Summer Palace and Kumming Lake - close to Beijing

More pictures - The Great Wall of China


This is Badeling just North of Beijing, the wall is truly wondrous - it is very steep in many places, and must have been impenetrable, and the wall seems to go on forever in the distance.

It was very hot on the day we were there.

Pictures from Beijing

As promised here are some of the 800 + pictures we took on our trip to China...















A recently repainted building at Jingsham Park, close to the Forbidden City.



The largest bell in the world


















The largest drum in the world











A view of the bell tower taken from the drum tower























Roof tiles in the Forbidden City


















Tienanmen Square

Last Blog of the trip to China

Still in Hong Kong - for the last 2 days we checked out the northern part of Hong Kong Island which included Wan Chai,Victoria Park, the Causeway and SoHo, and visited our final temple - this was at the serene Chi Lin Nunnery - not really a nunnery but there were nuns wandering around.

This place was immaculately clean and nobody was allowed to even sit and stare - the same was at the park across the road, where people were not even allowed to drink and eat - rather annoying really as it was so hot - there were guards policing this rule - even in an area that seemed to be for pic niking - very odd.

After our last meal in China - Roast Duck we picking up the bags, and headed via the MTR ( tube) to the airport where we were in plenty of time for our long flight to Gatwick via Dubai.

Hope you enjoyed the blogs - photos will follow.....

Hong Kong - our last place on this tour

Well the bed on the bus was not as bad as I was expecting it to be - Suri liked it less - as she kept watching the driver - as I have reported before the drivers are crazy in China - and he was no exception overtaking on bends and three or four trucks at a time - also at night the drivers all seem to use their beam - crazzzzzyyy.

Our final stop in mainland China was the border town of Shenzhen - here we got off the bus and crossed the road to the railway station, changed our currency from the Yuan to the HK Dollar - the rates are almost identical.

Before we knew it we were going through customs - very straight forward - though not entirely sure of the reason for the border - as HK is now part of China.

Then onto the train that whizzed us through the Northern Territories of HK and after a change onto the metro we arrived at Jordon and located our new room - just around the corner. Now we realised the difference - the last hotel in Guilan charged 100 Yuan a night - in HK its 700 a night - Suri tried her best to knock the price down - but no chance as its also the holiday period now.

So what have we done - well we have been on the ferry a few times across the harbour - we have been on the Funicular up to the Peak - that's the best viewing point - we have been on a tour to yet another temple and back to see the border - (finishing off in the usual jewelry factory .... boring) - and yesterday we went to see the biggest Buddha in HK - pretty impressive it was too.

Last night was the official holiday day so there were fireworks and a light show over the harbour, the whole thing was impressive - but there was a lot of waiting around - but there must have been about 100,000 people there the roads were all closed to traffic and it was amazingly well managed.

On our last few days now so better get going.

CYA.....

GUILIN

We arrived safely the airport facilities were good and the plane was only delayed 15 minutes - so all in all a pretty uneventful flight.

We got to the hotel about 3 in the morning so the fact that we had reserved the room was perfect - the room itself was not --- possibly the worst for the whole trip --- so far, but we decided to stay for 5 nights as there was much to do.

Guilan is in fact the tourist spot that most travellers head for.

On the first day we went to the famous reed Flute Cave - it was very impressive, on the second day we saw some of the beautiful parks and canals and the 2 Pagodas - the Sun and the Moon - the sun is made of copper - so was pretty shiny.

During our stay at Guilan it was the Chinese Mid Autumn Holiday - where Moon Cakes are given out - the hotel gave us one too - they are ok - but a bit over rated and a bit pricey for what they are.

On the next day we went on our first organised tour - starting at 8am we were picked up by a coach then via other hotels we headed to the start of the boat trip on the river LI, we chose the Chinese tour and eventually found the boat we were on - probably the last people on.

Then we listened to the tour operator for about 15 minutes before we were allowed out on deck.

The scenery was absolutely fantastic - just as seen in the books and mags - the Karst scenery was wonderful - the mountains were all around us with sheer drops and just everywhere - its sort of difficult to explain - I will post pics later.

After 4 hours on the boat and a rather average sort of meal - though eating the live prawns was something else..... we arrived at Yangshou, where there was a bit of a scramble to find our coach, fortunately Suri had befriended a 2 women who were on the same coach and same boat - so they helped us find the coach - after a frantic attempt to get on our electric buggy into the town from where the boat had docked.

