Paul's mum, Pat Campbell, died on Monday morning, October 5th at St Andrew's Hospice. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but particularly by Jim, Paul, Barbara, Mhari and all the rest of the family.
The funeral is on Monday, October 12th at the Campbell family's parish - Our Lady and St Helen's in Condorrat, Cumbernauld.
I know that all the family has been glad of the support and prayers of those around them. And have found much comfort in happy memories of Pat and laughing together!
Friday 9 October 2009
Saturday 3 October 2009
Mr & Mrs
Excuse our blog silence, but we've been getting married! Thanks to everyone for all your help and love and being with us on our Big Day. Lots more to follow, but here's a pic to start with.
Saturday 12 September 2009
jiggered
We've shifted two van-loads of stuff into the new flat and its just a sea of boxes and bits of furniture.
Spent yesterday racing around the secondhand furniture shops of Glasgow and Cumbernauld, then a quick dash to visit Paul's mum, to the church to discuss practicalities for the day with the priest and Quaker elders, and back to pack the van with Paul's stuff. This morning was an absolutely gorgeous day, and we drove up to Connel via the Trossachs and Crianlarich - lots of folk putting on their hiking boots and heading for a day in the hills. But we had other exercise in mind.
It was great to pick up the keys for the flat, and our land lady, Sarah, had left a bottle of wine and flowers to welcome us, as well as the pansies she planted in the window boxes. The rest of the day is just back and forth with one box after another - where did we get so much stuff? And, more importantly, where are we going to put it?!
By 5pm, we were shattered, we could just about pick out paint at Homebase for the one room that needs a colour-change, and it was back to the Oban flat for fish and chips in front of the telly. Tomorrow, we'll try and create some order before the last of the furniture and stuff arrives on Monday and through next week! Busy times.
Spent yesterday racing around the secondhand furniture shops of Glasgow and Cumbernauld, then a quick dash to visit Paul's mum, to the church to discuss practicalities for the day with the priest and Quaker elders, and back to pack the van with Paul's stuff. This morning was an absolutely gorgeous day, and we drove up to Connel via the Trossachs and Crianlarich - lots of folk putting on their hiking boots and heading for a day in the hills. But we had other exercise in mind.
It was great to pick up the keys for the flat, and our land lady, Sarah, had left a bottle of wine and flowers to welcome us, as well as the pansies she planted in the window boxes. The rest of the day is just back and forth with one box after another - where did we get so much stuff? And, more importantly, where are we going to put it?!
By 5pm, we were shattered, we could just about pick out paint at Homebase for the one room that needs a colour-change, and it was back to the Oban flat for fish and chips in front of the telly. Tomorrow, we'll try and create some order before the last of the furniture and stuff arrives on Monday and through next week! Busy times.
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Sneak preview of the house
We went to take a look at the wee flat we are moving into - and it was still lovely! There's a burn running down one side so while you wash your dishes you can look at the water and the birds coming and going... That's why its called Burnside Cottages.
Here's Paul checking out the sitting room - two windows to watch the world come and go. I don't know if you can get much of an idea from the pictures, but here's a few anyway.
So we get the keys on the 12th. It'll be a frantic dash to get packed up and moved in, as well as track down the second hand furniture we need before the wedding. One thing worth mentioning is there's a guest room! The race is on for who will be our first visitors!
Here's Paul checking out the sitting room - two windows to watch the world come and go. I don't know if you can get much of an idea from the pictures, but here's a few anyway.
So we get the keys on the 12th. It'll be a frantic dash to get packed up and moved in, as well as track down the second hand furniture we need before the wedding. One thing worth mentioning is there's a guest room! The race is on for who will be our first visitors!
Friday 21 August 2009
Things coming along in threes
On Monday I was offered a job. After 15 months of looking it was almost a personal affirmation as well as a professional accomplishment. I will be working with Affinity Trust as a Support Worker helping people with Asperger's Syndrome and Autism. It isn't something I've done before but I will receive extensive training and ongoing support, and it seems like an interesting job that could lead to a fascinating career.
