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Minigolf with The Putting Penguin at Putt in the Park

March 16, 2015, 12:00 pm
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A round of minigolf with Pat Sheridan at the Putt in the Park miniature golf course in Wandsworth.

Putt in the Park miniature golf course in Wandsworth Park, London
The Ham and Egger Files meets The Putting Penguin in Putney. A perfect minigolfing mix

On Monday 2 March 2015 Emily and I met up with one half of the Putting Penguinteam - Pat Sheridan.

The Putting Penguin's ambassador to the UK receives a warm welcome to King's Cross station 

Pat was in the UK on business and with a little free time upon arrival we headed to one of London's minigolf courses for a round.

Putt in the Park miniature golf course in Wandsworth Park, London
Pat taking a photo of Duffer the penguin as Squire putts

It was great to meet up with a friend, fellow minigolf enthusiast and multiple time minigolf champion in the USA, and we had a fun round on the 12-hole Putt in the Park miniature golf course at Wandsworth Park in (aptly named) Putney.

For the record, the results of the international encounter were:
1st - Richard Gottfried 32
2nd - Pat Sheridan (USA) 34
3rd - Emily Gottfried 35

Putt in the Park miniature golf course in Wandsworth Park, London
The prize giving ceremony on the 12th green at Putt in the Park

We're already looking forward to the return contest in the USA!

Putt in the Park minigolf course in Wandsworth Park, London
Pat Sheridan playing his first shot on a UK minigolf course. He scored a hole-in-one! 

Putt in the Park minigolf course in Wandsworth Park, London
The long second hole is tackled by Pat

Putt in the Park minigolf course in Wandsworth Park, London
Emily tapping in on the third

Putt in the Park minigolf course in Wandsworth Park, London
Pat taking a long route to the hole

Putt in the Park Crazy Golf course in Wandsworth Park, London
A tough shot from the bunker

Putt in the Park Crazy Golf course in Wandsworth Park, London
Emily played an incredible second putt from the wrong side of the water to almost get a two

Putt in the Park Crazy Golf course in Wandsworth Park, London
A tricky second putt on the island green
 
Putt in the Park Mini-Golf course in Wandsworth Park, London
Playing the final hole

The Putting Penguin mascot at Putt in the Park Mini-Golf course in Wandsworth Park, London
A Putting Penguin Mascot and Putting Penguin logo golf ball

The Putt in the Park course was the 538th visited on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour on the 18 October 2013. It was the 323rd course played.

Putt in the Park Adventure Golf course in Wandsworth Park, London
Taking a shot on the eleventh hole

Putt in the Park Adventure Golf course in Wandsworth Park, London
Crossing the water twice in one day

Check out the links below for more details on the Putting Penguin - the world's largest minigolf review website. The site, run by Pat and fellow minigolf fanatic Mandy Ranslow, has recently reached the 250 reviews mark. If you play a course anywhere in the world do submit a review.

And of course here's the link to Pat's review of the Putt in the Park course on the Putting Penguin.

Links:
- The Putting Penguin website
- The Putting Penguin on Twitter
- The Putting Penguin on Facebook
- Putt in the Park website
- #MinigolfMonday

Related blog posts:
- The Putting Penguin
- Let's get Minigolf 'trending' - Twitter, Minigolf and #MinigolfMonday
- Putt in the Park Minigolf at Wandsworth Park, London
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Minigolf and Crazy Golf courses in and around London
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Ed's Easy Diner goes gluten free

March 18, 2015, 9:10 am
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Ed's Easy Diner announce a new gluten free menu.

Ed's Easy Diner will be opening in The Mall Luton in May 2015. The diner's also have a new gluten free menu
Ed's Diner is opening in The Mall Luton in May 2015

1950's themed diner chain Ed's Easy Diner has launched a new gluten free menu!

My brother's fiancé Nina Dukes tipped me off about the new menu as she is a big fan of the diners and received the latest newsletter with info all about the gluten free options.

It looks and sounds great. Having been on a strict gluten and wheat free diet since my diagnosis with Coeliac Disease in 2008 I haven't eaten anywhere like Ed's for ages. Luckily there is a new diner opening at The Mall in Luton this May. I can't wait to try it out as there looks to be a lot of choice (85% of the 'normal' menu has been adapted to make it gluten free).

The gluten free menu will be served from breakfast to dinner. There are GF buns for hot dogs and burgers and the fries are OK too! Special malt-free milkshakes and three desserts will also be available. On the alcoholic beverages side of things you can get CELIA gluten free lager.

Ed's Gluten Free Menu looks great - with a choice of ten Hamburgers and five Hot Dogs!

With more new diners opening there will soon be over 30 to choose from around the UK.

Check out Ed's Easy Diner website for more information, locations and menus. You can also sign-up to Ed's Club where you'll receive news and offers.

