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"