Foxdogs daze!

N W Crusaders Official First Squad

2011-11-27T09:15:00.002Z

Yesterday I attened the first NW Crusaders squad get together at the Glyndwr Racecourse Ground in Wrexham.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-15898638

"A rugby league club has put forward a team made up of fans while it goes about signing up professional players.
Wrexham-based North Wales Crusaders formed after the original Crusaders pulled out of the Super League in July, citing financial concerns.
But the new side had to name a provisional squad to meet a deadline, so asked fans to step forward.
A postman, teacher, lorry drivers and a schoolboy all posed for a "team photo" at the Racecourse on Saturday."

Crusaders Squad Member - Me!!!!!!

2011-11-01T20:27:00.002Z

I got confirmation today that I am to be an original squad member for the North Wales Crusaders' . It was a once only chance to be one of the first to be officially logged with the RFL as a squad player for the new club in the new season 2012.
Well pleased that I got the number that I gave as my first choice too!!!
Cru' Cru' Crusaders.

The Wrexham Mayors Ball

2011-10-22T21:23:00.002+01:00

Me and Berni were guests at the Mayors charity bash last night, held in the Wrexham Ramada Place Hotel, very nice company for the evening, but in my opinion if thats a 4 star hotel i'll eat my hat!!

Crusaders meeting Wrexham 29-9-11

2011-09-30T22:14:00.001+01:00

Went to the first meeting of the New Cru' rugby league club last night, see below.
http://www.slideshare.net/capitaldigital1/crusaders-championship-1-presentation

Crusaders v Huddersfeild

2011-07-06T12:35:00.003+01:00

Had a cracking day on Sunday with my darling daughter Molly. We went up to Halifax to watch the Cru', pity about the result (but hey we're used to losing this season).
Had good company on bus and in the pub witgh the fans and got free tickets to the game 'bonus!!'

Race for Life

2011-05-23T20:20:00.001+01:00

Yesterday Berni the wifey', ran 'The Race for Life.' She did fantastically and finished in 32 mins which totally shocked her!!
But made us all very proud of her achievement, and money that she raised for Cancer Research.
WELL BIZZY XXXXXXX

Crusaders v Wakefield Trinity

2011-05-14T21:29:00.002+01:00

Went last night with Ian Bithel, and what a nice turn around we saw.
The Cru' won quite convincingly, Wakey struggled to even get out of their own half most of the time and to be honest only scored their points from silly defending by the Crusaders. It could have been a much bigger score line except for some sturn defensive work by Wakey, but they could only take a battering for so long before the crack began to show.

Crusaders thrashed again!!!

2011-05-02T20:42:00.002+01:00

I took Molly and Lois to wath the Cru' yesterday and boy where they not very impressed.
The team were a shambles first half and ought to be ashamed of themselves, and the question is how much longer can Mr Harris be allowed to continue as head coach, if this was football he'd be long gone by now either sack or resigned.!!
Fair do's to Wigan Warriors tho' they do look an awsome team.

The Watkin Path up Snowdon

2011-04-29T23:29:00.002+01:00

Last Thursday Steve and myself went up Moel Siabod from near Capel Curig damn hot weather and got forehead sun burnt.
Then today we went up Snowdon by the the hardest route the 'Watkin Path' it starts at the Pont Bethania car park just 56m above sea, which is at least a 1000ft lower than the car park at Pen y Pass and boy do legs know it by the time you reach the summit ;-). We then decended by the very blustery South Ridge, I will say tho a tough walk up and down its quieter and so more enjoyable than the tourist route of the Pyg or Miners paths. Rest day tommorow me thinks, and take the girls to the rugby on Sunday.

Crusaders Rugby League

2011-04-27T21:32:00.002+01:00

Well after a couple of trips away to Salford and Warrington, we then had a home game against table toppers Huddersfeild and we thashed them to the amazment of all!!!
Then lost away ay Leeds Rhinos, ah well!

Anyway went and got tickets this morning for the home game on Sunday against Wigan its gonna be a tough one but come on the Cru'. Molly as usual will be with me and Lolo will be at her first game :-)

North Wales Crusaders Youth Rugby & Katie Perry

2011-03-27T21:47:00.003+01:00

Today I took daughter Lois (4) to see her 1st rugby game.It was the first home game of the newly formed 'North Wales Crusaders', a youth side linked to the Crusaders RL super league team. She had a great time and the team beat Rylands Sharks 30-22. Check out their website below. http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/crusadersnorthwalesacademy/ Meanwhile Berni and older daughter Molly are now in Liverpool at the Katie Perry concert ahve a nice Girlie outing I hope xxx.

