Villa

Become a member of the Ladies Lions Club

Join the "Ladies Lions" Aston Villa Supporters Club! I have recently set up the very first and unique Aston Villa Ladies Lions Club, being a Lions Club member has many benefits: Personal contact at Villa Park. Tiered System of benefits, rewards and incentives Light Blue, Claret & Gold. Free Match day Programme sent to Chairmans address via post. (Tiered Branches) 10% commission on Ticket sales per branch who sell over 20 per game (paid in Villa Vouchers). 10% Discount from Villa Village & City Centre Store 20% Discount on Bulk Orders over £250.00 in one transaction. Membership Card Access to Holte, Houghton, Targett or Gordon Cowans Suites on Matchdays. Home Tickets Availability: Up to 20 every home game per branch. Away Tickets Availability: Group Booking availability: Over 50 Tickets per Group Booking selected Fixture. Supporters Club annual awards evening. Exclusive Discounted Lions Club Merchandise. Players Awards / Presentations. Former Player Meets. Supporters Club evenings in Holte Pub Supporters Club Website. Match Day Programme Interview and Feature. Aston Villa Events Chairman’s Day – End of season Reward. I welcome members from near and far, both male and female welcome to join! For more information on the Ladies Lions Club or if you'd like to join please e-mail me by clicking here.   Permalink:# Posted by Kelly on 16.02.2010; 9:41:42 PM from the Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [0]

I'm backing MON

Someone daft said "he's taken us as far as he can". They weren't saying that when we were third with two thirds of last season gone. They weren't saying that when we annihilated the noses 5-1, when we beat Chelsea, outplayed ManUre, beat the Arse at their place, did the double over the baggies, the amazing 4 all at Chelsea, when we went to the sty and turned them lot over again. No, back the man, he's earned the right to it. Show some patience, and respect, MON haters!   I should point out that a lot of the above is tongue-in-cheek. Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 29.08.2009; 6:17:39 PM from the Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [0]

Paul Birch

Another legend gone. Paul Birch, who stuck with Villa through thick and thin, and never gave any less than 100% for the cause, has lost his brave battle with cancer, at just 46. Paul famously marked the then best player in the world, Lothar Matthaus, out of our UEFA Cup match with Inter. Another Holte Ender in the Sky. Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 03.02.2009; 9:18:24 PM from the Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [0]

Gone, but not forgotten

Johnny Dixon, RIP. Last Villa captain to lift the FA Cup. Vic Crowe, RIP. Former player, captain, and succesful manager. The manager of the first Villa side I knew, who handed the club on in an infinitely better state than he inherited it. Thank you to them both. I'll always remember Johnny talking about thinking about having the FA cup off the Queen, ten minutes before the final whistle, with a glint in his eye. Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 30.01.2009; 7:54:39 PM from the Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [0]

Gareth Barry Wedding

Well, I get so many referrals from people searching for "Gareth Barry Wedding" I thought I might aswell put something here about it. Erm, he got married, to Louise, last year, and it is alleged that Steven Gerrard was gutted to miss out. So there you have it, an answer to you good people trying to find out. Gareth Barry is married, and has very kindly also promised to stay at Villa Park if we can qualify for the (don't need to be) Champions League, I'm sure fellow Villains you're all very flattered. Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Barry! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 13.12.2008; 7:45:29 PM from the Villa dept. Discuss (3 responses) Comment [3] Trackback [0]

Finally! We didn't lose to them lot! Yay!

A point. One point. . <- one of those 1 POINT! Might not mean much to you, but it meant an awful lot to me today, to finally turn up and compete against ManUre - and we emerged with a richly deserved draw, and ought to have had a penalty but the referee left his nads at home. Jimmy Milner ran his socks off - they all did, so pleasing to see us dumping ManUre players on their backsides, and shutting the most arrogant, bullish and bothersome fans in all of deepest Cornwall and so on up at last. Well done me babbies! Up the Villa! 4th now! :) Here's a little shot of Ronaldo (or should that be Reinaldo, Mandy's mate?) Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 22.11.2008; 10:24:12 PM from the Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [0]

Missing Posts!

No, not John Carew banging the ball into the back of the net, but our site host's server going up the Swannee and this site losing the last few posts. From memory (admittedly mine is poor) I can think of a Vicki update, a Normandy holiday update, the 46664 concert review, Kell's birthday wishes, a bit about the new season at Villa Park, and er, I can't remember. Please email me and remind me what else we need to repost, please. Sorry about the outage and data loss, folks. Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 28.10.2008; 3:30:03 PM from the Married Life, Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [0]

Back soon!

Hi folks, just to say I haven't gone away and forgotten all about our wedding blog, I'll be posting an update next week! Keep smiling... Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 22.08.2008; 10:10:44 AM from the Married Life, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Spring Bank Holiday

So the season ended for Villa with a satisfying sixth place, and a spot in the Intertoto Cup. Another year of improvement, after an eleventh place the season before. A run in one of the Cups would have been nice, but never mind. We've now lost a few squad players, and new signings seem imminent, with the likes of Steve Sidwell, Brad Guzan, David Bentley etc all expected to sign for us. Here's hoping... On to us! We had a great morning at the Villa back at the beginning of May, for Football Aid. Our Craig played at central midfield, along with site host and friend Lee at, initially, left back before he moved to right back. That sort of versatility could get him noticed! The lads both played well in searing heat, and special mentions must go to the two Managers - Chris Nicholl and Charlie Aitken, along with legend Pat Heard who played a blinder. Sadly they narrowly lost but it didn't dampen an unforgettable event for them. Better luck next time! Here's a few shots of the match:        At the end of May, my gorgeous wife Kelly and I took a very much needed and well deserved break - this time, as ever, we went via the Eurostar and TGV, down to the South of France. This time we went from the rebuilt St. Pancras station - which was very nice if you like glass and shops. Not a lot of heritage left there, sadly, of the old interior, although the building itself remains iconic. We arrived in Aix En Provence on the Friday afternoon, after whizzing down through France at 200mph+ for three and a half hours. We picked up our hire car, and tootled off to our hotel, the Aquabella in Aix. We had three lovely nights here, with the weather being nice until we left on the Monday morning, by which time it had turned rather ugly. Here's my beautiful girl in the old town of Aix, chilling out, along with one or two shots of Aix and ugly me by the Rotonde!        Then we drove on to Cannes, home, of course, to the world famous Cannes International Film Festival, which has closed the day before we arrived, so we didn't get to see any stars. We did see the hotels bedecked in Hollywood paraphinalia for each film that sponsored the hotel, and the red carpet was still there, albeit somewhat soggy. We stayed at the Sofitel Mediterrane,which has a charm to it, but is a little dated in places. We didn't get to sample the outside pool, as it constantly poured with rain. Whilst in Cannes, we drove over to Grasse to visit the Fragronard perfume factory, and get a few gifts for the family, and then plonked ourselves in a local bar, the Equator, where we met some lovely people, Tim, who's a big Villa fan (this nutter and his Dad fly back for every home match and almost all away games!) and his lovely Mom and Dad, Rog. They are all lucky enough to have moved to the sunshine, with Roger & Cynthia recently completing to move up the road from Tim and his lovely wife Sandra - good luck on your new home folks, great to meet you! As it would be rude not to, we went out for a meal and several drinks with Tim & Sandra, and as I said to Tim the other day, me and him would still be sat there now, drinking, if it wasn't for our trusty wives! Anyway, great to see you both, hope to see you soon.      Of course, it was our First Wedding Anniversary on the 26th, and a year that has flew past. Kell and I had bought each other some little mementoes for our Anniversary, and we had a lovely night out too - thank you for a wonderful year babe, you are the best wife anyone could ever wish for xxxx I love you more with every passing day, if that's possible, and life wouldn't be complete without you xxx Thank you for making me so happy darling xxxx We ended our little break with a couple of nights back at our Honeymoon hotel - Kell couldn't resist seeing as we were so close to the area! So we checked into the Le Meridien Juan les Pins for the last couple of nights, and had a wonderful time, despite the weather still not having improved. It was lovely to see the place again, and lie in bed and see the sea! We had a great time, if only the weather had brightened up it would have been perfect. Anyway, we then went back to Aix for a night, before we got the TGV back to Lille on the Sunday, and the Eurostar back to London, before sitting in traffic for an hour and a half trying to get out of the place. Next time I think we'll go from Ebbsfleet International, give that a try. Just means going over that dreaded Jubilee Bridge! Finally, for this update, we were lucky enough to go to the Nelson Mandela 46664 concert at Hyde Park last week, and without any doubt the highlight was when the great man came on stage and spoke. I had a lump in my throat and a bit of grit in my eye, I think! More on that lovely night soon. Thanks for sticking with us, the hits on the site are as ridiculously high as ever! My next Q&A is coming up, this time with a Villa man, and a good friend of mine... Cheers! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 06.07.2008; 1:11:15 PM from the Married Life, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [0]

5 trophies on display, and a cooking lesson.

Kell & I were fortunate enought to be invited for a cookery lesson from the great chef himself, Marriappan Sethurajapillai  or Murray as he's known, the other week. Murray!  We had talked about wanting to have a go, but were never bold enough. When Murray asked us though, we had to say yes! He's a great chef, ably assisted by his staff at The Mango Tree, and it was something we both looked forward to doing. So, when the Friday came, it was with baited breath and plasters at the ready (me and knives are not a good mix) that we turned up, had aprons put on us, and watched and learned. We saw how to make chilli chicken curry, a vegetable dish, chicken with vegetables curry, and king prawn curry. We also had a demonstration of the fantastic clay oven and the nan breads being cooked. Murray explained and demonstrated how to cool a curry down, warm it up a bit, how to chop correctly, how to know just how much of each particular spice was needed etc - all done in the spotlessly clean Mango Tree kitchen. We couldn't resist having a spoonful throughout the various stages of cooking, and that taste was sensational, as ever. The thing that amazed me was how quickly the food was cooked. It proved what we suspected - that we over-cook everything at home, and thereby we lose a lot of the flavours of the ingredients therein. Murray showed us how to make a general curry sauce, which was surpirisingly easy yet also easy to spoil, if you get my drift. Murray never once used anything other than natural ingredients, no bottled sauces, no tinned food, nothing frozen, all good, fresh and honest ingredients. No ghee to drown in either! Once we had finsihed cooking and learning, Murray took us through to the restaurant, where we enjoyed the fruits of our labour. Murray joined us, and proudly told us that he's to be a Dad again soon, so congratulations to him and his good lady. Also, talking of such things, Abdul, one of Murray's waiters, is to be wed next month, back in Southern India, so good lcuk to him too! Finally, we must mention the people behind the Mango Tree, the owners, Raj, Sangeeta, Anita and George who are all lovely people whom it is a pleasure to know - thanks to all of you. (See you at the Wine Tasting!).   After we'd filled our bellies (took a while in my case) we set off to Villa Park, somehwere else that is like a second/third home to us! For one week only, the Club had dusted off some of the many trophies our great club has won, and put them on display for Joe Public to have their pictures taken with. This was too good an opportunity to miss for us. We had a shot or two taken with the UEFA Super Cup, the European Champions Cup (better know as the Champions League), the League Cup, the FA Cup, and the League Championship. All bar the FA Cup won in my lifetime. When I first was taken down the Villa by my Mom and Dad, and later with Grandad Bourne aswell, and Uncle George, Villa were always winning things, and I thought that it would always be like that! Silly me, this is the Villa we're talking about - always let you down as Grandad used to say. It would have been my Grandad Geoff's 89th birthday today, Rest In Peace Grandad. I still remember you - he used to say I wore him out just looking at me! Typical thing for someone in our family to say! :) Anyway, here's the final picture, see what you think: I'm proud to say my daughter, Leanne follows the Villa with us, and I'm sure any child we may be blessed with will do the same, or they'll be in trouble! In other news, we have hosted Angela, Martin, Rebecca & Vicky (who has started a new job and career - good luck!), and then Dad, Carol and Nan for Sunday lunch and they all lived to tell the tale, with no mention of C Diff or anything like that! It was a pleasure to host you all, and I must say a huge THANK YOU to my gorgeous wife for working so hard for you all in the kitchen, she was so determined for you all to enjoy yourselves - thanks babe, I love you so much xxxx The house is on the market but the market seems flat at the moment, fingers crossed (we would like a detached place to settle down in, God willing) we'll sell soon, although saying that we haven't really found 'the one' to move into either. Buster has been a bit poorlier of late, but yet more trips to the Vets have seen her pick up again, she's a good old gal, always wagging that tail of hers, we are so lucky with her. My Nan has been rough too, in fact she's been rough so often she tells me now she's fed up of feeling rough. It's her eyes as much as anything, I really hope the new drops etc ease her problems...Mark recently celebrated his birthday - HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY MARK!!, as did Vicky, so HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY VICKY!! And on those happy notes, I'll sign off for now. Sorry it's been a while since I blogged, I've slapped my wrists and written my lines as penance! Must blog more often! Oh, and hello to a first time reader, Pelty! Hi Pelty! :)   Oh, and a very Happy Mothers Day to all Moms out there! Thank you to my lovely wife Kell for always being there for me - I love you babe so much, I hope the Earth moved for you on Tuesday night, it did for me!! xxxxx Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 08.03.2008; 12:02:47 PM from the Married Life, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Gone to the dogs!

