Christmas Charm In The Winter Wonderland of Holy Island Northumberland

This is now our 6th Winter on Holy Island and until the winter of December 2009 to February 2010 there has been no snow of significance to speak of. The 3 months starting just a year ago certainly made up the lack of snow fall which came with a vengeance, islanders saying they hadn't seen anything like it for nearly 50 years. Well if records are to be broken this is the year for it with snow returning with record falls starting this Winter as early as 24 November and as we go to press snow is still falling almost 1 month on!

The Ship Inn has opened as usual on the key winter days and for those who will venture out good home made food awaits with our usual selection of ales, wines and spirits. where you can relax by our lovely open fire. And if you want to totally relax why not book a few days as a few rooms are still left to enjoy the true tranquility of the island, as many of you already know, the island is at its' best on these lovely Winter days.

If you are out to stretch those legs over the festive break The Ship Inn will be serving lunches and evening meals as usual from Boxing Day, for our special New Year's eve night a few limited table places now remain.

Goodbye Winter & Hello Spring!

Spring is here at last on what can only be described as a perfect day here on Holy Island, warm, sunny and clear blue skies. A real difference after what has been the longest winter for many years, with many of the islanders saying that this was the worst Winter for nearly 50 years!

Snow fell on the first week of December and continued with many heavy falls up until the end of February. Daytime temperatures often hovered around -10C with just across the Borders temperatures of -22.5C being recorded. The island was virtually cut off for 10 days with the causeway and beautiful Lindisfarne Bay encased in frozen sea for at least a mile out.

Putting the weather to one side The Ship celebrated Old Year's Night in style with an innn heaving with folk, a firework display that would put many professional displays to shame and finally dance music that had the whole inn up on their feet to the early hours

and finally..... where were we during the last 6 months?!

First of all to our faithful blog readers a big apology for not updating our blog for near on 6 months. No excuses, I know, but this year has been hard on the personal front with many unforeseen issues (non business) that when so called spare time has been available we have been absorbed in sorting various important bits and pieces.So let's just sum up and put matters right, with hopefully a few interesting stories by looking back to April when Norman the gnome was given a new lease of life up to the present time.

Mid April kicked off with Dick Patterson, our loyal postman hanging up his boots after delivering the island mail for well over 40 years. Dick battled through all weathers, wore out many many pairs of boots and walked hundreds of thousands miles during his days of delivering the island post. His farewell was marked with a retirement buffet at our Heritage Centre with many islanders in attendance. Malcolm Patterson, our local island Postmaster (on the right of the picture) presented Dick with a well deserved cheque from a well deserved village collection.


May: on a beautiful sunny weekend we were taken back to the 1930's with our hotel accommodation taken over by members of the Ford Model Y and Model R club. The cars in pristine condition drew many admiring glances from passers by as they lined up on Marygate. "It's just like turning back the clock 70 years" said one onlooker. You realise that the pace of life back then was not so much in a rush as the owners said they had journeyed from parts of the UK between 200 & 400 miles at a steady 40 mph. The cars all a credit to their owners will be welcome back any time.

Mid May: Another year to be etched on the stick as the birthday comes around again. This year is quite poignant as I reach 5 years since my dreaded operation for kidney cancer. Still here and enjoying life to the full and realising how lucky I have been.

August Bank Holiday: The vikings return for another historic reenactment weekend. As always an enjoyable weekend is spent with the vikings again bringing in the crowds and good weather as per the year previous, spring bank holiday 2008. Battle weary vikings descend on the pub and again break all records by adding to an amazing 2000 pints of beer drunk over a 3 evening visit!

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Sadly "Norman the Gnome" meets his fate once again by a senseless visitor who wanders onto the rockery, somehow without any explanation falls on top of him then wanders into the bar with a handful of pieces, only to tell me that "if the gnome is so precious then it shouldn't be out in the garden on public display?!" well, fortunately, Geoff from Cullercoates returns for another break (excuse the pun!) and sets to on his holiday and "Norman the gnome" comes back to life again. As autumn approaches and after a lengthy debate at the next company board meeting it is decided that Norman will spent his time indoors until Spring 2010. We await for Norman's next adventure!

Norman returns from his Winter Break (and no longer in pieces!)

Norman is not the tallest of people, in fact, upon maturity his height remains at only 12 inches in height! The reason being, Norman is a Gnome in The Ship Inn garden. He has intrigued many of our guests by mysteriously appearing in a different location almost daily. Is he real? Well if you believe in Gnomes, maybe he is. One thing's for sure, he's been missed for the past 6 months having spent his Winter break (in more ways than one!) in the garage of regular Holy Island visitor, Jeff Sanderson. During Jeff's last stay on the island last October, Jeff (although he denies this!) was pouring out his thoughts to Norman at the end of an enjoyable evening on the "golden nectar" with Jeff saying his farewells by placing him below the garden rockery. Bad move by Jeff, as during the night a large piece of rockery fell onto Norman, whereupon he was discovered next day in a million bits. Sheepishly, Jeff said "it must have been me, maybe it was the whisky on the rocks!", a likely story.

