Newsletter
March 2004

Reports

 

 

Clun Mill        12 - 14 December 2003               Moderate

Pre-Christmas Event

 

Light was fading fast as Geoff and I arrived, but there was a clear sky so hopefully no rain on the walks.  The warden showed us round the hostel and the recent renovations have made it very convenient as well as revealing its workings as a former water mill. A store at the back is to be a museum showing the history of the mill. The warden was very helpful, and told us all we needed to know for the week-end.

 

We set off the following morning at a brisk pace up to Offa’s Dyke. The rain stayed away all day, the sky was perfect for winter, with views far and clear, and with a lovely winter sun. Julie and Jane supervised preparations for dinner, which was enjoyed by all. The turkey was done to a turn, and followed by Christmas pudding, mince pies etc. which put us all in a mellow mood. 

 

Sunday saw us at Clun Baptist Church where we were given a warm welcome before enjoying a short circular walk around Clun, including parts of the Shropshire Way.

 

Many thanks to Geoff, Jane, Julie and everyone for such a convivial weekend.

 

Leader           Geoff Payne

Report           June Rose

 

 

Llanddeusant             24 – 28 December         Easy/Moderate

Christmas Event

 

There is something special about every CRC get together and this one was no exception.  Eleven people somehow found their way to this remote spot, south of Llandovery, southwest of Brecon, and just in the National Park, a gem of a youth hostel, a former pub gently nestling in the fold of the hills.  We were greeted by the cheery sight of balloons outside the hostel door, and soon got cracking with the fairy lights and the Christmas tree, the log fire crackled and Janice plied us with mulled wine and cakes - indeed this turned into a regular pattern as we returned wet from various jaunts. And rain it did.

 

The midnight service in the church next door was well attended and mostly in English (how’s your Welsh – Cnocole fraith fwyth).

 

On Christmas Day another service, this time at Capel Gwynfe, was followed by a six-mile walk, led by Peter, who nobly tried to find non-existent paths.  A tiny glimpse of blue sky having given us a tantalising peep at this beautiful and unspoilt countryside, we drove back to our Christmas dinner through Bethlehem – we just had to on that day.  Serious eating was then followed by a Santa self-service, Call My Bluff and balloon bashing.

 

Boxing Day proved even wetter, but undeterred we sallied out to Castel Cerreg Cennen, a medieval stronghold near Llandovery – we saw it from every conceivable angle in the mist!  There was a real sense of achievement when we settled down to more eating, more mulled wine, toasted marshmallows etc., Jenga, Pictionary (where armoured cars were confused with toasters), Welsh Monopoly and various quizzes (what did sir John Harrington invent in 1589?) and more balloon bashing.

 

The 27th  was reserved for walking round Llandeilo – for those who could be roused from their beds!  A pleasant walk around the town and neighbouring countryside, with the weather being a little kinder – it had snowed a little, but the Brecon Beacons were in sight at last.

 

A very big thank you to Janice (who makes a most excellent fatless Christmas pudding) and Peter for all their hard work, organisation and planning which went into making this event such a success, indeed to everyone who made their unique contribution.  A real get away from it all Christmas - I think we could count the number of cars we met all weekend on two hands.

 

Leader           Janice Brett

Report           Janet Hiles

 

Keswick        27 December – 3 January           All grades

Convention Centre

 

This was the twelfth New Year event to be held in the Convention Centre and due to the addition of the downstairs bunkhouse, it was the biggest yet, with 51 people for some of the nights. Having attended a CRC New Year event on 20 out 21 years, I can also accurately report that this year had the best weather ever! Three of the six days were dry, mainly sunny and with light winds, even at high altitudes. The result was a lot of excellent walking for those who wanted it.

 

Perhaps some of the teenage (or nearly teenage!) children were keenest – choosing the only damp and windy day to persuade some gullible parents (not including the author) to take them up Skiddaw! They were warned that Skiddaw has only occasionally had a CRC ascent at New Year due to high winds. That just increased their determination to succeed!

 

Doreen found an alternative new activity for New Years Day – getting plastered! Unfortunately the activity took place in Carlisle hospital, following a fall on the ice a few days earlier which resulted in a cracked bone in her ankle. Her bone was cracked but not her enthusiasm, and she hopes to be back walking with the club soon.

