I haven't been very well over the last 6 months and haven't been able to do anything for the P.T.A. or Holcroft bloods or do anything around my bungalow.

A check at the doctors found my heart rate was sky high as was my blood press. Simple things like washing up left me out of breath and having to lay down.

I am glad to tell you that I am fine now. The lastE.C.G. scan shows my heart is back to normal.

I will be back with you making big bangs this year if you can all put up with me....

See you all at the battles

Regards Garth.

ECW (& earlier) happenings in New Zealand

G'day to all in the PTA,

And first off, belated Happy New Year to you all and greetings from the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand where it's a public holiday and a balmy 22 degrees. A couple of weeks ago I attended the Harcourt Park International Jousting Festival, which also contained a "living history" encampment ranging from Roman through to ECW. And guess who was representing the ECW?

Good news is, I won a prize for the best "soft kit" as well as for my consistency in remaining in period (at least while anyone was watching. So good to know that all my old SK/ECWS kit still cuts the mustard (and fits). And that my Past Tents tent, plus rooster on the knob, has still got it. Whatever "it" is.

It meant a 5 hour drive, followed by a 3 hour ferry trip and then a further hours drive (as it was in the North Island) which made it feel like going abroad. Well it is nearly a different country!

I've attached a few piccies, but for more (and better) ones you can visit either/or:

http://www.jousting.co.nz/ or http://www.gatheringdarkness.co.nz/

Great to see you all prospering, flourishing, etc and hope you survive the snow OK. Although those of you with Landies are probably suffering from permanent grins and drivers elbow/knees by now I guess.

Now working for Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd, based at the Stockton Mine site on the Denniston Plateau. My company vehicle is, unfortunately, a Toyota Rav4 but I get unlimited private mileage and can also use the company fuel card for it as well. So I thrash the beejeebers out of it on site and on the road on the long, long trips and keep the Defender for "specialist" work. Like going through the alpine passes and driving on closed roads and forestry tracks etc.

So keep well, keep safe, keep the faith. And if you're ever out in New Zealand do drop in.

Forth and fear no darkness!

Mark Godwin

Welcome to William John McGregor Luscombe

Welcome to William John McGregor Luscombe.

Congratulations to Beckie and Melchie - PTA has a new member - A Baby Boy 7.21/2oz born 14:40 on 10/01/09.


.

Holding on PTA's newest member hangs in there

New Years Eve 6 days to go... Beck's Hopes

Happy New Year to All.

Tilly's Christmas Party

Tilly sorting out the entertainment at Gail's works Christmas party.

Hope all have a great Christmas, looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Gail Chris Nat & Tilly.

Invitation to take the guns to Almansa 24-26 April 2009

Hi All
Firstly happy Christmas and all the best for the new year.
Following Oudenaarde earlier this year there is an invitation to take the guns to Almansa 24-26 April 2009. Details of what is involved at www.almansa1707.es particularly "Programa 2009"
The organisers have offered a bag of Euros which should cover ferry costs to Spain for two guns and towing vehicles and most of the diesel/petrol required.
Nothing is written in stone but if Arnie goes and is towed by my Landrovermy probable itinerary will be Wednesday 22 at 11 from Portsmouth to Santander arriving 12.00 Thursday (Brittany Ferries). Google distance to Almansa is 495 miles so it will be two 250 miles legs and an overnight stop.
Return to get back for May bank will mean an overnighter to get to Santander in time for the 16.00 ferry on Monday. There is no real alternative on the return but going could leave Sunday and see a little bit of Spain. I will have 2/3 seats available' Boss for this trip is Roger Emerson wearing a Holcroft-Blood hat. It will probably be necessary to join (£10) for insurance purposes. Roger is probably taking Babel and will also have several seats available. At this point I don't know if we will be fed or housed there or if there will be a plastic camp. Max cost each will be B&B travelling and there, drinks and meals. Roger also suggests £100 deposit to cover possible short fall with expenses refundable when they come through. For the 2007 event I gather a group flew dead cheap to one airport, hired a car and left it at another when they flew back saving several days leave. Do not miss out on a balmy spring mini cruise on the Bay of Biscay and a short break in southern Spain
Cheers Ian

Christmas

Hello everyone,

Christine and I would like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and (hopefully) a Happy and prosperous New Year.
Looking forward to seeing you in 2009

Pass the Port!!!

Best wishes

Roger and Christine (Wass)