1. Maturity at last?

Grant reached the age of 30 in January. A party was held in prestigious pub in Bristol, coincidentally directly opposite a house where Andrew lived as a student during part of his university time in that city.

A model of respectability!

3. High off the Hog

During Matt’s time as Chairman of Codsall Parish Council, he and Kirstin went to District Council Chairman’s dinner. This was pretty up-market event with pictures published in “Staffordshire Life” (and, yes, we were seen in that magazine). Among the splendours of the evening was the gift of Spode porcelain items, a pen holder for the gentlemen and trinket dish for the ladies. The picture shows our mementos

Is this the real Good Life?

5. The years roll on by

The month of April saw Andrew’s birthday come around again. An absolutely superb party was arranged at Gillian’s house in London. The photos show Andrew with some of his presents, and 5 of the 12 guests at the beautifully laid-out dinner table (including Grant and Kirstin, closest to camera).

If you are going to hold a party, then do it right.

7. South Staffordshire’s new MP

In May the General Election was held. Matt had the privilege of being present at the South Staffordshire count. Our man, Gavin Williamson, was elected very comfortably with more that 50% of the vote. Gavin can be seen in the picture with his wife Joanne (and Matt on his right) immediately after the announcement of the result.

Gracious in victory and a tough road ahead

9. Garden Shed (deluxe)

In a phase of something close to madness Kirstin and Matt had the patio to the rear of Damson Rest re-laid and extended prior to building a Scandinavian-style log cabin. The cabin is fully weather-proof and remarkably comfortable. Many a convivial evening with friends has already been spent therein, and hopefully there will be many more to follow. The pictures show the cabin during construction (by Kirstin and Matt) and completed.

Kirstin’s Kabin

11. Almost too good to be true?

Another extravagance this past year was the purchase (albeit second-hand) of an Astra ‘Twin Top’. This is a car of the ‘coupe cabriolet’ type, with a three-piece folding roof that disappears into the boot, as if by magic. Intended to be enjoyed in France – and it was. The car can be seen in the picture, taken in July at La Hallerias, with the inflatable boat in tow on Matt’s home-made trailer.

Pleasure without compromise

13. Narrow boat again

In August Alan and Judy arranged a wonderful day out for Kirstin and Matt. The Anderton boat lift near Northwich in Cheshire was our destination.

(http://www.andertonboatlift.co.uk/index.html).

The main event was a river trip on a narrow boat, followed by elevation on the boat lift itself. The picture shows Alan and Judy enjoying the experience.

Retirement can be good

15.More Friends

At Onich we met Jim and Adieane Clow, caravanners turned motor caravanners. Matt took Jim for a trip in the boat! We had bike rides and meals together in local pubs – new friendships have always been an aspect of caravanning.

All perfectly safe

16. Keeping Codsall Clean

Twice a year groups of volunteers with bags and pick-up sticks carry out a litter pick around Codsall. The November campaign coincided with a visit from Alison, who took to the task with alacrity. Fortunately the weather was fine and the task thereby enjoyable..

Dappled sun in a rural setting

18. Nostalgia time again

The old Kodachromes keep coming – the excellent archival qualities of the now-defunct reversal film really come into their own as time passes. This picture shows Dugald and Matt in Glen Farg in 1962 when, at the start of the tandem tour of Scotland, they met Marion Kerr and Margaret Baxter who were returning from a hostelling trip. Sadly Marion died some years ago. Margaret now lives in Texas USA.

Oh, to be young again

 

 

2. Not everyone knows what a Caddy is

Matt, with his university pal, Arthur, made a trip to Glasgow to attend a dental seminar dealing with as aspect of dental hygiene in which they had an interest. The journey was undertaken in Arthur’s Cadillac. The quote from Robbie Coltrane came to mind when Matt had the opportunity to drive the Caddy; “Everyone should drive a car with a V8 engine at least once in their life”. Robbie was right about that. He also said “If you see me in a Nissan, you’ll know I’m dead”. Right again.

And it’s not clear how much of a cad he is.

4. Electioneering in Codsall

You may have noticed that there was a general election in 2010. Matt continues to be something of a ‘political’ person and involved himself in the campaign to support the new candidate for South Staffordshire. The picture shows Matt at the Codsall Cooperative supermarket with election banner, Herbie the horse, and Val Chapman (another politically motivated resident).

There is no such thing as bad publicity

6. Once in a lifetime

There have been mentions of Matt’s life-long friend Dugald in previous year’s editions of this web site. In late May and early June Dugald and Matt set off on a very nostalgic caravan trip from Shropshire to Northern Scotland. There were many highlights. The time spent at South Queensferry, where they cycle-camped many times in the late 50s and early 60s, were commemorated with whisky and wine. The picture shows the pair next to the iconic Forth Bridge at the place where their tent had frequently been pitched all these years ago. The other picture was taken in Pitlochry where a tandem was hired to celebrate the memory of a cycle-camping tour of Scotland, on a tandem, in 1962. (See also the ‘nostalgia’ picture at the bottom of this web page.)

Precious memories, re-awakened

8. Second Cousins

One of the more adventurous undertakings during Dugald and Matt’s nostalgic trip was a journey to Shetland. A number of reasons took us there. First amongst them was Matt’s family connection with the small island of Whalsey to the east of the Shetland mainland. Matt’s paternal grandmother, Wilhelmina Shearer, was born there. It was surprisingly easy to make contact with relatives including the four second-cousins pictured. The model on the table was of the croft in which Wilhelmina was born and brought up (now, sadly, demolished).

An astonishing discovery

10. Canal Trip

On the occasion of Judy’s birthday in June, Alan and Judy shared a narrow boat, adapted for disabled use, with other friends (Sue and June – see the Christmas 2005 issue of this Web site). Kirstin and Matt joined the trip for one day, during which the spectacular (not to say frightening) Pontcysyllte aqueduct was crossed. This channel of water is a series of U-shaped castings, just wide enough to allow the passage of a narrow boat, standing some 126 feet above the river Dee. The picture shows the boat navigating the aqueduct with June seated at the bow.

Steady as she goes.

12. It was that time again

Every two years, during July, in Dinan, a medieval festival is held. Many events, settings and parades are arranged as part of a weekend (le weekend, even) which is a complete delight. The final parade is pictured here, hith the banner of the commune of Taden (which operates the La Hallerias campsite) being carried through Dinan.

At the campsite there were medieval-style tents being used by campers. An example of one such is shown below. you may be able to see that the camping furniture also has a medieval look!

Tradition and fun perfectly mixed.

14. Back to Scotland

The trusty old Buccaneer caravan made a second trip to Scotland in September, complete with cats and the inflatable boat; bikes were carried on the roof of the car. The cats are secured during travel in the rear of the car – as in the picture.

Happy cats?

Sunshine and freedom on Loch Linnhe

17. Back to France

In October we returned to France to winterise and cover the Avondale Bianco. The bikes in France now live in a portable bike shelter; shown in the photograph. It is really a specially-shaped tent and provides remarkable protection despite its flimsy appearance.

Keeping the Bikes snug

19. The collection grows

Matt's collection of 1:43 models continues to grow. The latest addition is an Astra TwinTop. The model is of an Opel (hence LHD) and white; you can't have everything!

See all the models here (About 6.5 Mb)