Posted by Robert Thompson on February 17, 1999 at 22:31:20:
A hearty belated cyber-thanks to those who organised the recent Northern TARS events (AR Birthday party and Bird -Watching at Caerlaverock). Birthday parties in village halls remind me of ancient pianos, ancient floorboards and ancient participants - but not this one! The village hall near Preston was warm, modern and large enough for us mad Northern TARS to indulge in our crazy party games (have you ever tried drawing a picture of Gibber when your paper is on top of your own head? I am sure that several APs will not want to see a yoghurt carton ever again. The idea was for Junior TARS to turn all the cartons upside-down while APs attempted to rush round the hall turning them right-way-up. There was a time limit on this game and rules were carefully explained so as to cause least damage - to the adults. I wisely feigned injury for this game and commentated from the sidelines (but modesty forbids my mentioning which team won the quiz - despite Margaret’s protests).
Birdwatching - we crossed the border into rival territory (only just) but enjoyed the joint event with the Scots. I’ve never been bird-watching before but learned a great deal from those who knew. Peregrines, buzzards, Barnacle geese, shovellers, teal, widgeon, hooper swans - I’ve got them all on film! Thanks again to all - next it’s the Bede’s World & lighthouse trip followed by the boatbuilders’ at Winster - meet at the pub, of course!