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195701 [2018/10/19 10:37] tyreless195701 [2018/10/22 13:25] tyreless
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-WE LEFT AN IMPRINT ON THE PAGES+===== We Left An Imprint On The Pages. ===== 
 "Mumbedah" "Mumbedah"
-It was not just a coincidence that the Friday night walk and the Saturday afternoon walk of tie weekend of 2/3/4 November both met at Jamberoo on the Saturday night. For plans had been laid beforehand (and they didn't go astray) and not only did the perambulating participants in the walks arrive (plus a couple which had temporarily become mislaid), but about 60 additional bods who had motored or trained down from Sydney on the Friday night and during Saturday. The result was to be expected - bodies everywhere, but all cunningly spread over the landscape in little knots - in cabins, caravaas, Puttmobiles, giant auto tents and the humble walkers' tents of tbelower income group, dotted about on little grassy shelves in the rain forest, which were a green delight to the eye. + 
-All this was to do honour to our old members - Peter and Rachael Page - we won't tell you how long they have been in the S.B.W. or you might start calculating their age, but let us suffice to say Page's Pinnacle on the Gangerang Range was named after Peter quite some time agoll The facts of be case are that the Pages, ever keen on good music, had heard the legend of our Chronic Operas but were loth to tear themselves away from their mountain fastness, just under Barren- grounds, and come to the sinful city to see and hear for themselves. +It was not just a coincidence that the Friday night walk and the Saturday afternoon walk of the weekend of 2/3/4 November both met at Jamberoo on the Saturday night. For plans had been laid beforehand (and they didn't go astray) and not only did the perambulating participants in the walks arrive (plus a couple which had temporarily become mislaid), but about 60 additional bods who had motored or trained down from Sydney on the Friday night and during Saturday. The result was to be expected - bodies everywhere, but all cunningly spread over the landscape in little knots - in cabins, caravans, Puttmobiles, giant auto tents and the humble walkers' tents of the lower income group, dotted about on little grassy shelves in the rain forest, which were a green delight to the eye. 
-8.+ 
 +All this was to do honour to our old members - Peter and Rachael Page - we won't tell you how long they have been in the S.B.W. or you might start calculating their age, but let us suffice to say Page's Pinnacle on the Gangerang Range was named after Peter quite some time ago!! The facts of be case are that the Pages, ever keen on good music, had heard the legend of our Chronic Operas but were loth to tear themselves away from their mountain fastness, just under Barrengrounds, and come to the sinful city to see and hear for themselves. 
 So the S.B.W. Light Opera Company came to the mountain. So the S.B.W. Light Opera Company came to the mountain.
-The afternoon was spent in a social whirl. Those who weren't drinking tea in Coneys' cosy cabin were poking through the Pallins' palace or doddering about Duncansdandy dove-cote with its cunning attic for overflow (not overflowing)guests. A horde cleaned up Peter's sweet sherry. We never knew so many had cars - now we realise why it's so difficult to fill the Walks Programmeill There used to be an old saying about walkers not taking to being regimented - we won't be dray", but, by George, there's a lot of them who are quite happy to be "druv" to the camping spot! + 
-As Peter says is usual in his part of the camtry, it became dark after tea and all gathered round a large camp-fire in the Duncanspaddock, on the edge of the trees where the wind was not so fierce. After a short bash at the old camp-fire opening tunes and rounds, the Light Opera Company took over and for an hour and three quarters had the assemblage spell-bound - whether they were amused or simply amazed at our nerve, we shall never know. Excerpt after excerpt fell from their parched throats, and in the end they were applauded, probably a signal of relief. Great credit goes to Maestro McGregorio for his fine presentations. Peter had invited a few "locals" along but we haven't heard their reactions - yet. +The afternoon was spent in a social whirl. Those who weren't drinking tea in Collys' cosy cabin were poking through the Pallins' palace or doddering about Duncansdandy dove-cote with its cunning attic for overflow (not overflowing) guests. A horde cleaned up Peter's sweet sherry. We never knew so many had cars - now we realise why it's so difficult to fill the Walks Programme!!! There used to be an old saying about walkers not taking to being regimented - "we won't be druv", but, by George, there's a lot of them who are quite happy to be "druv" to the camping spot! 
-It was quite chilly by this time up on the heights in spite of the summer season and before long the people who had been on the outer fringe of the crowd were warming the seats of their pants before the fireSome of the die-hards sang the old songs for a while but the comfort of the cosy cots had too strong an appeal to keep many there for long. + 
-Sunday dawned bright and sunny and the forenoon was spent in inter-visiting between tents and cabins, whilst a few energetic folk went up to the edge of the Barrengrounds for a stroll. The kiddies had an enjoyable time catching taddies in the tinking rills. The Pages' place was like Pitt Street. With their sherry gone, some were busily inspecting the goat-houses whilst inside Mouldy took charge of the curtain material cutting department beforea large admiring audience. Long discourses on cats, chooks, the view, goats - fond farewells till next time.+As Peter says is usual in his part of the country, it became dark after tea and all gathered round a large camp-fire in the Duncanspaddock, on the edge of the trees where the wind was not so fierce. After a short bash at the old camp-fire opening tunes and rounds, the Light Opera Company took over and for an hour and three quarters had the assemblage spell-bound - whether they were amused or simply amazed at our nerve, we shall never know. Excerpt after excerpt fell from their parched throats, and in the end they were applauded, probably a signal of relief. Great credit goes to Maestro McGregorio for his fine presentations. Peter had invited a few "locals" along but we haven't heard their reactions - yet. 
