Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Minigolf in Valencia, Spain

A visit to the Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain.


Emily recently swung by the Minigolf course in the park near Pont del Regne in Valencia, Spain. It looks like an interesting layout.

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
The course looks like fun

The course became the 739th visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour and we've now visited or played minigolf in eleven overseas countries.

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
A fine looking park square

A map of the area. The minigolf course is near to Parc Gulliver - a theme park with a Gulliver obstacle course
A map of the area. The minigolf course is near to Parc Gulliver - a theme park with a Gulliver obstacle course 

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
At first glance this hole looks like it's got a strange obstacle on the green

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
A closer look reveals it to be a Natural Gas outlet pipe!!!
 
Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
Quite a looping u-turn

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
An uphill shot to a plateau

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
An easier uphill shot

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
A bridge of sorts

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
Looks like it could be quite aceable

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
A view of the course from the shade

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
The holes under cover are a little too covered!

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
Shady

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
Leafy

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
Tricky to play

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
Another aceable hole...

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
Tough route to the green

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
A bit of a zig zag

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
Uphill to an elevated green

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
Quite a block hole

Minigolf course in Valencia, Spain
Another view of the course and some of Valencia's skyline


Some of our minigolf stats since 2006:
- 739 courses visited overall
- 711 in the UK
- 28 overseas - in 11 countries
- 433 played

Related blog posts:
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Spain

Adventure Golf at Bents Garden and Home

A visit to the Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf course at Bents Garden and Home in Glazebury.


Emily recently visited Bents Garden and Home in Glazebury, Cheshire for an afternoon of minigolf on the new 9-hole Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf course.

Pro Minigolfer Emily Gottfried at Bents Garden and Home

During her time at the course Emily was on hand to provide minigolf hints and tips as well as enjoy some putting challenges and rounds with visitors at the centre.

Two-time WMF World Adventure Golf Masters women's champion Emily tees-off the minigolf event at Bents Garden and Home
Two-time WMF World Adventure Golf Masters women's champion Emily tees-off the minigolf event at Bents Garden and Home

Emily said "I really enjoyed my afternoon at Bents Garden and Home. I played the 9-hole course with four different families, playing the holes, demonstrating potential shots and discussing the merits of minigolf as a hobby. All the children and adults were very good, with some excellent shots and potential stars of the future taking part!"

Adventure Golf course at Bents Garden and Home
Emily in action on the Adventure Golf course

"My best score around the 9-holes was 21. There are a few very ace-able holes and the course is spectacularly themed, with huge animatronic dinosaurs peppering the course, making the layout really exciting for the young and old."

Emily signing an autograph at the minigolf event
Emily signing an autograph at the event

"The highlight was playing three-generations of a family who had travelled from near Southport to meet me, learn some techniques and try to beat me. The youngest member of the family was incredibly good and was leading the round until the very last hole when he unfortunately took a few too many shots, leaving me in the lead at the end of the round."

"I’d like to thanks Bents for their hospitality, and all the families whom I played against for making it a really successful event."

Adventure Golf course at Bents Garden and Home
The themed kiosk at the course

The Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf course became the 738th course visited on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour since 2006.

Visit the Bents Garden and Home website for more information, opening times and prices for the Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf course.

The Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf course at Bents Garden and Home has proven to be incredibly popular. So much so that a new Pirate-themed minigolf course will be opening there next Spring!
The Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf course at Bents Garden and Home has proven to be incredibly popular. So much so that a new Pirate-themed minigolf course will be opening there next Spring!

Links:
- Bents Garden and Home
- Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf

Related blog posts:
- Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf at Bents Garden and Home in Glazebury
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Celebrating nine years gluten free

Marking my Coeliac Anniversary - my Coeliacversary.

Nine years ago today I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and began my journey into the world of all things gluten free.

Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Coeliac Disease, the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them. This can trigger a number of painful, stressful and uncomfortable symptoms.

