Snow, snow and a touch more snow. Our corner of Scotland has been thrown back into winter this week – but we are ever hopeful that Spring is just around the corner. In fact, as I write this blog, sun is streaming into the hotel and I can see golfers venturing back onto the Old Course in preparation for a round of their lives. Lucky things!

Mother’s Day came and went at the resort – and we welcomed many-a-Mum with their families for a very special Mother’s Day ‘afternoon tea’ served in our beautiful Conservatory overlooking the Road Hole. In fact, so popular was the scrumptious teatime that we spilt over into our sumptuous ballroom … and the feedback we received from all was wonderful.

We are now counting down to Easter – and will be repeating the teatime decadence. Finger sandwiches, fabulous cakes, homemade scones and pancakes – all served with an array of the finest teas. Sound tempting? It is priced at £19 per person (£10 for children) … or you can be a mad hatter and choose our Pink Champagne Afternoon Tea for £32 per head. For reservations call +44 (0) 1334 474371 or drop us an email - reservations@oldcoursehotel.co.uk For those of you further afield who fancy a wonderful break at Easter in St Andrews, we have a terrific ‘Luxury Bed & Breakfast‘ stay. You can find more on the package and rates here: http://oldcoursehotel.kohler.com/eventplanning/easter_landing.html

A big ‘congratulations’ is due to David Scott, our Manager at The Duke’s Golf Club, together with all of his staff in the Clubhouse and out on the course. The Duke’s is celebrating two accolades in one week! It is back in the UK’s ‘Top 100′, having been selected to feature in the online ‘top100golfcourses’ website – and has also won a ‘silver flag’ from the ’59 Club’ for providing an ‘outstanding golf experience’ for members and visitors. David told me he is “delighted” with the news. We all know that golfers the world over are influenced by testimonials – so to have the Duke’s ranked at 96 out of more than 2,700 courses in the UK is wonderful news. David tells me there are more than 580 courses across Scotland – where The Duke’s is now ranked 27th – and in the Kingdom of Fife, the very cradle of the game, our stunning heathland course is now 5th. Praise indeed. The 59 Club recognition is for much more than our golf course as it measures every aspect of what we deliver for golfers – from ease of booking tee times, through the golfing experience to our catering offer, club house facilities, golf shop and customer service. Hats off!

And whilst I am in congratulatory mood, a huge cheer for Scotland’s rugby team for their performances in this year’s Six Nations Championship. Finishing third to Wales and England – but second on the ‘points scored’ tally – deserves a mention in dispatches! The team played some wonderful rugby and a we hope to see some of you back in St Andrews before too long.

For those of you reading this Blog who are lovers of wine and food, we have another exceptional Wine Tasting Dinner coming up (28th March) where we’ll be serving a five course meal of the finest Scottish produce with accompanying wines from the award-winning Yealands Estate in New Zealand’s Awatere Valley, Marlborough.

I spoke earlier today with our Executive Chef, Martin Hollis. Martin tells me the event promises to be a real gourmet evening pairing New Zealand’s and Scotland’s best. It begins with West Coast Scallop & Langoustine, Brown Shrimp, Beurre Noisette, White Bean Puree with Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2011, followed by a Ballotine of Rabbit with Kohlrabi Remoulade. That is accompanied by a 2010 Pinot Gris. The fish course is a Fillet of Ghiga Halibut with Harissa Spiced Peppers and is served with a Gruner Veltliner 2012. We caught up with Peter Yealands, owner of Yealands Estate, and he sent us this message: “There are many links between Scotland and New Zealand – especially with the South Island – and we are very proud that our wines are to feature in such a prestigious event at the 3 AA rosette awarded Road Hole Restaurant at the Old Course Hotel. The main course – Martin’s Shoulder of Iberico Pork from Dornoch, Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Spinach, Garlic & Lemon to be enjoyed with our delicious Reserve Pinot Noir 2011 – sounds mouthwatering. I only wish I was there to enjoy it!” The final wine, a Gewurtztraminer 2011, accompanies the desert of Warm Criffel Wrapped in Medjool Date, Apple Puree and Anise Sauce.

