Happy New Year from the Haygarths

Haygarths - Pre Christmas drinks Party 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Wishing you all a happy 2011 and to celebrate the party season here is Helen getting ready for the Christmas drinks party we hosted recently.

Ice

Boxing day and the 27th, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

It has all thawed now, but the River Lune and the Kent Estuary were all frozen on Boxing day, much to our amusement. Here are a few pictures.

Matt summits Ingleborough in Christmas Eve Snow

Ingleborough - Arkholme Chirstmas Eve 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

A stuning morning to remember, I ascended Ingleborough with my eldest son and 14 friends from the village in high pressure with crisp snow on Friday, a joy to be alive, finishing with a stop at the Marton Arms before goind home to meet Santa. Lovely.

Christmas in pictures

Slideshow of Christmas Eve and Day with Gran and Grandma at Highfield can be viewed here. Merry Christmas to all.

Song and dance

Lunesdale Music Blues and Boogie Night, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Recently we organized a event in the village hall which meant I had an excuse to play a bit of rock and roll on stage with my brother and friends - always a good time. The children stayed and supported us with all sorts of dance routines through the show. Great fun.

December winterscape in Arkholme

December winterscape in Arkholme, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Anne and nipped out for a biref walk this morning and I took a few pictures - a lovely day

Getting out in the snow

Snow and Brockhole CX, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

This weekend we are at last coming to the end of a nasty bout of 'flu. Today the sun was out so we went up to the Lakes to watch Dave in a Cyclo cross race at Brockhole. Lovely to be out.....

Blues & Boogie Night

Hey folks just a reminder we have a live blues and boogie fest in our village tonight in Arkholme - please coome along and tell your friends

Blues & Boogie Night

Matts' joke on the radio

In the second clip this shows the family listening to the excerpt from the show where Matt tells his joke as part of the show. You can listen to Matt and Archie on Diversity Radio every Saturday morning at 1030 online here.

Matt on the radio - interviewing his head teacher

A great moment as the family sit around the table listening to Matt interview his head teacher Mrs Gee as part of his firt appearance on 'Archie and Friends' in his parnership radio channel with 5 yo Archie Stride. Their show goes out every Saturday morning at 1030 for the next few weeks on Diversity Radio and can be heard on line.

Dad weekend....

Corn beef hash for tea, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Anne has been away in Bath this weekend so it was me and the children. Here are some snaps, which included 'Dad' dinners (corn beef hash, sausages), Rugby, swimming, turbo training whilst H and A coaches me indoors, attending birthday parties, writing thank you notes, cleaning bikes.....link here

Helen swims 25 m!

Helen swims 25 m!, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Why Angus got the cup

, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Angus's 8th Birthday Party

Angus's 8th Birthday Party, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

A busy and fulfilling day today for Angus, with a belated football party at Capenwray Hall, refereed by big boy Freddie and Uncle Campbell, joined also by Grandma, cousins Greig and Laura & culminating in some sparklers in the garden in the evening. A bunch of pictures can be viewed here...

Video: Setting out for the Halloween party

Setting out for the Halloween party, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Setting out for great night in the village hall - Angus and Matt play to the camera while Helen is more reluctant - some additional pictures and vids here

Seville

Seville, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Earlier this month I was lucky enough to visit this beauatiful city on business and took the time out to take some pictures. Phil

Angus with England Rugby star Jason Robinson

Angus with England Rugby star Jason Robinson, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

It doesn't get better than this?

, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

My family indulged me today, accompanying me on the long and windy drive (with car sickness) to Wasdale to do the Screes Fell Race. "This is a fell race, no spitting, biting scratching, hitting or kicking, 321 go" joked the organizer and we ran off up Whin Rigg. I love fell running, absolutely, I am totally rubbish at it but that is not the point. Somehow because of carefull training, good foot insoles and shoes I have managed to scratch together the abilty to run again at last after really 15 years out of it. There is no better joy than cresting a hill with your tongue out and your chest rasping, life to the full. I finished respectably, way off the last place, and got my heart beating like its never beaten before for a long time. And to cap it all I ran into the finish to be greeted by my wife and children running beside, me, tears welling in my eyes. The day ended with a Cumberland ale and a Cumberland sausage - now how much more does one want? It doesn't get better than this. Some snaps from Anne's phone here....