We thought that was it - but no - on the way back to the hotel we visited a temple, a garden, a ornament shop and went through some more caves - this time on a boat - inside the cave.

By 7pm we got back to the hotel - absolutely knackered....

Other things we did was to have a foot massage each - Suri really did love this - 1 hour for 60 Yuan - amazing.

Time to log off as we have checked out of the hotel and in an hour we set off for Hong Kong - on an overnight bus - we thought we were booking up the train - but it turned out to be the bus - so this might be a very long night.

We are both well and enjoying ourselves - into our final week now....

Bye 4 now...

NANPUTUO TEMPLE & HULI SHAN FORTRESS

These were the two places visited today, this was after sorting out our next hotel and booking a flight to GUILIN - Suri's idea, so far so good on this - but as I write I am still awaiting the tickets for the flight tomorrow - promised to arrive 2 hours ago.

The temple was really quite impressive - as it was Saturday - it was pretty busy with many locals lighting incense and saying a few words to each of the Buddhas and other heavenly kings.

This is a working temple so there were many monks wandering around - there was supposed to be some chanting - but we must have missed that.

As we went through the temple we were climbing higher and higher up the hill, I eventually arrived at the top - Suri waited for me half way down - it was hot and pretty steep. Once up at the top there was a pretty good view of the coast around XIAMEN.

Returning to the bottom we saw some terrapins and loads of cat fish in this large lake, and in the next lake there were many water lilies and loads of Lotus leaves - unfortunately the flowers have finished now - but they must have been amazing, with thousands of fish swimming about - this was truly a marvelous sight.

One of the things we have noticed is there is very little wildlife - including bird and fish - I think it's 'cos the Chinese eat everything and anything - yesterday I saw a bucket full of frogs or they could have been toads ( they were pretty big) waiting outside of this restaurant.

After a quick bite to eat we set off for the fort - we found the correct bus which was good, and got off at the right stop - that is not as easy as you might think - so a bit of a success there.

The fort was pretty much rebuilt and had been landscaped into gardens with a lot of old cannons scattered about, but there was also - so they claimed the largest ever in the world cannon - which did look pretty big and there were photos of it being used against the Japanese, all in all well worth the visit - oh and there were thousands of these enormous dragonflies - I took a picture but it was difficult to focus - but they were everywhere.

We then wandered down to the beach and lounged about a bit - lovely beach and the sea was pretty clean - though I did not go for a swim..........

For our evening meal we decided to check out the Huang Zehe Peanut Soup Shop - which describes the place exactly - as recommended by the Lonely Planet. The peanut soup was sweet and better than expected - the cafe / shop was amazingly busy and somehow you had to buy a ticket for each buffet item - very difficult - believe me - luckily for us the teller took pity on us and instructed one of the waitresses / helpers / cleaners to help us out.

A good meal for two - all for 14 Yuan ( less than 1 pound sterling) - though no drink - but the soup was a sort of a drink.

Ah .... the tickets have just arrived we can sleep better now knowing that tomorrows travel arrangements are sorted - we just have to find the airport........

GULANG YU

Today we went to a small island called Guland Yu - we went down to the ferry terminal - almost by accident as we were not sure where we were going - anyway we arrived at the ferry terminal after about 30 minutes walk and got on the ferry - the trip across was about 5 - 10 minutes only and was free on the lower deck or 1 Yuan on the top deck. Coming back however it was 8 Yuan plus 1 Yuan to go on the top deck - each that is- there is no other way back so they have got you by the short 'n' curlies......

When we disembarked we decided to take the island tour - on an electric buggy - by comparison this was 60 Yuan each ( 15 Yuan = 1Pound Sterling) but you could get off and get back on at a few different places - with hindsight this was a good choice as the island is small but when walking - may well be not.

A good day was had - a bit of sitting on the beach - checking out this enormous statue of General Koxinga ( who apparantly kicked out the Durch a few years back) - a bit of looking round a museum - a bit of window shopping - not a bad way of passing the day.

In the evening when we returned to Xiamen, we went to a Lonely Planet recommended restaurant - the Lujiana Hotel Restaurant - it was a bit posh ..... where we sat on the roof top and looked across the straights to Gulang Yu - when the lights came on it was pretty good - better than the Bund in my opinion - but much lower key - oh and the meal was pretty good too.

