Birtley News

Trogging on to Blackburn

2012-02-12T21:38:00.008Z

photo - courtesy of Geoff Matthews

The Wadsworth Trog is a 20 mile fellrace over Pennine moors near Hebden Bridge. Once a covering of snow and lots of ice is added to the equation, it becomes "challenging" and "fun". In a marvellous poke in the eye to the health and safety brigade, the race went ahead on Saturday despite the adverse underfoot conditions. Despite all the ice on the course, YC only fell over once and managed to enjoy the stunning views over the moors. He finished 36th out of circa 140 runners in 3 hours 37 mins.

YC had been persuaded to enter by John Telfer (a veteran of several Trogs). Sadly John's race was curtailed when he stopped to assist a runner who had sprained an ankle. However John's journey was not entirely wasted. He can now add the qualifications FGP and GFS to his name. In case readers are wondering, FGP = Fox & Goose [pub in Hebden Bridge] Patron and GFS = Good Fellrunning Samaritan - check out the fellrunner's version in Luke's Gospel here.

After the race, YC travelled to Blackburn to see Paul & Topsy Thomasson. YC had run the Wadsworth Trog, and Paul had watched Blackburn Rovers win. So all in all, a minor celebration was called for - and a pleasant evening of chat, food and wine ensued. On Sunday YC attended mass at The Sacred Heart church with Topsy and her aunt Kate - and enjoyed belting out a few hymns.

Now if only Scotland could win a game of rugby, YC's life would be complete.

Sunday on The Town Moor

2012-02-05T17:17:00.002Z

left - NFR and Heaton Harriers on Cow Hill
right - on the way down

The hills were a little smaller than the Lakeland fare of last week. But the running was probably more difficult - as group leader Phil Green had decreed that it would be " 5 times up Cow Hill hard, then 5 times down hard". So it was YC found himself harking back to his school days - running up and down the hills on The Town Moor.

Later in the day YC found time for some birdwatching. Yesterday's snow buntings were not be seen at Blyth, but purple sandpipers at Seaton Sluice and nuthatches in Holywell Dene made for an enjoyable day.

Wales have just sorted out Ireland in a very entertaining rugby match. Well done the boyos. However guess where Scotland play next...The Millennium Stadium. It could be a long season for the boys in blue.

a winter's day in the lake district

2012-01-29T22:13:00.004Z

YC spent an enjoyable couple of days in The Lake District. After a jog up to Angle Tarn in the snow on Friday, he re-hydrated with the odd half of ale in The Dog & Gun (Keswick) with John Telfer in the evening. On Saturday he ventured forth with John T and Paul Appleby to blow off the cobwebs with a run around some of the north-western fells. The day was superb - no wind, high clouds, and a few inches of snow above 1,000 feet.

He took the new banner photo (above) from Maiden Moor. Can any reader name the central peak (and indeed any others) in the banner photo? There's no prize but a pint of the necessary might await any correct entries.

Paul - I don't think the summit bar on Ard Crags sells real ale
John - what? Taxi to The Dog & Gun!

left - John & Paul on Dale Head
right - YC on a new hill - High Snockrigg

Three Trumpeters' Waltz

2012-01-27T07:34:00.005Z

Here's the link
YC is attending a singing class at The Sage. One of the songs the group is tackling is Three Trumpeters' Waltz by Mike Vass. The link is given above - the song is track 10. The vocals kick in after about a minute. It's very canny to listen to when you're sitting at your PC.

What to do on Sunday

2012-01-15T21:28:00.004Z

It's Sunday, so YC has been:

birdwatching at Cresswell Pond. He walked into the hide, and met Mel & Bruce from his old folk group at The Sage. So when YC was not watching red breasted mergansers, short eared owls and pink-footed geese, he was chewing the fat on the merits of the New Rope String Band's Christmas concert. The general consensus was that they were VG.
to evensong at Holy Saviour's - the sermon majored on Melchizedek (a priest who features in the book of Hebrews) and how Jesus was the ultimate high priest who bridged the gap between God and Man. It turns out that Melchizedek features twice in the Old Testament. A pint awaits any theologically minded reader who can name the two OT references.

slaking the raging evensong thirst - YC rounded off the day with a relaxing pint (or two) of Deuchars in the Tynemouth Lodge whilst tackling The Times Saturday crossword. He is only half way through at the moment. So come back Rev T! Despite a dodgy light blue university education, your assistance is much missed.

New Year celebrations

2012-01-02T22:03:00.006Z

YC spent New Years Eve in Keswick with friends. As it was NYE, YC deemed it appropriate to see in 2012 with the odd half of beer (how unusual! he hears readers cry). On New Years Day he dispelled any lingering 2011 hangover with the Nine Standards Fell Race. This 8 miler is an out and back route to Nine Standards Rigg from Kirkby Stephen. A torrential downpour passed over an hour before the start, and the race was run in good conditions - if very wet underfoot. It was an enjoyable blast which took YC 1 hours 8 mins. He finished in his customary place about one third of the way down the field. And of course after the race, YC first had his tea...

left - on the way up
right - and on the way down
photos thanks to Stu Stoddart

The next day YC climbed Catbells with the New Years Eve revellers. He then extended the walk with Coz Cummins to take in High Spy, Dale Head, and Hindscarth. It was distinctly chilly on the tops with a dusting of snow/hail, but the views were stunning.

left - Kelvin and Lorna prepare to tackle the North Face of The Eiger/Catbells
right - Coz on Dale Head

And finally, here is a joke for readers to chortle in the New Year, courtesy of Kelvin:
Qu - why did the scarecrow win an award?
Ans - because he was the best in his field.

A Christmas Cracker

2011-12-25T18:46:00.006Z

What do you call a bear with no hair? Fred bear.

That little gem tumbled out of the Christmas cracker today. It gave a chortle to the Wonersh Duffs when YC relayed it by phone later on.

Lunch at YC's today was enjoyable (though he says so himself). By 12 30 pm Rev T had most definitely had his tea. So a glass (or two) of champagne got proceedings off to a fine start. Meanwhile Emma was masterminding proceedings in the kitchen. Everything went swimmingly until she turned the wrong oven off by mistake. This meant the roast potatoes took a tad longer than expected to cook. Fortunately there were ample supplies on hand to while away the slight delay, after which turkey and all the trimmings was "superb".

YC is now off to the Tynemouth Lodge to slake the raging Christmas lunch thirst with a pint or two of Deuchars. It's a tough life.

Left - Rev T: where's my hat? Mrs Rev T - on your head.
Right - the chef at work.

There was, of course, time to watch The Queen's speech at 3 pm today. No-one could accuse YC of being an ardent royalist, but he thought HMQ hit the spot today. She concluded by quoting this well known carol as a prayer:
"O Holy Child of Bethlehem descend to us we pray.
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today."

You can listen to the broadcast in full on the BBC i-player.

Happy Christmas

2011-12-20T20:51:00.005Z

The fourth Sunday of Advent has been and gone, as has the service of Nine Lessons and Carols at Holy Saviour's Church. So YC thinks it is now appropriate to wish all his readers Happy Christmas.

This card was designed by YC's nephew Matthew Duff. As the young chap just loves YC's jokes (he does - really), here is another one to keep readers chortling until Christmas Day.

What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations?
Tinsillitis!

Advent and Santa's Gardens

2011-12-13T20:38:00.008Z

The Angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.
"All hail" said he "thou lowly maiden Mary
Most highly favoured lady." Gloria!

Christmas seems to be approaching with a rush. YC sang his first carols of the year at North Tyneside Hospital when he and his sister Emma played some tunes in the Ash Court ward. One patient was reduced to tears by Away in a Manger (though YC is assured these were tears of joy). Tonight YC sang The Wexford Carol and Silent Night on the concourse of The Sage Music Centre, Gateshead with his folk singing class.

But before readers get too carried away, YC would like to remind them that it's only Advent - the season when we get ready both for Christmas and the second coming of Jesus (to get very theological).

YC is embracing the age of austerity by refraining from any Christmas decorations. Those visiting Millfield Gardens will have to make do with the neighbours' doorside singing snowmen (You better watch out, you better not cry - Santa Claus is coming to town!) which are very entertaining.

In BC1, Caesar Augustus decreed that everyone was to go to his own city to be taxed. In AD2011, Emma has decreed that the Duff family is coming to YC's house for Christmas lunch. This caused some anxiety at No 10 until YC realised that Emma was offering to cook. Furthermore Rev T is in charge of ambience - ie I've had my tea....how about this champagne? So it promises to be a good do.

As it's only Advent, YC would like to wish readers all the compliments of the Advent Season, and prepare them for Christmas by asking:

Why does Santa have 3 gardens? So he can ho ho ho!

Simonside Cairns Fell Race

2011-12-11T16:29:00.003Z

After last week's snowy run, YC was fellrunning today in more clement weather. The route of the Simonside Cairns race had to be altered due to ice on the top of Simonside. So instead the race followed a clockwise loop around Simonside without actually going to the top. Last week there was snow and a freezing wind; today there was a hint of sunshine and a gentle westerly. Even better, Mark Brooker was back for another fellrace and kindly drove YC to the race. This meant that YC could slake the raging fellrunner's thirst afterwards in the Newcastle Hotel.

YC finished circa 14th out of 90 in about 1 hour 30 mins. His shock at finishing so high up was only surpassed at seeing John Telfer sipping a glass of coke in the pub afterwards. Presumably now that JT has had his coke and tea, there might just be the chance for something a little stronger.

More details will soon be appearing on the NFR website for those keen to peruse the results - no doubt readers can't wait for that.

winter's here

2011-12-04T16:23:00.005Z

Winter has arrived in the north-east. On Wednesday YC ran up Hedgehope and there was a dusting of snow on the top. Today at the Hexhamshire Hobble there was more than a dusting of snow. 2-3 inches had fallen on the moors above Allendale. The run back into the biting wind and snow was particularly grim/testing/enjoyable in retrospect. YC got round the 10.5 mile course in 1 hour 26 mins. There were numerous folk from NFR there including Mark Brooker (from SSP) - YC had persuaded him that fellrunning was good training for the Kielder Marathon.

photo courtesy of Allen Valley Striders

And now, in time honoured fashion, readers (Rev T, John T, et al) might care to note that YC has had his tea...

