Star Command Laser Tag in London

New London laser tag battleground is open.

While recently walking from Oxford Circus to Tottenham Court Road my eye was taken by an interesting sight - a new Laser Tag arena!

I popped in and the two staff members gave me a run through on the laser guns, game modes and a walk round the battle zone. It looks great.

We played Star Command Laser Tag when it was based at the Trocadero. It's great to know the centre has reopened elsewhere.

Me and Emily at Star Command Laser Tag in 2011

The new venue opened on the 15 December and is located in the Old Foyles Bookshop on Charing Cross Road, between Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road.

For more information on opening times, game options and prices visit the Star Command Laser Tag website, Facebook page and Twitter.

It might be time to get a group together for a match-up and dust off the Laser Tag Rankings.

Related blog posts:
- Laser Tag
- Laser Tag in Birmingham and London

Links:
- Star Command Laser Tag
- Laser Tag and Paintball in London

Blogging for eight years today

As of today I've been blogging for eight years!

Richard Gottfried, veteran blogger

I've written 1,931 blog posts.

The blog has received almost 700,000 page views.

With readers from over 100 countries.

In that time Emily and I have travelled to 193 seasides.

We've played more than 30 different sports and games.

And visited 588 minigolf, crazy golf, putting and adventure golf courses.

Plus, I've found, tried and reviewed lots of gluten free food & drink.

Thank you all for reading, liking, commenting, tweeting, RT'ing, sharing and +1'ing :-)

Related blog posts:
- My first blog post "The Ham & Egger Files – An Introduction"
- My most viewed blog post "Minigolf and Crazy Golf courses in and around London"
- Behold...

World of Bun Throwing: Abingdon County Hall Museum

World of Bun Throwing: Abingdon County Hall Museum: A visit to Abingdon-on-Thames.

On a recent visit to my old home town of Abingdon-on-Thames I was very pleased to see that the roof of the County Hall Museum is now open to visitors...

Crazy Golf in Abingdon's Abbey Meadows

A revisit to the first miniature golf course I ever played.

The Crazy Golf course at the Abbey Meadows in Abingdon-on-Thames

At the weekend I visited my home town of Abingdon-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. While there I had to go and have a look at the Crazy Golf course that was the first-ever minigolf course I played.

At the first minigolf course I ever played

On our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour the Abbey Meadows Crazy Golf course became the 31st played in August 2007.

When we first walked up to the out-of season minigolf course we thought it had been felted, but no, it was a build-up of moss on holes one and two!

I last played the course in June 2012 in match-up against my brother Jon. That visit saw a rematch following our game in April 2012.

One of the tricky minigolf holes at the Abbey Meadows Crazy Golf course in Abingdon-on-Thames

Related Blog Posts:
- A Gottfried vs. Gottfried Crazy Golf Match in Abingdon-on-Thames
- A day out of Bun Throwing, Crazy Golf and Bar Billiards in Abingdon-on-Thames
- Abingdon Abbey Meadows Crazy Golf Course Replay on a Crazy World of Minigolf Tour Revisit
- Crazy Golf in Abingdon, Oxfordshire
- Abingdon
- Abingdon-on-Thames
- World of Bun Throwing blog
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Link:
- Abbey Meadows, Abingdon on the Vale of White Horse District Council website

London Skittles at the Hampstead Lawn Billiard and Skittle Club

Report from the Minigolfer's Christmas 'Do' 2014.

Crazy Skittlers

This year our annual festive jaunt took us to The Freemasons Arms, home to London's last remaining Skittle Alley and the historic Hampstead Lawn Billiard and Skittle Club.

Emily playing London Skittles

After reading about the game some years ago and a visit to the pub after a Hopping tournament in 2012 we made the booking to play a game of London Skittles in the basement alley for our Christmas tournament.

Brad 'The Fist' Shepherd launches into action

With reigning champion Emily leading one team and multiple-time former winner of Christmas shenanigans Brad captaining the other the other players were picked by number before we got straight into playing.

'Squire' Richard throwing a little off course

Emily led the proceedings and with a choice of three different 'cheeses' stepped up and scored an end of 5 with her three goes to get the competition underway.

A pair of 'Cheeses'

The winner's of the team tournament were 'Lemony's Lobbers' who defeated 'Team Frugal' with a scoreline of 178 to 176!