 + 
 +It was quite chilly by this time up on the heights in spite of the summer season and before long the people who had been on the outer fringe of the crowd were warming the seats of their pants before the fireSome of the die-hards sang the old songs for a while but the comfort of the cosy cots had too strong an appeal to keep many there for long. 
 + 
 +Sunday dawned bright and sunny and the forenoon was spent in inter-visiting between tents and cabins, whilst a few energetic folk went up to the edge of the Barrengrounds for a stroll. The kiddies had an enjoyable time catching taddies in the tinking rills. The Pages' place was like Pitt Street. With their sherry gone, some were busily inspecting the goat-houses whilst inside Mouldy took charge of the curtain material cutting department before a large admiring audience. Long discourses on cats, chooks, the view, goats - fond farewells till next time. 
 The weekend bona fide walkers swallowed their pride and gladly accepted lifts down to Kiama Station while their more fortunate colleagues were druv back to Sydney. It was a grand weekend and the biggest "little re-union" on record, I'm sure. The weekend bona fide walkers swallowed their pride and gladly accepted lifts down to Kiama Station while their more fortunate colleagues were druv back to Sydney. It was a grand weekend and the biggest "little re-union" on record, I'm sure.
-Another chapter in the life of the Pages-+ 
-WALKS REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 1956,+Another chapter in the life of the Pages. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +===== Walks Report For November 1956. ===== 
 - Malcolm McGregor. - Malcolm McGregor.
-Apart from the Pages' weekend on 20 3, 42 November this monthIL walking has been most disheartening from the point of view of number The programme trips brought out only 21 members, 12 prospectives, + 
-1 visitor. An extra, led by Jim Brown increased the member tally by 3. The Pages' weekend was attended by approximately 90 people, with say, 60 members in that total, but only 11 of these did any walking, so the +Apart from the Pages' weekend on 2, 3, 4, November this month'walking has been most disheartening from the point of view of numberThe programme trips brought out only 21 members, 12 prospectives, and 1 visitor. An extra, led by Jim Brown increased the member tally by 3. The Pages' weekend was attended by approximately 90 people, with say, 60 members in that total, but only 11 of these did any walking, so the grand totals were - 35 members, 12 prospectives and 1 visitor. 
-9. + 
-THE SANITARIUM HEALTH FOOD SHOP OFFERS +The trip up Brogher's Creek on Saturday 3rd was most interesting and was good fun for those who came along, but once on the Barren Ground the wind was cold and the rain was wet. The skill of the leader was well demonstrated when he lost only two of the party and even then they got to Pages' before he did. The campfire held in Frank Duncan's "backyard" was a howling success. The wind howled as did the opera team. It was most pleasant to see so many of the "faces" there including Kath Mackay, Peter Jones complete with wife and family as well as Pete and Ray. - Sunday 4th had Henry Ford in the van with 2 members, 3 prospective, 1 visitor on the way down Middle Harbour Creek and all went well. - The next programme trip was Blue Gum Forest on the 16th, with Sheila, Kath Brown and Ed Garrard the starters. Off hand I would say they had a wonderful time. 
-QUALITY DRIED FRUITS, NUTS and BISCUITS + 
-DELICIOUS FRUIT SWEETS +Oooer! I almost forgot, those scores will need some adjustment. A special trip went to Kanangra on this weekend to show Dr. Pratt, whose talk we enjoyed recently, some of our scenery first hand. Seventeen people were there all transported in the Puttmobile. Dr. Pratt was heard to say "Travelling in the Puttmobile is a social experience." With 17 on board, I can well imagine it. For the trip itself - it was foul extremely high winds and very cold. - Ron Knightly, a trusty leader had fun on Sunday 18th. He thought Bundeena to Garie was track and easy but his report states "Good test walk - all tracks beyond Wattamolla completely overgrown with hakea banksia and other flesh-searing species." However 5 prospectives and 6 members followed him and I understand, returned afterwards. For information, anyone wanting to catch the 9.35 a.mferry from Cronulla will be interested to know it doesn't run anymore. The current times are 9.05 a.m. and 10.05 a.m. 
-WHOLSOME, LIGHT RY-KING CRISP BREAD + 
-AMAZING, LOW ECONOMY PRICES +Finally the instructional led by Frank Young scored 9 members, and 4 prospectives. O'Hares Creek lived up to reputation and the sun shone overhead, need I say anymore. 
