Hi Members
The clocks have changed, summertime is over and the countdown to Christmas has begun…apparently… (and we haven’t even had Halloween or Bonfire Night yet!). But it really doesn’t feel like late Autumn, weather-wise. I hope you’ve been enjoying the unusual balmy weather we’ve been experiencing recently.
Here’s a summary of what club members have been up to over the summer months, and news of future plans for next year.
Weekend Walk Programme
Extreme weather conditions earlier in the year played havoc with the weekend walk programme: remember those days of strong winds? 3 walks had to be cancelled. And remember those ridiculously high temperatures when we were encouraged to stay indoors with windows and curtains closed to try and minimise the heat ? 2 walks were cancelled because it was just too hot! Unbelievable. Unfortunately, due to a lack of available walk leaders, 3 weekend walks also had to be cancelled. However, many lovely weekend walks at all levels have been well attended over the months. Many thanks to all the walk leaders who have contributed so far to this year’s walk programme.
Charity Walk
As always, our annual Charity Walk Day was thoroughly enjoyed by many of you. Two walks, a green and a blue (but nothing too strenuous) were followed by a social gathering in Ian and Paula’s garden. This year we experimented with the idea of a ‘pot luck’ – everyone brought a dish of their choice – the rain held off and despite the wind , we were able to sit outside in the garden and tuck into a great array of different dishes, including sausages on the BBQ, plus beers for quenching a thirst. Many thanks for all your donations; as usual, these will be divided between Cancer Research and Stroke Association.
2022 Holidays
A variety of holidays – weekends and longer, in the UK and abroad – have proved very popular with members this year.
UK weekends
In May, 17 members travelled to Cornwall, to St Ives, for the HF Spring Walking Weekend. Everyone added days to the trip, so making the most of the long journey south, and they were rewarded with spectacular coastal scenery and lovely walks.
In June, the Scotland Mountain Walking trip organised by Bob was a big success – great challenging climbs enjoyed by all.
July saw the final Wainright Weekend. (Next big project – 158 Welsh Marilyns. Details coming soon!)
In September, 21 club members had a fabulous walking holiday in the Pyrenees. Some members added days in Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Sitges and other resorts which added to the excitement! The holiday was very well organised and included options for all levels of walkers, in stunning scenery, supported by excellent local guides. The holiday was a great success and Steve is already discussing plans with Phil for a week in the Catalan Pyrenees next September – everyone is welcome! Eating at local restaurants in Biescas and wine tasting at a local vineyard added to the overall enjoyment – not to mention the excellent company!
At the end of September, the weather was kind and everyone enjoyed the beautiful scenery and excellent company at the HF Autumn Walking Weekend at Derwent Bank, Cumbria. Sadly, 5 members had to cancel due to illness, including Caroline, who had done all the organising for the weekend. She (and Ed) had to stay in isolation at home – Covid had got them both in Spain en route home from the Pyrenees holiday.
Check out the club website picture gallery for loads more fabulous photos of all the holidays and walks!
2023 Holidays
We have bookings for 2 HF UK walking weekends in 2023:
28 April – 1 May: Holnicote House, Selworthy, Exmoor. Currently 15 members have booked for this weekend.
6 – 9 October: Monk Coniston House, Southern Lake District. 23 members have booked so far.
If anyone is interested in joining these holidays, please contact Caroline cpsoldhall@gmail.com to check for availability
8 -15 July Neustift Stubai Valley, Austrian Tyrol.
You will know that Kate Hosker has made members aware of this interesting alternative to the originally proposed HF Mayrhofen week. Although this is not an official guided club holiday with no formally led walks, there are some hotel and tourist office -led walks available as well as other exhilarating mountain experiences in Neustift, Austrian Tyrol (ski lifts, toboggan run, excellent swimming pool complex and public transport all included in hotel prices). Currently 12 members have booked independently with Inghams at the two hotels in Neustift. Further details were included in an earlier email but please contact Kate or Caroline if you need to know more or if you would like to book.
Christmas Meal
Friday 9 December the Swan, Tarporley.
I hope you have all read my previous email with details of our Christmas social get-together: don’t leave it too late to contact me if you would like to join us for what we hope will be an excellent evening of food and drink to mark the start of the festive season.
AGM – late January/early February 2023, date to be confirmed
After 2 years of ‘Zooming’, I’m very happy to say that our next AGM will be back to its usual format – meeting together in person for a formal meeting followed by refreshments and time to catch-up with each other. Confirmation of the date and details to follow soon.
Finally, nothing to do with walking but just to draw your attention to an evening organised by the Rotary Club of Tarporley and district in partnership with the Ukrainian Cultural Association in aid of the Children’s hospitals in Ukraine. As some of you may know, a number of Ukrainian families are currently being hosted in the Tarporley area, and the Rotary have organised for those interested to attend English language classes. Di (Carr) and I are among the volunteers teaching English to a diverse group of enthusiastic students – children, parents and even grandparents! So you can understand that we have a very personal interest in advertising this event. Look on the Storyhouse website for details:
an Evening of Opera, Poetry and Art, at the Storyhouse, Chester
Happy Autumn walking.
On behalf of the Committee,
Best wishes to you all
Gill