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Family News
January 2001
David Hitchings
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In this month's e-pages:
News from D & C
News from John Davidson
Last month's Pic of the Past
Pic of the Past
Pictures
Snippets
Comment
Links
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Hi All,
Welcome to the Family News pages, this time for January 2001. One day I'll get them out on the last day of the month again.
Usually Celia and I don't like Jan & Feb, but this year January especially has passed quickly and the end of it has caught me unawares. I am writing this on Sunday 4th Feb, and we still seem to be busy. Today it's raining, so I am inside, yesterday started by taking the Hurricane for it's MOT at Jim's garage at 8 o'clock in the morning. It passed, so we went for a ride - yes Celia actually went in it! Found the local seller of leaded petrol and filled up. Yes, it goes better and sounds smoother, which surprised me.
Celia is decorating our bedroom, which seems strange at this time of year, until you think that there is not much that can be done outside. This has helped to keep us busy, preparation, buying things, moving furniture etc.
Last weekend we went to Tamworth to visit Andrew & Mairead. I had a meeting at Newcastle-under Lyme on the Friday, so one journey and a slight diversion and we all benefitted. Had a good time, on the Sunday before returning, went into Birmingham centre which is very interesting. On my way back from my meeting I came through Rugeley, which seemed a bit familiar. Bill and family would remember it much better than I did.
D & C
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Report from John Davidson
on his latest news.
(John's pictures and captions are on the right, referring to his trip to Ireland)
Happy New Year to everyone!
After my break in Dublin I'm now starting my final semester at Stirling University, in which I'll be writing a dissertation about the novels of George Orwell. So I'll be finished towards the end of April and hopefully graduate at the end of June.
Since February last year I've been writing a column on life in Scotland for AOL (America Online), so anybody who uses the AOL service should look at Keyword: BORDER. Life in Scotland is suiting me very well, with late drinking hours and plenty of things to do! In the summer I'm hoping to move to Glasgow, because I think it's a great city and I've met some nice people and good friends in the area. I would ideally like to find a job in the Scottish media, perhaps writing on the internet or eventually for television or radio. Despite enjoying my time in Scotland, I'm still following Bolton Wanderers - although I don't think David approves - and I go back to see them and my family and friends every so often!
My flatmate and myself will be watching Rangers versus Brechin City (a Scottish third division side) at the end of January so we're hoping for a bit of an upset in that one. I also play a little bit of football at university, although mainly just in our six-a-side team.
In the footsteps of my dad and my uncle I've recently got my first 'old banger', which is a Vauxhall Nova that gets me around, even if it does struggle with the cold Scottish weather occasionally.
Apart from that I've been watching a few bands in the last couple of months, including Teenage Fanclub, The Wonder Stuff and a Beatles tribute band over in Dublin.
I'm in the process of compiling my own website in my spare time too, so I've been promised a link from the Family News page as soon as it's ready. Hopefully that won't be too long now and I hope everyone will come and visit! I'll get back to my study now and hope you all have a successful year.
Cheers! John Davidson.
john2000ad@aol.com
(John's address & phone No. available)
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Above - John and friends outside the Guinness brewery
Below - Christchurch, the cathedral where we heard the bells at midnight
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Above - Sculpture on the streets of Dublin, an Amnesty International
model, I think.
Below - a table made by a prisoner in Dublin castle.
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Pic of the Past
Mary & Dave's Wedding
24th January 1976
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Last month's Pic of the Past produced some response from those in the picture. We had some interesting e-mails, ending with a detailed description of Richard Corbyn's underpants and a date of 1978. No-one seems to know where the Castle is. I have forgotten, but it looks like Warkworth. Celia thinks it is Starlight Castle. ???
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Snippets: -
Early January was a time for the end of the party round, so we had my Mum's party on 1st and then to Aunty Mary's on 3rd. We saw Edgar & Norah twice in a week, when we don't often see them. Must put that right, they are not far away.
There have been several birthdays this month - John, Mary, Alec and Zoë. All the best!
Mary and Dave have had trouble with one of their cars, like it's gone to the great parking lot in the sky (old age.)
Mary and Dave had their silver wedding anniversary on 24th January. A quiet time was requested, so we all sent cards rather than descend on them for another party. We will get our own back one day.
Anne & Alec have had a weekend in the Yorkshire Dales. We are extremely jealous - see below.
Alan Davidson has changed his job, hope the new one is working out OK. I will try to get more details.
Rosie has finished her dissertation, hopefully with success.
Jenny is thinking of buying a house - good move! Anyone with spare furniture is requested to get in touch.
We are hoping to see Bill & Betty, they are planning a trip to the UK, March is the time, dates to be confirmed. We are looking forward to it.
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Postcard from Anne & Alec wish we were there
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A few more of David's pics……...
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Prior Park in Bath, taken during our recent visit. Celia is on the bridge.
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Lewes at sunrise, with Mount Caburn on the left and Firle Beacon on the right.
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Wakehurst Place in the morning sun, Jan 2001
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Comment
Well, not much to complain about just now, but…...
There was a report recently about some Councils waging war on the motor car. They are setting up some houses and flats where the purchaser will have to sign a declaration that they will not own any motor vehicle, and there are no parking places in the developments. This does not seem the way to stop people using cars. What is needed is good quality alternative transport and let people make their own choices. The growth of internet shopping should also reduce the need to travel. Cars can then be used for the journeys left where there are no alternatives, and for leisure activities.
Next month, a different topic.
Dave H
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