BNO 9th October 2009 - Pink Punters

I had been looking forward to the weekend and a new venue since the idea blossomed some months earlier, a night out with my wife, friends old and new at Pink Punters including an early evening meal at a Thai Restaurant in Milton Keynes.

Having taken a half day off work, I drove over to Bletchley late lunchtime, whilst my wife was driving down separately from Loughborough.

Finding the hotel was a breeze and soon I was booking in behind Saffy and friend.

The receptionist was very friendly and asked if I was there for the BNO and if it was my first time. In actual fact this was my 2nd visit to PPs, my first being almost a year earlier shortly after Emma started to spread her wings and was accompanied then by Alina and Belinda.

In the room, with plenty of time I decided that I would be able to join Gayna shopping in Milton Keynes before returning to meet up with my wife and get ready for the evening.

I chose my new black top from Debenhams with a denim skirt and chequer patterned opaque’s on my legs and my trusty black shoes with 4” heels. My make up was understated for daytime, browns and beige for the eyes and a nice pink lipstick matching my nails to finish the look.

Satisfied with my appearance, I made my way downstairs and past reception into the bar where I met up with Gayna. What I had not realised was that this was to be her first venture out in daytime shopping.

Gayna chose to drive and after a few false starts we managed to navigate our way into central Milton Keynes and parked. With only an hour to spend, we made our way into the mall and meandered in and out of the shops. Unfortunately, we managed to attract the attention of a somewhat disreputable gentlemen who was finally put off when we dived into a ladies shoe shop.

Not being put off, we continued our window shopping, chatting away and enjoying the feeling. Gayna was superb and lapped up the moment. Even being spotted by a group of teenage girls didn’t detract from the experience. Again, no alarm bells rang, everyone was out doing there own thing and we fitted in on a Saturday afternoon in Milton Keynes.

All too soon, it was time to make our way back to the hotel and get ready for the evening.

By now, my wife had arrived and after having a quick drink with Dianne who had also arrived, we went to our room to get ready. I chose my golden mini dress worn as a top over the new animal print skirt I purchased earlier in the week in Cambridge. Refreshing my make up, I darkened everything and chose a doublewear lipstick in raspberry to finish off the look with a slick of lip gloss.

We made the bar just in time for the first mini bus and were dropped off at the restaurant.

Entering, we were cordially greeted by a turbaned doorman resplendid in gold finery and we took the opportunity for some photographs upstairs on the balcony with a magnificent chandelier as a backdrop.

Sitting down in the lounge area whilst waiting for the rest of the party, we enjoyed a glass of chilled white wine taking in the surrounding opulence. After a short wait whilst getting to know some of the other girls (outside our immediate circle of Northern friends) the remaining girls arrived and we were shown into the main dining area having decided on a set menu.

I am not sure what the other diners thought as 16 of us made our way to our table, gold being a theme for the evening.

The food was very good though the quantity was perhaps on the low side – or is it that I am a pig! The company was great, a feeling of belonging being prevalent and of course being out and about dressed in a mainstream environment contributing to the sense of well being.

Toilets! – well, who couldn’t comment on the state of the toilets. Clean, spotless, huge and amazingly finished, the décor matching the overall top class decorations of the restaurant as a whole. My wife and I are already planning a return next month. – No not to the toilets!!!

At the end of the meal, the mini buses were there waiting for us and we returned to the Camponile prior to walking across to PPs. Transport to and from the restaurant was well planned and worked a treat.

Whilst waiting to go across, I took the opportunity to change into my dress for PPs, a short little number I picked up from New Look covered in black sequins and a dark gold jagged lightening flash down the front. Teamed up with my gold peep toed shoes and wearing my rabbit fur jacket, I re-joined my wife downstairs and made our way carefully across the road to PPs. Pretentious! Moi!!

Having paid the entrance fee and handing over our jackets, we climbed the stairs to the lounge area at the top of the building and sat down with our drinks. The place was busy with a lot of girls and once again we soaked up the atmosphere chatting having temporarily lost our friends.

Deciding on finding the others, we were on our way down to one of the dance floors when we bumped into Dianne and together we finally came across the rest of the “dancing queens!” on the dance floor strutting their stuff.

Finally after being out with my wife on a few previous occasions, we ended up dancing together – well dancing as far as I was concerned, the less charitable amongst us may beg to differ!

I guess at this time, I kicked off my shoes and danced in stocking feet braving everyone else’s heels! Taking advantage of not having to drive, I tucked in with gusto to the beer and wine and in no time I was somewhat the worse for wear born out by my inability to take any photos without them being blurred! – they seemed fine to me at the time – honest!

By 3am, my wife (for wife, read me!) was just about done in and we decided to retire to our room. Picking up our jackets we staggered across the car park – up the slope in 5” heels and 3/4” platforms – somewhat of a feat (scuse the pun!) given my state and then we had the bright idea of taking a short cut up a grassy embankment instead of walking around on the road. The brightest amongst you will straight away see the folly of this given the shoes we were both wearing, however several bottles of Budweiser had somewhat affected my thought process! And as a result I made it up the bank only to hold out my hand to my wife and then lose my footing and shoe/s in the process. Luckily I managed to avoid any injuries and damage to my clothes though the soles of my stockings ended up wet and muddy!

Back in the room, I then committed the cardinal sin and fell asleep still partially clothed and with my make up still on. My wife was not a happy bunny the following morning as I had to dash to the bathroom to finish changing!

Packing the next day, we both made our way to our cars for the quick sprint North – I was scheduled to play rugby that afternoon and I still had 75 miles to go when we left at noon, such are the anomalies of being a t-girl!

Monday night in Cambridge - Fresher week

Having re arranged the day off I had booked for Friday’s night out at Pink Punters into two half days, I was able to book into my room at 2pm and get out for some late afternoon shopping in Cambridge before meeting up with Mary for a meal and a few drinks in the evening.

It took me 90 minutes to get ready which was quite good for me. I had at the last minute purchased a new pencil skirt from Tesco’s which matched my jacket which I wore rather than the very tight skirt I had intended.

Dressed as though I was on my way home from a day in the office, I parked at the Grafton Centre and made my way to the shops.


My first port of call was Next and then onto Debenhams where I enjoyed searching through the racks of clothes including a beautiful prom dress in my size at half price – then reality stepped in! I did though try on and purchase two new tops and a skirt without the bat of an eyelid. In fact the girls couldn’t have been friendlier.

At Barrets I found the boots I had been looking for only to discover they had them in most sizes but not an 8 – I was gutted although my purse was somewhat pleased!

I checked out New Look and then picked up some face powder in Boots before sitting down for a coffee and some cake at the coffee shop close to the cinema complex. Sitting there on the mezzanine with my legs crossed sipping my coffee watching the world go by is as real as it gets!

With time running out I checked out a few more clothes shops, including BHS, mingling with the freshers and still not a raised eyebrow before making my way back to the car with my purchases. I felt really liberated and definitely on a high.

I even managed to cause a queue to form behind me when trying to pay for my car park ticket – juggling purse, handbag, purchases and loose change with nails !

Making my way across the city I stopped adjacent to the river and spent a quiet 10 minutes reflecting on where I was, watching the swans and the boats go by as the night descended. Life is good.

Parking in my usual spot I answered a call from my eldest – sitting there in a tight skirt and top speaking about my wife’s birthday later this week – who said they wanted to introduce video phones!

I walked over to the Pickerel Arms – our usual rendevouz where I made myself comfortable, legs crossed on a high stool in the corner of the bar sipping a large house white wine. Mary was on her way back from Norwich and would be there for seven.

Again, I was fully accepted by all those around me and had an entertaining chat with the bar staff whilst waiting – about French wine.

Bang on seven I was joined by Mary and shortly afterwards by our friend Liz. We spent the next hour catching up with the gossip and chatting away in the middle of a pub quickly getting full of freshers and the regulars.


Deciding on Spanish we made our way across the river and ate at the Spanish restaurant enjoying a centre table in a busy restaurant,We chose the Tapas option and had a really great meal. The ambiance was good and frankly we just enjoyed being there in a normal environment getting on with life.

One anecdotal memory of the evening was having been to the toilet, I was washing my hands and tidying my make up when a woman dashed in and into one of the cubicles. I had found to my discomfort that there was only paper in one of the three stalls and so without prompting passed the only roll under the door.

We exchanged pleasantries about how often this happens and then went on our way returning each to our own table.

After the meal, Mary took her leave as she had an early morning train to catch and I accompanied Liz to La Raza – a bar which hosts live music.

