caption competition

"World's strongest man spotted in Teddington"
or perhaps
"Methodists demonstrate new version of muscular Christianity".

The reality is more prosaic. Ruth Walker wanted help demolishing the shed in her allotment. So she turned to Brian Jackson who was more than happy to lend a hand. Here he is getting rid of the shed.

When Ruth isn't tending to her allotment, she is volunteering as a tour guide at Twickenham. Reports that she is about to set Brian loose on the England rugby team in an effort to get their shed/house in order are probably not true.

PS John Telfer e-mails this caption: "John Telfer's walking by - NOW!"

Tour of Pendle

YC ran the Tour of Pendle on Saturday. This is a 17 mile fell race that climbs Pendle Hill in Lancashire several times. The sun was shining, the wind light, and the weather generally glorious. The only downside was the horrifically steep climb at the end which reduced YC to scrambling up on all-fours. The race was in the NFR club championship. Afterwards, YC overheard the following conversation:

John Telfer (left) - blimey, that last climb was steep
Paul Appleby (right) - it certainly was; luckily I had a couple of pints last night that helped to see me through
John Telfer - only two beers? You wimp!


struggling up the last climb
photo from jellybabyfairy

a trip to London

Saturday saw a gathering of the Green Wyvern [YC's sailing friends]. It started off in very civilised style with brunch at Balans of Soho. But after that reverted to more familiar ground - a tour of some public houses with a boat trip and riverside walk at Rotherhithe thrown in for good measure. For those readers who are keen devotees of the quality of the ale on offer (and you know who you are), the Sambrook's Wandle Ale (3.8% ABV) in The Harp, Charing Cross was the best; with the Hooky Bitter (3.4% ABV) in The Mayflower, Rotherhithe a close second.

The occasion was enlivened by Rev T's hat. The owner of the hat wasn't present, but he had kindly given it to YC who had brought it along to the amusement of all concerned. Flat caps are unlikely to be the next big thing on the London fashion scene, but you never know...

left - walking beside the Thames at Rotherhithe
right - in the Old Salt Quay at Rotherhithe (note Rev T's hat jauntily worn by Lois)

Checking out the old docks at Rotherhithe. Photo courtesy of Graham Ashton.

Sunday saw YC back by the river for lunch with James & family. The occasion was Phoebe's birthday. After lunch in Wagamama (a Japanese restaurant for those like YC who are gloriously not up to date and have never heard of it), the troops repaired to the London Aquarium where the penguins were top of the billing and Phoebe's favourite.

in Wagamama

a few more photos