Newsletter
November 2000
Reports
KESWICK CONVENTION 15-22 July (Moderate)
The great thing about a week in Keswick at this time of year is its flexibility, so you can ‘mix and match’ what you do. That is what about 25 of us did in July, with people coming and going on varying days, people staying in a range of accommodation (B&B, self-catering house share, camping, farmhouse, Youth Hostel, having meals out, sampling excellent teaching and talks at the Convention and a choice of harder and easier walks. All credit to Geoff for coping with all that! And it was a great help to have 6 of the group offering open house after the evening meeting - thanks go to them for their generous hospitality.The convention has been going for years, but has quite a modern feel with new worship songs, and the speakers this year were Ann Graham Lotz, Luis Palau, David Coffey and John Stott to a packed tent of 4000+. It is growing and next year’s programme will cover 3 rather than 2 weeks.
Our two walking groups had glorious weather, with Skiddaw, Watendlath and the Grange tea-shop being some of the targets. The more hardy made for Grisedale Pike, Ard Crags and Walla Crag. Lake launches took us to various parts of Derwentwater to start walks and the views were superb.
Keswick itself is worth a visit, with numerous small shops, lovely parks and a good atmosphere: highly recommended.
Angela McCullagh - Winchester
COVERACK 22-9 July (Easy-Moderate)
Kathleen Kirby’s Cornish Bake
This simple yet effective dish should be tried annually for best results.
Firstly, take a mixed bag of people (available from any good church near you) and place them in a Youth Hostel in a beautiful part of the English countryside, with stunning cliffs and lovely hidden bays.
Thorough mixing should start at a welcoming local church; for added zest, hold an informal group service on the Sunday evening.
Season with good walks of up to 12 miles along the coast and through the local countryside, peppered with lots of bathing breaks; get the flavour of such local sights as the Lizard Lighthouse, Frenchman’s Creek and the especially picturesque Goonhilly Earth Station.
Sprinkle liberally with laughter and fellowship at all times.
Add liberal helpings of delicious, locally made ice-cream and do not worry if, whilst baking, the heat puts tea shops low on the list of ingredients.
Do not worry if Russell Bagg appears in the ladies’ dormitory early each morning; this has been known to lead to very interesting conversations concerning people’s preferred (noiseless) carrier bags.
Similarly, your dish will not be spoiled by the relaying of the floor of the only ladies’ shower - rather it will be spiced up as women run in and out of the now unisex men’s facilities and will lead to speedier showering times.
Finally, add a dash of circling helicopters, a soupçon of torn shorts (although some may say this item is immaterial) and a sprig of 40th birthday before baking under quite a high heat for a week.
Serve with a garnish of grateful thanks to Kathleen for her organisation, to those others who led walks - Liz, Robin and Joan - and to the other Robin and Marian for leading the Sunday evening service.Judith Watkins - Exeter
DERBYSHIRE 4-6 August (Cycling)
A fine morning dawned at the stunning location of Ilam Hall, a Victorian Manor house set in 84 acres of country park on the banks of the River Manifold.
After some frantic packing of panniers and pumping of tyres, the bikes were ready for the anticipated hills. We set off north and up ... a long steep hill ... but for every hard slog we were rewarded with gentle meandering lanes and dramatic valleys. A late morning coffee stop in the pretty village of Hartington and on to Monyash for lunch by the duck pond in the full glare of the afternoon sun. After 30 miles of beautiful countryside and some cordon bleu work by the faithful few in the kitchen, all nine of us sat out on the terrace at Eyam hostel to enjoy our ‘al fresco’ banquet of vegetarian pasta and yummy puddings. Our after dinner walk around Eyam gave us a chance to consider the awesome sacrifice of the villagers who, in 1665, surrendered themselves to the plague in order to prevent it spreading to the rest of Derbyshire. The population declined from 350 to 90.
It was downhill most of the way to Bakewell on Sunday morning - arriving in good time for the service at the Methodist church. Another steep climb out of Bakewell and by now Gill was an expert in replacing her chain. But wait - this time the shout of ‘My chain’s come off’ was from Joan and was met by a chorus from the famous old hymn ‘My chains fell off, My heart was free’. Unfortunately it wasn’t just off - it was broken, but it gave Geoff the chance to prove how fit he is by cycling all the way back to Bakewell to get a new link. Meanwhile the rest of us enjoyed Sunday lunch at the pub. The Tissington Trail was a delightful end to a gorgeous and very well planned weekend. Thank you Geoff.Susan Archer - London
STREET 11-13 August (Easy)
Ten people arrived at the hostel in Friday evening. Brian’s sense of humour in adverse conditions prevailed when we wondered if the remaining two members would arrive in time. The member staying at the local B&B joined us for the Saturday walk. This started (eventually!) near Wells Cathedral - the driver leading the convoy took a wrong turning (the others followed naturally!). Despite this, we enjoyed a sunny walk - gently ascending to the Mendip transmitter, along to the Ebbor Gorge, then a descent of many steep steps to Wookey Hole. We enjoyed an ice-cream there before stopping at the Cathedral en-route to the cars. The local hostelry was visited for an enjoyable evening meal, where we caused the average age of the customers to rise by at least 5 years!
