Newsletter

June 2007

Reports

 

 

Arundel                     26 - 28 January                   Easy / Moderate

Card Making

 

Stencil cards, layered cards, rubber stamp cards, decoupage cards, punched cards and multicoloured cards – phew!  Alison Edwards and her friend Gill showed us the tremendous potential for being creative with cards.  On Friday evening we all tried our hand at making an African animal scene card, using a sticky stencil.  Very sweet and we all got there.

 

Seven of us ‘scaled’ the South Downs on Saturday and enjoyed delightful views of the South Coast in the sunshine.  We dashed back to the hostel for some more expert card making tuition, however only after noshing in to Mary Griffin’s scrumptious 60th birthday cake.  Congratulations Mary!

 

We experimented with various techniques to make cards and greeting tags – adorned with flower bouquets and mountain scenes.  We were inspired and enthused.

 

After visiting the local Baptist church on Sunday morning, we enjoyed views of Arundel Castle as we walked besides the River Arun.  Later that day cakes were on the agenda once again – as we completed our walk in the Arundel estate.

 

Many thanks to Alison for all her hard work in organising the weekend, and inspiring us to keep on making cards.

 

Leader:                     Alison Edwards
Report:                      David and Miriam Baker

 

 

Cheddar                    2 - 4 February                      Moderate

OF MATURE CATHEDRALS AND CHEESE WITH ANCIENT RINDS

 

A contrast is achieved with the haunting flight of choir voices, which lift their wings of inspiration under the light shifted, dust mote filtered arcades, above the nave of the Cathedral Church of St Andrew in Wells.  For in ancient time, when special high holiday celebrations were held out on the West Green, it is said that choir boys used to ascend to a closed gallery behind the west front.  From there they would project their as yet adolescent, pure silver voices, through the amplifying mouths of some of the multitudinous figurines mounting upon the majestic terraces of the west front.  Where high above the great west door, the designer of the incomparable masterwork of the genome alone holds the keys to the black box, wherein reside marvels that even now we know not yet.

 

For he is the one who breathed the masterpiece of the west front of Wells Cathedral.  Whose work was seen, when we looked down into the depths of the gorge, from the limestone crags on each side.  For there is, in one place, not far from Jacob’s Ladder – on the journey back from Beacon Batch above Toplady’s Rock of Ages – a place, where a natural turret of limestone paves provides a perfect rock pulpit.  From where, protected from the vertical deeps below, one is able to see into bottom of the gorge.  For that is where Brian came with me as the light of afternoon sank into the Glastonbury Levels before us.

 

For in one direction beyond the prospect tower lies the circle of the waters between Cheddar and Axbridge.  Which had lain behind our backs in glimpses through the clear morning light among the woods, as we put our noses to the cheese rind.  For we began the ascent to the northern flank of the gorge from the road near Cox’s Cave.

 

For beyond us lie the mist shrouded distances of the Severn reach and beyond that, glimpses of the concrete white cubes and modern high rise blocks of Newport in South Wales.  For out there on the flat plains crossed by Kings Sedgemoor Drain, is the stump of St Michael’s Church on Glastonbury Tor.

 

Leader:                     Lorraine Thornecroft
Report:                      David Poole

 

 

Alstonfield                16 - 18 February                  Music and Art Event

 

On Friday we travelled to Alstonfield; when we got there it was pouring with rain!  So the warden let us in, we chose the room we wanted, the hostel and its location were beautiful.  There was a lovely garden out the back of the hostel, me and my sister enjoyed playing out in the garden, as we had been there 3 times before and really loved the place.  It was a music weekend, so I brought my clarinet and my sister brought her cornet.  We did some music and then we did some art. The art material was lovely, and we were able to make beautiful cards and we made some lovely friends and had a walk out with them.  I really enjoyed my stay; it really made my holiday great!!!

 

Report:                      Ellie Douglas                       Age 12

 

This is my report on the wonderful weekend at Alstonfield.

