Video of Family Trip to Morthoe, Feb 2007

Using the Christmas break for tidying up some previously unedited material from earlier in the year....it lasts about 3 mins or so....

Christmas pictures

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Here are the photos captured of Christmas eve and day. Some of the highlights are the boys on their new bikes, including a bike ride with Mum and Dad, and general play and fun with Grandma and Gran. With children aged 7, 5 and 2 Christmas does not get much better than this! Happy Christmas! Dad

Take you for a ride....

Yesterday Matthew announced he had written a song and duly performed it for the video camera, accompanied by Angus. He said he wrote it in his head whilst riding his bike around the garden - presumably inspired by a combination of his new bike for Christmas and listening to AC/DC on his MP3 player....not bad for 7 I reckon (but I am biased!). Dad

Merry Christmas from Dartmoor

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

On Sunday we joined friends Richard, Ellie, Sally, Simon, Lesley and mothers to make the best of the stunning high pressure and walked over the moor to Belstone for some lunch. Simon and I had fun taking some piccies (here they are - I got some nice ones of Helen) and the walk was punctuated by all those childhood classics of 'moaning and wanting a carry' followed by 'I want to get down', and lots of carrying of sticks - you know the kind of thing! The exercise and booze helped vent some pre-Christmas tension and today's pressie-fest also helped do that! More of that anon - meanwhile Merry Christmas!

End of the 'cross season

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last Sunday was the last race of the south west cycle cross series and it has been something I have enjoyed very much this season. Thanks to all the organizers for all their hard work. Here are some photos courtesy of Simon Keitch

Robert Dorrington is 40 today

Happy Birthday my fast fingered bluesman of a cousin! Here's to great memories playing with you in 'The LowCats' in the early 90s. Sorry we cannot be with you today - have fun! Love Phil Anne, Matthew Angus and Helen.

Matthew the drummer and other musical moments

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

On Saturday night night my band 'The Lost Mules' played charity blues night in the village, and Matthew Helen and Angus took the opportunity to have a go on Bob's drums. Charlie captured some pictures of the children here (especially note the picture of Helen 'Buddy Rich' Haygarth, bearing in mind she is still in nappies!) and the Mules here. There are also some images of the excellent band 'Hannah and the Madding' crowd, who also played. Phil

Fever pitch (waiting to see a Santa and other Christmas stories)

Waiting to see a (scary) Santa.....
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

This image captures Helen's slight fear of Santa as she was about to meet him last weekend at the pre-school Bazaar! The activities in the Haygarth house are reaching pre-Christmas fever pitch, with Nursery Christmas parties, Angus the Elf in 'Ralf the Reindeer' (a real tear jerker for mushy parents), not to mention putting up the tree. A few pictures here. Roll on Christmas, roll on. Dad.

Cross again

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Today I took part in the Southern Area cyclo cross champs at Bicton Arena and was supported by the family in wintery weather (a rare treat for my cause normally am supporting them in some rugby match or Beaver event). I did the vets race and was pleased with my performance as I finished ahead of folk who normally beat me, but it was nonetheless a strong field from the whole of the southern region, so I don't expect a high position overall. The great find was the photography skills of my sons, who took some killer shots - have a look here. Well done Matthew and Angus! Love Dad.

Angus rocks

Angus improvises with my new guitar........

Trip to the track

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last Sunday I joined my fellow club mates from Okehampton Cycle Club and Tavistock Wheelers for a 2 hour coaching session at Newport Velodrome. Despite having a cold, it was a thrilling first time experience for me, quite nerve racking at first getting used to the steep banking on the corners and most critically riding a 'fixed wheel' with no brakes! We did a flying lap, plus some pursuits and a 'Devil' race, where the last person around the lap is forced to drop off. Great fun and lovely bikes! Sharon Pitts from Okehampton CC took a load of pictures which are posted here. Phil

Grandma goes to Egypt

My Mum has just has a terrific trip to Luxor, complete with a ride on a camel and a boat trip on the Nile. 'Looks like she had a lovely time - I can't wait until I retire - some great pictures are posted here. Phil

Angus the cider maker

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Yesterday we did that Westcountry autumn thing and joined Richard 'Ciderman' Johnson and Wendy for some cider making in their barn near Chagford. Angus was thrilled and really got stuck in, whilst Helen and Mum collected the apples and Matthew was enthralled with the old Land Rover. I took the piccies. We ended up with a couple of bottles of freshly squeezed apple juice (unfermented I may add - Dad is hoping for some of the fermented stuff when it is ready). Thanks Richard and Wendy.

