Day 53, 54 & 55 – Another week, another update

As many of you have probably realised by now, my tipple of choice out here is known as Waikato Draught, it has a similar aroma and flavour to that of my favourite tipple back in Shetland – McEwan’s Export.

The other night I decided it was about time I found out some of the history regarding Waikato Draught.  I am glad I did.  Did you know that back in 1864, and I quote, “The God Father of Brewing in the Waikato, determined Scot Charles Innes arrives in New Zealand”.  The man responsible for Waikato Draught turns out to be Scottish, McEwan’s Export is Scottish, can anybody see the link here?

Anyway, as I donned my monocle and studied the history a bit further I came across an astounding discovery.  In 1899:-

“Charles Innes loses his life after mysteriously

drowning while bathing in one of his vats”

Now then, excuse me but can anybody think of a better way to die? :)

So, my favourite tipple out here is concocted from a Scottish Blokes bath water, nevertheless it tastes all right to me.

Tania and Aidan brought some gifts with them when they returned from Russell.  Louise had been good enough to provide Tania with new placemats and coasters after she had shrunk the last ones.  They feature Shetland Scenes which is nice.  She also gave Aidan a Shetland book and Tania a picnic rug.  The picnic rug turns out to have a lot of history,

“This pure New Zealand wool rug was made by Wellington Woollen Co. at Petrone. 

It was to have been presented to the Queen Mother on a proposed visit to New Zealand in 1949.  The visit was postponed because of Her Majesty’s ill health.

The Manufacturers’ Association decided to present the rug to Dr. Val Armstrong of N.Z.D.S.I.R because of the assistance and financial savings due to his advice.

Dr Armstrong was leaving to join the staff of the New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC, USA as Scientific Attaché”

Dr Val Armstrong was Tania’s grand-father.

On Saturday night we were invited over to Neil’s for tea and a few beers which was fine.

Today I finally managed to upload the last of the aircraft photos I have from Sumburgh Airport.  This brings the photograph total to 201 planes and 103 helicopters from 19 countries.

I have been planning for a while now to expand on the website and allow contributions from other people to add to the list.  Simple rules apply, the aircraft needs to be one that doesn’t already appear on the website and needs to be photographed at or around Sumburgh Airport.  So if anybody has any old pics lying around they would like to contribute please head over to the CRCShetland Aircraft Photo Contribution page.

I have added a form to the website to make it easy to submit photographs for inclusion.  I will hopefully be able to add more about the history of Sumburgh Airport as time goes on.

Cheers fer noo.