HORSE TALK

On left is the Turtle who has behaved impeccably but t'other day he nearly dropped his owner in the water!! He wanted to roll in the stream. We all laughed like drains. Sadly his owner realised in time. On the right is Walter (the Thruster) is always keen and well up front. He gives his rider a nice ride but has been known to stop when his Master put him at a ridiculous hedge.

TACTICAL PAUSE

We have paused before entering Kelso. On left is Michael Cunningham, then Charles Dentn Arthur Denaro and Jim Arkell. All have done brilliantly in raising money. Its still coming in too.

SETTING OFF

We leave Leitholm, I am there with "the G" who is carrying one of those wretched flags. Ole Bill is sound. He was clearly malingering. We are riding to Kelso to meet the Provost. Then we shall visit Floors Castle, "the G" likes castles.

RICHARD HOLMES REMEMBERED

AS we progress we are acutely conscious that we are missing a dear friend who rode with us all 3 and 6 years ago on similar quests, to raise the profile of the charity and a bit of money. Richard Holmes kept us entertained and fascinated by his knowledge of the history of this great land we live in. WE very much re,member him and this shot taken on the Henry Tudor Ride brings it all back.  It is marvellous that his two daughters are riding with us on Friday and Saturday. 

Whilst we have been riding the charity has helped dozens of cases and more than this tome last year.  Cpl J is 29 years old, Married with 1 young child. He had served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Northern Ireland. He was injured in 2 separate IED blasts in Afghanistan and as a result has many medical and neurological problems. He can barely walk, is in continual pain and is in severe discomfort sitting in an ordinary chair. A recent Occupational Therapy report concluded that he needed a specialist Riser/Reclining chair, which cost in excess of £2000. ABF The Soldiers Charity made a Current Operations Fund Grant of £2052 to fund the purchase of a specialist riser/reclining chair.

CHARLIE'S ANGELS

Monday evening. These are the girls who keep us on the road. They are a God send and look after our every need. Just as well as "the G" and his friends don't have a clue. Left to them we would all be left to our own devices and simply starve. Karen is on the left and she looks after me, Spot, Ole Bill and Jack. She's brilliant. And the there is Gwyneth who is helping Jane look afterThe Frenchman, the Turtle, Wogan and Walter (the thruster). Quite a team. Then there is Jane who owns this palace of a box which only just missed the gate into where we are tonight by a millimetre.  Finally there is Tina who is holding Mozzy's hoof as well as Seamus.  They all look cheerful. at the moment.  The good news is that Ole Bill seems better so we are hoping he will ride with us tomorrow.

A GRENADIER IN COLDSTREAM

Spot and "the G" crossed the Tweed and were welcomed in style by the Town of Coldstream, the 1513 Society and the British Legion. A toast of good whisky was drunk in honour of the Armed Forces of the Crown.

ON ON

Spot and friends depart from Flodden after lunch. They are set for Coldstream to meet the Provost and then through The Hirsel. "The G" is not looking forward to meeting lots of Coldstreamers, I don't know why.