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Hanliensian Rambling Club |
Dear Members,
Well we are now into summer and so far we have had a right mixed bag of weather. Let’s hope that we will have a good day for the Barbeque on Sunday 11th July at Oakamoor. I understand that there will be a big tent for cover. Details are in the April Newsletter.
We had a fine day for the first section of the Cotswold Way. The attractive villages and relatively gentle scenery were enjoyed by everybody. The coach was fully booked with a waiting list, so for the next section in September get your bookings in early to avoid disappointment. This also applies to the Pie and Pea Supper. Details of both are enclosed. Also enclosed are details of an Autumn 5-day holiday in Tenby and a weekend at Howarth Youth Hostel and provisional details of a spring holiday in Grange over Sands. Note details also of a linear A walk using public transport.
The Winter Walks programme is now being arranged. The compilers would welcome offers of leadership. The A & B walks are being arranged by John Butler, C walks by Nigel Shaw, D walks by John Brereton and Thursday walks by Bill Locker. Now is the opportunity for new leaders to come forward and use the knowledge gained from the Maps and Compass Training. As usual, dates quickly get booked so if you have a date or venue in mind please contact the relevant compiler promptly. For general comments or questions on the Walk Programme overall contact Ashley Steadman, Walks Coordinator on Tel. 01782 646147 or e-mail ashley.steadman@btinternet.com.
We welcome the following new members:-
Eileen Walker of Hemel Hempstead,
Norman Hiles of Newcastle,
Peter and Sheila Jackson of Cheadle,
Frances Biddulph of Hartshill
Carole Clayton of Newcastle.
We look forward to seeing you on walks and other events.Viking Rubber Boots
Any member interested in purchasing these can now order them from the following web site www.thedrybootcompany.com. The retail price has been kept to £49.99.Any member with a computer can gain access to masses of information regarding, not only the Club, but also walking in general. It really is an excellent site and is worth a visit if you have not done so yet. It is a credit to Mike Everill our Web Master.
Finally a reminder to those who have forgotten that subs require to be paid.
Allan Wells
Editor
Tuesday 3 August 2010
This year the Pie and Pea Supper will be held at the Butcher Arms, Church Street, Audley.
A short walk led by John Brereton will start at 6.45 pm. from the car park at the rear of the Audley Community Centre which is also in Church Street.
There will be three types of pie available - Steak and Ale, Chicken and Vegetarian. All served with chips and mushy peas.
The cost of each meal will be £5.50p. Please complete the booking form in this Newsletter stating your meal preference and send it to John Brereton with remittance. There is only accommodation for 50 people so book early to avoid disappointment.
Sunday 16 May 2010
Bill Finney is to organise a map and compass walk on the 16th May 2010. It will be a D grade walk starting at Barlaston Village Green car park Grid Ref. SJ 894383. This training walk is strictly for beginners.
If possible it would be helpful if anyone who intends to come on the walk could bring a compass and map. The map that Bill will be using is the Explorer 258 Stoke on Trent and Newcastle 1:25,000 scale. Bill will be supplying some A4 copies of the map showing the area he intends to walk. He also has three spare compasses.
There will be experienced leaders to guide groups of four or five persons. The walk will be approximately three and a half miles, retiring to the local pub afterwards for a drink.
Every Wednesday 9.30 to 11 am
Every Wednesday morning a number of us Hanliensians enjoy trying to keep fit at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex. We have very short sessions of stretching at the start and finish and then for most of the time we play Badminton.
As I have found, you do not have to be very proficient to enjoy this game. The better players are very tolerant with players like me, so I would recommend members to come along because I am sure that you will enjoy it.
It is only £1.80 and that includes a free tea or coffee which we sup whilst having a chat. As an added bonus Peter Johnson every now and then organises a lunch after the session. The last time 17 of us went to the Cauldon College Atrium restaurant where we enjoyed a very nice meal in nice surroundings. Thanks Peter for organising these sessions and meals.
Allan Wells
Dane Valley Way - Burbage to Rushton Spencer
Saturday 11 September 2010
This walk is a variation of the point to point walks between Buxton and Leek that the Club have undertaken at intervals over the last few years.
