Jodrell Bank

Home of the famous Lovell Radio Telescope with its 250ft dish, Jodrell Bank is just a ninety minute drive from Huddersfield. We were astonished to note how long it had been since our last visit and decided to wrap up against the wintry chill and nip over to Cheshire.

We perused the visitor's centre, viewed the 3D movies on offer, walked the grounds, and enjoyed English Cream Tea for two in the cafe.

The telescope looks fabulous following it's paint job and was kind enough to employ great movement during our visit.

Ironbridge; UNESCO World Heritage Site

Our weekend was to be packed so full of happiness and adventure that a day off work was required to accommodate it!

Cold wind and driving rain were to be our company for much of the drive to Bristol, but the journey was cheered by 2-4-1 with a Manchester pensioners committee, good music in the car and a nice hot flask on the back seat.

We were lucky to enjoy the hospitality of Richard and Emma on the first evening, sampling Emma's wonderful cooking and Richard's fine repartee! Saturday monring and it was farewell to Yate as we journeyed on to Cheltenham and the British Astronomical Association Deep Sky Section meeting. The talks were varied, interesting and informative, the company excellent and lunch unexpected and delicious.

Following dinner in a nearby pub, we spent the latter part of the evening with John Fletcher, enjoying the privilege of a guide to his observing facilities. We hit the open road shortly before midnight and headed in the direction of Wales.

Sunday morning put an intriguing brown road sign between us and Wales, luring us towards 'Ironbridge'. After being led through rather dubious surroundings, we were stunned to arrive at an UNESCO World Heritage Site; Ironbridge Gorge.

We stopped for brunch at Truffles, a cafe overlooking the water, before resuming our meandering around the little village.

Giving chase to the afternoon sun, we drove along the A5 from Chirk, passing through Llangollen and relishing our journey through the Welsh valleys. We came to a stop at Llynbrenig Reservoir and closed our eyes, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun against our faces. Following an inevitable catnap, we drove a short way to nearby Alwen Reservoir and cooked up one of our magic feasts on the trusty Trangia.

Darkness brought with it cold wind and rain, telling us it was time to return home and prepare for our next outing.

NYE 2007/08

London and the final hours of 2007.

We have been blessed with much happiness this year and thank our family and friends for their contribution to this wonderful life.

As has been the way of celebrations in recent years, we drove to London and camped out on the Embankment, directly opposite the London Eye, drinking cocktails and champagne and munching through our picnic in anticipation of midnight, 2008 and FIREWORKS!


We were joined by Amy, Becky, Sarah and Craig, the latter two saying farewell not only to 2007 but to England; they would be emigrating to New Zealand in a matter of days.

Other notable revellers were Lena the German nanny, Mr I-can't-stop-dancing-to-the-wacky-music-in-my-head-man and the friendly security guys.


We all had a fabulous time and continued the party at Sarah and Craig's apartment nearby; it took a little longer to get there as Becky and Sarah could only walk in complicated zigzags!


Our traditional New Year's Day breakfast was at McDonalds, setting us up for the New Year's Day parade.

Continuing with tradition, we spent the afternoon in Waterstones before leaving for Huddersfield and home.