 

We arrived at the hostel at 1.00 pm, so we took the car to Hartington.  It was really pretty, but I must confess I would rather be at Dovedale playing in the stream.  Eventually everyone arrived.

 

The next morning it was music and art time.  I sang and there were some really good singers there, but then I got confused, so I went to the art!  The art was really lovely.  Sarah had brought lots of lovely art equipment e.g. brushes, paints and beautiful tissue paper that went fluffy when you ripped it.  That’s how we made our lovely tissue paper cards. Then I went into the painting area to do some lovely painting with watercolours.  There I made friends with some other really nice people who like water colours too!  I had a lovely morning.

 

After lunch we went for a walk.  The walk was beautiful and when we got back the sun was setting over the hills.  Some kind people made a shared tea and cooking was so inventive and delicious.  The next morning we went for another walk and then went home.  It was sad to leave, but it had been a lovely weekend and I hope to go again soon!

 

Report:                      Heather Douglas                Age 10

 

Alstonfield Part 2 - A non musical Dad’s view!

 

 

The hills are alive with the Sound of Music!  Well perhaps not the Alps, or even Julie Andrews, but the Peak District and the CRC. Apart from the rather tight parking, Alstonfield really is a magic hostel, well appointed and in easy reach of splendid walking.

 

Saturday morning found us divided into two broad groups, the musical / choral group to try to encourage my cornet and clarinet playing daughters to join in.  But they preferred making card to singing / playing classical style music, which left me to have a go at choral singing on my own!  Although very rusty at reading music and singing in choirs generally, I was able to follow more able choristers.  Val Breeze even said I should take singing up, so well did she think I did!

 

After lunch at the well-equipped hostel, we went for a very pleasant walk.  The Peak District really is ‘the finest of counties’ as Jane Austin from Pride and Prejudice puts it.  The walk put us in good appetite for the superb communal meal organised by Alison, Pauline and Carol with advice from Jane. In the evening we were entertained with Baroque music from Val, Philip, George and Tony amongst others.

 

After worship done by ourselves at the hostel, Phil led the combined group of 20 + for a walk which began at the village of Wetton situated 4 miles south west of the hostel.  Thankfully, the weather, which had steadily improved since Friday, was now sunny and reasonably warm.  Good views and good conversation were enjoyed by all.

 

Three o’clock on Sunday afternoon and the parting of the ways: what a weekend!  Not only were our physical bodies exercised, but also the creative and musical inner souls were allowed to reveal themselves.

Thanks to Phil and his able helpers for putting on such an enjoyable weekend.  I look forward to the next musical extravaganza!

Leader:                     Phil Nalpanis
Report:                      Ray Douglas

 

 
 
Glynmeddig             22 - 25 February                  Moderate

 

When nobody was looking, she

Was over the fence - easily, and

even managing to avoid the barbed

wire, but later in the day she had to

be carried over.  Determined to

come with us, rather than spend

another day with her colleagues

who kept reminding her of the last

time she absconded.  She enjoyed

our company and was very friendly.

 

Also she understood that sheep were for having with mint sauce, and not just for the cheap thrills of chasing them around.  They look so funny when they run, anyway.  Poor Sue who had the responsibility of leading the walk in this slightly off-the-beaten-track area near the hostel.

 

On a clear day we would have seen the Beacons, but they were just a wall of clouds.  To the north was a large army training ground, which eerily illuminated the night sky - though totally silent, and we could hear the frogs croaking in the duck pond.

 

The dog story had a happy ending, and we enjoyed a fun evening playing 'Mountainopoly', and the CRC version of 'Cluedo', which takes place in a youth hostel.  Both games need a good sense of humour, and knowledge of birds.

 

On the Saturday some people could not resist going up Pen-y-Fan.  As it is the highest, the whole world and his dog does Pen-y-Fan, though we managed to avoid taking any dogs with us that day.  Jane led another walk from Libanus Mountain Centre, and we heard a stonechat.  Famous birds included red kites and buzzards circling overhead, and even a heron flew past at one point.