Angus got the school achievement award

Angus got the school achievement award, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

This is a big deal - only given out once every half term and is one only to the whole school. He got it for trying hard at everything, selttling into his new class and being good at maths and said that he felt like crying when it was announced in assembly - he was not expecting it. Well done Angus.

Some photos....

Angus 8th birthday, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Angus's birthday today but includes others that were on the camera from Lily's visit this weekend, some good ones of Gran and Aunt Chrissie recently in the garden, plus other visits this summer from Evie Cunningham, Dave's family and Grandma - click here

Happy 8th Birthday Angus

Happy 8th Birthday Angus, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Cubs and Dads Weekend - by Matt

Cubs and Dads Weekend, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Cub camp last weekend was a great weekend where Dad came with Andus and I to Silverhelme, near Silverdale. It included: lots of games delicious breakfasts, mars bars and cooking our own meal... outdoors! For me the highlight of the weekend was definately cooking the meal. The meal was corn beef hash and it was delicous (not expected)! For afters we had cake mixture cooked in oranges, but me being me decided I would just put cake mix in my tin foil and it turned out to be really good. All in all, we had a very good weekend which I think everyone one that went, would all agree, it was something you would want to do again.

Lots of pictures here

Three peaks bike race 2010

Phil Haygarth's 3 Peaks 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

On Sept 26th I returned to the classic 3 peaks bike race after a year off due to it clashing with the home move. It was great to be back and now living in a house where every day I can see Ingleborugh taunting me from my kitchen window, it was extra special. It was a sunny day, and supported by Anne and the children and I managed to do it in 4 h 33 minutes - only a few minutes off my personal best of 1999. This year I had a Garmin device on my wrist that captured all the geeky stats. It was unusually social event this year, finding myself around lots of old 'mates' - one classic moment there was a line of myself, Matthew Bardgett, Sam Clarke & Carl Nelson all riding in a line across the top of Whernside - I quipped 'if we see a pub we must stop for a pint'. But the closeness of the chaps meant for a harder effort as we forced each other to raise our game somewhat. Sam and I had a great neck and neck tussle down the last hill laughing all the way at the risks taken, and after a chase along the road agreed to cross the line together - just in time for that pint with brother Dave and Andrew 'Tolly' Talbot. Great day.

A load of motorwind pics here from Anne and the children - thanks for your support. Also thanks to my brother Dave from loads of support with bike gear and advice (the Cannondale CX9 was a dream), and some coaching too.

My official race stats here

Summary of my event times over the years:
2010 - 4:33:16
2008 - 4:41:29
2006 - 4.48.09
2005 - 4.31.14
2004 - 5.17.07
2000 - 4.46.32
1999 - 4.25.45
1998 - 5.09.31
1996 DNF injury
1995 DNF mechanical failure
1994 - 4.54.46 (mechanical delays)

Matt's holiday diary

DSCF3816, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

My holiday....

The day I broke up from school Max (my best friend) came round to our new house. While Max was here we had good fun and the highlight of my best friend coming round was going to Laser Adventure in Morecambe. In the first round I came first, Max second and Angus last (He went into minus points). In the second round it was closer but still the same positions. After four fun days Max had to go home and we had to go to France.

On the way to France we visited our Dad's cousin to see our second cousins: Issy and Sophie. We had a fun night and the Barbeque was delicious (apart from the ribs which were inedible with blackness) and it was funny when Uncle Adrian showed us the Barbeque stance (Whisky in one hand spatula in the other and your knees slightly bent). But the next morning we left for France...