Don't worry said Jeff "I will fix him" and to Jeff's credit he has! Spending many an hour in his garden shed over Winter, Jeff to be fair, has done a tremendous job and repaired Norman, who now looks as good as new.The only concern from Jeff's wife, Anita is she says, he is constantly singing "Hi Ho, hi Ho, it's off to work we go!" Oh well it takes all sorts, but if you have a Gnome in a bit of a fix then contact The Ship to get Jeff's Gnome Busters business contact details.

To Enjoy A Drink You Must Have A Canadian Dry!

Having a Canadian Dry (and not a Canada Dry with your drink) was certainly not the main aim when The Ship had a visit from 7 happy go lucky Canadians spending three days on the island. Having walked the St Cuthbert's Way, most parties staying at The Ship just chill out and leave quitely. Not so our Canadian friends, who brought a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere during their stay. The Ship Inn prides itself on their display of a wide range of malt whiskeys which was certainly an enjoyable challenge for our Canadian party plus copius amounts of Holy Island Blessed Bitter and the much loved Secret Kingdom, brewed by Hadrian & Border Brewery. Landlord, Andrew Hnat said "he would be glad to see them back (no not their back!) and looks forward to an island reunion maybe in 2009 or 2010". Whatever the outcome, Holy Island is waiting and will be prepared for their return without a Canadian Dry!

Freddy 70 Not Out!

Freddy Hoult (pictured left) celebrated in style at The Ship Inn on Thursday 28 August along with his wife Peta, family and friends by holding a Fish and Chip supper to celebrate Freddy's 70th birthday. Not looking a day over 60, Freddy celebrated in style and brought back wonderful memories on how enjoyment can be had in the lovely old historic building of The Ship Inn by an impromptu gathering of Freddy Hoult's Choir (pictured top right) Wonderful songs such as "The Blaydon Races" were sung in perfect harmony and local "Geordie English" that was a delight for casual "lookers on" and would have been worthy of entering the BBC competition "The Last Choir Standing!"

Freddy has had a long association with the island, going back many many years with his first memorable visit in Freddy's words "coming onto the island as a nipper with his Mother and Father in their Model "T" Ford.

His Father already knew the island well, as he often came by sailing into the harbour with The Royal Northumberland Yacht Club. Following in his father's foot steps, Freddy paid a visit with the same yacht club visiting with friends on his Northumberland One Design "Wren Named" yacht. Originally living in Beadnell and later in Newcastle, Freddy has had an island home in the Herring Houses for over 30 years.

During the evening tributes were paid with one particular story from Andrew Hnat the landlord, telling those gathered that aside from The Ship Inn his first meal away from the business was at the Crown & Anchor with his fiancé Janice on their very first night on the island and who should make the first conversation from the adjacent table to Andrew & Janice but none other than Freddy & Peta Hoult, a memorable evening never forgotten!

Vikings Rape & Pillage Holy Island

In real terms, terrorising the island they do not but to drink the island dry they try hard ! However last bank holiday Friday 23 May, over 200 Vikings descended upon the Holy Island. Coming from all points of the compass, the vikings were here as the guests of English Heritage and put on a marvellous display of the reinactment of the invasion of Lindisfarne to the more gentle pastimes of demonstrating arts & crafts of this historic period in British History.

( Picture shows some of the Vikings and their wenches enjoying a quiet drink or two!)

Other historic records were also attempted when up to 100 vikings at a time in full battle dress descended upon The Ship Inn during their 4 day holiday period and attempted to "drink the house dry". However good stocks were in hand and the cellar managed to keep the lads and the lassies well imbibed but never running totally short.... close, but not short!

Added to this the weather that prevailed over the weekend was superb, so as the holiday weekend moved on a pace, glowing cheeks (on their faces of course!) were best cooled down with copious amounts of ale, wine and spiritswith the occasiona hearty meal! And for the record, the Viking enthusiasts were well behaved and never any trouble. One sour incident did occur, but for the record had no part at all with the viking group on the island. This was swiftly dealt with by Andrew the landlord with the offending individual sent packing with Viking bodyguards in the wings in case additional support was needed!

All in all an enjoyable weekend was had by all, to which the island will probably not see another like it.... until the next time that is. See you again boys and we will be ready to defend our barrels!!

Ducks Are Quackers About The Ship

If you are not an islander then a little explaining needs to be done! Going back to 1965 the very 1st island duck supper was held at the Iron Rails Inn on Marygate. The inn is now sadly closed, but in its heyday the island male fraternity with invited friends from neighbouring Northumberland and border Scottish villages got together for the annual duck supper.

This great island tradition has continued to the present day with the unique celebration traditionally relying upon ducks from the local wild fowlers. Having shot their own duck in the latter part of Winter, the months of February or March is earmarked in the diary for the gathering of local menfolk on the island. The evening dinner then got underway where everybody sat down for supper and was presented with their own duck personally cooked for them. Each duck served with a hearty portion of "tatties" (potatoes) and bagies (turnips) and of course washed down with the obligatory ale and wine.

