Newsletter

March 2007

Reports

 

 

Pontresina               24 June to 1 July                Moderate Hard

Switzerland Week

 

Pontresina is a quiet resort with elegant 19th century hotels, surrounded by beautiful lakes and mountains, 3 miles from St. Moritz in the south east corner of Switzerland.

 

Nearly every day there was a choice of moderate or hard walks, while some took the opportunity to do their own easy walk, have a swim in a glacial lake, or take a dramatic train ride over the Bernina Pass to Italy.

 

On the first day, the hard walkers climbed a high pass (Fuorcla Murgl), and on the descent through alpine pastures were rewarded with tea and coffee served in a remote wood-panelled farmhouse.

 

 

Another day, both groups tackled Piz Languard (3262m), returning by different routes.  All of us reached the hut near the top, and most took in the stunning 360° view from the summit after braving the steel ropes and the thin air.  Items dropped down the mountain on the way up - Phil’s (waterproof) trousers and George’s camera - were fortunately recovered.

 

Pontresina part 2

 

A moderate walk up Val Roseg past a restaurant to a lake with a blue glacier melting into it made me contemplate God’s majesty. 

 

The real highlight, however, was a cable car ride to Diavolezza followed by a guided walk down two glaciers.  It was a weird feeling to be walking on a colossally thick lump of ice moving down the valley at 1 ft per day.   There was one scary slope where Joan, the senior member of our group, was lent a helping hand by the guide.

 

 

Thank you to the hostel staff for serving such delicious meals (although the spam salad sounded more appetising in German!), to those who led walks, and to Phil for organising such a wonderful holiday.

 

Leader:                     Phil Nalpanis

Report:                      Tony Bralant

 

 

Local  Walks to Celebrate 25 Years of CRC on 16 September

 

Reading:  Members of the group enjoyed a figure of eight walk based on the Chiltern village of Great Missenden - some walked about 4 miles in the morning, some 7 miles in the afternoon, and others came for the whole day.

 

On arriving back in Great Missenden we passed another birthday celebration - Roald Dahl's house and garden were open to the public to celebrate what would have been his 90th birthday. We however returned to the village green for our own birthday cake and a (non-alcoholic) toast to the CRC.  Lesley Hatton

 

 

Derbyshire:  We went out on the Tissington Trail and came back along Milldale (background for photos) and Dovedale.  Bob Harris

 

Yorkshire:  Fifteen members of the Yorkshire Group had a most enjoyable day, although we didn't reach any of the places on the planned itinerary.

 

We passed Brownhill Reservoir and reached Holme village.

We nibbled sarnies as we enjoyed spectacular views of Digley Reservoir.  Then we came to the Lunch Stop, a picnic table in the middle of a car park.  No view, just a stone wall and a few cars. Lunch was delayed until we found a more pleasant site.

The second Lunch Stop was in a field where some logs had been conveniently arranged as seats.  As we finished our sarnies, a horse came along and joined the walk.  We had to leave him at the first stile though, as he couldn't get over it. 

 

We reached the edge of Holmfirth, before returning to our cars.  On the way back we climbed Crow Hill and looked down on the reservoirs we had enjoyed in the morning.  We celebrated with a meal and a glass of wine at a local hostelry.  Chris Powell

 

 

Weston Rhyn          29 September - 1 October            Moderate

 

Base: our excellent self-catering accommodation - not a squeaky bunk in sight - at Perry Lodge in The Quinta grounds.

 

Saturday: Brian and his lively dog Prince led us on a superb walk to and over the famous Pontcysylite Aquaduct (121 feet high) and a climb to our lunch spot overlooking the vale of Llangollen.  Descending into Llangollen, home of the Eisteddfod and to Plas Newydd house, we discovered its cafeteria closed.  The waitress took pity and re-opened the café, selling out her entire chocolate fudge cake to us.  The group then split, half walking by the canal, and the remainder climbing steeply to Dinas Bran castle ruins – legendary links to the Holy Grail – and a 360 degree view around.  We finished back at Brian’s abode where he gallantly cooked a three course meal.

