Hi, we are Byron & Ruswarp.

"Byron said, "we are both from Yorkshire, I was adopted on 9th September 1993 in Whitby, and my pal Ruswarp was adopted on 30th June 2010 at the Mallyan Spout Hotel in Goathland. Today was to be our day out exploring Whitby."

Dad threw back the curtains, Ruswarp calling out, "it's raining. I was so looking forward the outing."

"Well", said Allen. "It's early. Dad has still to shower then go for breakfast and we are waiting for ours to be delivered."

Tetley had grabbed the iPad, and quickly opened the Met Office forecast for Whitby. "It shows the rain moving away in a little while. Dad has the diary to write up from yesterday. By the time that's done it will be dry."

"Thanks pals. That's good news", replied Byron. "Our day is on."

Diary done, Dad gathered his things and with us in tow drove into town. "I'm going to park at the Co-op, opposite where we parked yesterday. The fees are more reasonable. I also need to get some cash. Hopefully there is a machine at the Co-op."

There was, but a little queue, and another gentleman engaged Dad in conversation saying, "this is one of the very few cash machines here. There are no banks now."

"Just like Morecambe where I live. We are hoping for a Banking Hub soon."

"Oh we have one of those here."

Passing the station we walked along the harbour, passing this large sailing ship. "Ooh, take a picture Dad", said Ruswarp.

Some investigation revealed that it is the Whitby Endeavour a restaurant with an extensive menu, Pirates Feast dining experiences and caters for weddings. It is a full scale replica of HMS Endeavour the British research vessel commanded by James Cook on his first voyage of discovery from 1768-1771. Originally built as a coal ship named Earl of Pembroke, the Endeavour was refitting and set sail from Plymouth in 1768 with a crew of 85. The ship's voyage had two missions: to observe the transit of Venus and explore the South Pacific. In 1769, the Endeavour became the first European ship to reach New Zealand since 1642.

"To get to the steps we have to cross the bridge ahead", pointed Byron.

"Look that pleasure boat is called the Black Pearl, the name of Jack Sparrow's ship in Pirates of the Caribbean", said Ruswarp. "I wonder if they play the theme music on the trips."

Due to a number of vessels entering and leaving, we had to wait about 10 minutes, while the bridge swung open then closed again.

"Second road to the left as the gentleman told us", called out Ruswarp.

Passing the many shops we came to the famous 199 steps that take you up to the Abbey ruins.

"Must have our picture here", stated Byron.

l-r, Ruswarp & Byron

Off we went scampering up. Part way Dad said, "just wait, I want to take some shots."

This first to the outer harbour.....

...and then to the town.

Climbing these steps is very popular and there were lots of people going up and down. At the top we had this stark view of the Abbey ruins.

Whitby Abbey was a monastery first founded in 657 AD by Oswy, King of Northumbria as Streoneshalh (the older name for Whitby). He appointed Lady Hilda, abbess of Hartlepool Abbey and grand niece of Edwin, the first Christian King of Northumbria, as founding abbess. In 664 the Synod of Whitby took place at the monastery to resolve the question of whether the Northumbrian church would adopt and follow the Easter dating of Iona (the 84 year cycle which had previously been used at Rome and on the continent) or the new 19-year cycle which had recently been adopted at Rome. The decision with the support of King Oswy was the latter.
The monastery was laid waste by the Danes in successive raids between 867 and 870 under Ingwar and Ubba, and remained desolate for more than 200 years.
Renfrid, who became a monk approached William de Percy for a grant of land, to found a new monastery. The greater part of this building was subsequently pulled down and rebuilt on a larger scale in the 1220s. The Benedictine abbey thrived for centuries as a centre of learning. This second monastery was destroyed by Henry VIII in 1540 during the Dissolution. The Abbey was bought by Sir Richard Cholmley, remaining in the Chomley Family and their descendents, the Strickland family. They passed it to the UK Government in 1920. The ruins are owned and maintained by English Heritage.