Lemony's Lobbers - 2014 Christmas 'Do' Champions. From l-r Jon Angel, Steve Gow, Alan Norman, John Moore, Emily Gottfried, Richard Gottfried

This year's losers and runners-up, Team Frugal. From l-r Paul O'Connor, Chris Jones, Brad Shepherd, Trevor 'Lord of Smeeth' Robertson, Richard Linden, Seth Thomas

The overall individual was once again Brad 'The Fist' Shepherd with a total of 44, having been the only player to score a double-digit end in the two-hour tournament. Newcastle's John Moore and Surrey's Steve Gow tied for second.

The Big Cheese - Brad 'The Fist' Shepherd

Baby Bel - Alan 'Stormin' Norman

Our instructor for the evening, Pete, was a great coach and referee giving us plenty of hints & tips and history of the game and venue. We also learned some of the terminology of the game for good shots, bad shots, pin layouts and more.

The final scores

We'd definitely play again and recommend London Skittles at the Freemasons Arms as a great night out.

The Freemasons Arms, Hampstead

Check out the Hampstead Lawn Billiard and Skittle Club website for more information on London Skittles and for booking enquiries, as well as some videos showing the game as it was in the 1930's and as it is now.

The Lawn Billiards game that forms part of the club's name is a long extinct sport, but you can still view Lawn Billiards artifacts in the club's alley.

While one team is throwing, two of the opposing team's players act as pin setters and cheese returners

Emily readying herself for a lob

Richard preparing for a shot

John Moore getting in the swing

Five scored

Pin setting and cheese rolling

Chris 'Stretch' Jones on a leisurely stroll up the alley

Trevino in action

Big Al in full flight

Jon Angel with a great shot up the middle

  

Alan 'Stormin' Norman throwing a cheese

London Skittles team competition results

London Skittles individual competition results

Minigolfer's Christmas Shenanigans Hall of Fame
2014 - Brad 'The Fist' Shepherd - London Skittles Individual Championship
2014 - Lemony's Lobbers (Emily 'Lemony' Gottfried, 'Squire' Richard Gottfried, Alan 'Stormin' Norman, John 'Big Al' Moore, Jon 'Occasional' Angel, 'Big' Stevie Gow) - London Skittles Team Championship
2013 – Emily ‘Lemony’ Gottfried – World Boules Le Noël Champignonship
2012 – Brad ‘The Fist’ Shepherd – Riverclose Worlds UnProfessional Minigolfer's Darts Championship
2011 – Brad ‘The Fist’ Shepherd – Rivernear Worlds Professional Crazy Golfers Darts Championships
2010 – Brad ‘The Fist’ Shepherd – Christmas Minigolf 9-Hole Putting Green Sudden Death Challenge
2010 – Keith 'Doc' Kellard & Jon 'El Pato' Angel (Team KJ Choice) – Sim BIG Golf Par-3's of the World Doubles Challenge
2009 – Brad ‘The Fist’ Shepherd – Christmas-themed Crazy Golf at Devonshire Square
Before Records Began – Lionel ‘The Spoon’ Bender – Crazy Golf Contest

Links
- London Skittles at the Hampstead Lawn Billiard and Skittle Club
- London Skittles on Facebook
- The Freemasons Arms, Hampstead

Related blog posts:
- Report from the Minigolfer’s Annual Christmas Shenanigans ‘Do’ in London 2013
- The Minigolfer’s Annual Christmas Darts ‘Do’ 2012 in London
- Crazy Golfers Christmas 'Do' in London 2011 - Darts Tournament at Rileys Victoria!
- The Minigolfers Christmas 'Do' 2010
- 2009 Christmas Crazy Golf Challenge at Devonshire Square
- A London Pub & Jumble Sale Crawl
- Another New Game Played - Northamptonshire Skittles
- Behold...
- Tenpin Bowling

Gluten free beer at The King and Queen pub in Fitzrovia

Spotting gluten free beers available at The King & Queen pub in London.

While on a recent evening out in London Emily spotted that The King and Queen Pub in Fitzrovia serves gluten free beer.

Green's gluten free beers and Crop Circle by Hop Back Brewery are available at The King & Queen pub in Fitzrovia

After seeing the chalkboard advertising the beers Emily asked behind the bar and was shown the row of Green's Beers and Crop Circle by Hop Back Brewery.

The bar staff opened up the fridge so Emily could take this photo of the gluten free beers available. Green's beers and Crop Circle are on the bottom shelf

Great to know there's another pub serving gluten free beer.

