A note about my new thing: woodcutting. I got a beautiful Swedish Log splitting axe for Christmas, plus a terrific book, and over the holidays Matt and I have gained much satisfaction from the pleasing 'thud' of a split tree-stump. Very satisfying - especially when the result is a roaring wood fire.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Boxing Day Walk
On Boxing day we were joined by Christine, Rory and Issy and walked to Hutton Roof. Great to get out in the woods and amongst the limestone.
A Merry Christmas Day
This year's Christmas day was special because we were in our own house with our new wood-burner; lovely. Gran and Grandma stayed and we also had Kathleen, Mum's friend, to join us for dinner. The children got up at a reasonable hour and we managed a brief trip to the pub before returning for dinner, cooked by Anne and I on the new range. Later in the day there was a bit of sleeping. Lurvely.
Ingleborough summit, Christmas Eve 2012
For the fourth year in succession the Wagtail Villagers ascended the great hill, followed by a swifty in the Marton Arms. Mild but merky weather made it an effortless walk this time. This year we had a record, with 22 on the summit. From the Haygarth side, it was a male only representation (plus Polly of course, who was decidelyl better behaved than last year!).
The Little Drummer Boy
Lately Angus has been upping his game with the drums, for example being invited to join the local youth band, plus playing gigs in the church carol service. He was very chuffed, not to mention the attention of all the girls, which he handled admirably! Here he is pictured outside Booths supermarket in Kirkby Lonsdale on a blustery cold day before Christmas.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Farewell LRGS....
At the end of this term Matt said farewell to LRGS, and will start at QES Kirkby Lonsdale next term. Whilst he was happy with the school and doing well, the complexities of the travelling strongly influenced the decision for he move - and the distance from all his friends. Whist he is looking forward to the new life, it was nonetheless a sad day to say goodbye to his mates. Times of change....
Neighbours in for Christmas
Just before Christmas we invited the neighbours around for a drink, nice time getting to know folk......
Christmas fair
Angus and Helen had some fund just before Christmas at the Kirkby Lonsdale fair. Here they are pictured on the big wheel with Helen's friend Mia....
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Grange
Over half term we spent an afternoon in Grange: Amazed by the light and the beauty of the spot, forgot about it! Ace!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Dads and lads at Cub Camp
Angus and I spend 24 hours away bonding in Littledale on cub camp. This is the third (and sadly final, Angus is 10 now....) such weekend. Lots of fun, building the inevitable paper castles, swords, shields. Plus some shooting Archery and Climbing. What else could lads and and Dads want? By the way it became Mums and sons on the Saturday afternoon - as Anne and I swapped over. Happy days.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Three Peaks Bike Race/Swim 2012
The fact it has taken so long to get around to writing this blog probably speaks for itself; This years event is one I have been trying to put out of my mind, the weather was horrendous and I did my worst ever time. I used to think that I am usually pretty good in bad conditions and I set off in reasonable shape and feeling strong, getting over Ingleborough in reasonable time, despite the high winds wafting my bike around like a sail on Rawnsley's Leap. The ride up to Chapel-le-Dale saw me in good spirits, conned by the tail wind. But as I crested the whaleback of the Whern' it all fell apart. The near-sleet and hail got through my lycra and the cold started to eat into me. I should have wore more clothes. On top of that, my usual confident descending was ruined because I realised my 'new' brake blocks had scrubbed away to metal. Consequently I fell a couple of nasty times - shaken bad - and that combined with the cold, gave me 'the knock'. Glad to see the faithful family support team for some sustenance at Ribblehead, I cycled on towards Horton, but I was really broken at this point, fight over. I have never felt so compelled to miss out Pen y ghent as I have this year, but of course I did not. I stopped off on the way up the lane to have a swim in the new pool that had formed, as well as turn around my brake blocks (in order to eek out the last bits of life, slightly futile...). After an eventless trudge to the top and a hairy ride/run down (I pride myself in previous years riding from the summit to the bottom 'clean', no chance this year, some carrying down hill too!). Made it back (after another swim - more a bath this time, so dirty...). Straight home, bath (again), beer. Can't say I've looked at my bike since. This year really beat me. Next year? I've started training in the swimming pool already.