Links:
- Ed's Easy Diner
- Ed's Easy Diner on Twitter
- Ed's Easy Diner on Facebook
- Coeliac UK
- CELIA Lager
- The Mall Luton

Related blog posts:
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
- Funny things about being a Coeliac #2 - I live in Luton, but I can't eat Gluten
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Gluten Free at Brasserie Blanc on Chancery Lane

March 23, 2015, 2:31 am
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A very nice meal at Brasserie Blanc in London

Last week Emily and I met up with my brother Christopher and his fiancée Nina for an evening out in London. After visiting the brilliant Novelty Automation amusement arcade in Holborn (blog on that to follow) we visited Brasserie Blanc on Chancery Lane.

Our visit coincided with the new Sping Menu at Brasserie Blanc, and it was also the first time I've visited and received a full allergy listing for the dishes on the menu. There used to be a separate Gluten Free and Diary Free menu.

As I've dined at the St Albans and Chancery Lane restaurants before, and really enjoyed the food, service and atmosphere I had an idea of what would be OK to eat for a Coeliac. I opted for the Spinach, Watercress & Garlic Soup to start, followed by the Breast of Duck and Confit Duck Leg for my main course. It was delicious.

My gluten free main course at Brasserie Blanc on Chancery Lane - The Duck Breast and Confit Duck Leg served with Dauphinoise Potatoes, Carrots and a Citrus Sauce
The Duck Breast and Confit Duck Leg served with Dauphinoise Potatoes, Carrots and a Citrus Sauce

Everyone enjoyed the meal and once again it was a treat to have a stress-free gluten free dining experience.

Links:
- Brasserie Blanc
- Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane

Related blog posts:
- Brasserie Blanc
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
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Luton. Or is it?

March 23, 2015, 3:42 am
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A great new advertising campaign from easyJet.

Commuting isn't the most fun thing in the world, but a new advert from Luton-based airline easyJet recently brought a smile to my face on a recent trip home.

Luton - otherwise known as Lüton, Lutôn and Lutoné
I've lived in Luton for 15 years and never seen the town's name written this way! 

It makes me proud to live in the northern region of Luton known as Lëagrâvé.

Links:
- easyJet
- London Luton Airport
- Thameslink

Related blog posts:
- easyJet
- Luton 
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Minigolf report from the Midlands Open 2015

March 23, 2015, 9:05 am
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Richard Gottfried third at the Midlands Open minigolf tournament

Minigolfer Richard Gottfried with the bronze medal from the 2015 Midlands Open
Minigolfer Richard Gottfried with the bronze medal from the 2015 Midlands Open

Leagrave minigolfer Richard Gottfried continued his good form with a podium finish in the Midlands Open competition held at the Four Ashes Golf Centre in Dorridge, Solihull on Sunday 22 March.

Competing in a 24-player field on the 12-hole miniature golf course Richard shot rounds of 20, 22, 21 and 28 for a 48-hole score of 91.

Richard Gottfried playing hole 2 during the Hole in One Charity Challenge
Richard Gottfried playing hole 2 during the Hole in One Charity Challenge

Emily Gottfried was also in action and finished in 15th place after rounds of 26, 20, 27 and 30 for a total of 103.

Emily Gottfried playing hole 12 at Four Ashes Golf Centre
Emily Gottfried playing hole 12 at Four Ashes Golf Centre

The tournament was won by Oxford’s Michael Smith with a score of 76, with London’s Will Donnelly runner-up with a score of 89.

The Midlands Open podium, from l-r Will Donnelly, Michael Smith, Richard Gottfried
The Midlands Open podium, from l-r Will Donnelly, Michael Smith, Richard Gottfried

Richard said “It’s great to get another medal and I’m pleased with my performance. Dorridge is a great course and a pleasure to play. I didn’t drop a shot for 42-holes which was nice. But then I had three bad holes in the final round to knock me from second place. Well played to Michael Smith on his win and to Will Donnelly for beating me to the silver medal.”

The third-place result was Richard’s best ever in the Midlands Open tournament, with his previous highest finish of fourth-place coming at the 2010 event.

The Midlands Minigolf Club are the reigning BMGA British Club Champions, winning the title in Hastings earlier this month. For more information check out the MMGC Facebook page.

Next up for Richard is a trip to Hastings for the BMGA British Minigolf Championships in May.

Links:
- Midlands Minigolf Club on Facebook
- Four Ashes Golf Centre
- British Minigolf Association
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Dorridge Invitational Minigolf Tournament

March 22, 2015, 12:25 pm
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Report from the Dorridge Invitational Tournament.

As a warm-up to the MMGC Midlands Open competition held at the Four Ashes Golf Centre in Dorridge the seven players still practicing on Saturday evening competed in the second ever Dorridge Invitational Tournament.

The Dorridge Invitational Tournament competitors at the Four Ashes Golf Centre, from l-r Adrian Amey, Emily Gottfried, Will Donnelly, Richard Gottfried, Steve Sturdy, Ruth Burke, Dave Donnelly
The Dorridge Invitational Tournament competitors, from l-r Adrian Amey, Emily Gottfried, Will Donnelly, Richard Gottfried, Steve Sturdy, Ruth Burke, Dave Donnelly

In the one-round Pro Player shootout local competitor Ruth Burke won with a score of 20(-4), two shots clear of runner-up Dave Donnelly.

