Here you can see the report from our latest walk and also some of the pictures that were taken.

Unless otherwise stated, report by Paul Coates and pictures by Keith Bilton.

Thursday December 20th 2007

Members: Chris, Paul, Jacko, Col, Paul Craggs, Dennis, Keith, John, Dudley, Alf, Ray, Dave, Jack Rhoades, Stu, Paul Holmes, Bob.

Cars : Bus driven by John Kendrew

Route: Towthorpe Corner, Londesborough, Lane (Wolds Way), Partridge Hall, Nunburnholme, Bratt Wood, Wold Farm, Warrendale Farm, Lane, Millington (Gait Inn).

Weather : Misty & Murky.

So here we are again, Christmas already. A change in the usual picking up arrangements saw John collecting the west Hull mob in an EYMS mini-bus whilst the east Hull crew arrived at Tescos in taxi's. The bus was suitably decorated with tinsel and Christmas cards, but alas they were not for our benefit but rather for the passengers on it's regular haunts around Brough.

We were soon on our way and arrived at our usual starting point on this walk at Towthorpe Corner in fairly quick time. This day has it's traditions, one of the first being the team photo before the walkers get walking and the shirkers get bacon butties in Pocklington. Again this event would'nt be complete without Keith having an issue with his camera equipment, today being no exception. This time it was a defective tripod, although it must be pointed out he was carrying a multitude of spare batteries and memory cards. Well you just can't be too careful. As a safeguard Paul Holmes also captured the, by now, unruly mob for posterity.

As John ferried the sick, lame & lazy party into Pocklington, Chris, Paul, Col, Craggsy, Keith, Dud, Ray, JR, Stu, Sherlock & Bobbo started out along the Wolds Way towards Londesborough. There was a bit of a rumpus at the start when Paul Craggs walked past a 'lost' £1 coin without spotting it. It was quickly liberated by JR who then pointed out Mr. Craggs grave oversight. Paul nearly had to go back to the bus for a lie down, but with the assistance of the Samaritans and the Air/Sea Rescue service we managed to bring him round.

Some of the daft headgear on display

As it was a relatively mild day we expected it to be a bit on the muddy side. We were not disappointed, especially between Partridge Hall and Nunburnholme. Our morning grub stop was enlivened by some sheep in the next field poking their noses through the fence looking for something to eat. Mind you even they drew the line at Craggsy'spickled onions.

On the last leg of our morning ramble we were met by Dennis who had walked up from Millington to Warrendale Farm. We were soon on the bus which was parked at the back of the Gait Inn in Millington. As we were getting changed we noted a number of cars arriving at the pub. This was unusual as the pub is normally closed on lunchtimes. Most times in the past we have had the pub to ourselves, but obviously not today. We needn't have worried though as we didn't appear to put the other customers off their meals.

Shove yer pies Dudley!!

It must also be logged that Sherlock Holmes carried on his almost fortnightly tradition of leaving his camera somewhere. This time he left it on the dashboard of the bus. He later came back to the bus for some undisclosed purpose, but we are fairly sure he didn't know he'd left his camera untill he spotted it. As well as a new knee we reckon he also needs a new memory card.

Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals, apart from Jacko, another tradition at Christmas. He complained that his scampi (Whitby style perhaps?) was too dry. We did offer him some gravy but he ungratefully turned it down. The only complaint we all had was the length of time between the starter and the main course. But when they eventually arrived everyone tucked in.

After the eating and Bob's year end report, and not forgeting Ebeneezer Craggs FAC financial review, the annual darts match got underway. The usual suspects were already at the board 'getting their eye in'. All claimed to have not played since last Christmas, but all seemed to be regularly hitting the high scores. Most of us were content to get low scores so we could scurry back to the comfort of the open fire. Keith was most annoyed at scoring over 200 with his first arrows, this meant he'd reluctantly made it to the next round.

Serves him right for being a show off!. Paul Craggs won the Barry Gardiner trophy while Dave won the main trophy (again!). This was after a thrilling final (so we hear) against Bob.

At around 6 o'clock as we made ready to board the bus for the short ride to Pocklington, we were all aware that something was not right with the day, although none of us could be sure why. Then it we realised that Keith was still stood upright and sober! Was he ill?, had he signed the pledge?, had he lost his money?. This was certainly a first for him. No more getting barred from Yatesbury Fisheries?, no more falling into his neighbours privet hedge?, no more leaving half his belongings on the bus?. He even claimed that his wife would'nt believe he'd been on the Christmas do if he arrived home sober, coherant and without the remains of someones hedge about his person.

Last year's winnerJohn presenting the trophy to Dave

After the pub the next stop is Pocklington for fish & chips. And it has to be noted that they were delicious. However another worrying event took place on the short walk from the EYMS bus depot to the fish shop. Paul Craggs walked by two 20p pieces without stopping to pick them up! Instead Col retrieved them for safe keeping. This is becoming an alarming trend by Mr. Craggs, who is, after all, the FAC treasurer. If he carries on this disturbing behaviour I fear we may have to report his inability to instantly recognise discarded coins to the IMF. No doubt they will then revoke his license to 'treasure'.

And so, eventually, ended another FAC Christmas do. It was good to see Dennis & Alf enjoying the day. Chris pointed out that over the years this annual event has gradually changed from 'riotous' to 'mellow'. It's still a good day for all that. Our thanks to John for getting us there and back in one piece. He did such a good job we might let him do it again next year!

A sober (and mature) ride home

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