Spaceman From Mars Lands At The Ship on Holy Island

It's not every day that a spaceman from Mars decides to spend his leisure time at The Ship Inn on Holy Island, but on Tuesday 16 October that's is exactly what happened. To unfold a little more detail about this very interesting story, our guest, Sheila Delamere is the key to this news item.

(Alan pictured above with one of his stunning Mars photographs)

Sheila had visited Holy Island way back 30 years ago and decided to revisit Holy Island along with her husband Alan as part of their UK holiday tour. Alan and Sheila formerly Liverpudlians moved to Boulder Colorado USA where Alan took up a job that many small boys dream of, that is, being a Space Scientist working for Ball Aerospace in the state of Colorado. Alan's claim to fame is that he is the scientist that developed the HIRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) camera that is currently on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. This satellite launched in March 2006 circum navigates anywhere between 250 Kms and 300 Kms above the earth sending spectacular images of the planet Mars.

Alan, quite an assuming man, casually answered when asked by Andrew Hnat, landlord, what do you do for a living "Oh, I am just a space scientist involved with a mission on Mars" Slightly taken aback with this rather unusual reply Alan said "I have some photographs if you would like to see them?". The answer as you can imagine, was a resounding "Yes!"

This was then followed by what only can be described as "an evening to remember" with Alan showing some of the most spectacular 3D images ever witnessed. Locals and guests alike sat around Alan's laptop with loaned 3D glasses "oohing and ahhing" at some of the most incredible photos ever seen. As Andrew said, "we all felt like we were descending down the side of some of the most spectacular craters, trying to reach and touch the incredible rock formations right in front of our eyes!" Harem, one of our colourful locals, who always has something to say, was on this occasion, just speechless, as in fact we all were. For those astronomers out there, Alan's CV over the years is pretty impressive working on missions involving Sky Lab, Comet Halley and the Deep Impact Mission.

For further information visit the web link Alan is involved with on:

http://hirisetest.lpl.arizona.edu/index.php

Surpise Marriage Proposal at The Ship Holy Island of Lindisfarne

An evening planned at The Ship Inn by Leanne Swallow for her partner Joe Jobling turned in to a fairy tale ending with a romantic meal topped off with a celebratory bottle of Moet et Chandon champagne. The evening earlier had been a complete surpise for Leanne, when Joe proposed in room one's four poster bedroom, so popular with couples who just want that extra special ambiance.

Joe, a statistician from Edinburgh popped the question of "will you marry me?" to Leanne who works as an archivist and is originally from West Yorkshire.

Leanne replied this evening with those magic words, "Yes I will" exactly 5 years to the day when they met in 2002 at a Stone Roses tribute band concert. They now plan to marry in April 2009 and both plan to return at some time in the future to The Ship to celebrate this very special day. Andrew & Janice and all the staff at The Ship sent Leanne & Joe warmest congratulations and best wishes for the future.

Eve of Wedding Celebrations

Andy Wood of Denholme West Yorkshire checked in for one night with his old schoolfriend Geoff Monk. As Andy said "it's not what you think!" The evening of the 22 September was actually spent having an enjoyable evening meal with his wife to be, April Geisler from Maryland USA and Geoff's wife Sue. Geoff and Sue travelled up from Ravenshead Nottinghamshire in preparation for the wedding of Andy & April to be held Sunday morning at 10.00am at Lindisfarne castle with a follow on honeymoon going back to where they met, Florence Italy. Andrew & Janice and all the staff at The Ship wish April and Andy many happy years together and maybe one day they will return to the wonderful Holy Island of Lindisfarne for an anniversary celebration

Frank 60 not out and achieves silver

Frank Gregory has achieved the six decade mark on 9th September and shortly will also celebrate achieving silver for 25 years of marriage on Tuesday 18 September to his wife Pauline. To mark this memorable milestone, Frank held a 60th birthday party at The Ship Inn. Over 100 local islanders, family and friends turned up for the occasion with a party that went well on into the night. Music was provided by local artistes, Nite Talk, who brought the house down with a mix of music covering from the 50's up to the present day.