Whetted your appetite?  The evening begins with a drinks reception in the hotel’s Road Hole Bar at 7pm. Tickets are £50 per person to include the five course menu paired with wines followed by coffee and petit fours. If you’d like to come along, please call reservations on +44 (0)1334 474371 or email Reservations@oldcoursehotel.co.uk

On the same day, we welcome guests who are taking part in the second Belhaven Spring Cup. It runs from the Thursday 28th until Easter Sunday and includes three-nights of luxury accommodation combined with a 54 hole tournament over The Duke’s, Kingsbarns Golf Links and the famous Old Course in a quest to win the trophy. It is an incredible three days including fabulous food across the resort – with dinners at the world’s most famous 19th hole, Jigger Inn, our Sands Grill and a final Awards Dinner served in our 3 AA rosette awarded Road Hole Restaurant … high on our fourth floor overlooking the Old Course links. Fast becoming a ‘must play’ tournament at the start of the golfing calendar, we’ve got two last minute places for teams of two . Tempted? Please call our reservations team on +44 (0)1334 474371 or email us Reservations@oldcoursehotel.co.uk

That is all from me for now – duty calls! We look forward to welcoming you soon. Until next time, have a wonderful Easter.

You can keep up to date with us on social media - https://www.facebook.com/OldCourseHotel or https://twitter.com/OldCourseHotel. And if you have visited us recently, whether for an overnight stay, dining in one of our restaurants, playing a round on The Duke’s or simply popping in for a pint at the Jigger, please share your experience here: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186533-d253750-Reviews-Old_Course_Hotel_Golf_Resort_Spa-St_Andrews_Fife_Scotland.html

Spring has sprung in St Andrews. The daffodils are out – and the skies are blue. I’ll break into a song soon!

We have had a wonderful Valentine’s weekend – starting on the day itself with our award-winning 3 AA Rosette Road Hole Restaurant treating couples to a fabulous Valentine’s Tasting Menu. I can’t report on any proposals as I am sworn to secrecy! Love was definitely in the air – and appropriately, we are now counting down to a very special event in March when we open our doors for our very own ‘Marriage Awareness Day’. On Sunday 24 March – from 11am until 4pm – the resort’s Kylie Thomson will welcome couples who are planning their ‘big day’ to come and see the hotel and all that we have to offer. We host more than 50 weddings each and every year, so we know exactly how to plan the perfect wedding day. There’s no charge – so just pop in.

And with March on our minds, we turn to Mother’s Day (Sunday 10th March). What will you be planning? We have a marvelous Mother’s Day package to treat all Mums – a night in one of our luxury five red star bedrooms combined with full use of our Kohler Water’s Spa, voted ‘Best Hotel Spa’ in the Good Spa Awards 2012, with its decadent rooftop hot tub! After a long and well-deserved lie-in, Mums will be treated to a sumptuous full Scottish breakfast served in the Road Hole Restaurant, overlooking the spires of St Andrews, the Old Course Links and West Sands beach. And you can add treats to spoil your Mum rotten – a gastronomic delight of an Afternoon Tea served in our beautiful conservatory? Champagne & Canapes? A Chocolate Turndown … or a stunning bouquet of flowers on arrival? We also have a range of treatments available from our Spa therapists – from Manicures to Pedicures and everything in between!

We also have an eye on Easter as it comes early this year – on the last day of March. If you live locally, how about treating you and your family to a wonderful Afternoon Tea during the Easter holiday? Finger sandwiches, delicious cakes, homemade scones, piping hot pancakes … mouthwatering isn’t it? It is £58 for a family of four (Mum & Dad with two children) – for a never-to-be-forgotten tea time experience.

And thinking of families, I will have some news soon from David Scott, Manager at our Duke’s Golf Club, on an exciting new event that we hope to launch in April. More on that next month – so keep an eye!

The Spring sunshine is definitely affecting some of my colleagues! Seven of them – who we are now calling ‘The Magnificent’ – have all signed up to the half marathon at this September’s Great North Run. They are running to help raise money for various charities – all under the banner of the resort’s Stewardship programme. I’ll update you later on their training. Needless to say, Lent couldn’t have come fast enough – so no more chocolates, cakes or biscuits for our ‘athletes-to-be’. We wish them all every success. Now … where are those biscuits …

Duty calls – until next time, enjoy the Spring sunshine.