Dorridge Invitational Minigolf Tournament champion Ruth Burke putting on the final hole and sealing victory
D.I.T. minigolf champion Ruth Burke putting on the final hole and sealing victory

Emily Gottfried and Will Donnelly tied for third place having scored 23(-1).

Minigolfer Emily Gottfried playing on hole 11 at the Four Ashes Golf Centre in Dorridge
Emily Gottfried playing on hole 11 at the Four Ashes Golf Centre in Dorridge

Richard Gottfried was fifth on 26(+2), with Steve Sturdy in sixth place on 28(+4) and Adrian Amey in seventh spot after scoring 30(+6).

The only previous edition of the Dorridge Invitational Tournament was held in 2011 and won by Seth Thomas in an eight-player field.

Dorridge Invitational Tournament (D.I.T.) Hall of Fame
2015 - Ruth Burke
2011 - Seth Thomas

Related blog posts:
- Dorridge
- The Dorridge Invitational Minigolf Competition 2011

Links:
- Midlands Minigolf Club on Facebook
- Four Ashes Golf Centre
- British Minigolf Association
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My Gluten Free Journey

March 20, 2015, 11:47 am
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Check out my gluten free journey article on the Udi's website.

Richard Gottfried, Coeliac
Enjoying a Coeliac-friendly gluten free meal while in Ayr last summer

Udi's Gluten Free have been operating in the USA since 1994 and launched in the UK in 2013. Visit the Udi's website for further details of their range and stockists near you.

The Udi's Gluten Free Blog also has articles from other Coeliacs / Gluten Free people.

Links:
- Udi's Gluten Free UK
- Udi's Gluten Free USA

Related blog posts:
- Udi’s Gluten Free – more than just mince pies
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
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Crazy Golf in Wardown Park Luton

March 27, 2015, 11:13 am
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The Crazy Golf and Minigolf courses in Luton's Wardown Park are no more!

Miniature Golf in Wardown Park, Luton
The sign for the Miniature Golf courses is still there

On Wednesday 25 March my friend and sometimes minigolf rival Simon 'Practice' Hall let me know that the minigolf and crazy golf courses in Luton's Wardown Park had been removed, so I had to head down for a look.

The Minigolf and Crazy Golf courses in Wardown Park, Luton on the 25 March 2015
The fibreglass holes of the Crazy Golf course have been dug out of their foundations and put in a pile. The muddy patch in the background is where the miniature golf grass putting course was

The Minigolf and Crazy Golf courses in Wardown Park, Luton on the 25 March 2015
The old Crazy Golf holes piled on top of hole 1

The Minigolf and Crazy Golf courses in Wardown Park, Luton on the 25 March 2015
A view of the Crazy Golf course area, with the 'grass' Minigolf layout on the left

The grass Miniature Golf course had been in Wardown Park since 19 June 1934 when it was opened by the town's Mayor. The fibreglass Crazy Golf course was a much later addition.

Hole 6 of the Crazy Golf course in Luton's Wardown Park in May 2007
Hole 6 of the Crazy Golf course in Luton's Wardown Park in May 2007

The Crazy Golf course was the 18th played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour on 5 May 2007, with the Grass Putting Miniature Golf layout the 19th played on 19 May.

Emily playing Crazy Golf in Luton's Wardown Park in July 2007. The very green grass putting layout is on the other side of the fence
Emily playing Crazy Golf in Luton's Wardown Park in July 2007. The very green grass putting layout is on the other side of the fence

I hadn't seen or heard anything in the local media about changes to the minigolf area of the park and the staff in Wardown Park Museum didn't have any further information on the removal of the courses.

I asked Luton Borough Council why the Crazy Golf and Minigolf Putting courses in Wardown Park have been dug up?

They responded telling me it's a new meadow planting project with Sheffield University. There'll be nine plots, pathways and 'picnic zones'.

I then asked what was going to happen to the obstacles from the course and was told that the course will be reinstalled in another area of the park.

Mystery solved.

It'll be interesting to see what the area looks like when it's finished and where the Crazy Golf holes end up.

Playing hole 3 of the Wardown Park Crazy Golf course in Luton in 2007
Playing hole 3 in some golfing attire in 2007

An Autumn/Winter look to the Crazy Golf course Wardown Park, Luton in November 2011
An Autumn/Winter look to the course in November 2011

Hole 1 of the Crazy Golf course in Luton's Wardown Park as it used to look in May 2007
Hole 1 as it used to look

Playing the miniature golf grass putting in Wardown Park, Luton in May 2010
Playing the miniature golf grass putting in Wardown Park in May 2010

Check out the links below for photos and videos of the courses since we first visited them in 2007.

Related blog posts:
- Crazy Golf & Minigolf Courses in and around Luton, Bedfordshire
- Course Played #18 Luton (Wardown Park) - Crazy Golf
- Course Played #19 Luton (Wardown Park) - Miniature Golf
- Wardown Park in Luton - Changes to the Crazy Golf Course & Ducks Fighting
- Crazy Golf at Luton's Wardown Park - November 2010
- Minigolf and Crazy Golf at Luton's Wardown Park
- More Snow - Sledging & Crazy Golf
- Snow halts play
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Luton

Videos:
- View of the Crazy Golf Course at Wardown Park in Luton
- Crazy Golf course changes at Wardown Park in Luton
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Postcards from Abingdon in Picture Postcard Monthly

March 28, 2015, 11:30 am
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Article about postcards from my home town in the top magazine for postcard collectors.