 

Our thanks go to Bob and Linda for leading an excellent week.

 

One last question: Our children who used to crawl round the common room in pursuit of mischief are now teenagers wanting to learn to use ice axes – but where are the next generation of toddlers? This was the first time there were no under-fives at Keswick to feed the stale crusts to the lakeshore ducks!

 

Leader           Bob Floyd

Report           Val Fane

 

Arundel         30 December – 2 January                Easy

 

This was the first CRC event in which I stayed in the hostel: previously I had used B&B.  Not having been in a youth hostel for 40 years I had little idea of what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and comfort.  We had the hostel to ourselves, and were spread around the dormitories, so the one I was in was only half occupied with three sleepers.  With my ear plugs in I slept like the proverbial log, waking each day about five minutes before breakfast.

 

 

There were about 50 of us, though not all stayed all the time.  A friendly chap from the YHA provided breakfast; mid-day packed lunches we provided ourselves, or else broke the walk at an alehouse.  Different walks were on offer, of varying length and strenuousness. I was eager to get to know that end of the Sussex Downs, having walked a fair amount further east, and opted for the longer walks.  Views were splendid, the weather clement, and the company enjoyable and stimulating.

 

Evening meals were taken in nearby eating places, though we were not all able to get into the same one on New Year’s Eve. Midnight found us at Arundel Baptist Church, packed to the doors with scarcely a free seat.

 

The final day (Friday) was an optional extra for which many departed including me.  The next New Year will, God willing, see a similar southern event, at a different place, and will certainly find me among the number, circumstances permitting.

 

Leaders         Anita Jones and Gareth Reed

Report           David Young

 

Derwentwater        27 December - 1 January        All grades

 

Derwentwater. My first encounter with the CRC. The realisation that Wainwright should be mentioned in hushed tones, several times a day. Understanding the meaning of wet. A fresh understanding of the fatherhood of God. Yes, Derwentwater brings back memories. But what of this year? Where does it rank in the list of Derwentwater experiences?

 

The hostel was warm, after the first night; the staff were helpful and forbearing; not being in the large dorm was a blessing; and the members’ kitchen seemed to have a continuous supply of home-baked goodies.

 

The evenings featured Lindsay’s gentle wit in the notices, some excellent hostel meals, and a range of entertainments. The days featured snow, not in great depth, but enough to create those landscapes we hope for. True, ice diverted one route from Grisedale Pike, and on New Year’s Eve the wind across Ullock Pike made me wonder seriously, for the first time in 16 years with CRC, if I was going to take all my party back intact, but for two blissful days the skies were blue and the wind a vague memory. Someone emailed to say it was their best New Year with CRC. I don’t think they were wrong.

 

Leaders         Lindsay Shaw, Jane Wood and Roz Jackson.

Report           David Scott

 

Badby            16 - 18 January                 All grades

Music and Art Event

 

There is more to Northamptonshire than just the M1.  Badby is a jewel of a village set deep among the hills.

 

A wealth of creative talent was brought to the event.  There was classical music, including Pachelbel's Canon with 'Seek Ye First' superimposed.  There was folk, with Andrea, who also prepared the sticky toffee pudding, and she found some pigs in the vicarage garden for us to sing about. The artists, inspired by Sarah, made greetings cards and did some painting.   On the Sunday morning we did illustrations of the Elijah story.

 

Peter led walks on both afternoons.  On the first occasion he lost four of us, who defected to the pub.  This also gave us an opportunity to look in the church, where we were able to view the accounts from some long-forgotten age when everything was handwritten - and were not two sparrows sold for a penny?  On the Sunday we followed the Knightley Way to a village called Preston Capes, crossing some extremely muddy fields, but a local farmer assured us one of his fields was worse.

 

It was also a good time to catch up with friends and to encourage one another in our walks with God.  Many thanks to Phil for organizing such a memorable event, and to all who contributed, especially Karen for her creative talents in the culinary line.