Now in its' 43rd year, The Ship Inn this year was honoured by hosting this unique event. A welcome speech was given by Andrew, the landlord, followed on by the guest speaker which this year the honour went to Clive Massey. Clive (with his wife Sue) originally owned the Lindisfarne Hotel for over 30 years and is well experienced in hosting many island Duck Suppers and was able to look back at this unique island tradition, with of course, a few hilarious tales thrown in.

After Andrew's and Clive's speeches and with dinner over guests drank and reminisced into the early hours with the last revellers leaving around 4.00 am. This was quite early by some accounts! The feedback since was that an excellent time was had by all, in particular the ducks were cooked to perfection, with all and sundry looking forward to returning to The Ship Inn next year.

Photo top left shows Clive in full swing with photo left showing the "very smart brigade" appologies Robert, Jimmy, and Dick!

Murder at The Ship Inn

We were surprised also in discovering that a murder had been committed at The Ship Inn! However after carrying out a more thorough investigation of our own we were slightly relieved to find out the murder is in fact in the latest book by author Ken Scott's thriller, namely, "The Sun Will Still Shine Tomorrow".

Ken recently spent a couple of days on the island staying at The Ship Inn so as he could finalise his master script checking the minutiae detail just before the official book launch, earmarked for the 2oth March. Speaking at The Ship Inn, Ken informed us that he has been working on his latest novel for the last year and had gathered initial information from our Ship Inn website. On arrival at The Ship he found it was all that he imagined it would be. Besides the wonderful character within the building he said that the warm welcome made him feel at home.

Hailing originally from Berwick upon Tweed, Ken got into writing with his first crime thriller novel the "Jack of Hearts" published in October 2005. This was closely followed up the following year with the sequel "A Million Would Be Nice" voted by Amazon as the "best thriller of the year" . This was Ken's turning point as he decided to give up his day job as an international offshore consultant and take up full time writing carried out from his home near Alicante Spain.

Northumberland though is still very dear to Ken's heart and particularly Holy Island, from which he has many fond memories and Ken thought it would be ideal for his latest crime thriller.

When published the book will be available at The Ship Inn, so keep watching our news blog for any further details.

A Belated Welcome To The New Year

It has been some time since our "Blog News Page" has been updated. All for good reason and from hereon in we hope to be updating on our usual frequent basis. There have been many reasons for the delay and hopefully as you read on, you will understand the reason why, some happy times and some sad. So, where do we begin?

November 2007, there was no guest news/items to report as The Ship Inn followed tradition and shut down for 4 weeks to cover annual holiday (photo top left going for a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel) and much needed maintenance. During this time we renovated a bedroom that had laid dormant (excuse the pun!) for some years and are now proud to announce that Room No:4 is now open for bookings for the 2008 .

December then came upon us with the relatively quiet days the early weeks leading up to the lovely atmosphere that always prevails at The Ship during the festive weeks. The New Year weekend was one of our most memorable (our 3rd to date) that Janice and I have had since living on the island. New Years eve night was well attended and finished at 4.30 am New Years Day.!

Men's Day on the 1st January and Ladies Day on the 2nd January was a real success. One of the talking points on the 2nd was the "world record" set by Dick Patterson and Colin Johnson (our annual cockney sparrow visitor!) by sitting on the same bar stool for a record 10 hours & 15 minutes!

Our photo (from left to right) shows Colin with Dick trying to coax The Ship's cat back into life. Sadly the moggy has been in this transfixed state for at least 10 years, A bit like the two in the photo, apologies, editor!

Nearing the end of the traditional 2 weeks of festivities, Janice and

I thought, as we approached the weekend of the 5 January, we were in for a quiet time. How wrong we were, as the "A team ladies" of Holy Island with a few male hangers on descending upon us to celebrate Barbara Kyle's ?!'th birthday. This turned out to be a great end to the week with our resident chef, Paul Armstrong putting on an impromptu buffét and even throwing a birthday cake to boot! A great time was had by all and we hope to do it next New Year and maintain this unique island tradition.

(Picture above right shows Barbara proudly showing off her 21st birthday cake with husband George proudly looking on!)

The sad news (and we would like to thank all of the island for their kind thoughts and support) is that during the New Year week, daughter Lisa with her fiance Brian had a wonderful time joining in with the unique atmosphere providing by our Holy Island friends. Sadly just 3 weeks to the day of leaving Holy Island Brian passed away suddenly on the 27 January. The day they were due to announce to us on the Sunday evening their planned wedding booked for the 2 October, very sadly this is not to be. So as you can imagine this year has started, from a personal viewpoint for Janice and I on a very sad note, particularly for my daughter Lisa. The positive side are of the happy memories Brian spent here on the island with Lisa. So thanks once again for the kindness shown by all of our island friends who showed so much kindness when Lisa was up on the island recently.

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.