 

Thanks to Val for leading the event, and for the chefs:  Nikki treated us to the best in Welsh home-made cooking, and Kevin managed to do spam worth having a bottle of wine with.

 

Leader:                     Valerie Breeze
Report:                      Stephen David

 

 

Shiel Bridge             17 - 24 February                  Week of Winter Walking

 

Nine of us travelled to Shiel Bridge, about fifteen miles east of the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh, for a memorable week of winter walking.  Our accommodation was a comfortable large bungalow, and on Sunday we attended a Free Church of Scotland which was an interesting experience - no hymns and no organ, but instead we sang psalms led by a member of the congregation.  In the afternoon Grant led a short but interesting walk up a ‘Graham’.

 

Our two guides, John Lyall and Jonathan Preston, arrived on Monday morning and led our walks for the rest of the week.  On our first day we had a period at practising how to stop a fall on a snow slope by using our ice axes that I found more difficult than most of the rest of our group.  After this we ascended two Munros on the South Glen Shiel Ridge.  On the next day we all climbed Ciste Dhubh, and some of us also climbed Aonach Meadhoin.

 

 

Christian Rock & Mountain Club

 

Website is www.crmc.org.uk

 

Membership Secretary: Graham Harris

 

Email:  crmcsecretary@yahoo.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Shiel Bridge Part 2

 

The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the ascent of the Saddle via the Forcan Ridge, one of Scotland’s best known scrambles.  On the Wednesday, three of our party roped up and were led by John.  The other six did it without a rope, being guided by Jonathan.  The weather was mild and dry, and the views were superb.  We also did shorter scrambles on Thursday when climbing Beinn Fhada, and on Friday.  During the week we climbed eight Munros in total and a Corbett.  Our guides were excellent, planning interesting routes, and keeping a careful watch over us so that we all felt completely safe.

 

We ate very well during the week, starting the day with Peter’s famous porridge, and finishing it with very varied evening meals planned and supervised by Pauline.  Grant led a period of fellowship on Sunday evening, and Susan led a special one on Ash Wednesday to mark the start of Lent. 

 

Many thanks to Grant and Pauline or organising such an enjoyable week.

 

Leader:                     Grant Syred
Report:                      Roger Winterburn

 

 

Hartington Hall        9 - 11 March                     Cycling

 

Our base for this cycling weekend was the beautiful 17th century Hartington Hall near Buxton, with log fires, exposed beams and a bedroom where Bonnie Prince Charlie once slept.  The three of us set off on Saturday morning on the Manifold Way, which followed the old railway line.  The going was easy, with a few muddy puddles and more than a few old railway tunnels, much to Bob’s delight!  Every tunnel was an opportunity to blow his steam train whistle, once startling a couple of walkers when he sounded the train whistle in the darkest part of the tunnel.

 

The National Trust teashop at Ilam was our first teashop stop, the second being at Basset Wood Farm where we watched the cows through the window, while enjoying their produce in the form of milk in our tea and hot chocolate and cream on very large scones.  We visited Dovedale where we admired the swollen River Dove and the mysterious working of hormones as a young man tried to impress his female companion by attempting to cross the River Dove on the stepping-stones.  Needless to say, fast-flowing water, wet limestone and sneakers are a sure recipe to disaster, and the young man gave up after the second splash!

 

Sunday saw us driving the short distance to Parsley Hay where we set off again on the Tissington Trail towards Tissington.  Mary decided to do a shorter route, while Bob and I stuck to the original route.  A few sharp hills took us to Carsington Water, where we skirted the lake and dodged the walkers and dogs on the cycle path.  On to Middleton Top where we had lunch and then we continued on the High Peak Trail to where it joined the Tissington Trail, taking us back to Parsley Hay.  No teashops this time!

 

A big thank you to Bob, who did an excellent job in leading this weekend.  We cycled 37 miles on Saturday and 29 on Sunday, with Bob doing a few more miles on Saturday while us girls did the sensible thing and headed back to the hostel after 37 miles!

