LINKS PAGE
This page contains links to other web sites that may be of interest to you. It also contains information relating to establishments that I personally recommend having provided good service on my visit.
Web Site Links
The Columbia Hotel http://www.columbia-hotel.co.uk
Jason Rodhouse. Railways http://jasonrodhouse.fotopic.net/
Geoff's Web Site about Whitby, Yorkshire http://whitby-yorkshire.co.uk
John & Peter (The Twins)  http://www.2ofme.co.uk
Alex Hurd - PM Video. Railways http://www.pmvideo.co.uk
Mark Sutton Rail and Bus Pictures http://marksutton.fotopic.net
David Kemp. Railways and much more http://david6769.fotopic.net
Locate a place to photograph trains. Excellant site http://www.trainspots.co.uk/
Jasons Village site

http://thevillageimage.fotopic.net
Village life in Geddington. Northamptonshire http://www.geddington.net
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I think this is a good idea and worth taking a look at.

We all carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in its memory. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.
 
The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number
Of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents there were always mobile phones with patients but they didn't know which number to call.
He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a
Nationally recognized name for this purpose.
 In an emergency situation, emergency service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored as 'ICE'. Please forward this.
It won't take too many 'forwards' before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.
For more than one contact name, simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc
 
 
Recommended Accommodation & Eating Establishments

INTERESTING PLACES to visit
                                

Please note that the listings below are shown in good faith. When we visited the establishments we were very satisfied with the quality and service.     

               The Stables Restaurant, Balloch. West Dunbartonshire

We make a point of visiting this restaurant every time we holiday in this area. The menu offers a very wide selection of delicious dishes from steak to chicken on a bed of haggis. You will probably find dishes here that are not available elsewhere. The restaurant is very close to the southern tip of Loch Lomond

                                                      For more information GO HERE

>> Click on the images to view <<

       

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 DUNKLEY'S RESTAURANT

Castle Ashby Station

What a lovely venue this is for an evening out and dining in fine style with your loved one or a private party.

The atmosphere is wonderful and will take you back to the days of steam railways. Castle Ashby Station was on the Wellingborough to Northampton line and closed under t the Dr Beeching axing of the railways. You will be dining in the original  ( but modernised ) Goods shed and having a drink in original LMS railway carriages. There is a varied menu offering quality dishes which is served by friendly efficient staff.

For more details and menu's go to   http://www.dunkleysrestaurant.co.uk

 

    

            

 

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The Thai Garden. Bridge Street. Rothwell. Northants

This restaurant is 'Finger licking good'  . They do provide chopsticks but I prefer to use my fingers.  Food always seems to taste better this way to me.

The Thai Garden is excellent for service, choice, friendliness, quality of food and presentation. There is ample parking opposite the restaurant

>> Click on the images to view <<

                              

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The Cherry Tree Inn. Great Houghton. Northants

A lovely warm stylish atmosphere with friendly attentive staff is on offer when you visit this inn. The presentation and quality of the food is first class. There is a very good choice of menus for lunch or evening dinner accompanied by fine wines. Prices are reasonable and car parking is available.

>> Click on the images to view <<

       

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Woodcombe Lodges, Minehead, Somerset

My friend Ernie and I have stayed at this site on two occasions. Our 2006 visit was cold and quite wet at times. We found the lodges warm and welcoming on our arrival. We can assure you that you will not be disappointed if you choose to stay here.

http://www.woodcombelodges.co.uk

>> Click on the images to view <<

                                                                      

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The Stags Head, Maidwell, Northants

The Stags Head is on the A508 Northampton to Market Harborough road. Our party of six persons booked a table for lunchtime on the Sunday prior to Christmas. We ordered a starter and main course from the main menu. ( There is also a daily blackboard choice ) The food was freshly prepared and was well worth the little time we had to wait. The staff were very obliging and we will  be visiting the pub again that's for sure

By the way ..... There is ample car parking

                                    

>> Click on the images to view <<

                       

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The  Griffins Head, Mears Ashby. Northants

For a very nice meal in lovely surroundings visit The Griffins Head. The food is good, the atmosphere is pleasant, the staff are attentive and friendly. The village of Mears Ashby is beautiful and well worth a wander. If your not hungry, take a village walk then call in for a drink. There is a fair sized car park to the rear.