 

Sunday: Ian, from Operation Mobilisation, led in worship and told us about the new ship, Logos Hope.  Afterwards, the pilgrimage to ancient Chirk castle, beautiful countryside and part of Offa’s Dyke.  Heavy rain sped us on to the castle and tea shop where after drying off and refreshments we returned to base. 

 

Our thanks to Brian and Prince for a truly enjoyable event and an introduction to a wonderful part of the Welsh borders.

 

Leader:                     Brian Rippon

Report:                      Val Cartledge

 

 

Lakes Week 21 - 28 October                                Moderate to Hard

 

Double Mills and Coniston Coppermines

 

Some of my favourite things: the boat ride on the lake, we climbed beautiful fells and walked a long way, the bracken was over my head. 

 

When we got to a small village we sat in a stone bus shelter and took photos and caught a minibus back to Coniston, but there was only just enough room for us. 

 

Everyone was kind and friendly.

 

 

I really enjoy walking holidays with the CRC. 

 

Bernard knew how to light a proper fire and we ate sweet chestnuts. 

I made lots of friends on this lovely holiday.  Heather Douglas, Age 10

 

Lakes Week Part 2

 

For three days we stayed at Doublemills YHA.  On the first day we climbed Barf, Lords Seat and Graystones, and also had a wet walk in the woods.  We saw the Bishop of Barf.

 

On the second day we climbed Whiteside and Hopegill Head.  We were in fog most of the way.  On the way back we found a rope swing over the lake and got soaked.

 

When we came to Coniston Coppermines, we had to drive up a really steep track to reach the hostel.  It was lovely being nestled in the hills.

 

On Wednesday we walked along the side of Coniston Lake and stopped at a tea shop on the way back. 

 

On Thursday we climbed Beacon Fell, Wool Knot and Yewbank.  We saw the sea from Beacon Fell.  We also had a lovely boat ride on Coniston Lake. 

 

On the last night we roasted sweet chestnuts on the fire.

 

I hope we go back to Coniston Coppermines again.  Ellie Douglas, Age 11

 

Lakes Week Part 3

 

What to say about the CRCs jaunt to the Lakes over October half term!  I could mention the hostels – and wasn’t it a joy to be in more traditional Youth Hostels!  Cockermouth, with its volunteer warden Ray Liddel, was a particular joy, nestled as it was, right by the river.  Although the rough tracks to both Cockermouth and Coniston were a bit of a nightmare!

 

I could mention the walks, which despite inclement weather, were superb.  Thursday’s walk in particular, led by Jane, was a great pleasure.  However, it was noted that my level of fitness has declined somewhat over the years!

 

However, what stands out for me was the fellowship one finds in the CRC.  In my previous life as a single man, I always enjoyed CRC weekends whatever the level of weekend.  But even now that I am a married man with two daughters, it was great to meet up with old friends and to chat with new.  Scripture talks of Christians as a ‘peculiar people’ and I suppose some might regard us as very peculiar.  But isn’t it great that despite all our different personalities, we all really pulled together to make it a terrific week?

 

Thanks again to the organisers and walk leaders.  Thanks to Susie who organised the milk and Bernard who got the fire going to such great effect.  Ray Douglas (and Elaine) Age 50 something

 

Lakes Week Part 4

 

A Small Thank You on Behalf of a Parent:

 

Whenever we go away with the CRC, the children always ask us, “who else is going?” and “will we have any friends?”.  I always reply “we will have to wait and see”.

 

As a family we have attended about a dozen events now and only once met up with another child, but the girls have always found friends. 

 

I would like to thank everyone who has welcomed and accepted our children as part of the group.  Because of your friendship they love to come on events and enjoy walking because of your company.  Thank you for valuing them for who they are and encouraging them to continue to be ‘walkers’ and ‘talkers’, sharing God’s creation with God’s people.  Elaine Douglas

 

 

Leader:                     Alan Williams

Report:                      The Douglas Family

 

 

Chilterns                   27 - 29 October                    Easy/Moderate

 

My memories are of sitting around a table, talking, drinking, eating and laughing, both in our kitchen at the Wycliffe Centre, and during our Saturday evening meal out.  There were twelve twenty-first century disciples, enjoying each other's company, the comfort of the Wycliffe Centre and the undulating countryside in warm autumn sunshine so bright that our leader was seen wearing shades!