The Ferry ride was slow and boring but we got there in the end. It was about a two hour journey in the car from the ferry port to our first campsite. This one we had been to once before when I was six Angus was three and Helen was one, so none of us remembered much. This one had the best pool out of all three campsites we were going to. It had six slides, a Jacuzzi and a pool with lots of bridges over it.

After two days at Britney we had to set off to our next campsite. Interlude. On Ile de re. We had been to Interlude annually since 2006. So this was our fourth time on the campsite and we knew it well. The only change on the campsite that I remember was where the shop was located. It used to be in the centre of the campsite but now it is slightly further away next to the beach (about 400 metres down the road).

After about four hours we arrived. As soon as we got there I was just about to go and play football when I realized that we didn’t have one! So I made my mind up that I would go to the astro-turf first thing tomorrow morning.

When I got to the astro-turf the next morning I found a group of boys playing there. Only two of them weren’t going home later that day. Those two were called Woody and Finn. Later that day Finn, Woody and I headed down to the volley-ball pitch. We had a game. Over the time we were there, about five people joined us! I knew two of them from my previous holiday on Ile de re. These two were called Ewan and Fraser. They were Scottish. I also met a boy named Jack. Over the Holiday we turned out to be good friends.

Over the Holiday we had a relaxed time including Swimming, the beach, long hours Of England Vs France football and fabulous French food. But for me the highlight of the Holiday was the leaving feast. We had food from Chocolate biscuits to gummy bears. Coke to crisps (Which by the way didn’t taste good together!). But we had a great time when I shook the 2L coke bottle and sprayed it everywhere! And then Fraser decided to drink the rest! But the next morning I waved goodbye to my friends as they left for home...

In three days time it was our turn go home too. The ferry we were supposed to be going on had broken down so we had to move to another campsite for one night. The next campsite was fantastic though we only got to experience the bouncy castles and Ice rink. The next morning we went on the ferry and Waited for time to finally bring us back to England. This ferry ride was shorter though because we went to the cinema and watched Shrek 4. It was really good.

Back in England the traffic was terrible. Though we got to Devon in the end. In devon we watched the Sticklepath horseshoe the fell race that Dad had founded. And I went off to play with my Friends. But after two days we had to go home and I can’t say I didn’t want to. I did. Maybe it was seeing all my friends that made me want to stay.

The next day I awoke in my bed. My bed at home...

By Matt Haygarth

Dales, Ales...and Wagtails?.

Wagtail CC Dales Tour, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure to share the company of eleven blokes from Arkholme and the Lune Valley to do the Yorkshire Dales cycleway, from Skipton to Dent (Day 1), then to Reeth (Day 2) and back to Skipton (Day 3). Great scenery, great company and fun - here are some pictures from the tour and the garmin read out from my sat nav on day 1 (I had to pull out early at Clapham that day cause of bike problems) and day 3. Seeds of forming a new bike club - Wagtail CC - were sown...... Loads of pictures here.

France holiday pictures

DSCF3752, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Uploaded at last - from Bretagne here and Il de Re here.....

Back to school

Back to school, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Today another year on. Matt entered year 6 - the last at primary. Angus year 3 & Helen year 1. Where does the time go when you are having fun?

Bretagne - getting into holiday mode

Bretagne, July 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

The first part of our summer holiday this year was at Dol de Bretagne in northern Bretagne, where we had also visited in 2007. We spent two nights on a camp site, as a stop-off to help us 'bed in' to holiday mode. It worked. Highlights included pedalo rides, a pool with great slides (loved by the children), jogging and ..... sleeping. Some pics here........

Uncle Adrian shows the boys the skills of the barbi

Romsey visit July 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

At the start of our summer holiday we were welcomed to stay with Adrian Dee and family at Romsey, en route to our early morning ferry departure to France the day after. It was grest to see everyone, including first sight of Aunty Eileeen and Sophie for a couple of years, with some great bonding of the children with my late Dad's sister. Aunty Eileen showed us an old pic of her and Dad and Uncle Adrian demonstrated John Wayne style barbi skills to the boys (with varying results). Thanks folks - some snaps here.

