Pembroke Radcliffes

Easter

2010-04-04T21:02:00.001+01:00

Happy easter everyone. So much chocolate!

Easter

2009-04-12T21:27:00.000+01:00

Happy Easter!

Watch Out On The Road!!

2009-03-21T17:20:00.005Z

All drivers better watch out! On Monday, Vicky passed her driving test (no puddles this time!). She doesn't have a car yet so no need to panic for the moment! Congratulations Vicky!!

Also, on Friday, I took my driving theory test and passed thankfully. It was the most nerve-wracking thing I have done in ages. I didn't quite manage to get better than Vicky (it's quite hard to get better than full marks) and she said that she wouldn't rub it in (yeah right!). Next step, driving test and then you really will have to watch out!

Trip to Germany - Day 14

2008-09-08T20:58:00.001+01:00

Today we decided to cross the Rhine on a ferry and go back upstream to Rudesheim, opposite Bingen that we visited yesterday. We really wish we hadn't, it was a shoddy town with hardly anything of interest (unless we missed it). So back in the car and we set off to Bad Ems, on the Lahn river. What a beautiful town. Swans on the river, fountains, flowers and beautiful buildings. Most notable of which is the Russian church. We were glad that this town was so delightful, as it is our last trip before setting off back to Calais tomorrow (boo hoo).

Trip to Germany - Day 13

2008-09-08T20:57:00.001+01:00

Today we drove back up the Rhine to Bingen, which was a pretty little town but quite touristy. It is a major stop off point for Rhine cruise ships. We had our lunch here and then set off with no particular destination in mind. We set Tomtom up with our apartment as the destination, and deliberately tried to go differently to wherever it sent us. We found some lovely small lanes through glorious countryside.

Trip to Germany - Day 12

2008-09-08T20:56:00.001+01:00

Today the weather forecast was none too good, so we decided that we'd be better in the car than walking around. So we decided to plan a route over to the Mosel valley, along it for a while and then back. The weather true to forecast was quite drizzly in the morning, we stopped at Cochem on the Mosel for lunch, and then drove on. In the afternoon the forecast was wrong, the light showers were absent. Instead it absolutely hissed it down! The scenery in the valley was breathtaking even in the rain, we can only imagine what it would be like in sunshine.

It wasn't only the valley that was beautiful though, when driving up through the forests, around the many hairpin bends, it really was beautiful.

Trip to Germany - Day 11

2008-09-08T20:51:00.001+01:00

As hinted at we did indeed take a trip on the Rhine today. We set off from Bacharach at 10:15 and arrived at Koblenz at 1:10. The weather was good, the scenery beautiful and the ride very relaxing. We only just had time at Koblenz to get to a cafe for a quick lunch before boarding again for the 4.5 hour trip back up river to Bacharach. Perhaps in hindsight it may have been better not to have gone so far and had a longer stop. Then of course we wouldn't have seen as much of the Rhine.

Silly us though,sitting on the sundeck of the boat for seven and a half hours in good weather, we caught a little too much of the sun. Fantastic trip though.

Trip to Germany - Day 10

2008-09-08T20:32:00.001+01:00

Well here we are at sunny Bacharach, it rained nearly all the way, and the roadworks near Wurzburg were horrendous. To cap it all off, the last 50km we decided to take the scenic route and ended up on the wrong side of the Rhine. Hey Ho, never mind we had a lovely ferry crossing for €4.50. Bacharach is a beautiful town, right on the Rhine (5 mins walk, even for me). Sorry, didn't take photos today in the rain, but it won't matter anyway as I won't be able to post this until later in the week, as we have no internet connection.

All being well, we are going on a long cruise up the Rhine to Koblenz tomorrow, so no driving at all for me.

Trip to Germany - Day 9

2008-08-31T14:25:00.001+01:00

Sadly, this is our last day in Bavaria, as we are moving on to Baccarach on the Rhine tomorrow. So today we decided that we didn't want to have too long a day and set off meandering along the Trubach valley. We had heard that at Gossweinstein could be found the most famous baroque basilica in all of Germany, and so we headed there. We're so glad that we didn't miss out on this opportunity.

On arriving at Gossweinstein, we first climbed to the berg on the hill, this was well worth it for the stunning views

We then ventured into the basilica, photos can't do it justice, to say it was stunning is somehow inadequate. You can judge for yourselves from the sample pictures shown, and the many we will inflict on everyone when we return.

Oh, and by the way, I bet you thought we'd forgotten the pictures of Konigstein where we're staying. We finally got round to taking them this afternoon, so here's a couple.