Happy New Year to all of our guests, visitors and members – and I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas and Hogmanay break. We were really busy over the holidays and saw in 2013 with an amazing firework display in the skies above the hotel. It has become quite a tradition at the resort and we know the local community really looks forward to our midnight celebration. Thanks for all the kind comments we have received.

We’ve started 2013 on a real high – the resort winning recognition in Conde Nast Traveler in their ‘Platinum Circle‘. It is given to hotels that have remained in the Conde Nast gold list every year for the last five years – so many congratulations to everyone at the resort for their hard work and dedication, and an equal measure of thanks to all those who voted for us.

Our Spa Members joined new year celebrations with their annual gathering on our fourth floor – with a ‘Moulin Rouge’ themed night where the conversation flowed along with the wonderful array of cocktails and canapes. The Spa has just launched its very own Facebook page. Take a look, and if you fancy membership – or simply popping in to enjoy one of the Spa’s award-winning treatments – do get in touch.

January in Scotland means three things: firstly, we’re all back at work after Hogmanay. No one ‘does’ New Year quite like the Scots, and this year was no exception! Secondly, it is getting colder. Snows are forecast across the UK – and we know snows further north are now eagerly awaited by those with an eye on the slopes. We get very little snow in St Andrews as we are right on the sea, and no matter how cold the winter gets, we always make sure our guests are as warm as toast with wonderful roaring log fires (and the occasional dram of course!).

Finally – and most importantly – it is the month which sees all Scots mark the birthday of our National poet, Robert Burns. We are holding a celebratory dinner on Saturday 26th January and all are welcome. Guests receive a warming drink of arrival before the traditional Piper to address the Haggis. Our three course Burns Supper is as traditional as they come – and we end, of course, with dancing to live music and the wonderful sounds of a Ceilidh Band to lead all into the wee small hours. If you are interested in joining us, tickets are £45 each and can be bought through our reservations team on 01334 474371.

We were keeping a close eye on the golf from Medinah this weekend and were delighted with the European retention of The Ryder Cup!

This week we welcome many of the golfing world’s very best professionals and amateurs to St Andrews for The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. It is a very special event and one that always attracts a great following, not just here at The Old Course but at the Championship’s two other courses – Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. Come the Sunday, all eyes turn to St Andrews for the final day. We hope the sun shines for players and spectators alike.

We don’t often blow our own trumpet, but I can! Congratulations to my colleagues that run the amazing Kohler Waters Spa at the resort. It has just won the prestigious ‘Best Hotel Spa’ in this year’s Good Spa Awards. I spoke with our Spa Manager, Victoria Calcutt, and she said the entire team are “thrilled” at the news. The Good Spa Awards sent a ‘Spa Spy’ to review us, and in their summing up, they wax lyrical about the Spa, our staff and the therapies and treatments on offer. They also acknowledge that we are “a golfer’s heaven” … so if you were in ANY doubt!

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Allan Paterson to the resort’s team. Allan joins the hotel from The Torridon, where he was Marketing Co-ordinator for the past two years, and is now working with our team, helping to deliver our marketing and pr primarily in support of the resort’s sales and events teams. Allan also has a very close eye on our social media, so if you want to find out more, take a look at our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.

Ralph

Everyone at the resort is on countdown to one of the biggest events of the year when the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship comes to St Andrews in October … and with golf very much on our minds, we were thrilled to see more than 200 colleagues and family members descend on The Duke’s Golf Club

for our Kohler Stewardship event last Sunday.

Kohler Stewardship is all about taking action and making an impact. It gives all of us the chance to think about what we can do to make a positive difference in our community. As busy as we all are, we seldom get the opportunity to get together as a ‘team’ – so it was great fun, we had a wonderful buffet and BBQ and raised £820 for CHAS – the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland. Some of my colleagues won great prizes in our Outrageous Experience Raffle including a helicopter ride for two across Fife and sand boarding lessons on West Sands … my lucky number didn’t come up! Next time.

Thinking of our Stewardship programme, we’re always looking for ideas, so if you have a brilliant fund raising idea for the local community – and think our team could get involved in some way, do get in touch.

