HRC Newsletter April 2011
Dear Members,
Spring has arrived (well according to the calendar if not the temperature) and hopefully
we can look forward to milder weather and a sunny warm summer. You will note from
the front cover that we have a collection of events for you to peruse.
The third section of the Cotswold Way this time follows an interesting high level route
around the town of Cheltenham. The barbecue last year was very successful so we are
again holding it at Oakamoor. For the children there is walk at Astbury Mere where there
will be some captivating activities. For the food and drink connoisseurs and those of us
who just enjoy them, there is a wine and cheese evening.
Now for something different, how about having a short walk and then dropping down a
pothole or an attractive bike ride around Derbyshire? Then there are details of the
Autumn holiday at Skipton for which a lot of interest has already been shown. You are
advised to book early for this and the other events where a booking is necessary, so as to
avoid disappointment.
There was a good turnout at the AGM, the minutes of which are contained in this
Newsletter. The following Committee meeting determined the composition of the subcommittees and they are as follows:
Walks Committee (Coordinator: Ashley Steadman), John Brereton, Mike Everill, Bill
Locker, Alan Ratcliffe, Barrie Tunnicliffe, Allan Wells and Mike Wilkes.
Social Committee (Secretary: Peter Johnson), Gordon Davenport, Sheelagh Evans, Bill
Finney, Brian Joynson, Joyce Rawlinson, Mary Gilbert and Val Hiles.
Enclosed are the Summer Programme and Membership Card which is only valid on
payment of the membership fee. A Membership Renewal form is enclosed. This does
not apply to members who have recently joined. A reminder, if you do not renew and
wish to join later, then you have to pay the £10 joining fee.
We welcome the following new members:Arthur Emanuel of Trentham,
Mary Williams of Blythe Bridge,
John and Kathleen Walley of Werrington,
Eric Barker of Kidsgrove,
Roger Whatley of Biddulph and
Valerie Edwards of Betley.
We look forward to seeing you all on walks and other events.
On a sad note, Norman Walley, a member since 1965, died last Month. Norman served
during the war as a fighter pilot and was awarded the DFC. In the past he frequently led
walks and until recently was on most Club holidays. Our condolences go to his family.
Allan Wells (Editor)
Important Notice
Acting on a resolution made at the AGM, the Committee have discussed the contributions
made to drivers for using their cars to and from the start of walks. The following was
agreed:
Members should be aware of the very high price of Fuel now and pay drivers a realistic
amount for their journey.
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Proposed Barge Trip
Thank you to the 14 people who replied to my proposal for a barge trip and meal. The
numbers who appear interested means a trip is not viable.
Hillary Walker
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Cheese & Wine Evening at Newhouse Farm, Acton
Wednesday 18 May 2011 at 7.30 pm
The farm produces organic cheese using milk bought in from other organic farms. Some
years ago the farm produced its own milk, but now concentrates on making cheese. Mr.
David Deaville, the cheese producer, will give a tour and talk on how he makes his
cheeses. Later in the evening there will be a chance to taste his produce.
Bring your own wine with glasses to help wash it down and also folding chairs and tables.
We may require one or two gazebos and if you have one available please contact Peter
Johnson.
There will also be an opportunity to purchase various cheeses from Mr. Deaville.
The easiest way to locate the farm is to take the lane opposite The Mannering Arms in
Whitmore and then turn left, heading towards Acton. The Newhouse Farm drive is
located approximately half a mile on the right side of the lane. (Grid ref SJ817405)
Please complete the booking form in this newsletter. A fee of £2 per person is required.
Cheques made payable to Peter Johnson.
Visit to gaping Gill
Thursday 2 June 2011
Once a year the Bradford Potholing Club diverts the stream that flows into Gaping Gill
and rig up a chair lift to enable members of the public to be lowered into the cave. John
Critchlow has again arranged a visit on Thursday 2nd of June when the cave visiting will
be possible.
The cave is 350 feet deep. There is no charge to be lowered to the bottom of this
enormous cave. There is, however, a fee of £10.00 levied to be brought up to the surface
again.
The cave is floodlit and examined by the Health and Safety Executive at regular intervals.
Safety hats are provided by the Bradford Club, and they also have a limited number of
overalls.