On Wednesday, Chris and I bought a car. I'm driving up to Oban in it this evening. It's a blue '03 Skoda Fabia 1.4 estate. We're very happy with our new arrival. It's our first major purchase together and feels like a milestone on the road towards our wedding.
Now all we need is a place to live.
On Wednesday, Chris and I bought a car. I'm driving up to Oban in it this evening. It's a blue '03 Skoda Fabia 1.4 estate. We're very happy with our new arrival. It's our first major purchase together and feels like a milestone on the road towards our wedding.
Now all we need is a place to live.
Thursday 13 August 2009
Finally there with the gift list...
We have finally sorted out the wedding gift list and if we have your email address, details are winging there way to you! If you don't receive them (probably because we don't have your email) leave a note on the blog or email us at teamchrisandpaul (at) googlemail.com and we'll send them on to you.
Further wedding progress, we both have something nice to wear to the wedding, rings are being worked on right now, the state and church are all happy, and, well, its coming together.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the Big Day...
chris
Further wedding progress, we both have something nice to wear to the wedding, rings are being worked on right now, the state and church are all happy, and, well, its coming together.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the Big Day...
chris
Sunday 2 August 2009
Update
The RSVPs are coming flooding back - more than 50 guests accounted for already! And great that the vast majority are going to make it. Thanks for letting us know and we look forward to hearing from the rest.
By the way we are working on a list of gifts for those who do want to get us something (and we keep reminding you all there's no need to...). Hopefully details will be here within a week or so.
By the way we are working on a list of gifts for those who do want to get us something (and we keep reminding you all there's no need to...). Hopefully details will be here within a week or so.
Monday 27 July 2009
A good weekend in Oban
I got sunburn this weekend, in Argyll. It has been a great summer weather-wise, fingers crossed it stays that way. But the real highlight was having friends staying - all the exploring and discovering and doing fun stuff is better with friends!
Morag, Oak and Owen arrived on Thursday, after wending their way from Glasgow, stopping at a loch and a castle or two. While I was at work on Friday, they hired bikes and cycled the length of the Isle of Lismore.
In the evening, we hopped abroad the little marina ferry, for the short crossing of Oban Bay to the Isle of Kerrera for our tea. This is the view from the Waypoint Inn, where we ate after a ramble round the island... Many oysters, scallops and delicious fish were eaten, and the most amazing chocolate pudding (umm...) before we sighed our way onto the ferry home. What a great evening!
Saturday was more work for me (Ardrishaig Gala Day, Tayvallich weekend, a football match and a book launch - the usual). Morag and co spent most of the day sitting on Dunadd Fort looking out at the fields and hills - basically concluding there was no point in moving if there is nowhere else you would rather be.
Oak and Morag cooked dinner and we got into a pretty competitive games of hearts. On Sunday, we headed for the Slate Islands of Seil and Easdale - which are very beautiful. Morag went swimming in the ridiculously-blue water of a quarry - Oak and I dipped our feet in but weren't so brave. Then afternoon tea and traybakes at the cafe and back to Seil and the mainland on a little open-topped boat. What a great time! I love it here - and I love having visitors, if that puts any ideas in your head...
Morag, Oak and Owen arrived on Thursday, after wending their way from Glasgow, stopping at a loch and a castle or two. While I was at work on Friday, they hired bikes and cycled the length of the Isle of Lismore.
In the evening, we hopped abroad the little marina ferry, for the short crossing of Oban Bay to the Isle of Kerrera for our tea. This is the view from the Waypoint Inn, where we ate after a ramble round the island... Many oysters, scallops and delicious fish were eaten, and the most amazing chocolate pudding (umm...) before we sighed our way onto the ferry home. What a great evening!
Saturday was more work for me (Ardrishaig Gala Day, Tayvallich weekend, a football match and a book launch - the usual). Morag and co spent most of the day sitting on Dunadd Fort looking out at the fields and hills - basically concluding there was no point in moving if there is nowhere else you would rather be.