PS It's also been snowy in the north-west. Here's Gill Walker putting on a brave face while climbing Wansfell in the Lake District. Apparently Tim told her there was a cafe on the top.

caption competition

2011-11-24T21:35:00.006Z

"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

2011-11-20T16:32:00.006Z

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

2011-11-07T09:33:00.006Z

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

OMM 2011

2011-10-31T11:14:00.008Z

"Dreich" is probably the best description for the weather at The OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) at the weekend. The event was held in Scotland near Loch Tay (Perthshire). YC completed the medium score event with Paul Hainsworth. The score event is akin to an orienteering event with competitors visiting as many checkpoints as possible in an alloted time. The weather did fair up a bit on Sunday, though the tops were still in the cloud. Despite a couple of navigational wobbles, we made our way round OK and finished 19th out of circa 200 - not bad for a couple of non-orienteerers.

left - Paul at the start
right - at the finish with Francis Shillitoe and Paul Gaines

"what the well-dressed man wears at The OMM (possibly)"
Who needs hi-tech clothing when you can just roll up your ronhills?

After 2 days running, YC deemed it prudent for some rest and rehydration. Readers can probably guess what form that took. In case they are struggling, here is another keen Birtley News reader also rehydrating in The White Swan, Ampleforth. He claims his daughter Miss Telfer (pictured left) dragged him there against his will. A likely tale...

planes and ties

2011-10-27T20:50:00.003+01:00

Matthew has been practising knotting his tie and constructing this plane model. Over dinner tonight at Il Forno's, the conversation turned to how many second world war planes we could name (naturally). So far we have for the Allies - Spitfires, Hurricanes, Flying Fortresses, Lancasters and Wellingtons. And for the Germans - Messchersmitts, Fokkers, and Heinkels. All other contributions, gratefully received...

Meanwhile, Rev T was enjoying the peroni, the valpolicella, the atmosphere, and generally getting into...you guessed it...eulogise mode.

Matthew is back in Tynemouth

2011-10-24T21:33:00.004+01:00

Here are the Duff family in The Grand Hotel after a bar meal (photo courtesy of Russ). Matthew had enjoyed the scampi, Emma had polished off the fish cakes, and Grandpa had had his tea...

Afterwards in Percy Gardens, the card game of choice was "Presidents and Losers". Readers can probably guess who was the president (hint - he is 8 years old) and who was the loser (hint - he is 71 years old).

what you might have missed

2011-10-19T20:31:00.003+01:00

Birtley News gets updated on a regular basis. But for those who are infrequent visitors, here's a selection of news items that the national media for some inexplicable reason failed to cover.

YC is still fellrunning. Whether it's the Ian Hodgson Relay, LAMM, or an irreverent view at work, there's usually some fellrunning news.

The fine craft Stella Genesta is going strong on the Norfolk Broads. In July she ventured on to the northern waters for her annual cruise. Earlier in the year she sailed in company with Mimosa for a few days.

There's always a smattering of family news. Whether it's the Walkers in town, the Millers in South Africa, or monopoly and model railways with Matthew, you will be up to date with family goings-on.

Earlier in the year, YC was in New Zealand for some tramping and running.

And when all else fails, there's training on beer.

on the buses

2011-10-19T12:45:00.006+01:00

Despite evidence to the contrary, local fellrunner denies catching bus to finish race...

YC came into work today to find that this caption and cartoon had been circulated on the staff bulletin. He is deeply grateful to his friend Paul Nelson for preparing it.

For those not in on the joke, the Kielder Marathon recently hit the headlines when a runner caught the bus to the finish.

For those keen to read about some genuine fellrunning, visit the NFR website for YC's report about the national fellrunning relays on Saturday.

Walkers in town

2011-10-12T20:29:00.007+01:00

left - Margaret, Diane, Pat, Timothy, Brian
right - Andrew, Frances, Gill, Alistair

The Walker relatives have been in Tynemouth over the weekend. Alistair & Margaret are over from Canada, and Gill & Brian were visiting from Teddington. There was a gathering for a splendid lunch at Andrew & Diane's on Sunday. Diane is a fine cook, whilst Andrew is equally adept at opening a bottle of beer. So naturally YC enjoyed the lunch immensely. YC's cousin Frances Walker was also there. Frances is putting YC to shame on the fellrunning front, having completed numerous races this year including the 14 mile Langdale Horseshoe the day before.

The only Walker sibling not present was Tim. He was travelling back to the UK from New Zealand where he had been following the rugby world cup. He wisely restricted himself to the England pool games, so missed seeing the loss to France in Auckland. Here are Tim & Gill (second and third from the right) at a game - astute readers might be able to guess which team they were supporting.

Now that Wales are the only home nation left in the World Cup, YC encourages readers to learn the Welsh National Anthem. He has been teaching it to colleagues at work (much to their delight). For those who have not had the pleasure, here are the words for the phonetic version. Readers can sing along to it by clicking here.

My hain gwlad vern hadai un an-oil ee me,

Gwlad baerth a chantorion en wog-yon or vrie,

Eye gurol ruv-el-wir gwlad garwyr trah mard,

Dross ru-thid coch rasant aye gwide.

Chorus

Gwlad gwlad,

Plie [2 notes] de-ol oiv [2 notes] eem gwlad

Trah more un veer eer beer hore-ff vie,

Oh buthed eer hen-yithe barr-high.

water water everywhere

2011-10-12T20:18:00.002+01:00

left - Paul and YC; right - John & Paul

It was a tad on the damp side at the Manor Water Hill Race. This 10 miler is near Peebles in the Scottish Borders. On a good day you can see for miles (possibly even Blackpool Tower) but on a misty day you can barely see the runner in front. It was most definitely the latter option on Saturday. Still the tea tent was welcoming after the race (see above). And as John Telfer is fond of saying, when I've had my tea...there might be the possibility of something stronger afterwards.

YC managed this race in just under 90 mins. Paul Hainsworth was not far behind. John T came in next - no doubt saving himself for the 16 miler Pentland Skyline which he ran on Sunday. After which he had most definitely had his tea.

Ian Hodgson Relay 2011

2011-10-03T08:33:00.004+01:00

left - Dave and YC
right - George and Andrew finish leg 1 at Hartsop for NFR

The Ian Hodgson Relay is a 4 stage mountain marathon in the Lake District. Each leg is run in pairs. YC ran leg 3 for NFR with Dave Johnson. This leg starts at the Kirkstone Pass with a near vertical ascent of Red Screes. We took a direct line up which involved some interesting gully scrambling. The weather was dreich, with low cloud and rain. So with navigation at a premium, we settled on a steady run following the fence most of the way to Dove Crag. From there a steep grassy descent took us to the leg 3 finish in Dovedale.

Although there were 68 teams, we ran most of the way in splendid isolation. The best part was running off Red Screes and popping out of the clouds to feel we had the Lakes to ourselves. The worst part was the final slog up Dove Crag in zero visibility, during which Dave debated giving his race number to a sheep which he reckoned was running faster than him (readers will be relieved to hear it wasn't, and he didn't).

NFR finished 31st out 68 starters. We were helped by a storming last leg from Will & Tom who made up 12 places, and brought us home ahead of local rivals Tynedale to great delight all round (at least in the NFR camp).

more photos

further report on the NFR website

Millers in South Africa

2011-09-30T21:01:00.010+01:00

back row from the left - Peter, Ian, Dan
middle - Alistair, Margaret, Susan, Monica, Alison (Rasmusen nee Miller), Alison (Miller nee Inglis)
front - Mitchell, Tristan, Logan, Sarah, Patrick, Kristin, Natalie

It's been a while - 10 years in fact - but The Miller family finally all rendezvoused in the same place. The venue was South Africa where Susan Miller is doing animal conservation research. For those struggling with the family connection - Margaret Miller is Pat Duff's twin sister (and hence YC's aunt) and her children and their families live in Canada (Ian, Alison), Australia (Peter), and South Africa (Susan). Susan Miller reports that it was an amazing holiday, and that her family made their mark "by being the only people mad enough to go swimming in the unheated, outdoor pool".

Madness clearly runs in the family - Mr & Mrs Rev T have been swimming today in the North Sea - bracing!

Yare Navigation Race 2011

2011-09-26T12:01:00.004+01:00

YC has just returned from sailing on The Broads. The week culminated with the Yare Navigation Race on Mimosa (skipper Andy, Lois, Emma & YC). This race starts at Coldham Hall (near Brundall) and heads 15 miles down the Yare to Breydon Water, before returning to Coldham. The trick is to take the ebb down the river, timing your arrival on Breydon close to slack water, before returning on the flood tide. This year the tide was late and the wind forecast to fall out. So when to arrive on Breydon?

We aimed for a 3 30 pm arrival and by luck/judgement got there at that time. We had to punch the last of the ebb on the return leg, but did get the benefit of the best of the afternoon wind before it fell out.

We finished 6th overall on adjusted time (by handicap) out of 50 boats - a result which Lois declared was "dead exciting!". The 5 boats ahead of us were all "big boats" ie serious racing machines in a different league - so we were the first "slow" boat home.

Before the race, YC had spent a few days cruising with Mr & Mrs Rev T on the fine craft Stella Genesta. By now YC is sure readers know the script - leisurely sailing, crossword solving, training on beer etc etc. All very enjoyable.

left - Stella & Mimosa's crews in Burgh St Peter churchyard
right - racing on Mimosa by Langley Woods

left - boats waiting for the bridge to open in Reedham Street
right - race winner Moonshadow

photos of pre race cruise

photos of Yare Navigation Race

Out in The Cheviots

2011-09-11T12:46:00.005+01:00

YC took a jaunt around the route of the Yetholm hill race yesterday. It's one of his favourite training runs. It's all off-road and packs 2,500 ft of climbing into 8 miles. He added a bit extra on, with a side trip up The Schill - a hill he hadn't been up for several years. There was hardly a soul about and the running was glorious.

