Interests
Ursula in particular has an interesting in visiting new places, yet we were both 50 before we had the opportunity to fly. Much as we enjoy flying, we equally enjoy travelling by rail and in particular by Eurostar and its French equivalent – the TGV.Alan having grown up beside the mainline between Edinburgh and Glasgow has an interest in railways. So railways in all shapes and sizes have been an enduring interest – mainline and rural; heritage – standard and narrow guage. As a family, we had our own ‘N Guage’ railway known as Craigmalloch. Perhaps at some future date it will be rebuilt.
In the past ten years, we have managed to visit various parts of Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and China. In 2008 Alan visited Bulgaria to attend a conference. There is something special about each country and region, but we have particularly appreciated our visits to Italy with its people, scenery, food and wine.
Talloires, Lake Annecy
One very special place for us is Limone on the shore of Lake Garda in Northern Italy. However, we also appreciated holidays spent at Serrento on the Bay of Naples and our excursions to Pompei, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. In 2008, to celebrate having both passed the 60 milestone, we travelled by Eurostar from the new terminal of St. Pancras International to Paris and then onward to Lake Annecy in the Haute Savoire, France.
Camping and walking have been enduring interests over the years. Many of our family holidays have been spent under canvas in Scotland, Wales, England and even as far afield as Brittany in France.
Another shared interest is computers and cameras and they are very much part of life in 21st Century Britain. We both get pleasure taking photographs and them using them in a variety of ways.
Bird of Paradise, Sorrento
Since moving to Wiveliscombe, we have become members of the ‘National Trust’ and have enjoyed visiting many of the properties in the South West. The gardens in particular lend themselves to close up photographs of the plants and flowers. The ‘National Trust’ grounds also include some grand walks. Here in the South West we are spoilt for places to walk.
We get real pleasure in giving hospitality, by having visitors to our home and by sharing meals with others. Although catering can behard work Ursula enjoys cooking and is not afraid to try out recipies. We both appreciate being able to get fresh organic vegetables through a local vegetable box scheme. Some of the fruit and vegetables we have had to look up on the internet! Ursula’s comments, “Much as value our fruit and veg. we are no gardeners!”
Our chief interest in life is to know more of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our aim is to introduce others to one, who although he is a King is also a brother. He has brought meaning and purpose to our lives and it has thrilled us to see him work in life changing ways in our lives and in the lives of others.