-COME TO OUR STORE, 13 HUNTER STREET, SYDNEY, AND SEE OUR WONDERFUL RANGE OF HEALTH-FOODS - FOR WALKING TRIPS AND HOME USE - + 
-grand totals were - 35 members, 12 prospectives and 1 visitor. +---- 
-The trip up Brogher's Creek on Saturday 3rd was most interesting and was good fun forthose who came along, but once on the Barren Ground the wind was cold and the rain was wet. The skill of the leader was well demonstrated when he lost only two of the party and even then they got to Pages' before he did. The campfire held in Frank Duncan's "backyard" was a howling success. The wind howled as did the opera team. It was most pleasant to see so many of the "faces" there including Kath Mackay, Peter Jones complete with wife and family as well as Pete and Ray. - Sunday 4th had Henry Ford in the van with 2 members, 3 prospective, 1 visitor on the way down Middle Harbour Creek and all went well. - The next programme trip was Blue Gum Forest on the 16th, with Sheila, Kath Brown and Ed Garrard the starters. Off hand I would say they had a wonderful time. + 
-Oooerl I almost forgot, those scores will need some adjustment. +=== The Sanitarium Health Food Shop=== 
-A special trip went to Kanangra on this weekend to show Dr. Pratt,whose talk we enjoyed recently, some of our scenery first hand. Seventeen people were there all transported in the Puttmobile. Dr. Pratt was heard to say "Travelling in the Puttmobile is a social experience." With 17 on board, I can well imagine it. For the trip itself- it was foul extremely high winds and very cold. - Ron Knightly, a trusty leader had fun on Sunday 18th. He thought Bundeena to Garie was track and easy but his report states "Good test walk-all tracks beyond Wattamclia completely overgrown with hakea banksia and other flesh-searing species." Howdver 5 prospectives and 6 members followed him and I understand, returned afterwards. For information, anyone wanting to catch the 9.35a.mferry from Cronulla will beinterested to krinw it doesn't run anymore. The current times are 9.05a.m. and 10.05 a.m. + 
-Finally the instructional led by Fralk Young scored 9 members, and 4 prospectives. OfHares Creek lived up to reputation and the sun shone overhead, need I say anymore. +Offers quality dried fruits, nuts and biscuits. Delicious fruit sweets. Wholesome, light ry-king crisp bread
-10+ 
-AXE-PLNY IN MAHRATTA AVENUE+Amazing, low economy prices. 
- wor..1 1.+ 
 +Come to our store at 13 Hunter Street, and see our wonderful range of health-giving foods - for walking trips and home use. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +===== Axe-Play In Mahratta Avenue===== 
 - Our Special Correspondent. - Our Special Correspondent.
- Those who heard such expressions as "We'll raze them to the ground - roots and all4" "Starve the white-antsl" "Not even a blade of grass!" falling from the lips of Federation Delegate Ron Knightley and Vice- President Alex Colley at the Christmas party, night have thought they were merely off-loading their inhibitions. Had they been present in Mahratta Avenue, Wahroonga, the next day, they would have seen that these were no idle words. The Federation Delegate and the Vice-President started in with their axes on the Knightley block in the morning. Soon they were joined by the President, with his axe, and by Tim Coffee. The effects of the Christmas Party were evidenced by a certain amount of heavy breathing and grunting, but soon the avenue resounded to the regular ring of axes, the thud of mattocks, and the crash of trees. Nervous neighbours looked over their fences to see which way the next one would fall, and the children gathered around. The climax to the day's fun came when the top branches of a 50 foot iron bark brought down the power lines. Sparkling and crackling lines dropped to earth and fire-works ran from pole to pole. The Land Rover, which was joined to the schemozzle of branches and wires by a wire rope, was electrified, but not, to the disappointment of the neighbours, its driver. As night descended the F.D. aid the V.P. drove off, leaving the Council electricians busily at the top of their poles, and the muttering residents of Mahratta Avenue groping for their candles and primuses. + 
-On the Sunday the F.D. and the V.P. sought peace and relaxation in the bush. They went to the Christmas treat at Bare Creek. But the Boy Scouts had got there first with their axes. When they had nothing better to do, which was most of the time, they hacked into a three foot log. By the end of the day, after many thousands of blows had been struck, they had severed the log with a vertical cut two feet wide all the way down. This sort of thing should be stopped. +Those who heard such expressions as "We'll raze them to the ground - roots and all!" "Starve the white-ants!" "Not even a blade of grass!" falling from the lips of Federation Delegate Ron Knightley and Vice-President Alex Colley at the Christmas party, might have thought they were merely off-loading their inhibitions. Had they been present in Mahratta Avenue, Wahroonga, the next day, they would have seen that these were no idle words. The Federation Delegate and the Vice-President started in with their axes on the Knightley block in the morning. Soon they were joined by the President, with his axe, and by Tim Coffee. The effects of the Christmas Party were evidenced by a certain amount of heavy breathing and grunting, but soon the avenue resounded to the regular ring of axes, the thud of mattocks, and the crash of trees. Nervous neighbours looked over their fences to see which way the next one would fall, and the children gathered around. The climax to the day's fun came when the top branches of a 50 foot iron bark brought down the power lines. Sparkling and crackling lines dropped to earth and fire-works ran from pole to pole. The Land Rover, which was joined to the schemozzle of branches and wires by a wire rope, was electrified, but not, to the disappointment of the neighbours, its driver. As night descended the F.D. and the V.P. drove off, leaving the Council electricians busily at the top of their poles, and the muttering residents of Mahratta Avenue groping for their candles and primuses. 