We are thinking about flying to our next destination, as by train or bus I think it would take ages and involve 2 or 3 changes - we will decide tomorrow -

Just 2 weeks left now .... time flies by

- still no luck with the pictures - this PC will not let me connect the camera for some reason.

More sooooooooooonnnnnnn.

Rain, rain and more rain - it's a Typhoon - WIPHA - the most powerfull storm to hit China in recent years.

Well we left Suzhou and travelled the relatively short distance to Hangzhou.

Hangzhou according to the adverts we have seen on the Chinese TV is the most beautiful city in China, well it may well be but when its raining then there is not a lot to do or see, especially when the wind is blowing and everything closes up, including the boat trips on the lake which we were looking forward to.

We had 2 days here the first was the worst - weather wise, the second was only a little better - The West Lake did look good bit with the rain lashing down then it was a bit dreary, so although the hotel was good and Suri had negotiated a 10% reduction - we decided to leave and escape the worst of the typhoon as the limited amount of weather forecasts available said the typhoon was heading towards us then would vear north to Shanghai - so best to head south.

So we set off again this time on the soft sleeper which was pretty good and we had a well deserved rest - travelling can by very tiring..

This is still a communist country but as in Animal Farm - some are more equal than others so if you can pay for a bit of luxury ( if that's the right word) then why not - so we decided to - especially as it was almost a days travel - and it was well worth it there was even a separate almost clean waiting room especially for those who had the money to pay a little extra - by the way it was 780Y about 45 Sterling.

I was on the top bunk - Suri was on the bottom bunk and we shared the cabin with a young very quiet boy, who had no luggage - no food and no water just some photos and a couple of whistles, and a woman.

Suri struck up a conversation with the young boy and showed him how to do Sudoku - he picked it up pretty quick - he gave Suri one of his photos of him in Hangzhou dressed up with a sword in his hand.

It was supposed to be fast train - but it was not - but the scenery was much improved - sub tropical - banana plantations and sugar canes plus tea plantations and some highish hills and big rivers.

So now we have arrived in Xiamen, which is quite far south - I think we have done over 2000 of our 3000 miles now. It's not raining, though it is threatening to......

We are going to stay 3 nights and recuperate, as it is by the sea and there is a small island that the book suggests we should visit.

Although this is not the best hotel we have stayed at - we have our own PC / TV - so maybe I will be able to post some pics now - but don't hold your breath..

Staying a little longer in SUZHOU

Just a quick update.

We like it here so much that we are going to stay a little longer - the hotel is the best we have found on our travels and the pace of life is a little slower than we have been used to so we are just going to chill out for a bit....

The weather is hot and humid - with a little rain today but nothing much - though it does up the humidity noticably.

There are some lovely gardens to see plus today we went on a gondola style canal ride - it was very calming.

The latest train journeys in China......

The last time I wrote we were about to catch the train to Shanghai, well I thought it was (only) 15 hours - but it turned out to be 19 hours - and no sleeper - just a hard seat - well it was ok for a few hours but after a while you just start to ache all over.

Suri got talking to a nice student chap from Japan and this helped to pass the time, the previous train journeys in comparison were far better, this one just went on and, and on and ..... it was good to see the sun rise at least we could see some scenery, though this time particularly as we approached Shangai seemed to be heavy industry and power stations.

We eventually arrived in Shanghai, and went to the hotel we had planned - but it was full, so was the next one we tried

We thought we were going to have difficulty - what after the long journey and all we were both pretty knackered..... anyway the next one was ok - so we went up and showered and then went off to see the famous Bund... I have to say it was a bit of a let down, there were road works along the length and in the evening the laser light show was somewhat pathetic - but there again maybe I expected too much. Oh and crossing the road was just crazy bikes and cars everywhere going in all directions - completely disregarding traffic lights and pedestrians - the car definitely has the right of way here........

We tried out the boat trip on the river which was ok - probably the best thing to Shanghai as far as I am concerned.

We decided to have a complete rest the next day - as we were somewhat exhausted and we had both caught a cold which didn't help.

The final evening was spent looking around the shops - on the East Nangin Road, this was ok but for the constant pressures from people to buy watches, handbags, jewelry and flashing skates which seem to be the rage here - why they thought we would buy flashing skates I do not know argh !!!!!!!!