The Dane Valley Way (DVW) is a 40 mile route that the title suggests follows the River Dane from close to its source on Axe Edge to the point at which the river joins the River Wheelock at Middlewich.
This A walk will cover a 14 mile section of the DVW from Burbage, a suburb of Buxton, to Rushton Spencer. In the process we will take in the Terret, Axe Edge Moor, Reeve-edge, and Danebower Quarries, Three Shire Heads, Turn Edge, Gradbach and Danebridge.
We will travel from Leek to Burbage on the 118 D&G Bus “The Buxton Flyer”. The return to Leek from Ruston Spencer will be on the 108 Clowes Bus. Travel to and from Leek can either be by bus or car depending on people’s preference. Public transport from Hanley will be on the 118 D&G Bus pick up details as follows:-
Hanley (depart): 7.45
Milton Crossroads (depart): 7.52
Badderley Green Crossroads (depart): 7.56
Endon Fountain (depart): 8.00
Leek (depart): 8.20
Burbage (arrive): 8.45The return service, 108 Clowes Bus, will depart Rushton Spencer 16.50. Once back in Leek, a frequent service back to Hanley is available.
It is hoped we will have time for a Pub Stop en-route but walkers should bring adequate food and drink. The public transport details are based on the current timetable and may therefore be subject to change between the publication of this article and the date of the walk. If the times do change the revised arrangements will be posted on the “Stop Press” section of the Club website.
It will be useful to have some indication of the numbers of people intending to do the walk in advance of the day and members are requested to let Ashley Steadman know.
Sunday 26 September 2010 at 7.45 am
We continue the Cotswold Way with the second stage of the 102 miles long route between Chipping Campden and Bath. A map of the whole Way showing the villages and towns that will be passed is on the opposite page. This can be used to show our progress.
We will again use Challinor’s executive coach which will pick up at Blackfriars Road, Newcastle (rear of Morrisons) at 7.45 am. The coach fare will be £10.50 per person.
Three walks will be arranged starting at different points along the way and all ending at Cleeve Hill where we will hold the picnic before we return.
Mike Everill will lead the A walk starting near Wood Stanway, repeating the climb to Stumps Cross, continuing on the Way past the Beckbury Camp Hill Fort to Hailes village. We will take a hostelry stop in the ancient Saxon borough town of Winchcombe, once the capital of the kingdom of Mercia. (6.5 miles) We then climb the ridge to the south of Winchcombe with fine views over the town, pass the Belas Knap long barrow and Postlip Hall to Cleeve Hill Golf Club (13.5 miles).
John Brereton will lead the C walk along the same route from Winchcombe to the licensed Cleeve Hill Golf Club for the lunch break. A further climb brings us to the top of Cleeve Hill, the highest point on the Cotswold Way, with glorious views and on to Cleeve Cloud to the iron age hill fort before dropping down to the coach via Castle Rock (9 miles).
Dave Hollins will lead the D walk, spending some time in Winchcombe before following the same route to the licensed Cleeve Hill Golf Club (6 miles). All three walks will end in the same location so each will be able to access the coach and start their picnic as convenient. We aim to leave at about 6 pm to arrive back in Newcastle before 9 pm.
Walking boots or stout shoes, waterproofs and food and drink are required for the walks. You will also need a change of clothing to leave on the coach in case of bad weather, and a picnic evening meal.
Please complete the Booking Form in the newsletter and send to Ashley Steadman with remittance.
Saturday 2 to Wednesday 6 October 2010
This year's autumn holiday is to be held at the Cliffe Norton Hotel in Tenby, Wales. Situated on the sea front above lush cliff gardens it enjoys panoramic views across the bay to Tenby’s Fishing Harbour. Its excellent position equally lends itself for exploring the Medieval/Tudor town of Tenby just 2 minutes walk away. For walking there is the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast path as well as nice walking inland. There will be walks suitable for all grades making this an excellent location for the Clubs Autumn break.
The price per person for en-suite double rooms and twin rooms is £140.00. For en-suite single rooms the price is £150.00. A non-refundable deposit of £20 per person is required. Please fill in the Booking Form at the end of the newsletter and send to Margaret Bailey.
