London 2012 blog

I have been despatched to the wonderful city of Berlin for the day on a fact finding mission. Earlier in the year the International Paralympic Committee invited me to come and have a look at the festivities to mark Berlin's International Paralympic Day.

It's the first time I have been back to Berlin since my student Inter-Railing Days back in 1990 - what a truly transformed city!

Read more of “Celebrating International Paralympic Day in Berlin”

I write to you still fresh from the National Outdoor Event Association (NOEA) Annual Conference held in Droitwich Spa in the West Midlands.

A relatively eventful journey up included sitting in the on a bench in the office of a taxi company, watching the ten o’clock news on the TV in the corner of the room with the woman running the ‘operation’ (which consisted of just two cars). All slightly surreal and for those fans of the League of Gentlemen a little ‘Royston Vasey’!

I eventually got my taxi and we made our way in the darkness, through the impressive grounds of the Chateau Impney, where the conference was held. The lighting on the chateau made it look a little like Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Again, adding to the surreal nature of my journey.

Read more of “Winning awards in the West”