Newsletter

February 2005

Reports

Lake District            23 - 30 October                    Moderate/Hard

Week

 

An Ode to the Lakes

 

Oh yon CRC folk have come from all places

To Langdale and Helvellyn to go through their paces

With treks to the summits planned by our Val (Breeze)

Days filled with adventure – she’s been a real pal

Buzzards and ravens in plenty a-soaring

No blazoned trail ever feeble or boring

Babies and dogs taking part, how fantastic?

One soul with no waterproofs sporting some plastic

Up hill, down dale ‘cross scree we travail

Peering o’er Striding Edge makes us quite pale

For teashops and portions of cake there were races

To see who was best at ‘stuffing their faces’

A drive on the Kirkstone Pass proving essential

Encountering sheep with ‘Mint Sauce’ potential

Returning to base with sore legs and feet

Finding hot showers was truly a treat

Come evening, while boots and jackets were dripping

The members their tea, ale and wine were a’ sipping

The warden (and cook) would yell ‘dinner is served!’

One wonders if cig. ash in food is preserved!

Chatter and card games by night – quite a scandal!

Weather reports – not easy to handle!

Good food, fun and fellowship were savoured by all

We’ll sure book again next Autumn or Fall     

 

Epilogue

 

Now, Wordsworth a vision he just never had

‘A CRC host in their Gortex all clad’

And if we could meet him and have a few laughs

We’d say “ Gortex is great for walking through daffs.”

 

Leader                       Val Breeze

Report                       Val Cartledge

 

 

Ivinghoe                    5 - 7 November                    All Grades

Bonfire Event

 

Golden-brown leaves carpeting the woods … tall beeches stretching skywards, bare earth beneath  … a tranquil, tree-arched canal … misty hills and well-ordered fields … ancient trackways, trodden by the ghosts of history … a monument to a man who enabled the Industrial Revolution … a windmill standing proud but still … rockets arcing upwards, scattering will-o’-the-wisps that chase each other across the sky … streams of silvery fire cascading downwards like a waterfall … and mud, clinging to the boots, as the sky drips moisture almost incessantly.

 

This was a bonfire event with a difference: a new venue, excellent fireworks laid on by and for all the village, and walks that traced the Ridgeway, explored the mysterious, misty Chiltern woods, passed alongside the first  “main line” from London to Birmingham - the Grand Union Canal - and watched shiny new trains dash by on its successor.

 

Ivinghoe hostel proved to be the right size this time around, very warm and comfortable to boot (no pun intended), and ideal for this event.  Tim, the manager, familiar to us from Bangor, warmly welcomed us.  Let’s hope we return there before too long.

 

Sunday morning saw us gathered together in worship in the hostel’s lounge. Steve Graham brought alive the story of Ananias, sent to visit Saul immediately after his conversion, and Ann Arnold led us in meditative reflection and prayer.

 

After that, some were given the opportunity to improve their navigational skills in Wendover Woods, encouraged by another Wood (Jane).

 

The event ran extremely smoothly, a tribute to Peter and Ann’s efficient planning and quiet work behind the scenes to ensure we all enjoyed the event.

 

Leaders                     Ann & Peter Arnold

Report                       Philip Nalpanis

 

 

Langsett                   19 - 21 November               Easy

Art Appreciation

 

This was the first time I had visited this area of the country at the very northernmost tip of the Peak District.  It was greatly enhanced by the unexpected fall of snow, fortunately not deep enough to prevent travelling there.

 

We awoke on the Saturday to a beautiful sight of the sun shining on a winter wonderland of crisp white snow covering the hills and trees.  Janet led us on a varied walk, starting with a gentle climb up Castle Hill, which gave a great view of the Holme Valley.  We passed through woods and villages and saw people out on their sledges enjoying the snow.

 

Finally we ended up at the Northern Light Gallery at Armitage Bridge.  This is an old mill site that has been turned into a great modern exhibition space by the curator Mark Brooke, who is a Christian artist.

 

The exhibition called ‘Seeing Salvation Now’ which brought together a number of contemporary professional artists who take very different approaches to portraying biblical themes and personal faith.  I found it very interesting and thought provoking.  Mark Brookes aptly describes these works as ‘new parables’ painted by ‘strong fish’ swimming ‘upstream through polluted waters’.