Friday 1 to Sunday 3 October 2010
This Autumn’s Youth Hostel visit takes us to the south Pennine village of Haworth. Famous for its association with the Brontë sisters of Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre fame. The Youth Hostel is an old Victorian mansion and overlooks the charming houses and cobbled streets of Haworth Village.
There will be planned walks at grades A & B (Any offers to help leading walks for these grades or any other grades of walk would be welcome). Cycle hire is also available from this Youth Hostel. If you are interested please indicate on the booking form and Bernard will find out more about this service.
Self catering facilities are available for those who wish and there are other food alternatives nearby. For those eating ‘in’, this hostel does have a table license. Haworth has 2 two bedded rooms at £15.95 per person per night; please let me know early if you are interested in one of these rooms.
Please complete the Booking Form in the Newsletter and return it to Bernard Heath with your remittance by 4 August 2010
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Monday 4 to Friday 8 March 2011
A date to put in your diaries. Next year's mid-week Spring Holiday is to be at the Cumbria Grand Hotel, Grange over Sands. The price for 4 night’s half board will be about £152.00 per person. This is to be confirmed.
Peter Johnson
9 to 11 April 2011
I was very hopeful when the weather forecasters predicted a fine and sunny weekend and they did not let us down!
On Friday Paul, Vanda, Marion and I set off early to Elterwater to be joined by Liz and Margaret for a lovely walk of approximately 10k which certainly gave us a taster for the weekend to come. We took in Lingmoor Fell and Little Langdale Tarn and met up later with Bernard, Phil and Anne.
The original intention had been for all 12 party members to eat in the pub on Friday evening. This had to be abandoned however, because the good weather meant the Lakes were the place to be that weekend and the Britannia Inn was full! Still the majority of us enjoyed a meal back at the YH and Margaret and Liz had a fish & chip supper.
Saturday was as sunny as promised and we drove to Old Dungeon Ghyll to start a classic Lakeland walk to Crinkle Crags and Bowfell. I managed a scramble up “Bad Step” with some assistance. It was a fantastic day and we had wonderful views over to Blencathra and Skiddaw from the top of Bowfell. A long descent meant we just made it in time for dinner at the Youth Hostel, but a very satisfying day was had by all.
On Sunday we returned to Old Dungeon Ghyll to start our ascent to Harrison Stickle with a welcome break at Stickle Tarn along the way. We enjoyed the views from Harrison Stickle before moving along the ridge to Pavey Ark. I had not climbed the Langdale Pikes before so it was an added bonus when a small group of us diverted to take in Pike O’Stickle before returning to Dungeon Ghyll and our journeys home.
A brilliant weekend and thanks to Bernard for organising it, especially the weather.
Kath Moran
Starting 23 June 2010
A long standing member of the Club, Ron Scholes, is to set off on another challenge walk. Starting on the 23rd June he is to walk 426 miles from Sheringham on the Norfolk coast across the Pennines to finish at Hadrian's Wall in the village of Greenhead, West Northumberland. He hopes to cover an average of 12 miles a day to cover the 426-mile challenge by July 28. He has invited local churches to raise money for their own causes through sponsorship.
Ron has been a member of the Club since 1947. Shortly after his retirement in 1989 he completed a walk from Cape Wrath, the most northerly point in Scotland, to Lands End using recognised long distance paths. Five years ago he completed a 625 mile walk from the Isle of Wight to Anglesey in five weeks. We wish you all the best on your next challenge Ron.
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12 May 2010
Twenty club members gathered for this event in Stone.
The building that houses the Lymestone Brewery used to be part of the old Bents Brewery and the site dates back to 1889. The reopening of a Brewery on the site therefore represents a return of Brewing to Stone as the two original Breweries in Stone, Bents and Joules both closed in the 1970's.
The Head Brewer/Owner Ian Bradford, who used to be the Head Brewer at the Titanic Brewery in Burslem, was our guide and mentor for the evening. After we had all "pulled a pint" for ourselves he described the ingredient's that go to make a decent pint of beer and how these are manipulated to create the various "beer styles" like Bitter or Mild. After further liquid refreshment he showed us the various pieces of Brewing Equipment like the Fermenting Tanks and what part they played in the Brewing process.