Richard Gottfried - Coeliac Crazy Golfer
I'm still alive and kicking as I've avoided gluten (my Kryptonite) since 2008

Having suffered from a range of symptoms for around ten years I finally received a positive diagnosis of Coeliac Disease following some 'interesting' tests and procedures in 2008. It came as a relief to finally have a name for the mysterious cause of my illnesses and ailments, but at the time I was only given a brief summary and told that I'd have to "cut down on bread and beer". It was only later when I met with my Gastroenterologist and a dietitian that I found out that the only treatment for people with Coeliac Disease is a strict, life-long gluten free diet.

I can't thank Emily enough for her help and support throughout my struggles with the illness. She's been bloody marvellous.

Playing at Strokes Adventure Golf in Margate
We've tried not to let Coeliac Disease get in the way of things and we're always keen to get out and about to explore new places and try different things. Check out this minigolf/gluten free/coeliac awareness crossover blog post for example

Working together we've plotted the minefield of 'going gluten free' and barring the odd 'explosion' along the way we've found what works for us. At home we're a Gluten Free Zone, however there are a lot of hazards when I venture outside the house. I've reached the point now that except for anywhere that can offer 100% gluten free food and zero risks of cross-contamination I've more or less given up on dining out. The last meal out we had together was in Leeds last December. Happily we've got a return meal at 2 Oxford Place booked for later this month.

I do often wonder how many manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and take-aways consider the impact selling gluten free products (or not) has on their bottom line? If I find somewhere offering gluten free options and no cross-contamination then I'm going to spend some money there (my Coeliac Pound if you will). Plus I'll tell other Coeliacs. A Coeliac will travel a long way to eat safely and with confidence.

While having a life-long condition such as Coeliac Disease can be a pain - and horrible if I 'get glutened' - having the disease has had some positives. I've met great people since my diagnosis and have made some brilliant friends who I've met through Coeliac groups. I've also blogged a lot about living with the condition and the food and drink I've found since 2008.

My life as a Coeliac. In LEGO form
Why I avoid gluten

Thank you to everyone for their support, tips, help and recommendations over the years. It's been very much appreciated.

For more info do check out NHS Choices and Coeliac UK.

You can also view the first blog post I wrote about gluten free / Coeliac stuff at 'Gluten Free Fish & Chips at Rossi's in Swansea'.

Related blog posts:
Coeliac
- Gluten Free
- Funny things about being a Coeliac

Links:
- Coeliac UK
- Coeliac Disease on NHS Choices

Monday, June 12, 2017

Mini Golf Set from Lidl

Picking up a new miniature golf game for my collection.

When I popped to Lidl to buy some Feta cheese to go with our tea yesterday I didn't expect to return with a Mini Golf Set. But I did.

99p for the Feta cheese. £9.99 for the Mini Golf Set

What you get in the box - two putters, two balls, two holes, four obstacles, scorecards and an instruction book. It's a well made set and the obstacles work when you putt throughover them

There are twenty scorecards in the pad - with details in German, English and French

A closer look at the obstacles - gate, seesaw, climb and wavy track

Links:
- Lidl
- Crazy Golf Museum 

Mini Majors at MiniLinks in Lytham St Annes

The MiniLinks course in Lytham St Annes hosts competitions on its Par 3 Golf Course throughout the year, with special Mini Majors held to coincide with the big major tournaments in golf. Next up is the Mini US Open from the 15th to 18th June, with the Mini Open Championship in July and the Mini PGA Championship in August.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Mini Masters events regardless of background, ability or skill.

The MiniLinks course at Lytham St Annes is open all year round. Check out the MiniLinks website and competition page for more info, opening times and prices.

The Crazy Golf course at the MiniLinks golf centre in Lytham St Annes was the 48th played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour way back in April 2008.

MiniLinks in Lytham St Annes
The Crazy Golf course and MiniLinks Par 3 course back in 2008

Since then I've heard the Crazy Golf area has been improved and a Pennines Putting course has been added. I'm looking forward to a return visit to play the three layouts at MiniLinks.

