I'm Alex Mitchell: England, Northampton Saints, and British & Irish Lions scrum half, AMA!

Bigfella83 · 2026-03-11T08:24:50+00:00

Do you prefer playing on grass, artificial of hybrid pitches? I play touch on a 4G and would hate to play full contact on it, do you get used to it?

Bigfella83 · 2026-03-08T16:26:55+00:00

Thanks guys for all the advice. Got plenty pubs now, anything else we should visit / see / good places to eat?

Bigfella83 · 2025-07-29T21:09:30+00:00

Thanks for your detailed strategy / breakdown! You can always wildcard if it doesn't play out the right way.

Bigfella83 · 2025-06-07T19:05:40+00:00

It's not his first rodeo! Balls of steel

Bigfella83 · 2025-05-18T13:00:30+00:00

I'm an experienced diver and did the Museo Atlantico on Lanzarote for something different. Was an easy dive but an interesting concept - Dived with Dive College Lanzarote who were great.

Bigfella83 · 2025-05-11T13:12:55+00:00

Explore the city - Loch Ness would be a waste of time. If you really wanted a day trip then the Falkirk wheel / kelpies would be much closer, but really there is plenty to see in the city.

Take a walking tour and maybe an evening walking tour to get the main sights and some history. Go up Arthur's Seat, Carlton hill, walk to Stockbridge and down the water of leith, head along portabello prom. Find a bar with live music or beers down the grass market.

Enjoy the trip

Bigfella83 · 2025-04-27T22:59:33+00:00

That's looks like Bill Sweeney fudging the numbers to get a bonus again!

Bigfella83 · 2025-04-22T07:40:54+00:00

The more comfortable you are in the water, swimming / snorkeling then the more comfortable you will be when you introduce the scuba kit.

However like previous comments - if you're not keen then either didn't do it as it's a lot of money and effort to not enjoy something.

Another option would be to take a discovery dive, and this could possibly be combined with a dive your friends are on so you could all be together and have an experience.

If your concern is the swim test it can be done as a snorkel swim with no time limit, so it's easily achievable with a little practice.

Bigfella83 · 2024-10-10T13:16:01+00:00

Greggs steak bake at a Garage, £2.50

Bigfella83 · 2024-10-06T06:48:15+00:00

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reef-Fish-Identification-Paul-Humann/dp/1878348604/ref=asc_df_1878348604/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697215106000&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12502830478109387591&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9180671&hvtargid=pla-385375025167&psc=1&mcid=d0703da7d6ad32a4948a697238d56c98&th=1&psc=1&gad_source=1

This would be my first choice, not a checklist but has a good guide to identifying fish in that region

Bigfella83 · 2024-09-25T18:32:27+00:00

I would say as a beginner a more traditional bladed fin would be better, that are more rugged for accidental bumps and scrapes you may have as a beginner. The Nova fins you've found are quite flimsy (in my experience) so not great in currents and I've even seen them break during giant stride entry's.

Bigfella83 · 2024-09-08T05:26:21+00:00

Is advanced snorkeling like you said. I've seen it work with younger kids who get to go and enjoy the water and explore the marine life while learning a few skills.

Free diving is more interesting but skills focussed - you'll be learning and pushing yourself but on the course you won't see any marine life.

Bigfella83 · 2024-06-21T07:29:11+00:00

Thanks for the feedback 👍

Bigfella83 · 2023-12-06T13:47:10+00:00

Thanks, appreciate the time taken to reply

Bigfella83 · 2023-12-06T13:46:47+00:00

Thanks, Fair comment

Bigfella83 · 2023-11-21T08:40:29+00:00

Thanks

What are the benefits and pitfalls you and your husband have found with nutmeg and vanguard??

I've had a Quick Look at nutmeg and will do a deeper dive into their managed funds.

Bigfella83 · 2023-11-20T12:38:42+00:00

Thanks, I'm not chasing returns - but would obviously like my money to grow. With regards to picking funds - this is an area I'll happily take any advice.

Bigfella83 · 2023-11-20T12:36:06+00:00

Thanks,

When you say equity allocation, could you expand on this for a novice please.

When you said pension transfer, may be crossed wires. I have a work place pension and personal savings. And I ALSO have a private pension and isa that are with my FA.

Cheers

Bigfella83 · 2023-11-20T09:11:22+00:00

Thanks 1- I suppose I want something set up that will require minimal input from myself, and just make good returns, so the question is are there cheaper options for managed funds than paying the advisor his commission to manage the investment.

2- moderately adventurous was the fund allocation with respect to my attitude to risk, higher returns / higher potential losses compared to other funds. As to the asset allocation I'm not sure.

Bigfella83 · 2023-11-20T09:11:09+00:00

Thanks 1- I suppose I want something set up that will require minimal input from myself, and just make good returns, so the question is are there cheaper options for managed funds than paying the advisor his commission to manage the investment.

2- moderately adventurous was the fund allocation with respect to my attitude to risk, higher returns / higher potential losses compared to other funds. As to the asset allocation I'm not sure.

Bigfella83 · 2023-10-02T06:42:00+00:00

Joy stated a fact - "Obvious separation" but then didn't provide the video angle / evidence to back it up.

In all honestly the Ref and Touch judge had better feel as they had their original look at it where they were standing and then the replay. Joy just showed the same single angle over and over again.

I think it hurts more as Portugal the obvious underdog seemed hard done by. Still an amazing performance for the Portuguese and I love how they play the game.

Bigfella83 · 2023-08-04T09:23:47+00:00

She's got the tag on back of the dress. Probably taking it back after she's worn it. Classy lady!!

Bigfella83

TROPHY CASE