10 Pin Bowling Jan 2007

Twenty two members turned up at Longbenton Bowling Alley for a really enjoyable afternoon. Whilst some of our regulars could not make it, we had a couple of new faces who hopefully will return. Everyone had a good laugh but the faces still showed a determination to do well. Whoever said it is not the winning but the taking part that counts, hasn't seen this lot. Just look at Tony seeking devine intervention.

Cyril and Dave watching their efforts

Alan has forgotten his ball !!

and winners Jean Gibbney (score 382) and me, Stewart Fullen (score 430), receiving our trophies from Chairman Norma Brunton

Thanks to Michael Gibbney for organising the event, and Dave Watson for his handicapping system. Why not come along next time, 24th April at XL Longbenton. Just let Michael have your application and cheque, and if I can win, anybody can. Well except for Cyril Speight, perhaps.

London Theatre Visit March 2007

Forty eight of our members climbed aboard a coach and set off for London early on the Friday morning. A quiz about TV programmes, on the way down, was won by Brian and Linda Wilkinson and they generously shared the prize, a bag of sweets, around the bus. I did spot two entrants trying to cheat by continuing when 'pens down' was called, but don't worry Moira and Sylvia, your secret is safe with me. The hotel was great and an early start on Saturday saw us go aboard the coach on a guided tour of the City. Lunch, and then a show of our choice in the afternoon followed. Back to the hotel for dinner, and then we clubbed together to buy a drink at London hotel prices.

Cheers ladies...........

Sunday morning saw us set off on a cruise along the Thames (see right), and then on to Covent Garden for some lunch and free time before returning home. It was another great weekend, enjoyed by everyone, and our thanks go to Michael once again for his hard work in organising it all.

Walk around Belford March 2007

Our group of walkers set off from Belford Community Club just after 11.00am past Craggyhill Farm on a walk of about 10 miles. After a cool start we were soon removing jackets as the sun appeared. We stopped for lunch and then moved on to St Cuthbert's Cave for a rest.

Resting at St Cuthbert's Cave

Sorry, there's no going back now Laurie.

Just time to inspect the herd at Swinhoe Farm.

but who needs to wash their trousers after sitting in the mud Brian ? Finally we returned to The Black Swan to quench our thirsts. Thanks again to Laurie for his hard work, and for organising good weather.

April -Ten pin bowling

Another really enjoyable afternoon at Longbenton Bowling Alley on 24th April with a few pictures.

Alan remembers to choose a ball to show he has improved since the last visit in January!!

Jaqui tries to talk Dave into increasing her score.... but nothing doing. Just you wait Dave.

.....and Bill gets a rare strike.

But the winners on the day were : Men - Les Tait (Husband of Jean) with a handicapped score of 430 and Women - Sheila Pagan with a handicapped score of 404. Thanks to Mike for his organisation and Dave for his scoring system.

The winners, Les and Sheila, receive their trophies

'Top o' the morning to ya'

37 of our members left for a visit to Ireland from 13th to 19th May 2007 and despite only reasonable weather, enjoyed quite a tour. This included a visit to The Irish National Stud Farm,the Ring of Kerry and Killarney.

A number of our members decided to let the horse take the strain, but it doesn't seem too keen to me! Thanks to Mike again for his work in organising everything.

Group photograph of our Ireland party.

Gala Theatre Durham

29 members present who all enjoyed an excellent pre theatre meal at Oldfields Restaurant before taking their seats at the Gala Theatre.

Friends chat following lunch. 'As in previous years we were able to accommodate our members in the first two rows. Once again the performance by The Durham Musical Theatre Group was first class and we enjoyed a colourful interpretation of Gigi. The acting and singing was magnificent.' Thanks to Derrick for his work organising the event.