 

On the Sunday the weather was grey and wet, so we decided to walk along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal starting at Slaithwaite.  We dropped down into Marsden for a welcome hot drink and lunch before returning to our starting point.

 

Thanks to Joan for organising such an interesting weekend, Stephen Bennett for the worship and Janet Widdicombe for the walks.

 

Leader                       Joan Blencrowe

Report                       Karen Fraser-Smith

 

 

Hindhead                  26 - 28 November               Moderate

Pre Christmas Event

 

"You will spend a weekend with eleven strangers," I mused as I read the list of participants.  As it turned out they were not strangers, but lovely friends.

 

On Saturday Chris took us up Gibbet Hill and round the Punch Bowl.  We enjoyed magnificent views in all directions.  This region certainly deserves its designation as 'an area of outstanding natural beauty'.

 

In the evening we sat round a glowing fire in the quaint old hostel, nestled in the Punch Bowl.  Chris and Sarah served up a fantastic meal.

 

On Sunday we had a time of worship at the Hostel and then drove to Blackdown.  The walk took us through woods still in rich autumn colours.  From the vantage point 'Temple of the Winds' the view extended as far as Worthing and we could even make out the sea in the distance.

 

I think 'Renting a Hostel' is a big responsibility for the leader and Chris worked hard to make this event a success.  Many thanks to Chris.

 

Back to the list of names, now it conjures up smiling faces reminding me of the enjoyable time we all had.

 

Leader                       Chris Down

Report                       Irma D'Souza

 

 

Alston                        23 - 27 December               All Grades

Christmas Event

 

This small hostel had been rented by the CRC for their Christmas event and we had a dormitory each for the 9 of us who were there.

 

Christmas Eve dawned cloudy and murky, with rain forecast later.  Our experienced organiser, Duncan suggested doing a valley walk to Garrigill.  At 11.00am it started to rain…and rain…and rain....  We were greeted in Garrigill by a pub with a big log fire and a small church where we ate our lunch, having got soaked.  Then we waded along the river path back to our warm welcoming youth hostel, with more rain and sleet along the way.  Was this to be our fate for the next few days?!  After drying out we were treated to a five star cuisine meal at the hostel by the CRC catering recruits, followed by games.

 

Christmas Day dawned with bright blue skies, sunshine and 3” of snow!  Having walked/slid to church we then walked from the hostel past Raise and along the South Tynedale Railway in breathtaking scenery (trying to catch a train!) to return to the hostel where Nicky had prepared a fantastic Christmas dinner with an alternative Christmas pudding - highly recommended as well as the traditional stuff!  A seriously vicious game of Monopoly got well under way with Peter coming away with the stash!

 

Boxing Day was another picture postcard day, and we went out walking from Garrigill up on the Pennine Way to see the view and trudge through 8” of snow.  On the way back we met a retired miner who shared his photos and the history of working in mines up in the hills.  We dined in style on Derek’s experimental leftovers dinner, followed by a time of worship, reflection and sharing.

 

On Monday our leaders and David left, but the rest of the group stayed an extra day, each doing their own pursuits.

 

A God-given special Christmas for everyone who went.  A big thank you to Nicky and Duncan for their hard work, hospitality and brilliant organisation.

 

Leaders                     Nicky Easton & Duncan Parsons

Report                       Zoe Churns

 

 

Keswick                    27 December - 2 January             All Grades

Convention Centre Event

 

It was great!  One day we climbed up a mountain and when we were near the top Elizabeth said to Daddy “Hold tight onto Miriam because she might blow away!”  But I did not blow away and I got my new blue waterproof boots wet!

 

Daddy climbed up Skiddaw and it was very windy and Daddy lost his glasses!

 

On New Year’s Eve we went on a Treasure Hunt in the town at night: Daddy couldn’t see without his glasses. I stayed up ‘til midnight and I was very tired.

Miriam (age 6).

 

I liked the sweetie quiz on New Year’s Eve, because I won!  I had a very good time at Keswick, because I made friends with Ed and Gabriella.  Nick showed slides of some African animals, and when I asked him how to get close enough to the lions he replied that you have to put a bowl of cat food down and say “Here, kitty, kitty!”