And in other news at the resort, we are sad to announce that Ross Marshall, Head Chef at our award-winning Road Hole Restaurant, will be leaving us soon. Ross arrived with us just two years ago, but in that time he has seen a meteoric rise, winning Young Chef of the Year at the Scottish Food & Drink Awards in 2011. Through the last year, he appeared at a host of high profile events around the country, representing the resort and undertaking great demonstrations to show his flare and skill. Earlier this year, he was instrumental in helping us re-launch our three AA rosette Road Hole Restaurant – creating ‘the Home of Scottish Cuisine’ in the Home of Golf. Now he is heading south, to join the kitchen at a Michelin starred restaurant in Berkshire, owned by Sir Michael Parkinson. To say he has been ‘poached’ would be a very pad pun! We wish him every success in his career and we are all very proud that his talents were first spotted when at the resort.

Finally, for anyone tempted by our fabulous Afternoon Tea – served in our Road Hole Restaurant overlooking the Old Course – two of our teas have just won Gold Stars in the Great Taste Awards 2012. Ask for ‘Planters Afternoon’ or ‘New Vithanakande’ and you’ll be sampling the very finest. Enjoy!

Hi folks!

We’re still reeling from the excitement of The Royal Highland Show! Equipped with a brolly, a pair of wellies and a Barbour (like everyone else in Edinburgh then ) we set up camp on Sunday in the Food and Drink Hall. In partnership with Food From Fife, Head Chef of our award-winning Road Hole Restaurant, Ross Marshall, much enjoyed his 1 o’clock demo slot, and gave his cheerful audience a true flavour of the Scottish, seasonal menu that features on our iconic fourth floor. Ross will be modest, but we can confirm it was met with praise from all! We also had a chance to have a walk around the rest of the show for a good nose including the mandatory stop in the Herdsman’s Bar! Well done to everyone at the Show for staging such a great event. It is always a major highlight of the calendar – and we were delighted to be a part of it.

Ross’s next foodie adventure is at Taste of Edinburgh. Another chance to wow our Edinburgh-based audience, Ross joins fifteen chefs from other highly acclaimed Scottish restaurants at the festival. He sees it as a chance to give a snapshot of what he and his team have worked hard to create in St Andrews. Ross will be on stage in the Country Kitchen at 7.30pm on Sunday 8th July. If you’re heading along, make sure you pop by our stand and say hello!  They’ll be on stand from Friday right the way through until Sunday … I can assure you they’re always keen for a natter!

An update from our favourite Kohler Waters Spa girls. I am sure I could hear the squeals of excitement from the Spa last week as Victoria and her amazing team of therapists learned that they’ve been shortlisted in two categories for this year’s Good Spa Awards … ‘Best Hotel Spa – National‘ and ‘Good Spa Guide Reader Award – Regional’. The voting is now open and this one is all about YOUR input. So, if you’ve tried and loved our spa, please do pop online and vote for the KWS girls! Vote here!

And finally, hats off to David Scott and all of our colleagues at The Duke’s Golf Club. They have just announced that in 2014, the Club hosts the world’s leading amateur stroke-play championship. Many of the game’s biggest names are previous winners including Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Carl Pettersson and Scotland’s European Tour star, Stephen Gallacher. David tells me that the event will attract 144 of the very best amateur golfers as the winner has an automatic place in the following year’s Open Championship and, in 2015, The Open is back here in St Andrews on the Old Course. It may be a long way ahead, but pop the date in your diary now: The International European Amateur Championships at The Duke’s from Monday 4th to Saturday 9th August 2014.

Speak soon folks,

Ralph

Good day folks!

I left you last month with news of our Head Chef, Ross Marshall, judging the Scotland Food & Drink Awards. Since then, Ross has spent a day with the Scotland Food & Drink team in Glasgow. He saw presentations from Scotland’s top “Young Talent” across the industry and was bowled over by the quality of work produced and dedication the youngsters have for the hospitality industry. Fredrika Cockburn from The Balmoral Hotel emerged triumphant after a tough day of judging, so a huge congratulations from all of us of here, Fredrika!