YC's running was truncated by injury in August. It's only when you can't get out in the hills that you realise how much you miss them. Readers will be relieved to know that this doesn't apply to beer - as YC never misses a chance to sample a pint of the finest. On that note, the Jarrow Bitter in the Oddfellows Arms (North Shields) was VG last night. As the weather was inclement, YC caught the 306 bus which dropped him outside the pub. It's even better when you are Rev T - a bus pass got him there for nothing.

left - the outward route viewed from Staerough Hill (James Duff's least favourite hill)
right - The Schill from the Pennine Way

the return route along Steer Rigg, viewed from White Law

Hedgehope running

2011-09-03T16:30:00.004+01:00

YC went for a run up Hedgehope today. The forecast rain had not arrived and clouds were at 2,000 ft. It was perfect running weather. There was hardly a soul about and YC had the hills to himself. There was some interesting wildlife about (no quips about a thin runner in shorts please readers): a mole, a stoat, and a peregrine falcon. After all that exercise, YC has now had his tea...

For any readers wondering how YC knew it was a stoat and not a weasel, the answer is simple. A weasel is weasily wecognised whereas a stoat is stoatally different.

left - purple and green heather makes the NFR runner feel at home
right - Great Standrop, James Duff's favourite hill

back on the fells

2011-08-28T06:28:00.003+01:00

Dedicated readers have noticed an absence of fellrunning from Birtley News of late. YC has been struggling with an injury (no comments about old age/infirmity please), but managed to get his fellrunning back on track yesterday at the Dufton Show race. This 5 miler heads up Dufton Pike (a foothill of Cross Fell) in the Eden Valley. The day was cool, the clouds were high, and the grassy running good. It took YC about 40 minutes to scamper round the route. Here are 3 folks from NFR (Richard, Paul & Steph). Dufton Pike is in the background.

more on NFR website

steam engines and swimming

2011-08-21T13:33:00.003+01:00

Matthew's week has continued to be action packed as he:

learns how a steam engine works - ably demonstrated by Andrew Walker (see above)
follows the fortunes of Harry Potter who has just seen off the troll (as read by YC above)
swims in the North Sea at Kings Edward Bay (brace yourselves readers!)

monopoly & model railways with Matthew

2011-08-16T20:57:00.004+01:00

Matthew is back in Tynemouth staying with Grandpa and Granny (more commonly known to readers as Rev & Mrs T). He has brought with him a travelling set of Monopoly with which he is rapidly licking YC into shape. Hands up which readers can remember how many houses make a hotel - YC certainly couldn't recall.

Today Matthew has been to Chris Campbell's house to play on the model railway. The railway is in Chris's attic and provides lot of scope for a "young controller" to keep the trains running on time. When he is not driving the trains, Matthew is reading "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". Harry has just got to Diagon Alley and is about to buy his wand. After that Harry will be able to perform all sorts of magic. As well as freeing snakes in the zoo, Grandpa is hoping that Harry's magic will extend to refilling the wine bottles at Percy Gardens. You never know...

left - a young controller at work on the model railway
right - Chris points out the finer detail to Matthew

the lion darter

2011-08-07T15:16:00.003+01:00

So what's going on here? Why is this lion sporting a natty pink accoutrement? Will it one day be strolling down the catwalk (ho ho) in South Africa showing off this latest must-have fashion item? The truth is more prosaic. The dart soon falls out and takes a biopsy (tiny portion of the lion's flesh) with it. The biopsy is then analysed by the researchers who are keeping tabs on the South African lions' health.

Here is a picture of the chief darter at work. Regular readers will recognise her as YC's cousin Susan Miller. She is about to be joined in SA by all of the Miller clan - Alistair & Margaret, Ian, Alison, and Peter plus their families. It should be quite a gathering. Reports that the price of rhubarb crumble has doubled overnight in anticipation of the Miller arrival are probably not true.

Kelly Reunion

2011-08-05T12:14:00.005+01:00

Emma Duff has met with cousins Ana-Elena & Clare Kelly. Ana-Elena is Phil & Ruth Kelly's daughter and was visiting Europe from Mexico. She stayed with Emma for a few days and they had a meal with Clare (see pictures below).

Long-time readers of BN might remember that Emma stayed with the Kellys in Mexico a number of years ago on her round the world travels. Emma attended a Spanish language school and brushed up her skills by reading Harry Potter to Ana-Elena in Spanish.

On that note, YC feels obliged to offer readers his Spanish joke:
Qu: What do you call a Spanish fire-crew?
Ans: Jose, and Hose B.

left - Emma, Ana-Elena and Clare

welcome the child

2011-07-31T15:04:00.004+01:00

Oliver Smith was baptised at Holy Saviour's Church today. The baptism took place during the family service at which the music group were making their monthly appearance. Holiday commitments had reduced the music group in number to Chris (Oliver's father) on the flute, Julian on the guitar, and YC on the piano. But the music group still knocked out the numbers with aplomb, including "Welcome the child that comes to be blessed" to the tune of Rock-a-bye baby. YC was honoured to be Oliver's godfather. Reports that YC has already signed up Oliver for life membership of Northumberland Fell Runners and CAMRA are thought to be untrue - but you never know...

left - YC, Oliver, Gillian, Chris
right - sartorial style with college ties to the fore: Rev T (Caius), Chris (Selwyn), and YC (St Peter's)

Holy Island Hobbling

2011-07-25T19:54:00.002+01:00

left - Castlehead Rocks
right - beach by Emmanuel Head

Old Cheviot's aged limbs are feeling the strain at the moment. So today he went for a wander around Holy Island. He rose early and was on the island by 8 30, just before the causeway shut. This proved to be a good move - as the island was quiet until the hordes arrived when it re-opened. After a quick visit to the church, he strolled up to Emmanuel Head and on to Snipe Point. Wildlife spotted included goosanders in The Harbour, seals surfacing off the east shore, and numerous gannets off Castlehead Rocks.

Afterwards he discovered a birdwatching hide overlooking Holy Island Sands (accessed from the mainland). If any readers are wondering where all the curlews have gone - OC can reveal that they are resident on HI Sands. The curlews were only outnumbered by the seals which bask on a low-tide sandbank - there were hundreds of them.

Millers in Malawi

2011-07-17T15:24:00.004+01:00

YC's cousin Peter Miller and family are in Malawi at the moment. Peter and his wife Alison are doing some voluntary work in the local school and community (including tasks such as looking for missing goats), whilst their children Patrick, Tristan and Natalie have enrolled at the local school for the last few days of term.

You can see some photos and read all about it on their blog here.

a northern waters cruise

2011-07-16T17:42:00.002+01:00

10 days on the fine craft Stella Genesta sailing the northern waters of the Norfolk Broads is a good way to relax. No internet, no phone, no e-mails. Just sailing, crosswords, and beer. Old haunts visited included Horsey Mere, West Somerton, and Hunters Yard (3 times - much to Rev T's delight). Wildlife spotted included grey seals in the sea at Horsey, kingfishers on the Ant, and avocets on Breydon. Beers drunk included Adnams Bitter, Woodeforde's Wherry, and Greene King IPA - strictly for medicinal purposes of course.

left - sailing past Hunsett Mill, River Ant
right - White Moth, wherry

Stella moored at Dilham Staithe

Chevy Chase 2011

2011-07-02T18:43:00.005+01:00

left - all smiles for Louise, Chris, Katherine and Peter
right - with more from Steph, Paul, John and Scott

runners enjoy the sunshine at the finish

YC was back for his annual crack at The Chevy Chase today. This 20 miler is held at Wooler and heads over Cheviot and Hedgehope. Every year he prays for cloud and rain so he can put his local knowledge to good use. And sure enough, every year the sun beats down and it's a glorious day. Some welcome cloud arrived half way through the race, so this stopped matters getting too hot.

YC had a reasonable run. He felt a bit rough between Cheviot and Hedgehope, but staged a recovery later on and felt strong on the run-in. He ran most of the way in the enjoyable company of Dave Wiseman and Mike Telfer (both NFR).

Eryri (Welsh running club - it's the Welsh name for Snowdon) turned up in force this year. They provided the winner in Matt Roberts with several other of their runners close behind. Sarah Lister from Durham Fell Runners was first lady. NFR was there in force - with probably over 30 runners - and were led home by Gary Jones with Charlie Stead and Phil Sanderson not far behind. Claire and her team at Wooler Running Club did an excellent job as always organising the race.

After all that running, YC is off to Norfolk for some training on beer and sailing on the fine craft Stella Genesta. He's just had his tea...

a weekend down south

2011-06-21T20:36:00.003+01:00

Saturday - strolling through Regents Park and sampling the ales on the Euston Road with Emma Duff. Camera membership gave a 10% discount in the Bree Louise pub - fantastic.

Sunday morning - playing the piano at the morning service at St Pauls, Lisson Grove. Emma was joined in the congregation by Lois Gordon (see above). YC played The Blaydon Races at the end of the service and was surprised that quite a few of the congregation knew it.

Sunday afternoon - visiting Katie, Matthew & Phoebe (see above - James had to go to work). While the rest of the country were watching England take on Sri Lanka, the match of the day in Wonersh was YC v Matthew. After a few overs YC rapidly found himself in the Sri Lanka role - with deliveries whizzing past him at top speed and Matthew then scoring a hundred.

Sunday evening - a drink with Marshall Crawford in Holborn (beer at £2.11 a pint) and the West End (more expensive but excellent Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted).

Monday morning - walking along the Regents Canal with Emma to Kings Cross, spotting a grey wagtail and admiring the narrow boats passing through the locks.

Monday afternoon - travelling home for a rest.

those hills...

2011-06-16T18:13:00.003+01:00

Well done to John Telfer and Tim Walker who correctly identified the hills in the banner photo. Tim commented that he was entering the "non-running section" as the fellrace clue meant nothing to him. For those who are keen on running, the Borrowdale Fell Race follows the ridge. Both can claim a small drink when next they see YC. In JT's case this will be appropriate, as he usually only drinks halves.