This evening it was a live mike night where the resident band – Chancellor of Vice – who were very good in their own right, were joined by singers, musicians etc to jam and play some classics (Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd, Superstition – Stevie Wonder, some tracks from The Commitments) There was some great music played from jazz funk, R&B, soul and blues with guys on sax, trumpet, six string bass and some great singers all doing their thing. Just wanted to get up and join the girls on the dance floor but for once my nerves got the better of me – though to be fair I wasn’t exactly dressed for dancing – I will return dressed appropriately – I already have in mind the dress I will wear.

The place was heaving – packed with a good cross selection of people including a fair number of freshers and other students and one ‘girl’ – me! the girls were brilliant and the dancing made me so jealous! Once again, no problems whatsoever even though the drink was flowing. The atmosphere, company, being out dressed, being accepted, all contributed to making the evening so enjoyable.

We stayed for a couple of hours soaking up the experience before the witching hour struck and we had to make our way back. Outside, we stopped to chat to one of the organisers who’s boyfriend played in the band and one of the bar staff about being out and about in Cambridge and the music and the evenings organised at La Raza. We were invited back to the next one which I definitely want to go to, circumstances permitting. What a great evening’s entertainment.

Making our way back to the car, our heels echoing on the ancient walls, the wind caressing gently our nylon clad legs, the skirt pulling – oops – stop it now!!, avoiding the mess from freshers and bodies staggering back to wherever, I had time to contemplate.

By now, some 10 hours in 4” heels was beginning to take its toll and the 1 mile stroll back to the car finished off my feet! (still aching the following day!)

I dropped off Liz on the way back to my hotel arriving back at turned 1pm. Another great evening (and day) out in the real world – what a blast!

The Gathering - Manchester

Over the weekend, we were pleased to be able to meet up with Karen, down from Scotland and our good friends, Kate, Mrs Kate, Dianne, Tina and Mandy. This time, for the first time, my wife and I had booked in for two nights at The New Union Inn right at the bottom of Canal Street.

Due to work commitments and traffic, it was past 8-30pm when we arrived in Manchester and on booking in at the hotel, I got the distinct impression from the guy that he was wondering whether we knew the area and that the pub/hotel normally had a large gay clientele!

Contacted by Kate who was out already with Di and Karen, I hurriedly got ready mistakenly advising Kate that we would be ready in 10 minutes. Well, 1 hour later! (Tranny time obviously!)

I decided on my LBD over my strapless corset, black tights and heels and made our way downstairs to the bar where we ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio and contacted the girls.



Having finished the bottle, we joined then over at Edens where we had another bottle of wine (we had a lot of catching up to do!)

It was good to be out and about with friends again in Manchester. The weather was warm enough to forgo a jacket and from there we crossed the street and had a drink upstairs on the balcony of Manto

Finishing the night at Napoleons, we had a reasonably early night after my wife was spooked by a guy whilst I was away at the toilet.

The following day, it was dressed for shopping, white jeans (M&S), white top(charity shop) and brown heels (purchased from Next in the Arndale centre over the weekend of Sparkle), and my new beige corduroy jacket (E-bay).



We picked up our car from Charles Street and drove to Cheshire Oaks where we had a late breakfast at the Brasserie Egss Benedict - we only just got in while the breakfast menu was still on!).

Being Saturday, the Oaks was packed and we did a slow circuit of the shops starting at M&S. I purchased a new jacket (3/4 length bright red! and skirt which matched my light beige corderoy jacket from M&S after trying them on in the changing rooms, and some more lipsticks from Revlon,(I have a thing about lipstick and shoes for that matter!) a new black bra from the Playtex shop, whilst my wife picked up new underwear from Playtex and La Sensa, and a beautiful new dress from Jane Norman.

I picked up a gorgeous dress in Jane Norman's only to find the front showed way too much flesh which I would be unable to do without a great deal of effort – I was gutted. I even successfully entered and left the Kurt Geiger shoe shop without buying anymore shoes! Wandering around shopping dressed with my wife in a bust=y environment was just great. I don't think I ever stopped smiling.

We finished off our trip by visiting Teela’s who was finishing off a 5* makeover session with a local girl who's name I cant remember - sorry! where we enjoyed a coffee and I picked up some bits and pieces including a halter neck backless black dress with silver sparkles! It fit really well but I will need to pick up a new bra before I wear it. My wife helped herself to a beautiful purple nylon nightdress.