When at the bottom of the cave, there will be a reasonable time for viewing, after which
those who want to return to the surface may do so. If desired, the walk can then be
continued to the summit of Ingleborough.
Those with the more adventurous nature can explore the tunnels from the bottom of the
cave. This will require overalls and preferably a head torch but a hand torch will suffice.
The tunnels are safe with no drops and are reasonably spacious but DO require crawling at
some points.
As the journey is approximately 120 miles taking 2½ hours, and then we have a three mile
walk from Clapham to Gaping Gill, the party will need to leave North Staffs. by 6.00 am.
Please contact John Critchlow to confirm your attendance and travel arrangements.
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Cotswold Way Coach Ramble Sunday 12 June 2011
The third stage of the Cotswold Way venture will follow the high ground from Cleeve
Hill to Crickley Hill. We will again use Challinor’s executive coach which will pick up at
Blackfriars Road, Newcastle (rear of Morrisons) at 7.45 am. The coach fare will be
£11.00 per person.
There will be A, C and D grade walks.
Mike Everill will lead the A walk from the foot of the lane up to Cleeve Hill Golf Course,
skirt Cleeve Hill and follow the escarpment, which provides excellent views, over the
steep western scarp of Southam and Cheltenham. The walk crosses the A40 at
Dowdeswell Reservoir and then climbs over Ravensgate Hill and Wistley Hill to the
Seven Springs pub for lunch (8 miles). We continue on the escarpment over Hartley Hill,
Leckhampton Hill and into the Crickley Hill Country Park where the day’s walk ends
(13.5 miles).
John Critchlow will lead the C walk following the same route as the A walk to
Dowdeswell Reservoir and use the Reservoir Inn for lunch (5 miles). They will then
follow the Way to Seven Springs (a total of 8 miles) to be picked up by the coach and
taken to Crickley Hill.
Dave Hollins will lead the D walk from Seven Springs and follow the Way to Crickley
Hill and on to the Air Balloon pub (5.5 miles). After lunch the D group will be taken on
the coach to spend some time in Cheltenham. The coach will then take them to Seven
Springs to pick up the C group and then onto Crickley Hill.
All three groups will meet at Crickley Hill Country Park for the picnic where there are
toilets and coach parking. The Air Balloon pub is about 15 minutes’ walk away on the
A436. We aim to leave at about 6 pm to arrive back in Newcastle before 9 pm.
Walking boots or stout shoes, waterproofs and food and drink are required for the walks.
You will also need a change of clothing to leave on the coach in case of bad weather, and
a picnic evening meal with liquid refreshment.
Please complete the Booking Form in the newsletter and send it to Ashley Steadman with
remittance.
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Children’s Walk Sunday 26 June at 10.00 am
Astbury Mere Country Park, Congleton
Mums and dads, nans and granddads bring your children along to pond dipping and a
nature walk - all good fun. If the weather is nice, bring along a picnic. No charge is made
for this event.
Margaret Bailey hopes to see as many of you as possible. Any enquiries and to give an
idea of numbers please ring Margaret.
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Barbecue Sunday 10 July 2011 at Oakamoor
Following the success of last year’s barbecue, we are again holding it at Oakamoor on the
public picnic area which is adjacent to the public car park. A large tent has been hired for
the day in case of inclement weather. Members need to bring their own tables and chairs,
as well as the food they wish to cook on the barbeque; this will be ready for use on your
return from your walk. It is almost obligatory to bring your bottle of wine and of course
wine glasses.
This year we are having a pancake theme. Bring along a frying pan and your pancake mix
in a vacuum flask and you can then cook them on the barbecue.
The B walk will meet at the usual place in Hanley at 8-30 am.
The D walk will start from the public car park in Oakamoor at 11 am.
Would both parties try to share cars and make a point of parking tidily as this is a popular
spot? It would not look good if we completely filled the car park.
Direct any queries to Peter Johnson.
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On Yer Bike – Thursday 30 June 2011
This year’s bike ride will start at 10.00 am at Parsley Hay (Grid Ref. SK147637) and go
along the High Peak Trail to Middleton Top; an interesting place to visit. We then go on
to the Carsington Water Visitor Centre for lunch. From there we shall pass through the
village of Bradbourne to join the Tissington Trail back to Parsley Hay.