-"It may be a good issue of'the "Bushwalker", Gertrude, but I still say he'll ruin his eyesight reading in bed." + 
-11+On the Sunday the F.D. and the V.P. sought peace and relaxation in the bush. They went to the Christmas treat at Bare Creek. But the Boy Scouts had got there first with __their__ axes. When they had nothing better to do, which was most of the time, they hacked into a three foot log. By the end of the day, after many thousands of blows had been struck, they had severed the log with a vertical cut two feet wide all the way down. This sort of thing should be stopped. 
-THE BUNK SPACES + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +[ Cartoon of two kangaroos and a joey in the mother's pouch reading the SBW magazine. ] 
 + 
 +"It may be a good issue of the "Bushwalker", Gertrude, but I still say he'll ruin his eyesight reading in bed." 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +===== The Blank Spaces===== 
 - Jim Brown - Jim Brown
 +
 During September the "S.M.Herald" published a "Holiday Supplement", mostly made up of advertising matter, ranging from lavish guest house entreaties (you know, "first class cuisine," "cosy and attractive lounge bar" stuff) to travel goods. Sandwiched in between were a few articles on scenic and tourist resorts and I looked at these with a lack-lustre eye until I noticed a map of the Blue Mts. During September the "S.M.Herald" published a "Holiday Supplement", mostly made up of advertising matter, ranging from lavish guest house entreaties (you know, "first class cuisine," "cosy and attractive lounge bar" stuff) to travel goods. Sandwiched in between were a few articles on scenic and tourist resorts and I looked at these with a lack-lustre eye until I noticed a map of the Blue Mts.
-It was one of those lovely little maps with nothing to scale, but adorned with sketches and comments - something like those mediaeval charts which depict whales spouting or queer fish whenever the cartographer was at a loss. Except that, in this case, the little figures used to fill in the blank spaces were mostly hikers. -So I looked again, with an alert and critical eye, and I found five sets of walkers, in each case a man and a girl, and one tent with a campfire. + 
-Reading west to east, the first pair of walkers, both in long pants, are heading towards Katoomba from -Cox's River, boradly in the right position to be on the Six-Foot Track (or maybe Black Jerry's Ridge). There is a billy hanging from the man's pack, so obviously he at least is a tyro, but since they must fetch up with Megalong +It was one of those lovely little maps with nothing to scale, but adorned with sketches and comments - something like those mediaeval charts which depict whales spouting or queer fish whenever the cartographer was at a loss. Except that, in this case, the little figures used to fill in the blank spaces were mostly hikers. So I looked again, with an alert and critical eye, and I found five sets of walkers, in each case a man and a girl, and one tent with a campfire. 
-if they continue the way they're facing, we needn't worry about them.+ 
 +Reading west to east, the first pair of walkers, both in long pants, are heading towards Katoomba from Cox's River, broadly in the right position to be on the Six-Foot Track (or maybe Black Jerry's Ridge). There is a billy hanging from the man's pack, so obviously he at least is a tyro, but since they must fetch up with Megalong if they continue the way they're facing, we needn't worry about them. 
 The next pair is well to the north, and although both are wearing shorts, the chap is again dangling a billy from his pack. There's something a little screwy here because they're east of the Perry's Lookdown track yet headed towards the gulf of Govett's Leap Creek. Maybe they're going to take the cliff track back to Blackheath. The next pair is well to the north, and although both are wearing shorts, the chap is again dangling a billy from his pack. There's something a little screwy here because they're east of the Perry's Lookdown track yet headed towards the gulf of Govett's Leap Creek. Maybe they're going to take the cliff track back to Blackheath.
-Just across the gorge, and almost certainly heading into Leura from Lochley's Pylon is the third pair. Both wearing longs, but no dangling billy. That's better. Even if they are heading east we all know that the Lochley's-Mount Hay track turns and twists, so we presume they know their business. + 
-SOMB way scuth of them, another slacks-wearing duo is descending off Mount Solitat.y into Kedumba. No billy. Direction fair enough. No comment. +Just across the gorge, and almost certainly heading into Leura from Lochley's Pylon is the third pair. Both wearing longs, but no dangling billy. That's better. Even if they are heading east we all know that the Lochley's - Mount Hay track turns and twists, so we presume they know their business. 
-But HeavensWhat's this? Plunging into the Labyrinth somewhere east of Woodford is the last party. The billy is swinging low and the packs are bigger than the others. In fact, the girl is definitely leaning forward and bending at the knees. Good thing they've got their longs on because they're going into mighty scratchy country. Maybe they're headed for St. Helena by the back door, but if so, I think they're already on the wrong ridge. Search andRescue job, probably. + 
-But this tent and fire - it really worries me. It's depicted south-east from Mt. Hay on a range almost overlooking Wentworth Crk. Now I've been there, in fact I camped almost at the very spot shown, +Some way south of them, another slacks-wearing duo is descending off Mount Solitary into Kedumba. No billy. Direction fair enough. No comment. 
-12. + 
-about three miles away from Horrible Hay on the wrong side. And I'm really worried about those people. What's more, there's a fire blazing and no one in sight, and bet that country is ready to burn like tinder. +But HeavensWhat's this? Plunging into the Labyrinth somewhere east of Woodford is the last party. The billy is swinging low and the packs are bigger than the others. In fact, the girl is definitely leaning forward and bending at the knees. Good thing they've got their longs on because they're going into mighty scratchy country. Maybe they're headed for St. Helena by the back door, but if so, I think they're already on the wrong ridge. Search and Rescue job, probably. 