We finished with some food in the shape of a large bowl of homemade Beef and Ale Stew washed down with yet more beer. A good time was had by one and all and I am now the proud owner of an A4 sized framed certificate that confirms that I can indeed organise a p***-up in a Brewery
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Sunday 16 May 2010
Sixteen intrepid would be walk leaders met at Barlaston on a bright Sunday morning; joined by eight experienced walk leaders. Soon we set off with map & compass in hand & before long we were on the Downs enjoying the lovely country side. We learnt so much, how to read the map looking for contour lines, pylons, overhead cables, rivers, streams, footpaths, bridle paths & much much more.
The most difficult part was trying to take a compass reading. Bill showed us how to place the compass onto the map, line it up correctly & head off in the right direction. At first we got it totally wrong but with a great deal of patience & a lot of laughs we finally grasped it!! To prove we had done a really good job we arrived back at the starting point in good time.
A huge thank you to Bill Finney for organizing this event along with the other leaders. No excuses now -- with a little practice we should all try to lead a walk in the future.
Happy walking.
Sue & Kate
22 - 23 may 2010
We set off down the road to Shrewsbury, 2 cars in convoy. Travelling into another world of green and more green. One hour and 20 minutes and no tractors later, Mike and Bernard were comparing parking skills in the back streets of Craven Arms. Boots on, next stop the music playing lavatories before setting off over pastures and through woods for 2 hours before our best climb of the day. Up and over the southern end of the Longmynd we marched. After a well earned break flaked out in the sunshine, we strolled the Longmynd, watching the buzzards gliding and gliders soaring. It was a hot day and thoughts were already turning to the chances of a cool beer at the end of the walk - which duly materialised sooner rather than later.
The youth hostel was a quaint historic building with lovely gardens and an enormous slide with a notice declaring that “the hostel would not be responsible of any deaths resulting from the use of this equipment”! Undaunted Vanda took up the challenge and according to reports flew down and shot off the end! The 3 course, home grown and home cooked dinner was remarkably good. The warden found time from her many duties to warn of the entertainment being laid on in the local hostelry. She jokingly described them as “pub emptiers” and she was right.
Sunday we set off early after a good breakfast to traverse the Longmynd. It was another hot day and the walk off the Mynd down to Church Stretton in the breeze was most enjoyable. Here we collected John Critchlow who joined us just in time for the hardest ascent of the weekend.
As we climbed out of pretty Church Stretton, Ragleth Hill suddenly loomed in front of us. Up and up we plodded through quiet bluebell woods, expecting the summit at every turn. Once up the views – the Longmynd, the Stiperstones and Caer Caradoc were superb and the breeze on the top of Hill was very welcome. Then it was down again for lunch at the Green Dragon in Little Stretton. Refreshed we made our way through shady woodlands and sunny farmland back to Craven Arms.
Thank you to Phil for well led walks and to Bernard for organising an extremely pleasant and companionable weekend in the Shropshire hills.
David Dilling
Saturday 5 June 2010 at 7.30 pm
I would like to give a Big Big thanks to all the Sponsors for the above trek that I did on one of the hottest weekends this year for the Break Through Breast Cancer Charity. I did it! I did it!! Thanks again.
Jenny McRae
Congratulations to Jenny
Saturday 5 June 2010
An evening full of entertainment and a warm temperature too! The golden age of music was recreated at the Dovedale Garage, Thorpe by Christian Cartwright, resident organist, and the 17 piece Ockbrook Big Band accompanied by two vocalists.
As the Compton cinema organ console rose to stage level in a rainbow of colour we were entertained with tributes from the 40’s and 60’s era through to big band, swing and jazz.
With beer on tap, enjoyable music and a warm evening — summer has arrived.
Jean Challinor
Wednesday 23 June 2010 at 10 am
Gordon Gibson is to arrange a visit to the Swynnerton Training Camp. The visit will involve a short presentation and a tour of various parts of the camp including: underground facilities, current training areas, and some of the protected nature sites. It gives a very good explanation of the uses of the site, past and present. Swynnerton was used during the war for the manufacture of munitions including high explosives. It was done in specially constructed underground areas and served by rail.
