Letters Page

Letters Page

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over the summer. Tell us what you got up to; any funny moments, any catastrophe's. Do you have a photo that you would like us to see?
Send them to me and we can enjoy your stories or commiserate with you if it is a sad story.

Edges & Dales Seven Minute Crossing
The Flag Party - Kinder Scout

Saturday 21^st June – For some the Longest Day.

(see the “NDA Photograph” page)

The morning started clear and calm with a magnificent sunrise. The walkers gathered at the DA flag with an air of gentle banter for what was about to come.

The coach arrived at approx 0500hrs and quickly filled and away they went to hearty but quite cheers from early rising well wishers.

We, Russ Anderson, Philip Hardstaff and I left in Ian Webster’s car along with the two dogs Millie and Maggie.

The journey to Hayfield took about 50 minutes much to the relief, in more ways than one, for some of us. The public toilets were closed so the bushes were put to a very good use.

The walkers set off in their groups and with the last group and the coach gone we set off for Edale car park.

Boots on and flags secured we set off, four men and a dog, at approx 0635 in glorious weather for the ascent of the Nab and Golden Clough.

The lower slopes were fairly gentle on our old legs but the heart and lungs were beginning to work harder. By the gate at the bottom of the Nab we made our first stop. No one was willing to admit to suffering so we all pretended to admire the view while Russ took a group photograph.

Having had a rest and taken out photographs we made an attack on the lower slopes of The Nab. Now the heart, lungs and legs did really begin to hurt but we continued on our way, spurred on by the fact that Les Littlewood’s last words as he set off were “we will probably be there before you”.

At the top of The Nab the track flattens, (aha 1:4 to 1:6) and we have another rest. We finally pushed on to the top of Golden Clough, adding another stone to the cairn on the way. Then having to throw all the ones which had slid off, back on to the pile.

Now we were on the edge of the plateau and our work would begin. We quickly found the start of the route and promptly placed the first flag then setting off on a bearing of 234magnetic we headed across the moor placing flags as we went.

At 0745 we arrived at the path on the other side and set up camp and had a most welcome hot drink and a bite to eat. (A drinks stop for next time would be good idea – any takers?).

We sat and scoured the hill side for signs of the first group and at approximately 0815 they appeared as 3 black dots on the far horizon. Quite quickly they made their way toward us on arrival we asked if all was ok had a bit of banter and away they went. We settled down for a long wait. In the mean time it started to rain so Russ and Philip made a Bivouac out of a ground sheet and 3 sticks. This proved useless so we moved to better shelter up the hill.

Sometime later we heard on our radio that some one in the second group was having a bit of trouble and that several of the groups had joined together.

Dots appeared on the horizon and in next to no time Mick Smedley’s group arrived. Making sure that they were all ok they soon moved on. A short while later Kay’s group along with Chris’s group arrived. The man with the injured ankle had recovered but Tony Butler had taken a fall and had grazed his leg below the knee.

This was quickly dealt with and away he went with a nice clean bandage.

Unfortunately, Millie the dog was in that group and after they had gone, her friend, Maggie, got very restless and after leading Ian a merry dance she broke away from the lead and was off in pursuit of Millie, with Ian chasing behind. All was ok as Maggie stopped when she caught Millie and Chris returned her to Ian.

Excitement over for a short while, the final group led by Sandra arrived in a heavy drizzle however, the cloud was still high and visibility was still good.

Making sure everyone was ok they left for breakfast just as the drizzle stopped.

We began to make our way back, collecting the flags on the way and at last we could contact the outside world making phone calls to make sure lifts were waiting and everyone was aware that Kinder was clear.

The walk down from Kinder was quite pleasant the rain had stopped and it had turned fairly mild. Exchanging pleasantries with other walkers we made our way down. On reaching the car park the rain started the cloud came down and that was the last we saw of Kinder.

The good news was that all the parties had cleared the worst part of Kinder and were well on their way to a well deserved breakfast

Gordon Barlow

Edges and Dales - Jack Urry Memorial Trophy

I would like to express my thanks and deep gratitude to all those people who over the past 30 years have made it possible for me to finish each walk l have started. I couldn't have done them without this support. As you may know this was my last and whilst not hanging up my boots l will still be going for more relaxing walks, providing Thommo's not around as his strolls can often become "a little further whilst we're here"

To say l was speechless at receiving the Jack Urry Memorial trophy would be an understatement and all those of you walking "up the hill" at Monsal will understand that that feeling returned on receiving the trophy from my good mate Thommo on Monday night. Thank you for whoever nominated me and for all those who agreed to the nomination. Roy was right, l wouldn't have taken it on the day as l was just helping others and "doing a job". I had a very good teacher in Fred Taylor who l did my very first walk with. To get me through he forgot to tell me that the next bend was never round the corner and he inspired me to finish that one and to do more.