>> Click on the images to view <<

                    

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Hobsons Choice A509/A14 Junction. Kettering Northants

Now here we have a real family eating house. Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and excellent value for money. We visit here as a family with age range from 2 months to 71 years and everyone is made to feel welcome. Close by is a cinema and there is ample parking.

I recommend you try the Gammon Steak meal ( see picture ) A great choice of meals at two for a tenner and some nice wines from £9 bottle.

>> Click on the images to view <<

                    

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The Priory, Top Wilby Roundabout. Wellingborough. Northants

Now here we have another real family eating house. Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and excellent value for money. We visit here as a family with age range from 2 months to 71 years and everyone is made to feel welcome. There is ample parking.

I recommend you try the Cumberland Bangers and Mash in a large Yorkshire pudding  ( see picture ) A great choice of meals at two for £12 and some nice wines from £9 bottle.

 

>> Click on the images to view <<

                       

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The Griffin. Higham Ferrers. Northants

My friend Brian and I visited this establishment on a Monday lunchtime. Upon entering we found the bars very attractive and the young lady at the bar greeted us with a cheerful 'hello'. The restaurant was equally attractive with nicely set tables and comfortable seating.

The waitress was very friendly with a lovely smile and promptly presented us with the menus. I fancied fish and with a little help from our waitress chose Mullet. Brian had the Lamb. You can see how the dishes were presented by looking at the pictures, there were also buttered new potatoes.

This is a quality place to eat with good food, friendly helpful staff (including the chef) in a relaxing atmosphere. Will we visit again ? you bet we will.

                                                        

                                                  >> Click on the images to view <<

                                                

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                                                 The Holiday Inn. Corby. Northants

I was taken here for a 71st Birthday Treat. Sure was a nice treat. A straight forward Sunday Lunch Carvery. We all had three courses and the food was expertly prepared and presented. The staff were very pleasant and caring and made sure that we were contented with our food. My birthday surprise was very nice. Thankyou to my family.

The Holiday Inn is on the corner of  Stamford Road and Geddington Road, Corby

                                   

                                                    >> Click on the images to view <<

                                    

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                                                  The Worlds End, Ecton. Northants

I have very happy memories from over forty years ago, for it was at this little pub that June and I got engaged. Over the past years it has been extensively modernised and enlarged. We have dined here three times in the past two months and the food has been excellent on each visit, The presentation is very nice and the staff are very friendly and helpfull.

                                    

                                                   >> Click on the images to view <<

                                   

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                                    The Tamar Belle Railway Holiday and Heritage Site

Now here is something completely different. Stay in restored railway carriages on a bed and breakfast basis or self catering. We have stayed here on two occasions and really enjoyed it.

The coaches have their own platform where you can sit and watch the trains go by while you enjoy a glass of wine or a beer. When no train is near enjoy the peace and quite of the Devon countryside and listen to the birds.

Go to www.tamarbelle.co.uk or Telephone Chris on 01822840044.

              

                                                  >> Click on the images to view <<

              

              

              

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                                          The Olde Plough Inn. Bere Ferrers. Devon

Whilst staying at The Tamar Belle (above) we enjoy an excellent evening meal at this Inn. Bere Ferrers is on the peninsular reaching out to the River Tavy and River Tamar. There are lots of lovely country walks in the area and when you arrive back at the village you can quench your thirst and satisfy your tummy.

                                                     Telephone  01822 840358

                                               

                                 

 

                 

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                                           The Bronte Hotel. Haworth. Yorkshire

I have stayed here on four occasions and have always been completely satisfied. The hotel is situated in Lees Lane, just up the road from the station. It is ideal if you are visiting the steam railway or walking the moors. There is a frequent bus service to Keighley and beyond. One can also get a train from Keighley to Bradford and Leeds. There is also a service to Carlisle over the Ribblehead Viaduct. There is a wide selection of food available at the Hotel. One can wine and dine in the restaurant or there is a bar menu which offers senior citizen meals. Starter and main course at two for ten pounds. see pictures below. Bedrooms are clean and fresh, double glazed and heated. Service is good and friendly. There is plenty of parking.

