Siv and Vince's blog

Snowy weekend in Ely

2012-02-05T19:54:00.001Z

We're just back from a relaxing weekend with Caroline and the girls in Ely. Due to the heavy snow on Saturday night, we were able to go out in the garden on Sunday morning and make a snowman family. Of course Daisy enjoyed being out with us and playing out in the snow!

Ely Snowman Family from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Off to see The Artist

2012-01-15T19:05:00.001Z

Siv and I saw The Artist today, a very good film...its silent, Black and White, and a lot of the time the actors are totally upstaged by Uggie the dog! After the film, we wandered back through Bloomsbury and Soho to have lunch at Giraffe in Frith Street, followed by a coffee at Bar Italia before heading home.

Late Xmas celebrations

2012-01-07T21:08:00.000Z

We had a late Xmas celebration with the family on Saturday. We kept all of the Xmas decorations up to try and keep the seasonal spirit going! Trevor kindly donated to me this year's Xmas card from Joltin' Joe Sinnott, which was a Marvel themed one this year. The morning after Grace sent us a photo of Millie enjoying her Xmas bone!

After effects of Dagmar

2011-12-26T11:17:00.000Z

Here's a casualty of last night's huge storm 'Dagmar' in Norway. Siv's Mum's neighbour Anders has had this 30 foot / 10 metre high tree blown over....Good thing he owns a chain saw!

Timbeeeerrrrrrrrrr! from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Xmas photos

2011-12-24T10:40:00.000Z

Here we are spending Xmas in Norway, and a few photos of the wintry weather before the rain washes it all away!

Cittie of yorke meet up

2011-12-20T20:30:00.008Z

A group of us met up in the Cittie of Yorke for a pre-xmas drink, a good time had by all at bargain Sam Smith's prices!

PJ's animated Xmas Card

2011-12-19T21:08:00.000Z

We got this amusing animated Xmas card from PJ, made using the Talking Santa and Ginger app from the android market.

Xmas dinner practice for Anne

2011-12-17T18:35:00.000Z

Anne decided to have a practice run at this year's Xmas dinner, so invited some of us round to try it out. It was a very enjoyable evening, with the girls watching the final of this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The turkey crown went a very long way...I imagine Paul and Anne will still be eating turkey by Xmas when they'll have more!

Lunchtime meet up with Luke

2011-12-08T14:07:00.000Z

Dave, Loz and I met up with Luke at lunchtime in The Lamb in Leadenhall Market. Good to see him again and a have a chat. Managed to take this slightly blurry photo before we left.

Wet and Windy in Bergen

2011-11-30T18:12:00.000Z

I'm spending a few days in Bergen, trying to learn a few tips on MQ. I know Bergen is supposed to be wet, but this headline from the local newpaper shows the downpours I'm currently experiencing are a bit extreme even for here:

In between the hefty wind, rain and hail, I managed to have a bit of a look around the town and see the Xmas decorations, and some of the town more famous sights like the old buildings along 'Bryggen' (which is a world heritage site).

Day out celebrating Dad's Birthday

2011-11-26T22:38:00.000Z

We went to Santore in Exmouth Market for Lunch to celebrate Dad's Birthday next week. After a very relaxing time in the restaurant, we saw off June and Grace, then the rest of us went to the Sekforde Arms for a couple of drinks (and a game of darts which I won on a double 7!) before coming home.

Santore - Nov 2011 from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Valentine's Park in the Autumn sunshine

2011-11-13T17:35:00.000Z

After a couple of weeks of grey, drizzly days, the sun finally came out today, so Siv and I took a walk over Valentine's Park among the Autumn colours, having a coffee and cake in the cafe.

2011-11-06T17:26:00.001Z

Siv and I went to see the film Oslo, Aug 31 at the Renoir cinema by Russell Square today. A very good, if slightly sad, film, with lots of memories for us of various Oslo spots we know. We had lunch at Cagney's restaurant afterwards before weaving our way down to Picadilly Circus where Siv bought a puffa jacket in Lillywhites.

