Nigel’s first Xmas in Tudhoe Village in about 30 years made it a very special event. Even more so as Graeme flew in from New Zealand and Daniel from Australia – a full family get together.

Sunday 20 December was the first clan gathering – a party at Sue and John’s.

Christmas shopping meant a trip to Whitby and fish & chips in the Duke of York.

We took advantage of the one clear day with a trip to Newcastle. The quayside had changed a bit since Nigel worked here selling shoes on the Sunday market.

The whole family together on Christmas Day …

Emily never misses a photo bombing opportunity! Whanaungatanga is universal.

Next stop Wareham, Dorset, where another clan gathering saw the cousins from Sue’s side of the family all together for the first time ever.

A short walk around Swanage was perfectly timed – the rain started just as we got on the bus and followed us back to Wareham.

Our one sunny day was used for a Wareham river walk …