Pauline & Frank Gregory (above)

Photo on the right shows some of the party revellers in full swing. Frank can also be spotted (arm raised) doing his version of Mick Jagger's, I Can't Get No Satisfaction! The Ship would like to thank Pauline for choosing The Ship for the party venue.... a few sore heads were in abundance in the village in the morning, but as we always say "never again, until the next time!"

A New Son For Albert

Adelbert Henzel our barman, affectionately known as "Albert" is seen here celebrating the birth of his first baby son Krisztian born on the 8 August at 1300 hrs BST. Albert is working at The Ship for the season returning to his home in Budapest Hungary in November.

Albert took paternity leave to be with his wife Ruslana and spent 8 days with her. Sadly he had to return to the UK missing the birth by one day! Albert was obviously overjoyed on hearing the news and celebrated in style by opening a bottle of his favourite champagne, Moet et Chandon and is seen here in the picture pouring the celebratory drink.

Janice & Andrew, staff at The Ship and all of the friends Albert has made on Holy Island send their very best wishes to his wife, baby Krisztian and of course Albert .

Champagne Birthday Celebrations for Sheila Lishman

Another year and another birthday. But not an ordinary birthday for Sheila Lishman, who was celebrating her special birthday (the exact years you will have to guess!) with her two Holy Island friends, Pauline Patterson and Barbara Kyle. It was Pauline's idea to do a "ladies who lunch" and decided a champagne celebration at The Ship would just do nicely. On a lovely sunny day, with a glass of bubbly in hand rounded off a perfect lunchtime to celebrate Sheila's birthday.

Pictured from left to right are, Barbara Kyle, Sheila Lishman and Pauline Patterson

Bucks Fizz Breakfast

Champagne breakfasts and champagne lunches have over the past few weeks proved popular at The Ship Inn, along with a champagne room welcome for those special occasions.

Pictured here enjoying their champagne breakfast (from L to R) are Lynda Brown from Leeds, Jean Ringrose from Harrogate and Gayda Jackson from Toronto. Gayda with her sister Lynda and friend Jean spent two enjoyable nights at The Ship on route to Cumbria where Gayda is researching her family tree. The "bucks fizz" breakfast will be part of a lasting memory of their stay on Holy Island which to quote their words, "the island was magical and spellbinding in an atmosphere of peace and total tranquility"

Perseid Meteor Shower August 13

This year's meteor shower on August 13th 2007 will be the greatest for years and will be best seen where there is no light pollution against a black sky, which if the evening is clear, will always be enjoyed on a Holy Island summer night. Therefore what better place to be for any budding astronomer for the magical natural firework display that will occur as the earth passes through the trail of debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle whereby tiny grains of dust and ice will collide with the earth's atmosphere with speeds of up to 30 miles a second. There may be anything from dozens, or even hundreds as the meteors rain down upon us. The Ship is noted for its lovely beer garden and with ample seating is an ideal place to enjoy a pint and hopefully as the night moves on enjoy an usual but enjoyable spectacle.

Jazz Night Sunday 1st July 2007

Back by popular demand Peter Roughead and The Tweed River Jazzmen will be playing again at The Ship on Sunday 1st July, starting at 830 pm. As always, Peter's band plays New Orleans trad jazz and if the evening runs to form he and his band will have a few folks dancing in the aisles. They are not to be missed and as always, will be playing for pure enjoyment with any donations given will be gratefully received and donated to The British Heart Foundation.

North Shore's Bed & Breakfast - The Hut?

For those visiting the island and enjoying the comfort the The Ship Inn can provide a visit to The North Shore of the island to see "The Hut" is to experience something a little different. It is understood the foundation work commenced around the new millennium and over the past 7 years has transgressed from a few piles of rocks into a substantial dwelling. Although some folk may say basic, this little masterpiece can provide shelter from the strong prevailing winds. Inside, although small, it provides a stone seat or two, which is remarkably comfortable, especially after walking across the sands (and at low tide the shingle & rock) of the wonderful North Shore Bay. Although no "star rating" adorns the entrance, this little gem is worth a visit and should be on all keen walkers to Holy Island visitors "must do" list. Inside held in a waterproof container is a guest book, with comments that would be the envy of any hotel or B&B establishment, project photographs, plus a few surprises in store that will be a talking point when you get back.

