Birthday and Ruby Wedding

On Saturday we celebrated Irene's birthday. We had a lazy start to the day. First we had to pop and order a vacuum cleaner part and purchase a pizza and crispy duck rolls. Next we had to buy cheese cake at the cheese cake shop. Then off we went to start our adventure. First there was the thrill of going north to the Shipley garden centre to buy lime and two other exciting things then we set off to have lunch and walk in Shipley Park. At which point the inevitable rain began. It was a good lunch. The scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam where particularly good. There was an attempt at 'coffee art' on my capuccino. We watched the anti-open cast mine protesters getting wet and two policemen 'chasing' after them, a little too late. (The Keystone Cops came to mind)

The walk was abandoned. We drove off to our prime destination-Dale Abbey, on route to look at the abondoned windmill. The windmill proved inaccesible. It was too wet at Dale. Home went. We consumed our pizza, duck and cheese cake; washed down with sangria. Played a game, watched a strange film where evil neither triumphed or was overcome. (I can't remember the title.)

Joni rang on Saturday, Tim rang in the morning, Joe rang, Sally rang.

A good day enjoyed by all.

Sunday followed with church. As we returned from the allotment Jenny and Francis greeted us. We invited them in and with, cups of tea and carrot cake, celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary.

We gave them a set of six ruby coloured, Italian glass tumblers.

Jenny, sporting a ruby ring, inspecting our gift.

Wollaton Walk + Carpet Laying

Wollaton Hall

On Thursday morning we drove out to Wollaton Hall on a cold, but bright morning. The object was to photograph Autumn colours. The light was good with long, sharp shadows. We are privileged to live near such a special place.

Stag at 'rutting' time

Birds on the lake

Some Autumn colours

Friday was a good day. I had orders for a number of prints. I then had a 'large' deposit for a wedding shoot next year.

Today (Saturday) I laid a carpet in the small breakfast room. I am pleased with the work.

The Red and White Lady Mayor

Last night Irene and I went dancing.

Instead of our usual Friday night we went to a special 'Red and White' sequence dance.

The Lady Mayoress (Coun. Susan Wildey) had been invited along to present the annual grant aid cheque to pay the hall rent.

Here is the Lady Mayoress presenting the cheque to committee treasurer (Irene Bexton) and chairman/person (Doug Hardy)

We had a real nice evening. I one a thousand piece puzzle on the raffle and Irene won chocolate bars during the spot waltz.

A good time was had by all.

Curbar Edge

I will return to the Lakes. But first, the visit to Curbar Edge.

It was a spectacular warm and sunny day when we set off and it remained so throughout. Curbar Edge is just north of Baslow in the Peak District of Derbyshire. When we arrived the car park was already filling up.

Sadly, we had missed seeing the heather at its best, but the views from the top and rock shapes and textures are always impressive.

Curbar Edge

Mum managed a scramble to a higher vantage point of the valley below.

Mum At A Vantage Point

After picnicing at the Curbar Edge side we crossed over to Baslow Edge side. The views are no less spectacular.

Baslow Edge

We must remember to investigate the stone cross that only showed up in the telephoto picture of a distant rock.

The Mystery of the Cross

On the way back we stopped off for refreshments at the local hostellery. (Pub) A pot of tea and a glass of cider.

Next we stopped off at B and Q in Chesterfield. Opposite B and Q mum spotted a model shop. She went over to purchase my Ruby Wedding present. See below.

Ruby Wedding Present - A BR Morris Van and a Jensen Jen-Tug "Mechanical Horse"

Wet Lakes - Part 2

Tuesday turned out to be a very full day. From photographing rocks and water on Helvelyn we drove on into Keswick. Here we had a pub lunch in the Twa Dogs Inn. This was a mistake as we were to eat a large meal later.

Lunch in the Twa Dogs Inn, Keswick

Next we drove down the east shore of Derwent Water. One of our aims was to find Lord's Island. We knew that we had passed the island, but looked to turn into a car park on left hand side of the road. This did not seem very interesting so we proceeded along the single track lane to the next car park. Here was an amazing waterfall running under a stone bridge to Watendlath Beck.

Water Under the Bridge

The road went past other car parks. One spot gave a good view of Derwent Water and our first view of Lord's Island.

Derwent Water

We continued up the narrow road. I was guessing that the last car park would have a pay meter it did. I took some not very succesful photographs. (I do need some neutral density filter for such bright light and slow shutter speeds.)

Watendlath Tarn

The Wet Lakes - Part 1

Following our Ruby wedding celebrations we took a trip up to the Lakes. Having dropped Joe off at Derby station we proceeded across country to the M6 and the North West. We left J35 early on Monday afternoon and went off towards Windermere in the hope of catching a visit to the 'World of Beatrix Potter'. This eluded us as we drove several times passed it without seeing a sign to it. We settled for a walk to Windermere and a stroll along the shore.

Moorings at Windemere

Yatching on Windemere

We then made our way back to a view point over the lake. Here, we were told by locals, are great sunset views across the lake, at the right time of year.

The following day was our great trek through Kendal for shopping and petrol, and on to Helvelyn. This was a beautiful spot and we arrived as the rain stopped.

Water fall on Helvelyn

Mum and I on Helvelyn

My demo. on how to capture the milkiness of rushing water

Ruby Wedding

The celebration of our Ruby Wedding took place on Sunday 31st August 2008. We were able to use the New Stapleford Community Centre for the 'do'. The hall was divided in two. Half for eating and half for dancing. The hall is magnificently set up and we are particularly grateful to Alan and Irene Bexton for giving so much of their time to the hall's quality and for helping at the party. Thank you Alan for MCing it. It was appreciated. We are also very grateful to Joe, Joni and Fiona and Tim and Isla for all they did by way of preparation, speeches, the cake by Isla and the amazing clear up.

Irene started the evening by a speech which sums up what 40 years of married life means. "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." and sooner or later we will have to face "Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried."

Francis used a can to describe us. I asked him for speeches not peaches.


Lawrence used facial expression. I lost the plot, but appreciated the humour.


Martin added spiritual dignity

I lost everybody. But expressed thanks for friends who have helped us along our journey.

Tim spoke about following us on our Journey . . .


and then gave us this magnifient cake.

Food, dancing and games followed.

We thank all our friends and relatives for all their thoughts, gifts and prayers. We thank those who were able to be with us on Sunday and hope that the event was sufficiently enjoyable. [Comments are not required.]