Our attention now turned to St Mary's Church. Dad took this shot.

"Let's walk round behind to get another view and of the graveyard", suggested Ruswarp. "It was used as a setting in Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula."

A Norman church was founded around 1110 and added to and altered over the centuries. The tower and transepts are from the 12th and 13th centuries. When the church was enlarged in 1818 most of the north wall was removed and replaced by columns to accommodate an aisle. It is designated a Grade I listed building.

Planning then to have a look round, Dad got into conversation with a gentleman from Driffield who regularly visits Whitby. He has an alt personality in that he dresses up as Count Dracula. Handing Dad is card we could see that he is very serious about this, particularly when we found pictures on Facebook. A very nice chatty time, at the end Dad saying, "thank you for not drinking my blood."

His reply in a suitable east European accent was , "you are not my type."

So we headed inside the church. Here is the sanctuary.

"There is a three-decker pulpit", pointed Byron.

Ruswarp read out the information about this. "Built in 1748 it originally stood on iron props in the middle of the aisle. It was moved to its permanent position in 1847 and is now unique as a 3-decker in the middle of a church. The ear trumpets (above) were fixed to the pulpit in the early 19th century, when the rector's wife, who was deaf, sat in the pew below and was linked to these mouthpieces by two long tubes that she placed in each ear."

"How fascinating", said Byron. "Thanks." Then pointing, "let's sit on that chair for a picture, pal."

We noted that the pews are box pews dating from the 18th century, some of which are inscribed, 'For Strangers Only'.

"Look at that pew panel dating from 1600", said Ruswarp. "It is covered in graffiti. Seems some of the parishioners were not totally focused on the service."

Peering closer, Byron said, "I like the ones of boats."

Just before we left Dad had a little chat with a lady who was welcoming visitors. He remarked about the beautifully carved cross that stands just adjacent and is a memorial to Caedmon. She said, "there is another statue of Caedmon in a little garden to the right at the bottom of the steps."

The cross was erected in 1898. Caedmon was a Northumbrian cowherd who cared for the animals at the monastery during the abbacy of St Hilda. He was originally ignorant of 'the art of song', but learned to compose one night in the course of a dream. He later became a zealous monk and an accomplished and inspirational Christian poet. On the front are four figures. From the top, Christ, David, Hild first abbess at the monastery, and Caedmon with his harp. Below the dedication reads - To the glory of God and in memory of Caedmon the father of English scared song. Fell asleep hard by 680.

"Caedmon is my second name", said Byron. "We must have our picture by it."

On the reverse is inscribed the first song he composed.

More exploring now to see the former Cholmley family home.

This time Byron read out the information. "The Cholmley family and their descendents lived in this house between mid-16th and late 19th century. The family bought the abbey and most of its land following its suppression by King Henry VIII.
The abbot's house became one of their homes. In 1672, Sir Hugh Cholmley (1632-89) added this impressive new wing. Its architectural style inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome, was fashionable among the wealthy.
During a storm in 1790 the new wing lost its roof. Later generations of the family lived in the parts if the house that remained intact.
In 2000 English Heritage carried out major renovations, converting the ruined building into a visitor centre and museum."

"What is the statue?", asked Byron.

Once again Ruswarp obliged. "The bronze figure is a copy of that which stood here in the late 17th century. It is modelled on the Borghese Gladiator, an ancient marble statue discovered near Rome.
The statue disappeared in the 18th century. English Heritage installed this copy in 2009."

Strolling back we had another stark view of the Abbey ruins.

"There's another ancient cross", pointed Byron. Later I researched this telling Ruswarp, "the cross dates from the 14th century. Although the head is gone, the panelled shaft and capital are well preserved."

Our exploration complete, Ruswarp said, "Dad, please take our picture by this cross with the Abbey ruins behind."

Scampering of down the steps, Byron said, "let's see if we can find the statue of Caedmon the lady in the church mentioned."

There not being any information about the statue, we searched the Internet, but sadly to no avail.