For readers still struggling with the hills, here they are in broad daylight. The are from the left: Great Gable, Green Gable, High Stile range (in distance), Brandreth, and Grey Knotts. In the foreground - Seathwaite Fell and Base Brown. The photo was taken from the Glaramara/Allen Crags ridge. Easy really.

LAMM 2011

2011-06-14T21:10:00.004+01:00

left - picture postcard running beside Loch a Choire Mhoir
right - Paul plotting the course off Meall nan Ceapraichean (our Munro for the day)

YC ran the LAMM at the weekend with Paul Hainsworth. The Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon is a 2 day event involving an overnight camp and route finding between checkpoints. It was held in NW Scotland near Ullapool and was fantastic. The weather was spot-on and a breeze kept the midges at bay. There was even a bar at the event centre on Friday night selling An Teallach ale from a local microbrewery. 50 pence from each pint went to the mountain rescue team, so YC felt obliged to sample a pint - greater love hath no man...

more detailed account on the NFR website

more photos

back on the fells

2011-06-06T17:28:00.004+01:00

YC was back on the fells yesterday after the stress of the Old County Tops. The occasion was the Yetholm Hill Race. This enjoyable 8 miler takes in Staerough Hill and The Curr before returning on the Pennine Way. It's all off road with a grassy run-in (see runners finishing above). Whilst he didn't feel on absolutely top form, readers will be relieved to hear that he made it round without being sick (always a bonus) and enjoyed the race.

Those who require more detail can read Old Cheviot's account on the NFR website here.

Astute readers will have noticed that Birtley News has a new banner photo. Can any reader identify the hills in question and the vantage point from where the photo was taken? A small liquid prize awaits any correct entries. [Hint - a classic Lakeland fellrace winds its way though the hills, and the sun is setting in the west.]

A weekend on The Broads

2011-06-01T12:44:00.004+01:00

left - an Old Hand at the helm on the River Waveney
right - moored in Beccles Yacht Station

Mimosa with 3 reefs down at Burgh St Peter

It was a tad on the blowy side for last weekend's sailing in Norfolk. Nevertheless the fine crafts Stella Genesta & Mimosa made the best of the weather with reefs down most of the time. Haunts visited included Cantley, Reedham, and the place they do like [Beccles]. As the sailing was strenuous, they even found time for the odd half of beer including Adnams, Wherry, and Narrowgate Small Beer - weighing in at the princely strength of 2.8% ABV.

a few more photos

Old County Tops 2011

2011-05-22T15:51:00.009+01:00

"rehydration in the Old Dungeon Ghyll with John & Scott"

YC was back for his annual crack at the Old County Tops Fell Race yesterday. This epic 37 miler is held in Great Langdale (Lake District) and takes in the high points of the old counties of Westmorland (Helvellyn), Cumberland (Scafell Pike) and Lancashire (Coniston Old Man). The race was made doubly difficult by YC feeling unwell throughout: a sore stomach and nausea made eating sufficient food nigh on impossible. 37 miles becomes even longer when you tackle it on a twix, a couple of pieces of malt loaf, and a few wine gums.

YC didn’t feel great from the off. After ticking off Helvellyn, the rot set in on the climb up Wythburn and around to Angle Tarn. YC hit a low point at Esk Hause (about half way round), but then recovered for the climb over Scafell Pike and the run down Mosedale to the checkpoint at Cockleybeck. Endless supplies of butties and cake were on offer there, but YC had to content himself with a cup of tea and pushed straight on for the climb up the back of Grey Friar.

He took stock just below the col and decided he could make it out to Coniston Old Man, despite the forecast wind and rain arriving with a vengeance. So he hobbled on and finally made it back to Great Langdale in just over 10 hours.

The race is run in pairs. YC was running with Scott Gibson. As hopes of a fast time evaporated and the priority changed simply to finishing, Scott was endlessly supportive and cajoled YC round with wine gums and good cheer. He even waited patiently 30 minutes from the finish when YC had to sit down for 5 minutes in a vain effort to get his act together.

YC was duly sick at the end – and then miraculously began to feel a bit better. He even managed a half of bitter (which is not code for several pints) in the Old Dungeon Ghyll later on.

Graham Walton & Dave Gunning were the first NFR pair home. Paul Myers and Nick Wild weren’t far behind, and John Telfer & Simon were pleased to crack 10 hours. YC was pleased just to finish. When Graham asked him – “did you enjoy that?” – he gave the honest answer “not really”. But as the pain of the day fades and the satisfaction of finishing increases, YC will wear his T-shirt with pride and can say for certain – he’ll be back next year.

It's all go...

2011-05-16T20:34:00.005+01:00

In a packed weekend, YC can report that:

1 James "details" Duff can still recite the heights of Cheviot and Hedgehope, and correctly identified Old Cheviot's route last weekend as the Chevy Chase. James doesn't usually drink beer, but will make an exception on this occasion and accept Old Cheviot's proffered pint.

2 Pat Duff has been visiting Gill & Brian Jackson in Teddington. They enjoyed a convivial lunch with cousin Ruth Walker in her allotment (see photo of Gill, Brian & Ruth above). YC notes that in addition to the usual vegetables etc, the allotment also appears to produce wine. Are Walker Wines about to take the licensing world by storm?

3 YC was over in the Lake District for a training run with Scott Gibson. Despite zero visibility and rain/wind, they managed to recce a couple of the fellrace routes over Scafell Pike.

Fellrunning with Old Cheviot

2011-05-07T16:08:00.009+01:00

Old Cheviot parked by the white metalled bridge and headed up the side valley. It was 8 30 am and the early rain was just clearing. As he past the restored shepherd's cottage, he was running in splendid isolation with just the skylarks for company. He reached his highpoint half an hour later. The Fell Runners Association has decided in their wisdom to classify races in metric measurements, but readers will be reassured to know that OC remains firmly rooted in the past and so still thinks of the summit as 2676 ft high.

Turning hard left at the summit, he stirred his aged bones into action for the steep descent, before picking his way to the next hill at 2343 feet. After another steep downhill section, he enjoyed the run along the broad ridge past some crags and a corner until his path brought him full circle to his starting point.

Can any reader guess the route of OC's fellrun? A glass of the finest (served in a strictly imperial pint measure) will be awarded to the first correct answer.

Easter & May Day sailing

2011-05-03T21:16:00.006+01:00

YC has spent 10 days sailing on the fine crafts Mimosa & Stella Genesta on The Norfolk Broads. This was his first sail of the year. Haunts visited included Thorpe St Andrew & Loddon on Mimosa, and Berney & Oulton on Stella. The wind picked up significantly over the week, and by the Green Wyvern May Day cruise Stella was sailing with 3 reefs and a storm jib - something not seen for several years. Readers will be surprised to learn that YC sampled the odd half of beer (as the weather was warm at times). The award for the best beer goes to the Adnams at The Three Horseshoes (North Cove) by a short head (boom boom).

left - Andy & Lois sailing up Reedham Street on Easter Saturday
right - reefing on the lower Yare in chillier conditions

left - the May Day fleet at Oulton Broad
right - a party for the Royal Wedding (the Buckingham Palace invitations got lost in the post) complete with tacky bunting

left - Mimosa leaves the Berney with 2 reefs down
right - an Old Hand in his element, flying the F40 signal for Dick & Jan Farrar's ruby wedding

a rare sight - Stella with 3 reefs down approaching The Beauchamp.
photo from Lois.

more photos

a fellrun, a party, and a swim

2011-04-18T21:07:00.005+01:00

In an action packed weekend, YC ran the Coledale Horseshoe Fell Race on Saturday. It heads over Grisedale Pike and Eel Crags in the Lake District and packs 3,000 ft of climbing into its 9 miles. There's a report on the NFR website.

On Sunday he joined a convivial family party at Il Forno's restaurant. The occasion was James, Katie, Matthew & Phoebe being in Tynemouth for the weekend. Fine food and good company made for a very enjoyable lunch. Nephew Matthew announced that YC had an A level in craziness - wherever did he get that idea from?

Today YC did some further studying on his A level with a swim in the North Sea. It's on the chilly side, but YC has invested in a wet suit so the temperature is bearable. Afterwards he headed up to Cresswell Pond where he spotted a yellow wagtail - this takes YC's UK bird list to 100. Only another 100 odd to go...

left - James samples the wine under Rev T's approving gaze
right - Phoebe, Gill and Pat

Hands up if you think Uncle Johnny's crazy. Matthew waves to the camera.

Allendale Challenge 2011

2011-04-10T13:58:00.003+01:00

The Allendale Challenge is a 25 mile event for walkers/runners over the hills in South Northumberland. It ranges from easy running on good tracks to waist-deep bogs and peat hags on Killhope Law. This year the weather was unusually warm - no thermals and waterproofs were required, rather sunscreen and water bottles were to the fore.

YC ran much of the race in company with Graham Walton. Starting off steadily, we gradually reeled in the other runners and moved up the field. Graham ran really strongly and pulled away in the last few miles. But he still managed to drag YC to a PB of 4 hours 2 mins, 5th overall from a field of approx 100.

In the evening YC deemed it prudent to rehydrate with the odd half of shandy - after all, the weather had been particularly hot.

more reports on the NFR website

as fit as a lop

2011-04-04T20:32:00.006+01:00

YC enjoyed a jog around the Simonside Hills today. Parking in Rothbury, he headed up the route of the Hillforts & Headaches race before following some of the Beacon Hill race around the flank of Simonside. It was a slate grey day with a chilly breeze blowing, but the views over towards The Cheviots were good. Afterwards he drove to Cresswell Pond where the red breasted mergansers (look them up in your bird book) were putting on a fine display - 4 males were in hot pursuit of a lucky (or unlucky?) female.

As it's the season of Lent, some readers might have given something up for Lent. Emma Duff reports that she is abstaining from alcohol, cakes and biscuits, and feels "as fit as a lop". Readers may consider this admirable though unobtainable for them. In which case they could consider the example of John Telfer, who is warming up for the Allendale Challenge with vodka and beer whilst holidaying in Russia. YC, as always, will be following the diplomatic middle way - a half of shandy if the weather is particularly hot...