Welcome Emily Jane Barker

2011-11-01T19:09:00.021Z

Emily Jane Barker - Weight: 7.0lbs, Height: 21inches, Born: 7:09pm

Congratulations Chris and Becky!

Halloween

2011-10-31T19:32:00.004Z

We made our halloween pumpkins to put out on the doorstep tonight. We didn't get any Trick or Treaters though.

A walk on the seafront

2011-10-30T09:51:00.006Z

To clear our heads a bit this morning, we went for a walk along the seafront. The boys all liked walking out on the mud, and Ruby got very muddy on her white fur!

Grae the reporter

2011-10-30T08:41:00.003Z

Grae made the Leigh Times recently with his photo and story of a visiting Seal.

Surprise Party for Siv's 50th

2011-10-29T16:39:00.019+01:00

We went down to see Fi and Grae along with Paul and Anne down at Westcliff. When we got there we discovered Fi and Anne had arranged a surprise party for Siv's recent 50th Birthday. There was an amazing turnout of people, none of whom we knew were going along! We all had a great time, the Just Dance game on the Wii was fun as well! Many thanks to Fi and Anne for arranging things and to everyone for turning up!

Siv's Surprise 50th Birthday Party from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Autumn Colours in Valentine's Park

2011-10-23T19:47:00.021+01:00

We took a trip over to Valentine's Park to enjoy the Autumn sunshine and unseasonably warm weather. While we were there we fed the squirrels and bought some food at the Farmer's Market.

Corporate Greed Protests

2011-10-17T13:44:00.000+01:00

I've just taken a walk down to St. Paul's to have a look at the ongoing 'Corporate Greed' protests. Quite a lot of tents and protestors there....and also a lot of press!

City Greed Protest from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Barcelona - Final Night

2011-10-03T20:43:00.002+01:00

On our last night, we had a walk along the seafront, as well as taking in the fair along the harbour, as well as some of the shops there before heading back. The following morning Eva and Ole headed down to Alicante to attend a wedding, while Siv and I sadly had to come home.

Barcelona - Final night from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Barcelona - Parc Guell

2011-10-03T14:42:00.002+01:00

On our last day, we went up to Parc Guell for a look around. It was hot and busy as usual, but dramatic as ever.

Barcelona - Parc Guell from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Barcelona - Tibidabo Trip

2011-10-02T14:40:00.002+01:00

We took a trip in glorious sunshine up to Tibidabo, taking the metro, tram and funicular railway to get there. The trip was worth it, and we even went up to the feet of Jesus at the top of the huge church.

Barcelona - Tibidabo from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Barcelona - Out with Eva and Ole

2011-10-01T20:39:00.002+01:00

Eva and Ole arrived later that evening, and we went off for food and drinks. Starting at our old favourite, Colon (where the staff recognised Siv), and then onto Cuevas del sorte for cocktails. We got home rather late...

Barcelona - With Ole and Eva from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Barcelona - Trip to Via Diagonal

2011-10-01T14:38:00.001+01:00

Arriving back in Barcelona at the Barcelona Franca train station, we checked into our hotel and went for lunch at bar l'univers at Santa Caterina market. We then headed via metro to the shopping centra at via Diagonal. It was so crowded we soon left!

Barcelona - Via diagonal from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Tarragona - Arrabassada beach

2011-09-29T18:37:00.004+01:00

We spent most of the days on the Arrabassada beach, taking the bus there and back each morning and evening. We'd buy fruit, baguettes and water at the shops on the way (after our morning coffee and croissant at the Marti coffee shop), then hop on the bus.

Tarragona - The beach from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Tarragona - Santa Tecla Fireworks

2011-09-25T21:35:00.002+01:00

The highlight of Santa Tecla is the Correfoc, where a procession of fireworks is literally walked through the city, firing sparks into the crowd. A lot of people follow these processions wearing hats and stand underneath the showers of sparks, jumping up and down.

