THE HARTINGTON 100

Notes written up by Dave Fryer - Spikelett

Intro

I was very pleased to have re-joined the “Squarrites on Foot” for a thoroughly enjoyable 100th Hike - held during April 25th & 26th, 2018. On Day 1 we had 18no Team Members. On Day 2 this reduced to 12. During the 2 days we circumnavigated approx. 7165 “Acres” of the jaw droppingly beautiful White Peak area of the Peak District. We trekked a total of 21.7 miles. The acreages outside our circumnavigated route added significantly more. Although It wasn’t all visible, it is true to say that our brains were on information overload.

(Very) brief National Parks History

In 1951, the Peak District was the first area to be designated as a national park. By the end of the decade the Lake District, Snowdonia, Dartmoor, Pembrokeshire Coast, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Exmoor, Northumberland and Brecon Beacons had all been designated as national parks.

Hartington Cheese

As this was our prestigious 100^th Anniversary hike, I was totally determined to attend, especially since I’d missed numerous of them since Hike 65, or thereabouts. I wasn’t really fit for the task, but made a positive decision to suffer for the cause. Access to the Countryside as we know it today, has come a long way since the 1^st Freedom to Roam Bill in 1884. I wasn’t going to allow my limited movements to get around spoil my attendance. A touch of Arthuritus of the knee, a recovering broken arm and wrist ligament problems did at times slow me down. So I apologise to those of you who became a little Hartington Cheesed off, having to occasionally wait for me.

Mass Tresspass & YHA

In 1932, there was a mass trespass on Kinder Scout in the Peak District. Walkers exercised what they saw as their right to walk unhindered on open moorland. They faced opposition from gamekeepers who were employed by local landowners. Scuffles broke out and five trespassers were imprisoned. Hip Hip Hurrah! to ALL those stalwarts of the past. Interestingly the committee was (in part) made up of The YHA. The Youth Hostels Association (amongst many others) helped argue the case for National Parks.

Hartington Hall & YHA

I’ve referred to the YHA’s interest above, as 12 of us stayed overnight at a beautiful 15th Century mansion house – Since 1934 known as “Hartington Hall YHA”, Tel; 0345 371 9740 and only 25 miles from N/castle (tell your family & friends with youngsters). We enjoyed 2 days of excellent memories there, wishing that I or my own children could have previously have lodged.

For our Squarrites visit we shared it with 50 or so 7-8yrs old little girls & boys. I found the background Chorus of small children in happy play and mischievousness, to be heartwarming. Im not a teacher, so clearly wasn't bored with it all, unlike recently retired tutor Pie R Squared. But since ive personally not experienced such ' background song' in 25- 30 yrs or so, it made me feel quite uplifted & priviledged to be alive.

A German schoolteacher first thought about Youth Hostels more than a hundred years ago. He understood the difference a night in a new place, meeting new people and sharing new experiences in fresh surroundings, could make, particularly for young people. From there the idea spread. The early days of YHA are a fascinating story of determination and unlimited enthusiasm for a cause whose time had come. Thank goodness for the early pioneers who started the Youth Hostels Association and developed the ‘spirit’ of YHA. During the Second World War the number of YHA members doubled.

Attendees

Austin Knott, Bill Tabbernor, Dave Cartlidge, Dave Fryer, Dave Gater, Dave Harding, Dave Stevens, Dave Stubbs, Dave Thacker, John Commins, Paul Hector, Keith Jackson, Keith Phillips, Malcolm Jones, Nigel Pinfold, Tim Horton, Tom Flackett, Tony Sutton.

Club Name.

Very early during Day 1, questions were being raised about a possible Club name change. “The Dave’s Club” came to mind often, as 7:18 Dave’s out-numbered the rest.

Route

We 'figure-of-eighted' from & back into Hartington during both days, and drank in 8 different pubs; with Day one's 9.7miler being frequently in the rain, & Day two's 11.7miler never in rain. The route direction was a clear choice. It 95% followed, in celebration of the first ever Team Hike. That which was originally put together in 1992 by former Technical Services, Minor Roads Team, Land Surveyors - The Corkster, Nige (Noel) and DT. The 1992 version being a proper circular 20 miler along a very similar route to the 100th.

Old Photos

During the 1st day Jacko produced 26yr old much admired photos of the 1st Hikers team, illustrating some very comical, boyish and athletic profiles.

