CYHA News

Norfolk Scorcher

Phew. What a scorcher! In spite of a disappointing forecast the sun came out in Wells-next-the-Sea and left us sizzling in the sand dunes.

We also had the chance to try out the spanky-new hostel and give it our approval. Lovely building, nice décor, sound travelled a bit (or was it just that our kids were very loud?), the only thing lacking was a luxurious patio garden for sitting out in the sun. The hostel sadly failed the "George" test, as his nocturnal rumblings could be clearly heard in the next room - although this might not be the fault of the hostel, but the result of a nice pint (or three) of HSB being served in the pub down the road.

Rather more emphasis on feeding, drinking and sleeping than long, healthy hikes - but a superb weekend was had by all. The only question which remains is whether Nigel managed to buy his sexy shorts. The public needs to know.

Wells-next-the-Sea

We were fortunate to be able to take over the whole of this Norfolk hostel, giving space for thirty of us including numerous children. The converted church rooms opened as a hostel earlier this year, providing a great opportunity to explore this charming little town, and join in the traditional Saturday night occupation of eating superb fish and chips sitting on the harbour wall.

Maldon Evening Walk

With Jim unexpectedly called away to Belgium (!) I offered to lead the Wednesday evening walk at Heybridge Basin. Arriving early I sat in my car watching the rain pour down - this is going to be a lonely evening, I thought - no one else will come in weather like this. But just in time it stopped raining and people started arriving. Soon there were 10 of us, and as we walked around the sea wall we even got some sunshine and stopped to take photos of Maldon across the Blackwater Estuary in the evening light. It was a nice change to get some sea air in the evening, and a pleasant walk. Thanks to Jim for the idea - hopefully we'll do it again some time when he can come too! Dave P

A Month of Cycling

The arrival of summer has seen members dusting their bikes off and blowing the tyres up. We've done the two favourite evening pub rides; Newney Green, and Stock. Both were well attended, and had warm weather so we could sit outside.

James Knight took us for a Sunday ride through Pleshey and Littley Green, and managed to time the rain so it only happened while were in a biker's* pub in Great Waltham.

Tom and I did a UDI while at Wells and rode through Holkham to Walsingham and hardly saw a car for most of day. Tom even managed to do a "More Tea Vicar?" moment in a real tea-room with a real vicar.

Finally the Castle Hedingham weekend is nearly upon us, and I'm praying for better weather than the last time.

*different sort of bikers.

Jim

Suffolk Barbecue

Thanks to Chris, Janet and Bethany for our day out in Clare. A fine walk through the rolling Suffolk countryside, followed by a tasty barbecue. The weather, while dry, was not as summery as we'd hoped - leading to some segregation. The girls remaining in the living room, while the hunting instinct took the guys outside to the barbecue.

Congratulations

Roz & Waldy were married at St.Mary's church, Widford, on 6^th July. They had a spectacular honeymoon walking the levadas of Madeira, and more celebrations on return. Thanks from all of us who came to the barn dance and blessing for a great time.

Dave J. - an update.

As many of you will be aware, Dave J fell down his stairs on 17th July and cracked a couple of vertebrae. He was admitted to Broomfield Hospital, and expects to be discharged early in the week of 29th July. He's currently wearing a back brace to stop him doing further damage. Several of us have been to see him and he seems cheerful enough considering he is spending the days lying on his back. Get well soon!

A Stroll along the Stour

Sunday 23 June 2002 dawned a bright and sunny day, which was quite a relief as I packed my sandwiches and made my way to the YMCA to await my lift to Manningtree. Dave J rolled up right on time, along with George, Clare, Gerry, Clive and myself, and we departed, avoiding the A12, which had been closed that morning. Thanks for tipping us off about that, George.

As we arrived at Manningtree Station we could see crowds of people in tee-shirts, shorts and walking boots, most with rucksacks at the ready. After a quick count up I established that there were 20 of us, but would there be when we returned? Here's an interesting snippet about Manningtree Railway Station. Apart from the fact that the buffet stocks a range of Real Ales, there are two life sized metal statues, one on each platform. On the Ipswich bound line stands a Cowboy and, on the London bound platform there is an Indian. I don't know what the significance of these figures is, if anyone does I'd like to know. Anyhow, next time you are travelling to Ipswich or Norwich, look for them as you pass through Manningtree.