Tarragona - santa tecla from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Tarragona - Bike race and Flamenco

2011-09-25T16:34:00.004+01:00

We discovered that Tarragona was celebrating its Santa Tecla fiesta, and events that day started with a bike race round the city centre, as well as a demonstration of flamenco dancing. Santa Tecla is a big event in town.

Tarragona - Bike race, flamenco from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Tarragona

2011-09-25T13:32:00.002+01:00

We arrived in Tarragona, which was about an hour and a quarter south of Barcelona on the train. Its a fairly quiet city, with a lot of very old Roman features, including an amphitheatre. Its a very nice place to go to for a laid back, relaxing time, with some very nice beaches, which are sadly not that easily accessible due to the huge drop down from the town. Luckily there are local buses that take you there.

Tarragona from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Barcelona - Merce 2011: City Hall

2011-09-24T18:31:00.004+01:00

On Saturday, the highlight was down by the City Hall, where at first there was a procession by the giants (large models of people carried through town). In the evening there was a light and sound projection onto City Hall which overlaid the structure itself and made the structure appear to move and change shape, it was very impressive!

Barcelona - merce 2011 city hall from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Barcelona - Merce 2011: Band, Ballet and Fireworks

2011-09-23T18:29:00.002+01:00

During the Merce festival, it seems there is something going on EVERYWHERE. We walked through Parque de la Ciutadela and saw a spoof band doing strange Rolling Stones covers, a fairground that seemed to be made from old kitchen parts and a version of Swan Lake, ON THE LAKE. We ended up down by the sea front to watch a fireworks display.

Barcelona - merce 2011 band, ballet and fireworks from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Barcelona - Walking around

2011-09-23T09:28:00.002+01:00

We spent some time going round the sights of Barcelona, and as we were in town the same week as the annual Merce festival, it was busy everywhere!

Barcelona - Walking around from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Barcelona arrival

2011-09-22T18:19:00.003+01:00

Siv and I arrived in Barcelona at the start of our 2 week holiday in Spain. We spent the first day down by the beach, having a very nice meal at the CNC restaurant on the seafront.

Barcelona - arrival from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Leif's 70th Birthday Paty

2011-09-19T20:47:00.000+01:00

We went to Oslo for a surprise party for Leif's 70th Birthday. We all went to Miklagard golf club, where the dinner was to be held at the clubhouse, and waited for him to arrive. Fortunately it was still a surprise when Leif came, as you can see from his reactions. It had been tricky to make sure nobody mentioned anything by mistake over the last couple of Months!

Leif's 70th from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Lisbon trip - The Videos

2011-09-04T19:52:00.003+01:00

Here's the videos and a photo slideshow from the trip to Lisbon. The individual photos are here:

Lisbon photos folder

lisbon from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Lisbon slideshow from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Lisbon trip - walking back into town

2011-09-03T17:55:00.014+01:00

We walked back into town from the Castle, passing some of the famous Lisbon trams. After this we headed back to the hotel for one last meal, before going to bed, as we all had an early start Sunday morning!

Lisbon trip - Castelo de Sao Jorge

2011-09-03T14:46:00.015+01:00

In the afternoon we went up to the Castelo de Sao Jorge, for a look around. There were some excellent views over Lisbon, and climbing up on the battlements was a bit worrying at times. We had lunch in a very nice restaurant in the grounds of the castle.

Lisbon trip - The Aquaduct

2011-09-03T11:40:00.009+01:00

On Saturday morning, some of the girls went to the Spa in the hotel. I went for a walk in the woods, where I was able to get some good shots of the huge Lisbon Aquaeuct.

Lisbon trip - Dockside

2011-09-02T20:26:00.012+01:00

In the evening, we went to an Argentinian steak house for dinner in the Doca area (The Docks), with some Jose de Sousa wine, where we could see the 25th of April Bridge, which was constructed by the same company who did the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. You can also see the Cristo Rei statue, similar to the statue in Rio.

Lisbon trip - Rua Augusta

2011-09-02T16:15:00.007+01:00

In the afternoon we headed down to Rua Augusta for a bit of shopping, and seeing some of the sights such as the Santa Justa lift, and viewing some of the selections of Port and Madeira for sale.

