Matthew has been in Tynemouth for a few days. When he wasn't showing Grandpa how to play crazy golf, he was skimming stones into the sea at The Haven and dining out at Il Forno's (pictured above). The restaurant gave us a customer feedback survey which we duly completed. But it hadn't bargained for the extra questions Matthew slipped in. Mathematical ability of restaurant owner? 4! Loveliness of owner's dog. 5!
Over the bank holiday weekend it's been on the damp side in the north-east. Saturday was a wash-out. But this meant YC didn't see a soul on a training run around the Simonside Hills. Today was also on the soggy side. This didn't bother the birds on the Northumberland Coast. YC saw greenshanks at Hauxley, and a spoonbill and sparrowhawk at Cresswell Pond.
Meanwhile spare a thought for Marshall Crawford. He is convalescing after a spell in hospital. His doctor has ordered him to take it easy and not overdo the excitement. Being the dutiful patient, Marshall is restricting himself to just one view of Birtley News per day. Admirable restraint, and YC wishes him all the best.