A decent man

This week I was saddened to learn of the surprise passing of Dr Frank Foster, a man who made a small but important impression on me in my boyhood. Frank was an academic in mathematics, he loved walking the hills of the north of England and he enjoyed jazz music, especially, I recall, Oscar Peterson. Above all i remember Frank as a modest and decent man, and I admired him for this. Phil

Our old boy

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

He doesn't get enough attention in the blog, but 11 year old Dileas is an unassuming gentle stalwart of out family. This is a portrait of him I took this morning and it is part of a set of portraits I have taken whilst playing with a Nikon D 200 this weekend, which I must say I am finding an awesome camera. For those interested in pictures here are some I took yesterday and today (with no post camera edits). Anne is away this weekend on a girlie trip to Bath and so the four of us (plus Dileas) have been home alone - rugby, dog walks, and last night I played with The Lost Mules. Great gig but half we through the second set we blew up the PA literally in a cloud of smoke - a real Spinal Tap moment!

Carnivals and puddles

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Anne has recently taken over joint leadership of the Beavers with her friend Heather (here they are pictured) and on Saturday was South Zeal Carnival. Here you can see pictures of the Dr Who theme that was entered by the Beavers and also Helen and Angus who entered as Tom and Jerry. 'Dr Who' came 2nd and Tom and Jerry 3rd. Later in the weekend Adrian Dee and Isobel came to stay and there are a few pictures here that show a wet walk to Ford farm and some playing with puddles.

Halloween at Haygarths

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Piccies here for our macabre set......

Half term holiday in North Devon

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

We spent the last week at Corfe holiday cottages at Tawstock near Barnstaple. It was a great break for us all. I guess the main focus was the great swimming pool, which we used at least twice daily and the breakthrough was that Angus became a swimmer. He mastered a width of the pool and even swam for some time in the deep end, without arm bands. He has also learned to dive. Matthew also made progress with underwater swimming and managed a length of the pool without drawing breath. Helen spend her time doing dives and swimming, but in a somewhat out of control and hap-hazard-yet-bold way! We had some great trips out to the coast, including valley of the rocks and Lynmouth, Baggy Point and Westward Ho! (yes it is supposed to have an exclamation mark, and that always amuses me). Other notables were some progress from Helen in the potty department, a couple of runs by Mum and Dad, and lots of chilling and watching DVDs and sleeping in the chair. A great break, thoroughly recommended to all. Piccies here!

Birthday bonaza

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Here ends a fantastic 48 hours in the 5th birthday celebrations of Angus John Haygarth. Last night we had a family birthday party followed by a trip to Okehampton fair. I will not forget Helen's first girlie screams at the Noddy roundabout! Today was the party proper, in the village hall. Bouncy castle, all the school friends, need i say more! We need a holiday to recover. Shame the rugby won't help us! See the piccies love Dad.

Pasta and pesto for breakfast?

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Yes you guessed it - there is only one person in our house who would choose that as their birthday morning treat! Here is a picture of our lovely Angus John who turned 5 today with all his pressies! Love Dad

Weekend visitors

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last weekend we were joined by Doug, Jan, Eleanor and Jack Entwistle for the weekend. Great family time - playing inside, playing outside, a walk up Belstone Tor and the inevitable trips to the pub. It was nearly 12 months since we saw them last - we must do it more often! Piccies here. Phil

Good sporting weekend for the Haygarths

Not only was the weekend a success for the England football and rugby teams, but on Sunday Matthew scored a try in his under 8s rugby and uncle Dave scored a win in his cyclo cross race. Well done all! Phil

Welcome baby Amalie

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Since her birth on 17th May our busy lives have only recently allowed us to meet Charlie and Juliette's new daughter Amalie. Click here for a link to the pictures that document a visit from the Curnow family a couple of weeks ago. This included a lunch, a walk on the moor, a beer at the Taw River and some rock and rolling for Matthew, Angus, Helen and Madeline. Chadders joined us too.