Oak and Morag cooked dinner and we got into a pretty competitive games of hearts. On Sunday, we headed for the Slate Islands of Seil and Easdale - which are very beautiful. Morag went swimming in the ridiculously-blue water of a quarry - Oak and I dipped our feet in but weren't so brave. Then afternoon tea and traybakes at the cafe and back to Seil and the mainland on a little open-topped boat. What a great time! I love it here - and I love having visitors, if that puts any ideas in your head...
Little Big Things
I went to Bellshill Registry Office today to submit our paperwork for the legal side of things. I also ordered our rings, which we're having made by a jeweller that can recycle gold.
It's odd that such a few words can describe such big steps.
It's odd that such a few words can describe such big steps.
Sunday 26 July 2009
Wedding Information
This is a cut and paste job (hence no embedded links - I'll come back and fix them if I get a chance) of a nearly final draft of the information sheet that went out with the invitations during the week.
At the Church
We will be married according to the practice of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in St Francis Xavier Catholic Church at Carfin, with a short Thanksgiving Service afterwards.
A Quaker marriage ceremony takes place during a period of silent worship together, in which anyone present may be moved to share a thought or reflection, a prayer or reading. The meeting begins when the first person enters the church so please respect this when taking your seats. Once everyone is seated one of the Quaker Elders will give a brief introduction. After a time of silent worship we will stand and make our vows to each other. We will exchange rings and sign our Marriage Certificate, after which two witnesses will also sign it. The certificate will be read aloud by the Registering Officer. Worship will continue and we hope that everyone will feel free to speak if they feel moved to do so. The silence is a chance to reflect on what has been said, give thanks, and listen to God in prayer. Children and babies are very welcome and take part in their own way – it’s fine to bring along a quiet toy or a book, or to take them outside for a wee break if they are restless. The whole Meeting might last around an hour. Two of the Elders will signal the end by shaking hands.
After the Meeting closes, there will be a short interlude with refreshments during which everyone present will be invited to sign our Marriage Certificate as witnesses of our vows. We will then reconvene in the church for a short Thanksgiving Service. Our friend Fr Frank Johnston will preside and it will include hymns, readings and prayers.
Later there will be food and dancing in the church hall a few yards away.
Some accommodation options
We have arranged accommodation for Friday and/or Saturday night for any guests who would like at a residential centre six miles from the venue in Coatbridge. Paul used to work with the Global Education Centre and they are offering B&B in their newly-built centre in twin en-suite rooms for £25 per person per night (single occupancy available at the same rate). To book this option, please contact Alex Gaffikin (or us, if you don't know Alex!) by 11th September at the latest, indicating how many people are in your group. If you are booking on your own, let her know if you would be willing to share. Guests can settle up directly with the centre when they get there.
Motherwell is well-served with hotels and bed and breakfasts. We are not able to recommend any in particular, but here are a few in the surrounding area:
Dalziel Park (Post Code: ML1 5RZ): £75 B&B for two sharing, 1.5 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 862862 or www.dalzielpark.co.uk
Moorings Hotel (ML1 3DG): £75 B&B for two people, 2.2 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 258131 or www.mooringshotelmotherwell.co.uk
Premier Inn Motherwell (ML1 5SY): Room from £54, 2.4 miles from venue. Contact: 08701 977 164 or www.premierinn.com
Old Mill Hotel (ML1 1HJ): £65 B&B for two sharing, 2.5 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 261418 or www.theoldmillhotelmotherwell.co.uk
The Bentley Hotel (ML1 3HU): £70 B&B for two sharing, 2.7 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 265588 or www.thebentleyhotel.net
Dakota (ML1 4WJ): rooms from £95, 4 miles from venue. Contact: 0870 220 8281 or www.dakotaeurocentral.co.uk
Kingsland B&B (ML4 2BQ): £50 for two sharing, 4.7 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 268 528 or www.kingslandbedandbreakfast.co.uk
Holiday Inn Express (ML1 3RB): Room from £47, 5.4 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 858585 or www.ichotelsgroup.com
Hilton Strathclyde (ML4 3JQ): £61 B&B for two sharing, 7.7 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 395500 or www.hilton.co.uk/strathclyde
Wedding Gifts
The most important thing for us is to have as many of our friends and family as possible with us on our special day. Also, we are fortunate enough to have much of what we need for starting our life together. So please don’t feel that you need to give us anything. Maybe instead of getting us a wedding present you would like to make a donation to the Am’ari Play Centre, which provides pre-school education to young children living in a refugee camp in Ramallah, Palestine. There is more information about their work here: www.fwccemes.org/emes/amari-play-centre where you can also find details about making a donation directly. If you would prefer, we can pass on a cheque made out to ‘FWCC-EMES Amari Play Centre’.