 

Red kites soared overhead as we walked through fields and woods rich in fungi.

 

In Fingest, Turville (home to the vicar of Dibley!), Ibstone and Radnage we found beautiful parish churches, one with frescoes, another with a stained glass window of a lily by the artist John Piper.

 

A donkey, highland cattle, a 'puma' that turned out to be an Irish wolfhound, deer and dogs enlivened our walks, while a tree festooned with shoes and boots intrigued us.

 

On Sunday morning Chris Down led prayers for the work of the Wycliffe Bible Translators and we shared insights gained, before setting off on a walk.  This rounded off a life-enhancing weekend in which, in unexpected sunshine, Christians enjoyed each other's company and the created world.

 

Thank you, Sarah, all those who took part and, above all, God.

 

Leader:                     Sarah Risbridger

Report:                      Janet Roberts

 

 

Matlock                     3 - 5 November                    All Grades

Fireworks Event

 

Forty nine CRCers arrived at the hostel on Friday night and 10 others stayed in other places.  It is a small but homely hostel in a former hospital and is centrally located in this small town.

 

I put my name down for the moderate hard walk of 10 ˝ miles that went from the hostel, but there was a choice of 4 other walks to suit everyone.  Our walk was ably led by Adri supervised by Jane.  It included walking up the incline of the High Peak Railway from Cromford Junction, and walking above the Derwent Valley to the Heights of Jacob and Abraham.

 

Rockets galore were seen in the evening at the local display which was at the top of the town and necessitated another hike.

 

Eventually we returned to the hostel and there was great anticipation in the TV lounge to see who would be kicked out from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

 

W

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                R

                   K

                          S

Worship on Sunday was at a variety of churches from Methodist to Catholic.

 

Over this weekend it was a great chance to renew acquaintance with old friends and meet new ones.

 

Right from the start it was clear that Peter and Ann had spent a lot of time making sure this would be a well organised event.  The walks were displayed on maps and the choice of meals and what we had chosen were clearly displayed!

 

King Jesus is at the centre of our faith.

 

Sunday after church saw us gather for a 6 or 5 mile walk.  This saw us again in the Cromford area with the finish along the Cromford canal at a great pace.  A final stop at a teashop left us only to bid our farewells.

 

Leaders:                   Peter and Ann Arnold

Report:                      Nick Singleton

 

 

Ravenstor                17 - 19 November               Moderate

 

Only 2 weeks after the fireworks event and I am heading back up to the Peak District.  Dramatic countryside and a three hour drive from Cambridge always make events in the Peak District very appealing.

 

After driving up in heaving rain, just avoiding getting stuck when both the A1 and M1 were closed behind me, I arrived at the hostel to a very welcome real open fire.  The directions on the YHA website proved very helpful for navigating Chesterfield in the dark, "just follow the signs for Chatsworth".

 

On Saturday, in very good weather, we were joined by the local group for a walk from the hostel, through Miller's Dale and up to Monsal Head.  Then up and down too many different dales to list, before returning to the hostel by Tideswell Dale.  When we arrived back the warden offered us cakes that were left from a YHA committee meeting.  The evening meal was very nice with more food then anyone could eat – the effect of most of the committee not staying for the meal.  After the meal we had a time of worship, so we could make use of the daylight on Sunday for walking.

 

On Sunday, once again in good weather, we walked from the hostel, retracing our steps through Tideswell Dale, and then Litton Edge.  We then left the moors and entered a wooded valley, Cressbrook Dale.  Water-Cum-Jolly brought us beside a large river below high crags with rock climbers above us.  We returned to the hostel via Miller's Dale and Bellamy's Bank, finishing once again with the steep set of steps from the river bank into the hostel's grounds.

 

Thanks to Bob and Janet for leading us on such diverse and enjoyable walks.