Lost in London

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

A couple of weeks ago I was in London on business with my friend, colleague and sax player David Chadwick. After a successful day of business and having time to spare, we strolled around the city and wound up (inevitably!) looking at guitars and saxophones in Tottenham Court Road. And a very photogenic afternoon it was too - see the pictures here. Phil

Back on the hill

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

After what amounts to years of lay off hill running due to injury, this morning I ran up and down Cosdon Hill again, as a result of months of careful training and nurturing back to form. I was accompanied by friend Wendy Manfield and her brothers who took the photo. I cannot overstate how much I enjoy the felling of cresting a hill whilst running , for me this is life amplified

Old friends, happy days

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last weekend we headed north to see Grandma and celebrate the (surprise) 40th birthday of my old friend Andrew Hancock (pictured here with his sister Rachel). We spend the day times chilling with Grandma around Kirkby Lonsdale (Grandma was on call with first responders first aid - and indeed our heroine was called out on Saturday, and made a difference, so it was all worth it!). Saturday night was the party and all 5 of us went. It was a joy to surprise Andrew, and Andrew's wife Louise had made a great job of organizing the do, thank-you! It was simply terrific to see old friends the Hancock family (Andrew, Rachel, Beth, John and Margaret), plus husband old friends Toby and Mark 'Bingo' Craig (double whammy!) and Richard Barrett and his son Matthew. Congratulations to Richard and Jill who were recently married! It was terrific to see the old acquaintances and see our children all mixing and playing together. It all moves on, happy days. Piccies click here.

Cheese

I just finished putting together this 9 minute summary of our summer holiday in western France in early August - a great time. See if you can count how many times Helen says 'cheese'......

Lily turns 5

Lily, tree girl
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

As if starting school this week was not enough for my niece, today she turns 5. Happy Birthday Lily Haygarth!

Angus the new school boy

Angus the new school boy
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Today Angus John Haygarth started school after many months of heated anticipation bless him! This is a photo taken by Anne this morning alongside Matthew who started year 3 today and Helen, who joined in the picture for the hell of it (doesn't she look grown up?). Congratulations to cousin Lily too who started school too this week. Gran is staying with us at the moment and I took a few portraits of the 3 of them with Gran at the weekend - see here. Phil

Matthew's first surf lesson

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Yesterday Matthew and I had a two hour surf lesson at Widmouth bay. Wow what an exhilarating work out - the boy kept me on my toes by managing to stand up on a few occasions, forcing me to raise my game too! Mum Angus and Helen came along for the ride and took the piccies. As I type this it is 24 hours later and my upper body feels like it has been though a .....well I don't know what! Great fun, I think we will be doing more of that. Dad the Dude

The end of an exciting weekend

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

This image captures it all, Helen and Angus pooped after two excursions to the beach in two days, plus witnessing their Dad playing with his blues band The Lost Mules, after returning from Greenland on Saturday. A great bank holiday weekend with the mildren (Angus talk for Children) - plus some moments of Angus trying on his new school uniform and wet suit. Hugabunger! (Helen talk for big hug)!

Mules and miles

This week has been a fun week for me. On Monday and Thursday 'The Lost Mules', an old electric blues band that I first started playing with in 1993, met up for two rehearsals in preparation for a come back gig on Sunday 26th in the Taw River Inn. I always think it sounds better after time away from playing and we had great fun nimbling up the fingers, lubricating our vocal chords and blowing the dust out of the reeds! The Monday rehearsal was at Tavistock so I used the opportunity to work in some tough 3 Peaks preparation miles by cycling to the rehearsal via Dartmoor. I overestimated the headwind and rain near Princetown and was a tad late! Yesterday I organized the Sticklepath Horseshoe Running race on Dartmoor, an event approximately as old as the Mules and even more legendary. great fun organizing and some terrific help from the village and fun with Grandma and the family at the fete, including Helen's first pony ride!

