Christmas 2003

Trinidad and Tobago

August saw the Bateman family fly to Trinidad and Tobago. The first week was spent in Trinidad  staying with friends who used to live in Puttenham.  Whilst in some ways Trinidad is less tourist focused than other Caribbean islands we found plenty to do. Highlights included the Asa Wright Bird Watching Centre, an immense pitch lake (one of only three in the world – and the locals say the best) and mud volcanoes (muddy areas of ground where you get the occasional bubble!).

The second week we transferred to a rented villa in Tobago. Highlights there were glass boat rides, snorkelling and swimming, a trip to a waterfall and a visit by boat to Little Tobago.

Both islands have some wonderful wildlife and fauna.  Amongst the things we saw were snakes, tarantulas, scarlet ibis (pink birdie things), banana quits (like yellow blue tits), fruit bats, Tiger lizards and Frigates (large sea birds).

Joshua's News

I am in year 5 at Waverley Abbey School. I go to Cubs and I am now a “seconder”. I went to two camps this year which very really great . I am still playing the violin. Big favourites with me are the PlayStation and Cartoon Network on TV but Dad is threatening to cancel the sky subscription (he seems to think that there are better things that I could be doing). I have tennis lessons each week and do orienteering each month (see picture above). It’s good to get out of the house as little sisters are always getting me into trouble and of course I never to anything to annoy them!

Abigail's News

I am in year one at Puttenham School in Hedgehog class. I like reading and writing and maths – well everything really. I also go to Musicland and have Swimming lessons every week. 2003 saw my first sleepover with my friend Eleanor. That was cool, can’t wait to go again!

Esther's Corner

Hi folks I'm the baby, well not really, I'm 18 months old now and started walking on holiday in August. I can say a few words, important ones like "No", "Mummy" (Good to shout in the middle of the night!) "Josh", "Ab-bie" and "Bisc" (Chocolate chip are the best!). I was baptised at Wanborough on 9th March this year which was great as lots of people came and gave me lots of attention.

Spring Harvest

Earlier in the year at Easter we went to Spring Harvest (a Christian conference with extensive childrens activities).

Joshua and Abigail had a great time, each in a group of about 500 children, Joshua with 8 to11 year olds and Abigail with 5 to 7s.  They did games, art, singing, drama and sport all based around the bible theme for the week.  We were also able to catch up with some ex‑Macclesfield friends now living in Doncaster who went with their children.

Joy and Marcus

Marcus in particular has been very involved in the church this year. Earlier in the year he led some services here in Wanborough .  He applied for Lay Readership training but was turned down. Secret Agents (children’s work) continues monthly. Marcus was confirmed at Guildford Cathedral in April. In July Marcus helped organise a children’s activity day which ended with a “Murder Mystery” at the Rectory in the afternoon.   

Joy Returned to work in May working three days a week as previously. With work and 3 children there’s not much time for anything else!