-If I go on like this I'll really get all worked up - let MB have a look instead'at the "Blue Pool" - placed very near Euroka Clearing- Oh yes, and the Explorers' Tree (shown complete with foliage ). Ahs that's better. I must try to forget those poor people on that awful ridge. 'After all, they got themselves into that spot - let 'em get out again. Anyone who goes there deserves what he gets. + 
- 11111..  +But this tent and fire - it really worries me. It's depicted south-east from Mt. Hay on a range almost overlooking Wentworth Crk. Now I've been there, in fact I camped almost at the very spot shown, about three miles away from Horrible Hay on the wrong side. And I'm really worried about those people. What's more, there's a fire blazing and no one in sight, and bet that country is ready to burn like tinder. 
-RAIN ON MY SUNGLASSES + 
-Robs Laird,+If I go on like this I'll really get all worked up - let me have a look instead at the "Blue Pool" - placed very near Euroka Clearing - Oh yes, and the Explorers' Tree (shown complete with foliage ). Ah, that's better. I must try to forget those poor people on that awful ridge. After all, they got themselves into that spot - let 'em get out again. Anyone who goes there deserves what he gets. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +===== Rain On My Sunglasses===== 
 + 
 +Ross Laird
 "How about a game of circlos," sez she. "How about a game of circlos," sez she.
-"Right" sez I, "just a minute till I get my sunglasses". "Ohl you won't need them, it's a bit dull up top", sez she. "But it'll be glarey", sez I. + 
-Half an hour later on the games deck of the S.S. ORONSAY - +"Right" sez I, "just a minute till I get my sunglasses". "Oh! you won't need them, it's a bit dull up top", sez she. "But it'll be glarey", sez I. 
-"A mighty game", sez I, "This next game should show the winner of the set. "I hope we can finish it before the rain COMBS, but gosh we'll have to hurrysez she. + 
-"Come on then and let's get moving", sez I. "Too late, here it comes now, but never mind lets try anf finish this pointBlast-missed it." "My point and set", sez she, "told you I'd beat you." +Half an hour later on the games deck of the S.S. Oronsay - "A mighty game", sez I, "This next game should show the winner of the set. "I hope we can finish it before the rain comes, but gosh we'll have to hurry," sez she. 
-"Unfair advantage", sez I, "I couldn't see a thing - I've got "Rain on my Sunglasses". - And thats how it all started., + 
-We (i.e. 7 of us) left Netherhall Gardens, Hampstead, where Don anon are living, on Friday 6th October on a cycling trip through the south west of England, hoping to be away till the end of the month. +"Come on then and let's get moving", sez I. "Too late, here it comes now, but never mind lets try and finish this point." "Blast-missed it." "My point and set", sez she, "told you I'd beat you."  
-We took a train from Paddington Steam Station London to Oxford, 60 odd miles in a slightly north of west direction from the 'bigsmoke. The weather was perfect, blue skies with large white clouds floating round and a gentle breeze blowing.. Theafternoon was spent cycling around ancient old Oxford with all 'her colleges and universities, her-Norman + 
-,towers and qudht old shops, needless to say, burning Kodachromo at a fabulous rate. At 5 o'clock we were lined up at the entranceto the Youth Hostel in Jack Straws Lane, approx. -1mile from the centre of the town. +"Unfair advantage", sez I, "I couldn't see a thing - I've got "Rain on my Sunglasses". - And thats how it all started. 
-The hostel, as were all the others we were to stay in on this trip, was a-big old home converted into a hostel, sleeping about 70 people. At this time of year the average English person, a more serious type, has settled dawn for the long winter and it was with some slight joy that we learnt we could expect Practically empty hostels right through, because believe me, put the seven "Waltzing Matildast "into a 70 bed hostel and it was crowded and noisy, put them into a beautiful winding country lane on their seven tempramental bikes and they completely filled it from the privet hedge on one side to the Cottoneaster or Hawthorn bank onthe other, - usually in two rows advancing drunkenly like a small unruly army and usually (ig it + 
-13. +We (i.e. 7 of us) left Netherhall Gardens, Hampstead, where Don and I are living, on Friday 6th October on a cycling trip through the south west of England, hoping to be away till the end of the month. We took a train from Paddington Steam Station London to Oxford, 60 odd miles in a slightly north of west direction from the big smoke. The weather was perfect, blue skies with large white clouds floating round and a gentle breeze blowing. The afternoon was spent cycling around ancient old Oxford with all her colleges and universities, her Norman towers and quaint old shops, needless to say, burning Kodachrome at a fabulous rate. At 5 o'clock we were lined up at the entrance to the Youth Hostel in Jack Straws Lane, approx. 1/2 mile from the centre of the town. 