Lisbon trip - The zoo

2011-09-02T12:05:00.006+01:00

On Friday morning, we went to the zoo, near the hotel. We managed to see a lot of the animals before we had to take shelter due to a huge downpour!

Trip to Lisbon - The Corinthia hotel

2011-09-01T19:58:00.014+01:00

We took a trip to Lisbon, to celebrate Siv's Dad's 70th Birthday. All the family arrived Thursday evening at the Corinthia hotel, and after a few drinks, we had dinner in the hotel.

Paul and Anne's for Dinner

2011-08-28T18:04:00.011+01:00

We Went to Paul and Anne's for dinner, with Geoff and Jennifer, Ed and Anne and Pete and Lesley. A very enjoyable evening, and nice to catch up with everyone again after a while.

Paul and Anne's for Dinner from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Trip to Drøbak

2011-08-23T22:26:00.016+01:00

As it was a very nice afternoon in Oslo, Ole Petter took Morten on myself on a boat trip down the Oslo fjord to visit Drøbak. We got there having taken in some sights and had a very nice dinner at Skipperstuen restaurant, overlooking the marina. Heading back as the sun went down we had a great sunset ahead of us, and arrived back in Oslo after sunset.

Trip to Drøbak from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Siv's girlie weekend in Oslo

2011-08-21T21:27:00.037+01:00

Siv had a very enjoyable weekend in Oslo with a group of her friends from Molde/Fraena. As the pictures show, they had a great time with lots of fun and laughter, and of course, lots of food and drinks as well. A great memory to cherish and remember. Thanks to all the girls for a fabulous weekend and the beautiful presents they bought for her Birthday, which were a very pleasant surprise

Gerkin's 50th

2011-08-20T18:39:00.001+01:00

To celebrate Gerkin's 50th Birthday, a group of us took a tour of some of the pub's around Wapping. Most were traditional East End type pubs, until we got to the final bar, The Urban Bar which was a different type of place all together (hence the wigs!).

Gerkin's 50th from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Over Valentine's Park with Francesca and Scarlet

2011-08-14T19:34:00.022+01:00

We had Francesca and Scarlet staying with use for the weekend....On Saturday we headed over to Valentine's Park to feed the squirrels and ducks, and have a cup of coffee and a cake at the cafe.

Valentine's Park August 2011 from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Vigeland Park

2011-08-11T21:15:00.008+01:00

It was a nice evening in Oslo, so I took a walk up to the famous Vigeland Park, with all of its sculptures. On the way back I passed Bislett stadium, home of the Bislett Games.

The aftermath of 22/7

2011-08-08T20:48:00.024+01:00

I'm back in Oslo for some meetings, and this evening I took a walk around the sites of the bomb on 22/7, as well as seeing the sea of flowers that is still growing outside the Cathedral. The bomb blasted windows I photographed were several streets away from the main blast, but goes to show the power of the explosion.

Another family barbecue....

2011-08-04T19:59:00.008+01:00

After coming back from Molde (and picking up 2 extendible sun canopies in Europris, one for Siv, one for her Mum), we headed out into the garden to enjoy the warm evening with another barbecue, which again went on into the early hours....

Family day out in Molde

2011-08-04T16:51:00.018+01:00

Today we all went out, starting again with waffles at the Molde museum. After this we headed into Molde town centre for a bit of shopping, before heading up to Varden, for the impressive views over Molde.

Coffee at Molde Museum from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Family Barbecue

2011-08-03T16:39:00.004+01:00

We knew that Siv's Dad and Solveig would be visiting us, what we didn't know was that they had Onkel Per, Siw and Olav with them as well! The evening was great fun with a big barbecue, and the Cognac King Onkel Per having to be told that it was really time for bed!

Family BBQ from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Visit to Terje, May Britt and Selia

2011-08-02T19:29:00.019+01:00

We went to see Terje, May Britt and Selia this evening, and Selia insisted we have a go on her trampoline!