If you are determined to give us something, we will be posting a list of things we would find useful here in the next couple of weeks. If you would rather have a paper copy, please contact Chris.
Location & directions
We will be holding our wedding ceremony and reception at St. Francis Xavier church and hall, Taylor Avenue, Carfin ML1 5AL. Both buildings are wheelchair accessible. The church has pleasant grounds with trees, paths and a small glass chapel. Carfin is 2 miles from the centre of Motherwell and about 16 miles from the centre of Glasgow.
BY CAR From the M8
Continue along the M8 until it becomes the A8. Leave the A8 at the junction with the A73. At the roundabout, take the exit signposted Lanark, Motherwell and Wishaw. At the next roundabout, take the second exit. Then take the first right, onto the B7066 Motherwell Road. Continue straight for 2.2 miles. Look out for Carfin train station on your right. Just after the railway bridge, there is a mini roundabout. The church is on the left, but for parking, go straight at the roundabout and after a few yards turn left, through the narrow gate. You will be directed where to park and how to reach the church on foot.
From the M74 northbound
At junction 6, take the A723 exit to Motherwell, Wishaw and Hamilton. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Motherwell, and merge onto A723 Motherwell Road. Continue to follow A723 for 1.6 miles. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Muir Street. Follow this road (A721), passing Motherwell train station on your left, and at the next roundabout take the second exit onto Hope Street. Continue straight through another roundabout. At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto Merry St (A723). Continue for another mile. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Cleland Road. Continue straight for around half a mile. Look out for the National Pilgrimage Centre on your right and turn right there through the narrow gate. (If you reach a mini roundabout next to Carfin train station, you have come too far.) You will be directed where to park and how to reach the church on foot.
There is limited parking right next to the church. Please let us know if you need one of these spaces for mobility reasons.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Motherwell station is on the West Coast Mainline and many London to Glasgow trains stop there. There are also local rail services from Glasgow Central. There are also trains from Glasgow Central to Carfin station, but please note it is on a different line from Motherwell. Timetables are available on the Scotrail website: www.scotrail.co.uk.
A number of bus services for Newarthill leave from Muir Street in Motherwell (exit train station and turn right for bus stops). Get off at the Carfin Grotto stop. It takes around 10 minutes.
Motherwell Taxi Companies include:
Redline Cabs 01698 261330
Club Taxis 01698 834545
Penny Cabs 01698 831111
For those staying in Coatbridge:
Swift Cars 01236 435555
Town Taxis 01236 440568
At the Church
We will be married according to the practice of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in St Francis Xavier Catholic Church at Carfin, with a short Thanksgiving Service afterwards.
A Quaker marriage ceremony takes place during a period of silent worship together, in which anyone present may be moved to share a thought or reflection, a prayer or reading. The meeting begins when the first person enters the church so please respect this when taking your seats. Once everyone is seated one of the Quaker Elders will give a brief introduction. After a time of silent worship we will stand and make our vows to each other. We will exchange rings and sign our Marriage Certificate, after which two witnesses will also sign it. The certificate will be read aloud by the Registering Officer. Worship will continue and we hope that everyone will feel free to speak if they feel moved to do so. The silence is a chance to reflect on what has been said, give thanks, and listen to God in prayer. Children and babies are very welcome and take part in their own way – it’s fine to bring along a quiet toy or a book, or to take them outside for a wee break if they are restless. The whole Meeting might last around an hour. Two of the Elders will signal the end by shaking hands.
