Programme
Wednesday Meetings, Weekends Away & Other Events
December 2003
Wednesday 3rd December
Annual Photo Competition
The return of our traditional photo competition. This year there are 4 categories: Best Portrait, Best Landscape, Best Caption and Spirit of YHA.
Our only rules are that the picture must be of a CYHA event that has taken place since 1st November 2002.
5th to 7th December
Bath Christmas Market
A visit to the Christmas market in Bath, staying at Bath hostel.
"With fairy lights, festive greenery, strolling players and carol singers, the aroma of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine, you will enjoy echoes of the magic of Christmas past." (see Bath Christmas market).
We'll spend Saturday in the city, eating out in the evening, and on Sunday probably walk by the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Total cost about £40 for petrol bed and breakfasts. The hostel is now full!
Wednesday 10th December
Mt Whitney & High Sierra Slide Show
Join Tom for a stunning slide show from his recent trip to the USA, featuring the famously gorgeous Yosemite valley, the awesome high alpine wilderness of the Sierra Nevada and the ascent of Mount Whitney. At an elevation of 14,491' (4417 meters) Mount Whitney is the highest mountain in the "lower 48" states. See the best that California has to offer!
Sunday 14th December
Thorndon North Country Park Orienteering Walk
Graham
A chance to have a go at map reading on a short walk in Thorndon North Country Park. Meet at the visitor centre at 10am. Light refreshments afterwards at the visitor centre, bring sandwiches for lunch if you wish.
Directions: Take A127 exit to Brentwood, A128 for about 1½ miles through Herongate. At roundabout turn left to Thorndon Park down The Avenue for ½ mile. Turn left into Thorndon Park by gatehouse. See map. Information centre on right. Please let Graham know if you'll be coming.
Wednesday 17th December
Committee Meeting
Everyone welcome. We will be discussing Wednesday nights for February/March and trips for next Spring. We will also be sorting out any last minute arrangements for the Christmas dinner.
Thursday 18th December
The Hobbit
Trudi
A fabulous, magical journey from the dawn of time. Chelmsford Theatre Workshop are proud to present JRR Tolkien's classic novel The Hobbit at the Old Court Theatre in Springfield Road. Bilbo Baggins is reluctantly taken on a quest to steal the dragon's treasure. If that weren't impossible enough, Bilbo must overcome mountains teeming with goblins, forests crawling with spiders and ravenous trolls and the caverns of haughty elves.
Trudi is happy to book the tickets, but you will need to let her know a week in advance. Otherwise tickets may be obtained from the Civic Theatre Box Office on 01245 606505. Tickets are £5 (£4 concessions). Performance starts at 7.45pm.
Saturday 20th December
Christmas Dinner
Our traditional pre-Christmas feast and festivities at the usual venue of Chignall St. James Village Hall at 7.30pm.
Two enormous turkeys, with a mountain of crisply roasted spuds and succulent veg, all for just £6! And that includes a choice of starters, and generous quantities of Christmas pudding and mince pies. How do we do it? The answer is by getting loads of volunteers to peel, chop, boil and roast.
All members and guests welcome, but please pay by 10th December so we know how much food to buy. And say if you want a vegetarian option. Bring your own drinks.
To find it (grid ref TL665108, see map), take the A1060 (Rainsford Rd./Roxwell Rd.) out of Chelmsford; turn right at lights into Chignall Rd., after 1 mile turn left (Mashbury Rd) signposted Chignall St. James. Hall is on the left after almost 2 miles.
Volunteers contact Helen. To book send £6 to Dave P.
28th December 2003 to 4th January 2004
New Year in the Yorkshire Dales
Hornby Laithe Bunkhouse Barn provides comfortable accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Converted from original farm buildings, the Bunkhouse occupies a secluded position within easy walking distance of both Stainforth and Settle. It is an ideal base from which to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty. The walking is superb, offering a wide variety for both the seasoned walker or climber and those wishing to explore the countryside at a leisurely stroll.
Stainforth is a pretty village which nestles into the side of a fell, with a beck crossed via stepping stones, a green and a traditional Dales pub, just 10 minutes walk from the barn. Local places of interest include Stainforth Foss, a picturesque waterfall on the river Ribble, just a walk across the fields from the barn, where the salmon leap on their journey upstream to spawn.
Other places worth a visit are Clapham, Malham Cove and Ingleton Waterfalls. The famous Ribblehead railway viaduct is a short drive away.
The bunkhouse has a large lounge/dining room, fully-equipped kitchen, drying room, recreational area in another barn, showers and central heating. If you need to contact us there, the pay phone number is: (01729) 825751.
How to find it: From Settle, take the B6479 towards Stainforth. After 1¼ miles, you pass a large green building (a paper mill) on the left. Turn in to the next barn on the left (Husbands Barn), and a track leads across the field to Hornby Laithe Barn. There is plenty of parking space outside the barn or in the field.
Grid reference SD820664, see map; recommended map Explorer OL2 (Yorkshire Dales Southern and Western areas).
Pillows and blankets are provided; you will need to bring a sleeping bag or sheets.
Deposit £20 to book your bed please. Total cost expected to be about £15 per night (including bed and food), so if you stay all 7 nights the cost would be £105, plus petrol contribution if sharing a lift.
Please let me know as soon as possible: Which nights do you want to stay? Can you offer or do you need a lift? Are you willing to cook a meal?
Note: Unless otherwise stated, Wednesday events start at 8.30pm at the YMCA in Victoria Road, Chelmsford
Please send any comments on these pages to Dave Plummer