Thanks again to all concerned and Sandra and l will see you all soon once house jobs are out of the way.

Mick Smedley

Edges and Dales; Mam Nick-Drinks Stop!
(See our photo album on the Photos Page)

We arrived at Ashford in the Water, to be got into place very precisely by the stewards, who did a grand job of getting 80 units into place! The weather didn't seem to be too bad, but the forecast wasn't good, and when we got up Saturday morning to see no wind and lowering clouds our hearts sank!

We left site at 9am, with the rain starting before reaching Mam Nick, at 9.45am., but with good visibility, however by the time that the first group reached us, the mist had already started dropping and when the third group reached us, we couldn't see the bus stop about 200 yards down the hill, so couldn't see our lot coming down the hill and through the gate either, at least not until they had crossed the road and started coming back up the hill!

By the time that the last lot were due, it was "listen, what was that?", and June Wilkinson, who was helping us, with Harry, said "that was Sandra Shaw's voice!", and they started appearing out of the fog, bedraggled but in good spirits, which we helped keep up with a hot drink, I think gratefully received, by the sounds of lips smacking together, and "cor, that's good!"

The last group left us at 2.15pm, and we left at 2.45pm, absolutely freezing cold and wet, but highly pleased at being involved in another walk! The fact that there was only one ring working on the cooker and the big plunger vacuum flask fell off the table, or should I say was washed off the table, was nothing, but if the groups had been any bigger, we would have been in trouble. Everyone got their hot drink!

We spent most of the time standing in the rain, as June and Harry had to leave their car in the car park, because there was only room for our car in the lay-by, what is the saying "they also serve who stand and wait!" and we certainly did that!

I tried to get photos of all in the groups, but as it was raining so much, it was just a case of point and shoot, very informal, so we were interested to see Tim's album on the Notts DA Web.

It was a lovely Sunday morning, but the wind had increased very much, which didn't stop us having a good Sunday coffee morning and presentations, it was very emotional hearing about those that had made it, despite personal injuries and great
to see the number of younger members who stuck it out to the end as well. What about the Whippet, who finished as a Jack Russell, not his first walk either!

The number of other walkers and riders, who wanted to know what we were up to was endless. When they were told they said "they must be crazy!" but when we explained further they were full of admiration, in fact the first photo taken at Mam Nick, over the wall, was of a group of young women who kept shouting "wish them luck, good on 'em!", as they appreciated what our people were attempting to do, in the difficult weather, so I am passing on those good wishes, to all of you who took part!

See you all out and about, some time, hopefully at Winster Moor to buy some of our goodies, everything still going to the Air Ambulance Charity Trust

cheerio,

Kim and Gordon Charlesworth!

Our apologies

My wife and I would like to apologise if our son Ronan has offended anyone in Notts DA this weekend.

Ronan has a disability called Asbergers Syndrome (basically a form of autism). He has obsessions which he has no control over his latest one is windows, as you may have found out. He means no one any harm and he really does prefer the company of adults instead of children, this is why he goes looking for adults, who may be sitting outside their vans, to talk to them. He really doesn't have a nasty bone in his body he only craves your company.

If you do not want him around you for any reason, please just ask him to come back to his Mum and Dad or just come over and ask us to collect him, we love our son very much and we will take no offence, be assured that we will understand you.

Most of you now who we are, my name is Adrian and my wife is Jane Williams, we are the CCY leaders we have a 26ft Avondale van and we really would feel much better if you came directly to us about our son instead of the way things happened this weekend at the Edges and Dales meet.

We thank you for your understanding and once again please accept our apologies on behalf of Ronan.....
Best wishes

Adrian & Jane Williams

CCY Leaders

Central Counties Regional Meet
(See our photo album below)

Hi, everyone,

What a week it was at the Regional! Torrential rain, red hot sun, and some glorious sunsets! Those on site really worked hard, during the week, but were rewarded by Norman and his crew supplying us with a barbecue with all the trimmings and sweets and wine, for a very minimal charge, which was enjoyed by all, on Wednesday evening!

The Marquee didn't arrive until Wednesday morning, but with everyone mucking in, was finished by Thursday morning, in time to greet the first arrivals, with all positions manned in the Marquee, what they didn't realise was that we were all glad of a sit down!

The Trade was ongoing, with the last to arrive on Friday night, and there was plenty of variety to look around, ranging from folding bikes to a really old fashioned sweet stall, which brought back a lot of memories!