Back in to Manchester, we barely made the quick change for the evening – our meal was booked for 6pm at Velvet and so being only 15 minutes late was pretty good for me! We joined Tina and Mandy, Mrs Kate and the others downstairs having descended the spiral stairs (difficult in 5" heels and a tight skirt!) after sampling a cocktail at the bar - Sour Ammaretto for my wife and a Mojito for myself.

I had chosen to wear my gold patterned dress over a tight clingy black skirt, black stockings and gold heels with peep toes (nothing too ostentatious! (trying out my outfit for PP on the 9th)

The meal was good as usual and the “low fat” desert was something to die for!

Moving on, making the most of the early start, we proceeded to visit some of the remaining bars in Canal Street that we normally don’t have time to go to, starting at Churchill’s and then moving onto Spirit.

I must say that in Spirit, other than our own group, there were not many signs of any “girls” there and most of the people we saw were mixed groups including two hen parties.

Both my wife and I enjoyed the place and we stayed there for a few hours during which we met and chatted to a bunch of girls and two couples up from Leeds. Moving on, we again ended up chatting away to another bunch of girls out on the street before making our way to New York, New York. My wife was somewhat peeved on the way as I had my bum smacked by a guy and she didn’t!!!

New York, New York was heaving and whilst I enjoyed the cheesy sort of music and the atmosphere, it didn't appear to be to the others nor my wife’s taste and so we moved on once more, ending the night in our usual haunt, Napoleon’s.

Unfortunately, whilst at Napoleon’s one of our party was subject to the unwelcome attention of a guy which took the gloss off a little. The atmosphere in Napoleon’s seemed a little strange for some reason I couldn’t put a finger on. I think that the more and more I get out in the normal world, the less comfortable I am becoming in places like Napoleon’s.

As we needed to be away early on the Sunday, and I was flagging somewhat, we retired at 3am back to our hotel having spent an enjoyable two days in Manchester with our Angel friends.

I am next out on the 5th with Mary in Cambridge which I am looking forward to. We are thinking of visiting a country pub for a meal and a few drinks this time or failing that I quite fancy going to the cinema followed by a late evening meal.

Last night, while my youngest was out I tried out a few combinations for my evening in Cambridge and packed an overnight bag.

We will be meeting up with a number of you at PPs on Friday and am looking forward to the meal beforehand in Milton Keynes. My wife has just received her gold dress and what a picture she looks - I am so proud to be married to her.

It's amazing really. Since introducing her to Emma in April, her confidence has increased and she has taken to going out in more and more prettier clothes and making more effort with her appearance. We have great fun choosing clothes together and when out shopping either as me or Emma we bounce ideas off each other and have the confidence to try clothes she would never have considered before.

Some of the day to day conversations we have are pretty surreal and on more than one occasion in company she has raised her eyebrows to me when our friends are talking about something relevant. For instance, at our friends the other evening, my mates wife and her friend were talking about high heeled shoes, comments I could really relate to and to which my wife smiled that knowing smile whilst I continued chatting to my mate about rugby.

A Rainy Night in Cambridge

Once more I arranged to go out in Cambridge with Mary who this time had arranged to also meet up with a woman friend she knew.

All week the question was – what will the weather be? And so I tried to cover all eventualities with what I packed.

In the end, it turned out to be a wet and windy evening and so as I booked into the Days Inn, I had already narrowed down my choices to trousers / jeans, top and jacket with umbrella for the rain.

I wore a new pair of chinos in a light brown with my favourite top over a spanx cami (I know its the same top I wore last time out in Manchester!) and a woolen jacket from Roman Originals. On my feet I wore a pair of caramel brown heels (purchased from Next in the Arndale Centre whilst at Sparkle) and finished off with a brown shoulder bag.

I picked up Mary on the way into Cambridge and having parked the car, near the Punters walked to the Pickerel Inn where we were meeting her friend.

Walking into the pub from the light rain outside, we found the place quite busy and whilst Mary looked for her friend I struck up conversation with the barmaid who we had spoken to on our last visit as she was finishing her break.

Once again, no one gave us a second glance as we sat down accompanied by Mary’s friend chatting about a wide range of subjects. Not once was the way Mary and I were dressed mentioned or raised in conversation. Shortly afterwards we were joined by a bloke who was helping Mary’s friend with her web site – she is a singer and song writer and sells her own work on the internet. Again, the guy took us both in his stride and we had an interesting discussion about travel.

