Coniston Weekend 30 Sep - 3 Oct 2011
Friday 30 September
The early birds took advantage of the exceptional weather to make a mid-morning start to Coniston, making sure they could get the best patio seats at the 'Black Bull' and sink a few "Bluebirds". Unfortunately some had to miss out on the afternoon session due to work commitments whilst Emma Smith was delayed due to a rough ferry crossing over lake Windermere. After quenching our thirst and
Coniston Centre
Some arrived in style! Can you name the old banger?
Having unpacked, it was time for an early evening stroll to enjoy what must have been the warmest last day of September ever in Coniston. We headed down to the lake shore to take in the beauty of the area, feed the ducks and for a few to have a very short paddle. The light was perfect for photography and the cameras were clicking away.
eating a light lunch it was time to take possession of our cottages and search for the best bedroom. Rachel Cooke won with the only room having a settee, TV and ensuite kitchen! Her partner for the weekend, Helen Wainwright must have been impressed.
THE VIEW...
THE PADDLERS
THE DUCKIES...
Part of course..
With such a warm evening we had to take advantage of the delightful barbeque area just across the road and by the bridge over the river. Cumberland sausages and an assortment of different burgers were puchased by the catering team leader, Teresa Wiliams, whilst the men's bbq captain, Jonathan Routledge took command of the charcoal and matches. Jonathan insisted on waiting for the late arrivals to appear, although there was debate on whether we should start before Alan Tattersall turned up. As luck had it, Teresa had purchased enough sausages to satisfy even Stewart Haigh's needs. Thanks to Karen Youel for decorating the area with candles to provide a little light so that we could see what we were eating.
The Mens BBQ team in action
Brian and Ken in action
Jonathan's BBQ skills were excellent and he only managed to loose one sausage and one burger through the grill onto the charcoal. Everyone tucked in and it was soon apparant that one or two...or even more, were going to exceed the pre-race night intake of food and drink...but who cared at the time?
The Ackworth Hoodies
And all too soon it was time to go indoors and settle down in the luxurious bedrooms and enjoy a restful night's sleep....or so Brian thought! Unfortunately he hadn't heeded Stewart's advice to go to bed first and get to sleep before he arrived and got into snoring mode. Brian was forced to retreat downstairs and put as much wall and floor insulation as possible between him and the noise, only to find Jonathan still partying into the night in the lounge.
Stewart had a restful night, but would pay for it over the next two nights!.
The eating was interrupted when Jonathan spotted a fire burning in the yard at the back of the Black Bull pub opposite. Alan Tattersall could see some cannisters smoking and feared an explosion. The two sprinted across the bridge, round to the pub, ready to use their beer intake if necessary to dowse the flames. Chris Taylor fumbled for his mobile ready to dial 999......when the flames went out. A few minutes later our two gallant heroes returned, without having to use their make-shift 'hosepipes' They had met one of the pub staff who told them that they had just been using their incinerator! Visitors regularly made the same mistake - especially those drinking in the BBQ area of our cottages!
Lindsey introduces the after BBQ speaker
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