 

Leader:                     Bob Harris
Report:                      Adri Rossouw

 

 

Sheldon Centre      16 - 18 March                  Moderate

 

Arrangements for Friday evening were flexible with arrivals from 4 -11:30p.m. Our leader, Martin, had researched the Teign Inn, our local pub, and found that a good fish and chip supper was available there.

 

Saturday, eight of us in two cars set off for Bennett’s Cross for a 9.5 mile figure of eight walk.  A north westerly gale was blowing and we quickly donned all our warm layers, before pausing for prayer and setting off across the cold and bleak moor.  As we climbed up along a path through the heather towards Grimspound, I began to wonder whether the whole 9.5 miles would be this monotonous.  We were in silence by default, given the narrow path combined with the relentless wind battering our faces and left sides.

 

Continuing on and upwards, we passed Hameldown Tor, and then descended in the direction of Natsworthy Manor.  Then the scenery changed dramatically, as we found ourselves ensconced in beautiful evergreen woodland, with easy paths weaving in and out of sunlit tree trunks and moss-adorned twisted shapes, and as refreshing mountain streams tumbled down well rounded rocks.

 

Back at the hostel, there was remarkably no queue for showers; everyone who wanted availed themselves of the bath.  All agreed that this was a definite and desirable step up from a youth hostel.  Seven of us had a communal meal of organic pizzas and salad with baked potatoes, followed by apple and blackberry pie, followed by a brief address, some good discussion and an early night.

 

Sunday morning Martin, having local knowledge, led us on a bracing circular walk around Haytor Rocks.

 

Our thanks go to Martin, for creating a calm and friendly atmosphere, and leading well timed and researched walks. I left having had an interesting introduction to Dartmoor National Park, in good company.

 

Leader:                     Martin Clarke
Report:                      Valerie Collings

 

 

Treyarnon Bay        1 - 5 April                          Easy / Easy Moderate

Pre - Easter Event

 

15 intrepid CRC travellers arrived in the evening sunshine at Treyarnon Bay hostel which is perched on the cliffs above the lovely sandy bay. The sea looked inviting for a swim, but a cold easterly wind reminded us that it was still early April!

 

The following morning, a bus ride took us to Padstow with its picturesque harbour, to walk the coast path back to Treyarnon.  The coastal scenery was beautiful; sandy coves and bays, rocky headlands, and a profusion of wild flowers.  After the evening meal at the hostel, we were entertained by Graham with his recitations of Shakespearian sonnets!

 

On Tuesday we walked from the charming village of St Mawgan, with immaculate cottages, a convent, and a 13th Century church, through gentle woodland to Mawgan Porth.  The steep climb out of Mawgan Porth led us along the coast path to Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps:  dramatic coastline with massive rock stacks.  During the evening meal at the hostel we were treated to a fantastic sunset.

 

For Wednesday, an inland walk was planned to do part of the Camel Trail that followed the path of the old Bodmin to Padstow railway line.  From the John Betjeman centre, which is at the old Wadebridge railway station, we soon diverted off the trail and ascended through footpaths and quiet country lanes, with high hedgerows full of primroses.  After a leisurely picnic lunch alongside the River Camel, we followed the Camel Trail back to Wadebridge.  This section of the path is frequented by cyclists – lots of them!

 

Thank you very much Daphne for organising the event, and Mary for leading the walks, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

 

 

Leaders:                   Daphne Stockwell and Mary Salter

Report:                      John Mitchell

 

 

Keswick                    5 - 9 April                          Moderate / Hard

Easter Event

 

Where in the whole of England would I like to be if there was a guarantee of good weather?  My answer, (along with many others), would be the Lake District.  So it was with happy memories and anticipation that I journeyed north with an excellent forecast in my pocket for Easter.

 

The YHA has had a lot of bad press recently, but I found the hostel at Keswick perfect for our break:

 

·        Newly modernised, with spot-on showers

·        In town for amenities and some rapid gear shopping

·        Opposite a park for a footie kick around

·        No parking problems!