Chucklesome

Much fun, nostalia, chat & laughter was enjoyed on this 100th event, which ‘suffered’ only from a reduced drinking regime compared to what i recalled from years ago (even tho' 8 pubs were frequented on this occasion). The gathering was of 18 old colleagues & friends. Chucklesomely, Yup questioned wether or not "... if some (6) had only attended 99.5 hikes??" 😁.

However, that should be hushed up and never to be questioned, as the effort req'd for 9.7miles was still not inconsiderable.

Toast to Absent Friends

Led by Yuppers & Anytime Tone, Day 1 started from SK17 0AL. We grouped alongside Hartingtons Village pool with an extremely appropriate & poignant “Jameson's toast” to absent friends. Unfortunately prevented, and absent were; Joe Tahoohigh, Pedro, Heavy Steve Machine, Dasher, Len Evans, Ken Williams, Brian Edwards and Perky. Plus a couple of others who struggled to make it in far lesser unfortunate circumstances.

Whiskey or Whisky, Hey Joe?

A particular favourite choice of Irish Whiskey (as against Scotch Whisky), often recommended by Mr Tahoohigh, was graciously consumed by us all. I’m pleased to say that in usual tradition, Day's 1 and 2 similarly ended with other tasty alcoholic beverages.

2 Days after The Hike

But oooh today!, 18hrs after completion of the 2 day task ....... dont I just ache - as I'm sure everyone one else must have done too.

1 Day before the Hike

On the previous day to the Hike start, outside Stoke Rail Station, I bumped into JayCee. He was with his bride, intending to celebrate a wedding anniversary. They were on their way to the Capital to see great wonders in the National History Museum. I thought what an unusual way to spend a romantic day. I also asked myself if Pamela would approve of such a visit for our romantic Anniversary….mmm!. I suggested to JC that once in the NHM he should really keep moving so as not to be confused for an old relic himself.

“Acres” (from the “Intro” link)

My pains & aches are what reminded me about the other type of aches. “Acres”. Acres are what I discussed with His Yuppyness, Rave Thacker & Rave Partlidge. Mr Partlidge was the fella in Charles Cotton who, prior to leaving for home, questioned Pie r Squared if he was a proper SCFC supporter. I expected a few pints being wasted over each other - but no, it all calmed.

In old money 1 acre = 4840 sq yds.

The SCFC footer pitch is 74x115yds = 8510 sq yds = 1.76 acres.

Although, by sports law, a pitch can be as little as 50x100yds=5000sq yds = approx 1 acre.

So, my research answer to D Partlidge is “yeh but, no but”. An Acre sized footer field would be a small pitch.

It’s only the smallest allowable pitches (say, schools & boys clubs etc) which would be approx 1 acre size.

So what does an Acre look like?

Unlike most farming types, I've only recently come to understand what an acre physically looks like on the ground. As an "easy" recall it’s actually: a furlong x a chain or 220x22yds or 10 cricket pitches x1 pitch, or a sixty-niner (69 x 69yds).

PS - the max allowable pitch size is apparently 100x130yds would you believe (2.7acres) - Thankyou Mr Google.

Happy & Mischievous

Staying overnight at the beautiful 15th Century mansion house - known as Hartington Hall YHA since 1934, (tel; 0345 371 9740 - only 25 miles from N/castle tell your friends), was an excellent memory I wished that I or my own children could have previously experienced. For our Squarrites visit we shared it with 50 or so 7-8yrs old little girls & boys. I found the background Chorus of small children in happy play and mischievousness, to be heart-warming. I’m not a teacher, so clearly wasn't bored with it all, unlike recently retired tutor Pie R Squared. But since I’ve personally not experienced such ‘background goings on’ in 25- 30 yrs or so, it made me feel quite uplifted & privileged to be alive.

Will they call her Phi Phi?

I was so pleased to hear that one of my room m8's, Tim Mothy, had become a Grandad for his 2nd time on wed 25/4; this time to Phoebe (Tim wondered if she’d be a future Phi Phi?). So does that mean we can now have a Granpop Tim Mothy as well as Bill?

