Chelmsford YHA Group

Programme

Wednesday Meetings, Weekends Away & Other Events

January 2006

Wednesday 4th January

Pub Night: The Duck

Dave J

The Duck, Newney Green

Make the most of those long, dark winter evenings with a drink or two with friends by a crackling log fire, courtesy of The Duck, Newney Green. We'll be there from 8:30pm.

To get there, leave Chelmsford on Writtle Rd., pass Writtle Green, turn left (Ongar Rd.) bear right into Victoria Rd, pass Queen Vic pub, and follow the lane for about a mile to Newney Green (Grid ref. TL651070, see map).


Wednesday 11th January

Committee Meeting

We will be trip planning for the Summer and organising Wednesday evening activities for March.


The Straw Bear Molly Dancer

Saturday 14th January

The Straw Bear Festival

Ali

In Whittlesea, near Peterborough, it is the custom on the weekend following Plough Monday (the 1st Monday after Twelfth Night) to dress a man in straw and call him a 'Straw Bear'. The bear is then paraded around the town accompanied my much drinking and traditional dancing. The procession includes over 250 dancers, musicians and performers from various parts of the country performing traditional 'Molly', 'Morris', 'Clog' and 'Sword'. As well as an opportunity to explore your cultural heritage, there's usually a good line in real ales too. The parade starts at 10:30.


Lake in Hatfield Forest

Sunday 15th January

Hatfield Forest Walk

George

George will lead us on a bracing walk of about 6 miles through the ancient royal forest of Hatfield. Meet at 10.30 am at the main National Trust forest car park (Bush End gate). From B1256 (former A120) at Takeley Street, take the turning opposite the Green Man pub (brown signs to Hatfield Forest) and the car park is on the right after ¾, grid ref TL546203, see map.

Lunch will be at the Hop Poles Inn, Bedlar's Green. Please let George know if you are coming so he can book some tables for lunch.


Wednesday 18th January 2006

Deathtrap

Cressida

Cressida has volunteered to organise a theatre visit to see the comedy thriller "Deathtrap" at the Civic theatre in Fairfield Road, Chelmsford. Cost £15. Starts 7.45pm.

"Arguably the best thriller ever written, this ingeniously constructed play offers a rare and skilful blending of two priceless theatrical ingredients – gasp-inducing thrills and spontaneous laughter."

£10 to Dave P to book your ticket.


Wednesday 25th January

The Tetrapylon, Aphrodisias

Turkey Slide Show (part 1)

Dave & Ali

Our hols in Turkey were so fab that one slide show was never going to be enough! For this reason we've split it. This one contains all the exotic east-meets-west of Istanbul, the dramatic ancient cities of Troy, Ephesus, Pergamom, and the outstanding beauty of the Mediterranean coast. If you think there can't possibly be anything left for part 2, you'd be very wrong.

(Preview some photos here)


The Ridgeway Hostel

Friday 27th to Sunday 29th January 2006

The Ridgeway Hostel

Dave P

On the edge of the Berkshire Downs with views over the Vale of the White Horse, The Ridgeway is a good base for walkers with Britain’s oldest route, the Ridgeway National Trail, just 500 meters away. The hostel is a collection of converted timber barns built around a courtyard. The extensive grounds that include a beechwood conservation area. The hostel is on the A338 about 2 miles south of Wantage.

Deposit of £28 will book your bed. Total cost of the weekend will be about £48.


Note: Unless otherwise stated, Wednesday events start at 8.30pm at the YMCA in Victoria Road, Chelmsford

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