Bradford CHA Rambling and Social Club Newsletter Winter 2010

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Bradford CHA R A M B L I N G

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S O C I A L

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W I N T E R

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CONTENTS Saturday Secretary’s Report..…………………………………………………2 Material for inclusion in the next newsletter can be sent hand-written, typed or e-mailed.

Please send contributions for the next Issue to the Editor: Mick Melvin 35 Northfield Grove Wibsey, Bradford, BD6 1LD admin@bradfordwalking.org Mobile Phone Number 07504066476

CHA Book Club………………………………………………………………….2 Advice for Walkers…………………..……………………..…………………...2 Book Review...…..………………………………………………………………..3 From the Membership Secretary.…………………………………………….3 From the Sunday Rambles Secretary…………...…………………………...4 Sunday Walks Preview……………...………………………………………….4 History of the Balaclava...….……….………………………………………….5 From the Editor Mysterious Yorkshire................……….………………….6 Shipley Slideshows................. ..................................…………………………7 Social Secretary's Report...…………………………………………………….7 Ode to the Isle of Wight.……………………………………………………….8 Kirk Yetholm 2011…………..…………………………………………………..9

A Winter Message From Your President The beautiful wintry weather reminds us that another year is almost over.

Many thanks to all our members for supporting Bradford CHA throughout 2010. We hope that you have enjoyed the walks and social events. This would not have been possible without the work and planning of our dedicated Committee. We appreciate also the amazing variety of rambles which our walk leaders continue to present for everyone to enjoy.

We look forward to sharing our forthcoming events with you all in 2011.

Wishing you a Happy New Year Meryl

Saturday Secretary’s Report Winter is upon us with dark mornings and darker evenings; cold frosty days with the threat of snow on every weather forecaster‟s lip.

A time of year to be snuggled up in front of a roaring fire eating stew and dumplings and hot sticky toffee pudding, washed down with steaming mugs of tea or coffee.

Not a time to be outdoors walking the moors you might say, but you would be wrong, this is just the time of year to be out walking on the hills. Now with the leaves off the trees you can see the views that were once obscured; you can now observe that fast flowing beck in all its glory that you could only glimpse and hear in the height of summer. Now you can breathe that fresh cold air that is both invigorating and energising.

In summer the heat makes you tired and lethargic, the weather invites you to relax lie down and sunbathe, you sit down in the summer sun and are reluctant to rise and continue the walk.

Winter is the time for walking not sitting, for striding out and feeling the cold breeze against your face. Winter is

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Saturday Secretary’s report continued the time for wrapping up warm, getting out your thermal underwear and your thick jumpers, your woolly hats and fleecy gloves, in winter it does not matter what you look like as long as you are warm.

Winter is a time of cold clear days, where a fall of snow can magically change a familiar landscape into something quite spectacular.

So put your boots on and come and join us on a Saturday. When you have been out, had a good walk and a catch up with all your friends, you will be content then, to sit with your feet up by that fire and enjoy the evening, knowing that it has been a day well spent.

The Road Not Taken Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveller, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that, the passing there Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden back.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.

Poem by Robert Frost.

Stuart

Advice for walkers Many members will be aware of how our committee takes walking advice very seriously and spends much time searching the world‟s literature so we can give the best possible advice to our members.

The American philosopher Henri Thoreau suggested in 1851 that, done properly, walking involves vision, risk, abandonment, conviction, total commitment to the journey the self will undergo and the impact of that journey on the rest of your life: “If you are ready to leave father and mother, brother and sister, and wife and child and friends, and never see them again – if you have paid your debts and made your will and sealed all your affairs, and are a free man, you are ready for a walk”.

See you on Sunday then!

Ray Wilkes

CHA Book Club A reminder of our new meeting place, the Sir Titus Salt pub on Morley Street, a couple of minutes walk from the Alhambra. Because we have our own room it is much quieter than where we met before and has a good choice of food and drink if needed, so we are well satisfied. New members are always welcome to join us. Dates and books chosen for the coming months are: 13 December, The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver, Jackie's choice 17 Jan, Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis, Kath's choice 21 Feb, Perfume by Patrick Süskind, Julie's choice 28 March, The Beast Within by Emile Zola, Malcolm's choice if you want to find out more please ring Jackie Walters 01274 824298

www.bradfordwalking.org

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Book Reviews Map of a Nation by Rachel Hewitt There is nothing like the Ordnance Survey map, nothing to rival it, certainly nothing to beat it. It has survived the winds of change and the changes of fashion with its splendour undimmed. Like pubs and post boxes and milk vans, it pleases us with its usefulness and as a symbol of the kind of people we are. As Rachel Hewitt observes in her extremely well written account of the origin of the OS map, 'the national mapping agency has established a secure place in the affections of the modern British public‟. I would go further. Life without it is unimaginable.