29 & Finally Engaged

I too was celebrating this week. On Tuesday 23/4 My daughter Helena (Elle, or sometimes El or Trouble) had just been proposed to by her boyfriend whilst holidaying in Las Vegas. Thank goodness he'd finally asked her, as it was a secret I'd been keeping from everyone for 10weeks. I'd been burstin' to pass on the news since 1045am, sunday Feb 18th when he’d asked me for her hand in marriage.

“Sorry my dear, we’re a Gay walking Group”

We met a fine buxom Farmers wife, hanging out her washing near Wetton. Bearing in mind we were an 18 bloke hiking group, she enquired, with a strong country dialect, "..where are your ladies?..", I’m not sure what the lead group said to make her laugh, but I said "..We're a Gay Walking Club. So we didn't need any ladies..", Ali G told me he'd thougt about saying "..they were at wom, doin the ice work..".

Bum Fluff

A very pleasant surprise awaited us at The Packhorse Inn, Crowdecote (Day one's lunch stop), where Dasher & Debri were early feasting due to our slower than calc'd progress. I hadn't seen Dasher in a long time and in view of his poor state of health, I felt the need to wander up to him, hold his head between my grubby hands, & give Dash a big moist splash of my lips on his forehead. He'd developed a lot of recent bum fluff for a beard, so that's why I did his forehead instead of a 'full-on' smackeroony. (PS I’m defo not Gay – just very friendly).

“Sorry Bill, But I’m Sorted”

That first evening, Granpop Bills’ hearing let him down big time - he managed to miss his snoozing alarm for Last Orders in the YHA kitchens'. Mmmm … but I enjoyed a brilliant Jalepino & Pepper Pizza, so that was OK then; I did offer him the left-over crusts.

0730 or 0830 breakfast? - I wish Yup would make up his mind.

Apologies

To Malc Jay who nearly missed his breakfast on day 2 due to MY poor hearing. I thought Yuppy wanted to eat breakfast after the 0800 Kiddy Winks rush, so I told Malc that we'd be scoffin’ a ‘Full English’ around 0830 onwards. But Yup changed timings unknown to me, so we had to be down there by 0730. It's a good job MJ took NO notice of me.

3 Move Check Mate

Unfortunately Wacko & Keithee weren't "up for it" on day 2 so they shared an early lift home. But Mavis was. Shame really 'cos I was keen to show Keithee the 3 move check mate on the YHA's garden chess board.

Mavis (Possibly?)

Everyone deserves a good nickname. Mavis was accidentally (humorously) stumbled across due to a mis-interpretation of The Packhorse Inns' lunch name list. "Davies Stubbs" was misread out as Mavis Stubbs. Will it stick? Well it suits. We can only hope.

Brinksmanship

But what about Tom? He’s being flying under the radar for too long now. I’ve often noted he arrives unexpectedly on these events, not always making a definite booking to join in. So, there’s gotta be a name in all that uncertainty somewhere. Someone got an idea?

Bumping on my Arse

chose that bloody route downhill from the Alstonefield Parish 'heavens' to the depths of the Dove river valley, wants stuffin'. A trek which broke the best of us (well me anyhow). I couldn't thank DT nearly enough for returning half way back up th' hill with Knotty's light weight, adjustable poles. What a life saver. I'd almost resigned myself to bumping down on my arse.

“..Leader.. “, “..Leader..”

I was also very impressed with regular hike group leader, Council funded, Mr Knotty’s local knowledge. It almost matched local boy DT's. But had Mr Tahoohigh been with us I'm certain he'd have been off into Wetton's St Margarets Church ahead of them both. This internally oak arched beauty, was originally built in the 12th Century and rebuilt in the 15th. The doors are open daily to all passers by. I doubt that practise would exist in the likes of Shelton, Cobridge, Abbey Hulton or Bentilee.

Saving for Posterity

I had an interesting chat with Ali G about his self initiated project to collate B&W photos of both used & unused countryside out-buildings (maybe crumbling), derelict and used. Apparently colour doesn't show the mood/effect or commercial /lived-in structures in as dramatic a way as colour.

Well Being

I could well understand how the ancient deep river gorges; and former dinosaur roamed wide valley floors; interspersed with limestone built walls; derelict buildings; characterful silver stoned homes; working farm buidings; distant hilltopped copses; twittering birds and woolly sheep; all swathed in thousands of acres of green rolling grass can create a great feeling of "well-being". An ancient outlook, which is so far removed from our modern City lives and super hightech living. Let us hope that all the costly holiday home 'rentals', don't exclude the Local youngsters from remaining Local with their heritage of traditional values.