The route took us from the station car park to join a track, which passed underneath the railway line and led to the river estuary. After a short walk, we passed on to the National Trust property at Lower Barn Farm. From here it was almost a straight line toward Dedham Church tower. In no time at all we arrived in the village, along with several dozen other people taking advantage of the sunny warm, weather. We split up on arrival, so that everyone could explore at leisure.

In the 13th and 14th Century, Dedham became famous for it's weaving industry and, for it's links to the Constable family, with John having been educated in the village, in a building to the left of the war memorial, John's schoolmaster, Thomas Grimwade, is named on a wall plaque. Along with St Mary's Church, also dating from the 13th Century, and many medieval, Tudor and Georgian buildings, Dedham is an interesting place to explore.

As George and myself returned from the Sun Hotel, we discovered that everyone was waiting for us, and after a quick count I confirmed that there was still 20 of us. We then made our way to the River for lunch, passing the mill, which once belonged to the Constable family, and a few yards to the right the millpool and lock. We then started to walk along the river and, after finding a mutually agreeable site, overlooked by the stately home 'Stour' once owned by Randolph Churchill, settled down to our packed lunches. Rested and well fed we made our way back along the river, towards Flatford Mill were I planned to stop for afternoon tea. It was on this stretch of the route that we almost lost some members of the group who, instead of crossing the river at Fen Bridge, proceeded straight on. Thanks to George however, who valiantly chased after the leading pack, the strays were soon rounded up and shepherded over the river.

As we approached Flatford Mill it was evident that a lot of people were taking advantage of the sunshine. There were rowing boats for hire, boat rides along the river, the museum of rural life and the exhibition of Constable mezzotints. There is also the National Trust centre, with tearoom and shop, and Flatford Mill itself, Willy Lott's cottage and Valley farm can also be viewed along with the dry dock, which is depicted in Constable's Boatbuilding, Flatford. Dave P, Ali, Clive and myself retired to the tearoom for a well-earned cuppa, as did several other members of the group. After a wander up to Willy Lott's cottage, where several budding artists were painting their interpretations of the mill pool, we retraced our steps to the bridge where the others were waiting. I carried out another quick headcount, to check that George had managed to retrieve everyone who had strayed earlier, there were still 20 of us. I hadn't managed to lose anyone yet and the walk was nearly completed, things were looking good. We crossed back over to the Essex side of the river and proceeded down stream towards Manningtree Station. On the far bank a good view of Flatford Mill can be seen from across the water. We continued along the river and made our way back to Manningtree Railway Station.

I don't remember too much about the drive home, as I fell asleep just after leaving Manningtree, apologies to Clare, Dave J, Gerry and Clive if there were any distracting sound effects. I can only put it down to all that fresh air and exercise. Must do it all again soon!

Gary

The Enemy Within - top tips for tick removal!

Everyone on the Scotland trip had ideas to remove the burrowing parasite from Dave P's leg, but only the local GP succeeded. Trudi has recorded the options here for the benefit (?) of all:

1. Ordeal by Fire: Also know as "Slash & Burn" technique. Not recommended for use on humans (who may be inclined to sue).
2. Tick Picker: Simple, but expensive gadget thoroughly tested on small hairy dogs. Available at most good pet stores.
3. Surgical Spirit: Apply to tick in lethal quantities to aid subsequent removal. Not to be used in combination with tip no. 1 (unless you are tired of having eyebrows).
4. Vaseline: Gives the tick a smooth, glossy appearance with slicked back legs. Lethal but slippery.
5. Aftershave: Will kill tick if applied in generous quantities, but will also kill off social life as friends give you a wide berth.
6. Non-Intervention A tick may only get a meal once every two years. Show it compassion & understanding and allow it to gorge. Once sated it will drop off and go on it's merry way. Don't expect it to pay your bill or leave a tip (unless you have attempted to remove it forcibly).
7. Ceroc Dancing One person holds the tick whilst volunteers (ideally Colin and Lorna) spin the afflicted YHA member.
8. Systemic Insecticide Available from vets throughout the country. Proven to work on ticks, lice, fleas and other infestations. However human dosage uncertain.
9. Medical Intervention: Professional attention from someone who knows what they're doing. Alternatively tick may die of boredom waiting in the queue at A&E. A winner either way.

Trudi