Please confirm that you wish to attend this event now the date and time are known. To save on telephone calls your e-mail addresses would be preferred.
Sunday 27 June 2010 at 9.40 am
The Children’s Walk this year will take place at Park Hall Country Park, Weston Coyney. Arrive at the Visitor Centre car park at 9.40 am to go pond dipping. Afterwards a walk will take place with a “Finding Out” booklet for the children.
Margaret Bailey hopes to see as many of you as possible. If you can let her know that you are going to attend she can give the Park Ranger approximate numbers.
X On the map indicates the turning into the Park. After turning, follow the road round and a few yards after the golf entrance on the left there is the entrance to the Park on the right. Follow this road all the way to the Visitor Centre car park at the top of a small incline. There are overflow car parks just before you get to the Visitor Centre.
Any enquiries and to give an idea of numbers please ring Margaret
Sunday 11 July 2010
This year we are holding our barbeque at Oakamoor on the public picnic area which is adjacent to the public car park. A large tent has been hired for the day in case of inclement weather. Members need to bring their own tables and chairs, as well as the food they wish to cook on the barbecue, which will be ready for use after the walks. It is almost obligatory to bring your bottle of wine and of course wine glasses. The B walk will meet in Commercial Road in Hanley at 8-30 am. The D walk will start from the public car park in Oakamoor at 11 am.
Any queries to Peter Johnson
Saturday 31 July 2010
Full details of this unusual event are in the April Newsletter. This is a reminder to get your bookings in as at the time of going to print there were only 4 seats left on the coach. I did the crossing when the Club did it last and was amazed at the numbers of people doing the crossing. There were literally hundreds. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience so get your bookings in as soon as possible to Peter Johnson.
From April Newsletter: Yes we are going to walk across Morecambe Bay. The club has done this before approximately 15 years ago. The members who took part look back on it as a great day out. Our guide will be Alan Sledmore who is an official guide.
Unlike the last time, we will have a tractor and trailer for the benefit of members who have difficulties. Anyone who can complete a D walk should have no trouble completing the crossing of four miles over the sands and 1 mile to meet the coach on the opposite side. This venture is perfectly safe and is supported by the local tourist office.
We will leave High Carr Business Park at 7.30 am and travel to Silverdale, a small village north of Carnforth, to meet our guide sometime before 10.00 am. The walk will commence at low tide. This still leaves some water covering the sand at various depths and so you are advised to wear shorts. For footwear old trainers are ideal. A small rucksack is recommended to be taken on the crossing containing a towel and a change of footwear. A full change of clothes can be left on the coach. After the crossing we will board the coach and travel to Grange over Sands where we can spend an hour making use of the various cafes for refreshments before making our way back to Newcastle.
The full cost for the day is £15 per person. Please complete booking form in the Newsletter and return to Peter Johnson.
The Stop Press on the Home page is to broadcast information (including Programme changes) to all members as quickly as possible. Please look at it every now and then and also ask me to include information you need to impart.
The Gallery page on the web site is designed to hold pictures (one per member), taken on club events. Please submit a photo so I can create a page for you. I also ask those members who have already contributed to send me replacements every now and then.
I have uploaded a new page, called Faces, which has small portraits of some members (about 150) and puts names to them. Have a look and send photographs of members not yet included or replacements for pictures you don’t like. Please let me know if you wish not to be included.
Allan Wells has been organising A and B walks on the Thursdays when there are no Club walks for the past 21 months, and they haven’t caused any problems. Information for each walk is sent by e-mail. Members wishing to be included on these walks should send an e-mail to Allan asking to be included in the group e-mail. Alternatively information can be obtained by telephoning Allan.
24 February 2010
What a surprise awaited us at Cauldon College! No college canteen this, The Atrium was cutting edge design – light and airy and the décor a sophisticated black with sizzling lime green accents.
We were welcomed by the friendly youthful staff and after drinks were shown to our table. There were choices for all the courses, except for the delicious hake fish course. The food was adventurous with lovely combinations of flavour and very well presented. I particularly enjoyed the Osso Bucco with dauphinoise potatoes and an interesting side dish of vegetables, whilst everyone enjoyed the profiteroles swimming in chocolate sauce. The dinner ended with a choice of tea or coffee, and the students had worked very hard to give us an enjoyable experience.