Sorry for the delay between updates folks, been busy doing nothing during the evenings throughout January - a month I hate, my least favourite of the year. Well, I can't stand Winter full stop, gives me the blues. Actually, scrub that, can't have the word 'blues' on this site! Makes me miserable then! Anyway, one bright point of the month was a super night we had at Perry Barr Greyhounds Track. It was a night organised by the Aston Villa Former Players Association (see here: http://www.astonvillafpa.org/ ) that is run by Villa old boy Neil Rioch. Neil was actually the first Englishman to touch the ball during the 1966 World Cup Final - he was a ballboy and got first touch! How about that for a claim to fame? Anyway, Neil & the FPA work tirelessly for former players, raising many thousands for charity along the way. Heroes & Villains founder and editor, and esteemed author, Dave Woodhall very kindly put us in touch, and we were subsequently invited along to the annual dogs night. Every table is allocated a Villa Legend - we had our hopes and were very fortunate to be joined by the great Peter McParland - Villa's former Northern Ireland international, and scorer of the winning goals in both the 1957 FA Cup Final, and the 1961 League Cup Final. Peter is also famous, or is it infamous, for his perfectly legal shoulder barge on the Manchester United goalkeeper, Ray Wood, during the 57 final, that resulted in Wood suffering a broken cheekbone. As I say, it was perfectly legal, albeit rather unfortunate for Wood. Dad, Carol, Channy & a copy of Dave Woodhall's 'Aston Villa Miscellany' that was full of autographs by the end of the night! The legend Peter McParland, and his guest Malcolm. Peter McParland is my Dad's boyhood hero, so it was extra special for us all when they got to meet each other. Dad looked like he was ten again, beaming from ear to ear! Great stuff. Dad and his hero, lovely picture. Us and Peter! The actual races themself were sullied by awful weather - it had tipped it down all day, and continued to do so all night, but that didn't dampen proceedings in the VIP  area, where we had a great night, tucking into a three course meal and drinks, and soaking in years of memories from Peter. He was a true gentleman - they say you shouldn't meet your heroes but that is entirely untrue in this case - the man is absolutely deserving of the title 'Legend'. Peter let slip his thoughts on some of the current squad and management, and believes that in Martin O'Neill we have the right man to take us back to the very top. We were also fortunate to meet Ian Taylor, Neil Rioch, Sir Brian Little (I checked and he does indeed walk on water),  a very friendly Mark Delaney - for a good while we bored him to death,  Gary Shaw, Leighton Phillips, and a few more.  Our winning dog was in Trap 5, 'Cons Bypass' and here we all are with him: The winning Pooch in our sponsored race, sorry about the chopping the heads off, aren't we Kell? xx Here I am with Sir Brian Little - walks on water - an honour to meet this man too. And finally here's me and our Craig with Ian Taylor, a great moment for us.   It was a truly memorable night, and I must thank my dear wife for doing all of the liasing with the FPA for us, thank you darling, I love you xxxx Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 06.02.2008; 12:28:43 PM from the Married Life, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Autumn in Paris - Business and pleasure! And egg chasing!

Nearly up to date! Just a quickie to say thankyou to my wife for a super weekend in Newcastle - we went to see the Villa draw one all with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (Villa played well and we met a few friendly Sunderland fans - nice people) and then, along with Vic and Bec, we went for a night out in Newcastle with the girl's Dad, Steve, and Step-Mom, Julie. We had a smashing meal at Marco Polo's (sea bass to die for), and a nice walk along to Tyne, along the quayside there. It's Steve's birthday on the 24th, so Happy Birthday to him for then! :) Thanks for a nice weekend baby, I love you xxxx Bec has the pictures from the night out so when we get them I'll add them. Come on Bec! So, in light of the French transport strikes, we elected to drive to Paris, and it was a doddle. The Peripherique, however, was a long, boring crawl! We finally arrived at our hotel in the Montparnasse district, in the early evening. The Hotel Concorde was pretty ok, no frills but we've certainly stayed in worse. The Friday saw us tootling off to the Paris Nord exhibition halls for the Equip Auto show, on a fact finding mission to see of it would be worth our while exhibiting there. Quite quickly we established that to do that would be a waste of time and money. It was more like a car spares exhibition than anything. Ah well, nothing ventured, nothing gained... The Eiffel Tower, and the giant Rugby ball! The Sky News team reporting by the Eiffel Tower  England fans get ready for the Big One (note the trolley full of beer!) So, back to our hotel...It was jam packed full, mostly of very nice and hospitable Kiwis, who were an absolute credit to their nation. We made some great friends, and they even did a Haka for us! Brilliant! There were also, boo hiss, some Wallabies staying there, although we did applaud them back into the hotel after the match. We were lucky enough to get tickets to then Rugby World Cup Final, and despite the Paris transport workers having lightning strikes an hour before the match started, we got to the Stade De France on time. The atmosphere was incredible, it really is difficult to put into words how it felt. When we sang the National Anthem it literally made the hairs stand up on the back of our necks. Sadly, although England made a brave effort, victory was not to be. We were near the "try that never was" and it bloody well was! Ah well. We still had a superb evening, one that we will never forget. We also popped down to the Eiffel Tower on the afternoon, where there were hordes of England fans, along with numerous TV reporters. We also educated ourselves in the art of getting around Paris via the Metro! Very brave of my wife that! Well done honey bunny! :) I love you so much xxxx What a super time we had, we are very, very lucky people. The national anthems - awesome.  Match action And now for some more pictures from our magic day! Beauty runs in the family! Here's Nan Shirley, and Angela & Carol looking lovely Here's the proudest and happiest man in the world, with his gorgeous Bride, lucky me! I love you baby xxxx Here we are back at Villa Park, outside the Players Lounge Thanks for your comments, and hello to Richard Moore and family! :) Kelly says thank you for your kind thoughts. Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 22.12.2007; 12:29:18 PM from the Married Life, Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [0]

My Babe's birthday - a trip to London

Still playing catch-up here, after a summer off! :) I think I've covered everything up to September. And September is a very special month, for not only is it my late Mom's birthday, it's also my lovely wifey's birthday. As ever, we went and saw Mom at the cemetry, and laid a wreath and said our prayers and 'talked' to Mom. Then we set off for a short break to London to celebrate Kelly's 25th birthday! On recommendation, we booked into the Royal Horseguards Hotel, supposedly with a river view. However, the room we were allocated didn't have a river view, but it did have one or two problems. I won't go into detail on a public forum such as this, but let's just say it wasn't as good as we'd hoped. Not to let this affect things, we set off on our first night for the West End - to see the stage version of Kell's all-time favourite film, 'Dirty Dancing'. I don't really know what we were expecting, but we both left feeling a little disappointed. The songs were all there, albeit sang without much feeling, by 'stage' singers. The story was there, again albeit let down by the on-stage falseness. The finale was great, but then so it was in the film! Dunno, but not the best show we've seen, it was still fairly enjoyable. It's always fun with our Kell! (Kell: It's always fun with you darling xx) Here's me and Kell in the water remaking the classic scene from the movie! Action from the theatre The next day we went sightseeing. We ventured up the road to the Trocadero, and in there found a rather odd new shop/exhibition/thing all about naughties! We didn't hang around, it all seemed very weird! Then we went to Garfunkels for a lovely long lunch, followed by a stroll down the Embankment, hand in hand, which was lovely. We ended up sitting on a bench watching the world go down the river, only to be joined by a Japanese man who promptly took his shoes off, fell asleep, and snored loudly! After laughing at that, we buggered off to the Imperial War Museum's War Cabinet Rooms. This place is excellent, a history-fest that had me filling my boots with WWII history. There was also the newly opened Churchill Exhibition that is well, well worth taking in. There's a feeling in the Cabinet War Rooms that really takes you right there to the War, and the brave souls involved. Thank The Lord for Winston Spencer Churchill, the greatest ever Englishman. V for Victory! The great man himself. We then returned to our hotel for a light tea, before setting off back to Theatre Land, this time to go and see Mamma Mia! for the second time. This certainly didn't disappoint! What an utterly, utterly brilliant show this is - I could watch it over and over again. (Kell: I could watch ot over and over again too it is a fantastic show and a must see!) My love was up and dancing at the end! :) (Kell: You were having a sing and a dance too baby, it was lovely to see you having so much fun! x) Brilliant night, we would recommend this to absolutely everyone, it's such a fun, feel-good show, with all the best ABBA songs each with a new twist to them. Plus, it's pretty much the only way / nearest you'll get to seeing ABBA on stage again (save for those endless tribute acts, I suppose). GO AND SEE IT! From the brilliant stage show... We aso ventured down to Knightsbridge, to see Mr. Al Fayed at Harrods, although our budget only stretched to the deli at Harrods2 over the road! I did buy myself some very cool designer jeans though - makes a change from my usual Marks and Spencer fashion efforts! We finished off the weekend with a ticket for the bloody Congestion Charge, and the drive home, and our heads full of wonderful, loving memories. Thank you for a lovely weekend babe, I hope you enjoyed your birthday? (Kell: I had a lovely birthday thank you darling, it was so special and I will treasure the weekend forever, it was so lovely spending the long weekend with you day and night and I shall treasure the many wonderful memories which we have from that weekend x Thank you so much for all of my presents too gorgeous, they were lovely and it was so very kind of you xxx I loved them all darling and I love you so very very much xxx) I was so pleased to see the smile on your face when you saw your flowers, it meant the world to me! (Kell: Thank you for my flowers they were beautiful darling and you mean the world to me my gorgoeus babe! xxx) All my love, Babe xxxxx (Kell: I love you with all my love, heart and soul always and forever darling, you are everything to me my darling husband xxx All my love, Kell xxxxxxxxxxxxxx) Oh, and here's some more Claret and Blue Wedding pictures, courtesy of Grandad Tony aka Lord Lichfield! The Wedding Party Me, my beautiful Bride, and Grandad Tony We even had claret and blue confetti! :) Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 14.12.2007; 9:58:06 PM from the Married Life, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [0]

And then they put us on the official Villa website!