So, what else has been happening? Busy as ever, we’ve had guests and visitors coming to discover our newly launched Road Hole Restaurant. Our Head Chef Ross Marshall has done a fantastic job in transforming the famous fourth floor into a haven of the very best fresh, local and seasonal dishes. Over the past two years, Ross has worked closely with our resident Master of Culinary Arts, Simon Whitley, and developed what we know will be a winning concept. It’s all about the how we produce the very best dishes using the fabulous suppliers we are lucky to have on our doorstep. Our lamb from Drumcarro travels less than 7 miles from farm to plate – you don’t get much more local than that! The Road Hole Restaurant is now open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, so there’s no excuse not to taste the new menu for yourself!

Scottish Hotel Awards

Ross and his team’s hard work paid off when they were awarded the “Best Restaurant Award” at the Scottish Hotels Awards the week after the restaurant launched – talk about great timing! That wasn’t the only award we celebrated that evening. Our favourite Landlady, Antoinette Leaske, now proudly holds a Hospitality Gold Medal for her outstanding work at The Jigger Inn. Our fabulous spa girls picked up the “Spa Treatments Award” and we ended the evening scooping the award that will make everyone swoon … “Honeymoon Hotel of the Year Award”.

It’s not just the Road Hole Restaurant that’s had a makeover! Our Clubhouse up at The Duke’s has a new look and feel and boasts a sparkling new menu too. Whether you are looking to recharge after a challenging back nine, or just fancy popping in for a sandwich and some incredible views of the auld toon make sure you stop by. I think they serve the best Fish & Chips in Fife, but try them for yourself!

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Those who have checked us out recently on Tripadvisor will notice we’ve got now a much coveted Certificate of Excellence on our page! We are delighted! Excellence certificates are only awarded to those properties who have 4.5 or 5 star customer ratings, so mythanks for that recognition goes to you, our guests, customers and visitors … you are all VIPs in our eyes.

So, whilst the team at home have been busy bringing home the awards and generally being fabulous, our Sales & Marketing Team have been woo-ing the Middle East! Over the course of 7 exciting days spent Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the team held an event at Abu Dhabi Golf Club this time.  Looks too hot for me, bit blustery today but its been just fine and sunny enough here in St Andrews!  Its going to be a lovely summer I’m sure, great news for picnic lovers… and great news for our Luxury Picnic Experience… looks delicious!

I have some great fun pics to share with you from our Highland Games this week, when we all go together to compete for our very own version of the Claret Jug!  See if you can spot any ‘famous’ faces!

Highland Games at the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Sp

Highland Games at the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

Highland Games at the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

Speak soon!

Ralph

Hi folks!

We’ve been so busy at the resort over recent weeks, kicking off a couple weeks before Easter when we had the great pleasure of welcoming the Manchester United football team to the Hotel. The lads came to stay with us the weekend before their crunch game against Blackburn. A few of the gents even managed to get their hands on the famous Claret Jug when the squad took time out on our fourth floor … and the twittersphere went mad with snaps of the football stars in the Home of Golf!

The following weekend, Easter weekend in fact, we had a visit from some more famous faces. The world of golf got a bit of a shock when Edinburgh’s favourite residents, Tian Tian & Yang Guan, were spotted on the iconic Swilcan Bridge … not the real pandas of course, but good enough for all those around to get some great snaps. I’m pleased to say the walkabout Pandas went down a treat with our guests and St Andrews visitors, and the couple were later spotted mingling with families and getting everyone into the Easter holiday spirit. We were all bamboozled!

Away from home, we’ve been busy too. Our Marketing & PR Manager, Deborah Luna Rose, has been in Stockholm updating our friends in Sweden on the very exciting Hamilton Grand development.  Away in Korea, Mark Gardner, Hamilton Grand Sales Manager has been spreading the word there and our Golf Development Manager, Iain Marr, has been out in Korea too, meeting with tour operators from across south east Asia to spread the word on the resort.  Resort Director of Sales, Helen Parker, heads out to Dubai this with the Hamilton Grand team, phew, busy team!

If any of you managed to get to the excellent Visit Scotland Expo at the Highland Centre just outside Edinburgh, you may have come across our Head of Sales, Amanda Fleck, who was updating all on our outrageous five star experiences.

