Two Happy Conference Attendees

The very positive, upbeat and stimulating content of the Conference is captured in this photo of Garry from Blachere UK and Alan mulling over some the days more serious points.

Post Workshop Reflection Time

Following the Saturday sessions at the Conference, Chris and Alan reflect over a glass of wine in the Philharmonic (which has Grade II listed toilets).

The Shangri-La Chinese Restaurant on Victoria Street

Post meal conversation, from left to right Dave, Chalky, Marianne, Alan, Nat, Jonathan, Elaine, Lesley, Lynda and Chris. I'm taking the picture again!

A Workshop Session

Richard Wilson from INVOLVE shares some thoughts about participation.

NALC Conference Begins

The Minister for Local Government, Phil Woolas MP addresses the NALC Conference at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool.

The NALC posse in 60 Hope Street

From left to right Laura, Justin seat empty as taking photo as always, Nat, Steve, Katie K, Meera, John, Sam, Kate, Marianne, Alan and Lisa.

Nearly there!

I reckon a seven iron from Liverpool Lime Street Station and I'm on the fringe of the green.

Another good shot!

A well struck 3 wood and a challenging lie at Leicester station.

An amazing shot!

Having searched high and low I finally found my lost ball from yesterday. Would you believe it on a meeting room table at the Department for Communities and Local Government! And who said parish councils don't aim high?! Not a bad lie I guess. Greenwich to Victoria not a bad shot. No idea how many strokes to the hole at Lee Park Golf Club in Liverpool, a bogey on the cards me thinks.

Not a great shot!

My golf clubs on the train. Slight shank at greenwich and i think my ball got nestled on the 8.21 to london cannon street. Just hope it's a good lie.

Xav's new colleague

Introducing Xav's new colleague at The Local Channel. Brad got bumped off attending NALC conference this weekend. Just sexist I say!

Spooks review

The review of the first episode of the Spooks new series. Xav from The Local Channel pops up in the second episode as armed police, stops the car Harry is in to detain him. Quality acting.

Katie and Mark's wedding

The happy couple.

Lga rural conference

Oh dear.

The Chester Town Crier

He's no Dave Murphy mind. Good work Hythe Town Council.

The trip to Chester

Nice.

Liam and.....

......his new moped. 5CC. Nice.

Liam's first birthday

'Can't believe i didn't get cheryl tweedy from girls aloud!'

Who said....

......birthdays never come early?! And Liam isn't even 1 until Tuesday.

Curry club

Having not eaten all week in wales (!) a curry at Jaipur in Market Drayton was very welcome. From left to right Ginny, Jude's dad, Jude, Rob, Bethan, Jude's mum, Paul. I'm taking the photo obviously. X

Llangollen

The journey back from wales to Staffs broken up by a quick stop at the Mill in Llangollen for a lager shandy by the river.

Ice creams in Porthmadog

Caravan park 2

The caravan park

Paper folding

The summer spent teaching at playschemes has uncovered a new skill for Jude, paper folding. I coloured in this football shirt. Answers by email for the football club and year of this football strip.

The Mitre pub quiz

The fateful score sheet. 29 out of 50. Shocking.

The Mitre pub quiz

JB and Jude at the pub quiz at the Mitre in Pwllheli which is held every Thursday. Our team name was The Pwllheli Plodders Running Club and Supporters Club. Just rolls off the tongue. Anyway we thought it was funny. We came second from bottom. Oh dear.

JB, Deryll and Jude

Spent nearly an hour in the Snowdon honey farm shop tasting the wines and meads, with expert help and advice from Deryll. This man really knows his stuff and is such a lovely, funny and charming chap. He always has plenty of time to help and offer his top tasting tips. Hats off sir.

X Factor....

......here we come.

Snowdon honey farm shop

Jude and JB in front of the wide selection of wines and meads.

Llanberis

One of my favourite shops in the world. Snowdon honey farm shop. Great wines, meads and chutneys.

Snowdon 7

The venue for afternoon tea. Very nice.

Afternoon tea anyone?

Just what the doctor ordered after walking up Snowdon. Afternoon tea and scones. Yum Yum.

Snowdon 5

The descent.

Snowdon 4

The summit at last. Very windy though! And packed with people. And the cafe was closed!

Snowdon 3

Taken from the 3/4 point.

Snowdon 2

Cups of tea at halfway house.

Snowdon

The ascent.

The drive to llanberis

Off to llanberis today to walk up snowdon. Nice weather so hoping quite clear at the top. Was very foggy last time and visibility very poor.

Jude and JB

Another kicking night at the caravan after dinner. Lively as anything. Come on!

Tonight's bbq

Roquefort burgers, trout fillets in foil, vegetable kebabs, asparagus, cod in cream with chives in foil. Nice.

Sundown in Pyllheli

Sunset at Pyllheli harbour

Pubs of Pyllheli

The mitre. Good guinness, limited selection of wine. Decent food menu. Digital jukebox. Quiz night on thursdays.

Tea room in Criccieth

After a walk around the village, afternoon tea was in order. Nice.

Criccieth lifeboat station

This is the lifeboat station at Criccieth. As well as being a member and supporter of RNLI, popped in to shop to buy some postcards etc. Last launch was a few days ago for a kite surfer. I think all was okay. Hopefully.

Criccieth castle

Criccieth castle

Justin the chimney sweep!

Apparently i like like a chimney sweep in this picture. Comments please. Chim chim charoo.

Pubs of Pyllheli

No idea what this pub is called. Something in welsh. Although i call it mtv pub as it's always on the tv. Except yest which was the tennis. Pub is next door to indian restaurant which is always handy. Not bad guinness. Had no slimline tonic yesterday.