-was flat and down hill) singing bushwalking songs at the tops of their voices. Put them on a main A class highway and it was enough to make the most hardened long distance truck drivers blanch with terror. + 
-So we pedalled and pushed, pushed and swore our way to Hanwell, a small village 3 miles north of Banbury (of"Ride a Cock Horse"fame) which in turn is 25 north of Oxford. +The hostel, as were all the others we were to stay in on this trip, was a big old home converted into a hostel, sleeping about 70 people. At this time of year the average English person, a more serious type, has settled down for the long winter and it was with some slight joy that we learnt we could expect practically empty hostels right through, because believe me, put the seven "Waltzing Matildas'" into a 70 bed hostel and it was crowded and noisy, put them into a beautiful winding country lane on their seven tempramental bikes and they completely filled it from the privet hedge on one side to the Cottoneaster or Hawthorn bank on the other, - usually in two rows advancing drunkenly like a small unruly army and usually (if it was flat and down hill) singing bushwalking songs at the tops of their voices. Put them on a main A class highway and it was enough to make the most hardened long distance truck drivers blanch with terror. So we pedalled and pushed, pushed and swore our way to Hanwell, a small village 3 miles north of Banbury (of "Ride a Cock Horse" fame) which in turn is 25 north of Oxford. 
-It was about 6p.m. and we seven along with two other chaps also staying at the hostel, were all sitting in the common room, writing letters and bringing diaries up to date when the door opened. The most natural thibg to do in such circumstances is to look up and see who the newcomer happens to be. In walked Ken Meadows. Much was the talking, the laughing, the introductions and the general swopping of stores that went on through dinner and the washing up. Ken had been to Hanwell before and knew the whereabouts of the local and as we hadn't up to this stage been into a genuine English 'pub', it was soon decided wherd we would spend our evening. + 
-That an experience to walk down a dark winding laneway till you come across an old, old building, whitewashed and vine covered with a swinging sign over the doorway which states in bold lettering, along wi.th a symbolic painting of a large pair of antlers "The White Deer" "Genuine Cotswold Ale". You push open the door and march into a very crowded bar room which at first glance appears to be full of stale smoke filled air and lots of old silent people, silent because all conversation has ceased as soon as it is noticed that eight peculiarly dressed strapgers have dared to come into their pub. In the quickest possible time we were shown into an adjoining room in which sat a dozen or so Teddy Boys and their girlfriends and so the evenihg passes with strange "rock 'n roll songs".+It was about 6 p.m. and we seven along with two other chaps also staying at the hostel, were all sitting in the common room, writing letters and bringing diaries up to date when the door opened. The most natural thing to do in such circumstances is to look up and see who the newcomer happens to be. In walked Ken Meadows. Much was the talking, the laughing, the introductions and the general swopping of stories that went on through dinner and the washing up. Ken had been to Hanwell before and knew the whereabouts of the local and as we hadn't up to this stage been into a genuine English 'pub', it was soon decided where we would spend our evening. 
 + 
 +What an experience to walk down a dark winding laneway till you come across an old, old building, whitewashed and vine covered with a swinging sign over the doorway which states in bold lettering, along with a symbolic painting of a large pair of antlers "The White Deer" "Genuine Cotswold Ale". You push open the door and march into a very crowded bar room which at first glance appears to be full of stale smoke filled air and lots of old silent people, silent because all conversation has ceased as soon as it is noticed that eight peculiarly dressed strangers have dared to come into their pub. In the quickest possible time we were shown into an adjoining room in which sat a dozen or so Teddy Boys and their girlfriends and so the evening passes with strange "rock 'n roll songs". 
 Back to the hostel before 10 o'clock (closing time) we tear. Lights out at 10.30, so it wasn't long before comparative peace reigned through the Hanwell hostel. Back to the hostel before 10 o'clock (closing time) we tear. Lights out at 10.30, so it wasn't long before comparative peace reigned through the Hanwell hostel.
-The next day, Sunday Ken headed back towards Bath where he was then working and we in the opposite direction to Stow-on-the-Wold in + 
-the Cotswold Hills. This by the way was my birthday. What a difference between last year's party and this year's push and pedal episode. Thirty two wear $ uphill miles later we arrived at Stow-on-the-Wold. A qUdht little village built mainly of the famous and beautiful golden Cotswold sandstone, it stands at the north of the Cotswolds. +The next day, Sunday Ken headed back towards Bath where he was then working and we in the opposite direction to Stow-on-the-Wold in the Cotswold Hills. This by the way was my birthday. What a difference between last year's party and this year's push and pedal episode. Thirty two weary uphill miles later we arrived at Stow-on-the-Wold. A quaint little village built mainly of the famous and beautiful golden Cotswold sandstone, it stands at the north of the Cotswolds. 
-The weather had by late afternoon turned dull and next morning it was drizzling slightly so there were no photographs taken at Stow. From there we pushed on to Duntisbourne Abbots through places like Lower Slaughter and Bourtan-on-the-Water. At the latter place we went to a Witchcraft exhibition. There before us mahy weird and terrifying rituals were unravelled - how to curse your wife's lover or turn ourself into a toadstool etc. The most amazing thing about the exhibition was the fact that approximately 90% of the gee on show had been borrowed from groups of odd bods who are actually still practicing these rites. Somewhere after Bourton we took a wrong turning and instead of doing the expected 20 miles that day we finished up doing 33. That would have been alright in itself if the 33 miles hadn't included Birdlip Hill. Whatl you've never heard of Birdlip Hill? Just come over here to England and talk to hostellers and see if you hear about it. + 
-14. +The weather had by late afternoon turned dull and next morning it was drizzling slightly so there were no photographs taken at Stow. From there we pushed on to Duntisbourne Abbots through places like Lower Slaughter and Bourtan-on-the-Water. At the latter place we went to a Witchcraft exhibition. There before us many weird and terrifying rituals were unravelled - how to curse your wife's lover or turn ourself into a toadstool etc. The most amazing thing about the exhibition was the fact that approximately 90% of the gear on show had been borrowed from groups of odd bods who are actually still practicing these rites. Somewhere after Bourton we took a wrong turning and instead of doing the expected 20 miles that day we finished up doing 33. That would have been alright in itself if the 33 miles hadn't included Birdlip Hill. What! you've never heard of Birdlip Hill? Just come over here to England and talk to hostellers and see if you hear about it. 
