NORTHERN NEWS
Number 148
Oct 06
HON SEC’S JOTTINGS by John Bedford
It’s been a busy month, with the joint 70th
Birthday Party first of all, followed by taking 19 members of our families to
Center Parcs at Sherwood Forest. Whilst the grandchildren enjoyed the
facilities, Beryl and I were able to cycle to the Major Oak (of Robin Hood
fame) and round the local lanes. Southwell was a pleasant nearby town, with
some fine buildings and lots of history, a bit like Lichfield. We particularly
took the opportunity to visit the interesting National Trust Workhouse. This
was followed a few days later by our flight to Boston, and a tour of Cape Cod
and then over to the Berkshire Hills. This area is steeped in history – but
more of that in the next issue.
The Club is entering a busy period with the
AGM, the DA AGM, the annual slideshow and all the Christmas Festivities. Please
try and support all these events, as it is your Club. Don’t let the
weather put you off cycling either, try and get out as often as possible. If
the programme as devised doesn’t meet your needs, please talk to a member of
the Committee or raise the issue with me at least a week before the AGM.
Section AGM. 31st October at 8.15pm
at Shenstone Clubroom. Nominations to the Secretary or see the Clubroom
noticeboard
Annual Slideshow &
Presentation. Saturday
18th November.
7pm, Erdington Methodist Church Hall, Station
Road, 7pm, £2.
‘Cycle Touring in Romania’.
DA AGM. Sunday 19th November, 12
noon at Nether Whitacre Village Hall (the green hut). There is one definite
vacancy here, that of DA Secretary.
DA Carol Service. 17th December at 2pm at
Meriden Parish Church.
Club Cycle Jumble Sale, Saturday 3rd March. A
chance to get rid of all those bits & pieces, and make some money! I am now
taking bookings for tables at £7 each. As we are limited with the number of
tables these tend to be sold quickly.
Christmas Presents. Not yet a member? Why not put CTC
Membership on your ‘Christmas List’. I have application forms.
To be held at Carrs
Lane Church Centre, Birmingham.
Starts 7-30pm, £2
admission including refreshments.
The clubroom has reverted to the second Tuesday in the
month.
October 10th Cycling in the American Rockies – by
John Bedford
November 14th Cycling the Midland’s Canal Paths – by Roger
Thorpe
December 12th Cuban Love Affair – Graham Nevitt’s
sequel to last seasons show
Thursday December 7th
Christmas Lunch
‘THE MOORINGS’
DARNFORD LANE
LICHFIELD
More details about time and menu shortly from
Alan Dodwell 308 1619
Friday December 15th
Christmas Lunch
‘THE DOG’
WHITTINGTON
Coffee 11.00am Lunch 12.15 am for 12.30 am
Details from John Green 308 2817
Money with order please! Menu later
SUNDAY 10th December
Festive Tea
COOPER HALL (Clubroom)
SHENSTONE
Details from Val Jones 353 9142
All these events are subsidized from Club
Funds. Partners Welcome.
THANK YOU from Brian (one wing one wheel) Hailing
I cannot thank all of you enough for the kind
wishes and help that I have received over the last three months. I must admit
to having a damp eye on a couple of occasions. You have been a second family to
me in the very best way.
Just a reminder (as if you need it) that Tony
Hall and Ruby Watkins are also studying the detail of the wallpaper in their
lounge, instead of freewheeling down Coleshill hill. To these, and all others
who are unable to get their legs over (in the nicest possible way), get well
soon and join in the fun!!!!
PS……. It’s no good you keep phoning, Geoff, I’m
still not ready to leave you my Swinney.
70th BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATIONS by Val Jones
1936 was a very good year, not only were
several club members born then, but so was Ursula Andress, Buddy Holly, Tommy
Steele and Glenda Jackson. Donald Duck made his debut, Jessie Owens won 4 gold
medals at the Berlin Olympics (much to a certain dictator’s chagrin), Fred
Perry won Wimbledon yet again and the Queen Mary made her maiden voyage.
So in 2006 there is plenty to celebrate and at
our joint party on the 19th August we septuagenarians and about 90
club members let our combined hairs down (those of us who have any, that is).
The venue at The Holy Name Parish Centre, Scott
Arms was ideal, with only a slight glitch when we couldn’t get the sound system
to work properly.
Our aim was to have an evening of nostalgic
fun, the kind we remembered from the 1950s when we were all young and carefree.
An introductory game of “Who am I?” got people talking. In fact it was hard to
get them to stop so that we could get on with the dancing.