After church on Sunday morning, some avoided the rain and visited the local ‘shoe shop’ village. Seven ate lunch in cars at the start point for a walk, but only four walked! This was a mystery tour to all but Brian - after many detours (due to lack of sign posting and access), we arrived at the location of promised waterfalls. However, they were hidden from sight! it all added to the fun of the weekend and we were grateful for Mary and Brian’s leadership (and humour!).Chris Moss - Bedford
WOODY’S TOP 11-13 August (Easy-Moderate)
Twelve CRC’ers came together for this hot weekend in the Lincolnshire Wolds. One lady was from Holland, making the most of the British summer in her final month of England’s green and pleasant land. We were given a warm welcome at the self-catering hostel in Ruckland and, despite there being only one shower, it was a very enjoyable stay in this peaceful area of Lincolnshire. A few of us took advantage of the warm weather on Friday evening and went off for a short walk.
On Saturday we set off for an 11 mile walk around Tetford, Belchford, Scanbleby and covered part of the Viking Way. We didn’t meet any Vikings but we did see plenty of varieties of butterflies along the way. Two of the group ambled fearlessly through a field despite the presence of a large bull; the rest of us erred on the side of caution and walked round the outside of the field. On Saturday evening we went out for a meal at a pub in Burwell, due to the long wait for our main course, which was well worth waiting for, we improvised our starter. That’s the first time I’ve been recommended Rose-petals - is this dish a delicacy? The deserts were to be highly recommended; exceptionally generous portions and inexpensive.
On Sunday we worshipped at Louth Baptist Church and then after lunch we went on a 5-mile walk finishing at the church in Ruckland for tea and cake.
Yet another weekend in shorts! and great company as always with Christian Ramblers.
Thanks to Margaret for an excellent weekend.Liz Nicholls - Batley, West Yorkshire
LAKES WEEK 19-26 August (Moderate)
Twenty-two hardy walkers descended on the Lake District for a week’s walking. Despite hairpin bends, horrific gradients and sheep in the middle of the road, we all arrived at Coniston. At Coniston Christian Fellowship we outnumbered the regular congregation, many of whom were on holiday. In glorious sunshine we ascended Coniston Old Man. The view from the top was marred by thunder clouds on the nearby hills. As we descended, the storm got closer. It was raining heavily when we reached the village so we sheltered in the tea shops. We thank God that everyone got down safely. The weather was hot and sunny for the rest of the week.
On Tuesday we travelled to Buttermere, where the hostel showers have an unusual feature. If you stay under the shower for too long the light goes out. It comes back on if you wave at the sensor in the corner of the room. Day after day we ventured forth into the wilderness. We crossed bogs, swam in lakes and scrambled over rocky crags. We grappled with carnivorous plants, giant beetles and swarms of flying ants. At the top of Haystacks we marvelled at the tranquillity and read from Wainwright’s guide to these hills. The reading was interrupted by a thunderous roar as two RAF jets tore across the valley. When peace returned, we descended, each of us armed with a metal pole for support. Only Julian did not use a pole, having lent both of his to others in an act of generous self-sacrifice.
On Thursday night we had a pub meal together, where we sampled the local trout.
Thank you to all those who led walks and to Jane who led the event.Chris Powell - Sheffield
CARROCK FELL 25-28 August (Moderate-Hard)
Following the Coniston/Buttermere week, some of us travelled to the remoter NE fells to stay at this charming hostel - a stone farmhouse - where others joined us. On arrival Jane organised some of us into preparing the group dinner for the evening. Thank the Lord that walking and eating are such enjoyable complementary activities
Saturday brought us showers and mist. The majority ascended Carrock Fell, High Pike and assorted Nuttalls. Good navigation skills were evident from George, although one walker felt only ‘half prepared’ after immersing just the one leg in a boggy stream. The alternative walk, a Gowbarrow circuit, was also enjoyed.
The joint Anglican/Methodist service at Threlkeld on Sunday morning (described as a hymn/prayer sandwich) was rewarding. Afterwards there were a plethora of satisfying walks: scramble up Skiddaw Little Man, walk past Lonscale Fell on the Cumbria way, ascend Skiddaw, Clough Head or High Pike. The scramble was invigorating on the wet heather and shale, finished by a quick descent of Lonscale Fell and a welcome foray to Rembrandt’s tea-room in Keswick.