Friday, June 09, 2017

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf courses in East Anglia

Visiting two new Adventure Golf courses in East Anglia

While recently visiting friends and family in East Anglia we headed along to two relatively new Mini Golf courses. Both are Congo Rapids Adventure Golf layouts, with one at Norwich Family Golf Centre in Norfolk and the other at Ufford Park Hotel in Melton, near Woodbridge in Suffolk.

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel in Woodbridge
A cannibal's BIG cooking pot at the Ufford Park course

Unfortunately the weather and time wasn't on our side in either visit, however both courses looked really good and there were a number of obstacles and features we hadn't seen before.

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre
The BIG minigolf cave at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf in Norwich was the 732nd course we've visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour, while Congo Rapids Adventure Golf in Woodbridge became the 736th course visited since 2006.

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel in Woodbridge
A giant panda 'green' on one of the holes in Woodbridge

Visit the Congo Rapids Adventure Golf website for more info on the two venues, opening times and prices.

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre
A cheeky monkey 'green' in Norwich

Links:
- Congo Rapids Adventure Golf
- Congo Rapids Adventure Golf Norwich
- Congo Rapids Adventure Golf Woodbridge
- Norwich Family Golf Centre
- Ufford Park Hotel

Related blog posts:
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Video:
- Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Schar gluten free goodies from Spain

Finding some different Schär gluten free products in Spain.

Emily was recently in Spain and picked up some Schär gluten free treats for me at the El Corte InglĂ©s supermarket.

Schär gluten free products from Spain
Emily bought four of the Schär products you can't buy in the UK

Schär gluten free products from Spain
I was particularly interested in the Choco Butterkeks! They were one of my favourite types of biscuit before I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease in 2008

Schär gluten free products from Spain
Luckily Emily got me two boxes

The last time Emily was in Spain I got this load of 'Sin Gluten' treats.

Links:
- Schar gluten free UK
- El Corte Inglés

Related blog posts:
- Gluten free
- Coeliac
- Spain
- Sin Gluten

Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man on the Isle of Wight

Windy Man Air Dancer spotted in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

Our friends Karl and Sophia spotted a Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man during their holiday on the Isle of Wight and sent along a snap to add to my 'collection'!

A Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man on the Isle of Wight. Photo by Karl Moles
A Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man on the Isle of Wight. Photo by Karl Moles

I've only seen this type of Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man at ground level once before. That one was in Flimwell, while en route to Hastings for the World Crazy Golf Championships in 2012. The only other time I've seen the blue Air Dancer was above a shop on the seafront at Bridlington in 2015.

Related blog posts:
- Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man
- Isle of Wight

World Crazy Golf Championships in Hastings

All the best to the 57 players from three countries playing in the 15th annual World Crazy Golf Championships in Hastings this weekend.

55 UK players, along with former champion Olivia Prokopova from the Czech Republic and Portugal's Nuno Cunha, will compete on the 18-hole Crazy Golf course at the Hastings Adventure Golf Complex this Saturday and Sunday.

World Crazy Golf Championships in Hastings
Playing the potential round-killer second hole at Hastings Crazy Golf course in my last tilt at the title back in 2015

I look forward to seeing who finishes in 17th place...

Related blog posts:
- Crazy Golf in Hastings
- Back at Hastings Adventure Golf

Monday, June 05, 2017

Manchester's Junkyard Crazy Golf course is on the move

New Junkyard Golf Club venue in Manchester.


Junkyard Golf Club in Manchester is on the move and heading to a new and improved permanent venue at First Street. The Junkyard Crazy Golf course has had two successful spells as a pop-up at the Great Northern Warehouse and its current location in Piccadilly.

Junkyard Golf Club in Manchester
Junkyard Golf Club's course is certainly crazy

The last rounds of Crazy Golf at the current spot in Piccadilly Place will be played on the 20th August, with play at the new course set to tee-off on the 24th August.

Junkyard Golf Club in Manchester
A loop-di-loop I actually did well on. Despite the fact it's made out of an old tyre!

There are currently two Junkyard Golf Club locations - Manchester and London - with a third site to open in Oxford later this year. The London venue has three courses at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.

