"Sandra and Maurice's Travels" GypsyBessie's Profile

I live with my husband Maurice in Westhoughton, a small town near Bolton in Lancashire (or Greater Manchester if you prefer). We have two sons, the eldest of which has now left home and the youngest still living with us.

Bernard also lives with us and is 2 years old in February 2006. He is full of energy and really good fun although quite naughty at times but we love him and think he is absolutely adorable!

I somehow stumbled on to VT and was immediately fascinated by the site and I really do envy people who have had the opportunity to do so much travelling. It is only in recent years that we have started to travel outside of England for one reason or another.

Our "travelling" really consists of "holidays" which to my mind are purely for pleasure and enjoyment rather than anything else. I do think there is a real difference between "travelling" and "holidays" but even so both are enjoyable and open your mind to different places and people.

From being a small child I have always been interested in learning about travelling and travellers and seeing other places. My dad who was my inspiration was a "Desert Rat" in the 2nd World War and he told me so many stories about places he had visited during the War and I was always fascinated. Have a look at My Dad in Belgium

Westhoughton - My Home Town

The Lodge

I have lived in Westhoughton all my life as did my parents. This fishing lodge is only a very short walk away from my home.

Maurice bought me a new camera for Christmas so I have been taking photos whenever I can, trying to learn how to use it! Here is an example of my efforts one very cold sunny day.

St. Bartholomew's Church

Baptism

My Church held a Flower Festival to celebrate the rebuild of the Church after 10 years - the original was burned down. This is one of the displays around the font.

My Interests and Hobbies

Walking on the Beach

As well as enjoying holidays I love taking photographs, even more so since I acquired my computer and digital camera. I also enjoy crafts - card making and scrapbooking. In between work, holidays and taking photos I also try to swim at least once a week. Socialising with family and friends also takes up quite a lot of time of which there never seems to be enough.

I really enjoy taking photos, especially when in a beautiful part of the world and here is an example. This is my husband Maurice and sister Shelley on the beach at Dornoch when the temperature was below freezing

Dornoch, Scotland

Dornoch Beach In January

In January of this year we visited Scotland yet again and travelled to Dornoch on the North-east coast. It was one of the coldest weeks on record but was quite dry and sunny in Dornoch.

Lake Como in June 2004

Leaving Bellagio

In June 2004 we spent a wonderful week on the shores of Lake Como, situated exactly opposite Bellagio. I never tired of the stunning view and this is a picture of Bellagio as we were leaving on the ferry back to the Hotelb

More Photography

Very Cute

I really enjoy making birthday cards, calendars and amusing pictures using my digital camera and computer.

This is a picture I took recently. It was a beautiful day for a walk so off I went with my camera to a local "bird sancturary" and found lots of swans, geese and ducks who were all very photogenic and not at all camera shy. Here is an example.

Setting off on my travels

Me driving off

This is a picture of me on holiday in Blackpool, where I spent most of my childhood holidays. This picture was taken in a place which used to be called Olympia. (A kind of indoor fairground).

Intro Updated Dec 4, 2005
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Comments (36)

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Usctwin Jun 28, 2012 at 9:34 AM

Happy birthday, Sandra. Love your little doggie!
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NicolaJJ Apr 24, 2008 at 5:00 AM

Hi Sandra - not sure if you will remember me - Nicola - we stayed in Plaza when you celebrated your 25th- I admired your necklace! Mike and I are married now - and we've spent many happy holidays there since with Mum and Dad.
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christine.j Oct 7, 2007 at 10:52 AM

What a cute dog! I bet he's keeping you busy. We had a dog looking almost like yours.
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mturkkan Jun 28, 2007 at 7:57 AM

Happy birthday and have a nice party from Antalya
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ghibli88 Jun 28, 2007 at 5:27 AM

A warm Happy super birthday to you,best wishes from hot and sunny Italy.
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davidleslie Jun 28, 2007 at 3:23 AM

Hi, Have a lovely birthday. Lesile
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Josibezz Jun 28, 2007 at 12:48 AM

Wishing You a Happy Birthday greetings from MALTA.
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vpeter Jun 27, 2007 at 11:44 PM

Hi Sandra, happy birthday and have a nice party. Happy travels. Greetings from the Netherlands.
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johnsakura Jul 7, 2006 at 3:42 AM

hey there! greetings from portugal!
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deecat Jun 28, 2006 at 7:54 AM

Birthday greetings to you from Chicago. I hope you are able to share your special day with those you love.