So what’s next? Don’t be fooled into thinking we’re getting a break!  Oh no, not when we’re in the midst of planning a very exciting re-launch of our famous Road Hole Restaurant … and Head Chef, Ross Marshall, has just been confirmed a judge at this year’s Scotland Food & Drink Awards, so ‘chef hats’ off to Ross – we are very proud of him. Check back soon and make sure you follow us on Twitter - @OldCourseHotel – for the very latest news from across the resort and click the links on the team to follow them on their travels!

Take care.

Ralph

Hi folks! Welcome back to the Old Course Hotel concierge blog.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting a very interesting man and his bird (literally). Wayne Poole from Fife Falconry brought his beautiful Russian Steppe Eagle Olga along to the Hotel for the morning. It really was exciting to get so close to such a stunning creature, Olga, was so graceful.

I am always looking for exciting activities that our guests might be interested in so when I met Wayne and Olga I just knew that I had to write this post to tell you.  Fife Falconry offers a number of different packages to choose from whether you are looking for a short introductory session or a display for your team of colleagues.

Wayne and his wife Roma have 35 beautiful birds of prey ranging from eagles to falcons, gorgeous owls and even a vulture named Vomit! During breading season you can meet with the fluffy chicks before they grow up to be the majestic bird of prey!

Meet the Birds is a great introductory session for groups of eight or more.  Your group have a chance to experience up to 7 birds. Wayne will tell you all you need to know about the birds: a little bit of history about each bird, their hunting patterns and their natural habitat.  All guests must participate in the Meet the Birds session before they can take part in any of the other, more advanced sessions. While these birds are very graceful and well behaved, some people can find them a little intimidating so it’s essential that you know exactly what to expect before you start to interact with the birds. Some of the more interactive sessions include – Falconry Experience Days (lasting 3+ hours), Hawk Walks and Hunting Days.

If you are planning a trip to the Hotel and these Falconry activities sound like something you would like to do then please do get in touch. Of course, if you would like any other suggestions then do let me know, I have plenty of ideas to keep your family entertained while you’re here.

Hope to see you all at the Christmas Emporium this weekend. ..I’ll be the one dressed in a red suit and white beard! I have been given the great honour of switching on the Christmas lights in St Andrews so please do join me as I start the procession from the Hotel to town at 5.00pm.

Take Care

Ralph

Hello folks, welcome back!

Well we’ve reached that time of year again…the party season! I love it!! As we have so many great things going on in the Hotel over the next few weeks that I thought I would share the list with you. A few dates into your diary!

 Tuesday 22^nd November – Thanksgiving Day in Sands Grill

Thanksgiving is a day for celebrating, relaxing with friends and above all…eating! Join us in the Sands Grill for a feast of traditional dishes including clam chowder and pumpkin pie!

Click here for more details.

Saturday 26^th November – Our magical Christmas Emporium

On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of November the Hotel will be transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland with a multitude of festivities on offer including Christmas cake decorating, Christmas dinner demonstrations, spa makeovers and Christmas gift ideas provided by The Duke’s, Mapping & Webb, Golfino and members of the Fife Craft Association. Oh and keep an eye out for Santa Claus…he may look familiar!

 Please visit our website for full details of all the events over the weekend.

1^st December to 23^rd December – Pre Christmas Lunches and Dinners

 If you are planning a catch up with friends and family before Christmas or if your work is looking for an alternative to a Christmas Party Night then why not come along to the Sands Grill for a deliciously festive three course meal and a glass of bubbly.

 Please click here for more information.

Christmas Party Nights

Friday 9^th & 16^th December – The Oscars Night

Saturday 10^th & 17^th December – Masquerade Ball

The legendary Christmas Party Nights at the Old Course Hotel combine sophisticated glamour with festive fun, while the delicious cuisine, delectable wine and world-class entertainment ensure a Christmas night out to remember.

Choose from two themes – The Oscars Night or the Masquerade Ball. Both include a glass of fizz on arrival, three course meal and a half bottle of wine per person then dance the night away!

 Please click here for more information.

If you would like to know more details on any of the events listed above then please do get in touch. I do hope to see you all at the Hotel at some point over the coming months. If you can make it along then don’t forget to come over to say hello!

 Take care

 Ralph