That anyone took up their offer for a supported time out and missed out on a lovely time.

It was late afternoon by the time Debs had checked into her hotel and I was able to pick her up and head off for a little retail therapy at the Traffod shopping mall. Browsed the racks in John Lewis before moving on. Debs needed a new compact and had the help of a delightful SA in Boots who advised her on best colour match and re-did her lippy for free which looked fab when done.

Hose added to the shopping basket we moved on for a quick drink in Starbucks followed by checking out Accessorize and a few other shops.

Time was marching on so we headed back towards the car and passing through John Lewis again were stopped by 3 young people who were looking for the way out of the store. Directions supplied it was hard not to notice that they didn't react in anyway to 2 CD'ers. In fact no-one reacted to us throughout our time there.

Having dropped Debs off at the hotel to freshen up, I parked and made my way to sit in the hotel bar until she re-appeared, I then used her room to do the same, putting on a different outfit and freshening up the makeup.

Off to the pub and while I got drinks Debs went looking for a table. She asked if we could share a table with what turned out to be a most interesting couple.

She was a full time CD originally from Brazil, her friend, a gay man from Saudi Arabia. We exchanged life stories chatting away like old acquaintances. After about 30 minutes they had to leave but said they would be back for the show which turned out to be a drag act called Crystal Lubricant would you believe.

Our two vacant seats were soon filled by a couple, friends of the act. They made exotic costumes for performers or anyone that wanted one, some of the pictures were amazing. Again catted away like old friends.

Crystal started her act, good singer BTW, and then it was our turn to move on. Molly's next, a quieter venue where we looked back on the day and mulled over the opportunities missed by those for whatever reason, felt unable to join us.

11:00 came and Molly's closed so next the Goose just around the corner. On our way we bumped into the first couple we met earlier waiting for a taxi. It was like meeting old friends with smiles and hugs exchanged.

Into theGoose. Seats at the bar we carried on chatting. A girl, a face familiar to me appeared. "Sorry, you look familiar, did you used to go to Concorde?" No, not from there then it dawned on me. YouTube. Check out Amanda White for some interesting out and about videos.

It turned 11:30 and time for this Cinders to head off. Goodbyes and hugs exchanged I left Debs to continue the evening while I drove back to base arriving at 01:30 tired but happy at the days events.

So yes, I have to say it again, if you were tempted but didn't join us then you missed out on a wonderful time. No-one was vaguely interested in us in a bad way and we interacted with a good many throughout the day. Two ladies out shopping, socialising, having a good time. You could have been No3, or 4 or 5.

Perhaps next year eh!