Summary of my event times over the years:
2012 - 05:41:27
2011 - 05:05:13
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)
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Apple picking a Grandma's
We enjoyed some early Autumn sun on Saturday with som apple picking at Grandma's.
Last gasp of summer - camping trip to Austwick
Last weekend we (optimistically) squeezed the last drops out of our summer with a village camping trip to Austwick. With our beloved Mazda Bongo Campervan now sold and moved on, we were reticent about life under canvas again, only to be pleasantly surprised. A great night around the campfire, some cycling and some walking. Thanks to Sarah D for the arrangements - more of the same next year please!
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Saturday, September 01, 2012
Swallows and Amazons?
No, just Haygarths and Staffords, in Captian 'Hogtimer'' Turner's good ship on the Lake Windermere, capping off the school holidays nicely this week. Sailed from Ferry Nab to the head of the Lake, found a deserted island, struck up a barbi, had a swim, sailed back. You know the kind of thing. Good times, photos here. Thanks Captain Turner.
Halcyon days
The bank holiday weekend took us away with Dave and Kate and Lily and Elsie camping at Buckden, in beautiful Buckden, upper Wharfedale. The sun came out and son the children had found a natural water chute in the limestone, not long untilthey were in and soaking. Photos here. The stuff of memories, Halcyon days
Friday, August 31, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
After 12 years....
This weekend we had a visit of Kate and her fiance Shay, from New Zealand (temporarily living in London). Kate is my cousin Mark's daughter and the last time Matt and her were together Matt was a baby, we were in New Zealand. Lovely time showing them around the Lakes and Dales, congratulations on the engagement.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Thursday, August 09, 2012
Happy birthday Anne!
A lovely birthday snap here taken on the Ile de Re on the last night of our holiday, a lovely dinner of moules marinere (Anne's fave!) with Andy, Caroline and Archie.
A much needed holiday
Just back from 12 nights on the Ile de Re, France, a long overdue break for us and we had (although we always say this.....) the best holiday we have had. A spot we have been to for 5 times now, our favorite place.The weather was superb. Social life great, lots of friends (including Andy, Caroline and Archie, plus other new ones too), and Anne and I both enjoyed some cycling. This time we drove the long way via Dover and Calais - 1600 miles round trip, but actually enjoyed the drive.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Happy birthday to me
Lovely day on Sunday. I tuned 46 and bro Dave and Kate and girls plus Mum came to join us for a barbi and a make-shift children's garden bike race. Bonus watching Bradley win the tour. Happy Birthday to me.
Monday, July 23, 2012
A fine way to spend my Birthday
Great fun yesterday, turning 46 and family came around for a barbi, with the smaller members having a cyclo-cross race in the garden. Great vid here thank to my brother. Lovely day thanks to all
Friday, July 20, 2012
Le Tour de Lakes
Last weekend I was treated to a 3 day bike tour of the Lakes with 19 friends from the village. Day 1 we were escorted out of town by Angus and his friend Henry, and the toute passed by home at Docker where the family has written on the road to cheer us on! The first night was spent at Consiton and the second at Appleby. Great time.
Monday, July 09, 2012
Happy birthday Grandma & Mum!