The Junkyard Crazy Golf Club courses in Manchester's Piccadilly Place were the 718th and 719th courses visited on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour last November and in January this year they became the 421st and 422nd played.

Visit the Junkyard Golf Club website for more information.

A 'tickable list' I won't be attempting to complete

Finding a new tickable list activity in Stockport.

On our way back from a visit to the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery last week we had a wander and a look at some of the interesting architecture we have in the town. Crossing the road from Stopford House - itself a stark example of Brutalism, and the setting for the police station in Life on Mars - we had a look across the town's landscape from atop a wall in a car park on Piccadilly. It was only when we were walking down the stairs that we noticed this plaque.

Piccadilly Retaining Wall No. 3 in Stockport
Wow

Now, we do like a tickable list activity. Well, we'd have to considering we've visited more than 700 miniature golf courses in the last ten and a bit years after first seeing a list of 600 back in 2006. We're also part way through visiting all the parks and green spaces in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport after the Friends of Alexandra Park suggested it as a pleasant way to pass the time. We've been to ten out of the 33 listed so far, plus five that were not on the list. But to start finding all of these structures would be utter madness.

Piccadilly Retaining Wall No. 3 in Stockport
The plaque in place on the refurbed wall

I'm sure my fellow members of the Dull Men's Club will be intrigued to know there are - at least - 669 such structures in Stockport.

Piccadilly Retaining Wall No. 3 in Stockport
Another view of the retaining wall

I'm a fan of funny signs and I've seen some comedy plaques in the past so I had a look online to see if I could find a mention of any of the 669+ such structures. I indeed found a partial list. A list which showed the cost to refurbish the wall was £65,967.

Stopford House in Stockport
Brutalist architecture at its finest

Related blog posts:
- Stockport
- Dull Men's Club

Sunday, June 04, 2017

Junkyard Crazy Golf in Oxford

New Junkyard Crazy Golf course opening in Oxford.


I've heard that the team at Junkyard Golf Club are opening a new course in Oxford later this year.

Junkyard Crazy Golf course in Manchester
Junkyard Golf Club's brand of Crazy Golf isn't run of the mill

It's a smart move as Oxford has been crying out for a minigolf course for years. While there are three minigolf layouts in the city these are in parks on the outskirts, rather than in the city centre.

Growing up in nearby Abingdon I was sad to hear that the town's only Crazy Golf course was recently removed to make way for a new play area. At least people in the town can soon head over to Oxford for a game.

Junkyard Crazy Golf course in Manchester
Part of the glow-in-the-dark section of the Junkyard Crazy Golf course in Manchester

Junkyard Golf Club currently has two locations - Manchester and London - with the Manchester course soon to be moving to a new permanent space at First Street after two successful spells as a pop-up at the Great Northern Warehouse and in Piccadilly. The London venue has three courses at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.

The two 9-hole Junkyard Crazy Golf Club courses in Manchester's Piccadilly Place were the 718th and 719th courses visited on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour last November and in January this year they became the 421st and 422nd played.

Visit the Junkyard Golf Club website for more info.

The Cheshire Line Tavern

A visit to the Cheshire Line Tavern in Cheadle.

As a bit of a train nerd it was marvellous to find out that a nearby disused railway station on our doorstep is now a pub!

The Cheshire Line Tavern in Cheadle
The Cheshire Line Tavern in Cheadle

The station opened as Cheadle North in 1866 and at one time was a double track line and saw more than 200 trains pass through a day!

The Cheshire Line Tavern in Cheadle
The single track line and former station last November

The station closed to passengers in 1964.

The line itself is still in use for freight, and the occasional luxury charter. Unfortunately we didn't see any pass by while we were in the pub. However, I've seen a handful of trains on the Mid Cheshire Line since we moved to the area last summer.

The Cheshire Line Tavern in Cheadle
We didn't see any trains pass by our window seat on our visit last November

Visit the Cheshire Line Tavern's website for more info.

Links:
- Cheshire Line Tavern
- Disused Railway Stations

Related blog posts:
- Train nerdery
- Disused stations
- Cheadle
- Pubs