Trip to Germany - Day 8

2008-08-30T19:50:00.001+01:00

This morning our landlady, Frau Scarmacher, suggested we plan our tour via Parkstein for the wonderful views. We arrived and parked up, saw a small church on the cliff top, and thought should we or shouldn't we? Just then a bus trip of pensioners turned up and many set off up. That did it. Off we set. Idiots! 137 steps, and that was just to reach the steep hill that led through the ruined castle to the church at the top. What stunning views. Clear views for many, many miles over the pine forests.

On returning home we told Frau Scharmacher that we had eventually made it to the top, she replied that she hadn't intended us to go up, just admire the view from the bottom!

After getting our breath back, which took quite some time, we went on to Weiden, via Neustadt. The old town hall at Weiden looked magnificent, but unfortunately was closed so we couldn't go in to see the painted ceilings which were supposed to be incredible.

The church of St. Joseph here was also well worth the visit, the interior being quite magnificent, as indeed are a lot of the catholic churches in Bavaria.

Trip to Germany - Day 7

2008-08-29T16:04:00.001+01:00

Today we decided to give the car a bit of a rest, and only drove 9km to Neuhaus to catch a train to Nurnberg. It only cost €14 for a day rider for the two of us and saved us a 125km round trip. The journey in was extremely fast, only stopping at one station and taking 30mins. The return journey was more sedate and seemed to stop at everyone's front door, taking just over an hour.

Nurnberg (Nuremburg) itself is a beautiful walled city with many beautiful buildings, churches and fountains. Oh and yes Vicky, we found a Claire's Accessories. We had a "drei im weigel" for lunch (sausage sandwich) and once again forced ourselves to eat some of the delicious ice cream.

PS Note for Vicky, we nearly bought you a car seeing as you're doing so well at driving.

Trip to Germany - Day 6

2008-08-28T15:29:00.001+01:00

Today saw us driving on tiny country roads to such delightful villages and towns as Traunfeld, Ebermannstadt and Forchaim. On one tiny road we suddenly came upon a road closed sign, so smugly told TomTom to avoid roadblock. It must have thought that we were being too cocky because it gave us new directions. Up a winding single track road, at the top it said "turn left", only thing was that both left and right were unmade unused farm tracks (it didn't look like any tractors had been down in the last year. No possible chance of turning around or even reversing, we ventured on. After about a mile of this it asked us to turn left onto another farm track, but on looking right saw tarmac. Guess which way we chose?

Anyway, the prettiest of today's villages had to be Ebermannstadt, with a pretty river, sculptures and a beautiful small church called Marienkappel.

Trip to Germany - Day5

2008-08-27T17:11:00.001+01:00

Today was a day of driving and walking, driving and walking,driving and walking. Oh my poor feet. First we went to Sulzbach-Rosenberg, but for once TomTom went haywire, sending us in circles through the narrowest of streets, and once or twice tried to send us through the middle of buildings! Needless to say we didn't stop long here.

Then we went to historic Amberg, truly beautiful walled town. We were told off by a parking attendant, who said there was no need to pay for a ticket, not in his town.

From there we drove on more winding roads through magnificent pine forests, past Klosterberg Kastl to Neumarkt.

Trip to Germany - Day 4

2008-08-26T16:59:00.001+01:00

Today we decide to have a trip to Bayreuth, about 60km away, once again by minor roads. We stopped in a little village called Schnabelwaid, which had a really pretty church. We also found a small bakery where we bought an apple turnover (sorry Frank). On then to Bayreuth where we had a walk around for a good hour .

The Altes Schloss (Old Palace)is pictured to the right. After a leisurely lunch, we drove out of the city to the Eremitage Altes Schloss, a few pictures of which follow.

Trip To Germany - Day 3 (Monday)

2008-08-25T15:47:00.001+01:00

First of all, sorry I forgot to say where we stayed yesterday, we stayed in a town called Aschaffenberg, at the City Hotel.

It's a beautiful town with a large Schloss ,overlooking the river.

We decided to set Tom Tom to avoid all motorways, which apparently saved us 9km, but added a full 2.5 hours to our journey time. We are so glad we did, because the scenery was beautiful, lots of forests and winding roads. Most of these roads weren't even on the map, neither were the many small villages we went through. Anyway, arrived at Konigstein at about 2:30, and the appartment is wonderful.

Will add photos of Konigstein when we go out tomorrow with our cameras.

Trip to Germany - Day2

2008-08-25T15:08:00.001+01:00

Day 2 sees us actually getting to Germany. The trip through France, Belgium, Holland and to Germany was very smooth. Hardly any turns at all, mostly motorways, doing 80/85 mph (legally Alan) and once hit 100 uphill on the unrestricted section (that was flat out though). Decided to travel more than halfway to give an easier meander tomorrow and finally managed to find this hotel at 5:30. Very luxurious (4* Hotel) indeed. No photos today, been motorways all the way.