 

On the last day we went up Stone Arthur, and on the top we found a lot of snow.  Daddy threw a snowball at me, which hit the side of my face (it hurt!), so I threw one down his neck!

Helena (age 9).

 

Many thanks to Bob for organising everything, to everyone for cooking efforts, and to Nick for talking about his work with Christians in Rwanda (and animals in Kenya).  Despite wind and rain, young and older walkers scaled mountains most days.

 

 

TIPS: 1) In high wind, glasses can be secured by elastic behind the head.  2) Pack a spare pair!  3) Do not rely on the PO over a Bank Holiday.

 

Leader                       Bob & Linda Floyd

Report                       James Family

 

 

Snowdon Ranger   28 December - 3 January             All Grades

 

 New Year.

 Snowdon Ranger.

 Smaller hostel this year - felt cosier.

 Newly refurbished, friendly staff (Margaret - an Aussie teacher on loan from Bryn Gwnant - shared her testimony with us).

 Good food (Thanks Pauline for those lists and organising the bookings).

 Good Christian Fellowship, worship times, prayer times (Thanks to all who took part).

 Evening entertainment - games, quizzes (could you fill in a blank Monopoly board!) and a superb Audio Visual by Dave Newbold of Origins (you may have bought one of his postcards).

 And of course we walked. From an easy downhill walk that was neither easy nor downhill to hard walkers setting out with ice axes to climb Snowdon.  On the same day one party had superb views while the other 15 miles away spent the day in mist.  At time the lighting effects left us speechless.  Thanks to Val for organising the walks and the leaders who safely navigated us.

 Thanks to all who came and made for an enjoyable six days in North Wales and of course one cannot forget Phil who led the event.

 

Leader                       Philip Nalpanis

Report                       Alan Williams

 

 

Swanage                  29 December - 2 January             All Grades

 

Dorset is my favourite county.  Even in the winter, the coastline, with its rugged cliffs, secret coves, sandy beaches and azure blue sea draws me back.  I didn't think that I would be disappointed with my choice of this CRC event and, as it turned out, I was right.

 

On arrival, Anita greeted us.  Her totally unflappable nature and attention to detail helped to make the event such a success.  That evening, over 50 of us squeezed into the oak panelled lounge at Swanage youth hostel for a welcome meeting.

 

A  selection of walks had been organised for each day of our stay.  These ranged in length from around 4 to 12 miles and included the picturesque village of Corfe Castle, Studland, Lulworth and the deserted (since 1944) Tyneham village.

 

Fortunately, plenty of time was also available to visit teashops, travel on the famous Swanage to Corfe steam railway and even attend a concert in Poole.  Each evening Anita and Gareth produced games and quizzes for us.  The winners were rewarded with sumptuous prizes!

 

On New Year's Eve, after a special meal at the youth hostel, we attended a watch night service in the beautiful medieval church at Studland, the local parishioners being somewhat surprised by the sudden number of incomers.  The following day, after our wet and windy walks, an excellent evening meal was served at The New Inn, Church Knowle.  This was preceded by a traditional game of skittles in an adjoining hut.

 

The New Year is traditionally a period of reflection and this year our hearts and minds were touched by news of the tsunami disaster.  A special early Morning Prayer meeting was held to pray for all those caught up in this devastating event.  As Christians, we now have to struggle with so many questions.


On the final day of our stay, over 20 of us attended the excellent Emmanuel Baptist Church in Swanage.  David Hodson preached from Philippians 4.  His theme was contentment.  I know that his talk was very relevant to many of us single Christians.  In the afternoon, the remaining 7 of us took a final walk in the winter sunshine along the sandy beach at Studland, before boarding the unique chain ferry from Studland to Sandbanks and winding our separate ways homeward.


Thank you Anita and Gareth for organising such a relaxing and refreshing start to the New Year.  Our thanks must also go to all those who were leading walks, and to the very helpful and friendly staff at Swanage Youth Hostel.

 

Leaders                     Anita Jones

                                    Gareth Reed

Report                       Edward Widdowson

 

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