Waiting walking windows and a wheely good time

A little thin on the ground this evening due to some late unexpected no shows and the unavailability of some regulars but never mind - the show always goes on.

7 of us set off for the 3k jog down to Belgrave and our target task - the windows of the Lohana Centre.

I think there had been a breakdown in communication at the task site because they certainly hadnt put out any equipment for us but fortunately Mel and I had seen fit to go and buy some proper window cleaner before hand - past experience had proved the stuff supplied before just did not really work.

We let ourselves in, sorted ourselves out, I think we were appreciated. Big celebrations for Diwali tomorrow, the festival of light! Well there will be plenty of light coming in through those windows now that we have dealt with them.

After the task, a power walk along the narrow terraces of old Belgrave. On our left the site of one of Leicesters largest employers - the British United Show Machinery Co, now just a car park, industrial units and a few shops. At 4.30 every day when I was a kid growing up nearby 5000 workers would pile out of that site on foot on bikes and a few in cars - enough of this nostalgia!

As we passed by the doorfronts Mel explained to Frank and others the significance of the Rangoli patterns adorning the thresholds - each pattern representing a prayer that guests bring in as they cross the door.

Our walk ended at the Leicesters Wheel of Light, especially commissioned for the Diwali celebrations and later it will be moved to Jubilee Square for the English Christmas.

After a bit of bartering dodgy Dave had negotiated a group deal and we joined the queue for a spin and a chance to see the Diwali lights from the air.

"Something I have always wanted to do " said Frank. "I was planning on having a go on this at some point but I thought I might need a drink or two first for courage" said Jen "My James will never believe it when I tell him I have been on this"

It is usually freezing cold at 100 feet in November but the weather gods had provided a mild night so we cold enjoy the spectacle in relative comfort. No one screamed, no one barfed, no one passed out and most important of all no one fell out!!! - fair grounds to say in a roundabout way that the night had its ups and downs but this circle of friends had a wheely good time.