As you may have worked out - we did not take to Shanghai. A bit of a let down.

As we left this morning we experienced our first bit of rain since the trip started, fortunately it stopped as we walked out of the hotel - this was after a tiny row with the hotel receptionist over something called money.....

Anyway we caught the train to Suzhou, about 1 hour away and completely different, canals and parks n gardens say it all. We are having another night here tomorrow - so wil report back again.

David - thanks for sorting out our little problem...

More Soon - hope you are enjoying it - we certainly are..

Arrived early morning in Quingdao







We could not get a through train to Quingdao so we had to get 2 trains - the first took us to Ji'Nan, it set off at 12 . 05 and arrived at about 6pm - it was a pleasant trip but the scenery was pretty boring - lots of corn on the cob fields and rice paddies - .... that's about it. We were hoping for more of the bullit train but although the diesal train was fast - it was a bit dated to say the least.


Then when we arrived in Ji'Nan we then had to queue up to get the next ticket - fortunately it was a sleeper, but it did not set off till midnight - so lots of time to kill - so a quick meal then lots of haging around - well Chinese stations are not the nicest and the best places in the world - especially the looooooos if you get my drift ( Phooo - in all senses ) plus they have a thing about low voltage lights - so you can't see what you are doing.



Anyway Midnight arrived and we joined the scrum again and eventually found our bunks - not bad considering - better than the previous ones - but - no lights so again how do you see --- during the night - I broke my specs - could not find the screw.



Then about 5.30 in the morning - on come the lights and this chinese - sort of comminist music - I suppose it had some meaning as everybody got up and started stretching their bodies.



At 6 we arrived - we decided to get the next ticket to Shangai whils it was fairly quiet - but I think it is not a sleeper - so the 19 + hour train journey to Shangai should be funnnnnnn...



Then we were sort of accosted / helped by this chap who took us to our hotel - In the end it was pretty good - though a little dated - the room was large with a sea veiw - not bad for 320 Yuan per night ( 21 Sterling)



W have had 3 nights here - sat on the beach - checked out the attractions - including a revolving tower built by the Germans about a hundred years ago - up a cable car to another tower / spire, to a working Budhist Temple and basicaly enjoyed ourselves - oh and lots of walking too - Suri is calculating the steps with her pedomiter - so maybe we will get a chart of all our walking by the end of our 3000 mile across China journey.



We had a rather special crab meal - which was really good but a tad on the expensive side for China - still you gotta splaxh out occassionaly



But now as I write this we are waiting for the train to Shangai

Last day in Tianjin

Beijing was warm and overcast much of the time - here its hot - during the daytime and warm at night.

Today we caught the bus to the suburbs of Tianjin - what a difference a few miles makes, although it is like a building site here - it is relatively clean, but go a bit out and you notice the difference - now I know where all those plastic bottles go to - into the river and part of someones yard or roof cover.

Any way today we went to Yangliuqing - to see the Shi Family Courtyourd - basically it was an old house owned by a rich person that has now been renoovated - inside included a theatre to entertain friends and dignitaries. It was built about a hundred years ago - it looked pretty good and next to it they have built a shpping area partly in the same style but also in traditional Chinese style - so lots of red everywhere.

On the way back the bus driver stopped to help out another fellow driver - he needed some diesal - so he syphoned some off of our bus for his - you should have seen the expression on his face when he got a mouth full of diesel ... yuuuck. A good deed though. I wonder if Alan does that sort of thing - probably a daily occurence.....

We saw quite a few tourists - non Chinese in Beijing - but I have not seen one other than us two here.

The big thing of course is the population - it is very true there are so many people here - everywhere - but it's not intimidating at all - very friedly in fact - lots of so called students keep talking to us to practice their English. That's ok but its difficult to get away from them.

Sorry still no pics we have taken lots butttttttt - maybe next time - Tomorrow we set off for the seaside to the coastal town of Quingdae, will write again soon.

Writing this from TIANJIN

Yes we have now left Beijing and have travelled about 150 miles SE to Tianjin - we came here by the Chinese bullet train so it was pretty fast and very efficient though there was a scrum to get onto the platform - which was not necessary at all as the ticket was seat specific.

Anyway back to Beijing after the last post .... we eventually caught the bus to the Summer Palace (Lonely Planet states the wrong bus number so we were searching and asking quite a bit) - which is just on the outskirts of Beijing.