Family holiday in Il de Re, western France

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last weekend we returned from the most perfect 9 nights away camping in France. We left home at 4 am on Thursday morning 2 August and drove the 105 miles to Poole harbour. Awakening our 3 in the early hours was a pleasant revenge for all the early mornings of recent years! The transport to Cherbourg was a 0730 departing ‘Fast ferry’ and to be honest we were a little dazed for the 3 and half hours it took us, with Anne and I taking it in turns to doze whilst we amused the excited trio. We drove about 100 miles to Camping des Ormes near Dol de Bretagne, close to Mont St Michelle on the Normandy/Brittany border. The stopover site was a bit crowded and commercial, but the draw of four outdoor swimming pools was too much for us and, donning arm bands and swimming nappies, we took the plunge in the rapids pool, the wave pool and the slides. We took the boys’ bikes and this was to prove one of the great moves of the holiday, as they cycled around the camp site. After the overnight stay and a pony ride, which the boys loved and Helen rejected, we luxuriated in the marvel of the 4 hour ~300 mile journey to our final destination in the Il de Re, a sandy island separated from La Rochelle by an impressive toll bridge. Our campsite was called Camping Interlude and it turned out to be perfect for us. It was situated about 10 minutes lazy flat walk from the beach, it had two swimming pools, a shop, a children’s club, a new and clean toilet block and lots of sunshine and shade. We were on one of those ready-made-tent holidays with a company called Canvas and had all mod cons in the tent, including gas cooker and fridge, plus ‘proper’ beds for us. The other great thing about the location was it was an island of cycling, as cycle paths seemed to dominate over car ways and this, combined with being flat, meant that even the most normally unenthusiastic about two wheels ended up having a good time. On one of the days we hired bikes and a trailer and the five of us cycled across the island for lunch and a swim – lovely. For six of the mornings I managed to get out for a run, in part thanks to my new Nike Air Pegasus super spongy bouncy shoes, got out for at least a 30 minutes accompanied by Matthew and Angus enthusiastically tagging on (or setting the pace). After a couple of mornings Anne and Helen felt left out so they joined us by departing after on a brisk walk (with pram) and would meet us on the return leg. Angus was a particular beneficiary from the cycling and explored the whole camp site on bike and graduated to the bigger bike of Matthew (much to Matthew’s repeated and justified irritation!). Other greats of the week were Helen’s enthusiasm for the swimming in the pool, she seems to be a natural and I loved to throw her in the air in the pool and catch her only to her repeat “Do it again” – one of her latest catch phrases (along with “Big hug”). Matthew loved the surf and we bought him a surf board, he is such a mature and confident swimmer and I am so proud of him. Anne had a birthday on Tuesday 7th and I have great memories of a shopping trip to buy a birthday cake with Helen, she loves the birthday concept at the moment. I think Anne’s party has to be one of her best yet, spent having moules de mer in St Martin, accompanied by Il de Re White and frites, just the 5 of us by the harbour. Another great memory for me is the boys learning to explore the campsite on their bikes alone and the great friendships they made with Maisy, Max, Meg and Harry, who shared our camping cul de sac. Watching them play together in the evening, whilst drinking Le Petit Seargent red and smoking a select cigar is a great memory for Anne and I! The holiday was capped of with another night on the way home at Dol de Bretagne and a special treat was a visit to Mount St Michele on the afternoon before our evening ferry home. A perfect holiday, what a great life!

For pictures see here
Video to follow!

Summer Visitors

On my 41st
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last weekend Dave, Kate and Lily came to stay and we had a load of fun, which Dave has already described better than I can in his blog! This picture here was taken on my 41st birthday in the garden of the Kings Arms and the full set is available. On Tuesday the Harrad family stopped by for tea - great couple of hours catching up on the Lancaster days.