The two shows seemed to go down really well, and the sports and volley ball, and then it was the Mardi Gras, and what a motley crew they all were, ranging from pirates to marauding vikings' from whom nobody was safe! Sunday morning came, would it rain? No, we were all pleased that the closing ceremony went off, in dry weather, and we were informed that next years theme would be West End Musicals, Notts being drawn for The King and I, which could be a cracker, if enough people volunteer!

Then it was leaving time, getting home to start preparing for the Edges and Dales walk, this week end, are you going to support the walkers, if so we'll see you there, if not see you around,

Kim and Gordon Charlesworth.

If you have a minute, check out these photos from my Webshots photo album!

Enjoy,

Kim

Click on a photo below to view the entire photo album!

Central Counties 2008

Message from Alan Shaw

I would like to express the sincere thanks to all in Notts DA, from both myself and my family, for the wonderful tributes
paid to my dear wife Pam at her funeral. The turnout overwhelmed me to the point that I feel a need to apologise for not
being able to speak to everyone and to those that I did manage to speak to, it wasn't for as long as I would have liked,
I'm sure you'll understand that with so many people there, it was extremely difficult for me.

I would also like to thank all of the Notts DA members including those who were not able to attend, for their cards, their
very kind words and their donations which I will be forwarding on to the Sir John Eastwood Hospice Charitable Trust at
my earliest convenience.

It as at times such as these that one begins to realise just how many true friends one really has, so it is from the heart that
I say to you all - thank you!

Alan Shaw

Knitting Needles and Wool

Would everyone please have a look in your cupboards and drawers - Can you find any of your old Knitting needles, Crochet
hooks or balls of wool to use them with? If you can and you want to get rid of them then we can put them to
very good use.

Please pass them on to Glenys Day or Kerry Parr of Notts DA

British Heart Foundation

Whilst attending the May Day Weekend at Hose, my mother just happened to mention that I would be completing a 25 mile
Bike ride around Rutland Reservoir as practice for a much longer 40 mile ride the following weekend in aid of the British
Heart Foundation Charity in the Vale of Belvoir. Upon hearing this, a certain Notts DA lady immediately sprang into action
and took my mother around the site to tell everyone about the challenge.

I am now very happy to say that despite being close to exhaustion through the extreme temperatures and agonising cramps
for the last few miles, I completed my challenge successfully. So as a result of the efforts of my friend and yours
Mrs Kathy Harris for bringing it to your attention, I have been able to donate your collection of £82.00 and some from
work and my family, giving a grand total of £126.00

So I would like to use this space to say "Thank You" to all of the members of Notts DA for your very kind donations to the
British Heart Foundation.

Richard Worrall

Oh - She's a real treasure..r really!!

She's at it again!!!! Every time the Treasurer goes for a walk,
she gets stuck in a Bog or roll's
around in the mud just to get everyone's attention.

Photo and message courtesy of Roy Tomlinson

Easter at Lincoln Showground (3)

We had our first time as stewards at Lincoln. What a meet to choose!! We would like to thank everyone who turned out to
support this meet, with such an awful weather forecast. Thanks to everyone for not complaining too much and for making
the best of what we had. It just goes to prove what committed caravanners we are, line dancing in 3 layers of clothes,
coats, hats, gloves, scarves and wellies!! What a come down from New Years Eve it was.

Thanks go to Mark and Val Breedon, who not only stewarded with us, but organised the Social on Friday and Sunday
evenings. Val's enthusiasm knew no bounds and I would like to order a crate of what she was drinking.

Thank you also to all that helped with the entertainment on the Saturday night.

Tracey, Phil, Kelcie and Kiera Holmes

Easter at Lincoln Showground (2)

Just like to say thank you to Val, Mark. Tracey & Phill for making the best out of what could have been the worst weekend ever. Although faced with a brick wall in the form of a site manager, they managed to pull everyone together and made the weekend very enjoyable including the snow booked especially for Easter Sunday ready for the egg hunt.

The icing on the cake was our personal red arrow display on Tuesday as we packed away LOL check out all of the pics on
the photo's page, you need to enlarge to full view to see red arrows.

Regards from the Baldry family

Easter at Lincoln Showground (1)

Just a note to say how much we enjoyed the Easter meet at Lincoln showground which was bravely stewarded by Val, Mark,
Tracey and Phil. Despite the adverse weather conditions and use of the (heated)!! barn we all made the most of it and had a
fantastic time. Val certainly generated most of the heat in the barn!!!!

Many thanks Gary, Steph and Craig.