The Summer Palace is beautiful, on arriving we clambered up the hill going through a range of Budhist temples and buildings, then we descended down to the Kunming Lake - like everything else in China - it is enormous

We went for a peddle boat ride for about an hour - just to tire the legs - very much so.

Then we walked half way around the lake and back - leaving about 5pm - At least we knew which bus to catch.

For our last day in Beijing we went to the Lama Temple - where everybody lit loads and loads of insence sticks - again the temple was enormous with the tallest Bhuda in the world carved from a single tree - amazing but very difficult to see the top bit. There were in fact many temples on the site.

After this we caught the bus and went to the Drum Tower - the biggest drum in the world so they say, then on to the Bell Tower - again - guess what posibly the biggest bell in the world, both were impressive - but the steps were a bit steep.

For our last meal in Beijing we had steamed Catfish, which we cooked on the table ourselves - I have never seen so many garlic cloves in a meal - hundreds there were - and very hot - but wow so tasty - David ... must try it ourselves when we get home.

After our last night - the next morning we set off to catch the train to Tiangin.

So what have we been doing here - well after arriving we went shopping and searched out the dumpling specialist - good but not as great as we were expecting.

And today we went to the old town and checked out the - guess what - the local Bell Tower and the Guildhall which was in fact a museum for the arts - this was wonderfull - I nearly got up on the stage and danced - but decided - better not.....

We followed this by a little more shopping - clothes are so cheap.

I thought that Beijing was a building site - but Tianjin is even more so - unfortunately they are knocking down the old buildings - including a temple and some old colonial style buildings - which is a crime..........

Still enjoying ourselves - walking miles each day.

We are staying here 1 more day this hotel by the way is better than the one in Beijing.... The star rating is a bit wierd.....

Sorry for any typoes and lack of photoes - but Internet is time - time is money - the internet is not cheap here...

Will update again shortly - We are both well.

Bye 4 Now

Arrived safely in Beijing



The trip was just fine - a slight delay in Bournemouth when we had to change coaches for some reason, then the fliight out of Dubai was delayed for 3 hours - but apart from that all ok.



Oh yes a bit of trouble finding the hotel - the street map and the tube map could be better if you understand me.



On our first full day we went to Tienaman Square - its very big - but also lots of people - one of the buildings was closed - as you probably recall its the olympics next year so lots of work going on. For the evening we went to the famous Peking duck restaurant - it was very good - though there was a queue.



Yesterday we set off to walk the Great Wall at Badeling - yes very busy lots of tourists but well worth it - as we went on public transport we had some difficulty as we needed to catch bus 919 - but there are dozens of 919 routes - eventually got it after much walking around.



The wall itself is pretty big - and very steep we went up in the cable car then walked one way then the other - oh and John we got your magnet...... In the evening we had sort of showboat meal - dipping in meat in a soup mix - really good.

Today 1st September we went to the Forbidden City - it is huge - too big to do in one day - but we did as much as we could before we were exhausted. Finished off the evening with a similar meal to last night - but a bit different.

Anyway we are both well - though exhausted and we will be staying in Beijing another couple of days - so will post some more soon.

Getting excited now.........

Only a few days to go before we set off on our first bit of travel since retiring - we are heading for Beijing, where we will be staying for up to a week - checking out all ( or as many as we can ) of the sights, then we head south towards Shanghai, then further south finishing off in Hong Kong in about 5 weeks time.

The itinerary is not set so as we are going by public transport we can pick 'n' choose as we go.

Check out this blog ... as I intend to update it as we go - subject to internet availability.

Proms in the Park - Bournemouth 4th August 2007.

The weather was perfect - not a cloud in the sky - amazing after all the rain we've been having.

Merrick Park was the setting for my first ever Proms in the park, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra played a range of stirring pieces, some I sort of recognised - others I didn't, but all were really good.

Suri, David and myself met up with Brod and Geoff and Bruce around 6pm as the gates opened and everybody dashed to get the best place, fortunately Brod knew about this and was one of the first in - claiming a great pitch in front of the stage.

Once settled we tucked into the picnics that we had brought and it went down very well with a few bottles of red.

Then the music started - fantastic - the conductor was a bit crazy - doing his arm waving bit and telling a few stories to introduce each piece.

At the break we tidied up 'cos it was getting dark and soon we would not be able to see a thing.