New found cousins

Last week Anne's cousin Jan and family John plus Andrew and David visited us. Their boys are quite a bit older than ours and after a period of 'stand-off shyness' ours quickly settled down to some manic interactions, involving table football, cricket and shouting. Here is a picture of David bowling to Angus whilst Andrew shoulders Matthew and Helen has her own game of rugby. Well done and thanks David and Andrew!

Tour de France in London

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last weekend we travelled to Whitton in west London and stayed with Richard and Michelle Lane, plus Trisha (son Leon was away on scout camp). On Saturday I was child-like in my exitement to see Le Grand Depart of the Tour De France in Hyde Park. A thrill to meet with David Katie and Lily and a bonus to meet Dave and Jane (a ka 'boring') Bancroft too! Thanks Dicky and Michelle for some great hospitaility - here are some photos for the memories....

School activities

Trying on the school uniform
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last week Angus had two provisional excusions to school and he was really chufffed - look how grown up he seems in the school uniform with Matthew. Once he starts school 'proper' in the autumn it will be like lancing a boil - he is so keen to go! Anne played 'Mums' net ball on Tuesday night at the school - great fun, although poor Jules broke her achilles tendon and is in plaster for a few weeks.

My Mum

My Mum
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Happy Birthday CMH! lots of Love Phil, Anne, Matthew, Angus and Helen xxxx

Happy Birthday HRH

Today Helen turned two. We have been amazed about how she has tuned into the 'birthday' concept, probably shown the way by her big brother 7 days ago. For the past few days she has been saying ' my brithday soon' and this morning was a joy! Here is a snap of her taken about 7 am in here new Barbie Play tent. Birthday tea tonight, more pictures here.....

Behind the goal...

Behind the goal
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Matthew's birthday celebrations continued at the weekend when we took a load of his chums to Okehampton Parklands for a game of 5 a side football (the weather has been so wet we had to plan for something inside). It was a great success and after an hour of confused rule breaking and shouting, the party of 10 or so returned to our home for a birthday lunch and a play in the damp garden - lots of pictures to view here.

On Sunday I awoke early with the children and went downstairs. Helen sneaked back upstairs and threw a cup of water over sleeping Mum. Hmm. Not happy. I spent the rest of the day sanding the floor in the spare room and after a full day of effort put the sander through the radiator feed pipe and flooded the house. As if it is not wet enough at the moment.....

7 years ago today....

Our 7 year old....
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Happy birthday Matthew George! It is 7 years ago today since we were in the delivery suite at Exeter Heavitree! Happy Birthday Matthew, I cannot believe it is 7 years. I am sure that you will enjoy your Dr Who/skateboard/lego/cycling/football fest! You are a lovely son and a terrific big brother, love Dad xx

A big day (especially if you are 4)

The Wiggles' stage
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Today was a big day. We took the day off to see 'The Wiggles' live show in Plymouth. 'The Wiggles' are TV song and dance heros of the children and the thrill was amazing for us all. Helen's mind was blown and for the first 45 minutes just stared in jaw-dropped amazement. The boys loved it, singing and dancing. At tea time, once back home, it was a special moment for Angus as his teacher-to-be, Mr Unwin, visited our home. Angus was chufffed, he ran to open the door and was so proud to be the subject of all the attention. To cap it all he dressed up as Spiderman and impressed the teaching legend with his sword! What a day, I am exhausted and I am 40! A few piccies.....

More camping (and less sleeping)....

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Taking advantage of the great weather and inspired by the fun of the previous weekend, we ventured for 24 hours to Salcombe regis in East Devon. The campsite, weather and scenery were terrific. However, with the exception of Helen we were all tiired. Helen however was thrilled to be camping again and refused to go to sleep until after 11! Next day she awoke early, so we returned home to sleep it off in shifts! Happy days - see the pics here.

Half term in North Wales

4 cousins
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last week we spent the school holidays in North Wales. We stayed in a great cottage near Colwyn bay, visited Beaumaris Anglesey, and went up Snowdon on the train. The highlight of the week ended however with meeting Dave, Katie and Lily and camping at Dolgam, simply terrific. Let the photos tell the story from Dave and us.......

