DaveF

When I was visiting Mum and Dad it was sceduled about the time I often went out for a walk - when they lived at Radcliffe on Trent and later at Bottesford the station was only a few minutes walk from their house. It was the same for Dad, he often worked from home even in those days and later when he was ill it gave him a litle bit of exercise. David

Today has passed pleasantly, so far. After I had done some odds and ends I went into the garden and removed all the bulbs from the tubs and pots so they are now ready to plant the summer plants - though one or two of the tubs will go, I have a friend with a relative who is looking for some. I also did some weeding until I found I was struggling to stand up after kneeling. I had to lever myself up by hanging onto a rose arch. Then I went to the beach and walked on the Prom and Links. Fortunately I parked in the first space I saw as the bottom end of the car park was full of TV vans as Vera was being filmed there today. They were still getting ready when I walked past. It was warm but humid and misty at times over the sea. I took a few photos, see below. I called at Tesco Extra on the way home and treated myself to some English strawberries, very tasty. I really went to buy a loaf. Since lunch I've been scanning photos once again. I've also started to sort out books and other things to get rid of - some to charities, other items to the tip. It is now a very nice sunny late afternoon and have just been outside to water the plants in the greenhouse. This evening will more more scanning unless I get very bored and find something to watch. Battery gun. It is a dummy. Low tide beach with old WW2 anti tank blocks partly exposed. TV vans in the car park The battery with two TV people discussing something. David

Mainly Class 101s at Wylam on the Newcastle to Carlisle line this tea time. Wylam Class 101 Carlisle to Newcastle April 81 C5339 Wylam Class 101Newcastle to Hexham 20th Aug 84 C6599 Wylam Class 101 Hexham to Newcastle note tail lamp illuminated 20th Aug 84 C6600 As seen in the photos below single line working was not taking place that day. Wylam Class 101 Newcastle to Carlisle 20th Aug 84 C6601 Wylam Class 101 Carlisle to Newcastle 20th Aug 84 C6602 Wylam Class 101 Newcastle to Hexham 20th Aug 84 C6603 Wylam SR 777 Sir Lamiel Stockton to Skipton via Carlisle 20th Aug 84 C6605 David

I had 3 Citroen Dyanes at various times, 1 orange, 1 blue, 1 yellow. They were all very reliable and I got used to planning well in advance if I wanted to ovetake something. There was a "bit" of body roll when cornering fast. David

I thought some of you might find this old car of interest. It shows my grandmother in either her car or a very early car of my grandfather's in the early 1920s. It does also appear in the old cars thread but I know not everyone looks at that. Someone has attempted to hand tint it. David

Does anyone know what car this is? It's a photo of my grandmother in either her car or grandfather's in the early 1920s. Someone had attempted to hand tint it at some time. David

The garden beckons this morning, it's time to take the bulbs out of the tubs and put something else in instead. I wonder how many I can do before I seize up? Then there are some pelargoniums to pot up for the greenhouse. After that I should...... but not today. A charity bag came through the door yesterday, it actually asks for books so they will be given some, I've even identified a few r-----y books that they can have. It is time I accepted that I am not going to re read all the books I have read before, I have enough unread ones in the house. Thinking of snakes I have seen three adders that I remember. One was in Essex, I can't remember exactly where but it was lying on a bank of earth in the sun. Another was on a footpath by the Ffestiniog Railway, I nearly stepped on it while getting ready to take a photo. The third was on a field trip with 6th formers in Kielder Forest with one of the forest staff. It was in March in the year so the snake was just lying in the sun on a patch of grass warming itself up. We were just lucky to be there on an unseasonably warm day. David

Something of a mixed bag of photos along Great Eastern lines. Frinton on Sea Class 309 Walton to Liverpool St July 75 J4528 Thorrington 309625 Liverpool St to Clacton 2nd Nov 79 C4861 Thorpe le Soken Class 305 Colchester St Botolphs to Clacton July 75 J4529 Harwich Mar 75 C1878 Mistley quayside where there was once track July 75 J4532 David

I was the first to arrive at church today so unlocked and got things ready, then others turned up who had things to do. Fortunately I had taken a copy of the readings, collect and closing prayer with me as no one else involved in the service had. All went well though and there was nice coffee and biscuits afterwards. Shortly after I got home the post came followed about 5 minutes later by a parcel via Royal Mail from a shop in Sheffield with 3 boxes on wheels, the wheels being set 32mm apart. They were at a very good price, not much more than much smaller versions of the same things. After a good macaroni cheese for lunch I scanned some more old prints. I received an e mail from the Salvation Army about my great great Uncle, the dates and his name and his wife's maiden name all fit so I think I have got the right man for the family tree. The only thing is that his wife's first name is not quite right but the name they have is a diminutive of what I think her real name is. He really did work for them in Nigeria in the 1920s, there are records of him leaving and returning to Britain on dates which seem right. Sometime I will have to get in touch with them again as my mother's side of the family were also involved with them at an earlier date and I have found a photo of someone in his uniform. Then I had a look at the photos still to scan - a pile of albums a bit over 18" high from 1953 and earlier and a second pile of albums about 10" high from about 1950 and later. Finally yet another pile of papers and abums nearly 12" high containing more photos, newpaper cuttings and other documents. I may be busy for some time. Once again some photos go back to the 1860/70s. I planted some begonias in clay pots in the greenhouse as they are really indoor varieties and had a tidy up in the garden. Now why I am feeling weary? Tea tonight will be prawns with bread and butter for a change and then a quiet evening. David