After the crushing of Bonnie Prince Charlie‟s 1745 uprising, the King‟s men were intent on subduing the unruly Scottish Highlands whence so much trouble had sprung. Their problem was finding the unruly Highlanders in a largely unmapped wilderness of mountain and bog.

A young man called William Roy who was adept in the use of the astrolabe and the plane table and the theodolite. He began by measuring the road from Fort Augustus to Inverness, Roy and his team proceeded to lug their gear across the land for months on end, devoured by midges, sweating in their woollen uniforms, exhausted by the unforgiving terrain.

Later came the Revolution and Napoleon, and a the threat of invasion.

The need to know where we were, and where the fiendish French might come from, became urgent.

Insofar as Hewitt‟s story has a hero, that hero is William Mudge. His distinctly unheroic name, and its rhyming possibilities, are appropriate to the character of the great enterprise. It was Mudge who plotted the triangles across southern England, Mudge who oversaw their translation into maps, Mudge who supervised the incredibly laborious business of printing them, Mudge who officiated on January 1, 1801 at the publication of the first instalment.

It was to be another 69 years before the final sheet in the so-called First Series, that of south-west Northumberland, appeared, by which time Mudge and his successor, Thomas Colby – another in the mould of workaholic visionaries – were both dead.

Rachel Hewitt‟s story ends in 1870. By its nature it is a story lacking in drama: no sex, very little scandal or danger, a great deal of trudgery and drudgery (not to mention Mudgery). She strives valiantly to bring her trigonometricians, draughtsmen and triangulists to life, with variable success. Where she succeeds wholly is in explaining what they had to do, and in honouring their remarkable determination.

There is an army of us with reason to be grateful for the exertions of Mudge and company and their successors. As Hewitt points out, the OS map fires the imagination while dealing with the practicalities of finding your way about.

(Reviewer) Malcolm Walters

From the Membership Secretary “The Club Grows On!' Just to let you know our total membership for this year now stands at an impressive 249. Of these we have recruited 25 brand new members, mainly through our CHA own website. It seems obvious that as a club we must have the right formula which welcomes, encourages and brings forward new like-minded people. So, let it continue to thrive, and keep going and growing!!

Jackie Hotchen

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Sunday Rambles Secretary Report As usual, when we published the July-December syllabus we were unable to guess what public transport arrangements would be in place over Christmas and New Year.

However, we can now add two „Festive Season‟ possibilities to the new syllabus.

Monday 27th December: Paul Harrison, also a member of Dalesbus Ramblers, is doing a short but interesting exploration of lead mining features around Kettlewell. The special Dalesbus service on this day deserves support.

See syllabus for transport details.

Saturday 1st January: as local trains run a normal service, we can connect with the Cravenlink, the only running bus, to do the following walk: Train departs Forster Square at 10.46 (Shipley10.53) to Ilkley for Bus No. 884 at 11.45 to Addingham for Chelker Reservoir (Dalesbus Ramblers have a Terry Brown too!)

Morecambe Bay: a Christmas newsletter arrived from St John‟s Hospice in Lancaster, which was the beneficiary of the guide‟s fee for our July walk across Morecambe Bay. Over 200 people participated (25 of them were us) and nearly £5,000 was raised on that day.

William: there has been a massively generous response to our collection on our star driver‟s retirement, and the plan is to present him with the various tokens of our appreciation at the Sunday Christmas dinner. It is about ten years since he became our regular coach driver and we have been very lucky to enjoy such knowledge, skill and cooperation; Sundays won‟t be quite the same without William.

SUNDAY WALKS PREVIEW After a more successful autumn than last year‟s, we are now comfortably using a divisor of 40 to set the coach fare, which must partly be thanks to a big intake of new members who have soon turned into regulars-thanks!

As usual in the dark months, many of the venues are nearer home. Quite a few exciting further-flung walks have had to be deferred to the next syllabus to fit them in- sorry, leaders; I‟ll try not to lose them! Thanks for all the offers of walks and the co-operation to get them all to fit together. Here are some highlights.

The Six Dales Trail: this was introduced as Otley became a „walkers are welcome town‟ last June and is a 38mile route. It goes north through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to join Otley and Middleham via the watersheds of six dales. Ben had the idea of splitting this up. The A walkers have already done part of it, so doing the A walks on 9th Jan. and 6th. Feb. together with the last part in the next syllabus, will give completion.