-The mists rolled in and the rains driEzled down, a chilly wind blew up from nowhere. We pushed our machines along and so we became further and further apart - and then we came to Birdlip Hill. Tip and up we went, round a bend and up and up - forever upwards into the eternal mist,. A gang of roadworkers stared in amazement as one by one, at long intervals, cyclists pushed past them with glazed and stoney expressicns, until at last out of the mists came three girls, dead beat. This was too much even for the workmen. "Where you going" sez they. "Don'knowP, sez the girls. "Well where are you going to sleep", sez they. "Don't know", sez the girls, "we've lost the rest + 
-of the crowd". "Ohl" sez they, "the leader is about an hour and a +The mists rolled in and the rains drizzled down, a chilly wind blew up from nowhere. We pushed our machines along and so we became further and further apart - and then we came to Birdlip Hill. Up and up we went, round a bend and up and up - forever upwards into the eternal mist. A gang of roadworkers stared in amazement as one by one, at long intervals, cyclists pushed past them with glazed and stoney expressions, until at last out of the mists came three girls, dead beat. This was too much even for the workmen. "Where you going" sez they. "Don'know", sez the girls. "Well where are you going to sleep", sez they. "Don't know", sez the girls, "we've lost the rest of the crowd". "Oh!" sez they, "the leader is about an hour and a half ahead of you". "Blast them," sez the girls, sinking down onto the edge of the roadway, "if they're that far ahead we may as well have a rest." "Well have a cuppa tea," sez theyAnd so they did. "Tell us," sez they, "why do you all wear sunglasses?" "To keep out the glare and the wind whenever we do happen to go down hill," sez the girls. "But how can you see," sez they, "when you've got Rain on your Sunglasses." 
-half ahead of you". "Blast them," sez the girls, sinking down onto + 
-the edge of the roadway, "if they're that far ahead we may as well have +It was well after six and pitch dark when we arrived at Duntisbourne Abbots that night, cold, tired, dirty and oh so hungry. There we were welcomed like Royalty. We were shown our respective dormitories and then fed in the warden's own kitchen on home cured meat and home made bread and butter. 
-a rest." "Well have a cuppa tea," sez theyAnd so they did. "Tell us," sez they, "why do you all wear sunglasses?" + 
-"To keep out the glare and the wind whenever we do happen to go down hill," sez the girls. "But how can you see," sez they, "when you've got Rain on your Sunglasses." +From there we went via Cirencester, the town where King Arthur celebrated his coronation about the year dot, on to Inglesham. The least said about this, our first Wiltshire hostel the better. The only good thing about it was that the weather had cleared up again and was really lovely. From Inglesham to Ashton Keynes, a beautiful old farm house where my duty was to chop down an old apple tree in the orchard. The bike shed here was also used as a roosting shed by the fowls. We spent a very interesting afternoon at the Criklade (a small town about 4 miles from Ashton Keynes) Pottery where a young couple are turning out some wonderfully artistic pottery. 
-It was well after six and pitch da-k When we arrived at Duntisbourne Abbots that night, cold, tired, dirty and oh so hungry. There we were welcomed like Royalty. We were shown our respective dormitories and then fed in the warden's own kitchen on home cared meat and home made bread and butter. + 
-From there we went via Cirencester, the town where King Arthurcelebrated his coronation about the year dot, on to Inglesham.. The least said about this, our first Wiltshire hostel the better. The only good thing about it was that the weather had cleared up again and was really lovely. From Inglesham to Ashton Keynes, a beautiful old farm house where my duty was to chop down an old apple tree in the orchard. The bike shed here was also used as a roosting shed by the fowls. We spent a very interesting afternoon at the Criklade (a small town about 4 miles from Ashton Keynes) Pottery where a young couple are turning out some wonderfully artistic pottery. +Next stop was Marlborough. Here we ran into the last night of the National Wardens' Conference of the British Y.H.A. What a wonderful welcome they gave us, and how we sang till the early hours of the morning. The next day enroute to the ancient Roman city of Bath we called in at Avebury. It is here that the earliest traces of mankind in the British Isles is to be found. We wandered down avenues lined on either side with huge monoliths, saw the outlines of their temples and how they kept the good sperits in and the bad ones out by surrounding the whole area with a water filled moat. 