Kids party!!!!!

2010-12-22T21:58:00.010Z

Today we had a Christmas tea party for Lois and her freinds, OMG! They had a great time and it was nice to watch they singing & dancing all dress up and enjoying themselves. Nina dressed up as Santa and was brilliant.

Meatloaf

2010-12-11T11:46:00.002Z

On Thursday night Berni the wife and I ventured into the sprall called Manchester to go and watch Meatloaf in concert at the M.E.N. the place is surrouded by scallly car parks run by what look like chancers, if your going to a gig park in the Areana car park its a couple of quid dearer put its genuine.
Meatloaf himself was pretty good concidering he is now in his 60's, but his voice has lost its power. All in all a good night ouy.

The family all down with germs;-)

2010-11-21T21:00:00.002Z

Spent the weekend just looking after the wife and Lois, they both under the weather with chest infections. Lois is just getting over hers hopefully, but Berni is quite bad and will be making the return trip to the doc's in the morning for more penicillin.
This afternoon I needed to get some fresh air so I chopped up the logs that I'd cut for splitting a couple of weeks ago, and move them up to the open shed to start drying.

Rhod Gilbert

2010-11-14T10:47:00.003Z

Berni, Molly and me went too see the fantastic Rhod Gilbert in Llandudno last night, supported by his 'flatmate' Lloyd.

Its a great show and get to see it if you can, the man is a great fella too staying behind for photos etc .

Our Chell'

2010-11-12T09:35:00.002Z

Well its been a year now and it still hurts like hell when we remember Michelle and there been quite a few tears shed over the last few days.

Wednesday was her birthday and the family and freinds got together at the cemetary to wish her a good one .We let off lanterns into the night and I'm sure each one carried a special message to special person to us all.

Sweet dreams, god bless, we love you.

Ga, Bern, Molly and Lolo. xxxxxx

October Half Term

2010-10-27T17:31:00.000+01:00

Well its half term for us at Yale College, (thank god). Its been a hard start to the year so glad of the break, thogh I did go in yesterday to get some work done. Its wednesday already, so half way through the week off and we've not done a lot really, Bernis sister Kerry came down on Monday and is staying untill Thursday when we will drop her at Huddersfeild station to catch her train, and we are the staying in Huddersfeild for a couple of days away. Last Sunday we all went and put some flowers on the graves of my nan Molly and our neice Michelle.
Today I've had a shopping trip to Cheshire Oaks with Molly, and them we came home and Moll made cakes with Lois, while Bern and Kerry have an afternoon out together chillin!

Plasterers Awards

2010-10-23T17:52:00.000+01:00

Well on Wednesday 20th Oct I travelled down to London to attend the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers awards lunchon at The Plaisterers Hall, as a guest of British Gypsum. It was a long day but i had a great time and it was even better to catch up with friends that I haven't seen for a while.
The venue itself is a fantastic place, and the awards were pesented by the Lord Mayor of London.

http://www.plaistererslivery.co.uk/

http://www.plaisterershall.com/location.php

Whernside Yorkshire

2010-09-30T21:19:00.000+01:00

Mike Ward, Steve Davies and myself set off for Ingleton in yorshire last Friday after work to walk them Yorkshire hills. Had a cracking meal in the pub (Masons Arms) and them a bit of a walk to the next (The Craven which was crap)before returning to the first and getting quite smashed especially after 3/4 bottle of red back at the digs.

Anyway Saturday dawned and with a hangover we hiked Whernside and then crashed back at the barn before heading back to the pub for tea, then watched an Elvis copy signer in The 3 Horseshoes. Not a great deal of beer drunk on Saturday!!!