Trip To Germany - Day1

2008-08-23T21:33:00.001+01:00

We had an easy drive down with very few hold ups, until we were on the M25 when Tomtom Traffic told us we wouldn't arrive at the church until 2:58 ( the wedding started at 3:00) Fortunately by hitting the "minimise delays" button, it managed to re-route us through Barking and Daggenham and got us there by 2:30. What a brilliant wedding, lovely small church, string quartet playing for the church music, horse and carriage afterwards to take the happy couple to the marquis for the reception.

Asti & stawberries, canapes and sushi, just to put us on until the sit down hog roast dinner was ready - just one word to describe the day - brilliant.

Even Jack managed an Asti (or two!)

Sunday Out

2008-08-18T21:53:00.001+01:00

On Sunday we all had a day out at Burnsall. Uncle John & Auntie Norma had rented a cottage there for a week, and we took grandma to visit them. We had a lovely meal at the Craven Arms at Appletreewick, and amazingly the weather stayed lovely.

Happy Birthday Frank

2008-07-20T20:05:00.001+01:00

As you may (or may not) know, it's Frank's birthday today! Happy Birthday Frank!! Hope you enjoy your birthday present!!

Franks New Uniform

2007-11-15T21:56:00.000Z

Today Frank came home in a new uniform, wearing make up!! No, he's not suddenly got a new hobby, he got given his greens and they all put on camoflauge make up and played evasion (hide and seek) in the park. Sorry about the pictures, i took them on my phone and then my computer wouldnt let me rotate them.

New Car

2007-10-14T10:50:00.000+01:00

As you all know, my pride and joy the Nissan Micra has just died. It has failed its MOT. I am getting a second hand '02 Daewoo Matiz on Monday. It is blue and it has power steering!! It also has a cd player which the girls arent too pleased about as i will probably be playing status quo. It has got proper air conditioning rather than natural air conditioning, which may turn out to be a little warmer.

Flying

2007-09-28T15:15:00.000+01:00

Today i went flying in a Grob Tutor. The number of the plane was G-BYWP. the other plane that our squadron used today was numbered G-BYWV. My instructor was called mike and he talked a lot and pointed out loads of senery. My logged time was 45 minutes but i was not in the air that long. when i was escorted to the plane by the ground crew i had to climb up onto the wing only stepping on a thin grey strip. The ground crew put some cushions on the seat. Once in the plane he pushed the canapy so that it was almost shut. The pilot reved the engine up to full and back to idle then he taxied to the furthest runway and parked up with the parking brake on. Then he showed me the main instruments and set up the GPS. Then because we were the first ones out in that plane we waited for the oil temperature to rise to the right temperature. Then he checked the other gauges and tested the flaps. After that he put flaps on for take off and taxied onto the runway. He then took off into strong winds. He flew us to the left when ATC told us to use runway 06 on landing. he then turned us round and told me to gently hold the stick and he went through controlling the aircraft. Then he said you have control. So i flew to York Then he took over and flew around York then back to Church Fenton.

Yet another Birthday

2007-07-19T22:17:00.000+01:00

Hello again, in a busy week we come to the next 'big' day. Friday sees Frank celebrating his 14th birthday. News just in - Frank went to ATC tonight and has been promoted to 1st class cadet. He has also been invited to go for his first days flying on 1st August, REMEMBER - DUCK AND COVER. He has used a flight simulator on his computer, and he delights in trying to nose dive into the ground!

Louise's news and more

2007-07-17T16:10:00.000+01:00

Guess what. Our little girl isn't a girl anymore. She's now officially an adult. On Sunday she turned eighteen, and we celebrated by having a family day out to Redcar and Saltburn (her choice in case you're wondering). Louise has also started a new job! She has got a job as a junior developer with Cubik. Watch out Bill Gates!

Frank is also really enjoying his new life in the ATC and at last we have managed to get a couple of photos of him in his dress uniform, he'll hate me for these I know, but who cares.

Vicky, having finished her GCSEs is currently enjoying an eleven week holiday, some days she even manages to get out of bed before two o'clock ( in the afternoon that is). She does get up for her sandwich shop job on a Saturday though, the shock of getting up before eight o'clock nearly kills her !

Julie and George's Wedding

2007-06-24T10:43:00.000+01:00

On 2nd June we went to Julie and George's Wedding. I have been meaning to make a post about it for a while but i keep forgetting. It was a beautiful day, it was so sunny that they had to take the wedding pictures inside. Between the wedding and the reception we went to Uncle John and Aunty Norma's house and sat in the garden in the sun. The reception was brilliant, good music and good food and as Vicky will tell you, good drinks aswell. I will upload some more pictures later because these are only the pictures that Vicky has on her myspace.