A Run In The Cheviots

2011-03-28T20:40:00.006+01:00

YC revisited some old haunts today. Parking at the bottom of The Street in The Coquet Valley, he headed up to Yearning Hall and the hut on the Border Ridge. From there he journeyed over Lamb Hill and into Scotland to Greenhill. Returning by The Street, he climbed Windy Gyle last of all, before descending via Rowhope. In 3 hours of running he saw 3 walkers. Birdlife was more numerous - snipe, skylarks, pippets, buzzards, and wheatears. This evening he slaked the raging runner's thirst in The Tynemouth Lodge. On his return through Northumberland Park, he saw a woodpecker - he has often heard them there, but never clapped eyes on one before. Proof (if one were needed) that a trip to a licensed premise is always rewarding.

left - looking across to Yearning Hall
right - Callaw Cairn with Hownam Law in the distance

Brough Law Fell Race

2011-03-20T15:48:00.007Z

Brough Law is a testing 5 mile fellrace in the Ingram Valley. It's all on grassy runnable (mostly) tracks. The weather today was perfect - high clouds, cool, and not too windy. YC trotted round to notch up his first race of the year in the 2011 NFR championship. He has no idea of his time as he didn't wear a watch - a great way to stop stressing about how fast (or slow) you are running. However for the avoidance of doubt, YC can confirm 2 facts:
1 The race was thoroughly enjoyable
2 He's had his tea.

left - Gill Bennett runs in supported by husband Lee
right - you are never too old for fellrunning. Joe Garbarino, V70, sprints to the finish.

Blencathra Fellrunning

2011-03-14T21:04:00.004Z

left - Blencathra from Bowscale Fell
right - the Blencathra ridge from Gategill Fell Top

YC took a trip to the Lake District today to tick off some more 2,000 ft peaks. The day was superb with blue skies, a gentle breeze, and far-reaching views. It was still chilly on the tops with a little snow in places, but warm in the valleys. Parking at Threlkeld, YC did an anticlockwise circuit over Blencathra, Bannerdale Crags, Bowscale Fell, Great Calva, Skiddaw, and Lonscale Fell. Apart from a cluster of walkers on Skiddaw, the hills were pretty quiet. Great Calva was deserted. YC suspects it might be busier on a Saturday night in June - it's on the Bob Graham 24 hour circuit which ensures a steady stream of fellrunning visitors.

a few more photos here

running and crosswords

2011-03-07T16:44:00.003Z

YC had a trot round the route of the Yetholm Hill Race today. This must rank as one of his favourite training runs: 8 miles all off road, splendid isolation over Staerough Hill to The Curr, and a glorious run-out along Steer Rigg. The weather was beautiful if chilly with a northerly breeze on the tops. When he wasn't running, YC was wrestling with The Times crossword. One of the clues gave him a wry smile:

Current enthusiasm, moreover, for this country (3,7)
Hint - YC's recent holiday

looking back from Latchly Hill towards Staerough Hill

a trip to Murrayfield

2011-02-28T08:08:00.005Z

Scotland played Ireland at Murrayfield yesterday. Sunshine and light winds made for good conditions and an exciting game. Scotland (as is their wont) were always behind. Ireland scored 3 converted tries, with Scotland keeping in touch through kicks from Chris Paterson & Dan Parks. Despite a late rally by Scotland, Ireland held out to win 21-18.

Richie Gray had a storming game for Scotland - with his blonde hair he was very noticeable. Another very blonde (some might say white) haired gentleman had brought his boots to the game and was hoping for a late call-up to the subs' bench. In the end Andy Robinson decided that Rev T's services were not required and so he took his place in the stand instead. But with Scotland now facing England at Twickenham next, Rev T will be polishing his boots just in case. You never know....

left - at the game, Mr & Mrs Rev T, Chris Smith, YC
right - faithful Scottish supporters Rita & Lesley

left - Dan Parks lines up another penalty
right - Ronan O'Gara re-starts for Ireland

NZ photos and Avalanche Peak Race detailed report

2011-02-25T20:59:00.002Z

YC's photos from his New Zealand trip are here

and a more detailed report on the Avalanche Peak Race on the NFR website is here .

Avalanche Peak Race

2011-02-19T23:30:00.006Z

left - runners approach the summit of Avalanche Peak
right - leaving the summit

left - following the ridge, the summit of AP is upper left
right - at the finish

YNZC ran the Avalanche Peak Challenge on Saturday. This 22k mountain race is held at Arthurs Pass, NZ. It climbs 1,100 metres to the summit of Avalanche Peak (1,833 metres), heads along a spectacular ridge, then descends a scree run into the remote Crow Valley. After following a trail of sorts down the Crow River, it ends with an extremely stony run out along the Waimakariri River to the finish at the Bealey Hotel. YNZC managed all this in 3 hours 17 mins and finished 27th out of approx 170 runners. After the race, there was time for a couple of post race beers and chat with fellow competitors.

Addendum - Your Correspondent is now back in the UK. In case any readers were wondering, he flew out of Christchurch 24 hours before the earthquake that struck on Monday. So he was very fortunate indeed not to be caught up in it. Many of the runners at Avalanche Peak were based in Christchurch. So the news is sad and rather sobering.

Sunshine at Liverpool Hut

2011-02-15T22:52:00.003Z

left - Liverpool Hut; right - all good trampers wear Ron Hills

left - trampers at Liverpool Hut; right - Mount Aspiring from the hut

above - solitude for an early morning walk out of the Matukituki

YNZC's last tramp for this sojourn in New Zealand has been to Liverpool Hut in the Matukituki Valley. This hut must rank of one of the most scenic in NZ - you can see Mount Aspiring from the comfort of your sleeping bag in the hunt. After 10 days of at times variable weather, high pressure is now firmly in control. It's currently wall to wall sunshine in Wanaka, and the swimming in the lake is beautiful. YNZC is bearing up under the strain...

Cascade Saddle tramping

2011-02-12T03:19:00.003Z

beer at the finish
from the left - Liz, Richard, Lewis, Milton and Ruth

left - Dart Glacier from Cascade Saddle
right - Mount Aspiring from Pylon

Cascade Saddle must be one of the most scenic spots in New Zealand. YNZC was fortunate to climb it in perfect weather. The views of Mount Aspiring and the Dart Glacier were quite stunning. YNZC walked out via the Dart River which was also beautiful. En-route he met a couple of trampers from the north-east (Liz from Newcastle and Richard from Middlesbrough), and Milton & Ruth from Dunedin who provided beer at the finish and a lift to Queenstown (thanks guys). YNZC is now back in Wanaka where he is considering his next tramp (likely to be in Aspiring National Park) and slaking the raging tramper's thirst (naturally).

in the Kai Bar

2011-02-07T20:58:00.002Z

The Kai Bar in Wanaka sells "award winning local ale on tap". Whilst it's not real ale, the Cardrona Gold is very quaffable, and YNZC has been sampling the odd half or two in the pleasant company of two Aussies. It emerged that they are keen on Monty Python. But to avoid any confusion, readers should note that their names aren't Bruce; rather they are Chris (on the left) and Pete.

After several days of unsettled weather, the next few days are set fine. So YNZC is off up the Matukituki valley today to tramp Cascade Saddle and the Dart River track.

Roy's Peak

2011-02-07T02:29:00.002Z

YNZC got some fellrunning training in today with a trip up Roy's Peak. This hill sits above Wanaka and looks a simple climb. In reality it packs in 4,000 ft of ascent which certainly keeps the limbs in trim. There wasn't much view from the top as the cloud was down, so instead here is a view of Lake Wanaka taken from the hill. Not being a hardened runner like John Telfer, YNZC was (fairly) abstemious last night. However with the raging runner's thirst now worked up, readers should note that YNZC has just had his tea...

Gillespie Pass Tramp

2011-02-05T23:50:00.003Z

left - Mt Awful seen from the approach to Gillespie Pass
right - Crucible Lake

left - jet boating on the Wilkin
right - trampers cross Crucible Stream before the rain arrives

YNZC has been tramping the Wilkin/Young circuit at Makarora. Heavy rainfall meant that the rivers were uncrossable and a jet boat ride necessary to access the tramp. The weather was unpredictable with some heavy rain, but fortunately YNZC managed to avoid the worst of it, only taking one half hour soaking. He visited Crucible Lake and climbed Gillespie Pass (1629 metres). He also learned how quickly NZ rivers can rise - 2 Israeli trampers got caught out by the heavy rain, couldn't cross the river back to the hut, and spent a wet night in the bush waiting for the river to drop.

He is now back in Wanaka where he attended St Columba's Church this morning. The congregation was very welcoming, and he enjoyed giving the hymns full welly including Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken (tune - German National Anthem). YNZC has also been slaking the raging tramper's thirst with some Cardrona Gold at the Kai Bar in company with Chris & Peter from Victoria, Aus. As one reader of BN has commented, "there's a regular pattern developing after each of your tramps..."

on Iron Hill

2011-01-31T22:51:00.002Z

YNZC has arrived in Wanaka. Here he has been for an early morning run up Iron Hill. Competition to be the first runner to the top was intense. YNZC dug in with true northern grit and just managed to pip the elderly dog walker to the top. Later today he will refresh the raging runner's thirst with some Cadrona Gold from the Kai Cafe. Not wishing to appear partisan, he may also call into The Trout to sample the ale there too. He is unstinting in his ale quality control duties.

ale, aching limbs, and amen

2011-01-30T01:47:00.003Z

left - on Mt Travers summit
right - looking down on Upper Travers Hut from Mt Travers

left - the view from Angelus hut
right - trampers head along the Roberts Ridge

YNZC has just returned from a week's tramping in the Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand. He was blessed with perfect weather for the whole week - blue skies, good visibility, and generally gentle winds. The highlight of the trip was climbing Mt Travers - at 2,338 metres the views over the surrounding hills were stunning. After a week of walking, YNZC will be attending Nelson Cathedral for evensong tonight, before slaking the raging tramper's thirst with a well-earned beer. It's been a whole week without beer, so the first one shouldn't touch the sides. As YNZC's brother James comments - it's a case of "ale, aching limbs, and amen".