So, after being flattered by the huge response to our programme appearance, we were absolutely stunned to log on to the 'News' section of www.avfc.co.uk - the official Aston Villa website, to see our story featured there! I couldn't believe my eyes, and had to check twice that I was indeed seeing my ugly mug and my wife's beautiful face looking back at me through the website. It was basically a copy of the programme story, but lovely all the same. So, a big thank you to all at the official website, led, I believe, by Geoff Coleman, and Jack Woodward. The site has had a mini-revamp lately, removing the hard to read from claret background and replaced it with an easier on the eye white. Here's the Claret and Blue Wedding story as it appeared that day: We had a lovely Sunday lunch at Shirley & Tony's yesterday - and a lovely glass of Tony's wine or three - THANK YOU! Sorry I snored all afternoon! :) We love you loads, and it's our turn next time! And to my wife, I must say sorry for the Villa putting me in a foul mood on Saturday! I love you so much my babe xxxxx Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 10.12.2007; 2:20:57 PM from the Married Life, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Aston Villa's Premier League Perfect Ten by Rob Bishop

Rob Bishop is the editor of the Villa programme, and a very nice man. He very kindly invited us to Villa Park, where we twice had lunch with him. On the first occassion, Rob asked me what my perfect Premier League top ten players were, along with a short narrative. This I did, and I'm honoured to have been included in the illustrious list of contributors: Rob Bishop, foreword by Martin O'Neill, Gordon Cowans, Dave Woodhall (author of many excellent Villa books), Brian Little (walks on water), and many other heroes of mine. The book is a great read, and an ideal pressie for a Villa fan, or any football fan at that. From Amazon: "Synopsis In sporting terms, a Perfect 10 simply cannot be bettered. When stars get this coveted maximum score, it means they are simply in a class of their own. Now, some of Britain's leading football journalists have adapted the phrase to pick up on a fascinating publishing challenge. They were asked to select a top club and name their "Perfect 10" list of players, using the timescale of the trail-blazing 1960's right up to the modern world of mega million fees and global transfers. There were no positional restrictions. Each prestigious list could contain ten centre-forwards, or just as easily have six wingers and four goalkeepers. In the case of Villa, author Rob Bishop chose to concentrate on the Premier League Years, post 1993. Other books in the "Perfect 10" series are: "Manchester United"; "Chelsea"; "Newcastle United" and "Glasgow Rangers." The end product is five individual paperback books of which "Aston Villa's Perfect 10" is one - encompassing golden memories, famous games and legendary individual performances. It features pages of personal debate as respected Midlands journalist Rob Bishop considers and dismisses the claims of some real superstars in his ultimate search for the greatest Villa Premier stars of them all. This book comes with a selection of classic images. " A bargain at £6.99! Best of luck with it, Rob, and see you for lunch soon! :)   Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 28.10.2007; 4:38:47 PM from the Married Life, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [0]

Q&A fun with our very own General! The legend that is General Charles C Krulak

We're very priveledged and proud to feature the Aston Villa FC Director, General Charles C Krulak, better known simply as "The General". The General has become something of a living legend at Villa Park, with his helpful persona and often very funny postings on some fan websites. He has solved many a problem for supporters, with an honest and pragmatic approach. Our friend Fergal and his son and niece recently had a nasty experience at the Liverpool match, that left Lyddia, Ferg's niece, afraid to return to Villa Park. The General heard of this and in an incredible gesture, invited them all to sit in th Directors Box for the next match, as his guest. Of course, they had a fantastic day, and The General can only be highly commended for his gesture. This is just one example of many instances over the last year and a bit. The General is also our owner, Randy Lerner's, right hand man. In addition to his sterling work for the Villa, the General has an illustrious US Marine career. He served as the 31st Commandant of the US Marine Corps from 1995-1999, aswell as being a veteran of both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. He also served as Deputy Director of the White House Military Office, aswell as advising the White House on military stratergy. The Generals medals and decorations include : Defense Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and two gold stars Purple Heart with gold star Meritorious Service Medal Navy Commendation Medal Combat Action Ribbon Presidential Unit Citation with bronze star National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star Vietnam Service Medal with silver star and two bronze stars Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars Sea Service Deployment Ribbon  Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (with Palm) Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) Quite something. On his retirement he rose to Chief Executive Officer for MBNA Europe, aswell as serving on Villa's Board he also serves on the Board of several US multi-nationals. He is married to Zandi, with two sons, David and Todd. So, that's the background to The General, here's his Q&A: What is your favourite place that you have visited? London, UK and Australia. Name something that you like about yourself.  My integrity.  Integrity is the only thing we really "own".  No one can take it from us...only we can give it alway.  Once given, it is very difficult to get back.  I have worked hard to keep my integrity. (Ian: Great answer, General, and one that's so true.) Who would play me in a film? John Cleese. (Ian: I can see that! You'd be good in a Monty Python sketch!) What is your dream car, and why? 007's Aston Martin.  Because it is such a classic sports car. (Ian: Sure is, we've all wanted to drive that I think!)   When did you first go to a villa game? 1st game of last season. Did Randy and the other Directors enjoy our wedding story? Randy and the Directors were aware of the wedding and enjoyed the very small part that the Club played in the saga. (Ian: Thank you, General, for the part that the Club played in our wedding, you gave us some unforgettable times.)  Do you collect anything, and if so what? I collect knives.  What are your top three all-time favourite musical artists? The Beatles, Neil Diamond, Elvis (Ian: Three absolute classics there, General, good choice.)   What is your favourite food? Kentucky Fried Chicken...although my wife will no longer let me have it...too much fat. (Ian: I know the feeling, General!)   What is your all-time favourite song? Hey Jude, by The Beatles (Ian: Good answer, this has been adopted by Villa fans for Luke Moore - na na na na na na naaaa Luuuuuke Moore!)   What is your all-time favourite villa player? Cannot answer this one...Directors should not have "favourites." (Ian: I bet it's Gareth Barry!) What is your fondest ever villa memory? Two of them:  1)  Last game, last season...82' Squad on the Pitch, scarves waving, great play by our lads.  2)  Beating Chelsea this year at home. (Ian: He's right, these were two brilliant games, the first for the 82 squad, and the whole atmosphere of the day, and the second was a brilliant atmosphere again.) If you could meet a famous person who could it be? Jesus Christ. Where do you envisage Villa being in 5 years time? A Squad that wins, consistently, and is playing in Europe. (Ian: Amen to that) Then The General signs off, as ever with "Semper Fidelis, CCK" Thanks again, General, for taking part, some super answers and a real honour to have met you at Bodymoor Heath on the Open Day. Our best wishes.   Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 15.10.2007; 8:43:48 PM from the Married Life, Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [1]

A day at Villa Park for pictures and also some more shots at Stonnall Church.

So, we returned from our lovely honeymoon. Back to the reality. Luckily for us, there was one more wonderful day we had in our diary before we went back to work - a date at Villa Park, for some more photographs, which was very, very kindly arranged for us by 'The General' (General Charles C. Krulak: Vietnam vet, holder of a Purple Heart, Randy Lerner's right hand man and champion of Villa fans, all round great guy) - THANK YOU GENERAL. Paul Thomas, of Paul Thomas Photography, met us at our local church, Stonnall Church and along with little Buster (our little old pooch) we had some more shots taken of us in our wedding outfits - with one or two minor changes to my attire. Angela joined us too, and even though she complained that she didn't look glam enough for her picture to be taken (she looked lovely) we sneaked a few in of her too! As always, Paul took some great pictures, and managed to get in the bushes as usual! Kelly, my wife, looked absolutely amazing again, she really did. See for yourselves here: Beautiful shots... Also, as I said, we had our little old dog, Buster with us. Buster is a Stafforshire Bull-Terrier Cross (who knows what with though) and has been with me for 12 years now. I got her from Birmingham Dogs Home, in Digbeth, and tried every girls name I could think of to see if she responded, and then every doggie name I could think of - the only one she pricked her ears up to was 'Buster' - hence a girl dog with a boy dog's nam! We think she's about 15 now, maybe a year younger or older, and she suffers with her health these days, the poor thing - although she doesn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort. Sadly, her eyes went a year or two back, now her hearing is pretty poor, and she has heart problems and a kidney tumour, that the vets say can't be operated on because of her age. We just try to keep Bust as comfortable as possible, and she wags her tail as much as ever! She comes with me to work every day, and just sleeps and sleeps and sleeps! She says her favourite holiday destination is Angela's - as there she can be more mischievious than ever! Thank you for caring for her, Angela x. Here she is doing her favourite thing apart from eating: From the Church we carried on to Villa Park, for a pre-arranged photo session there. The Villa were incredibly accommodating to us, allowing us free reign for our pictures - we had some taken on the pitch, in our seats, around the perimeter, in the Directors Box, and I even allowed myself a little sit in Doug Ellis' seat! A special thank you must go to Maz (was that right, babe / Angela?), The General, and Richard (again, is that right?) the Groundsman, and another thank you to Maz for letting us walk along the players tunnel, and out onto the pitch as the fanfare played - a moment that sent a shiver down my spine, it was a lifetimes dream almost fullfilled! We had a brilliant time, and Paul took some great pictures. Kell, babe, you looked as sensational as ever, the prettiest girl Villa Park has ever seen, I love you xxxx So, that's another update, and takes us up to the middle of June, and almost the last of our wedding celebrations! Thanks all, for sticking with us, we've had some big hits again just lately. See you soon! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 01.10.2007; 10:00:41 PM from the Honeymoon, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [0]

The Honeymoon - Part One!

So, that was our magical day, and what a day it was. We spent the night before apart, which neither of us liked, and in fact I was ready to get a taxi across to Angela's at about two a.m. to go and spend the rest of it with Kell, but I resisted, so as not to bring us bad luck! Kell was up bright and early, at about five in the morning, I think, to have her hair and make-up etc done, likewise the girlies did too. They all looked fantastic. The reception and speeches were super, with a special mention going to "If" and "Down the hole in the seat" moments! If you were there you'd know just what I mean! Then the night came, and Craig came to the fore, with his wedding singing. He was last seen being bundled away singing "Please Release Me" or something! We were dead on our legs well before then, though, and so pleased to get back home. Then we opened all of our cards, and took the pins etc out of my gorgeous bride's hair, which took ages, before a much-needed bed!   An early start the next morning saw the limousine coming for us at half seven, to whisk us in style to London Victoria station - thank you all for buying such an unforgettable gift for us, it was brilliant. An early morning mom to daughter call en route for further parrotting was necessary! (sorry girls!) , and we arrived not so fresh for check-in for the Orient Express journey to Paris. The first leg of the journey was on the British Pullman, and as it came into the station it was a sight to behold, resplendant and dazzling. Our carriage was 'Audrey' and she was beautiful. We were greeted on board by the Train Manager who gave us his congratulations for the wedding, before we indulged in the complimentary champagne. We then enjoyed a sumptious meal as we had a leisurely amble (in the persistent rain) to Folkestone Harbour station, where as we disembarked, there was a brass band playing for us. Lovely stuff, a journey never to be forgotten. - The British Pullman comes into view - fantastic. - The happy (but tired) couple outside Audrey. - A toast to Mr. & Mrs. Bourne! On the pop already! - Arrival at Folkestone Harbour station.   We then boarded a luxury coach for the journey through the tunnel, before we arrived at Calais Ville station, and then I saw it: The VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS. It was breahtaking, an image I shall treasure until my dying day, and one that still brings a lump to my throat. The train simply was the most beautiful machine you can imagine - it was everything we ever dreamt it would be, and more. The porters in their uniforms, the staff, and cabin, the dining car, the bar car - all were simply amazing, We were again greeted with the Train Companies very best wishes, before we settled in and explored our cabin, which was fantastic. A while later we went along to our restaurant car for a fantastic meal and a bottle of VSOP Champagne, which we drank as we cruised towards Paris. We finished our wonderful meal, guzzled some more champers, and moved to the bar car, complete with it's Baby Grand piano. This was just another unforgettable experience on a weekend full of them. Eventually, later than expected, we arrived at Paris Gare de L'est at around half ten, before we jumped in a taxi for our night at the Sofitel Bercy - dazed, drunk, tired and elated! - What a fantastic sight! You must all do this one day! - A tired looking Kell in our sumptuous cabin! - More champers and ready for our tea! - The famous bar car of the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Not a Poirot in sight! What a fantastic first day as a married couple, and here are some shots of the day. Kell, babe, our dreams came true that weekend, I love you xxx Ok, having consulted the diary that we kept of our honeymoon, I just need to add a thank you for the text messages that we recieved off Angela, Steve, Will, & Andy Evalast - thanks all. Also, especially for Angela - I need to tell you that so far, I had looked after Kelly! ;) Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 16.09.2007; 9:04:58 PM from the Honeymoon, Married Life, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [0]

The Wedding Day went perfectly!

