Calcutta Cup - Scotland come second (again)

The Calcutta Cup was great if you were supporting England, but a bit tougher for Scottish fans.  YC saw it in company with Chris, Rob and Neale - all of whom were firmly in the English camp and hence were delighted at the result (Scotland 0 England 20).  But at least the beer in The Half Way House and Bow Bar was superb, and the rain held off for most of the time.  Scotland must be wondering where they can turn to next.  Reports that Scotland's coach Scott Johnson has been on the phone to Rev T begging him to come out of retirement are not thought to be true.

You can't win them all - indeed Scotland would settle for just one win at the moment.  YC lives in hope that one will come along soon - preferably against France or Wales as he will be at the games.  This might be a vain hope, but "you never know!"

Owen Farrell converts Luther Burrell's try

Rob and Neale enjoy the game

fellrunning, birdwatching, and snowmen

YC was over in The Lakes at the weekend, getting in some much needed hill-time after his injury lay-off.  John Telfer was leading the way, blazing a trail over many a Lakeland pass and fell.  YC did his best to keep up, both on the hills and later in the bar slaking the raging fellrunner's thirst - but came a poor second on both fronts.

After all that exercise, YC took it easy today with some birdwatching on the Northumberland Coast.  There were black-tailed godwits and a merganser at Hauxley, a long-tailed duck and goldeneye at Chevington, and an otter and water-rail at Cresswell - so all very exciting.

Meanwhile in Poland it's distinctly on the chilly side.  James reports that it's been down to -13C and that the snow is too fine and dry to make a snowman.  So instead Matthew and Phoebe have been doing their snowmen impressions - see below.

Who wants to be a junior snowman?  I do!

back on the fells

the view from Cresswell Hide

New Year's Day Swim

The King Edward's Bay Swimmers saw in the New Year with a dip this morning.  It was bracing but enjoyable.  YC joined them, as did Emma and Mr & Mrs Rev T.  Star billing goes to Roger Mowbray who has swum at KEB every day of 2013.  Yes, you read that correctly, every day last year. Plus he has walked down from Earsdon too.  A truly remarkable achievement.  Penny (left on the photo) designed a special banner in Roger's honour, and it flew proudly on KEB this morning.  Here's to lots of swims in 2014, Roger!

Roger on KEB

with the swimmers inc Penny

no shoes for Rev T

Curry Evening

The Duff family gathered at Euan & Cathy's house last night.  Rowena and Heather cooked a curry specially for the evening - and very fine it was too.  Jane and Chris were visiting with their children - complete with an electric shock pen and magic marker pen to keep everyone on their toes.  And Richard nobly donated some of his Christmas beer - for which YC was most grateful.  Here are a few photos of the evening.

the assembled throng

assembled throng mark 1

enjoying the starter

a jolly time was had by all

Heather & John

Congratulations to Heather Duff and John Ridley who are engaged to be married.  John proposed on Granny Duff's seat in The Haven.  The only hitch was when some people were inconveniently using the seat when Heather & John arrived there on their walk.  Fortunately after a few minutes, the other folk took the hint and bootled off, allowing John to pop the question.  Heather was delighted to accept.  They are to be married at Holy Saviour's Church next April. 

And if that wasn't enough cheery news to brighten your day, here's a merry Christmas cracker joke to send you on your way rejoicing.

Where do poorly gnomes go?  The elf centre.

Ho ho!

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!