The buffet provided by Enid was superb. All
desserts, made by various members, soon disappeared in good cycling style. Our
cake, made and decorated in club colours by Sue, was a triumph. Many thanks to
all who kindly contributed towards the cost of it.
After all that food “The Hat Game” provided
some amusement for spectators and much cheating by participants. It was
followed by Audrey’s game which involved us oldies struggling, in pairs, to get
through a hula hoop as quickly as possible to avoid elimination.
Such hilarity was followed by some old
fashioned dancing and the party came to an end all too quickly.
Our thanks to the staff who ran the bar and
helped clear the room in no time. And to all of you who came and donated to our
two chosen charities. We are delighted with your generosity. You raised £178
for the County Air Ambulance and £212 for St Giles’ Hospice.
On Sunday 20th August the ‘Post
Party Potter’ saw 19 stalwarts out on a pleasant ride to Lullington via
Tamworth. We took 3’s at the Waterside Café at Fradley Junction, enjoying tea
on the lawn. Even the slower group, led by yours truly, managed a respectable
50 miles. We don’t do too badly for a group of oldies aided and abetted by some
youngsters in their 40s and 50s!
SCARECROWS AT WITHERLEY
by Val Jones
The 27th August saw our fourth
annual visit to the Scarecrow Festival at Witherley near Atherstone. Sixteen
riders left Mere Green for a wind
assisted ride to Kingsbury Water Park for elevenses. Then onward and upward to
Baxterley before sweeping down to Witherley where we had an extended lunch
break. This gave us time to view the many and varied scarecrows which adorned
the church and front gardens.
The theme appeared to be based on Legends
surrounding King Arthur and the search for the Holy Grail. No doubt “The
da’Vinci Code” had some influence here.
Those of us in the know headed for the Village
Hall where a large piece of cake and a cuppa could be had for £1. We were a
little baffled however by a kilted Scottish scarecrow nearby and his connection
with King Arthur. He lay flat on his back with a notice that proclaimed him “to
be dying for a pee.” Well you can’t resist it, can you? Everyone had to have a
peek under that kilt and if you were in the line of fire you got soaked by a
jet of water. Very amusing for those standing by!
We left Witherley about 2 o’clock and battled
against the wind back to Tamworth and home. The ingenuity and community spirit
of the inhabitants of the village make our annual pilgrimage well worth while.
FOR SALE. Excellent Touring Bike – Bob
Jackson 531 frame. 19” top tube, 18 ½” seat tube. Bright red with lugs picked
out in gold.
Stronglight triple chainset with Suntour 6
speed block and bar end gear levers. Mavic 27x1 ¼” rims with Campag Record
hubs. Cantilever brakes. Brooks B17 saddle. Pannier carrier. Giro d’Italia Bars
with Plescher Map Holder. Price: £260. Contact Jean Bolton 01543 263072
CTC BIRTHDAY RIDES – DUMFRIES
by Mary Evans
29TH JULY – 5TH
AUGUST 2006
Dumfries and Galloway offers the place and pace
to suit the cyclist, with unspoilt scenery, contrasting landscapes, a mild climate
and a wealth of history and heritage to explore. It has a fine network of quiet and fascinating routes with many
picturesque locations with a choice of remote countryside, stunning coastline
and bustling market towns. – very refreshing countryside.
John and I stayed in an excellent B & B in
Dumfries, alongside which was an excellent cycle track which took us all the
way to Dumfries College, situated 3 miles away. This was the hub of the Birthday Rides, where many people camped
or had their caravans. Evening events
took place there every night.
All rides were graded according to
ability. On most days there were 5
different rides, i.e. A – D plus Family Rides. Cyclists had plenty of choice
throughout the week. These rides were
led by experienced leaders who made the rides very interesting. John and I joined up with the C rides
sometimes but on other occasions we followed the route sheets and rode
independently.
Owing to the dearth of cafes in this area, on
most of the days, refreshments were bought from a mobile van which had been
hired for us for the whole week. This
van moved around to our locations every day and at times it was a most welcome
sight!! Village halls were opened for
our lunch where sometimes, local folk had made most wonderful teas!
SUNDAY,
30TH JULY: Lochmaben and
Lockerbie, the “Two CTC Plaques” ride
On a beautiful sunny morning we rode through
the beautiful, quiet lanes to Lochmaben
for coffee. An interesting market town
where a statue to Robert the Bruce has pride of place outside the town
hall. Nearby is the site of Bruce’s
original (wooden) castle site now part of the l4th tee! On the wall of the King’s Arms is an old CTC
plaque. Lochmaben is one of the “Royal
Four Towns” (others are Hightae, Smallholm and Greenhill) whose inhabitants are
the only survivors in Scotland of a mediaeval freehold system direct to the
crown. The belief is that this was a
reward from Bruce for loyal service.
