Chelmsford YHA Group

CYHA News

The Monthly Newsletter of Chelmsford YHA Local Group

February 2012

A Dampness in the Dales

Our New Year in the Yorkshire Dales was characterised by a certain goretex-testing wetness. There seemed to have been quite a lot of rainfall even before we arrived, if the slithery mud conditions were anything to go by.

Our first day had us battling the elements to reach the top of Malham Cove before being beaten back by a bitter headwind as we headed to Malham Tarn. As a result the original party arrived back at the centre in dribs and drabs, some taking in fortification at the local hostelry en-route.

On Fountains Fell Mastiles, above Malham Tarn Setting out in the rain again

Day two and the group split into two, one heading for Fountains Fell, the other heading for a teashop in a nearby village. The Fountains Fell party were climbing into frozen conditions, where the rain gave way to snow but at least it was firm under foot. No visibility, but it sounded better than the teashop walk, which seemed to resemble the Maldon mud race but less fun.

John photograhing Gordale Scar waterfall

Day three and one group took in Weets Top. Still pretty wet and providing some navigational challenges, but with the compensation of that same rather fine tea shop. Taking advice from yesterday’s group, the worst of the quagmire was successfully avoided. The rest of the party were looking at the ‘twelve days of Christmas’ art installation at Bolton Abbey, which provided a distraction from the weather. The exercise and a brief ceasing of the rain had us full of fresh air and ready for a quiet nap. Unfortunately there was no time for any of that. This was New Year’s Eve: we had 3 courses of delicious food, plus an exciting party to get through. Maintaining the required level of consciousness was too great a task for some, but most of us made it to midnight without any compromising photos being taken. Shortly after the witching hour, when most of us were contemplating settling into the downy comfort of our sleeping bags, the party die-hards raced down to the pub to keep the good times rolling. We woke the next morning to Jake shifting the furniture and rumours of wild times down the pub with Leeds YHA group. Could Trudi really have been dancing on the tables?

Given the weather and the swelling of the local river, New Years Day was begging for a tour of the waterfalls. Part of the group took in the local delights of Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar, whilst others tried further afield at West Burton. Whist this was one of the less wet days, it was still with some glee that we discovered an open tearoom at the end of the walk!

Our last day and the weather closed in once more, only with a drop in temperature this meant a sprinkling of snow. As most people headed out of the Dales to start the journey home, Dave, Tom and I headed up into the hills for an icy walk around Malham Tarn. The drive up was a bit slithery and there were very few people about, but as the day went on the stormy conditions gradually cleared and after lunch there was even a rare sighting of that yellow round disk in the sky. Just in time to go home.

Ali


 


 


Birmingham: The Final Frontier

Last week the New York Times published “45 Places to Go in 2012” and Birmingham came in at number 19 (just before Space). 

Well, we got in early with our Birmingham weekend in November. We enjoyed a walking tour of the City Centre, the canals (more than Venice) and the Jewellery Quarter. Highlights included the 'Frankfurt' Xmas Market (very crowded!) and a fascinating visit to the jewellery museum. All followed by a curry and a few pints.  And a lucky few got to see Spaghetti Junction from underneath. (We’ll soon be collecting deposits for the trip into space - $200,000 each).

Dave P  

With the Iron Man in Birmingham Beneath Spaghetti Junction Selfidges at the Bullring, Birmingham

Stowe Maries Aerodrome

Back in November we went to a fabulous National Trust talk on the WWI aerodrome at Stowe Maries. Not only is this the only remaining WWI aerodrome in the world, it is also a fabulous site for wildlife. A must for visiting in the summer!


Christmas Party

Thank you to everyone who came to our Christmas Party and especially those who brought food. Like the loaves and the fishes, our combined contributions could have fed 5000, so after the photo competition, the quiz and the raffle, it was with very full tummies that we took to the dance floor. Anyone for a sausage roll?


Health & Safety Officer

The committee are delighted to announce that Andrew Knott has volunteered to take the role of Health & Safety Officer.  We’ve been updating our guidelines and doing risk assessments to cover our activities – see Andrew for more details.


Lost Property?

A couple of things left over from the New Year trip: flan tin (approx. 6”); Mountainlife light fleece, mid blue.

Please send any comments on these pages to Dave Plummer