I joined in the late 90s when Reg D and Doug T were still members. Other notable veterans were Peter C and Adrian who led the Monday night football games. Jumpers for goals, captains picking each team member alternately, hoping one would not be the last player to be selected. Jolly good fun as we played till dusk, with most matches ending in a score of 20-21. I managed to recruit lots of friends to join the group, and membership thrived. Two of them were Steve R who restructured the group and Phil J who continued the good work of Malcolm W to bring about and devise a new website for the internet age. Notable members were Gareth T and Suella B who both later entered politics and public service. Over the years we introduced navigation courses to train up new leaders. Runi has been a superb mentor for new walk leaders, and we now have a dependable team of leaders all earning points via Jeff's brainchild. Our walks continue to be a diverse collection, from easy rambles stopping at tea shops and country pubs to marathon treks over 20 miles.
We continued with hostel weekends, and over the Easter and bank holiday weekends we ventured further afield. Snowdonia, the Lake District and Peak District remain the most popular destinations. One of the best venues is Ambleside lakeside hostel. Over a stay with glorious sunshine, we hiked up the Langdale Peaks and the Fairfield Horseshoe. I recall the group of 30 walkers having fish and chips at tables by Lake Windermere with soaring views of the fells across the water. As it was the Diamond Jubilee long weekend we had a Jubilee party at the hostel.
On another trip to the Lakes, we climbed the Old Man of Coniston. On the ascent Martina had to be rescued by Keith, the former commando. As he jumped over the stream, carrying Martina in his arms, she cried "my hero".
We have stayed at fabulous hostels, notable ones including Hartington Hall, a 17th century manor in the Peak District, and Wilderhope Manor in Shropshire. One recurring memory is waiting for 'Mellow' Mike's Tuckmobile to arrive. We watch with fascination as Mike unloads his hampers of tuck. "I think you're going to need a bigger fridge' was the normal commentary. In summertime we often stay at the seaside and one the best was Sheringham in North Norfolk. We arrived via the scenic railway from Norwich. On a wonderfully sunny long weekend we hiked the coastal path, took boats to see the seals, jumped on the Poppy Line steam train and had cream teas at the Windmill. "It's awfully nice" said Jan. The euphoria continued with live music on the beach and a last night hostel party.
We also arrange cycling weekends; one of the best was our sejour in Milden at the Georgian-era manor farm. The complex included a private hostel which we took over. Extras stayed at the lavishly decorated Georgian manor. 30 cyclists used the manor's cycles to explore the Suffolk Wool Towns. We arranged a Mexican feast for everyone, using multiple slow cookers. "Jolly good fun" exclaimed Judith.
Over the years we increased the camping aspect and now arrange 4-5 camping expeditions in the summer. I have created a collection of tiptop campsites which allow campfires and provide glamping options for novices. These included shepherd huts, gypsy wagons and former railway cabins. Recollections of scorchio summers with a mixture of vintage ridge tents and brand-new air tents, Louise always bringing out the ginormous Victoria Sponge cake. "I say it's rather splendid" said Brian. One of our favourite sites is Wowo, next to the Bluebell Steam Railway in Sussex. Big fry-up breakfast in the sun, Boom Radio on the Roberts vintage set, trip on the steam train then walk back through Sussex Weald. Manor house cream teas, orchards and colourful National Trust gardens. Barbecue then music around the campfire, enamel mugs of cocoa and Coogee on the ukulele leading the singsong. Another veteran camper is Campervan Anne with her original VW campervan "It's taken me to the Sahara and back".
One of the most amusing stays was at Jenny's near Stourhead in Wiltshire. On another sweltering trip we circumvented Jenny's interdiction of large groups by all booking separately. "What a cunning plan" said Tim. Lots of close calls as Jenny did her hourly patrols (we foiled her by semaphore signals). After a massive party one night Jenny rumbled us and, even after Nick G's charming diplomacy we probably are wise to avoid the venue in future.
In the 2020s after nearly 90 years of existence the group continues to thrive with a programme of around 100 walks a year and 15 weekends away. Malcolm P has been chairman since 2023. Diane has been the inspiration for the social aspect, and we have over 40 social events each year. Pauline is the MasterChef for our Christmas buffet and summer party.
Account by Brian G