The second half brought lots of fireworks which were amazingly well synchronised.

A great night was had by all, even if it did turn a bit chilly when the sun went down. I would recommend such an event to anybody.

Hope you like the pics.

Checkout William on the TV

Yes William is presenting the news on a new Internet based TV channel - He is in Tehran and is one of the presenters who give English spoken news from Iran and around the world.


The production is certainly different as is the content, but it is interesting to see a different perspective and a different set of pictures to those seen on BBC & SKY


He is working on a shift system - he was not there when the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad opened the TV Station on Monday 2nd July 2007.

If you tune in you may be able to see him.

So if you are curious you can click on www.presstv.com and watch online.

He will be on next from 20:00 to 04:00 on Thursday and Friday.

Comments would be good

Rich at Last

Just received this cheque for only
1 penny -
I am sure it will make such a difference and will change my life forever. Is this like winning the lottery.

I won't mention the cost of producing this cheque - though I am tempted to bank it and see the reaction of the teller when I present it.

Today we visited Kingston Maurward on its openday

This is a large house set in enormous gardens which is now used as a College - hence the open day - but as well as promoting their courses the whole gardens and farm were opened up for the public.

We had a great day out - here are a few pictures taken today.

New Link added - William's Blog

Check it out by clicking the link below, or you can use the link on the right hand side of the window

http://iranvisitor.blogspot.com/

Exploring Brownsea Island

This is such a beautiful island and so close to us here in Poole. This is a National Trust location so there is a charge.

We set off early yesterday as we had to get the ferry from Poole Quay, the ferry trip across was about 20 minutes, the views were great and the water was very calm.

We wandered around the island and saw much wildlife and fauna, but for us we did not see the Red Squirrel, which is one of the things that the island is famous for.

As you can see from the pics the weather was just great and we got pretty close to the Peacocks, which wander around freely.

After a quick bite to eat at the only cafe, we set off back on the ferry, which was about 40 minutes this time it took us around Brownsea Island and some of the other smaller islands that are within the Poole bay area.

Definitely a place to return to, - next time with a pic-nic hamper, and we will be joining the National Trust as this is the second NT visit this year - see Corfe Castle post earlier.

Her's the NT link: - check it out.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-brownseaisland.htm

One year on - A tribute to mum.

Mum was an only child of Emma (formerly Hanson) and Gilbert Watson living her early life in and around Halifax - now West Yorkshire.

She married Geoffrey Cowan and had two children - Robert and Susan, before separating and divorcing in the early sixties. During this time she worked as a seamstress in Halifax.

Following this split from Geoffrey, mum had a very rich and enjoyable social life - which was unusual for that time - but is much more acceptable these days - she told me on many occasions about the things she did with her friends enjoying her life to the full, some of these were her best and most loyal friends - which she kept in touch with for many years - in some cases up to her death, most however have now passed on.

Shortly after her divorce she married Jack Bentley. Together they decided to run a series of clubs - including the Southowram Social and the Illingworth Liberal - I personally remember this was very hard work for her but at the same time very rewarding in terms of meeting people and socialising.

Mum had a full life in many respects, she did like the occasional drink ( or two or..) she had many many friends - particularly fellow landladies, who have unfortunately also passed away and so were not able to be present for the funeral - but I am sure they would have all been there if they could and they would certainly have had some great stories to tell - I remember one such story when mum and her fellow landladies visited London - to visit Gordon's Gin factory - I joined them for the evening celebrations at the hotel they were staying at - I have never seen so many women - including mum drink so much Gin in one evening - needless to say it was a great weekend for mum and her fellow landladies. The next morning they were all ready to go again and I do not remember her having a hang over.

Mum was a very hard worker ... running with Jack, many clubs and pubs in Halifax and Sowerby Bridge but latterly and most recently at The George in Todmorden, many of her customers were at the funeral.

Mum and Jack also managed the Town Hall in Todmorden for a number of years ..... she knew so many people who used the Town Hall, and with whom she worked . After leaving the George mum and Jack moved to Walsden where she lived till 2005.

Unfortunately Jack died in 2000 of cancer, mum and Jack had worked as a great team for well over thirty years, and she had cared for him in at home before he went into the hospice for his final few days. Jack's death was a great loss for mum, but she battled on in her own inimitable way.