The distance is 27 miles, mostly on flat cycle trails and can easily be done by anyone with
a little cycling experience. For those without a bike they can be hired from Parsley Hay
for about £15.00. A day with a difference is assured; give it a go!
Contact John Critchlow for further information and to advise on attendance.
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Skipton Autumn Walking Holiday
3 - 7 October 2011 (4 nights)
The Rendezvous Hotel
Keighley Road
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 2TA
Tel: 01756 700100
This is a very nice family run hotel on the outskirts of the market town of Skipton which
is the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. It is on the towpath of the beautiful LeedsLiverpool canal which leads into the town. There is a gym, swimming pool, sauna and
steam room. There are excellent walks in the area and these will be arranged to suit all
abilities.
The price per person is £185.00 which includes breakfast and evening meal for double and
twin bedded rooms. There is a single supplement of £15.00 per night but we do have the
first four singles at no extra charge - so depending on how many singles are required any
additional cost will be shared by all the single persons.
We must book in after 2.00 pm on arrival and leave by 11.00 am on day of departure.
A non-returnable deposit of £20.00 per person is required (cheques made payable to
Margaret Bailey) with the final payment being made by Monday 22nd August 2011.
Please complete the Booking Form in this Newsletter.
Margaret advises you to book early for this holiday as there has been a lot of interest
shown in it, as this is a very beautiful part of the country. Please keep the above address
for future reference.
Margaret Bailey
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Minutes of the Annual General meeting
Held at the Conservative Club, Newcastle
On Tuesday 1 March 2011 at 8.15 pm
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and outlined the events held within the
club for the past year.
APOLOGIES were received from Peter and Sue Corlett, Edward and Diane Hambleton,
John Brereton, Hilary Walker, Jackie Frangelli, Kate Cooper, Sue James, Anita Lancaster,
Dave Hollins, Sheila Hawley, Phil Burgess, Maureen Sherwin, Tom and Freda Roberts,
Norman Hiles and Sue and Mike Everill.
MINUTES of the last AGM were read and approved.
MATTERS ARISING
Margaret Finney mentioned about the matter of paying drivers who gave lifts. This is
especially since the price of petrol had escalated so much. It was agreed to discuss this
matter under any other business.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Ken presented his income and expenditure report. He concluded by recommending that
the subs remain the same. This was agreed.
Members were reminded that life membership was £105.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Margaret Bailey was proposed and seconded to remain as Chairman; she agreed and was
duly elected. After being proposed and seconded, the following were elected:
Vice Chairman
Treasurer
General Sec.
Editor
Walks Coordinator
John Brereton
Ken Elkin
Joyce Rawlinson
Allan Wells
Ashley Steadman
Social Secretary
Publicity Officer
Membership Sec.
Webmaster
Auditor
Peter Johnson
Gordon Davenport
Bill Finney
Mike Everill
Pat Davenport
ELECTION OF GENERAL COMMITTEE
In accordance with the Club Constitution the following members are able to serve a
second year on the Committee and have agreed to do so: Bill Locker, Mike Wilkes, Alan
Ratcliffe and Sheelagh Evans.
Nominations were requested for the four remaining positions. As only four were received
the following were elected: Brian Joynson, Barrie Tunnicliffe, Mary Gilbert and Val
Hiles.
WALKS PROGRAMME
Ashley said that he was very pleased at the success of the Coach Rambles as numbers had
been dropping in previous years.
The Cotswold Way Coach Ramble for 2011 would be 12th June and 18th September.
The double A weekend on the 4th and 5th June organized by Bernard Heath is at Eyam.
The Autumn holiday is to be at the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton. Bill Walshaw had
organised the Summer holiday in Switzerland. The annual barbeque is to be at Oakamoor
Picnic Place. Ashley thanked all the leaders and coordinators of walks.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Peter mentioned the canal trip with meal. Only 14 people had shown and interest so he
said that if anyone else was interested, to contact Hilary Walker.
There is to be a visit to the Cheese Farm at Acton and a visit to the Atrium Restaurant at
Stoke-on-Trent College on the 9th March.
The children’s walk, organised by Margaret was to take place at Astbury Mere in June.
The Spring 2012 holiday is to be at the Coast and Country Hotel at Portinscale, Keswick.
The Autumn 2012 holiday is to be at The Long Mynd Hotel at Church Stretton.