Today is my Mum' s birthday, here she is captured recently doing what she does best - being a Grandma and Mum! Happy Birthday Mum xx
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
A happy Father's Day
Yesterday it could not have been better. After a breakfast of Bury black pudding, Anne and the boys and I cycles from Halton to Morecambe around Lancaster to pick up Helen from a birthday party. After, all 5 of us returned on bikes to Halton on the bike track. Great to get everyone out on the bike, doing through and offs with Helen, Matt admitting "he actually enjoys cycling", Angus poised just like Cavendish all day. 15 miles in total. And thanks to Anne for holding it all together and a great roast dinner to end the day. Lovely.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Angus takes 3rd place in the Hutton Roof Fell Race
Whilst Mum was away cycling across the country and Matt was away scoring runs at cricket, a proud Dad, sister and Grandma witnessed Angus digging deep for a 3rd place in the record field of the Hutton Roof Fell Race recently. Well done Angus!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Please sponsor Anne
Yesterday a tired and dehydrated Anne arrived home after 4 days away cycling from Morecambe to Bridlington on the "Way of the Roses", over 170 miles through the Yorkshire Dales and Wolds. Knowing Anne, this was particularly merit-worthy as cycling is not her preferred mode of transport. I was moved when the text came through from her yesterday saying the following and would be delighted if you could mark this be some sponsorship:
"I have just completed the way of the roses coast to coast cycle of 170 miles, for breast cancer care. A big personal challlenge. If anyone would like to donate a few pounds please go to www.justgiving.com/wagtail-wheelers
Or text WWCR92£amount to 70070"
Thank-you
"I have just completed the way of the roses coast to coast cycle of 170 miles, for breast cancer care. A big personal challlenge. If anyone would like to donate a few pounds please go to www.justgiving.com/wagtail-wheelers
Or text WWCR92£amount to 70070"
Thank-you
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Anne starts the Way of the Roses
A lean looking Anne this morning departed Morecambe en velo heading for Bridlington. Not having done this sort of thing before (and not a naturally keen cyclist having just moved house) she was not entirely in the zone. Here she is pictured with Christine just before departure.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Matt and Angus Haygarth - Falling in Love by McFly
Matt and Angus performing at the Arkholme Lunesdale Music Open Mic Night, May 2012
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Moving in - The Movie
All credit and thanks to my brother Dave for putting this short movie together of yesterday.
Moving in
We moved in yesterday.
It is always amazing how much 4 blokes can shift if they get their act together. Apart from my personal delight and gratitude of getting the job done, for me it was actually a good laugh, with plenty of amusing banter from my fellow helpers, Dave, Chris and Andy (plus the utterly pro John Edge). Poor Chris had a rather unfortunate Laurel and Hardy incident when moving the piano, but all turned out ok. I must admit, my normally sedentary upper body is quite sore today. The first night passed off without any hitches but it was pretty nippy - the damn boiler ran out of oil (argh).
Good times. Hopefully I won't be moving now for a long time. Thanks to all.
It is always amazing how much 4 blokes can shift if they get their act together. Apart from my personal delight and gratitude of getting the job done, for me it was actually a good laugh, with plenty of amusing banter from my fellow helpers, Dave, Chris and Andy (plus the utterly pro John Edge). Poor Chris had a rather unfortunate Laurel and Hardy incident when moving the piano, but all turned out ok. I must admit, my normally sedentary upper body is quite sore today. The first night passed off without any hitches but it was pretty nippy - the damn boiler ran out of oil (argh).
Good times. Hopefully I won't be moving now for a long time. Thanks to all.
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Docker Garth
We are moving tomorrow into our new (well new to us .... 344 year old....) house tomorrow. It is a very exciting project that starts - here is a set of photos that I took yesterday to show you the blank canvas. To the future.....watch the project evolve ......
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Wedding anniversary
Tuesday was 13 years since we got married - thanks to Helen for the celebratory picture. Nothing much has changed, apart from a little hair loss here and there.....
Friday, May 04, 2012
Cousin's together - again
More cousin's together - this time photos from the visit of Greig and Laura at Easter time - Always good to get cousins together!
Dave back playing music
A great night last night for me, my brother Dave was playing an acoustic gig, one of his rare live performances of late, and I popped down to listen and connect with some old friends at the First Chop in Ramsbottom. Dave writes some of the best singer-songwriter tunes I know and also reinterpreted a few sounds of the northern indie bands of the 80s. Great night. More please.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Cousins together
Recently we had Greig and Laura to stay, and this weekend we had a visit from Lily and Elsie. Lots of quality time growing up together....
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Patterdale, Easter 2012
Just back from a most wonderful night of walking and camping in Patterdale. I love Patterdale. We took the ferry from Glenridding to Howtown on Saturday, and walked the 7 miles back along the shores of the Lake. After we stayed in the camparvan (5 + dog) at Sykeside and in the morning the males ran up Little Hartsop Dodd. We all completed the 24 hours with a bacon buttie in Ambleside. Could not be better.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Whernside April 2012
Sunday we made a rapid ascent of Whernside to celebrate the arrival of Adrian and family. Lovely spring late afternoon, and even Grandma made it to the 3/4 way mark (could have done it all I think with more time). Great time!