She had so much energy which she put into not just work, but enjoying life, socialising ... as only landladies know how. Until 2002 she could be seen around Todmorden most days and she would always have a word with the many people she knew.

Unfortunately in 2002 whilst enjoying a day at the races in York she fell and broke her hip - I always said to her that she should give up being a jockey ... at her age .... This fall had a dramatic affect on her health and her ability to get out and about - she tried her best but she just was not as able bodied any more, and her general health deteriorated somewhat.

In 2005 she moved to the centre of Todmorden to be close to her loving daughter Susan, son in law Alan and grandchildren Colin and Emma, and Peter and Jennifer - who helped out frequently, this move was into sheltered accommodation which gave her the support that she .... unfortunately needed.

During this time she became somewhat withdrawn and to use her words in a broad yorkshire accent ... she "was stalled and had had enough" because she could not get out and about, and to be frank, I can understand how she felt after a lifetime of activity dashing here and there - mum was always on the go - that is how I continue to remember her.

It was on an ordinary Thursday - the 27th of April 2006 when Susan was taking mum to the doctor ... that her heart gave way this was when she left us - it was thankfully quick and I do not think she was in any pain, though the pain was there - for Susan who was close to her in her final moments.

One year on the memories are still there and strong ...

Goodbye Mum ... love you always and forever.

A loving son ... Robert

Life in Poole

Life is good -

we are now in Poole and enjoying the playground, as it was described to me recently when chatting to a couple we met when walking and exploring the coastal walks a few days back.

There is certainly lots to do, particularly on the seafaring side, though I haven't got into that yet.

The weather has been particularly kind, or it could be how it always is on the South coast, in fact on more than one occasion I got a bit sun burned.

Here's a picture of David, Martin and Suri at Corfe Castle, which we checked out a few weekends back.

Thanks to Geoff and Brod I now have a bike, which is great fun, there are lots of cyclists around here, with so many cycle routes, and it is in general fairly flat - oh and the drivers seem to be cyclist friendly - myself included of course - so it's good to back in the saddle.

I have even started a bit of DIY - with one room painted and it's almost complete.

I had forgotten how difficult it was to get contractors to turn up and do the work, first the tree surgeon agreed a price, and a date then did not turn up - and his phone just goes to answer machine - then the builder said we need to get the electric supply moved before he can start on removing the wall between the Kitchen and the Dining room - and BT customer services in non existent .....oh I must stop as I was nearly on a grumpy old man rant........

A few pics - of my retirement dos

What a hectic but exciting time

I was fortunate to say my last goodbyes to my colleagues and friends at work on two separate occasions, the first was on the 15th March 2007, which was my last working day in the office.

That day, in fact the whole week was very busy, as there were many jobs still to do, and unfortunately a few were left incomplete, but I did try to finish as much as I could.

It was lovely to be able to say goodbye to some good friends, in particular to Rosie, Sheila, Karl, Veronica, Bhavi, Sham, Graham, Michelle & Claire ...... and the kind words from everybody makes me quite emotional just thinking about it.

Thanks to all for the leaving pressies, the cards and the book of words, I will keep these secure to help me remember the good times I had at work.

The second opportunity was on the 20th March 2007 after the Audit Committee, where I got my chance to say goodbye to more people, including Tony and Ruth. The bowl I received is definitely growing on me as I am sure it will be given a prominent position in our new home, and will be a visual reminder of my time at MHT.

This was my last ever day ( well half day) of work before retiring, though I am sure I will have lots of different sorts of work to do in our new home in Poole.

A big thank you to all ..... I do hope to keep in touch with friends and colleagues and they too will keep in touch.

Retaining Walls

I have been researching this subject as it has caused us problems and delayed the proposed house purchase in Poole, so if you would like to know a little about the subject, here goes with a few principles:

Retainer walls are used to hold back a bank of earth or similar, retainer walls are not as straightforward as simple walls, as the soil directly behind a retaining wall will exert lateral pressure upon it, the amount of pressure varies with the type of soil and its moisture content, but that earth pressure is always there, so when a retaining wall is designed, one of the principle considerations will be will this wall withstand this earth pressure?

When the wall is relatively short in height, the mass of the wall itself should be enough to counteract the loads being placed upon it.

Where this is not the case, there are two main options:

1. Improve the ability of the wall to resist the earth pressure.
This could be done by increasing the mass of the retaining wall; alternatively it could be achieved by increasing the strength of the retaining wall.