Back in New Zealand

2011-01-23T02:26:00.003Z

Your International Correspondent is back in New Zealand for a month. He flew in on Saturday to Christchurch. There he slaked the raging flyer's thirst at the Twisted Hop with some excellent Goldings Bitter (real ale being at a premium in NZ), went for a jog round the Botanical Gardens, and took in part of the Sunday service at the Cathedral. He is now in Nelson, courtesy of Air New Zealand and Karen whom he sat next to on the flight and kindly gave him a lift into town. Tonight YIC will go to evening worship at Nelson Cathedral, before heading off to the Nelson Lakes tomorrow for 6 days tramping. He might even find time for a half of beer - it's a tough life.

birthday celebrations

2011-01-17T22:08:00.008Z

There was a double birthday celebration for Granny Pat last weekend. First off was a trip to Wonersh to babysit for Matthew & Phoebe whilst James & Katies were celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary in St Anton which was the place of their engagment. Here she was assisted admirably in the domestic duties by Rev T - though readers won't be wholly surprised to learn that he was better at the wine-monitoring duties than working the washing machine. On her return to Tynemouth, she enjoyed dinner in The Grand Hotel with Rev T & YC.

left - birthday celebrations
right - Matthew gives Emma a lesson on how to work the Wii board. Readers might note Emma looks slightly puzzled. She is in good company. YC doesn't know what a Wii board is.

Simonside Cairns Race

2011-01-16T16:33:00.006Z

YC ran the Simonside Cairns Race today. This 11 miler starts in Rothbury and does a circuit of Simonside, finishing with an enjoyable run along the ridge and down through Lordenshaws car park. The snow and ice had finally gone, and the weather was surprisingly mild. YC ran most of the way in company with Graham Walton and Tim McCall, and finished 22nd out of 102 in just under 100 minutes. There was a sizeable Scottish contingent at the race and they provided both the male and female winners - Alasdair Anthony (Ochills) and Emma O'Shea (Deeside). In case readers are wondering, YC has now had his tea...[beer next!]

left - runners at the start
right - Les Turnbull, Stewart Barrie & Graham Walton at the finish

Heading for home on the Simonside ridge. Photo by Will Horsley

PS YC thought he was doing well to run the Cairns race today, until he heard from John Telfer and Stewart Barrie. They had warmed up for the race with 20 miles around the Old Crown Round yesterday: Skiddaw, Blencathra, and several other tops in appalling weather. Here they are celebrating their round in Hesket Newmarket. They've had their tea...

Boulmer Today

2011-01-10T20:53:00.009Z

YC enjoyed a run up the Northumberland Coast today. Parking at Boulmer (see above), he inspected the waders on the beach: bar-tailed godwits, ringed plovers, and turnstones were on display. After that he headed to Howick Dene where a jay, roe deer, and heron could be seen. Running on north to Dunstanburgh, he bumped into the Percy Hunt who were having a merry time on the crags behind the castle. He watched them for a while, before heading back to Boulmer.

In the evening he put the finishing touches to his New Year Resolutions, namely:

1 Race on the fells/countryside not the roads

2 Drink real ale not keg beer whilst in the UK

3 Be thankful for your health, count your blessings, and generally enter eulogise mode a la Rev T

YC last had a pint of keg beer in October (and is still in therapy recovering from the trauma). Not wishing to fall into this trap again, he repaired to the Tynemouth Lodge armed with The Times crossword. After satisfying resolution 2 with a couple of pints of the necessary and completion of the said crossword, resolution 3 was easily attained.

Hillforts & Headaches

2011-01-01T15:47:00.006Z

YC saw the New Year in with an uphill only run at Rothbury. The Hillforts & Headaches Race starts at the Newcastle Hotel, passes through Lordenshaws car park, and finishes on Beacon Hill (the first hill on the Simonside ridge). It's only 3 miles. But of course, there's then a 3 mile jog downhill again to the finish. With a record 76 in the field, YC didn't trouble the leading runners - Phil Sanderson won at a canter followed by Lee Bennett. YC crossed the line in approx 28 mins. However all that running has given him a thirst. As Rev T would say - "I've had my tea..."

left - the elite runners discuss tactics at the start. Paul Hainsworth, Geoff & Susan Davis and Keith Cooper
right - Rob Stephens at the finish
below - summit marshals Peter Reed & Paul Appleby wrap up warm against the chill at the finish.

All smiles in The Tynemouth Lodge

2010-12-26T17:23:00.003Z

After a Christmas lunch, there's nothing better than a few glasses of real ale to settle the stomach. So YC deemed it prudent to repair to the Tynemouth Lodge with his Duff cousins to see if the Deuchars IPA was on good form. Readers will be relieved to hear that it was.

The soothing qualities of the ale were particularly welcome for his cousins: for reasons best known to himself, Michael had cooked the sprouts in a curry sauce. Yikes.

Ho Ho Ho

2010-12-25T19:33:00.001Z

What happened when Santa's cat swallowed a ball of wool? She had mittens.

This Christmas cracker was brought to you by Richard Cox and family.

As Santa says when he's gardening, hoe hoe hoe...

Christmas newsletter

2010-12-14T12:24:00.004Z

Christmas 2010 edition available here.

Helvellyn in the snow

2010-12-13T20:54:00.003Z

YC had a trot round some Lakeland hills today. Parking at Glenridding, he headed up Sheffield Pike (a previously, for him, unclimbed 2,000 footer), before heading over Helvellyn. A misty cold December day is clearly the way to enjoy Helvellyn in splendid isolation (see photo left). Eventually the cloud did break giving a beautiful view over a frozen Grisedale Tarn (photo right). After all that exercise, YC thought it prudent to rehydrate with some Deuchars at the Tynemouth Lodge - and very good it was too.

what you might have missed

2010-12-04T13:58:00.002Z

Birtley News has been merrily recording news and views from around the globe over the past year. But in case you might have missed some of it, here's a resume of what's been happening.

YC has been fellrunning at events such as The 2 Breweries Race, and venturing into Scotland for a mountain marathon. He's not the only one to catch the running bug. Susan Miller has been hitting the trails in South Africa, whilst Ian and Mitchell Miller have been pounding the roads in Canada.

The fine craft Stella Genesta has been taking to the water on the Norfolk & Suffolk Broads - with compulsory porridge and prunes for good measure.

There have been family celebrations this year. James Duff reached his 40th birthday (YC will get there one day - joke), and Joe Chillingworth married Anna in Somerset.

We said farewell to Phil Kelly (artist in Mexico) and Reg Webster (the man with the knapsack on his back).

Finally, YC has been getting in a healthy dose of realism (some might harshly say humbug!) by reminding readers that it's still only Advent.

It's Advent (not Christmas)

2010-12-04T13:34:00.004Z

Winter has come early to Tynemouth this year. Here's the view from YC's back window taken on Thursday morning. The odds of a White Christmas must be shortening rapidly. But on that note, YC would like to remind readers that it's not Christmas yet. Despite the shops offering unalloyed festive materialism, Classic FM unleashing the carols, and office parties getting underway, readers should note that tomorrow is only the second Sunday of Advent. As YC's nephew Matthew pointed out last week, Advent means getting ready for the birth of Jesus.

Here's an Advent hymn to get you in the mood. Keen theological scholars (of which BN's readership has many) will no doubt point out that this hymn looks forward to the second coming of Christ - another of the themes of Advent.

Sambrook's, skittles and sermons

2010-11-29T16:33:00.009Z

YC has just spent an enjoyable long weekend in London. On Friday he journeyed to Wonersh to see nephew Matthew and niece Phoebe. This involved some detailed indoor tent building on the sofa and checking that Matthew remembered the one-eyed dinosaur joke.

Left - YC: what goes ha ha bonk? A man laughing his head off. Matthew - noooo!
Right - Grandpa gazes wistfully at the tent building whilst wondering if anyone will refill his glass

On Saturday the Green Wyvern Refugees convened for their annual get together. This year's cultural visit was to Sambrook's Brewery in Battersea. This micro brewery was set up in 2008 and already supplies numerous pubs in London with Wandle Ale (a fine 3.8% session bitter) and the stronger Junction Ale (named after the nearby Clapham Junction). There were numerous opportunities for tasting the ales (including a newly developed porter called Powerhouse); YC coped personfully with this. Indeed so intent was YC on sampling the wares that he nearly missed the bar skittles competition of the century, in which Lois narrowly prevailed over Alex.

left - Green Wyverns in Sambrook's
right - Alex wills her throw to success but can't hold off Wigan's demon skittler

On Sunday, YC heard Emma preach at St Paul's. This was not the cathedral, but St Paul's Church in Lisson Grove where Emma is the pastoral assistant. The church is in the centre of London about a mile north of Oxford Street. It was Advent Sunday, so YC enjoyed giving hymns such as "Lo He comes with clouds descending" full welly. Afterwards, lunch with Emma & Clare Kelly at 'ping pong' (a Chinese restaurant offering Dim Sun, green tea, and red wine - hurrah) rounded off a fine weekend.

Grand Slam Dram

2010-11-22T20:18:00.002Z

Scotland beat South Africa at rugby last weekend. This doesn't happen very often, so Rev T thought it would be appropriate to celebrate with a drop of "Grand Slam Dram" - a malt celebrating the famous 1990 Grand Slam in which England came second. YC thought it would be polite to sample a glass too, and can confirm it is a fine malt indeed. YC wonders if readers can still name all the Scottish players who took to the pitch that day. Hint - Paul Burnell, Kenny Milne, and David Sole were in the front row. You can look at the line up here (and sing along too) if you are struggling to remember.

Dartmoor Days

2010-11-01T11:10:00.010Z

left - one of the many impressive tors
right - heading for Yes Tor
more photos

YC ran the OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) over the weekend with Paul Hainsworth. The OMM was held on Dartmoor this year. YC had never been there, so was interested to see the various tors (granite rocks) on the hilltops. The weather was great on the Saturday (high clouds and some sun) but not so great on the Sunday (wet/windy/low cloud etc) - "just a typical day on Dartmoor" was one marshal's dry comment.