Well, our Big Day finally arrived, and the weather was kind to us. We had a fantastic day, truly memorable, and my wife (I like saying that) looked absolutely stunning, she really was gorgeous. There's a nasty rumour going round that I actually shed a tear or two at the altar, but I'm sure a big brave lad like me wouldn't have done that! We've got a great DVD of the day, with spares floating around the midst of the two families - anyone that wants to borrow it get in touch with either me or Kell. We've also got some lovely photographs, the proofs of which can be seen online at www.ptpimages.co.uk - select Client Login, scroll down to 'Ian & Kelly Wedding' and click - you'll need a password, which is 'upthevilla'. Prints can be bought from there, off our brilliant photographer, Paul. I'll post more details and some pictures tomorrow night, hopefully, of our wonderful day. Just you wait 'til you see the shots of my wife in her beautiful wedding dress, she looked a million dollars! A huge thank you to all of you who helped organise things, I aim to do a roll-call at some stage, and thank you cards are being written as I type. Thank you for the hundreds of cards, the money (:-) ), vouchers, and gifts - you've all been so very generous, and we truly are very grateful - THANK YOU. The Honeymoon was brilliant aswell, and I must make a point of saying a big thank you to my brother, Mark, for orchestring the day for us as Best Man - he was great, it went off very smoothly. Be back soon.   --------Musical Interlude--------- And here we are, some nearly four months later! Here's a selection of pictures from our magical day, they show the new Mr. & Mrs. Bourne going down the aisle; the three tier wedding cake before it became a two tier! And the interior of the Mango Tree restaurant where we held our Wedding Breakfast, and finally to complete the day's proceedings, a lovely picture of the beautiful 3 sisters (Kelly, Victoria & Rebecca) and a very proud Dad (Steve). Unfortunately, I don't have many more shots from the day, as they are all in albums, and I'd hate to mess the albums up to try to scan some in, so these nice one's will suffice. A final big THANK YOU for everyone involved in making our Claret & Blue Wedding an unforgettable day and night xx That's it for the wedding, folks! Our next update will be life as newlyweds, starting with our honeymoon. Coming soon! I love you Kell, my perfect bride, you looked amazing, and no I didn't cry!! xxx I love you xxx (Kell: I love you too my darling husband! You are everything to me my babe, thank you for making our magical day so perfect, special and memorable xxx I'll never forget it baby xxx You looked gorgeous darling and I can't wait for us to do it all again when we renew our vows in years to come! The vows and the church were the best, most treasured part of our day and ooh darling, you did cry, I have evidence......The DVD of our wedding day!!! So if any of you would like to borrow it then you can see my special husband shedding tears on our magical day!!! xx I love you with all my heart and soul always and forever xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 18.06.2007; 1:56:37 PM from the The Big Day, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [1]

At long last, The Bride's Q&A, my darling Kelly

Well, here we are, finally arrived at the night before the wedding, just a few hours to go now. Today has been absolutely hectic, almost a nightmare, with tears shed along the way. Thanks to all of you who helped today: Bill, Sean, Patsy, Mark, Craig, Adam, Carol, Dad, Babs, Angela, Martin, Rebecca, Vicki, and Sean again. Thanks all of you, we got there in the end. Now it's time for my baby's Q&A, and I've saved the best for last! I love you so much my darling, and I can not wait to see you walk down the aisle to me tomorrow, it's a dream come true babe xxx Thank you for coming into my life and changing it the way you have, for making things complete, for being the wonderful person that you are, you are my world. I love you with all my heart, soul and body xxxx Well, I hate rushing, but I have to, so I want to re-write this after our wedding day! Thanks again to everyone, and a big thank you to all the people at Heroes and Villains aswell for the links off - cheers lads. What is your favourite place that you have visited?   Anywhere with my Babe, I really enjoy going to Provence with my babe as we spend special, quality, loving time together x   Name something that you like about yourself   My Eyes and Ian says my ability to make him laugh as he say’s I’m puddled!   Who would play me in a film?   Jordan, Julia Roberts and Uma Thurman (Say’s Ian!)   What is your dream car, and why?   I’ve got it - a Mercedes A Class   When did you first go to a villa game?   August 2003   What are you looking forward to the most at our wedding?   To seeing my gorgeous babe, walking down the aisle to him and saying I do, then walking back out as husband and wife then after that the Honeymoon!!   Do you collect anything, and if so what?   Our memories box, which has anything and everything in from the last five years Ian and I have been together and teddies….I have hundreds of them which over the years my babe has brought me   What are your top three all-time favourite musical artists?   Take That, Abba, Gary Barlow, Simple Minds, Dirty Dancing Soundtrack and The Manic Street Preachers   What is your favourite food?   A Roast Sunday dinner, pasta and crisps!   What is your all-time favourite song?   A million Love Songs, I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (Our Song!), A Book Of Brilliant Things and Chiquitita x   What is your all-time favourite villa player?   Gareth Barry and Tony Morley   What is your fondest ever villa memory?   The final home game of this season when the 1982 squad came out onto the pitch, holding my babe’s hand and seeing the look on his face was amazing, he loved it!   If you could meet a famous person who could it be?   Jordan and Gary Barlow       Thanks darling, you are my world xxxxx  our favourite picture together!  Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 25.05.2007; 10:08:46 PM from the Build-up, Married Life, The Big Day, Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [1]

The Groom's Q & A!

Well it's only two days to go until our big magical day! This week has flew by so far, there have been a few last minute little problems and panics which have have been very stressful moments but so far we have been able to resolve them and as I write this I can say that all the planning is going to plan and we are both really looking forward to our special day. (Ian: thank you so much darling for all of your hard work planning everything to the Nth degree - it's all proved wise in the end, despite my protestations! xx) Now this is probably the last post which I will have chance to make before our Wedding Day on Saturday as the next couple of days are looking very hectic for me, so I wanted to save my last post as they say "you always save the best till last!" as I write a few words for my husband to be and my babe has also done a Q & A for you all! Now before I write my few words for my husband to be I'd like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone out there who has shared our website and the build up to our magical day with us, we have really enjoyed building up this site to what it is now as it will be something that we will always have to look back on in years to come to re-live what will be a very special day to us. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone for all your good wishes and messages which you have sent xxx THANK YOU so much to Legion aswell for hosting our site, you have done a fantastic job - thanks Lee. (Ian: Yes indeed, we're very grateful to all of you who've emailed etc, I must just say hello to our viewers in Sweden, not onlt those that have come here via Damian's excellent avfcblog, but also those that have come here via Google or wherever, - Tack själv all av du till deras god tanken , den er värderat mycket. - Hope that's come out right! :-) ) Another thank you off me tomorrow for certain others too) Right, now I shall say a few words about my special husband to be. Darling, I'd just like to say thank you for letting me come into your life and for giving me the best nearly five years of my life and for making me the luckiest, happiest, girl alive xxx I love you so much xxx Thank you darling for everything you have done for me, you really do mean everything to me, my life without you would be empty my sexy babe, I truly love you xx Since we have been together we have shared so many happy, funny, precious, memorable times together and we've also shared some lows together that we have brought each other through and have always been there for each other. I am so very proud of you darling in everything you do x You are the best husband to be that anyone could ever wish for, you are one in a million darling, you are a wonderful father to our little dog Buster and to your daughter Leanne, I know they both love their Dad very much and one day I know that you will be a perfect father to our child xxxx Darling, your Mum god rest her soul would be very proud of you and she will rest peacefully knowing that you are this happy my darling, we wished she was there with us on our special day, she will be in our thoughts and I will thank Jennifer on Saturday for blessing me with such a loving, caring, thoughtful person such as you my babe xx Gorgeous you are my best friend, my lover and my soul mate, I am always here for you and I will never leave you my darling xxx My dream shall come true darling on Saturday for us to become husband and wife and I am so looking forward to our long, happy, loving future together, I will make you the happiest proudest man alive and give you the best days of your life my darling - I love you so much baby xx You will have the most special, magical big day which you deserve darling xx Enjoy every second of our day darling, I can't wait to see your face when I walk down the aisle to you my babe, I'm so looking forward to putting your ring on your finger and hearing you say "I will" we will then become husband and wife: Mr and Mrs Bourne xxxx (Ian: Aaah, thank you so much babe, they're lovely words, one's I shall treasure always, I love you xxxx) It's time for me to say when we're together or apart, I'm always thinking of you, you have my thoughts my love, my heart - I LOVE YOU with all my heart and soul always and forever my darling xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx(Ian: Kell says this to me every single night when we get in bed, isn't it lovely? Thank you darling, I love you and your smelly fart!) Here's my darling babe's Q & A....X X X What is your favourite place that you have visited? Provence, I could move there tomorrow. I love the scenery, the peace, the food and the wine. Name something that you like about yourself Kelly says my smile, and my eyes (Kell: It's so cute! Hmmm and I love something else too but that's a secret!!!!) Who would play you in a film? John Belushi, except he’s dead, so maybe Russell Crowe, I thought his acting in ‘A Brilliant Mind’ was superb. What is your dream car and why? Bentley Continental GT, seeing as we make the grilles or a Winnebago motor home to tour in when we’re retired. When did you first go to a villa game? Around 1975, when I was a wee lad. I remember standing on the Witton Bank with my Mom, Dad and Mark, drinking from a flask, and scoffing sweets. This was knocked down around 76, so it would have to be 75 ish. What are you looking forward to the most at our wedding? Seeing my gorgeous bride walking down the aisle, and walking back down the aisle together. After that – the honeymoon! (Kell: Aah, thank you so much baby x) Do you collect anything, and if so what? Books, one day I’d like my own library, plus I have boxes and boxes of Villa programmes and memorabilia, a lot of which has been handed down to me. I’ve got hundreds of records aswell, but nowhere near as many as Mark! What are your top three all-time favourite musical artists? Simple Minds (of course), not really an artist but Verdi’s La Rigoletto remains an all-time must see for me, The Manic Street Preachers, and David Bowie (I blame my Brother for this!) Oops, that’s four! What is your favourite food? The Malabar Lobster Curry from the Mango Tree, or any seafood. What is your all-time favourite song? Book of Brilliant Things (Live in the City of Light version) is a very special song for me, plus One Tree Hill by U2, and finally (well, if we can’t be greedy with our answers then who can?) Chiquitita by Abba, which reminds me so much of my mom and my childhood. What is your all-time favourite villa player? Tony Morley – this guy was my hero, and to meet him the other week was fantastic. What is your fondest ever villa memory? Middlesborough at home in 1981, when we effectively won the League. I’ve still not seen a game as one-sided as this, we hammered them. Special mentions must go to the Tranmere semi final, when I saw grown men cry at the Villa for the first time, and also Bradford at home in 1988 when we needed to win to keep our promotion on track, it was a brilliant atmosphere – the ground was rocking by the end. Oh, and Inter Milan in the UEFA Cup! If you could meet a famous person who could it be? Nelson Mandela. I’d like to tell him the joke about Nissan Main Dealer! Did I tell you the joke about the man with funny legs that went on ‘Stars in Your Eyes’? That’s my favourite joke of all time! Ask me at the wedding! Sorry for going on, but I always did have too much to say for myself! (Kell; No you don't my babe, your perfect to me, and I love you just the way you are xxxxxx) - These are Ian's two favourite pictures. Permalink:# Posted by Kelly on 23.05.2007; 9:37:13 PM from the Build-up, The Big Day, Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [1]

Less than a week to go!

