Winter's here

And it's definitely chilly in Northumberland.  Here's a photo that YC took today on a jog around the hills in the Ingram valley.  But it's colder in Poland.   James & co have been skiing for the day.  Here they are on the slopes.  Can readers spot the similarity between the junior skier at the forefront and the (ever so slightly) older skier at the back?  They could be father and son.

To add to all the excitement, it's Rev T's birthday.  75 years young.  He celebrated with the odd pint (or two) in the Tynemouth Lodge with his brothers and YC.  Photo below.

more congratulations

This time to Susan Miller and Vince who are to be married in Cape Town in December.  They announced the news to the assembled Miller family on the family get together in Hawaii.  Here's a photo of some of Susan's nephews and nieces enjoying the beach.  A jolly time is clearly being had by all.  YC has it on strong authority that it was just a tad warmer than Tynemouth.

Left - "Auntie Susan urges desperate measures to stop the next generation overtaking her in height."

Susan & Vince

Pete's Band plays again

Pete's Band was reunited for one more gig on Saturday.  Despite offers to appear at The Sage/City Hall etc, the band settled for a quiet night at Bruce and Mel's house.  Numbers knocked out with aplomb included The Bonnie Maid of Fife, The Rose of Allendale, and Remembrance (by Les Holloway).   It's the Albert Hall next.  Failing that, Eric has offered to host the next gig.

If readers are wondering where the band gets its name from - it's very simple.  The band are named after Pete Challoner (of New Rope String Band fame) who led a class at folkworks 10 years ago.

From the right - Ming, Mel, Bruce, Eric, Rinke, YC

congratulations

Congratulations to Michael Walker who is engaged to be married to Annemarie.  He proposed a couple of days before Christmas, and was thrilled when Annemarie said "yes". They are pictured on Bournemouth pier.  Some relatives have dared to suggest that Michael's description of the ring was not A1 ("a man's description!").  So to put matters right, here is a photo of the ring.  With his practiced-eye, YC can confirm that it is shiny, circular and very smart.

Christmas Special

Why did nobody buy Donner and Blitzen in Santa's Christmas auction?  Because they were too dear.

Ho ho ho!  And with that merry jape, the Birtley News Christmas special whizzes into action.  Here is a quick resume of events you might have missed over the year on your favourite website.  Click on the links for more details and photos.

James and family are in Krakow, Poland.  YC visited them in October and enjoyed sushi and football (not at the same time).

Mr & Mrs Rev T are swimming every day in The North Sea (bracing...), and have enjoyed lots of sailing on the fine craft Stella Genesta.

In church news, Emma was ordained in the summer; Geoff retired as parish priest from Holy Saviour's; and an alumna from St Peter's College was appointed as the first female bishop.

Which just leaves news of YC - still managing to hobble round a few fell races, drink the odd pint of beer, and sing in the folk choir at The Sage Gateshead (photo below).

"I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you: he is the Messiah, the Lord."  Luke 2 10 - 11

Happy Christmas!

First Female Bishop - St Peter's Alumna

The Church of England has appointed its first female bishop.  YC was following the news, and pleasantly surprised that it was Libby Lane.  Libby and her husband George were both in the same year as YC at St Peter's College Oxford, and YC knew them through the Christian Union and Chapel Choir.  Here is the Junior Common Room photo taken in 1989.  George and Libby are at the top left (George is wearing an SPC tie).  But can sharp-eyed readers spot a (even more) youthful YC? 

Help your Aussie reli's win big - vote now!

Calling all Walker/Miller relatives, and indeed anyone else.  Patrick and Tristan Miller from Canberra need your help.  They have entered a logo competition for their local orienteering club.  Anyone can vote - but it has to be by Friday 5th Dec.  

Their logos are:

• the control flag (the orange and white triangular affair)
• the two Easter bunnies (black preferred)
• the egg and sun.  

Their friend Noah is also in the competition so if you think the triangle map is good you could also vote for it.   You are allowed 3 votes.

Not only are you supporting Patrick & Tristan, but you are doing your bit to promote young folk's interest in the great outdoors.  What  are you waiting for?

You will find the designs by clicking here.

You can vote by clicking here.