We were entered on the medium score event where competitors have to visit as many checkpoints in an alloted time. This made for good running away from the crowds on the linear courses, but also ensured we became acquainted with the pathless tussocks and peat hags. Our progress was leisurely at times (which we blamed on both having colds but might also have been due to lack of fitness/old age etc) but always enjoyable. We even found time to climb Dartmoor's two 2,000 foot hills on the first day, which kept YC happy.

Other folk spotted there were Jane Saul & Robin Witchell on the "social" short score - which turned out to be very social when they had to form a human chain with several other teams to cross a chest-high swollen stream; Steve Birkinshaw & Jethro Lennox who were 2nd on the elite (which entailed a mind boggling 80 km of running); and Duncan Archer from DFR who was also on the elite and finished a creditable 5th.

YC would also like to reassure readers that he even found time for some training on beer. If you find yourself with an hour or two to kill at Bristol airport, then check out the Butcombe Bitter in the upstairs bar. After 11 hours of running around Dartmoor, it truly hits the spot.

Trail running in Africa

2010-10-27T21:27:00.003+01:00

Foreign news - YC's cousin Susan Miller has run a 9k trail race in Pretoria. She finished a very respectable 10th lady out of circa 50 ladies. Despite the heat and lack of any meaningful distance running, Susan took the trail race in her stride. Indeed as she crossed the finish line, she was heard to mutter: "watch out YC, it's fellrunning next - I'm sure I can make the NFR relay team next year". You heard it here first.

Go Tell Everyone

2010-10-24T16:37:00.006+01:00

Today at Holy Saviour's Church the congregation learnt a new hymn - "God's Spirit is in my heart". As YC scanned the words, he realised he had sung it before. 20 years ago he had been to a Catholic service in Loddon (Norfolk) with his family and Lois Gordon (Webber at the time). The service had ended with this hymn which has a belting refrain - "and go tell everyone the news that the kingdom of God has come". Rev T was suitably circumpsect on the first couple of verses, but then gradually warmed to his task. Indeed he sang the final "AND GO TELL EVERYONE!" with such gusto that YC could have sworn that the good folks of Loddon jumped into the next pew in shock. Here's a suitably stirring but not particularly reverent version of the hymn. Note for Rev T: boom boom required next time.

Fife fellrunning

2010-10-19T20:22:00.004+01:00

YC was running in the national fellrunning relays for NFR at the weekend. These were held in the Lomond Hills, Fife (the 2 conical shaped hills that you see across the Firth of Forth as you approach Edinburgh by train). He was representing the veterans team (no ageist comments please) and ran the pairs leg with David Armstrong. This turned out to be a testing 9.5 miler with circa 2,500 ft of climbing and took 1 hour 41 mins. Overall the NFR vets' performance is probably best described as 'stately' with the emphasis on taking part rather than winning. Indeed John Telfer, our last leg runner, was marginally slower than our vet lady for the same leg. When quizzed on this, JT revealed that he had been the nominated driver the night before and so had missed his customary 2 pint warm-up. So with a bit more training on beer, YC is sure that the NFR vets will soon be sweeping all before them.

left - on the home straight of leg 1 (photo - John Telfer)
right - Will Horsley (stroking the dog) on the summit of West Lomond on a recce the day before

Kelly Arrival

2010-10-10T16:01:00.007+01:00

Antony Kelly and his daughters Emily and Clare have been visiting Tynemouth. For those not red-hot on the family tree, Antony is Pat's cousin on the Walker side. His parents were Geoffrey and Biddy (Grandpa Walker's sister). When they have not been wandering around Newcastle and Durham, they have found time to see the cultural sites of Tynemouth (Copperfields bar and The Dolphin pub). YC has accompanied them to test the quality of the ale: greater love hath no man etc....Here they are enjoying a meal at the Percy Gardens HQ.

from the left - Emily, Mr & Mrs Rev T, Clare, Antony

and in the Tynemouth Lodge Hotel with Mike & Liz Shipway and Andrew Walker

Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay

2010-10-05T21:13:00.004+01:00

YC ran a leg of the Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay for Northumberland Fell Runners on Sunday. The relay has 4 legs with a pair of runners on each leg. The weather was suitably wet with low cloud and poor visibility. YC was on leg 3 with David Armstrong. This is the shortest leg (4.5 miles) and goes from Hartsop to Patterdale via Angle Tarn. DA set a keen pace up the hill and YC did his best to follow. We made it round in 43 mins gaining one place in the process. Overall NFR finished 25th out of about 60 teams.

Lee & Scott our leg 2 runners smile through the rain

left - misty conditions at the Kirkstone Pass at the end of leg 1

right - and not much better on the valley floor at the finish at Brothers Water.

more details on the NFR website

Two Breweries Race 2010

2010-09-26T17:20:00.007+01:00

YC ran the Two Breweries Race yesterday. This 18 mile point to point race is in the Scottish Borders near Peebles. It starts at Traquair brewery and finishes at the gates of Broughton Ales. The weather was superb with blue skies and a cooling breeze. The race can officially be described as "tough" with the last hill Trahenna being a killer. YC made it round in 3 hours 35 mins to finish 36th out of 140. Afterwards the tea, soup, and Border Reiver ale (hurrah) in the village hall was superb.

left - enjoying the descent of Stob Law
right - far reaching views

not enjoying Trahenna as much
photos courtesy of John Telfer
read Old Cheviot's report on the NFR website

Porridge, prunes, and the odd half of ale

2010-09-24T11:53:00.009+01:00

YC spent last week sailing on the Norfolk Broads. He split his time between the fine craft Stella Genesta and the equally fine craft Mimosa. Both boats cruised on the Yare up to Thorpe Gardens before Mimosa rounded off the week with the Yare Navigation Race. The health kick on Mimosa - porridge and prunes for breakfast - went down well in some quarters (Lois) but not so well in others (Andy). Fortunately the healthy diet also included the odd pint of Norfolk's finest - the Adnams at Reedham Ferry was tip top as was the Greene King IPA at Coldam Hall.

The cunning plan to win the YNR (pray for a 3 reefer wind) was frustrated by the wind completely falling out in the afternoon and a never ending ebb tide at Reedham. The race was shortened to Hardley Mill and we were pleased just to finish - safely protecting our handicap for another day.

left - an Old Hand "does it praper" leaving Brundall
right - Stella at Reedham Street [both photos from Lois]

left - Mimosa running past Bramerton
right - Rev T furtles to his heart's content at Thorpe

left - the big boats (Pippa, Firebird, Raisena) storm past on the YNR

right - Lois plots which boats we will beat on the YNR (answer - not many)

more photos

1,000 beer free hours - greater love hath no man...

2010-09-22T21:59:00.003+01:00

Could readers manage 1,000 hours without their favourite refreshment? Possibly no tea, coffee, or (heaven forbid) beer? Readers who blanche at the thought should consult John Telfer who has just emerged from 1,000 hours of self-imposed alcoholic abstention. The task was made even harder as he turned his ankle when out walking and so has been unable to enjoy his fellrunning. Here he is celebrating the passing of the thousanth hour with - you guessed it - a well deserved beer.

Grisedale Horseshoe

2010-09-04T20:47:00.003+01:00

YC ran the Grisedale Horseshoe fell race today. This 10 miler vies for the honour of being the toughest medium race in the calendar - especially when the organisers added in an extra mile due to a problem with access through a gate. The race is held in Glenridding (Ullswater, Lake District) and takes in Catstye Cam, Helvellyn, St Sunday Crag, and a final heart-break climb back into Glenridding. All in all there's 5,000 ft of climbing. Conditions were pretty good with high cloud, a breeze on top, dry underfoot, and just a bit too warm in the valley. YC made it round in 2 hrs 37 mins, finishing circa 40th out of over a 100 runners. YC felt pretty good until some heel blisters (plus old age/lack of fitness etc) prevented a flat out descent at the end. However it's an excellent way to work up the raging fellrunner's thirst before duly slaking it with beer (John Telfer - NFR's man in temporary self-imposed beer exile - please note).

Sailing on The Suffolk Broads

2010-09-02T21:22:00.005+01:00

YC spent the August Bank Holiday sailing on the Broads. Readers should note that although they are usually referred to as the Norfolk Broads, YC actually spent all of his time in Suffolk - the northerly wind and uptides meant that the River Waveney and Beccles were visited twice. This had its compensations - the Adnams at The Swan House in Beccles and the Dukes Head in Somerleyton was VG. YC was sailing on the fine craft Stella Genesta in company with the equally fine craft Mimosa.

Mimosa at Burgh St Peter

left - the crew of Mimosa up Beccles Church Tower

right - Lois points out the nearest place for a refreshing Adnams

Matthew's in town

2010-08-24T21:36:00.004+01:00

Matthew Duff is in Tynemouth this week. When he is not looking at the ships through the telescope with Grandpa, he is playing cricket and football with Granny Pat. He is also developing a fine line in jokes:
Qu: What's got 4 wheels and flies?
Ans: A dustbin lorry.

Not to be outdone, Lois Gordon e-mails this contribution from her birthday night out:
Qu: How many Spanish men does it take to change a light bulb?
Ans: Juan.

YC can supply iron-sided corsets for any reader whose sides are in danger of splitting.

Weasdale Horseshoe

2010-08-21T21:45:00.005+01:00

YC ran the Weasdale Horseshoe today. For readers not overly familiar with this race, it is an 8 miler in the Howgills (the hills you see on the left as you head down the M6 beyond Penrith). The race was part of the Ravenstonedale Show and took in a circuit around Hooksey, Randy Gill Top, and Green Bell. YC had run it once before in 2006. As proof that the years do not weary him, YC finished in exactly the same time as 4 years ago (73 mins in 22nd place). However his satisfaction at beating the Dallam runner who pushed him all the way was tempered by the fact that the said Dallam runner turned out to be a V60.

Geoff & Susan Davis from NFR were also there. Geoff pushed on well to finish in 75 mins while Susan was happy "just to get round". YC suspects this was code for "I'm sure I can beat YC next time..."