Monday brought a day of ‘mix and match’ walking with two options of walking up Blencathra (Scales Fell or Sharp Edge) followed by two ways of returning (Mungrisedale Common or Souther Fell). When the Scales Fell group stopped for coffee, it was the binoculars that were pulled out of the rucksacks to see if the other group could be spotted on Sharp Edge, which they were! When both groups met at the top, news broke that a dog had gone between George’s legs while on Sharp Edge. A CRC member on their first event was reported to have said ‘I thought there were hills in Hampshire until I came here’ and later fell in a bog. It was a rewarding day for all with the weater holding out until the very end; though it did rain briefly when Joan took her boots off to cool her toes in a stream, stopping when she put them back on!
Many thanks to Jane for an enjoyable and well organised weekend.Julian Marsh - Herstmonceux &
Diana Cox - GloucesterLINTON 25-28 August (Moderate)
A Yorkshire Tale (to be read in a Yorkshire accent!)
Thru’ traffic jams ‘n bank hol’ blocks
Some ex’cised ramblers fought,
T’arrive at Linton o’er in’t Dales
‘Ose falls ‘n bridges tourists sought.Wit’ t’irty-Twee d’e walks were great -
Round ‘dem dales at quite a pace
Tho’ Sat. in rain, ‘twas sun on Sun.,
’N Monday morn was fair o’ face.No bars o’ rain imprison’d ‘dem
From ‘avin’ beauty seen
‘Midst waggin’ tongues ‘n baggin’ cairn
Merged limeston’d, water’d Wharfedale green.‘Twas right choice view on either two
‘Ikes for length or leisure
Threshfield - Malham Moor - ‘n Buckden Pike
- More ‘un one Dales Way to pleasure.If Kettlewell be good for tea
Better their tea-shop trail
T’leader plastered, in good spirit
‘Ad inn-sight into chips in dale.So ‘avin’ step-stoned thru’ ‘dem dales
In verse o’ mean manner
A richer offerin’ comes in thanks
T’ Yorkshire - merrier Hannah!A-non poet springs from Worcester
ELMSCOTT 25-28 August (Easy-Moderate)
Our long weekend in Devon included some very enjoyable walking as well as some interesting experiences not to be forgotten.
On Saturday our journey took us up to Hartland Point. We trudged a short distance through narrow tracks which led to the beautiful and spectacular coast of Devon. In the afternoon a group of at least 20 ramblers inundated the owners of the Docton Watermill Tea House. Yes, it was a crowd, but eventually we were all served by the very kind staff.
On Sunday, following a lively and interactive church service in Bude, we headed to Morwenstow for a walk. A few members even braved the cold sea water, enjoying a short dip before our afternoon ramble. The walk involved a lot of steep climbs up and down; however, the breathtaking scenery was a satisfying reward. At the Rectory Tea House in Morwenstow, we were unexpectedly joined by some unwelcome guests; several wasps also thought Devonshire cream scones were a delectable treat!
On Sunday evening we presented the birthday girl “Debs” with a pebble which had everyone’s signature on it. I think it was a unique and very creative alternative to a birthday card.
The Monday ramble included the adventure of driving Mr Bean style down narrow country lanes before arriving at the car park where we had planned to meet. We also encountered more unwelcome wasp intruders during our lunch-time in Clovelly. In addition we temporarily lost a rambler who had been left at a church near Clovelly (Oops .. she was accidentally left behind!).
By the end of the weekend we had to agree that our adventures and shared experiences had definitely brought us together as a group.
Thanks to Evelyn and Judy for organising a very worthwhile bank holiday weekend.Ilse Roeling - London &
Helen Vandermeer - OrsettSALISBURY 15-17 September Barn Dance (All)
In spite of the petrol crisis around 70 people arrived from all parts of the country, one renowned member on his motorbike. The hostel is set in grounds, near the city centre, with a huge tree enveloping the garden and overhanging the house.
On Saturday, a sunny, windy day, walks set off for varying parts of, I suppose, Thomas Hardy country and the New Forest. Our walk was up from a country village into the surrounding hills and overlooking the surrounding countryside. The barn dance took place in a spacious hall. Unfortunately the band were unable to reach us due to lack of petrol, but the caller did very well using CDs and tapes. Unusual for some barn dances (perhaps it was the good organisation), there were fairly even numbers of men and women who ‘stripped the willow’ etc. The last dance involved ‘the odd pin’ lady being carried off by their dance group of men.
Many went to Salisbury Baptist Church on Sunday where the pastor and congregation made us very welcome. The pastor related the sermon to his experiences of walking on Table Mountain in South Africa. Further walks followed church, one to appreciate Salisbury itself and another around Stonehenge.