Check out the latest issue of Picture Postcard Monthly (April 2015) to read an article, written by yours truly, entitled 'A postcard from Abingdon-on-Thames'.

I grew up in the town before leaving in 2000. Since then I've returned for several Bun Throwing events and kept an eye on news from the town. I've also built up a collection of postcards of the town dating from the early 1900's to the present day and these make up the feature in the magazine.

Outside the former County Hall in Abingdon-on-Thames. The building is now home to the town's museum, while the basement is a new cafe. The market place itself has not changed a great deal over the decades, illustrated by the postcards featured in my article
Outside the former County Hall in Abingdon-on-Thames. The building is now home to the town's museum, while the basement is a new cafe. The market place itself has not changed a great deal over the decades, illustrated by the postcards featured in my article

You can buy hard copy and PDFs of Picture Postcard Monthly online. Check out the links below for more information.

Related blog posts:
- Postcard
- Postcards
- Picture Postcard Monthly
- A visit to Abingdon County Hall Museum

Links:
- Reflections of a Bygone Age (publishers of Picture Postcard Monthly up to issue no. 432 April 2015)
- Chimes Publishing & Postcards (publishers of Picture Postcard Monthly from issue no. 433 May 2015)
- World of Bun Throwing
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Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire

March 28, 2015, 11:40 am
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Playing minigolf in Tamworth's Castle Grounds.

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire

On our recent visit to Tamworth, Staffordshire we played the Crazy Golf course in the town's Castle Grounds.

Minigolfers Richard and Emily Gottfried at the Crazy Golf course in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Minigolf adventurers at Tamworth's Crazy Golf course

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
The course has a great scorecard

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Emily on hole 1. This obstacle is often used as a last hole ball collector

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Playing hole 2

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Over the bridge on hole 4

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Emily on hole 5

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Emily plays hole 7

Tackling hole 7

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Emily about to ace hole 8

The Castle Grounds Crazy Golf course became the 590th visited and 356th played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour on Saturday 21 March 2015. In our match-up I managed to beat Emily by one-shot - 24 to 25.

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Hole 1

Mini Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Hole 2

Miniature Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Hole 3

Adventure Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Hole 4

Mini-Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Hole 5

Minigolf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Hole 6

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Hole 7

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Hole 8

Crazy Golf in Tamworth, Staffordshire
Hole 9

The Crazy Golf putters and balls can be hired from Dave Owen Cycles.

Dave Owen Cycles in Tamworth's Castle Grounds provides cycle hire, tennis, crazy golf, cycling lessons, trampolines, bowls, skateboards and table tennis
Dave Owen Cycles offers a lot more than Crazy Golf

Dave Owen Cycles and Crazy Golf hire is based in the old Lido in Tamworth
Dave Owen Cycles and Crazy Golf hire is based in the old Lido

Tamworth Castle - flying the flag of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia
Tamworth Castle - flying the flag of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia

The Crazy Golf course in Tamworth's Castle Grounds is open seven days a week from 9am. The price is £2.50 for adults and £2.30 for children. For more information check out the links below.

We really enjoyed our trip to the town and would definitely visit again.

Links:
- Dave Owen Cycles on Facebook
- Castle Grounds on Tamworth Borough Council's website

Related blog posts:
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Humpty

Videos:
- A visit to the Crazy Golf course in Tamworth
- Crazy Golf in Tamworth - Hole 4
- Emily plays hole 6
- Richard plays hole 6
- Richard plays hole 8
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Novelty Automation arcade in London

March 29, 2015, 4:24 am
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A visit to London's Novelty Automation arcade.

Novelty Automation arcade in London

We recently visited the excellent Novelty Automation amusement arcade near Holborn in London.

Novelty Automation arcade in London
A nice relaxing break

We had great fun playing the mad arcade games. My favourite was definitely My Nuke - a personal nuclear reactor!

Novelty Automation arcade in London
Playing on my own personal nuclear reactor

Novelty Automation arcade in London
After 'successfully' playing the My Nuke game I received a piece of edible nuclear waster

The arcade is full of home-made games machines built by enthusiasts. And very well built they are too. Games include Test Your Nerve, Pet or Meat?, Chiropodist, Is it art?, The Expressive Photobooth, Divorce, Money Laundering, Cycle Pong, Alien Probe, Microbreak, Instant Eclipse and Autofrisk.

Novelty Automation arcade in London
Getting an Autofrisk!

They have some great merchandise for sale too. I picked up some nice badges and a keyring.

Novelty Automation arcade in London
Emily visited the Chiropodist

You can find Novelty Automation at 1a Princeton Street, London, WC1R 4AX and it's a five minute walk from Holborn Tube Station.

Novelty Automation arcade in London
Cycle Pong was out of order. We'll give this two player game a play next time

It's open Wednesday to Saturday and admission is free. Each of the games costs between £1 and £3 to play - each is token operated.