On returning to Tynemouth, YC felt the need to slake the raging fellrunner's thirst. Fortunately he is not in the same boat as a keen BN reader and fellrunner who is currently undertaking 1,000 hours without beer (greater love hath no man...). So he is pleased to report that the Black Sheep Bitter went down a treat. Roll on the next race.

the view from the show field
Green Bell on the left; Hooksey on the right

Lakeland Country Fair Fell Race

2010-08-16T10:17:00.004+01:00

After running the Wasdale and Borrowdale races in the mist and rain, it made a pleasant change to experience warm sunshine and perfect visibility at the Lakeland Country Fair yesterday. This show is organised by the Lunsdale Foxhounds, so YC enjoyed watching the foxhounds and beagles - the Black Combe and Bleasdale - in the show ring. The fell race was an out and back blast up Coniston Old Man. This 6.5 mile race with 2,350 feet of climbing took YC just over 70 minutes. As it was a particularly hot day, YC might just have a half of shandy tonight to aid the rehydration process.

left - steep climb up Coniston
right - NFR at the start, Coniston Old Man on the right in the distance

Borrowdale Fell Race 2010

2010-08-08T12:38:00.004+01:00

YC got his fellrunning shoes back on yesterday at the Borrowdale Fell Race. This 17 miler starts and finishes at Rosthwaite in the Lake District, and takes in Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Dale Head in its 6,500 ft of ascent. Low cloud and early drizzle meant that underfoot conditions were greasy and accurate navigation was at a premium. YC had a solid run until the never-ending climb up Dale Head took its toll. But an emergency Mars Bar got him to the top and he was pleased to finish in 4 hours 6 minutes.

One of his felling running pals has set himself the task of 1,000 hours without beer. YC is pleased to report that he is eschewing such penance, and will be slaking the raging fell runner's thirst at The Tynemouth Lodge tonight.

left - NFR at the start
right - at the finish; Paul Hainsworth shows a leg and his encounter with the Scafell Pike scree
below - the finishing field

Phil Kelly

2010-08-03T21:33:00.003+01:00

YC is saddened to report that Phil Kelly has died. Phil was a cousin of YC's mother on the Walker side. He lived in Mexico with his wife Ruth and 2 daughters. YC last saw Phil a couple of years ago at an exhibition in Dublin - pictured above. A couple of Phil's paintings hang on YC's wall at home, including "the view from the balcony" shown below. His artwork was bright and bold, causing one young family member to remark - "he's not very good at colouring in is he Mummy?". In fact, he was very good at colouring in and much more beside. At the Dublin exhibition, he sketched an impressive line drawing in 30 seconds flat whilst we looked on with amazement.

There are a few more photos from the Dublin exhibition here.

Canadian runners

2010-08-03T20:11:00.003+01:00

Whilst YC has been on the court and social circuit for the last couple of weeks, he is delighted to report that his cousins have been competing on the Canadian roads. Ian Miller whizzed round a 5k race in just over 20 mins, whilst his son Logan finished 2nd in a 1k race. They are pictured below (Ian is the runner on the right). Readers will notice that both are "flying" - with no feet on the ground - something YC hopes to master one day.

YC's running tends to be offroad these days, and he was over in the Lake District this week for some training. Can any sharp eyed reader identify which hill this photo was taken from and which stream YC was looking down on at the time? Hint - YC was recceing a section of the Borrowdale Fell race.

Joe & Anna's wedding

2010-07-27T21:44:00.004+01:00

Congratulations to Joe Chillingworth & Anna Llewelyn who were married on Saturday in Somerset. After a ceremony at the Webbington Hotel, they adjourned to a splendid reception at Shipham Village Hall. Pimms and Butcombe Bitter helped the proceedings go with a swing, and that was before the ceilidh got underway.

Back in the 90's, several of the Chillingworth/Duff clan used to run the Galtres Half Marathon at Easingwold in North Yorkshire. Joe and his father David were part of the team who are pictured below. Readers will note that these finely tuned athletes have by a strange coincidence all got drinks in their hands.

from the left - Colin, David, Joe, Anna, Rory, YC, Euan

Jackson Cousins

2010-07-25T21:16:00.005+01:00

It's been a while since YC saw his Jackson cousins, but he made up for it this weekend. First off was Ingrid in Bristol. We stopped off en-route to Joe Chillingworth's wedding (of which more later) and saw her for an impromptu enjoyable picnic in the grounds of an M5 service station. She now has Max (aged 8 months) who we met for the first time. Here he is tucking into his lunchtime biscuits.

Back in Tynemouth, Paul Jackson & family were visiting on their way up to Aberdeen. They called into Percy Gardens for champagne and chat. Paul's youngest Josh (aged 6) had a great time rooting through the flags in the company of Rev T (aged 6 at heart). It turns out that Ria & family can claim some Welsh ancestry - hence the photo above. All together now: "My hain gwlad vern hadai un an oil ee me..."

40th birthday celebrations

2010-07-20T21:14:00.006+01:00

James & Katie Duff celebrated their 40th birthdays with a fine party at Hazeldene on Saturday. The weather held fair and the assembled guests were able to enjoy a pleasant summer evening in the garden. James had thoughtfully ordered 80 pints of Hogs Back Bitter. YC doesn't usually drink beer. But on this occasion he deemed it churlish to refuse and sampled the odd half. The beer was described as "a light amber coloured 3.7% beer ideal for a session". YC can confirm that it lived up to its billing.

left - the Duff family at the party
right - putting to good use years of training behind the bar at The Tynemouth Lodge Hotel
below - the marquee in the garden

more photos

Wasdale Fell Race

2010-07-11T16:45:00.005+01:00

The Wasdale Fell Race - 21 miles with 9,000 ft of climbing over some of The Lake District's roughest fells including Pillar, Great Gable, and Scafell Pike. Add in mist, rain, and high winds, and it all adds up to "a bit of a challenge". YC made it round the race yesterday in just over 6 hours. He wasn't feeling entirely fresh after the Chevy Chase last week, and is most definitely not feeling fresh now. It was an achievement just to finish, and YC is now hanging up his racing shoes for a couple of weeks for some rest and rehydration. Phase 1 of the latter was a pint of Robinson's 4:4:2 in The Scress Inn, Nether Wasdale with Will Horsley. Watch this space for details of later phases.

more detailed account on the NFR website

Chevy Chase fell race

2010-07-04T07:44:00.003+01:00

Old Cheviot was spotted on the Chevy Chase (20 mile fell race) yesterday. He left the youth of today to sprint off up the road at the start, as he began per force at a more leisurely pace. Conditions were on the warm side with a stiff headwind as OC made his way to Cheviot. His recce from last week paid off as he made good time to Hedgehope (overtaking a few other runners) to arrive there in 2 hours. On the return leg, OC picked up the pace with the wind on his back, eventually finishing 14th overall in 3 hours 23 minutes: not bad for an aged fellrunner.

OC was a counter in the winning NFR team. The team prize was a fine tankard and an equally fine bottle of Farne Island ale. John Telfer was keen to inspect the prize. OC showed him the tankard with pride. But it turned out that JT, as a dedicated ale taster, was rather keener to inspect the liquid refreshment. Good man!

St Peter's College Gaudy

2010-06-28T11:43:00.003+01:00

YC returned to his old university haunts at the weekend. The occasion was a Gaudy reunion at St Peter's College. Can it really be over 20 years since YC left Oxford? He knows he doesn't look it (possibly) - readers are too kind.

The current heatwave made for a very warm weekend. So it was just the opportunity to slake the raging reunion thirst with some Brakespear Bitter and champagne (not in the same glass). The College has undergone a bit of a face-lift with the lodge and chapel stone-work having been cleaned. But underneath it was the same old SPC - the JCR bar obliging stayed open late to make everyone feel at home.

left - James Anderson, Kevin Blogg, Kempton Rees, Caroline Bloomfield

right - Paul Thomasson, Sue Haywood

A northern waters cruise on the Norfolk Broads

2010-06-25T16:00:00.005+01:00

YC has just returned from a 10 day northern waters cruise on the fine craft Stella Genesta. Old haunts revisted included Coltishall Lock (a first for several years), West Somerton, and Hunters Yard for Rev T (naturally). The weather ranged from distinctly chilly at the beginning to hot by the end. The ales included old favourites such as Adnams Bitter, Greene King IPA, and Wherry. YC felt obliged to sample the odd half when the weather was particularly hot (greater love hath no man...)

left - sailing over Hickling pursued by Henrietta
right - at Hunters Yard

left - approaching Coltishall Lock
right - sailing over Breydon Water

more photos here

LAMM 2010

2010-06-13T23:01:00.013+01:00

more photos here

The Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon (LAMM) is a two day event in Scotland. It was held this year at Loch Fyne and YC completed it with Paul Hainsworth. We opted for the A course - a notch down from the Elite, but still a testing 35 mile route with 11,000 feet of climbing. Competitors have to carry all their own kit including tents, and are only given the designated route on the day.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny, and turned out to be a superb hill route around the Arrochar Alps (including the killer climb up Ben Vorlich for those who know the Arrochar Alps hill race). Sunday was damp and misty, and a bit of a nagivational challenge searching for elusive re-entrants and stream junctions. We had a few navigational wobbles including the very last checkpoint which was in a tricky location on a steep hillside wreathed in mist. But by and large we managed a reasonable route, finishing 16th overall out of 34 starters in 17 hours 19 minutes (two long, long days). Aengus McCullough and Francis Blunt went well in the Elite finishing 3rd. Joe Faulkner and Louise Wilkinson had a good run to finish first mixed pair in the Score. Also spotted there from NFR were Lewis Grundy and Charles Scott.

All of this calls, of course, for some rest and rehydration. YC is off to Norfolk for 10 days sailing. They say the beer is very good in Norfolk. YC might have to try the odd half (strictly for medicinal purposes of course).

left - heading for The Cobbler

middle - traversing under the Cobbler

right - plotting the route off Ben Vorlich

what the well dressed man wears at the midcamp whilst keeping the midges at bay