Forehill PS 5k Race

My 60th year has been special. In July I ran a 10K with my daughter Helen and today I ran a 5K with my grandson Rhys. Both were firsts. Apart form odd breaks I have done various forms of exercise since being a tad older than Rhys.  As teenagers my daughters showed no interest in any sporting activity. In these later years this has changed and it gives me great pleasure in taking part in recent events.

The weekend was very wet but it was decided to continue with the race.  The course was very muddy in places but the sun was out for the afternoon. I had a really enjoyable run. Even after numerous tellings Rhys would not keep a steady pace and he kept running hard until he had to walk.

The Start: Rhys and I on the right

The course went form behind Kyle Academy by the riverside to the footbridge. Along to Dam Park, up into the University grounds and a loop back to the river. We then went towards the golf course before returning back to the footbridge over onto the south bank and returning to the school fields.

As I expected Rhys perked up for the finish and we had a competitive sprint for the line. Rhys crossing first to big cheers from the support volunteers, his Mum and Grandmother! It was one of my most enjoyable feelings of the year, stride for stride with Rhys and a big grin on his face.

Surprisingly each finisher received a medal. That will be pinned on the notice board behind my PC.

The rain returned as we got back to the car, perfect timing!

Tom's 60th Birthday

Tom joins the exalted group of bus pass owners.  He is having a holiday next week for his actual birthday so we sprung a surprise at the start of our cons meeting.

For a birthday - the perfect working environment met Tom as he came to work this morning.  There was just enough room for his brown fruit scone which is collected from the restaurant at 08:32 each day. As with all ageing Ayrshire folk regularity is critical in all things.  Another treat provided by the secret desk designer was a "Killi Pie" an essential footballing accessory.  (Those outside the West of Scotland may have to Google the significance of the previous sentence. )

Following on with the football theme a personalised Kilmarnock shirt was well received.

Lynsey presented the highlights of Tom's family and working life using  photos to trigger some of Tom's most renown tales which mainly included bare backsides and drink.  Several presents to help Tom through the coming years followed.

We all went to the Fox and Hounds for a celebration lunch. A birthday cake awaited our return to round of the early afternoon and on to more con-calls!!!

Further photos of the presentation can be seen HERE

The 25th Site Anniversary

My company built the current manufacturing and office site 25 years ago.  Today we had celebrations with music, barbecue, games and big prize draws.

Just after 11am Clive kicked the day off with introduction and reminders of what was planned.

Outside our office area gave a good view of events. Here are a number of SCIT members watching on.

The Celebration Cake 

The group entered a team in the "Human" football event. Congratulation to Graham, Saeed, Apillonia, Mark, Grant, Stephen and Andrew for a well fought game. Imagine a game of table football with real people using ropes to keep them in two competing rows!!! See the link below for action photos of the match.

Other photos can be found HERE .

Trip To Manchester and Liverpool

As we decided to stay in the UK for this years holidays we had a cultural trip to Manchester and Liverpool. This closed my holiday period following the Olympics and a family wedding in Chester-le-Street.

In Manchester we visited a large Lowry exhibition and in Liverpool there was a exhibition of paintings by Turner, Monet and Twombly.  Comparing their styles and influences.

Further up the coast was Anthony Gormley's beach figures at Crosby.

We let the train take the strain and left the car at home.  The Senior Rail Card came to out of the wallet. The Holiday Inn and Thistle Hotels provided the rooms and breakfasts.

Further photos are HERE

Salford Quays

Jean finds a new pal......

Figures at Crosby Beach

Gillian and Matty's Wedding

A brilliant afternoon and evening attending Gillian and Matty's Wedding at Lumley Castle.

A unique and moving ceremony followed by a wedding afternoon tea held in a real medieval castle with steep stairs and narrow passageways.

The remaining photos can be found HERE

Coffee Shop Fun

Could not stop my self taking this in Ann's favourite coffee shop in Towcester.  Thanks again to Ann and Geoff for a great weekend.

Trend setting "fascinator" for the Wedding

Olympic Park and Stadium

The time arrived -- my only Olympic session. In a stadium with 79,999 other people. I've never experienced a crowd that large.

I was starting to get hoarse by 8pm so had to rein back my shouting for Team GB. Every British athlete was cheered even for warming up.  The highlights were Di Greene just missing the bronze and Usain Bolt receiving his medal for the 100m.

The number of people in the Park was enormous. Every vantage point to view the large screens positioned in the centre of the river was taken. Even the large thoroughfares were divided up to keep people flowing.

The whole park was built along the banks of a river. Much of the park was made to look natural. Especially by the main stadium. Meadow flowers in full bloom covered the river banks.

Check out my photos here

Transport to and from the Park was excellent. I got from the Stadium to Milton Keynes in 90 minutes and was back at Ann's in Towcester by 23:40. Many thanks to Geoff for staying up to drive me on the final leg!!