Ten Pin Bowling Jan 22nd

First event of the year saw our members visit the Star Bowl at Royal Quays (new venue) for a fascinating afternoons bowling, with some new records being set. Personal bests were set by Cyril Speight with a score in his second frame of 80 (yes eighty)and he can be seen below celebrating whilst Eileen pleads with him to calm down, and Derrick Gurney scoring 199 in his second frame. The scoreboard shows a spare and four strikes for the first 5 frames.

The results were: Ladies 1st Eileen Speight Hand'p score 426 2nd Jaqui Watson Hand'p score 422 3rd Janet Angel Hand'p score 421 Mens 1st Derrick Gurney Hand'p score 403 2nd Cyril Speight Hand'p score 358 3rd Les Tait Hand'p score 337 Eileen wishes to offer special thanks to Cyril for all of his coaching and support which has enabled her to reach this level.

Winners receive their trophies with above Eileen, and below Derrick. For those wishing to emulate Derrick, I can tell you that he used a turquoise ball, which must be where wife Janet (Posh) gets his nickname from.

Thanks to Michael for organising and Dave for the scoring system.

London Theatre Weekend Break

Our members travelled in style to London on the weekend of the 7th March in a brand new 46 New Starliner Coach. Now that's posh. Calling at Windsor on Friday, then on to London and the shows on Saturday and enjoying the hotel and food.

The group took in a visit to Charlecote Park on the way back, and care was taken that none of our members climbed onto the wrong coach this time.

My roving reporter tells me that the shows were enjoyed by everyone. Thanks again Michael.

Wylam walk 8th April

Nineteen members gathered at Wylam station to go on one of Lawrie's 10 mile walks and the weather he arranged was brilliant.

After receiving instructions from our 'guide' in the car park we set off for Bradley Farm,Coalburns,Greenside, Crawcrook, Clara Vale and back to Wylam.

As we were tiring towards lunchtime Lawrie inspired us with talk of a pub stop for lunch, 'five minutes down the hill'. Sadly it was closed! His position as our leader was being questioned by this time, having already been lost a few times, but we sat outside and ate our sandwiches whilst his future was discussed.

He narrowly survived a vote of confidence, on the grounds that nobody else knew how to get back, and he doesn't cost much our treasurer, Brian, added. Thankfully the Boathouse Pub back in Wylam was open when we returned and we all enjoyed the refreshments. Great day, thanks Lawrie.

Gubeon Golf Centre 10th April

Moira and Kaths 'Meet and Greet' coffee morning in respect of our welfare officers was a great success, with a good turnout (sorry, forget to count)

We enjoyed excellent home made scones (pronounced sconns) and good company. I reminded Meredith how he interviewed me for 'Martins' back in 1966. I was offered a job and have never forgiven him since.

Moira went around the tables to check that nobody took an extra scone, and people were praying that she wouldn't find any. Thanks for your efforts and organisation 'ladies'

Indoor Bowls at Durham 24th April

Twenty of our members enjoyed an afternoon of bowls, with the help of our hosts Colin and Hazel Thompson to whom we wish to extend our thanks.

The winning team was Judith Thompson and Janet Gurney, and a special fun competion organised by Colin and Hazel was won by Jaqueline, who are seen accepting their trophies above. Trophies were also handed to last years winners and Sheila says that she will now remove Alan's pen, which he won last year, from the trophy cabinet at home.

Jaqueline celebrated her win with a party piece which I have only seen performed before with tassels, but this takes some beating!

I must have a word with Dave.

The afternoon was completed with a much needed buffet. Thanks for organising the event Derrick, although next time you take a photo of John, can you include the rest of his head.