30th January: on the edge of the North York Moors but without attempting to go up Sutton Bank in the coach!

27th February: Frank continues the attempt on the Ripon Rowel, with the attractive finishing point of Masham.

20th March: the first C walk of the syllabus, with a view to seeing the famous Farndale daffodils. I was inspired to lead this myself as the B walk comes in from a different direction and the A leader wasn‟t confident in his ability to locate daffodils (the yellow ones with the green spiky leaves).

27th March: oh dear, we lose an hour‟s sleep and we have to get up early for an 8.30 start by special request of the leader. Still it should be worth it as we go to the southern Lake District which is very picturesque without being too savage, and finish at Grange over Sands.

Jackie Wilkes

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History of the Balaclava (A very useful item of winter walking gear) Winter has come early this year, and I am packing my rucksack with the extra gear needed to protect me from the icy weather that has arrived with it. Walking in the hills in winter brings with it the necessity to carry additional equipment over and above what we require during the summer months.

During the winter months gear such as gloves, torch, gaiters and a plastic Bivi bag become essential items of equipment for trips into the hills. One item of winter gear that I have carried with me since boyhood is a Balaclava.

When I was a child throughout a Bradford winter, the boys could be seen making their way to school looking very much like modern day Ninjas, with woollen Balaclavas pulled down over their head and tucked in at the neck.

The history of the Balaclava is associated with the appalling conditions met by British troops during the Crimean War. During the siege of Sevastopol, in terrible winter of 1854/55 the troops were held up in the little port of Balaclava, sited 8 miles south of Sevastopol. The condition of the road which linked Balaclava to the besieged city, made it impossible to transport supplies held in the port of Balaclava to Sevastopol.

The British troops, who were running short of food and supplies, soon began to suffer from Starvation and frostbite. Reports from the battlefield began to reach Britain; in particular articles in the Times detailed the British commissariatâ€&#x;s failure to provide winter clothing for the troops. The resulting public outcry stirred the commissariat to send out protective clothing in the form of a hood which covered the top of the head and also the ears and neck. These hoods subsequently became known as Balaclavas.

Balaclavas are an essential item of winter clothing and are not just for bank robbers and the SAS. More heat is lost through the top of the head than any other part of the body. They come in many different shapes, sizes and materials. Some cover the whole face except the eyes, while others have a hole for the mouth to breathe through. I prefer the type that leaves only the eyes exposed, even though your breath can escape upwards and fog your glasses if you use them.

In the sixties the only available balaclavas, were made from wool which after a while made your head and neck itch unbearably, Joe Brown the famous rock climber was noted for wearing one. Joe could often be seen around Llanberis wearing his balaclava rolled up on the crown of his head complete with a pom-pom on the top. Nowadays balaclavas are made from materials such as, wool, pile, polartec windstopper fleece and even silk. I believe that the best fabric for balaclavas is fleece and my own balaclava is a Berghaus Power Stretch, I find it a comfortable fit which I can use under my hood or under a helmet. It is manufactured from Polyester and Nylon with some Lycra for stretchiness, and when wet absorbs very little water.

A Balaclava is very versatile and can be rolled up into a compact hat to cover only the crown of the head if desired, or it can be made to fit around the neck like a scarf or pulled beneath the chin if you need to keep your mouth exposed. In cold wintery conditions I prefer to use mine as a full face mask, only occasionally pulling it off my head to use as a neck gaiter, and when conditions allow, I will roll it up to cover the top of my head only.

I would like to conclude with a reminder of additional equipment that you need to take with you when walking in the hills in winter. A good pair of four season leather boots is very important, gaiters, fleece jacket, fleece or warm trousers, thermal top and a pair of good quality walking socks. Waterproof jacket and trousers and a flask of hot drink and a bivi bag, head torch with spare bulb and battery. This is not intended to be a complete list, but only to serve as a reminder.

Mick Melvin

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From the Editor “Mysterious Yorkshire “ Churn Milk Joan (NGR: SE020277) One bright breezy morning early this year following a night of strong winds, I was making my way along the Calderdale Way above Mytholmroyd. As I approached the foot of the tall standing stone known as Churn Milk Joan I was surprised to find a large number of small coins scattered on the ground around the foot of the stone.

After gathering the coins, I replaced them in a hollow set in the top of the pillar and sat to ponder on the many stories which proliferate about the origins of this imposing stone, which stands isolated at the edge of the moor.