A few more photos around Bottesford on the Nottingham - Grantham line. Bottesford South view north on GN and LNWR Joint Feb 82 C5623 Bottesford Class 114 Grantham to Nottingham and Class 47 47453 Glasgow and Edinburgh to Parkeston Quay July 83 C6108 Bottesford Class 105 Nottingham to Grantham Aug 83 C6166 Dad is also taking photos Bottesford Class 47 Glasgow and Edinburgh to Parkeston Quay Aug 83 C6167 Bottesford Class 105 Skegness to Nottingham Sept 83 C6313 David

Another whole pale print of Dad's at the west end of Nottingham Midland. As usual he was taking advantage of his track permit. The Kodak Retina camera was one he kept for a number of years, I can remember it. David

There used to be a nice set quite close to where I live, at Winning on the Blyth and Tyne in Northumberland. There are photos of them in this thread and on my flickr site. I don't know anything about that DME car, I don't think I ever saw it. I had intended to go on the trip these photos of Dad's are from but wasn't well so Mum went instead. David

A dry but cloudy morning and mild enough to open the greenhouse door to give the plants some fresh air. Shortly I will set off for church, hopefully when I get there someone will know what is happening. I should have a parcel delivery via Royal Mail sometime today, I may try to do some gardening after lunch. David

The Stockton and Darlington at Fighting Cocks and Etherley. The ones at Fighting Cocks were taken when Mum and Dad went on a weekend trip led by Ken Hoole in 1975. Fighting Cocks Class 101 damaged June 75 J4396 Fighting Cocks June 75 J4397 Fighting Cocks site of 1825 station building looks later June 75 J4398 Fighting Cocks June 75 J4399 Etherley 08225 18th May 85 C6940 David

I've just sorted out the photos I took while I was at Newbiggin by the Sea this morning, here are a few of them. A coble, still used for fishing. They are becoming rare but are still found in Northumberland, I see one most of the times I go to look at the sea. The Bay at Newbiggin around low tide. Miniature version of "The Couple" sculpture looking out to sea from just behind the promenade. Newbiggin by the Sea breakwaters. The full size "The Couple" can be seen on the white structure on the far breakwater. David

This morning I decided to head north along the coast to Newbiggin by the Sea for a walk and coffee. I parked and thought the car park looked a bit full, normally it is busy when cars reach double figures. Then I realised there were a lot of suits and black ties about. Looking at the church there was a hearse and a fire engine with a lot of senior fire service staff in their best uniforms. I had my walk and made a detour past the few shops in the place, many were shut as it is Wednesday - and those which open don't do so until 11a.m. - but the food ones were open. As a result I didn't manage to buy any "antiques" etc. I've never understood the on street parking - most people park nose in at an angle with about 3' of car sticking out ino the road. A few park with the front of the car on the pavement so the car doesn't stick out into the road. I arrived at the Maritime Centre right by the beach in nice time for coffee, went in and placed my order and sat down for the coffee and scone to brought to me - only £4-60. Looking round I thought all the customers looked old - then I remembered that I probably look just the same to them. Most were local people talking Northumbrian which can be even harder to understand than Geordie. After that I called at a garden centre on the way home and bought some plants. Since lunch I have pottered in the garden and got things ready to plant the begonias tomorrow. I've also done more work on the family photos. Now I feel very tired, I should have just sat down this afternoon. David

Some photos around Leigh on Sea on the London Tilbury and Southend, mainly of the usual Class 302s. Leigh on Sea Class 308/2 Sept 74 C1786 Leigh on Sea Class 302 293 down July 77 J5727 Leigh on Sea Class 302 246 up July 77 J5728 Leigh on Sea 302 239 Shoeburyness to Fenchurch St Sun 5th March 78 C3695 Leigh on Sea 302 302 Shoeburyness to Fenchurch St May 79 C4555 David

I am fortunate as I have a handwritten tree for my father's side of the family going back to the late 1700s, and a copy of work done by distant Australian relatives which goes back to the early 1700s, though part of that may be a bit conjectural. It should make it easier as all off them have dates of birth, at least to the year. On Mum's side of the family a paper copy goes back to the mid 19th century but then there seems to be a Dutch connection. In my town there is a small hospital with 2 wards used for geriatric patients recovering or whatever. But it can also do X rays and has a good range of out patient clinics on specific days which work well. It also has the surgeries for the town's GPs. The general hopsital about 15 minutes away has a walk in centre for relatively minor isuses (more than needing a GP but less than A&E), apart from that it deals mainly with preplanned surgery, It also has the out of hours GP service. The specialist A&E hospital, 10 minutes away is for accidents and emergencies so almost all ambulances and the air ambulance go there. Once a patient is over the worst they are then moved to one of the general or small hospitals to recover. It seems to work well. David