Well folks, we're finally on the home run - less than a week to go. It seems only five minutes ago that I started this Blog, and wrote that there were seventeen weeks until the Big Day! So much planning and preparation has gone into that time, and for some months before hand aswell, so I really must pay special attention this week to my darling wife-to-be Kelly. She has worked so hard planning things, she just hasn't stopped, and I know that she has got really stressed out at times, along the way, but hopefully, it's all coming together for this Saturday, and she and I can have the Wedding that Kelly so thoroughly deserves. THANK YOU BABY XXX I LOVE YOU SO MUCH XXX (Kell: Thank you darling, I shall give you the wedding day which you deserve too, you will have the happiest, most memorable, proudest, best day of your life my gorgeous xx Thank you for everything darling, you are my world xx I LOVE YOU SO MUCH XXXXX) Even more wedding preparations this last week - on Monday we went for a curry with our friends Ray & Pat, who sadly can't make this Saturday as they are on a cruise, but thanks both, we've really enjoyed our Monday night curries with you! They bought us a lovely card (which we peeked at!) and a superb bottle of wine as a gift, plus we shared a bottle of Champers with them, and Auntie Nancy and Cousin Dave / Donald. We also visited the Mango Tree to sort out several last minute hitches in the Table Plans, and Julie should be, by now I would think, just about sick to death of re-doing it, thanks Julie. (Kell: Thank you Julie x) We've also been back to see Rocky, our DJ for the night, with some more tracks of ours we'd like playing at the disco, (sorry folks, Simple Minds it is!), and Mark and Channy have been over to Angela's for another fitting for her dress, thankfully it still fits. (Kell: Thank you Mom and thank you for getting all the ribbons sorted for the cars x) I also had my final suit fitting on Saturday, (Kell: You looked absolutley gorgeous my babe, I wanted to cry baby, you looked delicious! xx I can't wait to get you home on the night!!! xxx ) and was delighted to meet Carol there, along with Craig, Laura and Chad. Little Chad is now our appointed Page Boy, and looked lovely in his suit on Saturday, great little lad. He's got his lucky black cat ready aswell! Oh, and on Friday night all of our Ushers came round for a read through of their duites, so no excuses now lads! After the suit fittings we took Carol off to Next, at Junction 9, to sort her out with a lovely outfit for the wedding aswell. We had a lovely afternoon, really nice, and it was great to see Carol again, looking so well x Saturday evening and pretty much all day Sunday was spent in our garden, making sure it's all trim and tidy before we're away, which I'm pleased to say it is, although cutting the hedge knackered us both! Tomorrow night we have to go to St Peters for the Wedding Rehearsal, I'll try to post a summary of that, time pending as this week is another busy one! Kelly will be loading my Q&A shortly, then finally I'll do hers...Thanks to all of you who've sent us messages, including the kind message we got from Malmo the other day. (Kell: Thank you so much to everyone who has sent us kind messages and good wishes, they will stay with us in our memory box forever, thank you everyone x) Finally, I'm also really happy to tell you that Leanne's face has healed fine, and she'll be as lovely as ever come Saturday, along with all our other lovely bridesmaids. Here's a picture of my darling: I love you so much babe, and I can't wait to see you come down the aisle to me on Saturday! xxxxx (Kell: I love you so much darling and I can't wait to walk down the aisle to you on Saturday xxxxx) Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 21.05.2007; 11:46:46 AM from the Build-up, The Big Day, Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [1]

One of the last Q&A's now, only a few to go...It's CRAIG or Terrance as he's also known to me!

Only 12 days to go now! This afternoon we had our DVD people, Mick and his wife Mandy, round to discuss music, shots etc. They're a lovely couple, and I'm sure they'll produce a quality DVD for us. Mick was a bit upset though, as his beloved Wolves had lost in the first leg of the play-off's to the Baggies. Never mind Wolves fans, there's still Wednesday night to go, you can still do it. BELIEVE! Mick's taken 5 tracks with him for the soundtrack. They are: 'Dilemma' by Nelly & Kelly (not my Kelly!) - this track is hugley important for us, as it was one I played down the 'phone to Kell when we were at the very early stages of courting, so it's almost the first 'our' tune for us really. I love you baby, this really takes me back hearing this! xxx Next is 'I Can't Take My Eyes Off You' by Andy Williams - this was the track we had for 'our' dance at our Engagement Party, and one that we used to listen to all the while when we first started out. The next is 'Something Inside So Strong' by Labi Siffre - a song about Nelson Mandela's imprisonment, and Black South Africa's struggle against the barbaric Apartheid (apart-hate)system, and just a song and an empathy that we share. The next after that is 'A Million Love Songs' by Take That - this is one Take That record that we both love, a proper love song and one we sing to each other! Lastly it's 'The Time Of My Life' by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes, from Dirty Dancing, of course! No further explanation needed here, I think! So, on to our Craig and his Q&A. Craig is likely to be sleeping it off on the way back from Villa's two all draw with Bolton today, another decent point that extends our unbeaten run to nine games. He's a massive Villa fan, and goes to almost all the away games, and as many homes as his Brother will give him! He's a great lad, a real laugh is Craig, and has been a bloody great mate over the years. He's Dad to young Chad Aston, another that's been indoctrinated into the Villa cause, and rightly so! Craig lives with Laura, who's also a top girl! Hello Laura! Terrance (long story) is known to a fair few Villains (!) and his favourite pastimes are gardening and DIY!!! Here we are then: What is your favourite place that you have visited? Las Vegas (Ian: Tez likes a punt!)   Name something that you like about yourself   My zest for life. (Ian: What???? :)) )   Who would play you in a film?   Peter Kay   What is your dream car and why?   Aston Martin DB9 (Ian: Craig didn't put a reason, but I would imagine it's because he thinks it's the mutts nuts!)   When did you first go to a villa game?   1988 (Ian: Want to tell us who you were supporting?)   What are you looking forward to the most at our wedding?   The curry! Only joking! To see my big Brother happy.   Do you collect anything, and if so what?   Villa programmes from matches I've been to. (Ian: and my books!)   What are your top three all-time favourite musical artists?   U2, REM, and The Beatles   What is your favourite food?   Curry.   What is your all-time favourite song?   Imagine by John Lennon   What is your all-time favourite villa player?   Paul McGrath or David Platt   What is your fondest ever villa memory?   1994 League Cup Semi against Tranmere - a thrilling game (Ian: one of the best), 2000 FA Cup Semi against Bolton - Dion's winning penalty that sent us to the FA Cup Final, the last at the old Wembley.   If you could meet a famous person who could it be?   Hercules the Lion or The General. Seriously, the man that presents the winning Lotto cheque!   Cheers Tez, I too share and love your "Zest for life"!!! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 13.05.2007; 9:28:30 PM from the Build-up, History, The Big Day, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [44]

13 days to go!

Hi everybody, well - only two weeks today and we'll finally be there! Married, husband and wife at long, last. By heck it's gone quickly this last twelve months, although the last few weeks have gone slowly as the date gets nearer. As usual, this last week has been incredibly busy, we just do not seem to have had time to stop and think and daydream about our Big Day. Still, we've been busy for the right reasons - pleasant evenings with family and friends, visting our DJ - "Rocky" and his wife to discuss the music and timings, the Mango Tree - again! Hi to Vikram, by the way. This week we've also spent some not inconsiderable amount of time formalising the Usher's and Best Man's duties on the day, all that remains on that subject is to sit down with the lads and let them work out between themselves who does what. I know these lads won't let us down, and will be a real credit and boon to the Claret and Blue Wedding.  Today we had lunch with Kelly's Dad, Steve, and step-mum, Julie at the Mango Tree. They have just launched a lunchtime menu of Indian tapas that is absolutely delicious, I have to say. Give it a try if you get the chance, it's not at all a heavy lunch. Little Leanne is with us at the moment, too, and sadly, right on cue for the wedding (!) some rascal at school tripped her up yesterday meaning a trip to the Minor Injuries Department at the new hospital in Lichfield. They dressed the carpet burn wound, and the friendly Nurse told me that generally face and head wounds heal quickly, fingers crossed. Leanne has taken it very well, she's a very resilient girl, and almost debonair about it. Ah well, kids eh? It was also my Nan's Birthday on Tuesday - 87! Happy Burpday Nan, lots of love - well, EVERYONE! XXXX It was great to see Angela, Martin, Rebecca (how was your head? ;-) ) and Vicci on Wednesday evening - and a Hippy Burpday to Mart, who was the BIG FOUR-OH! Now that is old! He seemed to enjoy himself, I know we did. Mart - I forgot the name of your new website, sorry! Dear Angela has bought us a fantastic huge banner for the reception, and various other decorative items, aswell as very thoughtfully organising some goody bags for the kids on the Wedding Day - thank you Angela, you're a star! xx So, let's rewind to last weekend, if I may. As Kelly, said, on the Friday night we were in the Holte Suite, for the 'Back To Rotterdam' night, where us and approximately seven hundred other Villa fans had a great evening, hosted by Paul Franks of Radio WM fame - Hi Paul! The entire squad from 82, heroes everyone of them, were there and were celebrated and feted, and rightly so. Also in attendance were the new CEO of Aston Villa, Richard FitzGerald (doing a grand job) and last but not least, The General - the highly decorated US Marines Veteran, General Charles Krulak. We were lucky enough to chat to Tony Morley and Peter Withe briefly, and also Kelly had a natter (and a kiss off him!) with Richard FitzGerald, and a good chat with Paul Franks. I'm sure he's a Villa man underneath that Wolves exterior, you know! Then on Saturday we had the Villa vs Sheffield United game, which we won easily three nil. We murdered 'em! The highlight for me though, was the 82 squad, along with Ron Saunders, Roy McLaren, and Tony Barton's son and widow, all came on to the pitch, to rapturous acclaim. I, and I suspect many others in the ground, had a huge lump in my throat, and tears running down my face when these great players and management came out. It was a hugely emotional few minutes, and one that'll live in my memory forever. The Sunday saw us going on a coach trip to Villa's new training ground, the new Bodymoor Heath, that has been built at circa £13M, and is the best in the UK, amongst the best in the world. Doug Ellis and the new Board and Owners, have done the Club proud with this investment, one which Martin O'Neill says the players can now have the best prepartion ever required to compete at the highest level. It's a brilliant set-up, one that Villa fans can take enormous pride in. So, that's it for now, until I get around to loading our Craig's Q&A on, maybe tomorrow or Monday. So, til the next time, byeee! A final note must go from me to my wife to be, my darling Kelly - thank you babe, for all the wonderful things we do together, I love you so much, I love to hold you, kiss you, be with you and share all of life's trials and tribulations with you, more than anyone in the world, you've made my life complete, I love you xxxx Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 12.05.2007; 9:46:12 PM from the Build-up, History, Villa dept. Discuss (2 responses) Comment [2] Trackback [29]

33 days to go now!

Hello again everyone - as the title says there are now only 33 days, and counting, to go until our special day. We are so hectic at the moment that the days and weeks are just flying past us - it makes me even more grateful that we were able and lucky enough to have that break in Bruges back in February, it feels like we haven't stopped since then, even last weekend when we were down in London we were running round. So, it's four weeks this coming Saturday, and we have been so lucky with this unseasonal weather, trust it to start raining now we're counting down! I have faith that the weather will be kind to us for the day (crosses fingers and toes). As ever, Kell is sat here making last minute plans and so on - she says hello too! Buster is also sat here, snoring away, indulging in her favourite past-time! She's a lovely little pooch, and has been a real faithful friend to me for nearly twelve years now. I think she should be coming to the wedding, with a tiara on and her own doggy bridesmaids dress but Kelly keeps telling me that she can't come - don't worry, Bust, I'll get you there! Here's a picture of our old pouch, she's getting on now and is nearly blind, but as happy as ever. I might start an on-line petition for her to be allowed to come - come on all you dog lovers, get your message through to Kell that Buster should be allowed to come. She promises to be quiet for her Mommy & Daddy's wedding, and not to leak anywhere. All that she asks is her own curry at the Mango Tree, and a bowl of beer at the village hall! So, another week has passed, another hectic week as I said. This week, we've had Adam's birthday - 26 last Wednesday, Happy Burpday Ad!, I hear he got rather drunk on Saturday, but didn't make as much a spectacle of himself as Jason "Frankenfurter" did! We also went to see Murray at The Mango Tree to discuss the layout of the room for our wedding breakfast, and Kelly has been ploughing on with the table plan and ensuring that our guests are comfortable in their surroundings and with whom they sit. She's also been shopping (something she likes) for gifts for our attendee's etc, and settled the Church fees. Talking of churches, this is where we spent the whole day on Saturday: We were here at Shenstone St. John's Church, for a day's Wedding Prep, hosted by Reverend Fred Olney, and ably assisted by Carol & Ian Law - a very friendly and enthusiastic couple, who along with a couple from Stonnall, passed on the secrets of their succesful marriage. We also watched an entertaining DVD featuring Rob Parsons,  and his essential tips for a long and happy marriage. Other activites included the boys and girls splitting into teams and doing various things to help understand how the other half thinks - all good stuff if a little contrived. We must thank Fred, Carol, Ian and all the others who gave their own valuable time to us all, plus it was nice to meet the other Stonnall and Shenstone wedding couples for 2007-2008 - good luck to you all! Finally, we went to the Villa on Sunday afternoon, where we watched a rather boring nil nil draw. Portsmouth had no intention of winning the game at all, and Villa played ok, but there was a strange 'end of season' feel to the proceedings. I guess we should congratulate Big Jamo, David James on breaking the record for most Premiership clean sheets in a career, even if he did drop the bloody ball in the Cup Final for us in 2000! Finally, a get well soon wish for my Nan, Maisie, who's struggling a wee bit at the moment, and feeling a bit fed up for herself - keep your chin up, Nan, we all love you xx Oh, and hello to Shirley - how could I have forgotten you? :-) See you soon! Until the next time, hasta la vista! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 24.04.2007; 9:44:38 PM from the Build-up, History, The Big Day, Villa dept. Discuss (3 responses) Comment [3] Trackback [1]