As time was marching on and we had missed last food orders at the Pickerel, we left looking for somewhere to eat. This time we decided on Italian and the three of us (the guy had left by now) sat down to a very tasty meal and a bottle of wine at the Italian Restaurant over the road. There were a couple of families and a large mixed group eating around us and not a raised eyebrow between them. It was a good feeling.

Despite the weather which was now quite blustery and raining, we decided to have a drink in the Eagle and made our way there along quiet deserted streets. The Eagle itself was very busy and as we took our seats we were struck by the looks of a pretty girl on the next table. Striking up a conversation with her, she turned out to be Portuguese and we asked her about the clothes she was wearing (sounds strange now but at the time it seemed pretty natural as they were very pretty and original)

Unfortunately, The Eagle still has pretty strict closing hours and at 11pm we made our way back to The Pickerel for last orders. On closing, we made our way back to my car and I gave Mary and her friend a lift home before heading back to my hotel.

I was up early next morning and dressed in a skirt business suit, I walked out to the services next door and sat in the cafe with a coffee and some toast and read the newspaper. I did feel a little vulnerable at one stage as a gang of workmen came in and ordered drinks just across from me and I certainly was eyeballed! but not sure exactly for what reason!

Back to the hotel I put Emma away once more and making sure all vestiges of my make up and perfume had been removed, reverted to Bob mode and drove the 6 miles to work.

Looking forward to meeting up with Karen and the rest of the gang on Saturday the 19th – have booked into The New Union Inn. If I can persuade my wife, I am hoping to get across for an extra night on the Friday which will give me a chance to do some shopping at the Arndale Centre on the Saturday.

The following Saturday we are going to Suzanne’s birthday party at Pink Punters (after our 1st league game) and then on the 9th October we will be at the BNO at PP with some of our Northern friends.

Just need to know when the Christmas meal is planned for Kate.

19th August - My last Wednesday for a while

As it was to be our 26th wedding anniversary the following day, we took the Wednesday and Thursday off work and made our way North for a night out with our friends in Manchester.

We had originally planned to visit Teela’s but as I usual we were running late and instead went directly to M&S at Gemini Park where we had arranged to meet up with new girl Nikki (in drab) for a coffee.

As usual in these sort of situations neither party knew what each other looked like, however, we did manage to meet. Nikki is just at the point of going out for the first time and since our meeting has had a pleasurable time over at Teelas, some of the pictures I have seen are very good and despite her misgivings, she would fit in fine especially out with us for one of the Wednesday meals run by Kate.

On our way out of M&S I couldn’t resist the temptation and bought myself a new top in black and white – very clingy and a heavy material.

Booking in at the Travelodge, my wife disappeared to the café with a magazine whilst I got ready soon joined by Tina. Once more I changed my intended outfit and ended up wearing one of my favourite net style cream top over a spanx cami and a summery pink and white skirt. With summer quickly running out I took the opportunity to go with bare legs after having applied fake tan etc and finished if off with a pretty pair of bright multicoloured ballet flats.

This was the first outing wearing my new forms and I was very pleased with the look and feel of them. For later, I took a top (the new one purchased earlier in the day) and a short black stretch skirt and black heels.

Tina was ready before me and so proceeded into Manchester followed by my wife and I some 20 minutes later.

Parking up at the top of Canal Street, we made our way down to Eden’s where we met Tina. As my wife volunteered to drive back I was able to enjoy a bottle of cool white wine to start the evening sitting on the “boat” outside Eden’s people watching.

We saw a number of T girls before one of them came over and presented herself to us – Susan C from London. At the set time, we up anchored and made our way to Velvet where we met up with the rest of the party for our evening meal.

Once again the meal was very good and the company exemplary including as it did our own Irish “dancing queen” June.

Running quite late we snatched a few minutes at the Rembrandt where I took advantage of the changing facilities to change into my “clubbing “ gear!

Joining up with Kate and Mrs Kate we made our way to Napoleon’s and with Tina, Claire passed the time upstairs adjacent to the dance floor where we were later joined by Dianne. I actually recognised a couple of songs but failed miserably in getting my wife up on the dance floor.

All to soon our evening came to an end, fatigue, drink and the late hour all contributing. Walking back to the car in the cool evening air I was feeling somewhat sorry due to the knowledge that now I was working in Cambridge, these mid week meals out in Manchester were no longer practical.