Local folklore has it, that a milkmaid called Joan was carrying her milk across the moors from Luddenden to the hamlet of Pecket well, when she was caught in a fierce blizzard and froze to death at the spot. Her body was not found for several days and the stone was set up to commemorate the place where she met her death.

Another local name for the stone, Churn Milk Peg is said to be the name of an old hag who was reputed to be the keeper of the nut groves which grew nearby. Her task was to prevent naughty children from collecting the nuts before they were ripened.

The story that I am familiar with is told in a poem by Ted Hughes who grew up in the valley below. He tells the story of farmers bringing their milk to the stone, where they would leave it for the cottagers living in the valley to collect. They in turn left their cash in the hollow in the stone‟s crown and the farmers would leave their change. Hughes‟ poem, Churn-Milk Joan, is included in his famous book with atmospheric photos by Fay Goodwin “Remains of Elmet”. The tradition of leaving coins in the hollow at the top of the stone is still observed by many ramblers.

The truth about the stone is more commonplace; parish boundary records inform us that the stone marks the intersection of the three boundaries of Sowerby, Hebden Royd and Wadsworth.

The Druids Temple Ilton (NGR: SE174787) A rewarding circular walk from Leighton reservoir, near to Masham in North Yorkshire, could include a visit to Ilton Druid‟s Temple. This realistic looking miniature Stonehenge was erected during the latter years of the 18th century by William Danby, High Sheriff of Yorkshire, who lived at nearby Swinton Hall and was the main landowner hereabouts. Squire Danby was a cultured man who had travelled extensively abroad. During his travels he became fascinated with the sect of the Druids, and upon his return to Yorkshire in 1790, partly as a scheme to provide work for the tenants on his Swinton estate; he resolved to construct a replica Druidical Temple. The folly, which is in the region of 100 feet long and roughly 50 feet wide, has some standing stones loftier than 10 feet high.

Danby offered a wage to any man who would live as a recluse at the Temple for seven years, not speaking with anyone and allowing his hair and beard to grow long. The story goes that one man attempted to live this hermit like existence, but after four and a half years he had to concede defeat.

In February 2008 it was reported that during the night of 29th a large number of the stones were uprooted and stolen, probably by someone who transported them by container to Russia to provide some rich businessman with an instant folly.

The Hitching Stone (NGR: SD986417) High on the moors above Cowling in West Yorkshire sits the Hitching stone. Reputed to be the largest boulder in Yorkshire; the stone has a colourful and varied history. The stone, which is of glacial origin is a conspicuous landmark and as such has been used as a natural boundary marker for centuries. Not only do the township boundaries of Cowling, Sutton and Keighley meet here, the stone marks the boundary between the ancient counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. A deep square cut niche has been carved in the western face into which one can climb with the help of a chain hanging from a bolt. This hole is known as the Druid‟s or Priest‟s Chair. When standing inside the niche and looking out

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towards the west, you are looking straight ahead at Pendle Hill and it is possible to watch the sun set behind the hill on the equinoxes.

Inside the hole is a strange circular tube which passes through the rock and exits low down on the external face of the boulder. During certain wind conditions, when the wind is blowing across the outer mouth of the tube a low humming sound is created. I understand that Geologists believe the tube was caused by a fossilised tree which has since crumbled away.

Another interesting feature of the stone is a three feet deep square cut pool on top. It appears to me to have been manmade, but for what purpose I could not say.

Local legend tells us that the stone was originally situated beside the abode of an old witch who lived on Ilkley Moor. This old crone took exception to the stone blocking her view and stuck her stick into the tube, hoisted the stone in the air and tossed it as a far she could from her home. The stone landed on Keighley Moor where it remains to this day. During the 19th century the boulder was the site of a Lammas Fair which is associated with the Harvest Festival, with horse races being held and other competitions.

Editor: Mick Melvin From Peter Mann. Shipley Slideshows Spring 2011 Friday 7th January Robert Whitehead `Bradford Millennium Way Part 1' Discover some really local history on a walk from the Aire to the Worth valleys Friday 21st January Alan Mirfield `Sark' A visit to this lesser known part of the Channel Islands

Friday 18th February Alan Plowright `John Henry's Journeys Part 2' Pateley Bridge to Sedbergh in 1879 Friday 4th March Maria Glot `Saltaire' Learn about this fascinating village which is right on your doorstep Friday 18th March John Whitley `Everest: the easy way' Journey with John to the Everest Base Camp

Friday 4th February David Alred `Northern Highlands of Scotland' A detailed look at the most attractive parts of the All shows start at 7-30pm in Shipley Library

Prices Admission £1 Accompanied Children Free Tea / Coffee and biscuits included

Social Secretary’s Report Happy New Year to all members and thanks for your support.