Grandma has a chorkle...

Last week we had Grandma to stay, exitement for us all, especially the four of them (ie. the 3 youngest and the oldest)! Here is a moment captured of Grandma (complete with broken leg in plaster, now removed) having a chorkle at the three of them playing in the garden. Happy days, the stuff of life.....

A wet day out

Richard Hannaford and Phil Haygarth
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

On Sunday I took part in the first ever Dartmoor classic, route of just over 100 miles circulating and crossing the moor. Long term friend from school days Richard Hannaford was adown from London doing the event, so we met on Saturday afternoon at check-in with Liz and Isobel, followed by a play in the park at Bovey for the children. Sunday morning was simply slashing with rain, stair rods is no exaggeration. It reminded my of the weather when I started the End to End 11 years ago to the day, riding from Stickepath to Cheltenham with Tim Legg. Richard set off in the ‘7h’ group about 5 mins ahead of my ‘7.5h’ group, but we were soon together and plodding up the Teign valley chatting about old Little Boogie Machine tunes and other rock and roll memories (we used to play in a band together – our other life). Richard, (being a relative butterfly) left me (being a relative buffalo) behind on the first climb to Docombe, but he had the misfortune to drop his specs on the descent and we got separated until the first check point at North Tawton, after 30 odd miles, averaging about 17 mph. Anne and the children were there to greet us and I took advantage and changed in to some dry clothes. I paid the price for my over exuberant start and suffered for the next 35 miles to Tavistock, digging in and spinning smaller gears whilst the Butterfly nursed me up the climbs. A tonic to see Tony and other Okehampton CC club mates at Bridestowe – thanks chaps. Devon bread pudding sorted me out at Walkhampton, before we started the climb to Pincetown. I told Richard to ‘float’ on ahead, wishing him well, not expecting not to see him again. I felt good over the moor, there was no wind and I had my legs back, at least until the climb from Postbridge to the Warren House Inn. For some reason at this point my legs decided to jam to a stop with cramp and I lurched off the bike and rolled around like a dying fly. Others were also doing the dying fly on the side of the road at this point, seemed to be the norm to suffer the indignity, as Sunday drivers purred past staring in wry amusement. After a brief walk I recovered and was soon retracing back towards the Docombe climb, having picked up some water from Colin Lewis at Moreton cross roads (thanks). The last climb was good and steady and I exchanged a few pleasant words with a chap on a Dawes who owns the furniture shop in the Aracade in Okehampton and used to race in the 60s, then picking up the wonderful 3 mile descent down to the Teign. On the descent I caught up with Richard who had unfortunately suffered a puncture, poor soul, such cruelty within a shout of home. The ride down the Teign Valley I averaged 24 mph into the finish at Kingsteinghton, where Liz and Isobel were there to greet us. I reckon my official time was about 7 hours 5 mins or so, but my time on the bike was 6 hours 25, with an average speed of 15.5 mph and a maximum of 50 mph. Not bad for a buffalo! Great day Richard, thanks for your company and helping me up the climbs! Thanks also to Mid Devon Cycle club for some excellent organization.

Castles

Last weekend (April 28th) we had a trip to meet Adrian Dee and Issy at Sherbourne castle (poor Sophie was at home revising for GCSEs). It was an 'apple pie' day in the sunshine and blossom and as I left my camera at home I egged Adrian on to take some great piccies (embedded here). More recently, this bank holiday weekend we visited North Wales and, after a staying in a Travel Inn (play parks etc.), played Knights and princesses at Conwy Castle.

Video of August-December 2006

Click below for a 7 minute summary of our great life!

Matthew scores!

Matthew scores
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

I had a proud parental moment today at the Ivybridge U7s rugby tournament whan Matthew scored a try conveniently in front of me so I could snap the moment! Well done Matthew! More pictures are available and below I paste in the report that I sent off to the Okehampton Times today. Dad.