New Car

2007-05-06T14:20:00.000+01:00

We havent posted on here for ages so Vicky said we needed to do a post.

So what has happened recently.....?

Well on Friday we got a NEW CAR!!!!!! A brand new silver Renault Grand Scenic. Just slightly better than the old car : ) Mum and Dad are fighting for Chauffeur duties at the moment, I dont think it will be long before we have to get the bus again.

And....What a shock.... Vicky has a JOB!!!! She now works in a sandwich shop in Wortley (next to Matalan). So if you want food poisoning you know where to go (only joking....she only does the washing up).

What else....?

Frank got his uniform for Air Training Corps. He looks quite smart, I wonder how long for? He seems to be doing a good job of polishing his shoes, size 7!! Bigger than mine!!

On friday i passed my final Oracle exam, which means i have finished my Java course as well as my SQL course, just got my SQL certification left to do now.

Vicky got awards for being the best person in her english and ICT classes (what a pity the rest of her class didnt turn up).

It's a busy couple of months coming up with all three of us kids doing exams, Not long til summer though.

Getting ready for a nice Roast Beef dinner tonight, courtesy of Dad (makes a change from me cooking haha).

Thats all folks

Louise and Vicky

Easter! =]

2007-04-08T21:21:00.001+01:00

Hi Y'all! =]

Just Thought I'd Post A Random Blog Under Instructions From Lou....Seen As Noone Else Seems To Bother! We've Got To Get Rid Of The Franks Home Blog....I Think Everyone Can Tell He's Home By Now!

Thanks Very Muchly For The Easter Eggs Everyone...I Think Lou Wants To Say Thanks As Well!

=]

Vicky xx

Frank's Home

2007-03-06T22:04:00.000Z

Frank came home this afternoon and is already lording it up. His homecoming was delayed until he could eat without vomitting and also get out of bed and walk. The first he managed at lunchtime, the second took a bit longer. Hey, come on, he is a teenager, Vicky always has problems getting out of bed! The consultant was very happy with the surgery and has even offered Frank a video of his own operation! Maybe I should post the gory bits on the blog when we get it! The good news from Franks point of view is that he's got the rest of the week off school, and also can't do PE or games for a month.

Frank's kidneys

2007-03-05T18:28:00.000Z

Frank was lying in bed half asleep as he had just had a dose of morphene and was feeling a little sick because of this. Afer about half an hour he perked up a little. Apparrently he had waited for his sisters and mum to visit which was nice. Hopefully he will be home tomorrow sometime if he is eating without feeling ill.

Frank's kidneys

2007-03-05T14:33:00.000Z

Frank is out of theatre and is in the recovery room. Will let you know more later.

Frank's kidneys

2007-03-05T09:13:00.000Z

As most are aware Frank went into hospital on Sunday 4h March. I have just heard that he has gone into surgery and it will be about 4 to 5 hours before he is out.

Girls Day Out

2007-02-17T20:40:00.000Z

While the boys were out, us girlies decided to go out too!

Where did we want to go? Matalan.
Where did we go? Otley, Pateley Bridge & Harrogate.

A great day out with a fun picnic at Pateley Bridge. 60 Miles travelled, lots of uphill at 20mph, much to the dismay of the Mercedes behind!

And finally, at the end of the day (well I say end of the day, it was 2pm), a trip to matalan, even if we didn't buy anything!

Air training corps update

2007-02-06T19:19:00.000Z

I went down to the atc on Monday and got signed up. We learned some basic drill. Then we got some forms to get my dad to sign. We meet twice weekly on Monday and Thursday. I am in C flight.

Air Training Corps

2007-02-01T20:49:00.000Z

I went to the air training corps tonight and watched the presentation. After this we had a look round the building (it's changed a lot since you were there Uncle Alan). They told us we couldn't join tonight, but had to go away and think about it, and return Monday if we wished to join. No fear - I'll be there for definite - can't wait.

Louise's First Blog

2007-01-30T15:21:00.000Z

I just wanted to check if it would let me post under my own name. Also, guess who is 49!!! on saturday!!!!!!! :P

Frank's kidneys

2007-01-30T12:58:00.000Z

For any of you out there who don't yet know, Frank has been given an appointment for his op. He goes into St. James' Hospital on Sunday 4th March and hopefully has his operation 1st thing Monday. He's having the cystic kidney removed by keyhole surgery, and hopefully will be back out Monday evening/Tuesday morning. Meanwhile this Thursday (1st Feb) he's going to the Air Training Corps to see about enrolling. I don't know how we'll cope if he gets even more bossy!