Happy Birthday Gran

Happy Birthday Gran, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Gran is staying with us and celebrated her birthday today. Here is a picture of the 3 generations of ladies together. Happy Birthday Gran

We moved house!

Here is a brief video of the moment....



plus a few piccies here ....

It's Grandma's party!

It's Grandma's party!, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Happy Birthday Mum!

Helen Rose Haygarth 5th Birthday Today!

Helen Rose Haygarth 10th Birthday, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Dentdale Festival, Dave's 40th and Matt's 10th

Dentdale Festival, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Yet another stunning weekend of camping two weeks in a row. This occasion was special - we were guests of my brother who invited us along with other friends to a belated celebbration of his 40th at the Dentdale Music and beer festival. Glorious subnshine reigned and Helen stayed back with Grandma whilst Matt and Angus lapped up the attention as the only children along. Great fun playing guitars (Angus learned his first riff and played it over and over and over and over...), great fun with the beers and listening to the music, most fun of all reacquainting with old friends and chitty chatting. In day 2 Gradparents arrived with the girlie cousins for a RV in the sun before we departed, hung over but happy. Thanks Dave and Kate for looikng after us Stacks of piccies here (a lot by Angus!) Phil

Matt turns ten....

Matt turns 10...., originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Today, remarkably, is ten years since our lovely son was born. Where did all that time go Matt? We woke up in a tent in Dentdale to open the presents, playing footie in the field and finished the day watching England get bombed out of the world cup 4-1 to Germany with a barbi at home. Happy birthday Matt, a lovely day.

Angus invested as a cub scout....

Stunning weekend camping at Austwick

Friday and Saturday night we joined other families form the village and block booked the campsite to have a lovely weekend in the sunshine. A great way to bring in Fathers day. Halcyon days....

Helen loses her first tooth and swims 10 m

What a day! Learning to swim and losing a tooth. Growing up fast.....



She is currently beside herself with anticiptation of the fairy visit (cannot sleep, excited) and dictated this letter to Anne....

School sports and June fair

School sports 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Yesterday we were treated to hot sunshine with the children's schools sports, the first one for us with all 3 children at school. Proud parents and Gran witnessed all our 3 get first prize in the flat run race, plus some generally strong Haygarth representations all around. Prior to the sports Helen was a cheerleader in the fair parade and Dad and friend Andy played some background guitar music to accompany, Gran baked a cake and Mum made scones and tea. So, an all round family contribution! Nice day, lots of piccies here......

Hanging out at Half Term......

Coming down after a great, sunny half term. Here are some images taken with the Bols and the Bardgetts hanging out at home and in the village....

A trip to Glasgow Transport Museum

Glasgow Transport Museum, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Me, Angus, Helen and Mum all went to Glasgow, while Dad was on a work trip. We were all excited about seeing cousins Greig, laura, uncle Cam and Gran. We all had a blast at the transport museum (pics here)
and generally had a really good time.

P.S. This is my first entry on the family blog!!

First fell race in a long time......

Today I completed the Hutton Roof Craggs Fell race with dignity - 7 miles and 1300 ft climbing. It's great to be back on the hill! Results here.

Please donate for Macmillan Cancer Support

I just rode 114 miles over all the Lake District peaks. If you feel inspired to donate please do so! Thanks Phil.


Here is the route...

Wray Scarecrow fest and fair

Yesterday we popped down to Wray to see the impressive village scarecrow fest and watched the fell race. Fun included a ride on quad bikes for the boys and a ride on a Donkey for helen. A few snaps from the phone....