Dad said, "I want to see the new Shannon class lifeboat. It is moored on this side."

"Oh yes", agreed Byron. "In remembrance of our dear Uncle Brian, his name appears with many others on the decal under the Launch a Memory scheme."

It was easy to find. Named Lois Ivan, it carries the identification number RNLI 13-49 on port and starboard sides.

"Look" called out Ruswarp. "There is a display board showing the names. Which side is Uncle Brian's name on."

"Port side", replied Dad.

Byron obliged by reading out the information. "This is an exact replica of the letters and numbers printed on either side of Whitby's all-weather Shannon class lifeboat.
Every lifeboat in the RNLI's fleet has a unique number but Whitby's number is exceptional in its own way because it is home to thousands of special loved ones' names that will never be forgotten.
As part of the RNLI's Launch a Memory campaign, over 8,300 supporters kindly donated to help save lives at sea in honour of someone they miss. And now, the names of these special loved ones are printed on the side of Whitby's Shannon class lifeboat Lois-Ivan. Together, these names will always be remembered as the lifeboat powers out to sea to save lives for generations to come.
The Whitby volunteers are incredibly grateful to supporters like you for sharing these special stories with us.
The memories of loved ones can live on at every launch, in name and spirit, bringing the next person safely home.
The remarkable generosity of those who commemorated someone they love as part of Launch a Memory has raised £603,200 towards RNLI's lifesaving work."

"Wow" said Ruswarp, "that's truly amazing."

"Now where exactly is name?" he went on.

After a little thought Dad said, "I am sure it is in the 'N'.

Scanning it was Byron whose eagle eyes found it. "There Brian Keith Tooley."

In the picture it is on the tenth line down. "Ahh!" said Dad, "I miss him so much."

"As do we all in he Hug", said Ruswarp. "Byron and I were adopted when you and Uncle Brian holidayed here in Yorkshire."

Making our way back, Dad said, "I'm ready for a snack."

"There's The Magpie Cafe", pointed Byron. "Renowned for its fish and chips."

We went to the Cornish Coffee House where he had a pasty and tea. Sitting in the window he was alerted to a tap on it, only to see Owen and Jo. What an amazing coincidence! After Dad had eaten, he went out and sat with them having a super chat. We got introduced and were liked very much. While there two ladies came past with a beautiful Old English Sheepdog. So placid. Dad got to stroke him. Saying my goodbyes to Owen and Jo, they went off to get there beautiful dog Ruby, who had curled up by Dad's feet on the train.

We walked along the harbour sitting for a while looking across to East Cliff and the Abbey ruins and church. Saw the ladies with the sheepdog, whose name is Barney. Dad fussed him, the owner saying, "you've got friend Barney."

He chatted telling them where we live one lady said, "I have friends in Barrow. They took me around the area including Millom and Haverigg."

"I've recently walked from there. It is lovely. Such wonderful views."

Goodbyes said Byron said, "there is not much time left on the car park. We should be heading back."

"There's the Lifeboat shop", called out Ruswarp.

"I'll have to visit", said Dad.

Looking around we spotted a little brown bear wearing a Whitby lifeboat t-shirt. He was all on his own with some other items on the top shelf. "Aww", said Byron, "he needs a home where he can be loved."

Needing no more encouragement, Dad lifted him down and once paid he was the newest member of our Hug. He is called Frankie, and here he poses with us at the car.

"Thank you for a super day, Dad", we both said as we returned to Saltmoore.

There we were greeted by our pals. "Have you had a good time?", asked Fred.

"Yes great" cheered Ruswarp. "And look we have a new pal called Frankie to join the Hug."

"Aww he's so sweet", said Lucy. "Come had have a cuddle while I introduce you."

"Ahh thank you. It is nice to have a good home after being stuck in the shop."

Gladly said, "Fred and I are having our day out tomorrow. You must come along with us Frankie."

"Oh thanks, that will be wonderful. I know I am going to be very happy living with you all."

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