The Atrium also opens at lunchtime and offers varied and inexpensive menu, and bookings for both evening and daytime can be made on 01782 603638. It’s certainly worth a try.
Big thank you to Margaret Bailey, Peter and Margaret Johnson for arranging a lovely evening for us - at bargain prices too!
22 - 26 March 2010
Well, another wonderful holiday at the Queens Hotel in Llandudno was enjoyed by everyone who went - 76 in total, I believe. Is this a record? Thanks to Margaret Bailey for an excellent choice of hotel and to Peter Johnson who, unfortunately, was unwell for most of the time. After a few teething problems due to the decorators being in, everyone seemed happy with their room. The staff were efficient and friendly and the food was very good - bang goes my diet again.
The walking was superb, with the leaders doing an excellent job of providing a wide variety of walks, ranging from a gentle `D’ walk from Llandudno to Conway, to a gruelling `A’ walk for which John Critchlow managed to persuade two brave souls to join him (see below). A mention as well for Brian Joynson who, unfortunately, was unable to walk due to a hip problem. We hope to see you back as soon as possible Brian. Barrie Tunnicliffe stepped in to do Brian’s walk from Betwys-y-Coed, and managed to get everyone to the bus stop to catch the only bus back, with just minutes to spare! We were very lucky with the weather throughout the holiday as most of the rain came during the night. On the Thursday it was just like walking on a summer’s day.
The entertainment was also very good. Everyone joined in and looked the part in their grass skirts for the Hawaiian evening. I’m saying nothing about some of the mens' legs, ha ha!!
I think everyone would agree that this was a great value-for-money holiday and I hope we will have many more of them. Thank you all for your company, and a welcome to the two newcomers who were so impressed with the organisation of the holiday, that they decided to join the Club.
Dave Hollins, Mary & Val (P.S. I have to mention Mary and Val because they mother me a lot).
We “two brave souls”, Trevor Rushton and Bill Merchant who joined John Critchlow on his `A’ walk would like to say how much it was enjoyed. The climb of 3,000 feet onto the Carnedd mountains in snow was for us both a memorable and rewarding experience. We would certainly do it again given the opportunity.
Trevor & Bill
Tuesday 2 March 2010
The Chairman welcomed 56 members to the meeting, and thanked everyone for coming. He reminded members that Marion was standing down after eighteen years as General Secretary. As a token of appreciation for her services to the Club, he presented Marion with a basket of flowers. Marion thanked Bill for his kind words and said how much she had enjoyed serving the Club.
Apologies were received from Ann and Bill Salt, Gillian Kaye, Hazel & Andrew Waters, Hilary Walker, Anita Callan, Mary Tunnicliffe, Jean Goodwin, Jean Bowen, Dave Hollins, Dave Joynson, Tony Lockett, Peter Corlett, Maureen Sherwin, Kate Cooper and Jean Challinor.
Minutes of Last Annual General Meeting were read and approved. There were no matters arising.
Constitution Amendments
The Chairman referred to the proposed amendments to the Constitution, which had been included in the January newsletter. He explained the changes in Clause 6 to allow members of the committee to serve for a two year period. If the new Clause 6 was agreed, a proposal for selected members to serve for a transitional one year would be put to the meeting.
The amendment to Clause 5 regularised the existing position of Webmaster as an Officer, and now included the creation of a new position of Editor. The Committee had come to the conclusion that it would be beneficial if the existing General Secretary duties were split, the Secretary dealing with minutes, correspondence and admin, with the Editor publishing the newsletter. If the meeting approved the changes to Clause 5, a further amendment to Clause 6 would be recommended. This was because the number of officers had been increased by two, and to retain the total Committee membership to eighteen, it was proposed to reduce the number of Committee members from ten to eight.