                                                   http://www.bronte-hotel.co.uk/

                                                >> Click on the images to view <<

                                     

                                     

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                                    THE LAMB..Little Harrowden. Nr Wellingborough

A local hostelry run by Adam. Only a couple of miles from Wellingborough just off the A509 to Kettering. Straightforward food at excellent prices. Most mains are just a fiver and you don't have to buy two, as in two for a tenner deal at a lot of modern pubs. My friend Brian and myself visit quite often at lunch time and have never been dissatisfied. Soup and a sarni', Cottage pie and veg, Beer battered fish 'n' chips etc, All a fiver. Ideal for walkers at the weekend rambles or a quick lunch away from the office. Tel; 01933 673300

                                                                  

                                                                    

                                                    

 

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                                              THE COCK, ROADE. NORTHANTS.

                          Situated just off the A508 just a few miles south of Northampton.

The Cock is in the High Street, just turn off the A508 at the mini round about and the pub is a couple of minutes on your right. Car parking is available. The pub has recently been re decorated and looks bright and cheerful using a very subtle colour scheme. We were looked after by Fiona, a fresh faced smiling young lady, very at tentative and was always nearby to attend to customers needs. We had a main course of liver, bacon, red wine, mashed potato and three veg. It seemed obvious to me that because of a little waiting time the meal was freshly prepared and cooked to order. Brian, my fellow diner and myself say, excellent, well done to all concerned. A most enjoyable experience.

                

   www.thecockatroade.co.uk                                                                            Tel; 01604862544

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                                 SPENCER ARMS, CHAPEL BRAMPTON. NORTHANTS.

This is a Chef and Brewer pub situated on Northampton Road. Nicely kept building with an attractive bar. Plenty of car parking. Staff are very efficient. No waiting for service here. Brian and myself prefer a lighter meal at lunch time so we opted for a special. This was a starter and main for £6.95. We give ten out of ten on all accounts at this eating house. Well done to all concerned.

                                                                

                                                

                                                 

http://www.pub-explorer.com/nhants/pub/spencerarms.htm

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THE WELLINGBOROUGH MUSEUM

The museum is situated in the old swimming pool known as Dulley's Baths next to the Castle Theatre. It is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4.30pm and is run completely by volunteers. There are many artefacts of yesteryear including wartime, the great fire and the towns zoo park. Go take a look, you will not be disappointed.

                        There is plenty of parking nearby and refreshments are available in the museum.

                                                  http://www.wellingboroughmuseum.co.uk/

                                            

                                           

                                       

                                                     

                                                           

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                                                        BECKWORTHS EMPORIUM

             December being a very busy month for dining out we did not expect too much from a garden centre cafe/restaurant. Wow what a surprise we had. The whole place was like a bustling supermarket, ice skating rink, Christmas trees, plants, food hall excellent butchery department  and much more. One waits to be seated so there is no searching for a table. Once seated we looked at the menu's on the table, not a fantastic selection but something to suit all tastes. A pleasant young lady took our order which was quickly served. We have no complaints at all. The whole place has a lovely atmosphere and the staff are obviously well trained, ten out of ten all round. Go take a look you will be tempted to many delicious items in the food hall.

                  

                   

                                                       http://www.beckworthemporium.com/

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                                                           BOAT INN. Stoke Bruerne

This is what I would call a straight forward olde world canal side pub. Beautifully situated at the side of the Grand Union Canal. Quite quiet when we visited at lunch time during March but in the summer the place is heaving with people visiting the Museum and walking canal side. One can take a trip along the canal to the Blisworth Tunnel and venture inside. We took just a main coarse at the pub which was very nicely prepared and presented. The sea bass was very tasty and all the veg were cooked just enough. Neither crisp nor soggy. There is no table service so one orders from the bar but once ordered the food is brought to the table by very pleasant staff. Would I go back ? Most certainly.

                                                             

                                                                        

 Go to    http://www.boatinn.co.uk/   and    http://www.stokebruerne.org.uk/

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                                                        'OCK n DOUGH. Wellingborough

Smashing modern pub with good food at very reasonable prices. Ideal for family gatherings with children. Great service from very pleasant staff. Regular menu including 2 for a tenner plus blackboard specials.

                                                  

                                                                  

                                                                   

    To find out more go to        http://www.pub-explorer.com/nhants/pub/ockndoughwellingborough.htm