Concept Design Branch Visit

As chairman of our club, I was invited to visit and view the prototype of 'a branch of the future' on 19th May at Northampton. Before leaving, a bowl of porridge to build me up for the day ahead, was served to me as usual by my lovely wife... I made that bit up. (I mean the bit about the porridge being made for me, not about my wife being lovely) Leaving Newcastle at 8.24am I arrived in Northampton at about 11.30am to be picked up by a mini-bus at the railway station, and driven to a warehouse in the middle of the red light district.(True, I promise) After a light buffet lunch we were shown around, but sadly not allowed to take any photo's, although I have some good ones from the streets outside if anyone is interested! I am allowed to TELL you what it looked like, so here goes. First impression.......superb, with complete glass front. The signage is highlighted in black on clear glass, instead of a white background and looks much better, with window advertising on plasma screens instead of paper based. Two cash machines were labelled 'Free Cash Dispenser' instead of 'Hole in the wall'. We entered through large electric glass doors into what they call the drum, which is a large round area housing five different self service machines. 1. Account Manager which lets you order statements etc. 2. Coin Deposit which lets you pour various coins into it and counts them then credits your account. 3. Cash and Cheque deposit which counts your notes and adds them to the cheques which you feed in (keying in their value)and credits your account. The receipt which you receive shows a miniature photocopy of each cheque paid in. 4. Travel Money which lets you purchase currency. 5. Cash Machine (the usual) Above this area hangs a huge illuminated globe highlighting Barclay's world interests. Next we moved into an open area which has a queuing system with an electrical 'table' full of information to occupy you while you wait and the counter ahead. The level of the counter is such that it is not apparent how many till spaces are available or unoccupied, and there are no screens. Cash is drawn away as soon as fed in and counted by the automatic till. Behind the cashiers are plasma screens on the wall with advertising alternating with 'News 24' but no sound to distract, just subtitles. Alongside is a business till and Premier banking till which has security screens on the counter. A welcome area consists of a help desk where a member of staff can point you in the right direction or assist as required. There is a children's area with a very sophisticated glass dome rising from the floor with a soft touch interactive screen to occupy the little darlings. Semi-private desks are available for the PB's and a glass walled interview room with no door so that staff cannot hide away with their heads down; as if. Upstairs is a business lounge with plush high backed chairs, and wire free internet connection available for customer use. The first outlet is now open in Manchester and a number will spring up around the country, I guess in large cities, with small branches having some of the fittings. Make no mistake they are very impressive, but will they help the share price which is currently struggling below £4?

Moselle Valley - May

Members of our Club enjoyed a holiday in the Moselle Valley and all returned safely after some good weather. The picture below shows (clockwise) 1) enjoying sunshine on the river. 2)Approaching a lock with Germany on the left and Luxembourg on the right. 3)Trier Roman Amphitheatre 4)Arriving at the vineyard for wine tasting

John would like to know if anyone can tell him how to remove red wine stains from his tongue. Domestos should do the trick!

By the time wine tasting was underway our photographer was a bit the worse for wear, so please accept my apologies for the blurred photograph

On the final night the celebration cake was brought in to the echoes of 'God Save the Queen'.(Can you check if her subs are up to date Brian)Good company, good hotel, good coaching, Eurostar luxury with meals and wine, all made for another very successful trip. Thanks Michael

more Moselle pictures...............

Waiting for the Eurostar. Bet Dave is a worried man when he gets one of these looks.

and all aboard from Berncastle to Kinheim. I'm puzzled, because is the weather cold Moira or is it hot Dave?

Lavender Farm - 5th June

My roving reporter tells me that our coach left Newcastle a few minutes late and stopped at Scotch Corner for coffee, arriving at Yorkshire Lavender Farm at 12.15 in bright sunshine. Nigel Goodwill and his two children run the farm, and he gave the introductory talk, which lasted about 20 mins.

Everyone arriving for the talk. The group were told about the three basic strains of lavender and there medicinal values and for those who were unable to attend, I have managed to download a sample of the fragrance. Very gently rub the sample area below and then smell your finger.

After the talk, everyone adjourned for lunch and then a stroll around the Farm to include feeding the deer. Most of our members bought a plant, or lavender flavoured preserve or cream as a reminder of the visit. Our group left about 4.00pm following a really good day out. Thanks Pam for arranging it. Please enjoy the photos below, oh yes, and tell me you didn't try to smell the scent of the lavender!

Our group dining.

View of the gardens.

Shad and Betty take a break.

Now be honest, did you try to smell the lavender?

Ceilidh at Dissington Hall - June

Over fifty of our members attended a BBQ followed by a ceilidh and the night was a huge success and pictures were kindly supplied by their own photographer, as Dave McEachern forgot his camera despite my reminder.

A few drinks to give some 'Dutch courage'

Maybe a couple more....

Well just one more....

After this one.......

OK off we go.........

Just looks like the 'Hokey-Cokey' to me but they did have a few drinks. Anyway everybody said it was great.

Beamish Hall Country House Hotel -July

Just over 60 members attended our lunch here on 15th July. As we gathered for Pims in the Monboucher Bar it was a shame to see that Es didn't manage to find an outfit to match that tie.

Our members begin to move into the dining area.

..........

Now where are we sitting?

Must be here somewhere..

Wonder who's on table one?

We remembered Dave Morley and Marie following the recent tragedy.
We also presented a bouquet of flowers to Edna Ford (age witheld)and congratulated her on her award as 'Fellow of Cancer Research UK' for 28 years of dedicated service to the cause.

The meal and venue were excellent.