Links:
- The King and Queen Pub
- Green's Beers
- Crop Circle

Related blog posts:
- Gluten free Ale, Beer and Lager

- Coeliac

- Gluten Free

End of minigolf season report for 2014

Details of Richard and Emily Gottfried's participation in the 2014 minigolf season.

Luton Minigolfers Emily and Richard Gottfried completed the 2014 minigolf season with a visit to the Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre in West Horndon for the CEMGC Invitational Tournament on Saturday 6 December.

Luton minigolfers Richard and Emily Gottfried at the Dunton Hills miniature golf course in Essex

In the five-player event Emily scored rounds of 50 and 49 to tie with local competitor Chris Wood on a score of 99. In the four-hole cumulative score play-off Emily won with a score of 9 to Wood’s 13. Richard had led the contest after round one, but a round of 59 saw him finish in fourth place.

Emily putting on her way to victory in the season-ending CEMGC Invitational Tournament in Essex

Richard completed the British Minigolf Association’s season with an 11th place finish in the Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club Open that saw 26-players compete on the 18-hole Adventure Golf course in Hastings. Richard scored rounds of 40 and 42 for a total of 82(+10).

Richard in action at the CEMGC Invitational in Essex

The pair also recently participated in the Surrey Invitational Tournament played at Hoebridge Golf Centre in Woking and Horton Park Golf Club in Epsom. The 36-hole event was won by Woking’s Matt Dodd. Richard was the runner-up, with Emily in third-place.

Richard at the Jungle Island Adventure Golf course in Epsom

Richard said “It’s been a good minigolf season and we’ve played some fun events. Emily has had a very strong year and won some great titles. I’m happy to have finished ranked 12th in the UK and I’m looking forward to competing as part of the rejuvenated Midlands Minigolf Club in the 2015 season.”

Richard playing the Strokes Adventure Golf course in Margate

Emily said “It has been an interesting season. I have won some brilliant titles and taken part in some amazing tournaments. I’ve had a lot of fun along the way and hope to keep it up during 2015.”

Emily in action at the Midlands Open at Dorridge

Richard once again ended the year inside the top-16 in the country with a 12th place ranking of 105 places (161 players) in the BMGA Strokeplay Order of Merit. Emily reached a career-high end of season ranking, finishing 29th.

Richard at the World Crazy Golf Championships in Hastings

In the BMGA Matchplay Order of Merit Rankings Emily finished in tied 20th place of 55 players, Richard was 38th.

Emily playing hole 17 at Strokes Adventure Golf in Margate

In the BMGA Season Only Rankings Emily finished 21st of 91 players, Richard was ranked in 25th position.

Richard at the BMGA British Masters at Splash Point Mini Golf in Worthing

The BMGA Season Only Rankings also contained a team listing. Richard is a member of the Midlands Minigolf Club that was ranked 2nd of five clubs. Emily and her Cambridgeshire & Essex Mini Golf Club team-mates finished the year in 4th place.

Emily won The Gommery trophy for most aces at this year's World Crazy Golf Championships in Hastings

Richard and Emily are both listed in the World Minigolf Sport Federation's General Class rankings. In the women's rankings Emily is in tied 120th position of 128 places (132 players). In the men's rankings Richard is ranked in tied 397th place of 413 places (419 players).

International Minigolfers Emily and Richard Gottfried on GB duty in Sweden in 2011

Worldwide the WMF has 46 member nations, with over 38,000 Minigolf players, 1,000 courses approved for competitions, 900 clubs and over 1,500 Minigolf tournaments held each year.

CEMGC Invitational Minigolf Tournament

Results of the CEMGC Invitational Minigolf Tournament at the Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre in Essex.

CEMGC Invitational Tournament winner Emily 'Lemony' Gottfried receives her prize from Mark 'The Natural' Wood

On Saturday 6 December 2014 Emily Gottfried won the first-ever CEMGC Invitational Minigolf Tournament in a five-player Pro contest.

The Cambridgeshire & Essex Mini Golf Club members line-up at Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre. From l-r Adrian Amey, Chris Wood, Mark Wood, Emily Gottfried

The contest was held over two 18-hole rounds on the tough layout at the Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre in West Horndon, Brentwood, Essex with players from the Cambridgeshire & Essex Mini Golf Club taking part along with Richard Gottfried of the Midlands Minigolf Club. Each competitor used a Golf ball in the event, with Emily winning using a Putter King ball.