Visit to Newby Hall - June 2007

29 of our members braved heavy rain to visit the hall and gardens, but sadly the latter was cut short because of the weather. The Hall was very interesting and the Gardens very wet. The stop at Scotch Corner for coffee proved popular for coffee as did the excellent lunch at Newby Hall. Ian Bradford was a perfect gentleman helping Ann and Jen back onto the bus, which was bright red to avoid any confusion. The only trouble being that he was helping them onto the wrong bus. It was a grey one, and about to leave for South Wales when his error was spotted. A vote was then held on our bus as to whether to tell the 'girls', and as our treasurer Brian was concerned at the additional cost of bringing them back home, by a narrow margin it was decided to rescue them. Ian's wife Heather was given the job of taking him home and ensuring he caught the right train, which I understand was a green one. For future reference Ian, the picture below should help.

A Red Bus

Lunch @ Langley Castle 17th July 07

Almost 50 members met for lunch at The Castle today and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy both the food and the service. The vegetarian meal also came in for praise.

Excellent company made for a very enjoyable afternoon, and it was nice to see everyone sitting talking and laughing together for some time after we had eaten. Hopefully all arrived home safely before the rain storms. Thanks to Margaret for organising the event.

Wark walk July 07

Twenty four members set off on a 'Monkhouse Meander' from Wark and the weather was very kind to us with only a couple of very light, short showers all day. This was a first, with the distance being less than Laurie claimed.(Don't ask about the knee)

Laurie took a short cut and we all went the long way round, and then waited for him to find a way out.

Clockwise the pictures show: Laurie calling everyone around to explain that we are lost. Crossing a stream. Derrick's legs before the nettles. Our picnic lunch stop.

A great day finished as usual with a welcome drink in the beer garden of the local pub. Thanks again Laurie.

Embleton Hall 7th August

Almost 50 people made their way for afternoon tea and to catch up with each other's news. A beautiful area and very enjoyable tea. Thanks to Alan for arranging our visit. Oh, and yes I saw you all having an extra meringue on your way out !

Isle of Man 3rd-7th Sept.

Another big group of our members went for a break to the Isle of Man and yet again managed to find great weather. Tuesday was spent visiting the House of Manannan, Peel Castle and Castle Rushden in Castletown. Wednesday saw visits to the Laxey Wheel.......

Then up Snaefell on the mountain railway.....

to Douglas on the electric tram, and along the seafront on a horse drawn tram. From here the group travelled to Port Erin by steam train for a stay.

Thursday saw a visit to The Sound, Ramsay, and Grove House, then finally on to Niarbyl on the west coast where our group photo was taken.

Thanks again to Mike for all of his hard work and good luck in the TT Races.

Indoor Bowls at Durham - Sept. 20th

Over 20 of our members met at the bowls club for team bowls and had a thoroughly enjoyable time.Sadly, Derrick went without any shoes, as can be seen from the pictures, and had holes in his socks, not to mention the smell.

That competitive spirit is still there as you can see from the concentration on the faces.

Afterwards we were treated to an excellent buffet meal and our winners Jean Gibbney and Alan Pagan received trophies (well sort of) to keep ie. we don't want them back.

Thanks to Derrick for organising the event, which I'm sure will be repeated, so why not join us next time, only, bring some shoes!

Christmas Lunch, Gosforth Racecourse 12th December

On 12th December, over 180 members and friends gathered again at Newcastle Racecourse for our annual Christmas Lunch.

The Chairman, Stewart Fullen, thanked everyone for attending what is by far our most popular event of the calendar, and we all enjoyed an excellent turkey dinner. Then followed much conversation, with a lot of catching up being done.

After lunch the raffle raised £434., to be matched under the Barclays £4£ scheme which will give a total of £868. This will be donated to the charity 'Sense', which supports schemes for the deaf/blind community, and particularly children. Thanks to our members for raising this money was given in the form of a song being signed and was well accepted by everyone.

Ian and Alan asked if their photo could appear in the item, so here they are. At the end of the afternoon liaison officers collected gifts for distribution to our less active members who were unable to join us.

It's a shame that Dave slept thru' it all. Thanks to Margaret and the committee for all of their help, and to all who attended and made the day such a memorable occasion; from a very relieved chairman who wishes you all a very happy Christmas.