Dylans 6th Birthday Balloon Party

This afternoon, Dylan had his 6th Birthday Party, with a balloon theme, there were 14 children.

We started off by playing Pass the Parcel with Forfeits

Then we played Balloon Football

Then a Plate and Balloon Race similar to Egg and Spoon Race

Then we had Tea

Then we had a balloon race, by holding balloon between the knees

We had lots of Balloon Fun

Then we had the cake

Then we played Musical Statues were given party bags and went home.

On the Fifth Day by A.J. Hartley

An interesting and exciting book never heard of this author a most entertaining read, i empathised with all the characters.

From Goodreads - The death of a priest is met with suspicion by his brother Thomas, who knows that his sibling died while researching Christian symbols. But Thomas and curator Deborah Miller aren't alone in retracing the priest's final steps. They're followed by fanatics desperate to hide the secret stumbled upon by Thomas's brother-and willing to kill to keep it buried forever.

Moving

On the 15th February we moved into our new home, been without the internet till yesterday, but back online now.  We moved into a Caravan over the 14th and 15th of the month, and everything went straight forward.  And so far i love it, i always wanted to live in a VW Camper Van so i am getting there slow but sure...................

It was very very cold to begin with, as we had had a very cold winter, and the van had been empty for a long time.

End of an Era

The business was originally founded, in 1938, by our Grandad, George W Jackson, when he opened a Shoe Repairers in Front Street, Birstall, Leicester. It is believed the shop closed for a short while during the war years.

After the war, George started making sandals from plastic strips, with wooden wedge heels. These being made in pretty colours, were very popular after the dull days of the war. In 1947 he opened a shop in Conduit Street, Leicester. Around this time, George also began selling Wide Fitting Glace Kid Shoes.

The retail side of the business continued to grow and was expanded into family footwear, including the famous Tuf brand.

It was during the 20+ years here that George Senior was joined by other family members.

George’s son, George Junior and his wife Jill, opened a shop in Narborough Road, Leicester in the late 1960's, this closed in the mid 1980's.

Another shop was opened in Cavendish Road, Leicester and was run by George’s Wife Kate, and was later taken over by their daughter, Mavis and her husband Ken.

July 1st 1972 saw the opening of the King’s Lynn Shop, in Chapel Street. By now George and Kate Jackson had completely retired, so the business was run solely by their daughter Mavis and husband Ken. By offering the same friendly service and value for money it was as popular in Norfolk as it had been in Leicester.

In 1983, Jackson’s moved to Hunstanton, as it was felt we had outgrown the King’s Lynn shop. The business continued to thrive, still being run by Mavis, Ken and other members of the family.  In 1997 Jacksons celebrated it's Golden and Silver Anniversary in one year. 50 years in Business, 25 of them in Norfolk.

In 1998, after 40 yrs in the business, without a full weeks holiday, Mavis and Ken decided to retire. Their daughters Dawn and Debbie then took over the business.

On Saturday 25th of October 2008, Jacksons the shoe people celebrated 70 years in business by having a day of 1940's memorabilia and nostalgia. The customers were treated to a glass of ginger beer, cake and some old fashioned sweets and 1940's music. Jowett Flying Fox named 'PLUG' was parked outside, drawing lots of admiring glances from passers by.

Unfortunately, Jacksons had been struggling in recent years,  for several reasons, the loss of Elmdale and Equity, difficulty of obtaining footwear as well as the deterioration of quality.  On top of that, Hunstanton has been struggling since the demise of Woolworths.

 Jacksons  struggled on, despite the downturn of trade. Last year we let go of all our staff, and subsequently introduced a Dress Agency. However, it was still not enough. We had to make the heart breaking decision to Cease Trading.

The following formal announcement was then issued.

It is with deepest sadness and regret that after 73 years in business, we announce that Jacksons The Shoe People ceased to trade on February 18th 2012. After fighting the economic downturn we can no longer continue to trade. Many Thanks to all our past customers, who supported us for the last 30 years in Hunstanton.

Ceased Trading

It is with deepest sadness and regret that after 73 years in business, we announce that Jacksons The Shoe People ceased to trade on February 18th 2012. After fighting the economic downturn we can no longer continue to trade. Many Thanks to all our past customers who supported us for the last 30 years in Hunstanton.

 Hunstanton has been struggling now for 3 years since the demise of Woolworths, Jacksons has struggled on despite the downturn of trade, last year we let go of all our staff, last summer we introduced a Dress Agency, but nothing was quite enough.  And at the end of January the heartbreaking decision was made to Cease Trading.

 

The One you Love by Paul Pilkington

Emma Holden's nightmare has just begun. Her fiancé vanishes, leaving the battered and bloodied body of his brother in their London apartment. Someone is stalking her, watching her every move. And her family are hiding a horrifying secret; a secret that threatens all those she loves. In a desperate race against time, Emma must uncover the truth if she ever wants to see her fiancé alive again

This was a FREE kindle book from Amazon, and i loved it, it was a great read.

The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Stieg Larsson

Another good read in this final one of the series, however, i do think that the first one The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is by far the best in the trilogy

From Goodreads - Lisbeth Salander—the heart of Larsson’s two previous novels—lies in critical condition, a bullet wound to her head, in the intensive care unit of a Swedish city hospital. She’s fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she’ll be taken back to Stockholm to stand trial for three murders. With the help of her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, she will not only have to prove her innocence, but also identify and denounce those in authority who have allowed the vulnerable, like herself, to suffer abuse and violence. And, on her own, she will plot revenge—against the man who tried to kill her, and the corrupt government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life.