More Q&A fun, this time with my mate, Stuart, from Cheltenham

Stu has been kind enought to do a Q&A, although I suspect he was more interested in getting his picture on the Internet!! Hi Stu! I plan to do a comprehensive update this evening covering the programme insert that Rob Bishop very kindly did for us, and also our lovely weekend away that we've just had, firstly in London on Saturday for Mamma Mia! (brilliant) and then on to Hayling Island on Sunday, as I'd got a meeting in Havant on Monday first thing, and also because Monday was my birthday! 36 yesterday - and I don't feel a day over 30! Anyway, back to Stu, or Cheltenhamlion to give him his other monicker - another true Villa fan, and all-round decent bloke. Had a bit of bad luck at the weekend (Man U fans causing grief) but I'm pleased to say he's as fit (ha ha!) and well as ever. Hello to Mrs Stuart too!! *waves* So, here's the man himself, in his own words. Oh, and Stu is the man responsible for young Andy, featured on Q&A a while back, having to eat his hat due to a lost bet, so therefore, top bloke! Oh, one more thing, I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone for the good wishes we've had in the last week or so, and also for my birthday wishes and gifts - thanks everyone, all very much appreciated. It's GREAT being a Villa fan! What is your favourite place that you have visited? I have travelled quite a bit so that is a tricky question. Either Italy or Florida would be the choice but it's difficult to pick between them. Name something that you like about yourself: My enormous......!! Only joking, that's hard to answer to be honest. I have never really thought about it. If pushed, I would go with my ability to make people laugh. (Ian: when's this then? :-) ) Who would play you in a film? I'd quite like to play myself. I did a little acting when I was younger. Failing that, anyone that could do my accent. It's sort of a combination between Boris Johnson and Jethro. If you could then get this mix to do their best impression of a Brummie accent and that's kind of how I sound!! What is your dream car, and why? Bugatti Veyron for no other reason than it goes like the proverbial off a stick. When did you first go to a Villa game? Late Eighties was my first game. 3-0 home win over Sunderland. I was in the programme for the next home game celebrating on the Holte after Ian Olney's opener. (Ian: hark at him, in the programme before us!) What are you looking forward to the most at our wedding? Photographic evidence of Andy eating his hat. By the way did he settle on what sort of hat he was going to eat? And is he having it with chips as I suggested? (Ian: no, not yet, marzipan is my suggestion). Do you collect anything, and if so what? Idiotic, childish friends if you were to ask the wife!! I never really grew up so my very boyish sense of humour tends to be reflected in my pals. Who are your top three all-time favourite musical artists? I have a very eclectic taste in music so this one is tricky. Blur would have to be up there, so would Andy Williams and probably Chas & Dave as the third. I bet people will think I am very odd after seeing that list. (Ian: Stu, they don't need that list for that!) What is your favourite food? Italian. I can't watch an episode of The Soprano's without drooling at all those pasta dishes. What is your all-time favourite song? No Pleasing You - Chas & Dave Who is your all-time favourite Villa player? I grew up watching Villa when Paul McGrath was at his best so he has to be the one although I also really liked Ian Taylor and Andy Townsend as well. What is your fondest ever Villa memory? Lot's here. The Tranmere semi final, Phil King's penalty against Inter Milan, league cup wins in 94/96. I think the proudest I have ever been of a Villa team is when we stopped on the way back from the 94 league cup final. 3 coaches from Cheltenham and we had a pub set aside for us in High Wycombe. Total strangers were thanking us in the street as we got off the coaches for stopping Man Utd winning the treble. The inquest as to who was responsible for 3 of us ending up on our backsides during the first goal celebrations still continues today. If you could meet a famous person who would it be? Dead or living is the question. If I could resurrect someone for a chinwag I would love to have spent some time with Julius Caesar. Someone around now? Al Pacino. He has played some of the most iconic figures in films that I love. Getting to ask him about films like The Godfather, Scarface and Carlito's Way would be a great way to spend an evening. Interesting answers - cheers Stu! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 17.04.2007; 4:04:49 PM from the Build-up, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [1]

We've been in the Villa Programme! Today - 9th April vs Wigan

Well, we've hinted at it for a while, but today we're in the Villa programme! More details to follow when we've been to the match and bought the programme (or twenty in Kelly's case)! Site host here: You need to be a member before you can post a comment. So either sign-up now or log-in if you've already joined. Click here to contact us directly via E-Mail if you are experiencing difficulty in either adding a comment, joining the site member group or using the Contact Us section of this site in the Navigation Bar. Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 09.04.2007; 1:46:12 PM from the Build-up, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [1]

Read All About Us! For new readers...

About this website We're Ian & Kelly, and we're getting married on 26th May 2007. This date is special most importantly as it is our Wedding Day and also it is 25 years to the day that our team, Aston Villa,  had their most momentous and celebrated victory to date: We beat FC Bayern München 1-0 at de Kuip ("the Tub")Stadion (home to FC Feyernood), Rotterdam; the goal coming from Peter Withe in the 67th minute, to become Champions Of Europe. It has always been our intention to mark this by having the theme for our wedding as a "Claret & Blue Wedding". This starts with the Bride's colours (I suggested Kelly wore a number 9 on the back of her bridal gown), the decorations, flowers, the Groom and his Best Man / Ushers colours - all the way down to the knives and forks and the plates the guests will eat off. This site is our story of the planning, excitement, background and then ultimately in 17 weeks the finale - our special day. We then plan to document the honeymoon and married life thereafter. We hope you find it interesting and more importantly that it brightens your day even by a tiny flicker! We'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to add comments where you feel they are relevant. Finally, a BIG thank you to Legion for his help in setting this site up as well as contributions from fellow Villa fans. Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 08.04.2007; 9:21:20 PM from the Build-up, History, The Big Day, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [120]

Time to meet Carol - top Step-Mom, and Ross's most glamorous lady!

So, here we are on Good Friday - a very Happy and Peaceful Easter to all of you out there. Some may forget, but the reason we have this day - God's Friday, is that on this day Jesus was crucified at Calvary (or Golgotha). "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise". Luke 23:43 Moving on, it's six week's tomorrow when we get married, at St. Peters Church. Our banns are being read on Easter Sunday, something we're both looking forward to, and also Reverend Fred Olney called round today and gave the Order of Service the thumbs up, albeit with one or two minor changes. Very nice man is Fred, and we extend a warm welcome to him and his wife to the parish. Today we took three bridesmaids and their dresses to a specialist seamstresses in Wolverhampton, for some final alterations. Again, we owe a big thank you to Angela for finding them for us. Other things this week, have been the Villa match v Eveton on Monday night - it was a tale of two halves for sure, but a draw was fair in the end, where we caught up with our mate Fergal and his lad Pat, who we're pleased to report seems well on the mend after his op on Tuesday. Also this week, Kelly started her new job, so good luck at Briggs babe, I know you'll not let them down - I'm very proud of you xx On Wednesday night we were joined by Angela and Martin (who has decided that our sofa - DFS no less! - is definitely comfortable, and easy to nap on), in order that Kell and Angela could do the Seating Plan, which I'm delighted to say they did, and is now safely in the hands of Murray at The Mango Tree. Guess what? All non-Aston Villa supporters have been sat outside, by the petrol station! Oh, almost omitted to say "Get well soon" to my Dad, who's hurt his hand on holiday, a case of Carp's revenge! Glad to hear it's healing well, Dad. Now then, it's time for more Q&A fun, this time with my Step-Mom, Carol. Carol is mom to Craig & Adam, two of our Ushers, and lives in a lovely, friendly village down near Ross-On-Wye, with my Dad Mike, surrounded by fields, animals, and some brilliant friends, most of whom we are glad to say, will be joining us on May 26th - thank you to all of you down there for taking Dad & Carol to your hearts, I know they truly do value your friendships. Carol has been brill to me - there have been plenty of 'down' times in my life whilst I waited for the girl of my dreams to come along, and Carol was always there for me, never once letting me down, and always supporting me no matter what. She's also a great Mom to Craig and Adam, and a great grandmother (doesn't that make you feel old?) to six loving grandkids, some of whom she's taught how to swim (one of Carol's many hidden talents is a qualified swimming instructor) and fiercely proud of them all. Thank you for coming to our wedding, Carol, I am so pleased that your prophecy has come true - you always said I'd find the right one, always told me to hang in there, and never stop believing, we love you xxx Kelly is especially close to Carol, and often they can be found parroting away to each other!! Only joking, they're great friends. Here's a lovely pic of Carol and my Nan, Maise, who's 87 this year and still going strong! So here we go, here's Carol's question and answers: What is your favourite place that you have visited? New Zealand - just a fantastic country. Name something that you like about yourself: My teeth. (Ian: Carol did also add "there's not much else" but that is absolute rubbish, she's lovely) Who would play you in a film? Lauren Hutton. Someone said I looked like her many years ago!  What is your dream car, and why? It has always been a BMW Z3/4, but I now fancy a Mercedes SLK. (Ian: Speak to Dad!) Which football team do you support? Having four Sons who support them, it is without question Aston Villa. (Ian: I do remember a nasty rumour about Leeds United back in the 70's??)  What are you looking forward to the most at our wedding? For the sun to shine, and to be a wonderful, magical day for you two. (Ian - ah thank you!)  Do you collect anything, and if so what? Lladro.  Who are your top three all-time favourite musical artists? Celine Dion (Ian groans), Rod Stewart, & Freddie Mercury. What is your favourite food? Anything veggie. (Ian - Carol's a veggie!) What is your all-time favourite song? Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On. Who is your all-time favourite Villa player? Gary Shaw - a superb player. If there was one thing on your life that you could do, what would it be?  To walk the Inca Trail. (Ian: oh, yes please!) If you could meet a famous person who would it be? Don't think I'd like to meet anyone famous - quite happy with the 'star' I have at home, your Dad! (Ian: ah, that's a nice answer. But not even Paul Young? :-)  )   That's great, thank you Carol, looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! Next update might be on Sunday night, depending on the weather! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 06.04.2007; 8:19:59 PM from the Build-up, History, The Big Day, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [4]

Even more Q&A fun, this time with another Usher, my cousin Donald, or rather, Dave.