Back at the car, we were the subject of unwanted attention from an Asian guy in what may have been a taxi. The guy drove round twice before stopping next to our car before we had opened the door and asked our names. My wife responded and he drove off out of the car park.

I understand from my wife that I managed to guide her out of the City before falling asleep for the rest of the trip, waking only as we came off the M6 at the services. With Emma stripped off and back in her suitcase, I crawled into bed sometime after 3am, the following day being our anniversary.

An "ordinary" night in Cambridge

Following on from my meeting with Mary the previous Wednesday we organised another evening out and about in Cambridge and agreed to meet in a tourist pub at the edge of what can be considered the main attractions. This time I booked into The Days Inn at Cambridge Services.

As usual despite my best endeavours, I was late arriving at the Pickerel Pub – close to the river in Magdelene Street and much to Mary’s chagrin, when she arrived there some 15 minutes before myself, she found herself in the midst of a gang of football supporters who were watching the footy on a big screen in the backroom.

Dressed in a white flowing skirt, orange top and white jacket, white shoes and bag, I certainly looked summery enough! I parked the car on the street some 600m away and walked confidently through throngs of tourists and entered the pub. Having greeted Mary much to her relief I went to the bar and order a couple of glasses of wine from a very pleasant and accepting girl behind the bar who I entered into conversation with whilst she was opening a new bottle of wine. No raised eyebrows, the world didn’t stop, we were accepted as we presented without a murmur from any of the other clientele and the place was busy (as were all the pubs we visited through the night)

Sitting in the snug chatting away sipping on a glass of wine I quietly reflected on how far I had come in less than a year.

As we wanted to fit in quite a lot, we moved on and after a short debate, chose to eat at the Japanese restaurant adjacent to the river. This was the first time I had eaten Japanese although Mary was very au fait re the menu even speaking Japanese to the girl who took our order. We were lucky enough with the weather to be able to eat outside in the courtyard and watch the world go by as we shared a bottle of wine and I sampled the fare. Again, we were in the middle of other diners without comment or visible signs that we were unwelcome. It just felt normal and as such after a short while it never even crossed my mind even after having to use the ladies.

After eating, we took a couple of piccies by the fountain in the square before continuing on my guided tour of the sites of Cambridge, next stop the famous grasshopper clock opposite one of the famous Universities. Once again we took advantage of the location for a few photographs as the light now had faded.

From the clock, my host took us to The Eagle pub, famous as one of the oldest coaching inns in Cambridge and during World War 2 as the base for American airmen from nearby airbases used for R & R. As we threaded our way through the packed pub, Mary showed me each of the rooms and explained a little of the history including one room where US airmen used to sign their names on the ceiling before leaving for missions over Europe, still evident after so many years. It was the sacrifices of so many men and women so long ago that allows us to enjoy the freedoms that too many take for granted.

By now due to me having to drive, I was on the sparkling mineral water whilst Mary was able to enjoy the wine. The pub was packed with a wide range of nationalities and ages and again we were fully accepted as we presented – you may have noticed a trend in my comments by now.

By now with the clock striking 11, we tried a club round the corner and had another drink in the midst of a group of much younger clientele. More due to our age, I found the atmosphere slightly daunting as was the music (well I am 51!) and so was pleased too move on.

Finally we came across another crowded busy lively bar in a covered precinct beyond the Guildhall where we had another drink whilst being surrounded by lots of young people. I guess I was probably 25 years older than the next oldest there and whilst again we were comfortable, it may have looked a little strange for two middle aged women to be standing there chatting sipping drinks.

With the midnight bell striking, I decided that enough was enough and turned back to walk to my car accompanied by Mary. On passing the Pickerel once more, we noted that they were still open and catching the eye of the young girl behind the bar, who had served me earlier we entered and managed to get the last orders.

Sitting down on my own whilst Mary had gone to the ladies, I was aware of a guy behind me staring at the back of my head. He was on a table with another guy and a girl. I must admit I thought it quite intimidating and so turned around in my seat and with only a few feet between us asked him if there was anything wrong. At this he blushed, stammered something and turned away. Shortly afterwards he left on his own.