Celtic Crusaders Rugby League

2010-09-13T21:16:00.000+01:00

I joined about 900 others for the trip to watch the Crusaders in the final 8 play offs at Huddersfield on Saturday 11th Sept, this was after wathching them beat Hull KR 30 - 24 at the Racecourse ground Wrexham last week.
Anyway we lost 18-12 but what a day we had in only out 2nd season in the top flight of rugby league. P.s we was robbed in my opinion!!! and that of most people who actually saw the game truthfully!!! including Giants fans.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A74152956

Cru's home page
http://www.crusadersrfl.com/

The National Trust

2010-09-13T20:50:00.000+01:00

We visited a few National trust properties over the summer including a revisit to Erddig Hall a great place just on our doorstep.
My favourite was Penrhyn Castle, Bangor North Wales
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-penrhyncastle.htm

Also in Wales we had a nice afternoon around Chirk Castle
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-chirkcastle

We even ventured into darkest Englan to visit the very nice Park near Shrewsbury.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-attinghampark.htm

Finally last week we visited Powis Castle at Welshpool, Powys. Its worth the visit just to see the ceilings.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-powiscastle_garden.htm

All in all we recon that the membership costs are fantastic value for money and we have still got untill next May untill ours needs renewing!!!!!

Oh My God!!!

2010-09-13T20:45:00.000+01:00

Well today it was the first day back with students, where the hell did the time go, and whats more why did I neglect to update my blog?
No excuse really just forgot, then you know how it goes. anyway here we go --- Iwill tell you whats been going on in the Jones house etc over the next couple of days (or so maybe, i think lol)

5 WEEKS off

2010-07-24T13:15:00.000+01:00

Yipee, today is the start of a 5 week break from teaching, so time for doing what needs to be done and time for me to chill ;-)

Erddig Hall, Wrexham

2010-06-20T21:18:00.000+01:00

Had a great afternoon with the girls at the superb Erddig Hall (it was teddy bears picnic weekend).Its virtually on our doorstep and we've never been there so we started to use our membership close to home. Such a great day to be outside we stayed in the grounds and we'll do inside the house on another day.http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main...e/w-erddig.htm

Y Garn Snowdonia (and others)

2010-04-12T20:26:00.001+01:00

Went for a walk last Thursday, in Snowdonia (why would I want to live anywhere else than Wales).

Here are some pics

Pen y Fan, Cader idris Snowdon, The Welsh Three Peaks

2010-03-31T14:18:00.000+01:00

We drove down to The Brecon Backpackers pub in Bwlch last friday after work (Nick, Mike, Steve and myself). We had a few! pints and a laugh before finally getting to sleep. Up reasonably early to a sumptuious breakfast of cornflakes and toast! Drove to the Storey Arms Centre and walked up Pen y Fan and back down with a hangover in 1 and a half hours, hardley worth the drive down. We then drove the 90 odd miles to Cader and hiked up that with tired legs. Over to Betws y Coed (Vagabond bunkhouse) for the night then up Snowdon on Sunday morning after being joined by Graham and Richard.
Had a great weekend

mad march

2010-03-22T21:56:00.000Z

Spent yesterday looking around N Wales area fro a site for our caravan or even get a static, it drove me mad(still undesided what to do) watch this space I think is the term!

Friday last night went to watch the Celtic Crusaders rugby leauge team win at home at the Racecource ground Wrexham with Pete, Josh and Ian Bithel.

New Landrover Discovery

2010-02-09T22:16:00.000Z

I've got a new Landrover Disco for general day to day use, rather than use Betsy the laning truck (hey you only live once).
I think this one will be called 'Doris' the Disco!!
Pics to follow.

Its Snowing in Bwlchgwyn

2010-01-13T18:48:00.000Z

Berni, Lois and me took Sid for a walk up the lane today. We were off work again with the college closed because of the weather.

Michelle Elson- The funeral of our neice.

2009-11-18T11:55:00.000Z

Yesterday (17-11-09) we laid our dear neice Chell to rest.
The service took place at St Martins Church, Llay, Nr Wrexham in North Wales.
From what we have been told it was the largest gathering ( in excess of 500 mourners) for a funeral at the church in living memory, which as the vicar said "its a fine tribute to our Chell and the family, as people dont have to attend they choose to!"
Mine and my famillies thanks go to all those that did attend, and those who couldn't but sent their best wishes, cards and flowers etc.

Thank you for giving Michelle the send off she deserved.

Gary W Jones

Michelle Elson our darling neice 2

2009-11-10T22:29:00.000Z

Well another day dawned, and I was awake well before the sun was up closely followed by Berni. We sat and drank tea still feeling crap and sad knowing that today was Chells' birthday. I had tears before work telling my old mate Ian what had happened.
The afternoon was a wait for the post mortum results, then over to Wendys' for a birthday tea in memory of our Chell' with little Sam openning the cards for his mummy (more tears , but who cares eh).
Sweet dreams Chell' love from us all.

