Great North Run

I had a great time at the Great North Run on Sunday!
Above is me at the start line with my new friend Graham who was running for his wife who was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 months ago.
The whole day was a fantastic demonstration of the human spirit - everyone was running for a reason, and you could write it out and pin it to the back of your shirt, so I spent the whole day buoyed by pictures of hope and stories inspiring the determination of my fellow runners. And there was 54,000 of us!The locals turned out spectacularly and stayed through the torrential downpour to cheer us on. Many had bought oranges, ice lollies, jelly babies, face wipes and tissues to hand out to runners - all of which were very, very much appreciated!

The run itself was very enjoyable, the hardest bit was towards the end around 9-11 miles where the course turns uphill and you're just starting to fade. I was a fair bit slower than I had wanted to be (2:30) but I finished and really enjoyed it. I'd thoroughly recommend it!

A big Thankyou to everyone who sponsored me, it means alot.
Between the online and 'real world' sponsors I've almost reached my pledge of £500 for the British Heart Foundation.
It's not too late to help me, and even just the price of a pint would mean alot now! http://www.justgiving.com/Drinkall-GNR

Campbell's Charm the Carp Again!

Jamie Cambell and his party recently revisited us, and have kindly sent us a small selection of their photos (Thanks!)
As you can see despite the rather inclement weather this week they still captured some lovely fish, showing the carp still seem to be on the feed!

Last night Dad braved the rain to pursue Walter (those of you who have seen the film 'On Golden Pond' will know I'm referring to the near mythical but captivatingly real monster fish that lurks in the pond and is quested after by the main character and his Grandson)
But he was foiled when a gorgeous 2lb roach took his 15mm boillie instead! You'll have to forgive me for not venturing out to get a picture for you, but it was raining and I'm running my half marathon tomorrow and was trying to stave off a cold!

PS: any last minute sponsorship is much appreciated and you can do it securely online at: http://www.justgiving.com/Drinkall-GNR
Wish me luck!

Wally catches son of Walter

Here's a lovely photo of a great looking little Carp, one of our babies in the Willows. Despite two 25lb+ carp coming out of the Secret Pool the same week, Paul was more excited about this special little common which is off spring from the famous Mark Simmonds Carp so with that parentage he's sure to grow into a monster.

Wally caught this little fella during his stay last week.

You don't have to be broken hearted to help

First of all a BIG THANK - YOU to everyone who's filled in the Sponsor form at The Park for Emma's Great North Run. Emma is undertaking this on behalf of The British Heart Foundation.

If you want to donate it would be greatly appreciated by Emma ( Who's working hard with her training for this event as well as working hard) along with everyone who has in the past or may well in the future benefit from this great organistaion.

If you can't fill in the form you can donate by going to her "just giving " page.

http://www.justgiving.com/Drinkall-GNR

Harry vs Esox - No Contest!!

Harry Schmidt just spent the week at Lonsdale with his family. Harry very kindly wrote about one of his catches for us:-

Spent one week at Lonsdale Park Fisheris, had a great time. Carp to 22lb and 200 odd roach. Pike caught on dead bait at 16.10 24lb 2oz on 25th August 2011.

Harry Schmidt Aged 14,

from Tockwith, York