On Selia's Trampoline from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Trip to Molde museum

2011-08-01T17:15:00.016+01:00

We went into town today, and on the way back, stopped off for a coffee at the Romsdalen Folk Museum. The coffee shop itself is in an old-style house, from the last century or so, in part of the museum that is meant to recreate a city street before the great fire of 1916. Looking across to the main part of the museum, you can see some of the 40 or so houses moved from around the region to be here. Their dates range from the 14th to 20th Centuries.

Cycle tour, and visit from Terje, May Britt and Selia

2011-07-31T17:07:00.013+01:00

Despite still seeing no sun in Fraena, the temperature wasn't too bad, so we went for a bike tour around the neighbourhood. We bumped into Johan Arne who was off to see his dad Arnfinn, and soon after we got home Terje, May Britt and Selia dropped in. Selia was keen to to photos with Terje's new SLR camera.

Back in the garden

2011-07-24T19:29:00.002+01:00

When we got home, it was still warm and sunny, so we sat out in the garden while Hedda had a bath on the decking, which she seemed to enjoy.

The Whitecross Street Party

2011-07-24T14:15:00.002+01:00

After the park, we headed out into the Street Party itself. There were lots of food stalls, art installations and music going on, enough to keep everyone amused. We wandered around having some things to eat, before heading back home.

whitecross street party from martin clinton on Vimeo.

The Whitecross Street Party - In the Park

2011-07-24T13:13:00.020+01:00

We headed off to the Whitecross Street Party in town. We started off in Fortune street park, where Hedda was able to go on the swings and get her face painted like a cat.

forstune street park from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Off to see Cars 2

2011-07-23T13:07:00.007+01:00

Cathrine and Hedda are over with Cathrine's sister Camilla and Mum Lene. We took the bus to Romford to take Hedda to see Cars 2 in 3D. It was her first trip to the cinema, and she was suitable excited, but didn't care too much for the 3D effects (or for the English soundtrack I'd imagine!). When we came out Lene had been to the shops and bought a remote control Lightning McQueen car which Hedda was very excited about when we had dinner at Frankie and Benny's.

When will this happen again?

2011-07-13T19:14:00.000+01:00

Digging around up in Mum and Dad's loft we came across this old Cup Final ticket from 1964 when West Ham won the Cup....there's lots of old newspapers as well from Sunday celebrating the win, but they're in a sorry state after nearly 50 years!

Birthday celebrations in the garden

2011-07-09T18:39:00.026+01:00

As its my Birthday on Monday, the family all came round for dinner. Despite a slightly gloomy weather forecast, we were able to sit outside until quite late, which was a bit of a bonus!

Mum with her borrowed Henry Holland sunglasses.

Russell tries out the bed in the 'Annex'

Russell and Grace have a Condor Moment..

That Condor moment.... from martin clinton on Vimeo.

A walk around Oslo

2011-07-08T08:26:00.000+01:00

On my last night in Oslo (this time), I had a walk around Aker Brygge, and see how much its changed over the years, and the new area at Tjuvholmen that wasn't developed at all a few years back. On the mai part of Aker Brygge some people were doing some 'dansband' dancing on the boardwalk. Much like Iain Sinclair's character of Andrew Norton, when it comes to Oslo (rather than Norton's link to London) I seem to be in the same places a lot geographically, but different places chronologically!

Dansband dancing at Aker Bryggee from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Dinner at Kampen

2011-07-06T21:27:00.025+01:00

I'm back working in Oslo, and spent a very nice evening having dinner with Jose, Ingvild and Solveig at Kampen Bistro, near Vålerenga. The food was very good, including the Svele with strawberries for dessert!

A blast from the past - 6th Form drawing

2011-06-27T17:58:00.006+01:00

Here's a drawing i did of the 6th form back in about 1980. Found in my Mum and Dad's loft with tears and sellotape all over it, I've repaired it digitally. It was shoehorned into an issue of the 'Disaster Squad' comic I did when at school, with Mill being the main hero 'Farter' (he's the one on the left!). The drawing proved popular enough for me to get 20 copies photographed in black and white and sold to people in my year at school. Ah, innocent times....

