what (not) to wear and what to drink

When on a recce of leg 1 of the Bob Graham Round, YC recommends wearing a fetching Chevy Chase buff with matching helly hanson top.  They provide perfect running gear for a jog over the snow-topped summits of Skiddaw and Blencathra.  And, of course, they are the height of fashion.  

For those seeking refreshment, Mrs OC recommends the refreshing waters of the Caldew - perfect for quenching the raging fellrunner's thirst.  Though rumours have it that there are stronger brews available for such a task...

a tale of 2 fell races

On Saturday - the Flower Scar Fell Race at Todmorden in the Calder Valley.  An English Championship 5 mile race in which Mrs OC was flying the flag for Northumberland Fell Runners.  YC was official supporter, and managed an amble up Flower Scar hill.  Mrs OC ran appreciably harder - finishing 17th overall in the ladies' race and 2nd lady vet.  

On Sunday - the Brough Law fell race.  Another 5 miler in the Ingram Valley in the beautiful Cheviots.  YC and Chris Smith ran this one and endeavoured to follow in Mrs OC's slipstream (more training needed chaps....)  The weather was on the brisk side with a chilly breeze, but a good time was had by all at this early season race.  And now, readers will be relieved to learn, YC has had his tea...

Mrs OC climbing hard on Saturday

the view at Brough Law by Chris Smith

Tribune Matthew brings you the news

There is a new addition to the Roman Senate.  Step forward: Tribune Matthew.  Here he is pictured in Rome.  On being elected to his post, Tribune Matthew said: "Ave.  Veni vidi, legi BN." which roughly translates as "Hail.  I came, I saw, I read Birtley News."  To which, YC can only add - "audi audi!" [hear hear].

Tribune Matthew also reports on a recent sighting on the North Yorkshire Moors.  Namely an elderly fellrunner known as Old Cheviot, gamely struggling up the fells, feeling every year of his aged bones.  And what's more, OC was doing his best to keep up with the swift lady fellrunner in front - Mrs Old Cheviot no less.    Apparently the two were spotted reccing the route of the 3 Tops fell race, including Roseberry Topping.  

Tribune Matthew noted that the recce was grand way to work up a thirst.  Having had their tea, OC & Mrs OC took in Evensong at Durham Cathedral, before thirsting after righteousness in a nearby licensed premise.  The Colpitts Hotel was the find of the day.  A basic welcoming pub selling Sam Smiths Bitter at only £1.80/pint.  Jubilate!

Tribune Matthew

with Mrs OC (aka Emma) on Roseberry Topping

all our yesterdays

YC thought readers might like this old photo.  It was supplied by Yvonne Lambert and taken at Berwick Rowing Regatta in 1969.  It features a youthful Mr & Mrs Rev T.  And the young chap in the pram?  It's an even more youthful YC - too young to eat ice creams and even too young for beer!

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