 

Leaders:                   Bob and Janet Harris

Report:                      Ian Ringrose

 

 

Cambridge               1 - 3 December                    Easy/Moderate

 

On Saturday morning 7 CRC members set off on a leisurely walk through Cambridge from Newnham to Fen Ditton and back.  We went along King’s Parade and visited Queen’s College, where we crossed the mathematical bridge linking the two parts of the college.  This was originally built without nuts and bolts!  Fortunately they have now been added!  Heading off over Clare Bridge, we stopped at Fen Ditton for lunch.

 

After warming up with hot chocolate at a café beside Magdalene Bridge, a group of us went punting.  An idyllic way to see Cambridge on a bright sunny afternoon. Kevin took us to ‘The Blue’ for the evening meal.  This offered a wonderful selection of home-cooked food.  I particularly recommend the venison casserole.

 

We received a warm welcome at St Barnabas Church on Sunday morning.  Those who stayed enjoyed a bike ride to Grantchester, Coton and back to Cambridge in the afternoon.

 

Many thanks for an excellent weekend, Kevin.

 

Leader:                     Kevin Pryor

Report                       Jane Fletcher

 

 

 

Doddington             7-10 December                    Easy/Moderate

Pre Christmas Event

 

The day we met, a tornado took off some roofs in London – a dramatic curtain raiser.  Doddington had little beyond an ancient pub and church, village hall and butchers, yet put on a witty and enjoyable ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.  Saturday night we made a great Christmas meal, despite the anaemic custard.  Modern products!  Then Sue saw the ‘best before’ date - the end of the last millennium, when Ralph inherited it!

 

Doddington Part 2

 

On a cloudy Friday we walked either nine or six miles in the surrounding Downs, a dissected plateau of steep wooded coombes interspersed with flattish clayey tops, mansions, ancient churches – one with an elderly yew by the door enclosing in its heart a dark and roomy space where one could stand.  The long way passed through a fine wood, a scrumptious apple orchard and vast fields of young rape.  The shortcut?  A very sticky ploughed field before we entered Doddington Church.

 

 

 

On Saturday the sun and the South East group joined us.  From Charing station we went through sandpits and meadows to Lenham: a charmer with glorious mossy flint and stone church. Here at sunset, we saw a stone farmhouse with ornate barn, the residue of an Archbishop’s Palace already old when Cranmer gave it to Henry VIII.  One wonders how that conversation went?

 

Sunday already!  Frost sparkled in clear sun.  Eight of us drove to Daversham and attended a children’s nativity service at the Gospel Mission.  Afterwards we explored the historic town centre.  Some visited the old gunpowder works in Oare country park, before walking the banks of creeks, wild and wet, with plaintive cries of water birds; dark ribs of boats sticking through glistening mud and sun fading.  Truly, Ralph, Sue and God between them had made sure a good time was had by all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leader:                     Ralph Palfrey

Report:                      Martin Megarry

 

 

Dimmingsdale         23 - 27 December               Special

Christmas Event

 

14 of us navigated fog to arrive thankfully at Dimmingsdale Youth Hostel in the back of beyond!  After a hearty stew and dumplings lovingly prepared by Janice we had a short devotional time and sang some Christmas carols. 

 

Christmas Eve we did a walk from Froghall which was a bit of a rude awakening for the unfitter ones, straight up a very long steep hill.  We were then on the level, but despite being on high ground the mud was the soft type that sucked you in!  We were glad to arrive at Kingsley and Froghall Station where the Churnet Valley Railway were running the Santa and Steam Special, and where some of us visited the tea rooms.  The afternoon’s walk continued including some canalside paths. 

 

Christmas Day we attended Cheadle Methodist Church for a friendly informal family service.  We returned to the youth hostel and set off on foot behind the hostel down a very steep hill to a pond in the woods.  Lunch was in a field, very pleasant, with mild fair weather with reasonable visibility.

 

We had an excellent Christmas dinner again prepared lovingly by Janice and various helpers.  Afterwards we all sat round and chilled. 

 

Boxing Day was another walk from the hostel.  Some of us visited Cassington Water.  Interspersed with all this was a lot of fun and banter and quizzes and charades …..

 

Many thanks to Janice for warm leadership and to Sue for planning the walks.