After the Meeting closes, there will be a short interlude with refreshments during which everyone present will be invited to sign our Marriage Certificate as witnesses of our vows. We will then reconvene in the church for a short Thanksgiving Service. Our friend Fr Frank Johnston will preside and it will include hymns, readings and prayers.
Later there will be food and dancing in the church hall a few yards away.
Some accommodation options
We have arranged accommodation for Friday and/or Saturday night for any guests who would like at a residential centre six miles from the venue in Coatbridge. Paul used to work with the Global Education Centre and they are offering B&B in their newly-built centre in twin en-suite rooms for £25 per person per night (single occupancy available at the same rate). To book this option, please contact Alex Gaffikin (or us, if you don't know Alex!) by 11th September at the latest, indicating how many people are in your group. If you are booking on your own, let her know if you would be willing to share. Guests can settle up directly with the centre when they get there.
Motherwell is well-served with hotels and bed and breakfasts. We are not able to recommend any in particular, but here are a few in the surrounding area:
Dalziel Park (Post Code: ML1 5RZ): £75 B&B for two sharing, 1.5 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 862862 or www.dalzielpark.co.uk
Moorings Hotel (ML1 3DG): £75 B&B for two people, 2.2 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 258131 or www.mooringshotelmotherwell.co.uk
Premier Inn Motherwell (ML1 5SY): Room from £54, 2.4 miles from venue. Contact: 08701 977 164 or www.premierinn.com
Old Mill Hotel (ML1 1HJ): £65 B&B for two sharing, 2.5 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 261418 or www.theoldmillhotelmotherwell.co.uk
The Bentley Hotel (ML1 3HU): £70 B&B for two sharing, 2.7 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 265588 or www.thebentleyhotel.net
Dakota (ML1 4WJ): rooms from £95, 4 miles from venue. Contact: 0870 220 8281 or www.dakotaeurocentral.co.uk
Kingsland B&B (ML4 2BQ): £50 for two sharing, 4.7 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 268 528 or www.kingslandbedandbreakfast.co.uk
Holiday Inn Express (ML1 3RB): Room from £47, 5.4 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 858585 or www.ichotelsgroup.com
Hilton Strathclyde (ML4 3JQ): £61 B&B for two sharing, 7.7 miles from venue. Contact: 01698 395500 or www.hilton.co.uk/strathclyde
Wedding Gifts
The most important thing for us is to have as many of our friends and family as possible with us on our special day. Also, we are fortunate enough to have much of what we need for starting our life together. So please don’t feel that you need to give us anything. Maybe instead of getting us a wedding present you would like to make a donation to the Am’ari Play Centre, which provides pre-school education to young children living in a refugee camp in Ramallah, Palestine. There is more information about their work here: www.fwccemes.org/emes/amari-play-centre where you can also find details about making a donation directly. If you would prefer, we can pass on a cheque made out to ‘FWCC-EMES Amari Play Centre’.
If you are determined to give us something, we will be posting a list of things we would find useful here in the next couple of weeks. If you would rather have a paper copy, please contact Chris.
Location & directions
We will be holding our wedding ceremony and reception at St. Francis Xavier church and hall, Taylor Avenue, Carfin ML1 5AL. Both buildings are wheelchair accessible. The church has pleasant grounds with trees, paths and a small glass chapel. Carfin is 2 miles from the centre of Motherwell and about 16 miles from the centre of Glasgow.
BY CAR From the M8
Continue along the M8 until it becomes the A8. Leave the A8 at the junction with the A73. At the roundabout, take the exit signposted Lanark, Motherwell and Wishaw. At the next roundabout, take the second exit. Then take the first right, onto the B7066 Motherwell Road. Continue straight for 2.2 miles. Look out for Carfin train station on your right. Just after the railway bridge, there is a mini roundabout. The church is on the left, but for parking, go straight at the roundabout and after a few yards turn left, through the narrow gate. You will be directed where to park and how to reach the church on foot.