Lunch was eaten in the ruins of Lochmaben
Castle – an interesting picnic spot.
Before reaching Lockerbie, we visited a
beautiful Ukrainian Chapel, built by Ukrainian displaced persons during and
after the 2nd World War. It
was a small army hut which provided succour and spirituality for these
people. It was especially opened for us
to look inside. It was exquisitely decorated but I don’t think it was ever used
as a chapel.
In Lockerbie itself, we viewed the CTC
repairers plaque before moving on to the Memorial Garden to Pan-Am air disaster
victims.
This was a very moving experience and for every
person who died there is a special plaque for them.
We then made our way back to Dumfries, cycling
through charming villages and gorgeous scenery. 41 miles
MONDAY, 31ST JULY Kirkpatick Macmillan day – Keir – Drumlanrig,
Durisdeer, Lock Ettrick
The rides today were shorter because of the
intense interest at Keir and Drumlanrig.
The rides were undulating with one long uphill, passing Kirkton
conservation village which had an orchard on the village green (very rare for
Scotland).
Before coffee we stopped off at Dalswinton Loch
to view the World’s First Steamship Replica. In 1792, a local engineer, William
Symington (engineer at Wanlockhead mining), sponsored by Patrick Miller, estate
owner, invented the first steamship
which he sailed around the loch and from which design, the later steamships
were built – fascinating.
We crossed a road here and took an “exemplary”
cycle path, noting an interesting old listed bridge at the top. Eventually when we had climbed a long and
winding hill, we found the ancient “Dangerous Hill” sign –
probably a CTC one. Well it was a
dangerous hill in 1898 according to the cycling guide by the then CTC Chief
Consul!
We cycled on to Keir Village where we visited
Courthill Smithy, home of Kirkpatrick MacMillan. Outside the blacksmith’s shop was a CTC member, Tony Mynott, with
his own KM replica. He was happy for
some brave cyclists to have a go on it – a bit wobbly!
We visited the KM’s grave which now has a new
plaque relating KM to his community.
Drumlanrig Castle is in a beautiful setting,
built by the 1st Duke of Queensberry who only slept one night in it.
The cycle museum is of interest here and also there are the most beautiful
walks and trees all around.
From there we went to Durisdeer, a beautiful
old village set up in the hills where the view over the hills and moorland
takes your breath away. The church is
worth a visit for there are the most exquisite marble statues in memory of the
1st Duke of Queensbury.
Onwards and upwards, following the moorland
pass, quiet, peaceful and empty except for the sheep and one shepherd who
appears on his quadbike on occasions.
Morton Castle is high up on this pass which was the earlier seat of the
Queensberry Douglases; this castle was given an exquisite setting on its
promontory by the woods and Loch Ettrick.
We cycled and cycled for miles over this moorland pass, gasping and remarking all the
time about the beauty around us. We
eventually dropped down to view Loch Ettrick on our left, after which
descending to some sort of habitation at the bottom. It was here that we missed the turning for Locharbriggs and home
and continued on through the pretty village of Ae, cycling miles out of way
until we reached the dangerous main road.
Had to go back and found the not- too- well signposted cycle route, back
to Dumfries. By now it was pouring with
rain and we were rather wet and cold.
Never mind, the day had been full, satisfying and memorable. 60 miles
TUESDAY, 1ST
AUGUST New Abbey and Stewartry Coast – no outstanding hills
We cycled with the D ride today to New Abbey, a
ride which had many points of interest.
Firstly, we pulled off the road after 8 miles
to look at Kirkconnel Flow – a peat bog being restored from forestry to natural
state. Nearby Kirkconnel House –
claimed to have the oldest still inhabited town in Scotland. All along this route were the many fine old
Scots Pine (220 years old) and broadleaved trees lining the route.
We enjoyed coffee at New Abbey where the ruined
Sweetheart Abbey stands in the middle of the town. The name is derived from legend that Lady Devorgilla kept her
husband John Balliol’s heart in a casket, buried with her there. Sandstone was hauled across the River Nith
for the building of the Abbey and there is finely sculpted image of three
people in a boat hauling the said sandstone.
The rain had set in quite heavily by this time
so we made our way to Carsethorn village hall and just made it in time for our
sandwiches before it shut! Further
along the lane, was the home of John Paul Jones, a brigand first, and then the
founder of the American Navy.
