How much does Santa pay to park his sleigh? Nothing - it's on the house.
It's back! Birtley News makes its annual festive appearance with merry japes to keep you rolling in the aisles with mirth (possibly).
We both work mainly from home, with the odd foray to London and the office for Your Correspondent (YC). This permits morning and lunchtime runs, with YC's regular grassy route being up Stile End and Barrow Little Man. YC has joined Keswick AC and runs for their V50 team. He hastens to add he is still a member of his beloved Northumberland Fell Runners.
YC managed 1st V50 at Dalehead Race (a minor detail that there were only 15 runners). He introduced Aussie relatives Tristan & Julia to the delights of fellrunning at the tough Grisedale Horseshoe Fell Race.
Urged on by Emma, YC has bought a bike that is rather quicker than his previous beat-up version. This allows environmentally friendly rides into Keswick. The bikes made it to north-west Scotland and cut the walk-in time to several remote Munros.
Further afield, we visited Emily (Emma's eldest) in Hong Kong at Easter and were inducted into the art/fun of scrambling up creek-beds and enjoying a cooling swim in the pools.
We attend St John's Church in Keswick. YC occasionally deputises on the piano when the organist is away. The recent carol service was a sell-out, though YC was disappointed to note that there were no ponies singing the Christmas carols. The reason? They were all a little hoarse.
And with that bon mot, YC will sign off and wish you a Joyful & Peaceful Christmas.
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| Grisedale Horseshoe Race with Tristan & Julia |
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| Cycling in to which Munro? |
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| With NFR at the Simonside Cairns Race |
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| Hong Kong waterfall pool swimming |