-Next stop was Marlborough. Here we ran into the last night of the National Wardens' Conference of the British Y.H.A. What a wonderful welcome they gave us, and how we sang till the early hours of the morning. The next day enraute to the ancient Roman city of Bath we called in at Avebury. It is here that the earliest traces of mankingl in the British -Isles is tobe found. We wandered down avenues lined on either side with huge monoliths, saw the outlines of their temples and how they kept the good sperits in and the bad ones out by surrounding the whole area with a water filled moat. + 
-Bath - a beautiful old city built in a natural amphitheatre of hills. It is here that the Romans had a flourishing city, much of which has been excavated and is now on show to whdever is interested. We spent a very full weekend roaming round Bath, exploring its little winding back streets and by attending a full choral service in the Old Bath Abbey. From here we visited the famous Well's Cathedral. +Bath - a beautiful old city built in a natural amphitheatre of hills. It is here that the Romans had a flourishing city, much of which has been excavated and is now on show to whoever is interested. We spent a very full weekend roaming round Bath, exploring its little winding back streets and by attending a full choral service in the Old Bath Abbey. From here we visited the famous Well's Cathedral. 
-Onto our machines again and off round the Mendip Hills to Cheddar, famous for its cheeses and its gorge. We visited the caves which aren't to be compared with our Jenolan and explored the gorge, ate Cheddar cheeses and went to the pictures on a special late pass to see + 
-15. +Onto our machines again and off round the Mendip Hills to Cheddar, famous for its cheeses and its gorge. We visited the caves which aren't to be compared with our Jenolan and explored the gorge, ate Cheddar cheeses and went to the pictures on a special late pass to see "Richard III". From Cheddar to Street where the hostel is an old converted wooden Quaker rest house. Street is 2 miles past the town of Glastonbury where Christianity was first preached by St. Joseph of Arimathea. Here we visited the ruins of the Cathedral that was built in his honour. It fell into ruins after Oliver Cromwell on Henry VIII orders took the lead from the roof to use in his battle against the churches. It is also here that the staff of St. Joseph when placed in the ground took root and grew into the famous Glastonbury Thorn tree that blossoms every Christmas despite the snow and cold of winter, as well as in Spring. 
-"Richard 111". From Cheddar to Street where the hostel is an old converted wooden Quaker rest house. Street is 2 miles pas-b.-the town of Glastonbury where Christianity was first preached by St.Joseph.of Arimathea. Here we visited the ruins of the Cathedral that was built in his honour. It fell into ruins after Oliver Cromwell on Henry V111 orders took the lead from the roof to use in his battle against the churches. It is also here that the staff of St.Joseph than placed in the ground took root and grew into the famous Glastonbury Thorn tree that blossoms every Christmas despite the snow and cold of winter, as well as in Spring. + 
-The next day we pushed on to Minehead on the west coast of Somerset - from here we couldbok over onto the coast of Wales. It was our longest day, nearly 42 miles, but it was worth it as it gave us a spare day to explore the lanes and hamlets of this fascinating area. Once again the weather had turned dirty on us, and so we decided to get back home to London as soon as possible as some of us had shocking +The next day we pushed on to Minehead on the west coast of Somerset - from here we could look over onto the coast of Wales. It was our longest day, nearly 42 miles, but it was worth it as it gave us a spare day to explore the lanes and hamlets of this fascinating area. Once again the weather had turned dirty on us, and so we decided to get back home to London as soon as possible as some of us had shocking colds. 
-So it wasthat as we headed for the railway station at Minehead that Saturday morning in October just 320 miles and 15 days after leaving Oxford and one week ahead of our expected arrival back in London, that we overheard this snippet of conversation between two elderly ladies.  to keep the rain off their faces," sez the + 
-first. "But my dear," sez the second, "how can they see when they've got Rain on their Sunglasses"+So it was that as we headed for the railway station at Minehead that Saturday morning in October just 320 miles and 15 days after leaving Oxford and one week ahead of our expected arrival back in London, that we overheard this snippet of conversation between two elderly ladies. ".... to keep the rain off their faces," sez the first. "But my dear," sez the second, "how can they see when they've got Rain on their Sunglasses". 
-Also from Rosso..... "Listen my so called friends, as yet I haven't heard one scrap of news from anybody in S.B.W. That I can assure you is a bit tough after month. S.O.S. to all S.B.W's - my permanent address is - Flat 6 - 67 Netharhall Gardens, Hampstead. N.W.3. + 
-Editor's Comment: Well, the Rosso wanted a long letter and he sure is going to get it - and howl That 100ft. length of toilet paper (conjured up by a score of S.B.W. characters) now winging its way to the Old Dart should silence even him far many moons.+---- 
 + 
 +Also from Rosso..... "Listen my so called friends, as yet I haven't heard one scrap of news from anybody in S.B.W. That I can assure you is a bit tough after month. S.O.S. to all S.B.W's - my permanent address is - Flat 6 - 67 Netharhall Gardens, Hampstead. N.W.3. 
 + 
 +Editor's Comment: Well, the Rosso wanted a long letter and he sure is going to get it - and how! That 100ft. length of toilet paper (conjured up by a score of S.B.W. characters) now winging its way to the Old Dart should silence even him for many moons. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 CHRISTMAS HOP OF 156. CHRISTMAS HOP OF 156.
 - Jim Brawn. - Jim Brawn.
195701.txt · Last modified: 2018/10/23 13:33 by tyreless

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