Welcome to ‘The Van’, a secret place for friends only. You’re here, so you must be someone we like or a dastardly cheat. Here you can catch up on all the latest gossip or find out what we really get up to in the back of the van (cooking, of course). But remember, only our best friends are allowed in the van - so keep it a secret.


Thinking of coming to see us? See location map here

WELL, I NEVER...


Latest hot gossip...Carol is having an affair with another female.... She’s French, has the sexiest curves and her name is Esterel. Tony’s fallen for her too and now the three spend romantic nights together in exotic places...

HOW CUTE IS THAT?


For those of you that haven’t had the pleasure, this is Bonnie, who arrived a year last Christmas. She’s the best cat we’ve had - full of character and very affectionate. Consequently, we tend to drool over her a bit; she’s very spoilt. She has to be a traveling cat, of course, and goes with us regularly on motorhome trips. She loves to go off exploring and has developed a taste for climbing big trees at night, but not necessarily for getting down.

IF YOU CAN’T BEAT ‘EM


What do you think of Carol’s photography? Rubbish? Come now, considering she’s had no formal training, no art school, no help at all except bad advice from me, I think she’s doing rather well.

Embarassingly well, in fact. Just goes to show, we’ve all got a creative streak, just that is doesn’t always see the light of day. People say she should do the Wildlife degree. What do you think?

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR TONY


Tony has finally finished college. After three long years, the fruits of his labours have materialized as a BA Honours degree in Wildlife Photography, First Class. It has been a joint effort as Carol has had to bring home the bacon while Tony studied. With the degree under his belt and much enhanced industrial knowledge, Tony is now set to pursue his long cherished ambition to develop photography as a career. His year-end exhibition in London was a big effort, but delivered the goods with Tony gaining a 5 year contract with Oxford Scientific Films, a major image library specializing in natural history. The next year might be interesting!


For more visit the college website: www.bawildphoto.co.uk

MASTERFUL ERIN


Erin goes from strength to strength. This year she graduated in her Masters' degree in microbiology, not only gaining a fabulous distinction, but was also awarded the Jarvis Award, given by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to the highest scoring student of the year. I know how hard she worked for this; she deserves every praise and we are very proud of her.


Now her sights are set on a PhD at Warwick University. Consequently, she has upped sticks and moved to nearby Leamington Spa and now lives in a basement. The car has gone in favour of a builders' van, which she and Dave have converted into a slightly dodgy camper, for weekend rendezvous. If she is not careful, she will end up with more letters after her name than in it.


DANCE, DANCE


Carol’s dancing shoes are back on again: 18 months ago, the ‘Just Worship’ Dance Team were formed at Settle Christian Fellowship with Carol as choreographer/leader. With nine adults and sundry children, the team have so far danced in workshops in Manchester and Bolton, as well as on the streets of Settle. Connections have been made in the USA and Croatia and a recent US visitor, Mindy, introduced the group to a Jewish form known as Messianic dance. Carol puts the success down to the enthusiasm and dedication of the whole team.

For more visit: www.cdfb.org.uk

JACK THE LAD


Jack continues his quest for world domination. Whatever happened to that shy toddler? He is 4 now and very much the apple of his grandma’s eye. One of his favourite things is going out in the motorhome with us to see wildlife and have adventures. It’s only a matter of time before the old climbing rope comes out - he seems very upwardly mobile. Recently, he had his very first holiday abroad - he came to Majorca with Laura, Erin and us.

DING DONG PHIL & SARAH


The big family event of 2009, Phil and Sarah were married at Kirkby Lonsdale church in front of 100 or so guests. Despite the unseasonal rainy weather, everything came good on the day, and we all enjoyed the glorious sunshine of a summer wedding, Phil and Sarah looked lovely and there were lots of nice, romantic touches to the wedding. The reception, at Arkholme village hall, was a lively affair: The food was sumptuous, the speeches hilarious and dancing endless. Just a great day and a super start for the new couple. We all wish them well.

MAJORCA


A conspiracy originally conceived by Carol and Laura, this was grandson Jack’s first trip abroad and possibly the last ‘family’ holiday together. The team featured 3 generations: Tony & Carol, Laura, Erin and Jack. We were based in Puerto Pollensa and the weather was pretty much perfect over the eight days. The island is very rugged and mountainous, particularly around the North, where we stayed. Though predominantly a ‘relaxing on the beach’ style holiday, there was some photography and walking: Tony & Carol visited the beautiful Bocher Valley. The Torrent de Parais gorge was traversed in both directions by Erin & Tony, who also climbed the long seaward ridge north of Cala San Vicente. Majorca is a top birding spot, with many migrants from Africa passing on their way north. Seen during the trip were Osprey, Eleanora’s falcon, Booted Eagle, Hoopoe as well as smaller species. Jack had a smashing time: It was, after all, his first taste of beaches and proper sunshine.


On a historical note, Tony was here back in 1988, the first Briton to descend the long and committing Sa Fosca gorge, a fabulous canyon system negotiated by multiple abseils and deep water swimming: None of that nonsense this time!

HELLO FREYJA


The mysterious lump in Laura’s tummy has now been resolved. Freyja Anne made her appearance on 19th September and is the cutest thing imaginable. She is such an adorable baby that everybody refers to her as Laura’s ‘perfect’ baby. Jack is really proud and it’s a joy to see them together. By the way, Jack is really enjoying school and his little character is really emerging as a positive, happy kid, comfortable in his own skin. As ever, Laura is still the proud mum, recently bringing her entire brood over to us for a little portrait session. You like?

email us