It was hoped to organise a Golden Oldies evening in February 2012.
John Critchlow is to organise a trip to Gaping Gill.
Peter said that if anyone had any ideas for social events, he would be pleased to hear
them.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The subject of how much to give to drivers for lifts to walks was discussed at length. £3
for short journeys and £5 for longer ones was suggested. After much discussion, it was
decided that this matter would be discussed at the next Committee meeting.
It was pointed out that walk leaders on coach rambles did not have to pay the coach fare,
as they had to try out the walks previous to the trip.
Bill Finney said that a number of member’s telephone numbers were ex-directory and
should not be given out unless permission had first been granted.
The Chairman raised the matter concerning walkers going ahead of leaders, and that it
should not happen. Other concerns were mentioned such as there always not being a back
marker, and members getting left behind.
Dave Spragg suggested that back markers could have whistles; this was an option to be
looked at.
It was suggested that it should be the responsibility of the leader of a walk to welcome any
new members and to check that they were wearing suitable footwear. Bill said that he
mentioned this to any new members that contacted him.
The meeting closed at 9.50pm.
Chairman’s Ramble 30 January 2011
A group of 65 members started the walk from the picturesque village of Dilhorne, on a
crisp Sunday morning (although it did coincide with an important Stoke City match). We
had been warned that it might be a muddy event, but the frost the night before made the
ground firm and ideal for walking.
The party split into ‘C’ and ‘D’ walks according to your preference. The scenery was
lovely, even though Foxfield Mine was situated in this area, which was Dilhorne’s largest
industry. There are no scars on the landscape and the land is mainly used for farming. A
farmer kindly allowed us to pass through his farm and we made a short climb to the hill
tops for the far reaching views across Cheadle.
On route we crossed over the railway track previously used to transport coal, but now in
use by the Foxfield Steam Railway. Descending the hill we met up with the ‘D’ walkers
and made our way back to the village where the publican at the Red Lion (previously
named Charlie Bassetts after a previous owner) made everyone welcome and provided an
enjoyable meal to a happy group of people.
Our thanks go to the Chairman Margaret Bailey and Peter Johnson for leading the walks
and making it a very enjoyable day.
Margaret Ward
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Atrium Evening – Wednesday 9 March 2011
Pink or black? Decisions, decisions. Just the start for a lovely evening. I am well known
for my punctuality so it was a mad dash to the Stoke College with my co-driver Jacquie
snapping out crisp accurate directions. We arrived at the wrong end of the car park (my
fault obviously) so I took a daring short cut past a 'No-Entry' sign. I must control my
cavalier, devil-may-care attitude, so typical of many Volvo drivers.
I slipped out of my blue- suede driving gloves and looked around the car park bewildered.
Is it me or was it designed to confuse?! Anyway having asked directions from a couple of
students and been pointed in the wrong direction, we followed the smell of cooking and
found the main entrance and the foyer to the Atrium restaurant thronged with HRC
familiar faces.
The meal was to be served on elegant tables laid out with beautiful place settings; this was
second time there and I was still equally as impressed again with the restaurant style. The
student staff were attentive and efficient, the three course meal was served well with no
rush and a nice friendly atmosphere was created. Part of the enjoyment of these meals is
seeing the students practice their skills both in serving and dealing with the diners.
The food was really good and served well table by table; as a meat eating vegetarian, I
was the only diner to have chosen the carrot torte main course. This did seem to give the
kitchen a problem and I was the last one to be served in the whole restaurant, but the
apologies of a lovely young waitress more than amply made up for this.
A really good evening out with plenty of time to chat and by-gum can't the HRC members
chat! Thanks to Peter Johnson for organising a very enjoyable event.
Alan Ratcliffe
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Barn Dance Saturday 19 March 2011
A good crowd of us gathered at Weston Coyney Village Hall. The large "super moon"
didn't deter us, from the "Spring Barn Dance".
We had a truly great time, with lots of laughter as we tried to doe-se-doe, dip and dive and
swing our partners through the various dances. A superb job was done by the lady caller
and "The Jolly Machine" who helped us on our way. I think there would be plenty of
bruised, aching feet & legs the following day and perhaps a few pounds lost too!
Thanks to everyone who helped to organise this fun event.
Kate