Okehampton go out on a high
Okehampton rugby team ended their season with panache after dominating their group in the end-of-season under 7s all-Devon tournament on Sunday. The team, who are ending their first year in rugby, played five gruelling matches against Sidmouth, Plymstock, Kingsbridge, Tavistock and Dartmouth, winning three games, drawing one and losing only one by a narrow margin. Notable performances came from Leon Horn who scored nine tries, Cory Holiday, George Ogbourne, Greg Daniels and Joseph Stratton both scoring two tries and Matthew Haygarth scoring one. However, what was so pleasing the way they played as a team, patiently passing and wearing out the opposition by selfless teamwork from Daniel Turney, Imogen Ogborne and Jack Ogborne. This marks the end of the season for a team that shows considerable promise for the future of Okehampton rugby and the team and parents would like to thank the coaches Graham Horn and Tina Adams for excellent mentoring and coaching through the season.
RESULTS
Okehampton 6 (L Horn 4, J. Stratton 1, G Ogbourne 1) v Sidmouth B 4
Okehampton 2 (G Daniels 1, L. Horn 1) v Plymstock 2
Okehampton 5 (G. Ogbourne 1, C. Holiday 1, L. Horn 2, J. Stratton 1) v Kingsbridge B 0
Okehampton 3 (L. Horn 2, G Daniels 1) v Tavistock 2
Okehampton 2(M. Haygarth 1, C. Holiday 1) v Dartmouth 3

Easter Holidays

Mathiesons + Haygarths
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

This Easter we had a tour north to visit family and enjoyed perfect day-to-day blue sky and great company. First we stayed with David Katie and Lily in Helmshore and had fun in the garden and walks, plus I did some road cycling with Dave. Then we went to Gran's in Milngavie and walked in the town and the garden plus had a trip into Glasgow on the bus and the train (excited-Angus!). We spent Saturday with Campbell Tracy, Greig and baby Laura - this was the first time me and the boys have seen Laura since she was born last June. We had an 'ice-cream' day in David Marshall Park. Finally, we stayed with Grandma in Kirkby Lonsdale, who had unfortunately just broken her lower leg whilst out on a walking trip (or walking-trip?). Poor Grandma. On one day Dave, Katie and Lily joined us again as well as Aunty Cindi and Uncle Keith and loads of dogs. Apart from the waeather, the great thing about this holiday is how the children 'grew' on it. Helen thrived on all the new experiences and is becoming quite self-contained now, and has found the joys of dressing up as a princess. Angus is settling into a happy, loving and calm little boy and Matthew is growing up fast - a real big brother. The car journeys were easy and became little rest periods between otherwsie full-on fun. Great time - if you can be bothered there are loads of pictures to browse.

Mr and Mrs Haygarth

Quenching 2
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

I cannot believe it is 10 years since these two were married - happy anniversary brother Dave and Katie. From where I am standing you are rock solid, and have always been most supportive brother and sister. Most of all you are exemplars of parents to Lily. I never told you this before but now I am telling the world, but you are the most amazing cool dancers together, you really tune in and move as a couple – that says a lot. 10 years - definitely not tinny.

Adrian H. Holmes

Adrian H. Holmes
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Happy birthday! A stawart cousin and friend, man of the mountains and man of great passions and humour. Here is to the next 43 years plus.....

Respect to all holidays

We are having a most excellent holiday weekend in the Devon spring sunshine. Having just booked our summer hols camping in the Vendee in France, the holiday theme has inspired me to upload a 7 minute video of last year's camping magic in the French Dordogne. Click here to view the vid and any comments welcome.

A 'Good' Friday....

From the cliff top
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Yesterday was Good Friday and we joined Richard, Wendy and Ellie for a day at Crackington Haven beach. The boys were thrilled to ride in Richard's land rover. The weather was terrific, not a breath of wind. We joined forces on a barbi. Richard, Helen and I had a lovely walk up the cliff. The boys loved the rock pools. All my four fell asleep whilst I drove home. A stark contrast from the snow at Boston, home at last!