Well, here we are again, time for another Question and Answer session, the victim this time being my long lost Cousin Donald, or rather Dave - he of the Hebridean island of Donaldstoon. Donald has been a great inspiration to me - he has inspired me to put pictures of him on the fireplace to keep small animals and children away from the fire! Seriously, he has been / is a wonderful friend, as close as they come, and I am bursting with pride with what he has achieved, and am absolutely delighted that he's settled down with the lovely Della - well done, and commiserations Della! Donald flys aeroplanes for a living, big one's, but seems to find himself marooned in Cardiff more often than is healthy. He recently built, along with his Dad (my Uncle Dave) a fabulous luxury home in Lincolnshire, it was a hell of a nice place. Before that, Don-Boot spent 10 years in the Army Air Corps, rising to the rank of Private, I mean Sargeant before they asked him to leave, sorry before he left, to fly Freddie Starr, Ringo Starr and other stars in the Seychelles, alas this didn't quite work out as they had ommitted to tell him that he'd be paid in the local currency which is worthless anywhere else! He then flew helicopters out to the North Sea rigs, scaring us all witless in the process! Ah well, enough of the mighty ugly one, here's his Q&A: What is your favourite place that you have visited? Banff, Canada.  Truly breathtaking. Name something that you like about yourself: My tenacity. Who would you play you in a film? Sid James. (Ian: Yeah, I see the resemblance) What is your dream car, and why? VW Passat. Its fastest. (Ian: Not as fast as a red Toyota pick-up) When did you first go to a Villa game? Villa v Ipswich.  Some time in the late 70's - early 80's with Grandad Bourne. What are you looking forward to the most at our wedding? Obviously the curry.... :-) Do you collect anything, and if so what? TCR.  1970's car racing system. Who are your top three all-time favourite musical artists? Tracy Chapman, George Michael and Dire Straits. What is your favourite food? Special Fish Curry, Madras hot, from Lal Bagh in Lichfield. What is your all-time favourite song? George Michael - One More Try. Who is your all-time favourite Villa player? David Platt.  Remember his debut well. What is your fondest ever Villa memory?  Coca-Cola Cup Final in 1996 with my old man.  Great day. If there was one thing in your life you could do, what would it be?   Take Ian and Kelly flying for longer than 7 minutes, without girlie tears. (Ian: shut it!!) If you could meet a famous person who would it be? Jack Nicholson - Legend. Have a nice day. Well, thanks Donald, some great answers, love ya to bits bab! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 02.04.2007; 1:22:03 PM from the Build-up, History, The Big Day, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [25]

Wembley, Wembley - we're all on the march to Wembley!

So, another week has zoomed past - only six weeks to go next Saturday, and we get ever more excited! This has been the first weekend we've had as an "off planning" weekend for ages (Kell: Instead we booked a weekend away for my babe's birthday in a couple of weeks, we're staying in a lovely hotel and have a lovely night booked at the theatre to see Mamma Mia, we're both really looking forward to the relaxing break together, before things start to go manic again in what will be only four weeks from our magical day!) - absolutely no wedding planning has been done, (Kell: I'm back to Wedding Planning again now with my laptop and huge blue box file with all the paperwork in - I won't know what to do with myself when the wedding's over!!) and no early starts (hooray!). Well, apart from continually calling Reverend Fred Olney, to arrange for him to proof-read our Order Of Service that the wonderful Julie has prepared so beautifully for us, once again. She really has been brilliant, a huge help to us, and we are very grateful, (Kell: Thank you so much Julie, we are really pleased with all the wedding stationery, thank you for being so patient with me after I've given you the text for the stationery and then changed it about ten times afterwards!! Thank you so much, you have done a great job and they look perfect x) We had Angela & Martin come over earlier this week, but then Angela disappeared, and shortly afterwards this stunning beauty walked in the room, dressed in a lovely white / ivory dress, complete with something called a fantasizer in her hair, it might have been Angela but I'm not sure - whoever it was she looked lovely! (Kell: Mum, you looked wonderful, absolutley beautiful, thank you once again Mum for all your help over the last year in planning our wedding, you have been brilliant and I've really appreciated it, thank you xxx) What else this week? Hmmm...well, we've had a lovely weekend with little Leanne, who's determined to scoff as many sweets as she can so that she doesn't fit into her bridesmaids dress, but we keep telling her, she'll be fine I'm sure (Kell: Every brides worry, I hope they all still fit in their bridesmaids dresses in six weeks time!) Last Sunday was my step brother Craig's birthday, so Happy Birthday to him for then - almost thirty now Terrance! Oh yes, we had young Channy for a night this week too, she's brill and makes me laugh (Kell: Hi Channy! Thanks for being such a good girl for us and for having lots of fun and laughter with us) and is currently horse mad! Mark - please buy her a horse! Thursday was great, we attended the inaugral Heroes & Villains (an Aston Villa website) Golf Day at Bloxwich Golf Club, where I was pleased to score 26 points, and delighted not to be last! The day's winners were Nick Wombandit and Craig Semmens - Semmy's been a bandit for years aswell! Thanks to Big Dave for his kind presentation too - cheers Dave. This is a week late, but never mind...last Saturday we went to the new Wembley Stadium (Kell: Thank you darling for such a lovely day out at Wembley xx) to watch England under 21s draw 3 all with Italy under 21s. There was Gary Cahill & Gabriel Agbonlahor representing Villa, along with Ashley Young & Liam Ridgewell on the bench, so a proud day for them and a proud day for Villa fans. The stadium really is excellent, quite breathtaking when you're on top of it, as we were. Damned cold though! Although the FA should've built it in The Midlands, the stadium is great, if not good value at £4.50 for a pie! Here's a few pictures we took. We got back from the match just in time to fetch the final bridesmaids dress from BHS, who, once again, had cocked things up. Nice dresses, nice people, let down by rank management (sounds almost like the England football team, although I thought the treatment of Steve McLaren was disgraceful, and sadly typical of the English attitude). There'll be further updates this week - Kell wants to do a story about the claret and blue theme, plus there's another Q&A in the pipeline (Carol!!), so stay tuned! I just wanted to end with a little message to my beloved Kelly - darling, as our big day draws nearer, my love for you grows deeper, my heart skips a beat when we kiss, and my arms long to hold you, thank you for being my Bride xxx (Kell: Thank you darling so much that is so sweet, my love for you grows deeper each second of every day, I'm so looking forward to our big day, I can't wait to make you the happiest, proudest man alive, and fill your days and nights with so many happy special memories to treasure forever xx My arms long to hold you gorgeous, and I will make our big day the best day of your life darling, thank you for being my Husband xxxxxx) This is the girl I love so much, taken at a wonderful afternoon we had at the Villa the other week, of which I must telly you all later in the week, it really was a once in a lifetime thing for us, so a big THANK YOU to Rob Bishop and everyone at ASTON VILLA FC. (Kell: A picture taken from this day along with a short story to mark our "claret and blue wedding" shall be appearing in the programme on Monday 9th April when we play Wigan at home, so don't forget to buy one, I hope they have plenty for sale as I'm buying loads!!!)     Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 01.04.2007; 6:37:44 PM from the Build-up, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [68]

Meet my youngest brother, Adam - one of our Ushers

Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you, the greatest living Adam, the rare "lesser spotted at the bar" species! Adam is my step-Mom, Carol's, youngest lad and not only is he a Villa fan, he is also a great Dad to his three lovely lads, of whom we are so proud to be their God Parents, thank you Adam & Lisa xx Adam runs the night shift at a very friendly local firm, one where his two bossess are excellent, all round nice blokes! :-) Adam is one of our Ushers, and we know that he'll do us proud, and that we're proud of him - thanks Ad! So, on to his Q&A - one or two little gems in here! What is your favourite place that you have visited? Florida. Name something that you like about yourself: My persistance (Ian: He's right.) Who would play you in a film? Tom Cruise (Ian: Haaaaaaaa ha haha!) What is your dream car, and why? Mitsubishi Evo 8 - because it's fast! When did you first go to a Villa game? When I was 9.  (Ian - give us a bigger clue than that!)  What are you looking forward to the most at our wedding? Seeing my brother happy. (Ian - ah thanks Ad).  Do you collect anything, and if so what? Films, because I enjoy them.  Who are your top three all-time favourite musical artists? Bryan Adams, Razorlight, & U2. What is your favourite food? Chicken curry. What is your all-time favourite song? U2 - With or Without You. Who is your all-time favourite Villa player? Paul McGrath. What is your fondest ever Villa memory?  When I went to the Coca-Cola Cup Final in 1996, when we beat Leeds 3-0. (Ian: oh what a great day that was!) If you could meet a famous person who would it be? Bono from U2. Great stuff - thank you Adam, and thanks for being one of our Ushers. Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 27.03.2007; 8:33:13 PM from the Build-up, The Big Day, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [29]

More Q&A fun - this time with a fellow Villain, and 'guest' , Andy, from The East Riding!

I know this is usually reserved for those directly connected with the Big Day, but young Andy has asked and asked me if he can have a go at this, so why not? He's Villa mad (got sense) and lives up in Brough, near Hull. He's also coming to our evening reception, whereupon a) he'll be on the prowl for women and b) He has to eat his hat as he once famously lost a bet with me!! Welcome, Andy, we hope you enjoy yourself and buy us a big pressie! What is your favourite place that you have visited? New York '99 , I went and saw the WTC. Name something that you like about yourself: Good looks and Modesty (Ian: ???) Who would play you in a film? Danny Dyer (Football Factory The business Outlaw) What is your dream car, and why? Dodge Viper. When did you first go to a Villa game? Honestly can't remember the first came i can remember was 3-0 v Leeds, think i went to a few before that though. What are you looking forward to the most at our wedding? Eating my hat )...seeing the happy couple and also the fit bridesmaid (is that allowed?) (Ian: watch out girls!)  Do you collect anything, and if so what? I get obsessed with things and buy lots of their stuff like Oasis and the Rocky Movies but nothing special or what i can think of. Who are your top three all-time favourite musical artists? Kurt Cobain, Travis Barker, Bob Dylan. What is your favourite food? Indian. What is your all-time favourite song? Oasis - Don't go away. Who is your all-time favourite Villa player? Paul McGrath (remember seeing him play once) but the stories my Dad have told me...the word legend is over used but he is a true LEGEND! What is your fondest ever Villa memory? Winning against Wimbledon (can't remember the year) and going top of the league or my first time in the Holte Upper - Southampton when "Can't Control" and Vassell scored and we won 2-0. If you could meet a famous person who would it be? Paul "God" McGrath Well, I told you he's a fellow Villa nut - thanks Andy! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 22.03.2007; 3:07:55 PM from the Build-up, Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [13]

Finally - The men go for a suit fitting!

Well, this happened a few weeks ago, but I've only just got round to posting it - sorry! We're using Duncan James Menswear in Walsall for our suits, and have settled on: Navy suit with the Edwardian style jacket (I'm having Tails); White winged collar shirt, claret cravat, and have now settled on an ivory and claret waistcoat, although at the time these photo's were taken we were going to have ivory and light blue, but we've changed our minds. Plus, all Ushers will be wearing a top hat, and carrying a light sabre, I mean a cane! Lee from Duncan James has been an exceptional and very patient host to us, so thank you Lee. - The Large Fellow & Terrance pose. The first fitting, which is when these pictures were taken, consisted of me, plus my Step-Brothers Craig (could look untidy in a thousand dollar handmade suit!) and Adam, plus fellow Usher Big Dave (he's a big 'un) and finally Kelly's Dad, Steve - another big lad! We had a right laugh, as is usually the case when Terrance (Craig) is around - he's a great bloke, huge Villa fan and daft as a brush! Then a week or so later, my Brother Mark and Dad Mike and I went down for their fitting, all safely measured and kitted out. We're just waiting on the final fitting now, which is my Cousin, Dave / Donald who assures me that this week he will make it... - Terrance and the grinning Adam strike a pose, Ad's a great lad too. Thanks to all you lads, I know you'll not let us down on our special day, and the two Dad's will look the business. Mark, as ever, I'm proud of you as my Best Man - thank you. Here's a few shots we took, including the 'Usual Suspects' line up! Kelly said you all looked lovely (honest!). - Grim eh? Big Dave, Craig, Steve & Adam face the firing squad! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 17.03.2007; 9:01:03 PM from the Build-up, Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [137]