From School drawing

Weekend in Ely - In the garden

2011-06-26T22:07:00.005+01:00

It was a hot day in the garden today. Scarlet and I gave Daisy a bath, after which she had a bit of a mad half hour while drying off. The bees seemed to really like the flower heads on the leeks growing in the vegetable patch.

Daisy's Bath from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Weekend in Ely - Going for a Curry

2011-06-25T22:02:00.012+01:00

We went up to see Caroline and the girls in Ely this weekend. We spent the afternoon in the garden before going for a curry with some of Caroline's friends.

Scarlet's Musical Ice Lolly from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Walking around Oslo

2011-06-23T18:24:00.007+01:00

It was a nice evening for my last night in Oslo, so I went for a bit of a walk round and took a few photos.

Hedda's Birthday

2011-06-22T21:20:00.003+01:00

It was Hedda's third Birthday today. As I was in town, I got the train out to Ståle and Cathrine's to see them all, and wish Hedda a Happy Birthday. Here she is blowing out her Birthday cake candles.

Meeting up with Siw after the boat trip

2011-06-21T21:14:00.022+01:00

After the boat trip, I headed off to Druen at Aker Brygge to meet up with Siw, who was in town with some other workers from Fagforbundet.

Summer boat trip

2011-06-21T19:06:00.021+01:00

As it was the longest day today, DnB laid on a boat trip for some of us working on the iCore project. We spent a few pleasant hours on the Trollcruise boat Madonna. Prawns and wine were served during the cruise, and then a quiz, which my team won. Hence the laurel wreath and chocolate bar prizes!

Saturday at Fi and Grae's

2011-06-18T12:59:00.016+01:00

We spent Saturday down with Fi and Grae in Westcliff. Siv went out during the day with the girls to go to Bacchus in Southend. While they did that 11 of us went to see the new Green Lantern film which everyone had a good time at. In the afternoon we went back to Fi and Grae's for Dinner in the evening.

Harvey and I form the Essex branch of the Green Lantern Corps

Harvey tests out his power ring on Christopher

Quite a heavy rain storm in the afternoon!

Installing a water butt

2011-06-11T20:30:00.001+01:00

The guttering at the back of the new shed has proved so efficient that we keep filling up the 45 litre mixing buckets we were collecting rain water in. So today I got a 200 litre water butt from wickes and installed that. The tap at the bottom is to fill a watering can, while the blue hose at the back is connected to another tap that is contnually open near the top. The hope is that this will act as an overflow should we get a REALLY wet spell.

Nick Overy's off to Scotland

2011-06-09T20:20:00.001+01:00

DnB old boy Nick Overy if leaving the rat race behind to run a chip shop in Broadford on the Isle of Skye! So a number of old DnB faces all got together to give him a send off.

Nick Overy's leaving drinks from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Evening Celebrations with PJ

2011-06-04T21:29:00.021+01:00

As the sun went down we decided to move on into The Old Smack Inn, where a band was playing. Heading home, Phil, Grae and I made an unscheduled stop at HMS Wilton, a Royal Navy minesweeper that has been converted into a bar and function suite.

PJ's Birthday Celebrations in Old Leigh

2011-06-04T19:21:00.015+01:00

It was PJ's Birthday on Saturday, so a group of all met up to spend the afternoon in the sun outside The Crooked Billet in Old Leigh. While taking an order Roger had problems with a pen, giving a rather striking blue tongue!

PJ's Birthday in Old Leigh from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Norfolk Broads - Photos and Videos

2011-05-30T17:24:00.002+01:00

Here's a photo slideshow of the best of all the photos we all took in the Broads, as well as the various videos:

Norfolk Broads 2011 Photos from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Norfolk Broads 2011 Movies from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Valentine's Park

2011-05-29T18:24:00.001+01:00

On Sunday we took Siv's family over to Valentine's Park to feed the squirrels and birds. As its spring, there were lots of very cute chicks, including a swan family right at the edge of the lake...while the mother and father made sure that nobody should get too close by hissing loudly!

