David Quinlan - Blog

Blog, Travel

Because of you know what, trips back to Waterford to catch up with family were put on hold for a while. Since the start of this pandemic, let’s just say, it’s been an eventful time for both my family and in-laws. Thankfully, now all is good. Travel bans during the pandemic also curtailed gatherings for a few big birthdays and anniversaries too back in Waterford (in addition to a postponed in-law wedding, and stag do of course… 🙂 ) ,…

Finally, Performances in Public!

July 4, 2021

20th June was the day, with Potters Bar band in Hatfield House .. 463 days from last live gig.. or.. 1 Year, 3 months and 6 days.. or.. 15 Months and 6 days.. Yes, we opened up with Barnard Castle March. Few future gigs in the calender now too as things open up for outdoor, and some indoor socially distant concerts. 11th July – Hitchin Band – Borehamwood Bandstand From 3pm – Meadow Park, Borehamwood 18th July – Hitchin Band…

Dates in the diary..

May 15, 2021

Have we just had our last free Thursday night (all brass bands I’ve ever played with, rehearsed on Thursday night..)? Well, until yesterday’s press conference by you know who, I was more positive, let’s see, its go go go for now. At Hitchin Band we will be back to Thursday night, socially distant rehearsals from May 20th. There have been a few small group out doors gatherings but they are not for me really. We did do (potentially) our final…

A year in wine…

March 7, 2021

For whatever reason, our council doesn’t collect glass for recycling so we must store it and bring it to the local recycling centre ourselves periodically. Some people moan about such inconveniences but it doesn’t really bother us, as we often have garden waste (big garden!) and other bits and bobs to bring at the same time, so no worries. Usually, we’d do a monthly trip, probably on the way to purchase food for the chooks as the centre is on…

50 in February for Blood Cancer UK – Half Way Report

February 16, 2021

Blog, Leukaemia

Happy New Fundraising Year! With this years (as far as I am aware) Ride London not happening, I’ve decided to join Blood Cancer UK on their 50 in February event to open my 2021 fundraising account! The 50 in February event is to run 50 KM or Miles in February, raising funds for the charity, publishing progress on social media channels, etc to get the funds in! According to the Facebook group, there are over 1400 runners from all parts…

No gigs to announce..

January 30, 2021

Blog, Music

Here we go, it’s 2021 and I have no gigs to announce. I say that, as January is usually when I post information here on the first few of the year, The City of London Symphonic Winds, followed by The North London Symphony Orchestra… with a usual post related to Brass Band Area Contests (I’m not missing having to attend eleventy-billion band rehearsals to be fair). I have so much sympathy, if that doesn’t sound too patronising for those who…

1000 Miles for Blood Cancer UK Done

August 18, 2020

Blog, Leukaemia

After 32 days, 31 rides, mainly on Zwift, I’ve completed my challenge! 31 Rides 1005.74 miles covered! 57:35:09 Total Ride Time 36,882 Calories burned! 66,733 Feet of Climbing The final day was the PRL ride on Zwift. 11 laps of the London Loop. Above shows the stats recorded by Zwift App. I can’t quite believe I completed the 100 miles in under 5 hrs which is cool. Yes, I did enjoy a beer or two after the ride, needed to…

One Thousand Miles for Blood Cancer UK – End of Week 3

August 8, 2020

End of Week 3, the stats!! 24 Rides (21 on Zwift, 3 IRL) 701.11 Miles in total (Lands end to Pitlochry – or near enough!) – er.. 70% distance 41:33:09 Total riding time. 25,301 Calories burned 47,591 Feet of climbing (90.65% of the total I could find for one of the popular routes) 49 miles behind ideal schedule (see burn down!) The red line is tracking my cumulative daily progress towards zero miles remaining (burndown). I’m behind schedule, as indicated…

One Thousand Miles for Blood Cancer – End of Week 2

July 30, 2020