Novelty Automation arcade in London
The Alien Probe is a game of precision. And surprise

And what marvelous tokens they are too.

Novelty Automation arcade in London
Brilliant tokens

I'm looking forward to returning.

Novelty Automation arcade in London
A reason to return

If you're ever visiting the East Anglian coast then I suggest you also visit Southwold Pier as it's home to the original Under the Pier Show.

Novelty Automation arcade in London
I was far better at Test Your Nerve in London than in Southwold

There's also a FREE TOKEN offer running at the moment - check out the Novelty Automation website for more info!

Novelty Automation arcade in London
 I won at DIVORCE

Links:
- Novelty Automation website
- Novelty Automation on Twitter
- The Under the Pier Show website

Related blog posts:
- Novelty Automation amusement arcade in London
- Under the Pier Show - Southwold
- Southwold
- Amusement Arcades
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Chad Valley Miniature Golf

March 30, 2015, 3:13 am
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Playing a 1960's Miniature Golf set.

Chad Valley Miniature Golf

My fellow minigolf enthusiast Paul 'Johnson Paul Johnson' Johnson recently acquired a 1960's Miniature Golf set made by Chad Valley and he kindly donated it to The Crazy Golf Museum.

The 9-hole Chad Valley 'Miniature golf' course was designed for indoor and outdoor play and includes two putters, balls, flags and tin plate holes
The 9-hole Chad Valley 'Miniature golf' course was designed for indoor and outdoor play and includes two putters, balls, flags and tin plate holes

While at the Four Ashes Golf Centre in Dorridge last weekend we had to give the game a go.

Chad Valley Miniature Golf
Paul Johnson lines up a putt on a plateau hole

Chad Valley Miniature Golf
Putting using the Chad Valley miniature golf putters was very tricky

Chad Valley was founded in 1860 and the range of toys and games is now exclusively available at Argos.

Links:
- The Crazy Golf Museum
- Miniature Golf and Crazy Golf toys and games at The Crazy Golf Museum

Related blog posts:
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Happy April Fools' Day from 'The Kentish Town Mini Golf Club'

March 31, 2015, 10:09 pm
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Setting up a new minigolf club in the UK.

Emily and I have decided to set-up a new minigolf club - the Kentish Town Mini Golf Club.

Minigolf characters Richard and Emily Gottfried in Margate, Kent

I have played for the Midlands Minigolf Club since my rookie season in 2007, while Emily was most recently a member of the Cambridgeshire and Essex Mini Golf Club.

There were two main reasons for us creating a brand new club on the exciting and action packed British minigolf scene.


Last month we both competed for our respective former clubs in the BMGA British Club Championships and did well in the event. Now the time is right to build a new legacy. Starting today.

Minigolf in London at the Clarence Way Crazy Golf course in Camden
Richard playing the Clarence Way Crazy Golf course in Camden. Near Kentish Town

Back in 2011 Kent Athletic Club held a Bank Holiday Fun Day and one of the activities was Crazy Golf! The course became the 267th played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour and the first we'd played on a football pitch.

Minigolf at Kent Athletic Club in Leagrave, Luton
A Crazy Golf course, with a windmill, set up on a football pitch, in Leagrave

We held the inaugural Kent(ish) Invitational Tournament on that course visit and the victory went to me with a score of 34 to Emily's 42.

The code of conduct of the Kentish Town Mini Golf Club is summarised below:

  • Action - our events will be action packed 
  • Playability - we'll play at any course. Anywhere
  • Rankings - we'll set up the Kentish Town MGC ranking list for our members
  • International - we welcome players from around the world to represent the KTMGC
  • Lifestyle - we recognise minigolf is a lifestyle choice and we will have as much fun as possible while doing it
  • Fun - see above
  • Original - from it's name down, the KTMGC will be original in all it does
  • Official - it is
  • Longevity - we're in this for the long haul. Oh yes

The Kentish Town Mini Golf Club is open to all and for today only is offering free membership (the normal subs price will be £5 per player, per season). If you're interested in joining please get in touch via the comments below or on Twitter.

News of the British minigolf scene hasn't gone unnoticed. Mr Uri Foal from Kentish Town Council said "The forming of a new sports club in Kentish Town is always a cause for celebration. Having two fine minigolfers, Emily and Richard, committing their futures to the KTMGC is a sign of things to come."

Check out the links below for websites and Facebook pages of the other UK minigolf clubs.

Links:
- Kent Minigolf Club
- Midlands Minigolf Club
- Cambridgeshire and Essex Mini Golf Club
- Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club
- London Minigolf Club - not online
- Splash Point Mini Golf Club
- Sussex Wasps Mini Golf Club
- British Minigolf Association
- European Minigolf Sport Federation
- World Minigolf Sport Federation

Related blog posts:
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Finally Playing the Camden Crazy Golf Course
- Crazy Golf in Luton - Charity Fun Day at Kent Athletic Club
- Richard Gottfried player profile
- Emily Gottfried player profile
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Minigolf Clubs in the UK

April 1, 2015, 4:01 am
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Details of miniature golf clubs in the UK.