End of the Rugby season - and Matt's team win the shield

, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

The rugby season has just ended yesterday and both boys have enjoyed playing for Kirkby Lonsdale this year. Matt's team won the tournament at Settle last week - a fine end to the season. A few end of season pictures can be viwed here. Well done lads.

Hogtime

17-18 April 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Last weekend was a great fest for us, Charlie and Juliette and girls came to stay, the boys played in a weekend-long international Rugby tournament at Kirkbly Lonsdale and on Saturday night was a grand old village 'Hogtime' bash at the pub, in whioch I featured my fist gig with acoustic trio (wait for it...) 'The Hogtimers' - complete with Edwardian costume! Lots of piccies, lots of fun......

Springtime 2010

Springtime 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

It has been the most lovely of Easter hols, the weather and the light have been amazing. Last week (with Angus away at Grandma's) the 4 of us remaining had an evening walk around Rydal in the Lakes. There are a few pictures here, mostly Rydal walk, but inculding a trip to Grandpa's grave and Brigsteer woods to see the wild daffs (gone over!) and some not so wild daffodils from my recent work trip to Galway Ireland yesterday

Ingleborough - a great family moment

Ingleborough 10th April 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Today all 5 Haygarths plus Adrian, Dee, Jen and Grandma ascended Ingleborough. For Helen aged 4 Angus aged 7 and Matt aged 9, Jen and Anne it was a first. For Adrian and Dee it was the first time in 26 years. A glorious inspired day in April sunshine, the stuff of life. Piccies here

Angus in Wallace and Gromit Music Festival

Angus in Wallance and Grommit Music Festival, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Last Tuesday Angus and his classmates partook in a mullti schools music festival in the Ashton hall in Lancaster, singing Wallance and Grommit songs. It was a joy for Matt and I to witness (poor Helen and Anne had to stay home), most notably the pre performance excitement and sense of occasion from our lovely lad. He sang his heart out, using all his props to the full. Lovely time, well done Angus.

The day Helen started cycling!

The day Helen started cycling!, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Today was one of those landmark occasions, Helen, aged 4 started riding her bike. It was all so simple in the end, I gave here some encouragement outside the house and she was off, totally confident, laughing when she fell down, fearless and stoaic. We wasted no time to get in the car and get down to the Lune minnellium cycle path with her brothers. The progress of the day was consolidated beautifully, when I stepped out of the house into the courtyard at dusk to call them in for bed, only to be passed by my daughter at high speed on her bike playing with other children at cops and robbers! Terrific. A great way to celebrate her late Grandpa's birthday. Happy birthday Dad, wish you were here. More pics and videos here from the day.

Passing through Primrose....

, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Yesterday I went to Exmouth to celebrate the life of the late Margaret Fox, my cousin Mark's Mum in law who sadly passed on last week. Anne and I knew Margaret quite well, having spent time together with us when we lived in New Zealand 2000-01. We have a great memory of our Matt's first Christmas witjh Margaret and Cliff, her late partner (good God!). It was lovely yesterday to be re-acquiented with my Kiwi cousins, plus Aunty Eileen and Adrian Dee and family, plus Margaret's son (another old mate) Simon, and his family (including new baby Erin). An upbeat service was followed by drinks at Margarets's charming house (Primrose Cottage), followed by a Chinese in the town and latterly dancing to an aging blues rock band in the York Inn - a great fun experience to be headbanging with my lovely nnow grown-up nieces in a late night bar! I stayed the night in Primrose cottage before an early departrure back to Lancashire by train. Thanks for having me, some pics here (taken from phone in low light).

Matt's Cross Country Race

Cross Country Race 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

On Saturday Matt and his school mates took part in in an inter schools cross country event. He did great starting off high up the field and finishing eventuallyc. 50th out of 300. Well done Matt! More pictures and vids here.

Mothers Day 2010

Mothers Day 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

We did Mother's day a week early this week because Gran was down, so I took the 3 mothers out for a cracking lunch at the Lunesdale Arms. Today, the real mothers day, we are having a restfull day and I am cooking a roast. Mother seem sto have slept most of the afternoon!