Norfolk Broads - Heading Home

2011-05-28T17:21:00.002+01:00

Saturday morning was an early start. Just enough time for breakfast, before taking the boat back to the Richardson's boatyard, before the taxi came to take us home. This time people weren't as lively as they were on the way up a week earlier!

Norfolk Broads - On the way to Sutton Staithe

2011-05-27T17:07:00.005+01:00

For our last full day, we had a brief look at the Berney Arms Windmill before breakfast (where a duck outside kept tapping on the window looking for scraps!). We then headed back through Yarmouth at low tide and started the long haul back towards Stalham. We stayed the night in Sutton Staithe, and with the hotel restaurant there overcroded, we went for the HUGE meals at The Harnser in nearby Stalham Green.

Norfolk Broads - Burgh Castle and the Berney Arms

2011-05-26T16:52:00.001+01:00

We left Surlingham, and headed for Burgh Castle, where we got out and had a look round at the impressive ruins. We walked onto the Farm House pub for lunch before setting off for the Berney Arms pub to moor up for the night, awaiting the low tide at Yarmouth. We took time to play some table football while in the pub.

Norfolk Broads - Day in Norwich

2011-05-25T16:30:00.006+01:00

We had the day in Norwich, looking around the churches, the Castle and the Cathedral (though it was closed due to filming of Bryan Singer's "Jack the Giant Killer"). We also wandered around the market, before having lunch at La Tasca. We then headed off back out of Norwich mooring up and having dinner at The Ferry House in Surlingham, where Cousin Siw brought the pub to a standstill by looking at the menu and announcing in a loud voice 'what is spotted dick?' She tried it anyway!

Norfolk Broads - On the way to Norwich

2011-05-24T16:16:00.002+01:00

We headed onto Norwich, passing various rowers, stopping off for a drink at the Woods End pub in Bramerton before finally arriving in Norwich and mooring up for the night.

Norfolk Broads - Leaving Great Yarmouth

2011-05-24T10:01:00.003+01:00

We left Yarmouth in windy weather, and hit high waves as well crossing Breydon Water. This caused the boat to crash into one of the poles that defined the path the boat should stick to to avoid hitting the shallows. Fortunately the damage was above the water line. We called Richardson's who quickly sent some guys out to repair the fibre glass when we moored at Reedham. We had lunch in The Ship before setting off for Norwich, passing the Reedham chain ferry.

Norfolk Broads - Day in Great Yarmouth

2011-05-23T15:40:00.004+01:00

As we were moored up at Great Yarmouth Yacht station, awaiting the next good low tide to set off for the South Broads, we spent the day in town. We went to the Britannia Pier to see the typically tacky attractions, saw the Cathedral as well as having a foot pedicure courtesy of small Garra Rufa fish, at the Sole Sensation foot spa!

Norfolk Broads - On the way to Great Yarmouth

2011-05-22T15:29:00.005+01:00

We left Ludham Bridge, heading towards Great Yarmouth. We stopped off en route at Stokeby, as well as passing St. Benet's Abbey ruins on the way.

Norfolk Broads - Stalham and Ludham Bridge

2011-05-21T15:17:00.004+01:00

We're just back from a week on a cruiser on the Norfolk Broads. We set off from home with Siw, Olav and Mette from Mo i Rana and Ket and Sigbjørn from Finnsnes, to pick up the boat in Stalham at Richardson's boatyard. After the walkthrough of how to pilot the boat, and feeding the geese, we did some shopping before setting off for the first place to stop, Ludham Bridge.

Norwegian National Day

2011-05-17T12:01:00.004+01:00

Siv and I weren't in Norway for the Norwegian National Day, but due to the inclement weather in Molde, Lisa took something along to represent us!

St. Peter's Church

2011-05-14T22:24:00.005+01:00

After the meal we went for a walk, stopping off to take in St. Peter's church in Clerkenwell, which was very impressive on the inside, as its almost hidden on the street!

