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).