thrash them [They did 4-0].

Went to Jill & Dave's party which was really good. Knee hurting quite badly so wasn't on top form. Got a taxi home around midnight & put lots of voltarol on my knee.