Heather 2021 - 2023

A collection of photographs taken between late 2021 and early 2023. Including Gerald's 80th birthday party, our first expeditions in the camper van, Nicolle's 50th birthday meet up, and some snaps from our trip to the USA.

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Photos

Ryan in front of our newly-converted van in Summer 2021. We used the money from our Wedding Gifts to work on our Vauxhall vivaro (2005). It contains a fold out couch/bed, curtains, is fully insulated, storage units, and a sink with water pump and gas supply for making brekkie! We took it up to Sugar Loaf on the east side of the Brecon Beacons in Wales to enjoy a walk, the lovely view and a coffee with bacon sarnie!

Ryan at the peak of Sugar Loaf in Wales.

Grandad's 80th Birthday celebrations, with Uncle Russ on the left foreground and my lovely Mummy in the bottom right. We celebrated as a family at The Manor House, Ditcheat, Somerset.

For his 80th, we presented Grandad with a photobook, and a "This is Your Life" style reminiscence over his 80 years. We had various inputs from his children and grandchildren.

Though still getting used to my (new to me) camera settings, this photo captures the event well, if not a lovely blurry Grandad face!

The 80th Birthday party - in full swing!

Ryan, mid-walk, on our Sugar Loaf walk. Difficult to spot there in the middle! It was a lovely sunny day, and the bright light is contrasted strongly against the strong lines of the tree trunk shadows.

For Ryan's 30th birthday, I took him for a surprise to "Oldfield Forge" in Herefordshire, by Garway hill. We made our own sword; back-breaking (and sweat-inducing) work! But our mantelpiece is now much grander for it. Please also note the huge birthday badge for the huge birthday!

Coffee-making facilities in the van, featuring the aeropress - a treasured gift from our sis-in-law Sam.

A moody view out over Wales.

A circular walk along the River Wye, starting at Kerne bridge, near Ross-on-Wye near our home in Herefordshire. Along the river, we were taken past this striking old church, and makes I think for a striking photo.

View out from the river Wye. Light levels not quite right - all essential learning for the film camera-ography!

Here is Grandad again, tucking into his birday cake.

The mighty sword. We designed every element of this and built it, from hammering the blade, to turning the hilt, shaping the crossbar and forming the pommel. Great fun.

The sword alongside the dagger we made by accident, when we accidentally melted the first blade we worked on in two! Those kilns were seriously hot...either way, it meant we got 2 keepsakes, literally for the price of one!

Ryan and Oli hanging out at the Inn on the Wye, near Ross-on-Wye. We spent some family time here over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in April 2023, for Auntie Nicole's 50th Birthday celebrations.