More Q&A fun! This time it's Lee or Legion, site designer

Well, where do we start with my good friend Legion? He's been a big, big help to me with this site, I'd have been lost without him - thanks Lee, oops, I mean Legion! A fellow Villa fan, Legion is also school teacher extraordinaire, as well as all round top bloke. Living locally, with Mrs' Legion and her merry clan, Legion can often be found falling foul of his latest mishap - Truly, you have never met a guy with so much bad luck! Not too long ago, he suffered a nasty injury whilst playing / teaching football with the kids - get well soon mate. He's also known as a bit of an Alan Whicker type due to his frequent far-flung travelling,  and we look forward to seeing you and your better half on the 26th May, and thanks for everything. - Lee is painfully shy, and this is the only picture he's given me thus far! So, here's his Q&A - I must warn you that he answered these under the influence! What is your favourite place that you have visited? Goa, India. Name something that you like about yourself? My placidness. (Ian: he's right, how he manages with some of the kids I'll never know! - Leanne!) Who would play you in a film? Clint Eastwood. What is your dream car, and why? Any F1 car - I'd love to corner at 100mph. When did you first go to a Villa game? The second home game of Sir Brian Little's (walks on water) last season as manager. What are you looking forward to the most at our wedding? Seeing you two being happy. Do you collect anything, and if so, what? Records, CD's and belly button fluff! (urgh!) What are you three all-time favourite musical artists? Tangerine Dream, Mark Shreeve, and John Dyson. (Ian: eclectic mix there, Lee!) Who is your all-time favourite Villa player? David Platt. What is your fondest ever Villa memory? Check out: Shaw...Williams...prepared to adventure down the left. There's a good ball in for Tony Morley...Oh! It must be! And it is! Peter Withe! http://www.classof82.cyberprog.com/goal.html  (Ian: Awesome, RIP Brian Moore) If you could meet a famous person who would it be? My 5x Great Grandfather Captain Charles Sturt who pioneered exploration in Australia. Cheers, Lee, some interesting replies, the best being the last one but one! Up next is dear Angela - and she has some VERY revealing stuff to tell us about Patrick Swayze with his shirt off, and Kevin Keegan!   Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 08.03.2007; 8:57:41 PM from the Build-up, History, Villa dept. Discuss Comment [0] Trackback [76]

Villa beat West Ham! Errrrmm.... a week late, and a sidetrack to the site!

"Carew, Carew, Carew is on fire!" Great debut by Big John, I thought - reminiscent of Peter Withe 25 years ago. Our photographer friend Paul Thomas, of Paul Thomas Photography was there and took some EXCLUSIVE snaps. (Removed due to copyright issues). Look who he spotted in the crowd, one chunky fella, and one sexy babe! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 12.02.2007; 8:05:57 PM from the Build-up, Villa dept. Discuss (11 responses) Comment [11] Trackback [20]

2005...The Story Continues

Well, seeing as Kelly has embarrassed us with her comments on the previous update, I thought I'd bring our story on a year! 2005 was the year that has become famous for *that* Valentines message in the paper (see earlier updates) and therefore the year of "The Year After Next"... In the February we went to Bruges for Valentines weekend, and had a lovely romantic time. We stayed at the De Tuilerieen hotel which we can heartily recommend. It's a fantastic hotel, and Bruges is such a pleasant place. We had a lovely meal at a local restaurant that was off the beaten track, and full of locals. I ended up buying one of the teddie's that decorated the walls for Valentines as Kelly liked it so much! The hotel offers a lovely champagne breakfast, and has a really cosy bar area with an open log fire. We, of course, only spent an hour or six in the bar! We did all the touristy things - had a ride on the horse and carriage which was so romantic, all snuggled up under a blanket, went to the Lake of Love, had a ride on a canal boat, walked the side streets looking in the wonderful chocolate shops and lace shops, although we didn't climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfort! It was lovely to walk the cobbled streets arm in arm, and see so many happy faces. Thank you for a lovely weekend babe xx Then at Easter we went on a never to be repeated coach trip to Paris. Now, we couldn't fault the coach at all, it had won European coach of the year and was all leather seats, DVD players, a luxury lounge etc, but was a) full of pensioners and b) the resident nutter was, as usual, sat in front of me. The hotel was miles out of town, near Orly airport, and the whole agenda just didn't suit us. I have to say, though, that I thought the Louvre was magnificent. We ended up feeling like prisoners, and to cap it all off, on the last night we had a 'phone call at 1 in the morning to say my daughter Leanne had been taken to hospital with Pneumonia - it was hell, and we then dashed over to see Leanne, who I am delighted to say, made a full recovery fairly quickly. Kelly was an absolute tower of strength for me at that time (well, always is!) and helped Leanne through it, and put up with my fussing! I'm very, very lucky to have two special girls like I do. In the April we fullfilled an ambition, when we went to see The Manic Street Preachers at Wolverhampton Civic. When we first met we used to sit and watch the DVD of The Manics live at Cardiff, and our favourite song had been and still is their cover of "I Can't Take My Eyes Off You" which I've sung to Kelly a few times. The words are so apt for how I feel about her - "At long last love has arrived and I thank God I'm alive" "The sight of you leaves me weak, there are no words that I can speak"...As we said in earlier updates, we danced to this, our tune, at our Engagement. The concert was great, although thist time they didn't play our tune. Our favourite of the night was "Motorcycle Emptiness". Afterwards we went for a nice quiet meal to let out ears cool down! Soon afterwards Kelly took me to Hoar Cross Hall for a day for my birthday, whereupon we were pampered and preened - very relaxing and a lovely day, although I was a bit zombie-fied for the drive home! Then later on we went to Tenby for a fantastic weekend, again for my birthday. Kelly had, as usual, bought me the most womderful birthday presents, and we had a brilliant time there, ending with me serenading Kell on the karaoke! Our next little trip was to see Kell's Dad, Steve, at the Legends motor racing. Steve is a motor racing nut, and clerks the course, amongst other things, at the Legends meetings. We had a great time, plus, of course, access all area's hospitality. Legends are cracking little hot rods and they have some great wheel to wheel racing, and because all the engines and car setups are indentical, the best drivers come to the fore. In the July, it was our turn to become very proud God parents to little Sam and Jack, my step brother and sister-in-laws two youngest. They're lovely lads and make a really happy family, and feel very honoured to have been asked to be God parents. They hosted a lovely garden party afterwards where all the family got together again, it was a lovely day. We then had a superb Summer holiday, via TGV again, in Aix-En-Provence. This time we stayed at the fabulous 'Hotel Aquabella' in the old town, and also toured around Provence and across to Nice. We had a whale of a time, and Kelly was gorgeous lying by the pool! In this year, we had moved our little caravan down to Herefordshire, where my Dad and step mom live, and stayed at a great site called Lucksall. It's right on the River Wye, and has a few really good local country pubs, aswell as the golf courses and fishing if you're into that sort of thing. We had an epic walk the one weekend with my Dad and Carol, that nearly finished us off! We also had great fun at the local village fair, including some welly wanging! We had an absolutely wonderful day in the September when it was Kelly's Graduation, down at Earls Court. We went down with Angela, Martin and Rebecca, and I (and no doubt Kell's family were too) was as proud as punch when it came to Kell's turn to don the mortar board and accept her certificate - I could've cried I was so proud, she's spent hours and hours working for this, evening after evening, at home. Well done honey - I knew you'd do it! xxx Sadly, we lost Betty in the October - she was a great woman, and is sadly missed and fondly remembered x Later on, it was Carol's 50th, and Kelly worked so hard to organise this. We all went to Lea Marston hotel, where we had a great meal, and were sung to by both Elvis and Tom Jones on stage, it was a great night, and just what we all needed at that time. We also had a great night at Coombe Abbey, one of those medieval things, although the food was rather ropey! Finally, at the end of the year we had a short break to Bruges (again) and Dusseldorf - where we had the epic night that went on until 6am, when our friends flew over to join us - hell we were drunk! We also had taken the decision that the time was now right to move house, and make a new love nest all of our own (I'd been in the old house ten years by then), so we put our house on the market...No interest before the New Year... So, another year full of some wonderful memories, that will live in our hearts forever - thank you baby, you make every single day a special day xxx Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 10.02.2007; 10:17:27 PM from the Build-up, History, Villa dept. Discuss (1 response) Comment [1] Trackback [85]

My First Villa Match

I don’t know if some of you may know but I never really used to really be into football. I once worked at the Wolverhampton Wanderers Ground serving beer and pies to the away fans (which wasn’t the best job in the world with hundreds of drunk, rowdy men!) I soon left and didn’t really follow football until….I met Ian who is a devoted mad Aston Villa fan! Then of course when Ian and I got together it rubbed off on me! I watched all the DVD’s and videos, which Ian has got on the Villa (more than once!) he showed me all his old programmes, a lot of which have been handed down to him from his Dad and Grandad, I browse through his Heroes and Villains magazines and he has lots of memorabilia dating back for years and years.   It didn’t take long until I became a Villa fan! Ian brought me my first Aston Villa shirt, (I was like wow, cool!) now I’ve got one from every season! Along with fleeces jumpers, tops, pictures, and a huge gigantic Villa teddy it’s so cute and has floppy ears! (It is that big that it sat in our chair in our living room for a while until I found a home for him in our bedroom!)   Even one of our spare bedrooms in our new house we’ve done in the colour claret from the carpet and light fittings to the bedspread! For Ian’s birthday last year (I searched for ages to find this) but I brought Ian a huge signed photograph of Tony Morley with the European Cup on his head and this has took pride of place on the wall in our spare claret bedroom. (Ian: this is my office!)   The first Villa Match which I went to at Villa Park was in the summer of 2003 against Liverpool, I absolutely loved it! (Despite our manager at the time!!) I thought the atmosphere was amazing, and I still do now, I love snuggling up to my Babe in our seats with a nice cup of Bovril or a tray of sausage, chips and curry sauce...mmm yummy!! (Ian: why can't you manage to get through the game without having a sausage honey? x)   We’d been to a few friendly games – ONE at the Bescot prior to the start of my first season kick off and I loved them, we even went to Scunthorpe and had to go in Ian’s works van (it was a huge van!) and we couldn’t find a space big enough to park this van in, we looked like right nana’s turning up in this huge van driving round looking for a space so we could watch the match.   I love going to the matches down the Villa, I’ve only missed one home game so far and that was a couple of Saturday’s ago when I was really poorly, I was so disappointed that I couldn’t go with my babe. (Ian: I was too babe, I felt like my left arm had been chopped off, but sorry baby, I HAD to go!)   We attend every home game and we watch/listen to all away games on the TV/radio or watch them on the internet, or match of the day (we even watch the home matches again on match of the day again and again…don’t we sweetheart!) – we love it!   The team they have now under Martin O’Neill (Ian: I think all Villa fans will agree that this great man is the best manager we've had for well, since the great Ron Saunders) is great and I’ve seen a huge improvement since he has become manager, it’s been even more of a pleasure to watch, (Martin, give us a wave!)   I always know what to buy Ian – anything to do with Aston Villa! He’s got shirts, t-shirts, fleeces, socks, a rucksack, cufflinks, pens, an engraved tankard, 1982 miniature European cup, dvds, books galore, 1982 commerative European mug and a cute snuggly villa teddy which I brought him last year when my poorly babe was in hospital (I’m so pleased you are much better now my darling xx) (Ian: thank you for helping me through it babe xxx) You name it he’s got it when it comes to Villa!   Most recently I brought him the 1982 canvas picture of Peter With scoring the winning goal and he was made up with this present, it’s took pride of place on the wall above our bed! I was so pleased you liked it babe it was a special, to be treasured gift for a special treasured person…you my darling xx   I want to thank Ian so much for getting me into football and especially for making me a villa fan. We love our afternoon’s and evening’s out together at the matches and we have had several other evenings out at Villa Park together that have also been so memorable and I shall treasure these memories forever – Thank you so much darling xxx Up The Villa!   Ian: Thanks babe, that's another lovely story! I love you xxx Permalink:# Posted by Kelly on 07.02.2007; 9:39:40 PM from the History, Villa dept. Discuss (8 responses) Comment [8] Trackback [1]

We're up and running!

Please visit the 'About Us' section to read a bit about who and why...Up The Villa! The happy couple: At Villa Park: Look at this little lot! Permalink:# Posted by Ian Bourne on 20.01.2007; 2:08:13 AM from the Build-up, History, Villa dept. Discuss (7 responses) Comment [7] Trackback [150]