Michelle Elson R.I.P our darling neice

2009-11-09T21:05:00.000Z

A light in all our lives has gone out, but will always be shinning in our hearts. Michelle was to be 26 tommorow (10th Nov), but yesterday was cruelly taken from the family she loved, and that loved her.

To all that knew her she was one of those special people in so many ways, - kind, funny, caring, supermum to Sam, loving partner of Phil, fantasic daughter, grandaughter, niece, our special niece.

Sweet dreams Chel' all our love Gary, Berni, Molly and Lois.

Green laning in North Wales

2009-11-04T20:22:00.000Z

Last sunday I was out laning with Steve and Keith in their Discos, Paul in his Land Cruiser and of course me in 'Betsy the Disco'. The weather to start was appaling but off we went and had a good day out following a route devised by Paul H. We drove a few new lanes not done before by us and tackled the famous (well amongst north Wales laners) Hafod Daffydd with me strugling without lockers and Steve being given a tow to get him over the same bit. later in the day we found a nice ford .

away days

2009-11-04T20:15:00.000Z

Well last week over half term, me Berni and Lois had a very nice break in the southern part of the peak district. We had this great cottage http://www.peak-holidays.com/The-Nook/The-Nook.htm

The Peak District

2009-10-25T10:09:00.000Z

Well me, the wife and the youngest daughter are of for a short reak in the Peak district. We are really looking forward to it , its been a very hectic 1st half term especilly for Berni whos had a HMI inspection both of her teaching area and the Moodle IT system the she runs for the college. hope the weather is decent!!! but then again it is Britain;-).

Crib Goch, Snowdon

2009-09-24T20:20:00.000+01:00

What a day we had out walking in Snowdonia, after Crib Goch, Garnedd Ugain,then up to the Snowdon trig we returned back via the Pyg and Miners track. So now having not done Crib' before we are looking forward to a return visit and completing the whole Snowdon Horseshoe. Just want some great weather again, and set of an hour earlier to miss the crowds even more.

Lois' 1st School day

2009-09-03T20:18:00.000+01:00

My little girl Lois had her first day in Rhosddu Nursery Plus school today, awww!! she was only 3 in June.

1st Anniversary

2009-05-17T21:40:00.000+01:00

Oh my god, a year has flown by so fast. We've just got back frm a weekend away (just the 2 of us) yipee! we had a great time and tho we missed the kids it was nice to mhave a couple of days on our own.
We stayed here http://www.scalfordhall.co.uk/
We had a walk around Melton Mobray nice enough town but nothing spectacular untill you find the church which is well worth a visit.http://www.le.ac.uk/emoha/leicester/melton.html

Then we drove over to Stamford in Lincs', a very nice town to walk around. They obviously have a council that appreciates what it has and is determined to keep its heritage. its a pity that the same can't be said of our local councils who over the years have allowed the distruction of many fine old buildings and therfore historic town centres
.http://www.stamford.co.uk/

New Year

2009-01-06T21:33:00.000Z

We spent the week from 27th Dec over on the Lleyn Penninsula and had a great time.

The Davies family and ourselves ate lots, drunk lots and had a very relaxing week just chillin'.

It was good to get away from all the usual grind of the xmas period and just have the time to ourselves havin fun with the kids etc.

Its a fantastic place for coastal scenary and views back to Snowdonia, I would recomend it to anyone.

Lois playing in the snowdome.

2008-12-20T21:50:00.000Z

Out for a walk with Sid

2008-11-17T22:50:00.000Z

Well yesterday actually, I put the boots etc on, and took Sid the Jack Russell off for a walk. This one in fact cos its virtually right on my doorstep http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/le...tes/route5.htm

In just over 2 hours I only met 3 others coming the other way, (quite freindly for trampers )Its strange what you find out there though I mean we're nowhere neer the sea!!!

Sunday run out

2008-11-03T21:19:00.000Z

Had a run out in the trucks yesterday around Glyn Ceriog area and over towards Corwen. Lots of standing water and still some snow up on Cadair Bronwen. Still it gave Steve a chance to show his daughter Jordain to joys of gate opening LOL!!

