Update.

Well, only 7 days to go, before my birthday. I'm really looking forward to it this year. Loads of people are coming down, and the weather promises to be superb, here in Chester.

One thing I should mention, is parking. Lately, people have been stung for parking on the street. Initially, it appeared ok. After receiving a ticket, they realised there was a hard to see no parking sign nearby.

My own street is one of these "local stealth tax zones", so If your coming by car, best to park in a pay and display car park, for peace of mind (or better still, just get the bus or train).

If you want to stay over, there are basically 3 options. Top end, the Mill Hotel, next to my house, which is lovely. Middle option, one of the B&B's on Hoole Lane. Bottom option (but no less friendly) is my floor !.

Also, lots of you have been asking what I'd like for a present, so I've taken the liberty of making up a list, which is taken from the treats section of this years Mindmap.

Brown Mirror	I've often been accused of dressing in the dark, and I'm determined to do something about it.
Socks	Some of the old Auntie Marjorie favourites are badly needed.
Photo frame	I want to finally put my X files poster ( 10 things I like ) in the living room but it doesn't have a frame.
Bandana Game Board	Recommended by Simon Calder, will really cut the mustard, when I get back to traveling.
North face tent slippers	Slightly expensive. Tested on Everest, but remains to be tested in my living room.
Brown cords	I'm 38 inch waist. I had a pair of these as a teenager, and I miss them badly.
Bottle of Jack	Not being a spirits drinker by nature, I can make one of these last a whole year.

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I've invited everyone by word of mouth, email, text and various web 2.0 things like facebook. If (for whatever reason) you haven't received an invite, consider yourself invited, details can be found here.

See you all soon.

John

...

Okay, we wont be traveling in any Barges, this is just a topical picture from a previous Birthday celebration.

The idea is to visit a few nice pubs in the historic city of Chester.

I have changed the itinerary slightly. There are 3 pubs to get us started now, and well work out the rest from there.

Should be fun, and its a great excuse to have a day out in Chester. If the weather is nice, we can sit by the water at both the Mill and the Frog and Nightingale.

If there is any confusion/lost phones/man eating lions, running loose in Chester etc, just call my mobile and well work something out (number ends 617, if you don't have it, send me an email).