Christmas Edition on line

Click here (pdf link) to be taken to your Christmas edition of Birtley News.

What do you call 2 rows of cabbages?
A dual cabbage-way.

As Santa says when he's gardening - ho ho ho!

Happy Christmas.

Picnics in Peru

Nina Laurie is working and travelling in South America.  For the last 5 weeks she has been in Peru in Andahuaylas, a rural town in the central southern sierra which she has visited off and on for the last 30 years.  When she isn't working, Nina finds time to watch the local birdlife which includes 5 varieties of humming birds.  There is also time for picnics accompanied by coffee produced on her friend Isaias's father's coffee farm.  The mountain scenery is wonderful with walks up to 4,000 metres - check out the photo opposite.

Nina also finds to time to attend the local church which she reports is "slightly more lively than evensong at Holy Saviour's".  Watch out Nina, the 10 am family service at Holy Saviour's is waiting for you on your return!

A visit to Krakow

Mr & Mrs Rev T have been visiting the Krakow Duffs.  An enjoyable time was had by all.  Highlights included taking a horse and carriage ride (see photo below) and visiting The Sports Bar of The Sheraton Hotel where the following conversation took place:

Matthew - It says on the menu that you qualify for a free drink if you are a sportsman.

Granny -  Does swimming in the sea count?

James - Yes, but the free drink is a cup of tea.

Grandpa - I've had my tea!

Only Cardiff gives you Brains

YC visited Emma Duff at The Queen's Foundation, Birmingham where she is training for ordination.  After checking out The Wellington pub - 15 real ales on tap - we walked along the canal to Queen's which is in Edgbaston.  Friday evening was spent in the Common Room where Emma is in charge of the bar (vital ordination training). 

On Saturday we headed to Cardiff to see Wales v Argentina.  Supporting Argentina wasn't overly attractive and we didn't know their anthem, so Wales (My Hain Gwlad vern hadai...) got the vote.  It proved to be a wise move, as Wales ran in 4 tries to nil, winning 40-6.  2 of the tries - Mike Phillips and George North - were right in front of us. Before the game, we checked out The Goat Major  - a cracking pub offering Brains Bitter at only £2.64 a pint.

Sunday morning was spent at St Francis Church, Bournville, where Emma is to be placed for this year.  The Bishop of Aston was on hand for a confirmation.  After Sunday lunch in college and a stroll around the grounds, YC headed home reflecting on a good weekend. 

Remember readers - only Cardiff gives you Brains.

pre-match line-up

At The Millennium Stadium

Queen's Chapel

lineout

RYA Instructor Week

YC has spent the last week in Norfolk, training to be an RYA sailing instructor.  This has involved sailing yeomans (small keelboats) with the Nancy Oldfield Trust on Barton Broad - and very enjoyable it was too.  Techniques learned included lying-to, man overboard, and the RYA method of tacking.  YC, with Ian Bowmaker and Bill Bacon, emerged as RYA instructors at the end.  The next step is to pass on all this new-found wisdom on a Green Wyvern week - stand by one and all!

There was a chance for a minor celebration at the De-rigging Party on Saturday at Cantley.  YC would like to reassure readers that he didn't drink any of the lovely Reedham Gold (3.6% ABV) or wash it down at the end of the evening with a dark rum.

"The Ark" on Barton Broad

heading out of Neatishead

the new instructors - Bill, Jane, Ian, Fi, YC

Krakow News

James and family have moved to Krakow, Poland.  YC visited them at the weekend.  You can fly from Newcastle - so it's as quick as catching the train to London.  It's also appreciably cheaper than London - the local Zloty goes much further than a pound or a euro.   The weather was beautiful, with unseasonably warm autumn sunshine.

While there, YC joined the British expedition to climb the mound, played football in the garden with Matthew, and (under duress) forced the odd local beer between his parched lips.  

A jolly time was had by all, and YC can definitely recommend a late break to Krakow.  But be prepared - it drops to minus 20C in winter!

In Krakow Rynek Square

rooftop bar of Sheraton Hotel

jump to it

conquering the mound

Tynemouth Long Sands to King Edward's Bay in one easy swim

Have any readers been sea-swimming recently?  YC and Chris Smith took advantage of calm conditions to swim from The Long Sands to King Edward's Bay.  The sea was flat and the tide was high, meaning we could investigate the rocks at Sharpness Point.  Downwards visibility to the sea-floor was poor, but upwards visibility to the horizon was superb - as these photos from Chris show.  Afterwards, YC sang for his supper at Evensong (some great hymns and chants), then slaked the raging swimmer's thirst at The Tynemouth Lodge.  It's a tough life if you don't weaken...

YC leaves the Long Sands

following in Chris's wake

heading for Sharpness Point

Tynemouth Priory for a backdrop