At the Barlows'
Newton-le-Willows, Saturday 6th October 2012
A mere five years after the last publicised visit to the Barlows', we headed back again in increased numbers. The "kids' day", named with heavy irony one might think, is actually an annual event, usually replete with outdoor games concocted by the Games Master himself, Graham Barlow, but the experience is not always documented (there isn't always time). A clear disadvantage of inviting more and more people is the associated difficulty in finding a convenient date, and the aim of engaging in excitable escapades in the summer was swiftly scotched (not that good weather is guaranteed by hosting it mid-year, of course). A date was eventually found in early October, although a waterlogged pitch rendered any rematch of the fantastically-thrilling non-stop round-robin table tennis untenable. However, any residual pessimism at such conditions underestimated the resourcefulness of the Leisure Pursuits Director, Graham Barlow, as we shall see...
We'll start with a photo of Nana Sue overlooking a very straight-backed Daisy.
Uncle Matt had brought his camera to this particular event, and this can be demonstrated in the quality of some of the photos. Here, we have a strikingly lit breadstick holder.
Uncle Matt homed in on some pictures of the angelic-looking, strawberry-coated Daisy, munching some of the substantial buffet on offer.
While I was holding Daisy, she became determined to make sure that I ate a cherry tomato or two. She would push it towards my lips and, when I resisted, prised apart my mouth in order that I would be forced to eat it, much to her amusement.
Here is Daisy's delight at a successful cherry tomato placement.
Daisy very much likes a bit (well, a lot) of crayoning.
She also likes to chill on settees (which she describes as chairs, fairly enough).
There was a craze of high fiving started at this do which Daisy got into.
Time for a bit family photo. By my effortless powers of deduction, it was Matt taking this one, and at least everyone was looking towards the camera.
Lord Barlow obviously knew where the largest glass in all of England was stored, and he made sure it never left his hand.
Daisy meanwhile seemed to be drinking Grolsch. Just the one, Daisy, ok?
There was the inevitably poorly-stocked buffet from AJ. I jest - this was just one course. Aunty Janet has never knowingly under-catered. I think it must genetic. Nana Sue, Matt and I have a similar affliction.
Daisy looks somewhat devilish here. She has removed Aunty Katie's glasses and looks to be squeezing her nose.
Increasingly the adventurer, Daisy was keen to go upstairs and sneaked a quick pretend sleep in the computer room (where I have slept when staying over before now - she obviously wants to continue the tradition).
The El Dude brothers are in town, looking as gormless and confused as ever.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Katie Allen at her finest.
Daisy, do not touch the camera... oh, oops.
An angelic shot of Miss Daisy.
It's been a low process of building trust between Jordan and Daisy, but it seemed to reach a peak here, with Jordan providing support so that Daisy could reach a breadstick.
This being the Barlows' place, as alluded to at the start of this page, there were inevitably games to be played, with the weather restricting this to indoor activities only. Nana Sue steps up to the, er, plate for the first game, which was putting into a mat with seemingly randomly-placed scores. Matt must have been high up when taking this one.
Daisy has switched sofas, joining up with her mother, while Nana Sue continues to putt for non-glory.
In the end, Uncle Graham snatched an unlikely victory from Jordan, who had been way out in the lead until the final round, when UG pulled out all the stops with a succession of high-scoring putts. So delighted by this feat was he that he immediately leapt over to Jordan and gave him a consolation pat on the stomach. Here is a screenshot from the video.
Matt aims for some close-ups of Daisy while she is being fed cheesy potato (which she loved).
Meanwhile, looking from the other side, Daisy couldn't resist touching the camera - no touching, Daisy!
Here is a picture of Daisy's favourite - jacket potatoes re-baked with cheese and ham.
Uncle Matt later joined in on the act of feeding Daisy, although this is probably imaginary food.
Occasionally Daisy would stage a mid-pitch protest.
Back on track, Uncle Graham continued to dominate the various pursuits. This, the second game of three, involved rolling mini bowls through the "goal" and into the scoring area (too far and no point would be scored). Not even a six-out-of-six last effort from me could catch him (maybe I should have concentrated more in the first two rounds).
One final "butter wouldn't melt" photo for this page...
...and we'll be off to the next page.