Russell and Mum's Birthday at Santore

2011-05-14T14:16:00.006+01:00

To celebrate Russell and Mum's birthday's over the last 2 days, the whole family went for lunch at Santore in Clerkenwell, where we had some very nice Italian food, the staff even brought out some 'birthday cakes' for them.

mum and russ birthday 2011 from martin clinton on Vimeo.

More DIY in the garden

2011-05-08T19:45:00.003+01:00

Siv and I have been putting up some guttering in the garden at the back of the new shed. After the heavy rain Friday night, we noticed a lot of water and mud sitting on the concrete from where the rain had run off the roof, which wouldn't be good for the wooden base over time. So it was a trip down to Wickes to get the relevant parts. In time we want to put a water butt at the end of the pipe.

The Overdraft Tavern

2011-05-07T19:35:00.003+01:00

We went to West Ham, to watch another disappointing draw with Blackburn, which makes avaoiding relegation very difficult. We stopped off for a few frinks in The Overdraft Tavern on the way home to drown our sorrows!

Grae considers buying a new suit

2011-05-01T14:36:00.000+01:00

Grae wonders if powder pink really is his colour in the window of Fields Menswear in Westcliff.

Sunday on the beach

2011-05-01T11:31:00.003+01:00

On Sunday some of us went down to the beach. It was a bit bracing, but very pleasant down there. John and Lara's daughter Minnie just enjoyed throwing stones in the sea.

PJ's music masterclass

2011-04-30T22:08:00.003+01:00

PJ took over on the Casio and entertained us with Toccata and Fugue in D minor, by Bach. It was a little tricky on the slightly small keys, but impressive nonetheless.

PJ's music masterclass from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Barbecue at Fi and Grae's

2011-04-30T20:19:00.005+01:00

Fi and Grae had a barbecue this weekend. It was a very good turn out, Marion and Hannah were over from Australia, and it was a belated party for Harvey's 8th Birthday. The weather was good, if a little chilly, so Grae started a fire (the firepit was abandoned as the parts didn't fit together!). We eventually went inside where we had some musical entertainment from Grae and John.

Barbecue at Fi and Grae's from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Music at Fi and Grae's from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Sarpsborg 08 v Stabæk

2011-04-14T22:27:00.003+01:00

I went with Mona and Bjarte to watch Hanne play for Sarpsborg 08 in a football game against Stabæk for the girls' under 19 team. Sadly Hanne's team lost 4-1, but they were a bit unlucky in the second half with a number of very good chances going very close.

Sarpsborg 08 v Stabæk from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Trip to Spyderberg

2011-04-10T19:40:00.000+01:00

We took a trip out to Spyderberg to see Mona, Bjarte and the kids...though Henrik and Hanne are not exactly kids any more! Hanging around as well was Laffen their cute dog who is always keen for a cuddle. The weather was good, and we had a great time chatting and laughing...staying up to 3.30am Sunday morning! Sunday we had a nice breakfast before taking Laffen for a walk before we sadly had to leave.

Oslo Opera House

2011-04-09T13:20:00.003+01:00

Siv and I took a trip around the new Oslo Opera House. As you can see, it was a marvellous day for the walk around, getting the best of the views, and clearing our heads a bit after last night!

Oslo Opera House view from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Breakfast in Oslo

2011-04-09T11:14:00.002+01:00

Siv and I went for breakfast in Oslo. We passed this part of a tree, cut away, but still embedded onto the railings where it had grown over the years. Our breakfast of homemade sandwiches and pastries and coffee was at the award winning Pascal!

Meeting up with Derek and Coppo

2011-04-08T21:59:00.001+01:00

On Friday evening, Siv and I were going to have a small walk around Oslo, something to eat and then have an early night. However we bunped into Derek in Karl Johans Gate. He mentioned that some people were going to Buckleys for a few drinks. Siv and I had some food before catching up with them, and saw that Coppo was back in town! We even followed on to The Whisky bar, for not such an early night...but good fun! We met martin who is opening The Dirty Cow pub in Oslo this week - Good luck!

Coppo, Derek, me and Martin