Warrington HF Rambling Club

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Summer, 2009 Newsletter :

BULLETIN BOARD

  • Autumn weekend at Patterdale - spaces still available
  • AGM - Wednesday 14th October at Grange Social Club
  • Programme - please note start times of walks do vary so please check
SPRING SUPPER
We had a great turn out at the Walton Arms, Walton on 8 April. It could have had something to do with the fantastic deal of 2 courses for £6.50!! It will be difficult to find somewhere like this again, unless of course you know better. Let us know for next spring.

60TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER DANCE
The social event of the year, at Winmarleigh House, on Friday 15th May attracted 87 members and guests. The evening commenced with drinks on arrival, followed by an excellent dinner. We then presented four awards to current members:

  • Length of Service on the committee - Mrs Pat Lloyd
  • Longest serving member - Mr Tom Beecroft
  • Most walks lead - Mr Frank Bishop
  • Outstanding service to the club - Mr Jim Caldwell
It is amazing that Jim is still an active club member after 58 years.

Finally we thanked the former Chairman, David Woolf and former Secretary, Tom Leonard, for their considerable efforts over the last ten years, which has lead to the club being so successful today.
The group Henry's Crisis played after this until the close.
Out thanks must go to David Woolf for organising this memorable evening.

ANNUAL OUTING - MONSAL HEAD SUNDAY 14TH JUNE
Organised by Graham Pidgeon and Lorraine Maudsley, this year's annual outing was centered on Monsal Head, a famous Peak District beauty spot with magnificent views down Monsal Dale and up the Wye Valley.
In brilliant sunshine the 'A' walkers enjoyed a 13 mile linear walk lead by Graham Pidgeon. Starting from Topley Pike Quarry, near Buxton, the walk continued through Deepdale Nature Reserve to Thirst House Cave and onto Horseshoe Dale, through the village of Chelmorton, then Flag and onto Monyash for refreshments, finally visiting Magpie Mine before returning via the river along Monsal Dale to finish at Monsal Head Hotel.

The 'B' walk, lead by Tony Snelson, was a circular of 10 miles following the Monsal Trail, past Cressbrook Mill into Cressbrook Dale, past Peter's Stone and then through the pretty village of Litton. The walk then continued through Tideswell Dale onto Litton Mill and the Nature Reserve of Priestcliffe Lees, finally along Monsal Dale to Monsal Head.

The 'C' Walkers enjoyed a leisurely 8 mile circular walk lead by David Woolf. Leaving Monsal Head, they soon passed through the pretty village of Little Longstone, and thence turned south and east onto the Monsal Trail. At Toll Bar House a footpath led south to Bakewell, where they crossed the River Wye on the old footbridge. After lunch they headed west to follow the Wye for the remainder of the day; first to Ashford in the Water to see the well-dressing, hear the Matlock brass band and enjoy tea and scones, and then through Great Shacklow Wood and beautiful Monsal Dale to Monsal Head, where everyone enjoyed an excellent meal before the return coach journey.

ISLE OF MAN WEEKEND : JUNE 26TH - 29TH
The weekend started with a cruise from Heysham across the Irish Sea. It could have been the Med as the temperature was 25 degrees, allowing us to spend the voyage on deck. Unfortunately by Saturday morning the weather had changed, and a mist had come in, so the plan to climb Snaefell was postponed to Sunday, in the hope of gaining views from the top.
Saturday then became a lovely ride on the steam railway to Port St Mary, where Daphne Thomas led a scenic coastal walk passing the Calf of Man around to the sandy bay of Port Erin. We then boarded the train back to Douglas to enjoy our Italian Meal.
On Sunday we boarded the electric train to Laxey where we viewed the two great water wheels on the way to the summit of Snaefell. On a good day you can see the six kingdoms - but not today. Despite a promising start, the cloud cloaked the summit preventing any view at all and a desire to descend on the mountain railway as quickly as possible. From Laxey we walked to Old Laxey and enjoyed a paddle in the sea and a well earned lie in the sun. It must have been hot since Tom bought an ice-cream to share with Libby. From here we caught the electric train back to Douglas and the late boat back to Heysham. A great weekend was had by all.

CROWN GREEN BOWLING
Gordon Sloane organised the evening but not the weather, rain stopped play.... in fact it never even got started. Instead we retreated to the clubhouse to enjoy a lovely hotpot supper followed by the quiz.
Shame about the bowling as David Woolf had been secretly practising, sorry David you will have to wait until next year to show off your talents.

AUTUMN SUPPER at General Elliot, Croft : Wednesday 9th September, 7PM
Jane Burton has booked the General Elliot in Croft. The starter and main course is £12, and desserts can be purchased on the evening.
The menu is available from Jane and a £5 deposit is required by Don by 30th August.

MORECOMBE BAY WALK : Sunday, 13th September
This walk takes you 8 miles across Morecambe Bay with a guide. A tractor and trailer accompanies the party in case anyone wishes to keep their feet dry on the deeper section, or to put their dog in. You will be returned to the start by bus.
Contrary to malicious rumours, the guide is not Dave Leather!
By the way - Congratulations to Dave Leather for completing the coast to coast walk in July.

AUTUMN CLUB WEEKEND, PATTERDALE : 9th – 12th October
Places are still available. Please let Don Morris know by the end of August if you wish to come. Dinner Bed and Breakfast is just £94 per person for two nights or £113 for three nights.

AGM, GRANGE SOCIAL CLUB : Wednesday, 14th October
This is your chance to have your say on how the club is run, so please make an effort to attend.

TEN PIN BOWLING EVENING, LA BOWL : Friday, 20th November
Back by popular request, there will be an opportunity to challenge for the cup! Format as per previous years, two games of bowling followed by a buffet.
Cost is £15 per person (includes cost of bowling and buffet).
Names to Dennis Carter by end of October.

NEW YEAR PARTY, THELWALL BRITISH LEGION : Friday, 8th January, 2010
Gordon says, believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about the Club's New Year Party for 2010. The party will again be held at Thelwall British Legion. The same band will be entertaining us and there will be a buffet. The cost will remain at only £10 per ticket although the buffet menu will be substantially improved.
I am sure if the occasion is as well supported as last year, we can look forward to an excellent evening.

WALKS PROGRAMME, JANUARY TO JUNE 2010 : YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU!
To enable us to continue to provide such a diverse walk programme, we really need your help. Please volunteer to lead a walk. You will receive lots of help planning and doing the reccie so that no problems occur. It really is satisfying to know that everyone appreciates your efforts.
Please contact a committee member if you can help.

And finally ... as a rival to Tom,
TONY'S TIP No 1 : WALKING POLES
This is a tip about tips - walking pole tips in fact.
If your rubber tip is lost or damaged, do NOT buy a replacement, some outdoor shops charge several pounds for these. Instead, you can buy a cheap bottle of wine with a rubber (plastic) stopper (not "vintage" but drinkable to non connoisseurs) for roughly the same price. Then proceed as follows:

  • Remove stopper carefully
  • Enjoy contents - with or without companions. Health and Safety Note : Ensure there is a suitable time lapse between steps 2 and 3
  • Carefully hollow out a hole in the centre of the stopper using a suitable tool e.g. screwdriver
  • Once a suitably sized hole is created, push the stopper over the bottom end of the walking pole
  • Enjoy the next walk!
Footnote : If your partner disapproves of your drinking habits, this is as good an excuse as any, to buy a bottle of wine!

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