 

The walking each day was divided into a moderate party and a harder group.  On another weekend the exhilarating climb of Blencathra in perfect conditions via the Sharp Edge scramble would have been the highlight.  But on this event, there were two bigger and even better days.

 

My highlight was the classic Coledale round on the massif to the west of Keswick.  Once we'd made the initial ascent, a gentle breeze made bagging a clutch of Wainwright peaks a doddle.  One felt as if the entire massif could be conquered there and then. 

 

But, just as one shouldn't gorge all one's Easter eggs in one sitting, we left a few peaks for another day.  Anyway, hostel supper called!  The event was well organised.  Thanks to Phil, the walk leaders and John for worship leading.  It was great to get away to enjoy God's Lakeland creation, and still be with other Christians to praise God for his wonderful plan of salvation through Jesus at that first Easter.

 

Leader:                     Phil Nalpanis
Report:                      Grant Syred

 

 

Litton Cheney         5 - 9 April                          Moderate

Easter Event

 

The programme had invited us to wake from our winter slumber with an Easter weekend in hilly Dorset, and so 22 of us headed far from the madding crowds to Litton Cheney hostel.  There is not enough space in 250 words to report everything that happened on the weekend.  But for me some highlights of the weekend stand out.

 

The first is how hilly west Dorset is - just as we had been promised.  Every walk involved one or more hills, usually steep hills for southern England.  But when we had climbed the hills we enjoyed fine views of Chesil Beach, Portland, and across the Dorset hills to Hardy’s monument.  And on Easter Saturday some of us got to the top of Golden Cap - the highest point on the south coast of England.

 

The second highlight was the unexpectedly warm and sunny weather, which meant that sun hats and sun block came in handy - at least for those who had remembered to bring them.

 

Litton Cheney hostel was memorable too - a small comfortable friendly hostel on the edge of a quiet village.  Christine organised two excellent suppers for us at the hostel, and an evening meal at a nearby pub on the Saturday evening.  Some of us also enjoyed a cream tea in Abbotsbury on Good Friday, convinced that it was fully justified after climbing those hills.

 

Finally, we were reminded of God’s presence and His gift of new life, both at a service in the village church on Easter Sunday, and also in what we saw each day on our walks.

 

Scottish Christian Hillwalking Club

 

Website: www.christianhillwalking.co.uk

 

Membership secretary is Jane Harris

 

Tel: 01387 750577

Email: schs.info@yahoo.co.uk
 
Thanks to Christine for a memorable Easter weekend.

 

 

Leader:                     Christine Sherriff
Report:                      Peter Arnold

 

 

Thurlby                     5 - 9 April                         Easy

Easter Event

 

Six of us took part on this event, four staying at Thurlby Hostel (clean, well run, with helpful staff), and two staying in bed and breakfast.

 

On Good Friday we did an 11 mile circular walk from the hostel, pausing for a meditation at St. Faith’s Church, Uffington, one of a number of beautiful churches in the area.  Unless I got completely lost, the walk took in Wilsthorpe, Braceborough and Essendine, and gave us a good sample of Peter’s native Lincolnshire.

 

On Saturday we crossed the border into Rutland, and did a 9 mile walk from Rutland Water.  A passer-by recommended Fort Henry Lake, so we took a slight detour to have lunch by the lake, watching swans glide and moorhens dart!  At the end of the walk we soaked up some sun on the shore of Rutland Water before heading back to the hostel.

 

On Easter Sunday, after joining in a joyful service at Thurlby Methodist church, we spent the rest of a leisurely day enjoying Burghley House and its sculpture garden.  On Easter Monday the three of us remaining went to the nearby village of Castor, where Peter and Clive explored the area and I pottered round the village.

 

The weather was ideal for walking throughout, and all our thanks go to Peter who led, for a wonderful weekend, and for arranging everything … but he couldn’t quite manage for us to sight an osprey!

 

Leader:                     Peter Allott
Report:                      Christopher Samuel

 

 

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