Our afternoon tea stop was in a delightful
place called Beeswing, (beside Loch Arthur) so named after someone’s race horse. We rested at the Loch Arthur Loch and
Camphill Community which “support and challenge to people with learning
disabilities etc”. It has organic beef
and creamery, market garden, bakery and workshops. The volunteer staff provided us with a delicious afternoon tea of
sandwiches and cake. And the added
bonus was the beautiful garden and view over the Loch. Heaven.
And so we made our way home to Dumfries through
some rather wet weather, noting as we weaved our way passed the fine old church
in the centre of the town, the CTC floral design outside it 40 miles
WEDNESDAY, 2ND AUGUST
A rest day.
We spent the day meandering around Dumfries and some of its remaining
medieval streets which lead down to the River Nith, which still has the medieval
bridge with its four spans (originally eight, I believe). We saw Robbie Burns house but had no time to
go in. A lovely day.
THURSDAY, 3RD AUGUST Caerlaverock, Birthday Tea
A pretty easy ride today for it was the
Birthday Tea at Easterbrook Hall, Crichton.
This was a dream of a ride, following the
estuary which is a haven for birds. We
spent some time watching the curlews on the shore. We made our way through Glencaple, a previous ocean-going quay
for Dumfries and then on to Caerlaverock Castle, the region’s “premier Castle,
c 1280, unique triangular building which suffered several sieges up to 1570.
Caerlaverock WWT has an outstanding habitat for
Barnacle geese and Natterjack Toads.
From here we pedalled to “The Crichton”. Most of the buildings were left in a legacy
of Dr. James Crichton, originally for third attempt at university of Dumfries,
but eventually it became an enlightened mental hospital. (Most patients are treated at home now). At its fourth attempt it was successful in
becoming part of Glasgow and Paisley University.
This day was a most perfect summer’s day for
the Birthday Rides. Before the ceremony
took place, we went into the magnificent church on site where we attended the
service for cyclists, after which we walked out into blazing sunshine and
spread ourselves on the lawns of Easterbrook Hall, listening to speeches and
witnessed the cake being cut. Each was
given a paper bag (environmentally friendly, of course) with an afternoon tea
inside. Very healthy it was too!
We had only 2 or 3 miles to cycle back to our
B&B, having had a relaxed and pleasant day out. 24 miles
FRIDAY, 4TH AUGUST Glenkiln sculptures, Portrack Cosmic
Garden – moderately hilly
Our last day!
The high point of this day was to view the Henry Moore, Jacob Epstein
and Rodin statues set in the magnificent hillsides in remote moorland outside
Shawhead village.
Henry Moore’s Reclining Woman and his King and
Queen (1953) which is particularly beautiful because they appear to be so
regal, gazing at the view over the Loch. Within a small clump of Scots Pine is
Jacob Epstein’s Annunciation; model was Jewish woman survivor of a
concentration camp and then there is Auguste Rodin’s figure of John the
Baptist. The last statue to be
viewed beside the road before we turned
off right, is Henry Moore’ Standing
Figure (1950). The setting for these
works of art fit beautifully into the landscape. The owner of the estate had some connection with these sculptors
so this is why they are here. But
sadly, they are very vulnerable and have already been vandalised.
Having left the sculptures, we made our way to
our next port of call for afternoon tea – “The Garden of Cosmic
Speculation”. Before reaching this
destination, we passed Lag Tower on our right which was the seat of Sir Robert
Grierson of Lag, the arch prosecutor of Covenanters in 1670’s and 80’s – now a
ruin.
The Garden of Cosmic Speculation was created by
Charles Jencks and the lakes were created by his partner, Maggie Keswick
together with the sculptures. It was an
amazing place, beautiful gardens and every plant you could wish for. It was and is a place of healing especially
for those suffering from terminal illness.
Maggie herself succumbed to cancer after setting up the Centre. All proceeds went to Maggie’s Centre for
cancer care in Edingburgh. We enjoyed
an afternoon tea, sitting in the garden talking to people. Lovely.
And so, the week ended all too quickly. We love this area (already familiar to us
from past holidays and it is the home of my ancestors so I have a particular
affinity with it). We intend to return
for there is so much to see and do.
It was also good to meet up with people that we
have met on previous holidays with the CTC – an added bonus! 36 miles
Join us in The Chilterns at the Golden Beeches
Weekend, 28th – 29th
October. Further details from John Bedford on 353 5136
STANDARD SPIN
by Arthur McHugh
That’s what I call my regular bike ride – my
standard spin. 10 miles or so, average speed 7 mph, unvarying circular route,
frequent stops to look at whatever there is to see. I used to do it in the
evening, after work: nowadays I do it whenever I can. Doesn’t sound as exciting
as the End-to-End or the Sea-to-Sea, does it? But it pleases me, and it’s
different every day. Take today, for instance, one of the hottest July days on
record.