Following the Chairman’s address, all the above amendments, in turn, were proposed, seconded and approved unanimously by the members.Treasurer’s Report
Joe presented his Income and Expenditure Report. This year there was a profit of £256 mainly from the Dinner/Dance and coach rambles. After highlighting some of the amounts, including a dramatic drop in interest income, he recommended that the annual subscription remain unchanged. He concluded by stating that this would be his final report, and was standing down as Treasurer. The meeting confirmed Joe’s recommendation to retain the existing subscription rate and the Chairman thanked Joe for his report and for his ten-year tenure as Treasurer.
Election of Officers
Bill said that he had served as Chairman for a three-year term, and would be standing down. Margaret Bailey was nominated as Chairman, and the meeting voted unanimously in favour. Bill remained as Chairman for the rest of the meeting and moved on to the election of officers. After being proposed and seconded, the following were elected:
Vice Chairman John Brereton Social Secretary Peter Johnson Walks Co-ordinator Ashley Steadman Publicity Officer Gordon Davenport General Secretary Joyce Rawlinson Editor Allan Wells Treasurer Ken Elkin Webmaster Mike Everill Membership Secretary Bill Finney Auditor Pat Davenport The change of title from Walks Secretary to Walks Co-ordinator was approved by the meeting.
Election of General Committee Members
The transitional arrangements for the two-year term for Committee membership resulted in the following existing members remaining on the Committee to serve a one year term: Barrie Tunnicliffe, Brian Joynson, Hilary Walker, Nigel Shaw.
The meeting unanimously approved this selection.Nominations were requested for the remaining four positions on the Committee. Six nominations were received from the floor and after a ballot, the following were elected:
Bill Locker, Shelagh Evans, Mike Wilkes, Alan Ratcliffe.Bill thanked those who had stood for election and the members who were standing down.
Walks Programme
Mike thanked the programme compilers and leaders for their contribution over the past year. He paid tribute to Peter Cartlidge and John Critchlow for their efforts in arranging for the completion of the Calderdale Way. It was proposed for the June and September 2010 coach rambles, to do sections of the Cotswold Way. If this proved to be popular further sections could be arranged.
He reported that as the existing Hanley meeting point in Hassall St. is to be closed, Commercial Road a little lower down Botteslow St. would be the meeting point from the start of the summer programme.
Bill Finney said that he would be running a map reading and compass training session for interested members in May and he would welcome volunteers to assist.
Social Events
Peter reported that events last year were very successful. Although everyone had enjoyed the Dinner/Dance at the Ramada there had been some problems. As a result, he and Margaret Bailey had met with the management, and on the assurance that these problems would be rectified, had booked for January 2011.
After confirming programmed events he asked for a show of hands to indicate the likely level of support for a proposed coach trip for a Morecambe Bay crossing walk, on 31 July.
Any Other Business
Sue Everill wondered if people could be more careful when using walking poles. She raised the problem of some near misses when poles were allowed to project to the rear as walkers negotiated a stile. She suggested that it would be safer if poles were placed over the stile before the walker passed over. On occasions walkers also allowed poles to project dangerously when being carried tucked under the arm or even on some rucksacks.
Margaret Finney related a car parking problem she had encountered on a D walk. It was agreed that finding suitable car parking areas was a problem faced by leaders. The Chairman expressed the view that leaders should consider using public car parks, particularly on D walks, when members met at the start of the walk. Peter Johnson pointed out that even on official car parks, some members have parked untidily, thereby reducing the number of spaces available for other users.
Margaret Bailey requested members who had to leave a hotel holiday early to let the organiser know or leave a message with someone. It can cause concern if members disappear prematurely and those remaining are not aware of the departure.
John Moreton wondered if leaders telephone numbers could be made available so he could get to know the location of the start of walks. It was pointed out that this information was available from Committee members, whose telephone numbers are on the programme. The Club recommended members to car share when possible.
The meeting closed at 9.40.pm.
New Members – make yourselves known to the leader at the start. The leader will introduce you to the rest of the party and either the leader or one of the established members will answer any queries.
Use of Cars – It is helpful to reduce the number of cars travelling to the start of the walks as there is often difficulty in finding adequate parking space, as well as being more eco-friendly. Members should arrange to pool transport at the meet and agree with the driver a contribution towards the cost of the fuel used. All drivers should take a turn in using their cars.
