Sing choirs of angels

YC isn't sure if he sang like an angel. But what he lacked in quality he made up for in quantity. He accompanied on his guitar some carol singers around the wards at North Tyneside hospital tonight. In an age where knowledge of hymns tends to be restricted to "All things bright and beautiful", it's refreshing to learn that people still know their carols. Good King Wenceslas was a popular request as was Silent Night. YC was also armed with a fab Cajun version of Angels from the Realms of Glory (courtesy of John Pearce/Maddy Prior) which went down well. If you want to hear the Cajun version in all its glory, come along to Holy Saviours Church on Christmas morning and sing along.

And finally, how does Good King Wenceslas like his pizza? Deep pan crisp and even.

Ho ho ho (as Santa would say when he's gardening).

Birtley News Christmas 2009

For those who haven't been following the blog on a regular basis (surely not?), here is a taster of what you've missed. Click on "full screen" in the preview to see the Christmas edition.


Birtley News Christmas 2009 -

Simonside Cairns Race

YC ran the Simonside Cairns Race on Sunday. This 11 miler starts in Rothbury and climbs up to Lordenshaws car park before heading around the back of Simonside by Spylaw. The return leg is along the top of Simonside and back to Rothbury. There were clarts galore and good views towards The Cheviots. YC was second V40 (yes, he knows he doesn't look it - readers are too kind) but hastens to add that he wasn't up with the leaders - several V45s and V 50s finished in front of him. Here he is running along the Simonside Ridge. Both photos are courtesy of Pat Dunn. There's more on the NFR website where Old Cheviot (a close relative of YC) has given a more detailed account.




the fir tree on Simonside gets into the festive spirit

Turkey Race success

The fine craft Stella Genesta enjoyed success at The Turkey Race on Saturday, taking line honours and winning the race. The slower boats started before the fast boats. This helped Stella who was first over the start-line and benefited from clear water to lead the race from start to finish. The race was a quick blast from Reedham Ferry up to the windmill before Cantley and back again. 11 yachts took part with Rebecca finishing second. The weather was amazingly mild for December with blue skies and a decent breeze. Afterwards Rev T was observed to be in eulogise overload mode, with comments such as "we left them for dead", "next stop Cowes Week" etc flowing as freely as the celebratory pints of Adnams.

with the trophy in The Reedham Ferry pub

Stella moored before the race


Sparklet

more photos here

and some more on the Yare Sailing Club website