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Ronde van Oost Lancashire 2012
Yesterday I had the pleasure of being reunited with my brother and school friends Richard H and Tolly for a classic and grueling celebration of today's Ronde Von Flandria. Great time - even if we did suffer in the cobbles and the steel inclines. Great little video here made by my brother Dave....
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Daffodils for Grandpa
My Dad, Norman Matthew, would have been 83 today. Took the children to wish him happy birthday.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Springtime in Arkholme
We've had a terrific weekend of spring sunshine, the weather brings everyone out. yesterday we had an Easter egg hunt that took over the village and today after Rugby at Settle we went to Malham Tarn. Andy and Caroline and Archie came to tea last night and we have all been doing some cycling. Lovely time.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Mother's Day
Mother's day in our house was a bit different this year. Unfortunately Gran was not able to come and poor Anne had to work on the day. However, we made up for it by cooking a big breakfast and also a cracking tea for Grandma and Mum - among a flurry of daffodils! Happy days.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Our family, by Helen
Helen did this great sketch of our family. See if you can recognise all 7 of the members? I must admit some amusement at her non flattering and very honest interpretation of my hair (or lack thereof); there is nothing like children to tell it like it is! Great stuff!
Monday, March 05, 2012
Weekend in Scotland - Ben More and The Cobbler
This weekend I joined my brother Dave and Cousin Adrian and friends for our annual 'boys' trip top the mountains - this time for the first time we went north of the border to the high hills. We stayed in a great hotel in Tarbet (Loch Lomand) and on the Saturday managed an ascent of Ben More - a great success especially for Adrian and I who first time around (ca 1990) failed to summit because of the weather. A source of irritation combined with amusement was that I dropped my camera into a burn on the approach and had to strip naked to retrieve it from the deep and icy torrent (much to the amusement and photographic opportunism of my 'mates'!). The Ben More route plan can be viewed here. On the Sunday the weather for the Cobbler was better. As ever, a terrific weekend, even though I lost my camera and my modesty! Roll on next year.
Friday, March 02, 2012
Matt off to Warwick
Matt is captured here being dispatched to Warwick to play in a Rugby Sevens tournament with his school. He is excited and nervous - it is the furthest he has been away from home with out us before. Dad too is off this weekend - but with Uncles Dave and Adrian and mates to Scotland walking. Haygarths all over the country this weekend!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Crantock in Cornwall for half term
Just home from a lovely week with the families Bell, Bol and Chadwick for our annual excursion to Cornwall. This year we had a new house and new village, a refreshing change, lots of fun with a pool table (great tournament!), lovely view, choice of two pubs, sand dunes. The week was extremely chilled, punctuated by Valentines day ( we fellas cooked a great salmon, even though i say so myself...), Roland's 50th birthday including some ice skating and a trip to the Eden Project , and some great walks. Polly also benefitted from some mentoring from Aunty Tess, the 5 yo black lab. Happy days....
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Hitting the North
Yesterday I braved the ice and snow to join brother Dave and Richard Hannaford in the outskirts of Manchester for a classic off road bike event. Thanks to @SportSunday for the photo. A great end to the cyclo-cross season, - having started with a broken leg and ended approx half way down the field. Results here. http://www.hitthenorth.net/news/results-2/
Grandma for Mayor?
Mum has has just finished playing the role of the Mayor in 'Agatha's Secret', an originally written panto based on the town of Kirkby Lonsdale. We all enjoyed a great show!
Kirkstone in the snow
Just been up to the top of the Lakes with the children sledging, joy, joy joy.....
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Angus in the medals
Angus came 3rd today in the Under 10s race at Ilkley Cyclo Cross. What made it so special is that it was a relatively large field and he had to fight for it. Realizing he was in with a wiff of the podium after he made the first corner in the top 10 or so, he picked his way through and held onto 3rd place for the 2nd final lap, digging deep. He was so delighted, absolutely buzzing. He won a bottle and a Buff and had his name called out on the loud speaker when he received his prize. Proud Dad did not do so well in the veterans, he broke his bike on the last lap, but nonetheless finished with a smile. Happy day in the frost and sun.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)