On Mary’s return, the girl got up and asked if she could join us, introducing herself with the words “I have been on a blind date with a boring moron, you two look far more interesting”

Drawing up a chair, she explained that she had been in Cambridge for 6 months and was from Leeds. At this moment the other guy (not the one I exchanged pleasantries with) returned and joined us. He was from Chesterfield and we enjoyed a chat whilst Mary engaged the girl in conversation. It was quite a strange feeling for me (sober as a judge) chatting to a bloke I had never met before about all sorts of things whilst dressed.

As 1am approached, we were asked to leave as the pub was shutting and I managed to leave the three of them looking for another pub which might still be serving despite Mary’s power of persuasion.

Walking back to my car at turned 1am on my own I was able to reflect on how I had passed an ordinary night out in full view as Emma and thoroughly enjoying just being accepted.

10 months ago I would wait unto sometimes 2 in the morning before leaving the safety of my hotel room for a quick dash around a deserted street. How times have changed!

Back at the hotel I cleaned off my make up, got undressed and then slipped into my new nighty - virgin white of course! and dropped off pretty quickly.

Always one to push it to the limit, I set my alarm for 6am and getting up, got dressed casually - jeans, pink vest style top, new ballerina style pumps and slipping my jacket on left my room, past the receptionist with a good morning and outside into the car park. I then made my way next door to the services and ordered a sausage and egg mc muffin and a coffee at the MacDonald i the food area. Sitting there sipping my coffee, I realised that no one including the girl who served me , gave a toss a sto how I was dressed. All those tears of self inflicted torment and imposed exile finally were swept away. As they say, us against the world - when do we attack!

Back in my room, time to revert back to me and a short 6 mile drive to work. New shoes don't grow on trees you know!

Roll on next Wednesday and a chance to meet up with all my friends again.

Cambridge with Mary

Cambridge on Wednesday - well, where do I start.

I had arranged to meet up with Mary at 7pm originally at what I thought was a Bistro called CB1 just past the University. I did a quick recce the previous day for parking and had checked it out on google and the route from there to where the Diamonds meet.

Leaving work late I had to delay the meeting to 7-30. Getting ready I realised I had not packed my brushes, my purse and wipes and watch and most of my jewelry! Was ready by 7-28 walked out to the car past 3-4 businessmen on phones and having a ciggy etc and promptly just avoided some arseole running me over. Got in the car and realised I had left my phone behind and so retraced my steps in through what appeared now to be a crowd and picked up the phone and back to the car. It was bloody warm and I was perspiring.

On the road I received a phonecall from Mary telling me she was at the Bistro and sat just inside the door.


I arrived at my designated car park - a multi storey by the swimming pool and strode confidently in my 4" heels, denim skirt and orange top (just bra, knickers and 7 denier natural tights underneath) Here I was in the middle of Cambridge, walking up a main road with loads of students around. I arrived at the Bistro to find no Mary! Checking out the place I was then told it was closing and so I left and rang Mary who was still waiting for me!

It seems that she was waiting for me at CB2 - someway across town and so I trotted off back the way I had come, perspiring and somewhat nervous about finding the new place without any pre knowledge. A number of phone calls between Mary and myself established my directions and also that I may not be what I was presenting - you try speaking to someone on a mobile in the main street dressed in a skirt etc and maintaining the illusion! - no probs really just from a bunch of young Japs who I blew a kiss to!!

Finally, hot and sweaty I arrived at the CB2 which was full to the brim both inside and out and met Mary.
What a wonderful woman she is. We got on really well and had a few glasses of wine and a very tasty meal surrounded by "normal " couples and groups.

Rather than rush off to the meeting, we just chatted away and at 10, Mary and I walked back to my car and she showed me the way to the Bird in Hand - the venue for the Diamonds. She came in briefly to introduce me before leaving as it wasn't really her scene - I know why now and guess what- its not really my scene either.

I stayed for a few bottles of water out of courtesy but was somewhat disappointed to be bringing the evening to a premature halt. It is unfair to form an opinion just on the back of an hour or so, so I will visit again as I am sure the girls will be ok once I get to know them.

Just shows you how special Manchester is and what we have in Manchester.

I was hoping to continue to meet up with my friends in Manchester but logistics means it will probably only be occasional Fridays and Saturdays for Bevs monthly meals

I am hoping to try and get up to the Nottingham group which Emma attended last week but its getting quite near home and I am still faced with a hotel to get changed in etc

Friday the 30th October with Bea is definitely a goer! I am hoping to get over to Suzie's birthday party at PP on the 26th September after rugby as well