Availability of Pubs - With the recent closure of many pubs, it is not a certainty that there will be a pub at the lunchtime stop and members should carry sufficient liquid refreshment to cover the day. Where a pub is used, members are reminded that flasks should NOT be displayed within the grounds or on the pub premises. Do quietly point this out to any member who errs.
Grading of Walks – Leaders should always ensure that their walk is within the advertised grade. It is better to be under mileage than over mileage.
Country Code – Members should always follow the Country Code. Please ensure that all gates are re-fastened securely. Leaders should advise the party as necessary.
Walking on Roads – When walking on a road it is normal practice to use the right hand side, facing the oncoming traffic. In some instances due to circumstances on site, it may be safer to walk on the left, the leader should advise. Walkers should observe discipline, walk in a line and not spread out across the road.
Over 100 members and guests enjoyed the evening at the Ramada Hotel. Guests assembled in the hotel bar and enjoyed meeting old friends and familiar faces before moving into the dining room. Ken Elkin as Master of Ceremonies, welcomed everyone to the event and invited your Chairman Bill Locker to say grace. Prior to saying grace, Bill asked the assembled to remember the sad loss due to the death of three members during the past year.
After the completion of the meal the customary loyal and Club toasts were made followed by a short address.
After thanking the Club officers, committee members and organisers for their support, Bill gave a brief review of the year noting that this would be his final year as Chairman. He reminded members that there was a need for new blood to come forward to take on the running of the Club, also noting that though ladies were in the majority of members they were not adequately represented on the Committee or as leaders on the programme. Bill concluded by thanking Margaret Bailey for all her hard work in organising the function.
Next the Photographic Trophies were presented and with the formal part completed, all enjoyed an evening of varied dancing to The Roy Peters Sound. This was briefly interrupted by the selection of the raffle tickets, giving the winners a choice from a large number of prizes donated by the members. All too soon the evening ended with the last waltz.
We have arranged a 2-week, 2-centre holiday in Switzerland staying at Davos and Saas Fee. Both locations have good access by cable cars and funiculars to an extensive network of waymarked footpaths amongst stunning mountain scenery.
The holiday will be from Wed. 1st to Wed.14th September using out and return flights from Luton and Zurich. Transfers from and to Zurich will be mainly by Swiss Rail and the quoted transfer times are approx. 3.5 hrs. The transfer between hotels will also be by Swiss Rail.
The cost of the holiday will be approximately £900 per person staying in 3 or 4 star hotels on a half board basis with two people sharing a twin bedded room. This price does not include transport to and from Luton or travel insurance.
Many of our older members will recall visits to the Eagle & Child near Gradbach. Meals were taken in the front room of the farmhouse, which used to be a pub, sitting on a variety of chairs and sofas with the household effects all around.
The following is an extract from the archives:
On Saturday 15 June 1985 we have a walk entitled Flash and Beyond, which is not an invitation to partake in dubious behaviour. There will be lunch as usual at a pub followed by tea at the Eagle & Child at Gradbach. They serve meals like egg or beans on toast at a reasonable price. The walk will continue after tea, which is something we used to do many years ago. Not too far though!
Sadly the Eagle & Child had to close.
9-11 April 2010
Elterwater
Ambleside
Cumbria
LA22 9HX
Tel: 0870 770 5816
OS The English Lakes (6) South West - GR: NY 327046Elterwater YH is a converted farm situated near Langdale, an enormously popular area for walkers wishing to explore some of the Lake Districts most dramatic scenery. Amongst the highlights of the area are the Langdale Pikes and Bowfell.
There will be planned walks at Grades A and B and offers for leaders are welcome.
Self catering facilities are available for those who wish and there are other food alternatives nearby. For those eating in, this hostel does have a table license.
Elterwater has 4 two-bed rooms at £43.95 per room per night; please let me know if you are interested in one of these rooms.
To secure group accommodation we have to make a firm booking with a deposit 6 months before our arrival at the hostel. If you intend to stay at Elterwater YH, please complete the Booking Form and send it with your deposit, or full payment, to Bernard Heath by 1st November 2009. If a deposit is paid, full payment has to be made by 6 February 2010.
