TGO Challenge 2023

The TGO Challenge has seen many entries on these pages. Just look at the numerous labels on the right hand side. This year's event is fairly imminent - it starts from 11 May - and almost 300 different routes have been scrutinised and commented upon by the 20 or so vetters, of whom I am one.

The image above shows a few of the routes that I've vetted. None stray very far north of Montrose, and although timings may vary due to people starting on different days, places like Aviemore, Braemar and Tarfside look as if they will be pretty busy.

I'm hoping to be fit enough to take part, and Sue will be nearby and enjoying a Munro bagging holiday - and helping on Control if needed. My route* from Torridon to Newtonhill is very much the northern line of those shown.

This posting is to celebrate the end of the vetting process, which lasts from November to March, after which Sue and I can disappear off to the south coast for a week. Hopefully my new phone will cope with a few mobile blogging entries.

* withdrawn shortly before the event, due to knee problems.

Wythenshawe parkruns - 28 January to 11 March 2023

Click on any image to access a slideshow

This is a 'catch up' compendium of our parkrunning at Wythenshawe since late January. Most pictures are taken at the start, for obvious reasons, and there are one or two from the Community Run on Sunday mornings.

28 January

After a few weeks of rainy parkruns, today's fine weather was welcomed, albeit no sunshine. 

Graham and I were Owen's minders today, near the tail of the field.

The tearoom was pretty cold outside, to where we are banished due to the presnce of a dog, Rufus, who would simply go to sleep under a table if allowed inside. The present management have lost lots of business from parkrunners due to their officious rules and slow service.

The full results are here.

29 January

On another cold morning, I used three layers to keep me warm on the 5km Wythenshawe Community Run, taking a shade over 30 minutes.

4 February

We flocked to the start, and it appears from the picture taken at the finish that I got there ahead of Sue, which is very unusual these days.

Full results are here.

Michael turned up with Isabella, who enjoyed watching the runners before going to play in the well equipped playground.

11 February

Tristan was today's Run Director, with 241 participants - we are getting between 200 and 300 participants each week these days.

Paul was marshalling at Middle Bridge. Cold weather again, but no rain.

This used to be called 'Muddy Passage'. You'd never guess!

A motley crew of stalwarts posed after the finish. Full results are here.

?, Victoria, John B, Jackie, Sue, Martin, Andy, Frank, ?

18 February

Mike and Isabella came along again to cheer on the runners, with Andy wearing the Run Director vest today.

Full results are here.

25 February

Isabella is becoming a regular supporter. One day she'll take a break from playing in the leaves and run with the rest of us.

Readers may be relieved that there are no actual running pictures for this run, on another cold, overcast day. Full results are here.

26 February

Sunny on Sunday for the Community Run, which starts and finishes with a lap of the track - much enjoyed by both the 2km and the 5km participants.

11 March

More sunshine, with Alan donning the Run Director's vest and keeping the 240 runners in order at the start.

Jonathan lined up after the run with Mark, whose 400th parkrun it was today (thanks for the cake, Mark), and Sue, who went well in 25:07, coming first in her age group. (Perhaps the fast people were resting in preparation for their Saturday afternoon cross country race.)

Full results are here.

The Courtyard Tea Room wasn't needed today, as it was warm enough to sit outside the much friendlier kiosk outside the farm. Better coffee too.

Sue, Jeanette, Paul, Laura and Rufus

We missed Isabella today, as she was feeling a bit off colour. (She's better now.)

Spring in De Quincey Park, and by the Bridgewater Canal

2 March 2023

Morning walks take me through this little park, where this particular spot has attracted my camera shutter a few times recently.

9 March 2023

14 March 2023

My walk also follows the nearby canal towpath, as does Sue's cycle ride to work. Here's a pleasing image taken, I think, on one of those rides.

Monday = Isabella Day (43)

It was a 'pyjama day' for Isabella, as she hasn't been feeling very well. She was definitely ill over the weekend because she suffered a rare loss of appetite. We knew she was on the mend judging by how she managed to scoff some hot cross buns.

"No, I'm not ill. I'm a monkey!"

The train set is in regular use and one of several toys that keeps us all nicely entertained.

Before we knew it, it was lunchtime. A tin of baked beans was wolfed down before the potatoes and tomatoes were tackled.

Then an hour's nap brought renewed energy and another train track, this time built by Isabella rather than Grandma Sue. (The potty is being studiously ignored.)

This next picture reminds me of 'Kate - the beautiful spy', from the early 1980's.

This is what some of us (well, eight of us including Jacob's mate Seb) [Sue and Jessica were busy being serving wenches in the kitchen] were up to whilst Isabella was on her sick bed on Saturday.

Monday 6 March 2023 - The Dixie Beats at Eagley Jazz Club

We were treated last Monday to this fine line up of 'The Best Dixieland Band in Bolton', proudly also advertised as the only such band in Bolton.

It was a special night for them as they were recording the music for a new CD - 'The Dixie Beats - "Live at Eagley Jazz Club".

Unlike many of the local jazz bands, the Dixie Beats, led by the commanding figure of John Percival on trumpet, have a website that provides information on the band, pictured from left to right above:

Michael Grant, Karen Johnson, John Percival, Scot Johnson, Steve Allen and Richard Slater.

It was a great performance to an appreciative full house. They will be welcomed back any time.