Many thanks to Robert, Steve and Diane for all the organisation.Daphne Stockwell - Cobham
MANKINHOLES 22-24 September (Moderate-Hard)
To read this report you will need Internet Explorer for Newsletters Version 12 (Beta) which can be downloaded from www.Shanghai.com/internet-software. (ed: and it's not even April 1st !) http://www.crc.net/Mankinholes.Report
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Graph showing increase in participants during the week before the event from 6 to 17 (typical CRC!)
The newly refurbished Mankinholes Hostel - well worth a visit
John Ashworth and the editor putting together the BACK PAGE on Saturday morning.
Lambs frolicking in the field as we started our walk - was their biological clock wrong?
The normal view of our leader 500 metres ahead of the group - awaiting it was a moderate-hard not a very-hard event Roger! picture
The group repairs to a local hostelry for the evening meal.
The group has a time of morning devotions studying Psalm 36.
The mist and rain come down and our very wet group finishes the weekend in the Hebden Bridge Railway Caf.
Thanks Roger for a great weekend.Alan Williams - Reading
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD 6-8 October
(Easy-Moderate)
The forecast was unsettled as 20 congregated in the YHA and B&Bs. Saturday began wet and misty as day-walkers replaced a couple marooned by lost car keys. Jane led one group north-west. They enjoyed refreshments at Chipping Camden Baptist Church before heading uphill towards Broadway. Grown men regressed to boyhood, throwing sticks to dislodge conkers. The tonsured Steve arranged a “short drive” of a mere 28 miles to the south west. The lure of lunch in an unidentified (perhaps phantom?) tea garden evaporated as the route was shortened, but retained a magnificent hill-fort and hazy views over Gloucester. Back at Painswick we found the tea-shops closed (for tea?). At the Falcon Hotel our (Scottish) leader amalgamated orders, only to leave without paying the bill! Most of us had take-away meals in the hostel that evening: some patronised an Indian restaurant.
Sunday broke brightly, warming Stow’s creamy sandstone. At the Parish Church, some experienced the juxtaposition of Harvest Thanksgiving with Christian Aid’s stark challenges. Others, at the Baptist Church, had robust hymns, a call to “mission not maintenance”, hot drinks and a souvenir pen! Afterwards, ye ancient stocks provided a focus for group photographs, followed by a lovely circular walk, in the sunshine, around Stow. Then we were relaxing in a tea-shop, ensuring that Steve remained long enough to pay the bill and receive well-deserved thanks for a refreshing weekend.
Thanks to God for fine weather, while rain was falling across much of UK. Aptly a rainbow appeared as I drove home.David Biddle - Stanford-le-Hope
Kemsing and Hastings - 6-8 October (Cycling)
It is not widely known that a 50 mile cycle in the pouring rain cures the common cold! However, one group member testified to that! Conditions were rather grim when seven of us cycled out of Kemsing hostel on Saturday. Morning coffee was abandoned and lunch was a chilly, huddled affair beneath the awning of a village store in Pembury. A three mile detour promised warmth and refreshment at a well signed RSPB reserve. ‘Never mind the birds, where are the cakes?!’ was the anguished cry as the reserve turned out to be simply that - no tea-room! We pedalled on. An hour later there was a rather harrowing incident involving bike and car. Fortunately it didn’t involve an overnight stay in hospital and the patient was able to return home to rest that evening. It was therefore a smaller band of wet, weary cyclists who arrived at Hastings hostel that evening. As there were no other guests, due to refurbishment works, the hostel offered warmth, peace and optimum comfort. Sunday dawned. Clothes dried and spirits restored we set off with renewed energy. It was dry and sunny all day. We stopped for morning coffee at Bodiam Castle, lunch at Horsmonden and then enjoyed a peacefully undulating stretch of country lanes after the busy roads of the morning, arriving back at Kemsing at 6.30pm.
An eventful and challenging weekend (100 miles cycled in all) made positive through each person’s involvement. Thank you to Geoff for your thoughtful calm leadership, to Caroline (our reassuring ’minder’ at the back) and to everyone for the mutual support and care.Sara Cooke - Colchester
GRASMERE - THORNEY HOW 6-8 August
(Moderate-Hard)
A mere five of us for this delightful autumnal weekend, ably led by Roz.
Plan A on Saturday was to climb Fairfield, but continuous rain and poor visibility caused us to choose a shorter walk to Greatrigg Man. From there we dropped down to Rydal Hall, returning to the hostel along the shores of Rydal Water and Grasmere. We shared the hostel with convivial American students doing a Wordsworth tour.
Conditions on Sunday were better but continually changing. We headed for Sergeant Man where we were rewarded with magnificent views, a short spell of the Indian summer we were hoping for.
Thanks to Roz.Evan Thomas - Thornby on Tees
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