 

Leader           Phil Nalpanis

Report           Stephen David

 

Bakewell       31 January - 1 February        Easy/Moderate

 

We arrived in Bakewell on Friday afternoon with snow on the ground but rain falling, and such weather was still the case on Saturday morning, when about a dozen  of us were ready to set off.

 

On consideration of the amount of water falling, we decided to do a low level walk. Our leader Robin Podd included an interesting inspection of the local mines and quarries which had recently gone out of production. We joined the disused Hi-peak Railway line and crossed Monsal Head viaduct. We then descended down to the River Wye, which was in  spate, and the water coming off some of the weirs was considerable. Following the Wye back into Bakewell we were often forced to find higher ground - bar those with wellies. In the evening we dined and conversed and a first sighting of a Lesser spotted Ashworth - a recent migrant to the Peak District.

 

On Sunday we all went to Holy Communion at the church in Ashford in the Water which had a very impressive organist. We then drove to Over Hadden and descended to Lathkill Dale for some more wading and inspection of adits, soughs and other mining exhibits about which Robin was able to explain after which we ascended out of the Gorge and returned to our cars. An excellent weekend, much thanks to Robin for his leadership, his knowledge of the area being such as to not need a map yet always be able to explain the history.

 

Leader           Robin Podd

Report           Robin Richardson

 

Langsett       13 - 15 February            Easy/Moderate

 

Nine members and local day walkers enjoyed this event with its focus on art, in the beautiful Peak District.

 

On Saturday the day started in Holmfirth, the setting for ‘Last of the Summer Wine’. We visited various galleries, including that of the TV artist Ashley Jackson, who painted watercolours of the atmospheric Yorkshire scenes.

 

We drove to Digley Reservoir where some of the group took a seven mile route with varied terrain including mini waterfalls, heather moorland, picturesque reservoirs and hilltop stone villages.  The others rambled around the reservoir pausing to admire the views and then visited Booth House Gallery and Pottery.  We all then drove to the White Room Café, originally a mill but now a vibrant art gallery, where we met up for tea and cakes.

 

In the evening we enjoyed a meal in the local pub.

 

On Sunday morning we had a short service in the hostel and then travelled to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which has extensive grounds containing a wide mixture of modern sculpture including those of Henry Moore.  We finished the day with tea at the restaurant.

 

Huge thanks go to Joan for organising and leading a very stimulating and enjoyable event.

 

Leader           Joan Blencowe

Report           Marina Kassanis

 

Scotland       14 - 21 February      Hard

Winter Hill Walking Week

 

With the recent opening of the giant ice wall at Kinlochleven and the BAFTA award winning film “Touching the Void”, winter mountaineering is currently all the rage. Four of us who had never fastened a crampon before, (along with 5 from the winter week 2003), headed for Aviemore to see what all the fuss is about.

 

The first day was a warm up with some gentle walking after church above the Alvie estate where we were staying.  We saw a variety of wildlife including white winter hares and the dramatic sight of a herd of around 50 red deer. On other days on higher ground we were also to see ptarmigans and the friendly little lunch pack morsel hunting snow-bunting.  The next day was a complete contrast - our winter skills basic training. This included crampon work plus the most exciting training on ice axe arrests. It involved learning the techniques for digging our axes in should we find ourselves hurtling out of control down a steep snow slope.  The practical, (on safe moderate slopes), was much fun and produced some humorous photo opportunities.

 

On that evening we learnt that the weather forecast was set fair for the week and grateful thoughts turned to the wonderful opportunities for magnificent panoramic views from the tops stretching across the whole of the vast Scottish Highlands in this winter wonderland.  We were not disappointed!

 

Our basic training tutors turned guides to lead us on some superb routes up to these summits, allowing us to put our training into practice en route.  Walk days were spent in the Western Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh and Glen Affric. With two guides we were able to split our group to cater for those who wanted more winter skills training and those who wanted, (given the lovely weather), to concentrate on cracking the very best walking routes.

 

 

Compared to normal CRC grades, I’d estimate that the routes could mainly be compared to moderate hard summer walks, with one or two a little harder.  The hardest day was an 11 hour trek. As our pace slackened in the afternoon, our guide perhaps anxious to get us off the high ground before dark, cracked the whip making us feel like we’d signed up for army endurance training!  But 3 Munros bagged and a breathtaking day to remember made the pain worthwhile!

