LAST WALK - SATURDAY 6th SEPTEMBER 2008 - RICHMOND, SWALEDALE

On Saturday 6th September the intrepid walkers gathered again, this time in pouring rain in Richmond in Swaledale and hosts were Dr Mike Sharp (Sp 1961-65) and his wife Meryl.  Richmond is a most attractive market town with a large cobbled market place surrounded by Georgina buildings and dominated by a large 11th Century Norman castle (the 'Riche-Mont' or strong hill of the town's name).  We assembled at the magnificently refurbished old railway station for coffee at 10.00 and were to return here for lunch after the morning walk (to be joined by the local MP - and shadow Foreign Secretary - who just happened to be lunching with his family).

The morning walk, of about 3.5 miles followed the south bank of the River Swale to the east of the town.  Although intended to be across open fields, the saturated conditions meant that we kept to the paths.  Although there were some ups and downs in this section, the paths were well maintained and firm underfoot.  The circular route led us back alongside the boiling and raging Swale waters to the site of Easby Abbey (1152) where we inspected the ruins and a nearby church decorated with remarkable 13th Century wall paintings.

After a buffet lunch, during which we were able to dry out a little, we set out on the afternoon walk - a more energetic two mile stroll through woodland following the heights above the river west of the town, returning to the ramparts of the castle's curtain wall.  By this time several of the local paths and roads had become flooded and conditions in the North West generally were becoming difficult.  Regaining the Old Railway Station, our thanks were swift for Mike and Meryl who were anxious to get back to their riverside mill in Morpeth which mobile phone calls had warned them already had higher water levels than normal.

Despite the weather, it was a most enjoyable day amongst excellent company - and it is certainly true that adverse conditions bond groups together.  Those present during the day included:

Adrian and Patricia Arnold (1974)

Mike and Meryl Sharp (1965)

Nick and Anne Hutton (9165)

John and Joe Shepherd (1976)

Robert Taylor (1957)

Patrick Cantrill (1975)

Frank Smith

Kevin and Ginny Young

SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2008 - BRADFIELD, NORTH WEST OF SHEFFIELD

Twenty six walkers aged from 8 to 80 plus a variety of attendant dogs gathered on 12th April in the beautiful unspoilt Pennine village of Bradfield, in the northern Peak District National Park on the outskirts of Sheffield.  They were welcomed by the Host for the day, Nick Hutton (SH 1961-1965) and his wife Anne who provided a very welcome cup of coffee on the bright but cold and windy day. 

As is 'traditional', the walk was in two halves, each skirting a different reservoir.  Athough often muddy underfoot, the views were spectacular, helped by the fact that the trees were not yet in full canopy to obscure the sight of the hills and water.

A splendid buffet lunch with hot soup was provided at 'The Old Horns Inn'  in Upper Bradfield  where the 17 who stayed on to enjoy a second walk in the afternoon in drier, warmer weather were able to 'refill the tank'.  It was a very happy day and speeches were short, but Nick thanked Ginny Young for coordinating the arrangements from the OW Office and Frank Smith presented mementoes of OW cufflinks to Nick and Tim Gauntlett, the host of the gathering last September.  We were delighted to be joined by many brave spouses, sons and daughters as well as the four-legged friends.

If you would like to join in the next Walk on Saturday 6th September please send an email to ow@wycliffe.co.uk to be added to the circulation list.

PREVIOUS WALK – SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2007 - CALDERDALE NEAR HALIFAX

Twelve people and five dogs walked out one September morning to explore a Yorkshire valley in Calderdale. And where is Calderdale, you Southerners will ask?

Somewhere between Leeds and Manchester, just north of the M62 and on the East side of the Pennines. The valleys are steep, the paths narrow, and being one of the birth places of the industrial revolution, there is always plenty of interest all around you. Mixed with expansive panoramic views, this 4 mile walk was always going to create interest, excitement and enjoyment.

The walk was a great way to build up an appetite, so everyone enjoyed the relaxed barbecue with drinks that followed in the secluded garden of Tim Gauntlett’s interesting historic home, warmed by bright sunshine. This occasion was genuinely enjoyed by all, as it was a safe and relaxed way for 'strangers'  to get together, whose only link was some past or present connection with Wycliffe. We could talk about and share memories of our schooling and let it all be a pleasure.

John Faulkner (above, in charge of the BBQ with Chris Nevill), for many years has always organised these events, only this time he was here as a participant, so the only difficult task of the day was reassuring him that he had no responsibilities and he was free to relax and enjoy himself. Ginny Young had been the able administrator and she, along with her husband and daughter, had nobly braved the motorways on a Friday evening to be with us and represent the school.  Tim’s task was to play host, ensuring safety on the walk and to see that all were fully fed and watered – a job he carried off with flair and expertise.

Let us hope we maintain this 'new' tradition, as it’s good for the soul to revive memories with exercise, laughter, conversation and friendship. 

The group comprised: 

There were at least another dozen OWs who would have liked to join in, but had other commitments.

PREVIOUS WYCLIFFE WALK – SATURDAY 9 APRIL 2005

Our 5th annual walk this year took place in the North York Moors National Park centred around Sutton Bank Information Centre just east of Thirsk. Michael Horsley ( PJS 1945-1955) and his wife Barbara planned the day which consisted of a walk in the morning, pub lunch at the Hambleton Inn, followed by a shorter afternoon walk. It was good to see Frank Smith (OW Secretary) among us.

There were spectacular views for most of the walk and no really steep climbs. Our route tooke in the Cleveland Way, the gliding school at Roulston Scar and the White Horse which can be seen for miles around.

Another thoroughly enjoyable day for all 20 walkers.

OWs present were: