Swifts, swallows and many other birds feeding on the evening insect life, so abundant at this time of the year and with the occasional “clang sound”  from the boats moored on the anchor chains is something to behold. Let’s just hope with the main months of Summer now with us that there are many more wonderful days ahead on Holy Island especially when the tide is in and the island delivers what it does best……. tranquility! so very rare these days.

Food Items Not To Forget!

And on a final note, the photo showing a shopping list with this little editorial probably sums it all up which was found on the harbour’s edge. Let’s get away and relax. Perfect!

Interviewing Brian on the morning the wonderful news broke, Brian said “when I recieved the official letter, you could have knocked me down with a feather, I was speechless!” Brian said that he knows he owes a big thank you to Ian Mills and Ryan Douglas , coastguard members, who were instrumental in sponsoring Brian and putting forward the nomination for Brian’s M.B.E.

Brian has given public service to the coastguard for 52 years and although retired from the service still continues to be an importanty member of the island’s community by driving the island’s children to Lowick when the mainland is accessable, caretaker at the Holy Island school plus keeping the islands grass looking tidy, giving it a weekly cut. He says it’s his weekend intake of John Smiths at The Ship that helps to build up his energy reserves!

So the next big thing for Brian to look forward is to go to Buckingham Palace to receive his M.B.E. from the Queen. Brian will be taking his wife, Annette, plus daughters Anna and Karen. Of course for a very special occasion like this Brian is off to the tailors for his made to measure suit and more importantly, Annette has forewarned Brian that his bank balance maybe a little lighter as Annette makes plans for that very special outfit, which for the number one lady in his life, there is no argument!!

We wish you well Brian and enjoy that once in a lifetime special occasion, you deserve it, well done!

A Pint To Clebrate Brian's MBE - Left to Right: Jimmy Middlemiss, Brian (seated centre) Andrew, landlord, behind Brian and Freddie Holt celebrate with a pint!

Katherine & Jason Seal It With a Kiss!

as a parish priest for nearly 47 years. Katherine & Jason had a traditional “wedding breakfast” and then as the evening approached danced to Gary Forrest’s border band. All in all a great time was had by all with some very witty speaches from Jason & his best man.

Driving down to the scene the fire was out of control and engulfing the dune grasses for at least 200 metres advancing towards Holy Island village. The photograph attached taken via hand held Blackberry shows even in poor night conditions, flames stretching along the tail of the island as the fire fighters worked hard by trying to beat back the flames. In summary untold damage done through an inconsiderate act!

Out Of Control Fire Engulfs Dune Grasses Near The Snook

This provided the perfect setting for our first wedding of 2011 when Dave Williamson married Jane Carter at Lindisfarne Castle. Dave & Jane have been planning this very special day for the last two years and were joined by family and close friends journeying from Dave’s, Teesside and Jane’s, Cambridgeshire  for a wedding celebration at The Ship Inn. The wedding planned incorporating an extensive buffet lunch included local Holy Island crab  and shellfish, afternoon tea, scones with clotted cream and jam, finished in the evening with a personilised hot buffet meal. The only downside is that guests made a friendly comment in that pounds were added although there was some relief by being able to dance to the evening’s live music which was supplied by Northumbrian borders band “Real to Reel”

And so we move on to the final chapter in this blog update and cannot fail to mention one particular coast guard member who from information The Ship Inn has been given has now served as the longest UK member in the coast guard voluntary service. This accolade goes to Brian Patterson who joined the coast guard at the age of 16 on 6 February 1959. Brian, a regular at The Ship Inn is one of life’s “nice gentleman” . Unassuming, he visits The Ship Inn every Sunday and never misses. Along with his island friend, Jimmy Middlemiss they always enjoy a pint or two sitting on their favourite stools and help towards making a pleasant atmosphere every Sunday lunchtime. Andrew & Janice and all the staff at The Ship wish Brian good health and happiness for many years to come!

52 years in the coast guard joined 6 Feb 1959

Overall 2010 has been a busy year with weddings over the past year on the increase as couples agree to “tie the knot” at Lindisfarne Castle. As we go into 2011 it appears that the trend for choosing to get married on the island is still on the up and choosing to have The Ship Inn for the reception whether for a simple buffet or  formal dinner is as popular as ever. Midsummer even provided the biggest marquee wedding with an excellent job done by all our staff whereby nearly 150 persons were catered by having a formal wedding dinner.

Other catering facilities have also been provided for from, retirement, wedding & birthday anniversaries. One of the most interesting occasions being celebrating as “It’s good to be here at 75 years party!” As the host said on the night, “why toast your friends when they die, instead let’s celebrate when we are still here!” You can’t argue with that!

From an accommodation perspective, as we entered 2010, existing rooms were given a make over in the Winter of 2010 with all of our en-suites being replaced with a  new super luxury room 3 being introduced with complimentary super luxury bathroom & shower. This room with the “Victorian Style” king sized luxury bed, complete with chaise lounge has been a great success with many a guest returning to rebook this room. For all of our hard work it was pleasing to be given an upgrade from 3 to 4 stars by the tourism board, so a big thank you to those who helped to make it happen.

Weather wise, 2010 was not a bad year with many a sunny & warm day encouraging folk to enjoy our well sheltered and sunny beer garden with music provided from time to time by a passing band providing a very enjoyable ambiance on those welcome warm & sunny days.

As Autumn approached, the island prepared for its annual bonfire spectacular which was to its usual high standard which lead to the festivity ending by folk being packed into the inn for a warming drink. Winter then approached and after a relatively warm start in early November the arctic winds swung in and Winter came with a vengeance, so rarely seen in recent years. The 1st snows fell heavily on the 24 November. With December and the end of the year fast approaching, day after day the snow fell, temperatures hovered often around -10C in the day with minus mid teens at night. So this year with the old classic song “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” became a reality with deep snow on Christmas day with no sign of the first serious thaw occurring until we approached the New Year.

So as we go into 2011 we would like to wish all our past customers a very happy and hopefully proseprous New Year and whether you are a past customer or are considering a visit to Holy Island we look forward to ensuring you have a warm welcome if you should decide to visit The Ship Inn.