The October evening at The Ital was attended by 35 members who all seemed to enjoyed the meal and company plenty of chatter.

The Old Pavilion on Rooley Lane is next on the 9th Feb, Just to let you know the 624 bus starts at Shipley glen and goes via Shipley but check the times from there.

Please adjust your syllabus for May 4th money to Jackie, and June 8th money to Jean, and July 6th is correct as in syllabus.

Your Suggestions always welcome with anything new.

That‟s all folks Bye from Sheila

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An ode to the Isle of Wight. 74.50 miles on the coastal path Spring Bank Holiday May 1999 submitted by Rita Scofield.

Day one was when the walk began, around the Isle of Wight Sheila Hogg, started the slog, and everything went alright.

Undaunted by the task ahead, off she went, and quickly sped Lunch at Sandown, what a treat Sun and sand plus time to eat.

The little teashop, high plants, so very splendid Made us wish it had never ended.

Day two, it quickly followed on Harry and Jackie well on song Knowing they had a lot to do No time to stop for toilet queue!

Keen to set up quite a pace You'd almost think it was race Harry stepping on the edge, intent to get it right Every time he looked behind, no-one was in sight!

Day three it promised to be the best

The Pinnacle of all the week

We admired wild orchids, then headed west

Hung on Rita, small and chic

Keith, the gent, anxious to please

Sister Janet, never fitter,

Still managed to walk us to the knees!

Would have run it, if we'd let her They romped us round the road to Ryde

Across white cliffs and up Tennyson Downs

Taking the mileage in their stride

The Needles were in sight

The wind blew up, as we approached

Then on our way to Alum bay

Bright Bembridge and its colourful boats

Sunshine, from dawn 'till night

Photos taken on the day, portrayed our feelings‑ What can we say?

Initial thoughts were that day four

Warm thanks to those who held the maps, and led us on our way

Could turn out a bit of a bore But Chris and Mary turned this round

It's true to say, that everyone did try their best

The flowers and fauna, covered the ground

Ensuring that we reached the Quest!!

And birds of song‑ Just seemed to sing that bit too long

Mary Johnson-Green & Jackie Hotchen

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BRADFORD CHA RAMBLING & SOCIAL CLUB KIRK YETHOLM BOOKING FORM FOR MAYDAY WEEKEND 2011 FRIDAY 29TH APRIL TO MONDAY 2ND MAY Now that William & Kate have announced their wedding date ( not our William of JAK fame) we have a unique opportunity to watch the event on T.V. whilst packing suitcases and rucksacks in preparation for the final stage of the PENNINE WAY from Byrness to Kirk Yetholm.

This 27 mile journey, spread over 3 days walking across the Cheviot Hills will be a demanding but rewarding experience.

Taking advantage of the Bank Holiday when most members will not be working, the coach will leave Nelson Street Bradford at 5.OO pm, ( please note the earlier time). Other pick ups are 4.30 pm at the JAK depot for those leaving cars at JAK, 4.35 pm at Bingley and 4.40 pm at Saltaire. Please allow time for loading luggage.

As usual the Youth Hostel wants details of numbers well in advance so please help by booking early and BEFORE SATURDAY 29TH JANUARY 2011, MAP; OL16.

The Cheviot Hills

ACCOMMODATION At the YHA or your own choice of B&B. COSTS. YHA : £ 50.00 for 3 nights,

Coach : £ 38.00

Please note that this Hostel is self catering only and the accommodation is limited to 20 persons.

Remember to pack your porridge oats etc.

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BOOKING FORM for KIRK YETHOLM WEEKEND, 29th April / 2nd May, 2011 Weekend Coordinator:

Frank Starr, 23, Otley Road, Eldwick, Bingley, BD16 3EB. Tel. 01274 776706

To book please send a £10 deposit , non-refundable, to the above address. Also a SAE if a receipt is required.

Last booking date is Sat. January 29th 2011 Final payment is due by Sat. February 27th 2011 I/We would like to book :

3 nights YHA accommodation @ £50.00 p.p.

Coach @ £ 38.00 p.p ---------Total of YHA & coach, p.p. £ 88.00 ---------Coach only, (own B&B) £38 .00

Please indicate your requirements.

Deposit / full payment of £……. …. is enclosed.

Date: ………… Contact Tel. no…………………

Cheques made payable to Bradford CHA

Name(s)………………………

Address ………………………