Bank Holiday in Sunny Marshfield.

The weather reports promised us glorious sunshine, Mother Nature decided otherwise. Whilst the temperatures where fairly warm, the skies were overcast and the potential of rain seemed high. Thankfully the weather held out just long enough…

The morning started with me flicking onto ITV4 and noticing that they were showing Beverly Hills Cop at an extremely early time for a film that’s certified ‘15′. Curious as to how they would edit out the profanity, I watched from start to finish – even with some really obvious cuts (especially the strip-bar scene) it was still a hugely enjoyable movie, and one that was great fun to see again.

With early-morning cinema finished, and a time for visiting finalised with Chris, I showered, shit and head out the front door for Barbeque and Footie at his place in the sunny climes of Wales – Marshfield to be specific. The drive usually takes me around 45 minutes, but due to a few stops and shitty traffic I arrived at Chris’ 1 hour and 20 minutes after I left my house.  I was met at Chris’ by kids…… everywhere. Along with his 4, it appeared half the neighbourhood children had migrated to his back yard to enjoy ball-games and sample the delights of a Head Chef Barbeque – the main draw in my attendance. We decided Footie in his local play-area was in order so we head off up the street to dazzle on-lookers with our skills. Chris, his youngest son, Liam and I were the 3 players – the others chose to observe, rum amok and scream loudly for seemingly no apparent reason.

Marshfield’s surrounding buildings and grassy play-area

Chris’ skills as a footballer are questionable. He is slightly more pudgy about his midriff these days, and it appears to of affected his first touch and distribution. Luckily enough for anyone watching; I still retained the kind of magical touch that Rivaldo showed during his glory days at Barcelona. Do I exaggerate? No, not it the slightest….

After the James Stokes footballing masterclass finished, we headed back indoors for Barbeque. With all the treats prepped and ready to hit the sizzling bars, you’ve guessed it folks, the heavens opened. Small children and adults alike furiously scrambled to prevent rain ruining any of the wondrous spread Chris’ had obviously put alot of effort into – his Barbeque’s are legendary for their great selection. After a few moments the precipitation subsided, leaving us all the more eager to get our grub on. Chris cooked up a storm, and along with the ever-increasing number of guests, I ate until my stomach could take no more. Here’s an example of what was on offer:

• Cajun marinaded Chicken
• Sausages
• Aberdeen Angus Beef Burgers
• Ribeye Steak
• Tomato and Basil Pasta
• Prawn, Sweetcorn and Dill Couscous.
• Tossed Mixed Leaves

A hearty feast, appreciated by one and all. In an unusually rare display of helpfulness, I aided the noticeably tiring (or pissed) Head Chef clear away the plethora of assorted dirty crockery before showing the young boys a few Cesc Fabregas and Arsenal videos on YouTube – you have to educate them young these days. It was a fun day, and thanks go out to Chris for both his food and as always, his hospitality.

Thank you, Sir.