Andrew's activity

Italians say 'Christmas with your close family; New Year's Eve with who you want'. Last year we walked to our local trattoria (we booked beforehand) and enjoyed a long and sumptious meal of local specialities; accompanied by Karaoke from the starters to the end of the night complete with firework display out in the street. We (me, Jean and daughter Becky) were the only English people in the place, but sat near a family from Sri Lanka visiting their son who is a waiter at the place. I must say that we had a great night; the other 60 or so locals made us feel immediately part of the 'family', tables were soon pushed together, and although I can't remember how much we paid (or to tell the truth walking home); worth every euro. Thoroughly recommend staying local if you can; helps integrate into the local community, and helps feel part of things for the year to come. Word of warning; occasionally the festive spirit encourages youngsters (and not so young) to have a few and then drive. If you're out and about, beware of the main roads about 2/3 in the morning of 1 Jan; some drivers think that the police are on a night off, and these drivers can be looney. Drink; or drive; but not both. p.s. If anyone wants to join us; they are more then welcome, as I know where we'll be bringing in the New Year.

Hi Hector; We assisted with picking in Vennarota last week; very poor crop though compared to last year. Fingers crossed for next year then!

Bill and Sheila Dumelow must have chosen their staff carefully; as they did with their potatoes from Edge Brothers and Smalley, delivered by yours truely. Lidl didn't have Sarson's vinegar even during English week, however the mustard is very good as is the approximation of Branston Pickle. I can also reccomend the porridge and the Crunchy Peanut Butter during American promo.

We went to the Fritto Misto event in Ascoli Piceno where there was a stall offering 'Fish & Chips" English style. On the counter was a 'shaker' of Sarson's Malt Vinegar. Obviously suffering from a bout of nostalgia we decided to profit from the offer of 'Genuine English Fish and Chips' so that we could have a dribble of Sarson's. Chatting to the guy who served the 'Fish & Chips' he told us that he'd brought the shaker of vinegar over when he last came from UK, and he couldn't get supplies here in Marche. Needless to say he was quite busy, and as he disappeared into his smokey and chip shop smelling world he took the 'Sarson's' with him. Anyway; nice little story I reckon; morale della favola; no Sarson's to be had here, use the red wine vinegar if I were you. We do the same as Badger and are perfectly happy with the results. p.s. The 'Genuine English Fish and Chips' were slightly worse than those offered at about 11;30 in the evening in Matlock Bath after the pubs have closed. 

Cheers Joy; It's a date! I'll be there at the appointed time and will be wearing a red rose. Many thanks for the excellent service; to be recommended folks! Andrew

Tahnks Joy; I'll look forward to hearing from you; plese can you use jeppo678@virgilio.it as I don't check the ItalyMag site very often; Many thanks again; Andrew

I have a question for you; I represent an English company who supply training aids for Rugby. These include contact training shields that measure 70cms x 35cms x 21cms; weigh 1.8 kgs. I need to bring over 10 of these shields but the courier price is prohibitive. I had an 'out of the box' thought that maybe these items could be used to support/cushion items in your load whilst travelling over here. We live near Ascoli Piceno and could arrange a mutual offload point to suit. The shileds themselves are not delicate; reasonably soft, and could be split into individual items to suit your needs. They would be available at Rhino Rugby; London W4 and would be prepaid etc. I'd appreciate your thoughts; Andrew

if you go to www.codicefiscale.com you can calculate your CF without referering to any residence, only your birthplace. Also English version available.

Nick; drop me a line at jeppo678@virgilio.it as this site doesn't always work properly. Our 'Old Boys' organiser would like to contact your group. Cheers Andrew

Hi Nick Great to read your reply even after all this time; I'm involved with the club in Ascoli Piceno (Marche), and they too have an 'old' section; the 'BeerBanti' supported by their respective ladies; the 'Badanti'. Formed only a few months ago, they have already competed in Livorno at the tourny run by the Pirates, and yesterday played in Jesi at the tournament to celebrate 40 years of Jesi Rugby. They are very active also in the promotion of Rugby, particularly as many are parents of children in our junior section in Ascoli Rugby. I occasionally run them a guest coach session (I'm; for my sins; an IRB Coach Educator), although they have a good coach who actually played for me when I coached San Benedetto del Tronto Rugby many years ago. Having won our division with a game in hand our 1st team were over in Tuscany recently; we played Siena in the first of a 3 team playoff for promotion to 'B' division. Although we beat the other team in the 3-way from Ancona (division above us) Siena simply out-muscled us, and at times it resembled Mike Tyson vs. Heidi. Fair play to our lads however; they fought hard for 80 minutes and scored as consolation try in the last minutes. Siena were hard but fair, and the match was a good example of clean tough Rugby. I must say that I always enjoy the company on and off the field of our 'Beerbanti', and they certainly know how to run a 'third half'. They try also to persuade me to play, but I try to tell them that I'm too young (I'm actually 58) but I think pretty soon it will be boots on, gumshield in, and car keys to the missus to drive home after the 'third half'. If you manage to get along to any Cavilieri Prato games, the coach - Andrea di Rossi - is a great mate. We spent a good bit of time together when I was involved with the Italian national team for RWC 1999/2000, and he is truely a brill bloke. If you meet him a big 'Ciao!' from Jeppo. I also placed a lad with Firenze in 'A' division - Seb Moss - and as far as I know he's signed for next season also. So, who knows; maybe we'll meet up at some event in the future; if you're travels bring you to our neck of the woods there's always a cold beer or three ready! Ascoli Rugby successfully staged the international between Italy and Samoa; and have been asked to host another international, so there's another excuse...(as if we need one...); All the best Andrew