Emily Gottfried playing in the CEMGC Invitational Tournament

Emily scored rounds of 50 and 49 for a total of 99, with Chris Wood also scoring a 99 to join the sub-100 club after rounds of 51 and 48. Wood's second round also included the tournament's only hole-in-one.

Chris Wood playing in the CEMGC Invitational Tournament

The title was decided by a four-hole cumulative score play-off, with holes 1, 2, 8 and 9 used to decide the winner. Emily shot a total of 9, with Chris scoring 13.

Emily Gottfried and Chris Wood on the 8th hole in the play-off at the CEMGC Invitational Tournament

After her victory Emily said "I am, of course, ecstatic to win the first CEMGC Invitational Tournament. Its a really enjoyable course, and playing on a bright, if chilly day, with a great group of my club-mates and the guest competitor, was brilliant. Although the holes are long and there are some very tricky greens, I liked it. Playing somewhere new and individual was fun. Congrats to Chris 'Bunker' Wood on coming in with a 99, but commiserations for losing the play-off."

Richard said "I enjoyed competing in the CEMGC Invitational Tournament and while the Dunton Hills miniature golf course is incredibly tough, it was still great fun. Well done to Emily on her well deserved win and thanks to the Cambridgeshire & Essex Mini Golf Club for organising the event."

With a total length of 734 feet, including a 62ft long 17th hole the Dunton Hills Miniature Golf course saw players battling for twos in the frosty conditions.

Mark Wood launches a shot at the CEMGC Invitational

Adrian Amey playing the 9th hole during round two of the CEMGC Invitational

The course record was set at 48 by Richard Gottfried during round one, with Chris Wood equaling the score in round two.

Guest player Richard Gottfried of the MMGC plays at the CEMGC Invitational

Round one leaderboard:
- Richard Gottfried - 48
- Chris Wood - 49
- Emily Gottfried - 50
- Chris Wood - 51
- Adrian Amey - 61

The 2014 CEMGC Invitational Champion Emily Gottfried

Final results:
1. Emily Gottfried - 50 & 49 = 99* won four-hole play-off
2. Chris Wood - 51 & 48 = 99
3. Mark Wood - 49 & 56 = 105
4. Richard Gottfried - 48 & 59 = 107
5. Adrian Amey - 61 & 58 = 119

Links:
- Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre website
- Cambridgeshire & Essex Mini Golf Club on Facebook
- CEMGC Invitational event result, report, photos and update on the CEMGC Facebook page
- CMGC website

Related blog posts:
- Minigolf at Dunton Hills Golf Course in Essex
- Playing the Dunton Hills Miniature Golf Course in West Horndon, Essex
- Minigolf and Crazy Golf in Essex
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour - List and links for all Miniature Golf courses visited to date

Minigolf at Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre in Essex

A revisit to the miniature golf course in West Horndon.

A view of the miniature golf course and clubhouse at the Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre in West Horndon, Essex

On Saturday 6 December Emily and I headed to the 18-hole minigolf course at the Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre in West Horndon, near Brentwood, Essex where we would be competing in the first CEMGC Invitational competition.

Emily putting during the CEMGC Invitational Tournament

We first visited and played the 18-hole course in July 2012 when it became the 299th played and 499th visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Playing minigolf at Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre

It's a very tough layout, with some incredibly tricky second (and third!) putts on the big greens. The holes vary in length from 27 to 62 feet!

On our visit in 2012 I scored a 48 (Out in 24, In in 24), with Emily scoring 51 (Out in 27, In in 24). On this occasion playing in the CEMGC Invitational Tournament Emily won the two round contest with scores of 50 and 49, while I shot a course record 48 (once again Out in 24, In in 24), followed by a 59 to finish fourth in the five-player Pro contest.

The minigolf putting course is great value at £3 for adults and £2 for juniors.

As well as the miniature golf course Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre is home to an 18-hole Golf course, driving range, bar and restaurant and meeting rooms. For more information check out the Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre website.

The Dunton Hills Miniature Golf course

Links:
- Dunton Hills Family Golf Centre website
- Cambridgeshire & Essex Mini Golf Club on Facebook
- CEMGC Invitational event result, report, photos and update on the CEMGC Facebook page
- CMGC website

Related blog posts:
- CEMGC Invitational Minigolf Tournament

- Playing the Dunton Hills Miniature Golf Course in West Horndon, Essex

- Minigolf and Crazy Golf in Essex
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour - List and links for all Miniature Golf courses visited to date