 

Leader:                     Janice Brett

Report:                      Wendy Stiles

 

Dimmingsdale Part 2

 

 

 

Derwentwater          27 December - 1 January

New Year Event                                          All Grades

 

With the M5 failing to resemble a car park, unless you were travelling south between junctions 14 and 16, most CRCers arrived in good spirits for the Northern New Year shindig.

December 28: Roz and Ian led a moderate group to Ashness Bridge to pose for calendar shots.  Then over the fells towards Keswick and a large grassy knoll, though no second gunman or conspiracy theories.  Followed by a scouting tour of Keswick to spy out the sales bargains.

 

On to the barn dance where ‘Travelling Light’ was the order of the night.  Why does the National Anthem have 5 verses?  Plenty of cake for the CRCs 25th Anniversiday – no-one could quite decide if 2006 was a birthday or anniversary, so the two are combined.  Panic over a missing member at the Convention Centre, who turned up safely before the Mountain Rescue were scrambled.  A timely reminder that donations over the New Year go to these brave volunteers.

 

Derwentwater Part 2

In the wild, wet, windy, orrid and orrible weather, the hard group made sure they took no prisoners.

December 29: Stuart’s group at Seathwaite wondered where he was, while trying to see how many CRC members could fit into a phone box!  Up to Bleaberry Tarn and back with what felt like most of the tarn in their boots.  If the walk had been longer they’d have dried out completely.  No time for a teashop, back to use the drying room.

December 30: Gentle stroll from the station - last train in 1965!  Over the A66 into Lord of the Rings country, where fir trees formed a tunnel.  How many CRC members fit into a railway worker’s hut?  Answer 14.  Back to Keswick and too wet for shopping.  Instead a sauna in the drying room and first dabs at the hot water.

 

Derwentwater Part 3

December 31: A first for CRC, no walking due to the “Stormy (clap clap) Weather (clap clap)”.  Church in Keswick and the surrounds before becoming touroids or January Sales shopping.

In the evening Phil found a Muddy Slow Train Coming, the Weather Girls needed new waterproofs, and Dorothy Perkins lost all her clothes.  Radio 4 provided the chimes and Keswick the New Year firework spectacle.

January 1: Two walks for those who wanted them, though it seemed most were reluctant to start the long voyages back home.

 

Thanks to Julie for the organisation, to all the Walk Leaders, to the Concert Party and the Warden and Staff at Derwentwater Hostel.

 

 

Please Note 1. For those living south of Scotch Corner one of the tunes the band played for the Gay Gordons was Blayden Races, which is the National Anthem of Geordieland (a combination of Co Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear); 2. A Lindisfarne song from their live album Lindisfarnetastic Two.

 

Leader:                     Julie Excell

Report:                      Tony Blacker

 

 

Ventnor, Isle of Wight        27 December - 1 January

New Year Event                                                      All Grades

 

We travelled by land and sea, cars packed to the brim with boots, bags and bodies, and arrived at a wonderful haven on the edge of Ventnor.  St Rhadagunds is a delightful Christian hotel/conference centre run by friendly staff with rooms looking out to sea.  It pays to book early!

 

There was a varied programme including visits to Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle, as well as numerous walks across heath, fields, forest and coastal paths battling the storms and gales.  The weather couldn’t dampen our spirits, and we were able to find some well positioned pubs and tearooms to give us a break from the elements.

 

We were very well catered for by St Rhadagunds - who even gave us afternoon tea.  Plus we had an evening out at a hotel in Ventnor with quizzes provided by various members of the group.  We also had slide shows in the games room highlighting the work of TransWorld Radio (www.twr.org) and the mountain adventures of Julian Marsh.

 

Thanks to all who led walks and a special thanks to those who got up early to lead the morning prayers.  It was great to have a spiritual focus to start the day, and each leader brought a different perspective, which was completed beautifully by Glenys Richardson on New Year’s Day when we prayed for the year ahead.

 

Last, but not least, many, many thanks go to Anita Jones, who yet again organised a superb break – great location, great walks and great entertainment.

 

Leaders:                   Anita Jones

                                    Gareth Reed

Report:                      Helen Goodman

 

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