I'm a member of the reigning and two-time BMGA British Club Champions, the Midlands Minigolf Club, and Emily is a member of the Cambridgeshire & Essex Mini Golf Club.

The 2015 BMGA British Club Champions - the Midlands Minigolf Club. From l-r Seth Thomas, Michael Smith, Brenda Smith, Paul Johnson, Owen Johnson, Richard Gottfried, John Moore, Chris Smith

We compete as individuals on the British Minigolf Association Tour, with occasional forays into doubles and team competitions.

The 2015 bronze medalists from the Cambridgeshire and Essex Mini Golf Club. From l-r Chris Wood, Adrian Amey, Emily Gottfried, Mark Wood
The 2015 bronze medalists from the Cambridgeshire and Essex Mini Golf Club. From l-r Chris Wood, Adrian Amey, Emily Gottfried, Mark Wood

There are currently eight miniature golf clubs affiliated to the BMGA - they are the Midlands Minigolf Club, Cambridgeshire and Essex Mini Golf Club, Kent Minigolf Club, Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club, Splash Point Mini Golf Club, Sussex Wasps Mini Golf Club, London Minigolf Club and the Brighton Minigolf Club.

Former / defunct / inactive minigolf clubs in the UK include (in no particular order) the Welwyn Garden City Minigolf Club, Tunbridge Wells Minigolf Club, Brighton and Hove Minigolf Club, Cwmbran Minigolf Club, Thames Valley Minigolf Club, Hampshire Minigolf Club, The Green Mini Golf Club, Cambridgeshire Mini Golf Club, Sandbanks Crazy Golf Club, Basingstoke Minigolf Club, Portsmouth & Southsea Crazy Golf Club, Luton Wanderers Minigolf Club, Bangor Minigolf Club and the Kentish Town Mini Golf Club.

Around the world there are over 900 minigolf clubs and 38,000 competitive minigolf players registered with the World Minigolf Sport Federation via the 46 member nations.

Active club links:
- Midlands Minigolf Club
- Cambridgeshire and Essex Mini Golf Club
- Kent Minigolf Club
- Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club
- Splash Point Mini Golf Club
- Sussex Wasps Mini Golf Club
- London Minigolf Club - no website, but there's some great old info on the LMC at MiniatureGolfer.com
- Brighton Minigolf Club - no website

Association links:
- British Minigolf Association
- European Minigolf Sport Federation
- World Minigolf Sport Federation
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A gluten free meal at Honest Burgers in London

April 6, 2015, 1:17 am
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Honestly one of the best burgers ever.

I recently visited Honest Burgers in London and I really wish I'd been there sooner.

On an evening out in King's Cross we were feeling hungry and as a Coeliac that's not always a good thing due to the limited choice available when dining out. Luckily Emily remembered that Honest Burgers on Pentonville Road served gluten free options - she'd noticed they served Estrella Damm Daura gluten free beer on a previous visit.

Honest Burgers stock a lot of beer, including the very good Estrella Damm Daura gluten free lager
Honest Burgers stock a lot of beer, including the very good Estrella Damm Daura gluten free lager

We checked out the menu and saw they had GF options, including buns (although there is a £1 surcharge). As dining out is an anxious affair for me I steeled myself with another alcoholic beverage but then bit the bullet and decided to go there.

We were welcomed by a member of staff and I asked her about the gluten free options, where the GF buns were heated and other food was cooked?

I received very confident answers on the preparation and cooking of the food and cross-contamination controls in place. Additional information on the cooking of the fries was also volunteered meaning I would be able to have a whole meal with no substitutions, or going without. This was all excellent.

When we were seated I was shown the allergy sheet so that I could see what was/wasn't OK to order. Thankfully for gluten free/coeliac diners most of the menu is OK. I chose the Special Burger - Beef, smoked bacon, Honest guacamole, Swiss cheese and Harissa mayonnaise. Served with rosemary salted chips.

It was absolutely delicious.

A very happy Coeliac with his gluten free burger, chips and beer at Honest Burgers
A very happy Coeliac with his gluten free burger, chips and beer

Check out the links below for more about Honest Burgers, the menu and locations.

I'm looking forward to returning and working my way through the other burgers.

Links:
- Honest Burgers website
- Estrella Damm Daura

Related blog posts:
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
- Burgers
- Estrella
- Beer
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My life as a Coeliac in LEGO form

April 6, 2015, 6:01 am
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New minigolf course in Battersea, London

April 13, 2015, 2:18 am
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Miniature Golf course opening in London's Battersea Park in June 2015.

The Putt in the Park course at Wandsworth Park. A similar layout is being built in Battersea Park
The Putt in the Park course at Wandsworth Park. A similar layout is being built in Battersea Park

I've heard that the team behind the Putt in the Park minigolf course in Wandsworth are opening a new miniature golf site in Battersea Park, London this summer.

The 12-hole mini-golf course is due to open in June and will be located in the former One O'Clock Club in Battersea Park.

As well as the putting course the new Putt in the Park site will include a café, pizzeria and bar.