From the M74 northbound
At junction 6, take the A723 exit to Motherwell, Wishaw and Hamilton. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Motherwell, and merge onto A723 Motherwell Road. Continue to follow A723 for 1.6 miles. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Muir Street. Follow this road (A721), passing Motherwell train station on your left, and at the next roundabout take the second exit onto Hope Street. Continue straight through another roundabout. At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto Merry St (A723). Continue for another mile. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Cleland Road. Continue straight for around half a mile. Look out for the National Pilgrimage Centre on your right and turn right there through the narrow gate. (If you reach a mini roundabout next to Carfin train station, you have come too far.) You will be directed where to park and how to reach the church on foot.
There is limited parking right next to the church. Please let us know if you need one of these spaces for mobility reasons.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Motherwell station is on the West Coast Mainline and many London to Glasgow trains stop there. There are also local rail services from Glasgow Central. There are also trains from Glasgow Central to Carfin station, but please note it is on a different line from Motherwell. Timetables are available on the Scotrail website: www.scotrail.co.uk.
A number of bus services for Newarthill leave from Muir Street in Motherwell (exit train station and turn right for bus stops). Get off at the Carfin Grotto stop. It takes around 10 minutes.
Motherwell Taxi Companies include:
Redline Cabs 01698 261330
Club Taxis 01698 834545
Penny Cabs 01698 831111
For those staying in Coatbridge:
Swift Cars 01236 435555
Town Taxis 01236 440568
Friday 17 July 2009
More progress
A few more bits and pieces have come together in the last week or so, and over the weekend we'll finalise a few more.
-We received definitive word that our paperwork has been approved by the Roman Catholic authorities and is with the Quakers. So it looks like the marriage ceremony will definitely take place according to the usage of the Religious Society of Friends in St. Francis Xavier church, Carfin. This week we'll complete the legal forms and submit them to the Registry Office.
-We designed our invitations and sent them to the printers.
Chris brought them with her when she came to Cumbernauld for the weekend. It's exciting to see them in in our hands! There's a fabulous prize for the first person who can spot the deliberate mistake. (Clue: it's not on the pic above.)
-This weekend we'll also work on an information sheet that will go out with the invitations providing details of where the church is, what accommodation options are available for travelling guests, and so on. We hope to be able to post the invitations on Monday.
-On Sunday we're meeting with the caterer to discuss the menu for the reception.
Everything is really coming together!
-We received definitive word that our paperwork has been approved by the Roman Catholic authorities and is with the Quakers. So it looks like the marriage ceremony will definitely take place according to the usage of the Religious Society of Friends in St. Francis Xavier church, Carfin. This week we'll complete the legal forms and submit them to the Registry Office.
-We designed our invitations and sent them to the printers.
Chris brought them with her when she came to Cumbernauld for the weekend. It's exciting to see them in in our hands! There's a fabulous prize for the first person who can spot the deliberate mistake. (Clue: it's not on the pic above.)
-This weekend we'll also work on an information sheet that will go out with the invitations providing details of where the church is, what accommodation options are available for travelling guests, and so on. We hope to be able to post the invitations on Monday.
-On Sunday we're meeting with the caterer to discuss the menu for the reception.
Everything is really coming together!
Friday 3 July 2009
Tinkering about with the blog
Just messing around with the blog to get it started. So here's a picture of us in Oban...
And here are a few more of Argyll, where Chris is living now and where we'll both be by the autumn.
Friday 26 June 2009
First things first?
Joint email address and blog set up; things are looking pretty serious for Team Chris and Paul. With our wedding 3 months away today (26th September), you'd be forgiven for thinking things were pretty serious anyway.
Not much on the 'to do' list today but I reckon details of how wedding things are going will become a feature of the next few months' postings.
Not much on the 'to do' list today but I reckon details of how wedding things are going will become a feature of the next few months' postings.
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