MERRY CHRISTMAS

We wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year to all our friends and family. Everyone take care and have a good Christmas holiday.

Papplewick Pumping Station

Today, we explored the pumping station at Papplewick. It used to pump water to pipe into Nottingham. It was built in 1884 and has some great buildings and a massive James Watt steam driven beam engine. Joe learnt about the engine and the history of the pumping station.

Out in the Landy

The Landy was treated to new wheels and tyres this weekend so then went out to "test them" at Clumber Park. Joe did some driving in the woods and had a great bike ride. He was covered in mud and enjoyed splashing through the tracks. We followed up on foot.



On Sunday, we found a new nature park near Lincoln at a place called Whisby and went exploring over there. There are several lakes, a vistors centre and different walks to follow. Joe had liked being in the "hide" watching the birds out on the lake with the binoculars.

Vicar Water Country Park

We went to Vicar Water at Clipstone and walked around and across the "hill" that is the landscaped pit tip from Clipstone Colliery. Clipstone pit headstocks were reputed to be the highest in the country and the colliery was one of the largest in Nottinghamshire. The area has now been landscaped as a country park and from the top, it commands views out across Nottinghamshire and across to Derbyshire.

Gone to the dogs !!

We had a great day today. We met up with my Brother Paul, Sam, Matthew, Rebecca and Laura.

Matt was playing football for Arnold Town Boys so we watched the game. Lost 3-0 but it was good to see him play. We had some tea then went to the greyhound racing down at Colwick.

Kim and Wayne will remember it as it's the place where they caught the bus loads of times.

Lost on every race but had great fun and Joe loved it. It didn't matter what we chose from, the form, number of wins, the name or whether the dog had a pee on the parade beforehand, we just couldn't get a winner.

Tara for now.

Sherwood Pines

Yes I know it's boring you to death but it's new and exciting so we're having a go with our new plaything, the blog! We'll soon get over it and forget to post anything but for now, it's shiny, bright and wonderful.

We had Lauren stop over with us this weekend and the weather's still good and quite warm even though Autumn's coming on. We went up to Sherwood Pines this afternoon in Robin Hood Country and had a good walk in the forest. Nice day and good fun.

Thanks you guys for sending your comments back. It's great to here from you all. We miss you all! xx

Joe's Riding Lessons

Joe's cousin Lauren comes to stop with us some weekends. She loves horses so we set up some lessons at the school at the edge of the village. Joe wanted to join in so we booked him in as well and he's loved it.

Right, splendid, that seems to work.

Bear with me, I'll try and upload a piccy. This is Joe and me in July on his Birthday at Drayton Manor. He's now wants to ride all the coasters he can. We went on "G Force" a few times. Nic tried it and it nearly finished her off. Great fun. Can't wait to go again. The Pandemoneum ride was ace as well. Tara for now.

Thanks guys

Welcome to our first blog and thanks to Karen and Kim for getting us into the 21st Century and world of blogs. We love your regular blog updates but we'll never be up to the prolific publishing rate Kaz.

Here goes anyway. I'll put this on and see if it works!

Love to you all xx

Nic, Andy & Joe

The Hopewell's Blog