A quick look in as I need to go and post a somewhat belated birthday card to my godson. For some reason I always think his birthday is on the 16th, it was in fact on the 6th. I started to put my family tree on Ancestry yesterday evening. I checked what I was doing against the one my cousins work on and have found they have the wrong person as my mother. The main reason is that although she was born at the end of August the birth doesn't seem to have been registered until October so if you put in her actual birthday you get the wrong person. There was also a second marriage in the previous generation which makes it more complicated as her real grandmother died very young. I will have to send Karen and Tim an e mail so they can correct it. Apart from that nothing much to report. Oh - a large wood pigeon is slowly dismantling the remains of the big heather I cut down and takling away bits for its nest. Also it is warmer this morning. David

Some French photos for a change this morning taken at Calais Maritime and Calais Ville. I had just done my A levels and we had been staying with friends in St Avold and stopped to look at trains in Calais before catching the ferry back to the UK. It was the first time I'd driven in France. Calais Ville SNCF 141R Paris to Calais Maritime Aug 67 J1026 Calais Ville SNCF 231G Lille to Paris and X23000 Aug 67 J1031 Calais Maritime SNCF Y7283 shunting Aug 67 J1033 Calais Maritime SNCF 141R 1276 light engine Aug 67 J1034 Calais Maritime 050TQ12 Aug 67 J1038 David

I spent some time this morning trying to remember what I have been told over the years about my great great Uncle who was in Africa with the Salvation Army and gradually half remembered things came back. So I was able to send an email with a request to see if they have any information. I heard back after a few minutes saying I needed to ask another department who have the records for the people who used to work with them. Having contacted them I now just have to wait while they see what information they have. I suppose it will depend on how many people there are with the same name. I had an enjoyable walk at the beach though the wind was cold, even with a thick sweater and warm jacket I didn't want to stand still for long. There were a few ships on the horizon but nothing to photograph. After lunch I found various things to go in the recycling bin, including a series of booklets which come with magazines about how to make models. I never use them, so they have gone. While doing that I came across a whole lot of negatives, some of mine, some of Dad's and some others so that is yet another job to so to get them scanned. I think some are photos of Royal Navy ships I took while sailing in the Solent and Portsmouth in the early 60s with my old Brownie 127. I thought I'd scanned them all but I hadn't. The water in the greenhouse is subsiding so I might get in there later in the week, I have some begonia corms which needed planting very soon. I also do not like going paddling to water the plants David

A few black and white photos for teatime. Basford Gas Works Ruston 4wds Victoria c1952 JVol4135 Bobbers Mill 8F up mineral c1952 JVol4136 Bullwell 8F 48502 up goods c1951 JVol1116 Cinderhill Nottingham to Mansfield line view south c1952 JVol2186 Loughborough Class 5 down goods c1949 JVol2250 David

I no longer have butter, I changed to cholesterol reducing spread. The level was not too far above desirable, the spread has reduced it. I did have statins but had a nasty reaction (I had memory problems and could not sleep at all) so that my GP said never ever take statins again and wrote it in my notes. As for salt there is some in the house, it is useful if the path gets icy and once in a blue moon I put a little bit on boiled new potatoes if I am eating them with fish without a sauce. I usually get enough salt from food I buy - and living near the sea I breathe tiny particles in all the time, especially when there is a strong wind off the sea. In prolonged hot weather I sometimes get a lot of cramp, relieved by drinking water with a small amount of salt added. This morning has been a normal Tuesday, the groceries have come and been put away and the house is tidy. It is dull and cold so I will just go to the beach and have a walk as it is not going to get above 10°C . Then I will scan more photos. I may also contact the Salvation Army to see if they have any details of what my great great uncle did with them in Africa. Some time today I need to start to sort out the intercesions for church on Thursday. Apart from that I can do what I like. Last night I watched an old episode of Vera. I am pleased I did - I hadn't seen it before which surprised me. As usual places near to each other in the programme are not in real life. David

A set of what are really reference photos of Crianlarich in 1973, 85 and 86. Some were taken from the train - I only used to put my head out of the window of a Mk1 door at places where I knew there was a safe clearance! Crianlarich view south July 73 C1349 Crianlarich July 73 C1351 Crianlarich loco shed 11th May 85 C6843 Crianlarich 11th May 85 C6844 Crianlarich 11th May 85 C6894 Crianlarich 11th Oct 86 C8056 David

It's one of Dad's photos, I just copied the caption from his catalogue and didn't check it. Many thanks for pointing it out. David