Future Zip Wiring or Water Surfing Anyone??

Ihad a few quality chats about thrill seeking adventure sports in N. Wales for future possible Squarry Outings - as follows;

· Zip wiring at either Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, https://youtu.be/GGgmtxX9mqU or

· Llechwedd Slate Quarry, Blauneau Festiniog, https://youtu.be/YxsUMou3Gbs or

· Inand Surfboarding at "Surf Snowdonia" - site of the former aluminium works in Dolgarrog https://vimeo.com/242915002

However, I shalln't frighten you about these heart stopping locations at this time. Chase up the web addreseses if you’re interested. To be truly amazed at what is Possible, also check out what you'd Imagine to be Impossible first. You’ll be staggered at what the Yanks have devised in Las Vegas with the “Slotzilla Zipline” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQhcwjz017g

Those ridiculous swinging doors.

I asked Yuppy why in hells name he thought the entrance swing doors at the 'Watts Russell' were so bloody narrow. I could see that most pot bellied drinkers were clearly strugglin' to get in/out. But he sussed it. Since the bar end was so close to the entrance they clearly needed 2 narrow doors rather than just 1 big one, otherwise folks would struggle to pass across the door/bar area. We agreed. That's why he was a Team Manger and I'd only made a Senior Engineer.

Hecky Thump

I’ve missed Paul out. I know we talked, but what about? ....Doh

Voluptuous

A titilating story from someone who called upon a female colleague earlier than expected one morning to give her a lift into work, amused me greatly. Apparently she was caught unawares with her downstairs bedroom curtains slightly apart and inappropriately lit (for her anyway). Lighting fully illuminated her well- toned, uncovered curvaceous beauty. Inappropriate decorum caused continued lengthy viewing and late arrival into work that day. The proceeding usual openness of discussion whilst in the car with her was stifled by memories from his voyeurism. His concentration was understandably difficult that day, as her low top did nothing to expung his memory. I think many of us would have acted in a similar way and risked an eye.

Best Beer & Pub

The best Beer & best Pub of the Hike, was largely agreed to be from the same place. We preferred the 5.9% 'Jaipur' ale (Thornbridge Brewery) in 'The Russell Watts' nr Alstonefield. The pub was a lovely traditional, un-modernised, somewhat cracked, cobwebby, old pub, run by a slightly demented old girl, her hubby + B&W Collie. No one really wanted to leave the Watts. If local boy DT hadn't been so efficient at phoning ahead to get 12 of us booked into 'The George' for Lunch at 1.00pm, I reckon we'd all still be in there now. With regret we only "stretched" our arrival time to The George to being 1.5hrs overdue. No doubt if we'd studied one of those many encyclopaedic type books on the shelving we'd have had other good reasons to stay there, helping us to down a few more quarts.

Runner Up

Runner-up, would have to be Hartington’s own Charles Cotton, with its' sophisticated background music, fine leather studded chairs & fine ales. The only downside there being the lounges' slightly uncomfortable over warmliness, explaining why regular trips were made by so many to the refrigerated Loo to cool off.

Back to the Potteries

The return Minibus home was booked for 6.30pm & was bang on time at the YHA. Roseville’s 8 seater Mercedes driver was a very pleasant Iranian gent. The drivers' additional help with my baggage was unavoidable (previously brought to me by Granpop Tim Mothy at the Charles Cotton, was so that I could have an extra half pint more than everyone else), so he well deserved his tip.

Applause

Three Cheers to Yupmeister & his right hand man Anytime Tone for yet another memorable event.

Here’s to Hike 101. I just hope that all our aches & pains have disappeared in time.

Recovery

I’m finding that long warm soaks in the bath, more Cuprofen, regular use of a hot wheat bag, frequent massages from the wife & private physio plus plenty of Voltarol gel and sleep, are all slowly helping me to recouperate.

At 11am today 25/04 , Buck House announced that Kate & Williams’ 3^rd born will be named -

Louis Arthur Charles Mountbatten-Windsor & shall be known as Prince Louis of Cambridge.

That’s with a silent S, so Loui

* I hope these notes compliment the "Official" notes – mine written 27-28 April*