Check out the Putt in the Park website for details, plans and initial photos of the new site.

We've played the original Putt in the Park course on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour and recently returned for a round with Pat Sheridan from The Putting Penguin website.

Minigolf at Putt in the Park, Wandsworth, London. A similar course is being built in Battersea Park
Playing the island hole at Putt in the Park, Wandsworth

We look forward to visiting and playing the newest course in the capital.

Watch Pat Sheridan from The Putting Penguin website play hole 7 of the Putt in the Park course at Wandsworth Park.

 

Until recently there has been a bit of a dearth of permanent mini golf, crazy golf and adventure golf courses in London, so it's great to see a new layout opening up.

Links:
- Putt in the Park
- Putt in the Park Battersea

Related blog posts:
- Putt in the Park Minigolf at Wandsworth Park, London
- Minigolf with The Putting Penguin at Putt in the Park
- Minigolf and Crazy Golf courses in and around London
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
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Gluten free beer

April 13, 2015, 10:57 am
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Details of gluten free ale, beer and lager found since being diagnosed with Coeliac Disease.

On a recent trip to York I found two new gluten free beers - Hoptical Illusion by Brass Castle Brewery and Mongozo's new Buckwheat White Beer.

I've also got two bottles of gluten free beer I bought from Bottledog in London waiting to be drunk - Brewdog's Vagabond Pale Ale and To Øl Reparationsbajer.

The four new gluten free beers I've recently found
The four new gluten free beers I've recently found

Since my diagnosis in 2008 I've found out about 76 gluten free beers, ales and lagers. There are more and more gluten free beverages appearing all the time. It certainly gives some new and interesting drinking options.

Richard Gottfried - Coeliac and Beer Drinker
Coeliac and Beer Drinker

Of the 76, I've tried the following 33 beers:

  1. Ambar
  2. Bard's Beer
  3. CELIA Lager
  4. Crop Circle by Hopback Brewery
  5. Daas Ambré
  6. Daas Blond Beer
  7. Estrella Damm Daura
  8. Glebe Farm Pathfinder / Night Mission
  9. Green's Export Lager Lite
  10. Green's India Pale Ale
  11. Green's Lager Dry Hopped
  12. Green's Pioneer
  13. Green's Premium Golden Ale
  14. Green's Premium Pils
  15. Green's Refermented Blonde Ale
  16. Green's Refermented Brown Ale
  17. Green's Refermented Dark Ale
  18. Green's Supreme Golden Ale
  19. Green's Trailblazer
  20. Hambleton’s Gluten Free Ale (GFA)
  21. Hambleton's Gluten Free Lager (GFL)
  22. Hoptical Illusion by Brass Castle
  23. M&S Belgian Golden Ale by Brouwerij De Brabandere
  24. M&S Belgian Premium Pilsner by Brouwerij De Brabandere
  25. Mongozo Pilsener
  26. Redbridge Beer
  27. Saxon (in a can!)
  28. Schnitzer Bräu Lemon
  29. Schnitzer Bräu Premium
  30. St Peter's Brewery Dark G-Free™
  31. St Peter's Brewery G-Free™
  32. Wold Top Against the Grain
  33. Wold Top Scarborough Fair IPA


Those that I've heard about but not yet tried are:

  1. Brewdog's Vagabond Pale Ale
  2. Brunehaut
  3. CELIA Dark
  4. Gluten Freedom
  5. Glutenberg Beer Blonde
  6. Glutenberg Beer Glutenberg 8
  7. Glutenberg Beer Pale ale américaine
  8. Glutenberg Beer Rousse
  9. Green's Discovery
  10. Green's Endeavour
  11. Green's Herald
  12. Green's Mission
  13. Green's Pathfinder
  14. Green's Quest
  15. Koshihikari Echigo Beer
  16. Les bières de la Nouvelle-France Messagère 
  17. Les bières de la Nouvelle-France Messagère aux fruits
  18. Les bières de la Nouvelle-France Messagère Millet
  19. Les bières de la Nouvelle-France Messagère Red Ale
  20. Masquerade by Monty's Brewery
  21. Mikkeler American Dream
  22. Mikkeler Green Gold
  23. Mikkeler Peter, Pale & Mary Gluten Free
  24. Mikropolis Pils
  25. Mongozo Buckwheat White Beer
  26. Neumarkter Lammsbräu
  27. New Planet Beer
  28. O'Brien Brown Ale
  29. O'Brien Light Lager
  30. O'Brien Pale Ale
  31. O'Brien Premium Lager
  32. Omission Beer - IPA
  33. Omission Beer - Lager
  34. Omission Beer - Pale Ale
  35. Riedenburger Brauhaus Gluten Frei
  36. Sally Monroe
  37. Savernake by Kennet & Avon Brewery
  38. Stringers Amber
  39. Stringers Golden
  40. Stringers Outlook
  41. To Øl Hop Love Pils
  42. To Øl Reparationsbajer
  43. Wold Top Marmalade Porter

There's more good news in the gluten free beer world as the UK's first gluten free Brewery is opening soon. It's a new craft brewery with a mission to make gluten free beer and lager that tastes as good as any craft beer. For more information visit the Bellfield Brewery website.