Cousin Jenny came to stay....

Cousin Jenny came to stay...., originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Jenny came to stay with us from New Zealand. When I saw her last she was a girl and now, nine years on, she is grown up. We had a blast, going out for runs, dancing, touring the Lakes plus a visit from Mum and Dave's family. It was great that she could get to know our 3 and vice versa - things move on. Does not seem that long since I was taking my 9 year old God-daughter out to see 'Bugs Life' at the cinema in Nelson....now she is starting a similar new generation relationship with my children. Lovely times, lovely cousin, great to see you Jen, always welcome. A few pics and vids here.....

Holiday in Hayle and St Ives Bay

DSC_1859, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

At February half term we had our annual trip away with our frinds the Chadwicks, Bols and Bells to share a house somewhere on the coast of Devon or Cornwall. This year we struck gold with a cliff top house with a great view across St Ives Bay. We all felt it was the best yet, the weather was kind, the views and the walking terrific and with our three all growing up it is a bit easier for us. It is the 7th year consecutively we have done this. Lots of pictures here taken by me - mostly outdoor shots. The Valentines night party here. Pictures taken by Matt and Angus here. Pictures by Tom here. Lovely times.

Cwm Rhondda

Wales walking weekend, Feb 2010, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Please click here for approprioate musical accompanyment whilst reading this post.

I had to call this post Bread of Heaven because singing Welsh hymns became the theme of what was a most excellent boys walking weekend in mid Wales. Joined by many good folk, including cousin Adrian, brother Dave and Rich J from Devon, 11 great chaps ambled around the Welsh hills (Arans and Cadair Idris) singing Hymns and generally giggling like children at smut. The stuff of life! My pics here and the group set are here. Cannot wait until next year chaps!

5 cousins in Scotland

Visit to Milngavie, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

On Friday night we took advantage of now living relatively close to Gran and Uncle Campbell, so we wizzed up the mortarway for 24 hours to Milngavie. Terrific, with a high getting the 5 cousins together for the first time in a long while. A few pics here.....

From four to forty....

Here is a compilation of pictures I put together for a 40th birthday photobook to celebrate my brother's passion and achievement in cycling....

Angus got the trophy

Angus got the trophy, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

New Year Walk to Belstone

New Year Walk to Belstone, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

On Saturday 2nd Jan we had our now 'traditional' New Year walk (started in 2006 see here) with friends to the Tors at Belstone, starting this time from the Bol's home in Okehampton. This year we were also joined by the Cunninighams. The weather was I think the best I can remember, high pressure, icey yet lots of sunshine too. We ended up at Tom and Sarah's home and after a cuppa and a slice of cake we drove home. Lovely time, thanks all. A few pics here from me and here from Tom.

New Year in South Zeal

DSCF2072, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

Travelling on from Walsall, after visiting the Ebners and Cunninghams in Taw Green, and Lesley in Oke, we spent New Years eve staying with the Chadwicks and were joined by the Bols, the Bells and the Purslows - a lovely evening thanks to all. New Years day was beautoful sunshine and we had fun with Juls Max and Jodie, which included a roast lamb, some rock and roll ( as pictured), a trip to the Kings Arms and a visit from the Johns family. Thanks Juls! A few pictures from the day can be seen here. Thanks all!

A visit to 36 Brookhouse Road

Haygarths visit the Smiths, New Year's Eve 2009, originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth.

On New year's eve I took the family to visit my Aunty Sylvia (my late Dad's youngest sister), Uncle Derek and cousin Robin in Walsall. Congratulations to Aunty and Uncle for reaching 50 years of marriage - terrific. It was great to catch up after 3 years (last time Helen could not walk!). Everyone seemed really well and it was lovely to see my children running around the same garden as I did 35 years earlier. A few pictures here.....