2" lift on Landrover discovery

2008-10-24T23:01:00.000+01:00

This afternoon I fitted with the help of my mates and students at work a TJM XGS susspension kit to my Discovery 'Betsy'.

The gear looks very well made and its also in pretty yellow to match her other underwear (steering guard) Lol pics to follow.

Steves shiney Disco is now looking a bit more like a greenlaner (except for the PINK!!! stickers).

so maybe a few pics of that aswell.

Married life still brill, and I'm still smiling most of the time. Kids are doing ok but growing all the time and with it costing a fortune cos they're GIRLS.

More to follow soon, well maybe!!!

Steves Dirty Disco

2008-10-04T22:45:00.000+01:00

Today Steve finally bit the bullet and got his nice shiney Disco proper dirty and just a little scratched, but now thats happened theres no going back cos nobodys gonna buy it now :-)

Out in the truck Green Laning

2008-08-19T21:32:00.000+01:00

Went out in Betsy the Discovery last Saturday. We drove across North Wales around Cader Idris on what is known as bomber lane (see the pics)

it over looks Barmouth.

Gary and Berni Wedding Photos

2008-07-24T21:32:00.001+01:00

some pics at last!!!

Moel Fferna

2008-07-24T21:15:00.000+01:00

Well I went on a little! hike this morning. I was at Glyndyfrdwy post office at 8.30am ready for the walk up to Moel Fferna 2067ft. thought it might turn out nice and clear on the top, but low cloud and haze spoilt the photo chances.

This is the route I took
http://www.geoffspages.co.uk/camerawalks/moelfferna/index.htm

Got Married

2008-05-19T12:43:00.000+01:00

Ha last Saturday 17th May 2008 I got married !!!!!!!!!
Pics to follow when I get time.

Llangollen area walk

2008-05-04T21:12:00.000+01:00

Well Steve and me went for a stroll! today. Steve spotted a frog having a shower up on the Eglwyseg Rocks.

11 miles hike and the Link below takes ya to it, have fun!! It says moderate but its a fair walk if your not used to it.

Finished off with a nice pint in the Sun Tevor pub,near the Llangollen canal.

http://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walks/walks/walk_b/1067/

Walking in them hills!!

2008-04-29T23:02:00.000+01:00

Dohhh! I put the wrong link in the first post, tho' it is a nice walk.
The actual on we did can be found here.
http://www.flintshire.gov.uk/webcont/newrealweb.nsf/vwa_files/moel_arthur_penycloddiau_66_67.pdf/$file/moel_arthur_penycloddiau_66_67.pdf

Garys Stag Day!!

2008-04-24T11:28:00.000+01:00

Well we had a great day at the Races last Saturday as my 'Stag' day, from there we then went on to the Oak Tree pub in Wrexham. Here we had a a very welcome meal and a few more shandy's !!!.
Thanks to all that came but especialy to Steve 'The Mat' Davies for organising it.
The people there were;
Steve Davies, Nick Povey, Paul Roberts, Simon Roberts, Graham Evans, Ian Thomas, Dhesi, Stumpy, Tony Leahy, Tony Duckworth, Mike Ninnes, Rob Hill, Tony Ryan, Nick Simon, Ian Bithel and my DAD Billy Jones.
Hope all had a good time and lets do it again soon.

Walking in the hills.

2008-04-07T21:56:00.000+01:00

Well last Friday we had a nice stroll in the Flintshire hills over looking the Vale of Clwyd.

Nick Simon & Steve Davies , my companions for the day on the 7 mile walk in reasonably good weather except for a cold wind at times, (but no complaints about the cold beers after tho') ;-)

Anybody interested in doing the same walk just click below.

http://www.flintshire.gov.uk/webcont/newrealweb.nsf/vwa_files/moel_arthur_cilcain_64_65.pdf/$file/moel_arthur_cilcain_64_65.pdf.

It says 4 to 5 hours, but we did it in comfortably in 3.5 stopping several times on route.

Sunday dinner.

2008-04-06T22:42:00.000+01:00

6th April 2008

Well here we go, my 1st attempt at blogin'.

Berni and I went down to Shropshire today to pick up our darling daughter Lois who had spent the night with Auntie Sanpa & Uncle Steve. We all met at the ace pub The Hilly and had our dinner, a couple of shandy's and a lovely time .