As usual last Tuesday was our weekly “Dog Walking Night”, when a group of us set off with the dogs from home at around 8pm, strolling down the hill to Croft, and without fail we end up in the Heathcote Arms. This week, thanks to various apologies, it was just Richard, me and Tia who donned head torches, and in Tia’s case a flashing collar light, and headed out into the winter darkness. Lesia is still on shortish lead walks, thanks to her sprained knee, but should be able to join us for the regular dog treats from behind the bar before too long.
This week the regulars, including us, were huddled at one end of the bar, since a chess club (Blaby Chess club, I believe) were meeting at the other. Four games were going on, with five players. The chap with his back to the board in the photo above was simultaneously playing four other players, moving from board to board. I don’t know the final “score”, but after buying a pint he challenged Peter, one of the regulars who by is all accounts an enthusiastic and competent chess player, to a game. The twist was that the “challenger” had his back to the board while Peter described to him each of his moves, and subsequently moved the challenger’s piece as instructed.
Peter won the first game. The second game was still in progress when we set off back up the hill, Tia and her flashing light leading the way home. It’s all edge-of-the-seat stuff at The Heathcote.
I visited the pub again the following evening. When heading out of the door to go to work that morning, I discovered that I didn’t have a wallet (can you “discover” something that isn’t there?). After a frantic and unsuccesful search of the house, I was late and grumpy, having concluded that the wallet was either (a) still in the Heathcote Arms or (b) somewhere along the country footpath between our house and the pub. I made a call to Andy, the pub landlord, who fortunately found it under the seat in the corner where we had been sitting, and Tia and I walked down to fetch it after work. Much as I was tempted to relieve my wallet of a couple of quid for a swift half, sadly I had to rush home for an appointment with the vet for Lesia.
Technically we live in Oaktree House, but sadly the tree had to go.
We now have a thriving Oakstump at the front of the house.