2. Control the earth pressures acting on the wall.
The characteristics of the retained soil can be 'improved', a common and proven way to do this is by adding reinforcement that modifies or changes the behaviour of the soil.

This diagram illustrates a basic retainer wall for heights up to about one metre.

The important points to note are that the foundation is laid on a solid base of clay or stable ground, that the rear of the wall in contact with the earth should be protected, and that there should be some method of draining the bank, through weep holes.

Also it is essential that the correct bricks are used. 'House bricks' are not usually suitable, frost resistant/low salt content is the key issue.

There you go –

What a busy few weeks.

So much stuff belonging to David & William was moved to Martin's flat and deposited safely in his loft - thanks for taking that Martin, I guess you will sort it out with David & William when they return.

Well Suri has now completed the sale of her house in Potters Bar, and all of the furniture is now in storage, it was a tight squeeze but the removal men managed to fit it all in and only one breakage - sorry Sue it was your pressie to me a few years back - the bottle garden - oh well things don't last forever.

Thanks to Geoff & Brod ..... we had a restful night after the move, after a very pleasant meal and a couple of drinks.

Next morning we checked out the new place - the retaining wall seems to have been repaired ok, then we headed back and dumped ourselves with Dan & Sophie - a really big thank you for their offer to put us up for a few weeks.

Still sorting out the inspection of the wall, not really decided what is the best option ..... decisions, decisions always so many decisions.

So we are now technically homeless and retirement is coming up fast - exciting times ahead me thinks.

Potters Bar in the snow

Winter has just arrived and the snow is marvelous.

A few pics.


Just received a few pictures of Farzim and Parisa enjoying themselves at a friends wedding party in the the US of A.

Thought I would share them with you.

Christmas is over

Been a while since the last blog, we have been busy looking at houses - we now need to concentrate on this as Suri has now agreed the sale of her house and so we press on with our search for the perfect little home - I have to tell you it is not as straight forward as I first thought, in fact it is quite hard work, and certainly lots of driving to and fro......

All in all Christmas has been a very pleasant time - it's great to receive pressies - and give of course, oh and no work - which can't be bad.

No snow here but Suri has been checking out the weather in Tehran and Soeul and there is definitely snow there. Check out David's blog - and see his snowman - some great pictures - over on the right of this blog - oh only after you've got to the end of this festive missive of course.

For once I don't think I overindulged too much. Is that a double something or other - gramatically speaking.

We had Martin staying with us which was great and Dan and Sophie visited - it was good to see them both. We agreed to do a bit of squash - I haven't played for many a year so that should be fun - then after that we agreed to reward ourselves with a pint - or 2 and a curry - what a good idea - even if I say so myself.

I've decided that it's time to replace this old PC, it was in fact Dan's PC - built by Gerry - I can't be sure when, but I think it's about 6 years old, which is getting on a bit in PC years.

So I have been researching and today as we took Martin back, we popped in to check out what's available and I think I've decided on an Acer 5103 laptop - it seems to do everything I need so all I have to do now is make that decision - not always the easiest of things to do - make a decision.

New photos in Truprint

Just loaded up some more pictures from our Korea trip - check out the link on the right hand side.

Nearly Conned

I thought I was not gullible, but ................... I was very nearly conned recently - it was all so plausible.

The tenants at my house have recently left so I was there with Suri, doing a bit of painting and cleaning up when this couple walked in and said they were the new tenants, well the agency had not told me this, but we were so convinced by them that we allowed them to leave some bags there.

He said he had a key and had signed the agreement and paid the rent - so it all seemed ok and they were very nice - offering to look after the garden and do some decorating. This is of course is what any landlord wants to hear.

So when I contacted the agent and they told me it was all lies, I was very concerned that the house may get squatted. As soon as possible I was round there and took their bags down to the agency for them to sort out and store.

Certainly a lesson to be learned.

I am hoping to rent it out before christmas but the garden needs doing and the carpets need cleaning so it will not be for at least a week, the agency said they had 3 Spanish teachers interested in it - so I am hopeful that it will be let before christmas.

Also Geoff came up for a visit it was good to see him, and to help him celebrate his birthday, Daniel, Sophie, Suri and me went to the local Chinese restaurant - Youngs, they were doing an eat as much as you like for a fixed price - it was very busy and very tasty - and very good value for money - I would recommend it.