On Thursday afternoon I boarded the DLR (Docklands Light Rail) and headed to Excel, home to the LIWF .  WOW! An apt description for a Saffer used to our local shows! Which are an absolute JOKE in comparison! Seriously, if I can see from one end of the room to the other it's a small show - BORING! Another good way to test the quality of the show: if you can taste something from every stand / farm it's small!  I tasted Champagne from France (served by rude Frenchies, acceptable because they're French!) and sparkling wine from the Ukraine - don't do it, it's not worth it. They asked me to fill out a form describing the wine: Over carbonated (imagine your mouth is a can of coke that's been REALLY shaken - that explosion) which masks any flavour. They do a white, rose and red (all sparkling!) I was tempted to write something nice - they were Ukrainians after all, but the truth won the day! (It's called Krimart !) I'm reading through the press release now and ...

Henry VIII summered here, it was one of his favourite Palaces! He'd bring along his current wife, dine on entire roast animals while lubricating himself with more than the lions share of the nectar of the gods!  And talk about a Lion - Henry VIII was a beast of a man. Some called him the Ginga Ninja, but never to his face...  Henry appreciated the finer things in life. He was also a bit of a ladies man, not always a whole ladies man, but sometimes a little head here and there never hurt (him!) Our first view of the palace... Henry's wine cellar (you all knew I'd find it!) And in colour... Walk through the entrance into the courtyard - columns: inspiration for many a house The clock tower entrance A close-up Roof decoration: they were big into this The big man himself! The page boy's room Some more roof decor. A small tapestry Robbie tries out the spectacles! Skill demonstration: getting the ball into the cradle isn't as easy as it looks Window decorations, also quit...