 

All of us tackled some tricky, (and scary if you looked down), grade 1 technical winter routes.   Some of us went on to harder graded routes requiring more advanced technique training.

 

John Penrose organised excellent yet inexpensive accommodation for us. A portion of an old manor house with many welcome features, (including 2 huge old style baths and a log fire).  Thanks to John for all his hard work in planning it all,  and to those whose special efforts made everything tick over so wonderfully.  I think  a special mention should be given to our early morning porridge chef, Peter, whose task wasn’t the envy of those of us who were not at our best in the mornings.

 

We finished up with a splendid meal out at the Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore. I heard rave reviews of the venison steaks in wine and the wild mushrooms.  (This perhaps even surpassed the scrumptious self-catered meals that some of us had concocted back at our manor house).

 

In summary, a terrific holiday was had by all.  Anyone who is a strong walker, doesn’t mind the cold and has a reasonable head for heights might like to think about coming on next year’s event.  Don’t be put off by the thought that you need a lot of new gear to go winter walking. I found that I was able to cadge most of the kit, (ice axe, crampons etc) from the club and other CRCers.  So how about it? Can you really call yourself a hill walker if you can’t tackle ‘em in winter conditions??!

 

Leader           John Penrose

Report           Grant Syred

 

Streatley       27 - 29 February           Easy/Moderate

Memories are made of this

 

Memories are made of conversation in the member’s kitchen, of the problem of pain and suffering in a moral universe.  We are mature beings, and must accept the consequences of our choices - and the consequences of the moral choices of others.

 

And yet there are memories that please and have a result which are worth reflecting on.  For memories are made of white snow flakes streaming past the dark outside as we sit eating melon at the table, and of drifts of snowdrops peering out of the grass beside the track, as the light shafts through the as yet bare woods and unexpectedly steep hills above Goring.

 

It is almost spring as we walk by the river Thames, yet it is too chilly even to think of lingering anywhere for long, and the river shivers even as it sparkles in the light. There are silver glimpses of light on the wide stretches of the Thames as it falls over the weirs near the Swan Hotel.  Here there are distant memories of Victorian daughters, flowers in their dresses, while men in white shirts and straw boaters lean on their oars in manly poses, for someone to expose a photographic plate.

 

Even on the downs it is too cold, and we did a brisk walk, that according to Brian’s piece of measuring string was at least 12 miles in length, in no more than five hours.  So we were done by three and then, after checking a bakery I found the bacon baguette I wanted down in the Indian café by the river, and it was time to reflect on a conversation with Lorraine, whilst walking briskly on the Downs.

 

We talked on the problems of archaeologists have with the historical validity of Joshua’s conquest of ancient Palestine, and how the conventional view of the chronology has been disputed by a new finding that agrees with Exodus*.  So things are not what they seem, which may answer why Brian took his tea with a dash of tomato ketchup and with a touch of salt and pepper.

 

Leader           Brian Clark

Report           David Poole

 

 

*See below for the extensive arguments that David has put forward – it must have been some discussion!!

 

 

Recommended Book

 

The Purpose Driven Life

Rick Warren

Zondervan £5.99

 

Quote from the blurb on the back of the book:

 

‘This book is a 40-day spiritual journey that will look for the answers to life’s most important question: what on earth am I here for?  Knowing God’s purpose for creating you will reduce your stress, focus your energy, simplify your decisions, give meaning to your life, and, most important, prepare you for eternity.

 

The Purpose Driven Life is a blueprint for Christian living in the 21st century – a lifestyle based on God’s eternal purposes, not cultural values.  Using over 1200 scriptural quotes and references, it challenges the conventional definitions of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism.’ 

Ann Arnold

Thought for the walk

 

If you are considering whether to stand for committee, or take a role in the club, or a role in your own church…..

 

 

In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12v5

 

 

The difference between being someone who comes on club events, and someone who is a member of the club, is your willingness to become involved.

 

There may be a time in your life when you need to receive from others, but there may also be a time when you serve others.

 

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