In November 2014 I was a guest on the GFree Radio Show's gluten free drinks special episode. You can listen to the show at 'GFree Radio episode 80'.

Related blog posts:
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Bar Billiards in York

April 14, 2015, 7:29 am
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Playing Bar Billiards at The Golden Ball pub in York.

On our walk back to the city centre following the York International Postcard Show at the racecourse we stopped off for a Gin & Tonic and a game of Bar Billiards at The Golden Ball pub.

Bar Billiards at The Golden Ball pub in York
Emily playing the Bar Billiards table at The Golden Ball pub in York

Bar Billiards at The Golden Ball pub in York
In action and en route to a win

In our Bar Billiards match-up I defeated Emily 1,980 to 0 after Emily wiped-out a score of 770
In our match-up I scored 1,980 to Emily's 0 after she wiped-out a score of 770

Along with The Phoenix, The Golden Ball set-up the York Bar Billiards league in 2013. For more information, teams and fixtures check out the York Bar Billiards website. The Golden Ball pub website also has a Bar Billiards section on it. It's brilliant to see the pub game thriving in the city. We're looking forward to returning and checking out the tables at the other pubs.

The York Bar Billiards League Fixture list
The York Bar Billiards League Fixture list. Check out the league's website and Facebook page for information on the coming season

On a postcard-related note, The Golden Ball has its own postcard available to purchase at the bar.

Links:
- York Bar Billiards
- The Golden Ball
- Bar Billiards Forum
- The All England Bar Billiards Association (AEBBA)

Related blog posts:
- Bar Billiards
- Pub games
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Mini Golf courses in Knaresborough

April 14, 2015, 9:13 am
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Playing minigolf at Knaresborough's Castle Yard and a revisit to Conyngham Hall.

Mini Golf grass Putting at Knaresborough Castle
Mini Golf grass Putting at Knaresborough Castle

Back in September 2010 we visited Knaresborough in North Yorkshire and enjoyed an afternoon wandering around the town and playing some Mini and Crazy Golf at Conyngham Hall. Last March I found out that on that visit we'd actually missed the other miniature golf course in the town! It's situated in the Castle Yard.

Mini Golf at the Castle Yard in Knaresborough
Emily putting at Knaresborough's Castle Yard course

Mini Golf at the Castle Yard in Knaresborough
Note the interesting sign on the drainpipe

Mini Golf at the Castle Yard in Knaresborough
The Castle Yard Putting course in Knaresborough is an 18-hole layout

Mini Golf at the Castle Yard in Knaresborough
The course is the first we've ever played that had a sallyport and secret tunnel running underneath it!

The tunnel was built in the late 13th or mid 14th century and was large enough for a small group of armed men to leave the castle secretly at night and launch an attack on any besieging troops.

Mini Golf at the Castle Yard in Knaresborough
The sallyport on the left and hole 8 on the right. While we were playing, the sallyport was opened up for a group on a tour

On this trip to Knaresborough we spent the night in the town before heading back home. On our arrival it was very nice to receive a special welcome from Andy at Art in the Mill!

Andy Grinter from Art in the Mill is a local businessman and minigolf enthusiast. Ahead of our arrival in town he'd chalked up a message for us on our visit to Knaresborough
Andy Grinter from Art in the Mill is a local businessman and minigolf enthusiast. Ahead of our arrival in town he'd chalked up a message for us on our visit to Knaresborough

The grass Putting course at Knaresborough's Castle Yard became the 357th course played and 591st visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. It was also the second course in a row that was played near a castle, as last month we played Crazy Golf in Tamworth's Castle Grounds.

Hole 1 and Knaresborough Castle in the background. A very nice location for a round of minigolf

Putting on the 13th hole

In our minigolf match-up on the Castle Yard Putting course I beat Emily with a score of 43 to 49.

Games at Knaresborough Castle - Putting and Bowling
As well as the Putting you can play Bowling on a nice looking green at the Castle

While in Knaresborough we also revisited Conyngham Hall grounds where you can find a grass Putting course, Crazy Golf and a Pitch & Putt layout.

Crazy Golf at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough
Crazy Golf at Conyngham Hall

Pitch & Putt Miniature Golf at Conyngham Hall Gardens in Knaresborough
The Pitch & Putt layout at Conyngham Hall

Minigolf grass Putting Green at Conyngham Hall Gardens in Knaresborough
When we arrrived at Conyngham Hall only one of the flags was still out on the Putting Green - it was about to close, so it's a good job we'd played the good little layout five years ago

We're looking forward to our next visit to the town already.

Knaresborough Castle
Knaresborough Castle

A view of the viaduct in Knaresborough from the Castle Yard
A view of the viaduct in Knaresborough from the Castle Yard

Our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour has taken us to other courses in the Harrogate district, including Harrogate itself and Ripon's Spa Gardens.

Mini Golf at the Castle Yard in Knaresborough
Putting at Knaresborough's Castle Yard costs £2.30 per adult. You get to use some odd headed putters for your game!

Links:

Related blog posts:
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