I mount my bike in deep shade provided by mature
oak and sycamore trees over the road, all in the dark foliage of high summer.
Almost immediately I am cycling along by lines of suburban gardens, some of
them a colourful delight in the dazzling sunshine, others an eyesore at any
season of the year. They say at least one oddball lurkd behind every front
door; and several of these frontages certainly suggest eccentricity.
Luckily I’m soon clear of suburbia. I’ve done
this run so often that I don’t have to think about when to change gear, let
alone when to change direction – and on an upright I’m free to look about me. A
prospect of wood and field now greets me, although everywhere parched earth
testifies to the continuing drought. My route takes me along an avenue of
chestnut trees, where cool air refreshes the cheek and sunlight dapples the
road in front of me. Close by, there’s a reedy pool which usually harbours
swans and other waterfowl; today the water is well down, the margin is caked
mud and only a small coot family remains of the normal population.
Next, goats. Or at least a goat. For years a
tethered goat has grazed a patch of wizened grass at the side of a house I
pass. It’s a big animal with impressive curling horns, and it invariably stops
munching to watch me go by. The owner seems inordinately fond of the beast:
I’ve seen him with the goats forefeet on his shoulders while a long goatish
tongue licks his face. Not my cup of tea – but every goat to his taste.
Having said that, give me goats in preference
to German shepherd dogs, two of which live not far off. They go barking mad as
soon as they sniff me on the breeze, but fortunately they haven’t yet learned
to leap a five-bar gate. Not that I would be in any danger if they did. As we
all know, the fastest dog on earth can’t match the acceleration of a terrified
cyclist.
A sign by the roadside tells me I’m about to
cross the county boundary. It also includes an ornate and elaborate
coat-of-arms, so small as to be hardly noticeable from a passing car: what
purpose it serves, I don’t know. Here’s the farm where I sometimes buy honey:
the big rookery, noisy as ever, yet no rook or crow to be seen: and the
Victorian estate cottage recalling a bygone age – a wisp of smoke curls
listlessly from one of its fancy chimney-pots.
Downhill for a bit. Faster and faster,
freewheeling in a green tunnel formed by over-arching branches of lime and
chestnut. As I whiz downwards, a wicked little voice at the back of my head
whispers; “I hope you put that wheel back on properly the other day…? ‘Cos if not, you’re stuffed!” But I pay no
attention and continue on my way.
On the flat once more, I’m among fields and
hedgerows. The road verges are lush at this time of year, yellow ragwort and
purple willowherb being particularly striking. In a field of potatoes, one of
those giant hose-things is squirting out cascades of water, creating its own
rainbow in the process. Meanwhile, in the middle of a great cloud of dust –
pity the poor driver – a combine harvester is taking in the grain crop a month
early. Not that this is good news: although ripe, the ears are small due to the
lack of rain, so the harvest will be poor.
More fields, then a ferny wood where the ghost
of a little brook trickles mournfully through wilting undergrowth. Now for the
hill-climb. But first, a pause for rest and refreshment – after all, I’ve been
on the road for over half-an-hour.
Where I stop, a shady spot at the foot of the
hill, is often quiet; so quiet, in fact, that it’s sometimes possible to enjoy
that rare commodity, complete silence. But not today. As I take a swig from my
water-bottle, a couple of horsemen clip-clop along the road on their beautiful
animals, and a moment later a pheasant cackles from somewhere nearby. Almost at
the same time, I hear the unmistakeable “key-yew” of a buzzard: two of these
magnificent birds are circling overhead. I’ve seen them almost daily this year,
because they’re nesting in a clump of conifers just off my route.
A 4-by-4 draws up beside me: the driver unloads
a basket of homing pigeons and releases them. Nine of them circle round
together and head northwards. The tenth, with a mind of its own, flies in
precisely the opposite direction, to the consternation of the owner. I wonder
which bird got back to the loft first?
Second-last lap, a steady pull up the long
hill. I can hear skylarks galore, but my only encounter is with a young woman
walking four muzzled greyhounds on the leash. The dogs all get restive as we
pass: it must be a tricky business not to get them tangled up. Greyhounds have
big soulful brown eyes, but that’s no guide to behaviour…From the top of the
hill, I look back over the baking landscape that stretches for miles to the
horizon, dreamy blue in the heat-haze. And from here, it’s downhill all the way
home.
NEXT COPY DATE – TUESDAY 7th
NOVEMBER.