Ship Inn Garden Opens For The New Season 2007

The Ship's garden opened for business for the Easter weekend. During the latter weeks of March much of the popular beer garden was re-turfed all in time for another busy season ahead on Holy Island. Tables were completely stripped down by employee Tomasz Poliwczak and were brought back to their new condition.The 1st customer used the garden facilities on Thursday 5 April on what turned out to be a warm sunny day, a perfect start to an enjoyable, but very busy

Easter weekend.

The First Garden Visitor for 2007

Maggie Carr of Selby, Yorkshire enjoys a complimentary Campari & Orange for being the very 1st visitor to the Ship garden

New Kitchen Provides New Menu

Work for the new kitchen started with planning design meetings back in July 2006. During their first full season co owner, Andrew Hnat, realised that the original kitchen, although doing a good job was limited due to its small size. The Ship has always had a good reputation for its range of drink and good value food but it soon became apparent that the business could achieve a far greater potential if the kitchen facilities were improved.

Working closely with main contractors. Border Refrigeration and Catering Equipment in conjunction with the appointed building contractor, Johnson of Belford Northumberland, work commenced on the very first weekend of the New Year 2007. The target of end of February was agreed to and was achieved with the close cooperation of the main contractor with the full support of nominated sub contractors.

However, as Andrew said “it was a bit like a scene out of the BBC programme “Changing Rooms” with the customer coming around the corner at any minute" there were the inevitable problems over the main 6 week programme but we got there with literally only a few hours to spare!"

The major work entailed major new structural steelwork to support removal, or repositioning of internal walls to create a new kitchen that is now 250% bigger then the old version. With the full approval of the local authority work was carried out ensuring that any changes complied sympathetically to the needs of the building which is grade 2 listed.

In conjunction with the major build encompassing new walls, ceilings, and floors all to the latest food catering standards a new kitchen cooking range of equipment has been installed to compliment the new layout. All areas are supported by a new ventilation system which combined with new process flow provides an ambiance complimentary to a state of the art kitchen.

By creating this new and exciting facility it has enabled head chef, Paul Armstrong, in conjunction with joint owners, Andrew Hnat & Janice Cowan, to create a new menu introducing many new creative dishes to the inn's table with supporting seasonal changes posted on the “Specials Board”.

To view our current menu please use the link provided via the main web page. We hope you will enjoy the new creative menu that we have thoughtfully put together.

Diary of An Island

Follow a year on Holy Island, as filmed by Tyne Tees Television. The new 8 part series has its first transmission this Thursday 19 April broadcast at 7.30 pm. The "fly on the wall" documentary follows life on Holy Island commencing near Christmas 2005 through to the end of the year 2006.

The Ship features in New Year 2005 and Jazz night during Autumn 2006. Details of the forthcoming Jazz events can be viewed on the separate link Jazz at The Ship.

Forthcoming Jazz Event

Back by popular demand The Tweed River Jazzmen lead by Peter Roughead will be appearing again at The Ship on Sunday 29 April. Peter and his band first played at The Ship back in July 2006. This very first evening was a such a success with our Holy Island locals and visitors a return booking was made for November 2006 and featured in the Tyne Tees Television series "Diary of An Island". The first episode will be transmitted on Thursday, April 19th at 7.30 pm on ITV. See link for more specific details.

Peter's band play an easy listening "toe tapping" mix of traditional New Orleans jazz. Careful attention is always paid to the evening selected to ensure a good open tide will allow folk to enjoy the pleasure of "Jazz at The Ship" and not be stranded after the event. Please note, the island will open at 1700 hrs and close at 0045 hrs Monday morning, which should leave plenty of time to come and go. For those who fancy an evening meal before the jazz begins, just give us a call on 01289 389311 and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Also if you can't make this date the next jazz night will be on Sunday 1 July.... more details to follow.