Happy Monday Morning to you all from an equally sunny Southend on sea……                    It has been a busy week with lots going on here. First of all we had the round the world clipper yacht race start off from the end of the pier. It was magnificent and the boats are all kitted out with absolutely everything that one would need and are huge. Whether or not I would be happy doing this trip, I am not sure and am full of respect for those that undertake these challenges. Particularly this one which was created to allow everyone from all walks of life to be able to experience the thrill of sailing.

Last night was the Last Night of the Proms, an event that has been taking place for the last 118 years. It was created to bring music to the masses and was always performed outside in the open air to allow everyone to hear. The proms are held in The Albert Hall, a magnificent old building which is beautiful, round in shape with the most wonderful brickwork.               On the last night it is also shown on big screens in the open air in Hyde Park in London as well as Belfast in Ireland, Glasgow in Scotland and Cardiff in Ireland……these outside events are attended by huge audiences and The Albert Hall has seen 57 sellout performances this year! This year the last night was a historic event because for the first time ever, the orchestra was conducted by a woman! Can you imagine that in 2013 we still have firsts for women! Not only that, she is American, Marin Alsop director of The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. She was fabulous and it was so much fun, classical music is so rousing and there are traditions which take place each proms with certain pieces …… The audience is always so responsive, flags waving, patriotic clothing and singing along, a great event. It s worth Googling to listen to the music.

 Today, another tradition in the form of a bike ride. We have an island here called Foulness, not a very pretty name but is is actually a pretty island. It belongs to The Ministry of Defence and is not open to the public except on days like today. You cannot go everywhere on the island but you get to see much of it…..it is like stepping back in time. There is a sculpture garden created by a local sculptor who this year was actually working in the garden, a rare treat! We cycled 23 miles in the sunshine except for one small shower which was over in no time at all. Money this year goes to The Air Ambulance Fund. This event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay who organise some wonderful events for charity. It was a fun ride although my knees are now feeling the strain!

next year we sign you up for the tropix\cal thiathlon

This week I am going to Buckingham Palace and will take lots of photographs for next weeks blog, until hen have a glorious Lake  Worth Week.