THE GRAPEVINE

The Page for News, Group Chit Chat and Rumour

If you have any info regarding births, weddings, anniversaries, amazing achievements or anything of remote interest please e-mail or send details.

WyeForest 50

The entry limit has been reached & entries are now closed. You Group now needs YOU!

The WyeForest 50 is a very important event both for the entrants and for the status of our group. It takes a lot of hard work & effort to organise. However, that is all wasted if the members do not support the event by helping on the day. 

If you wish to walk the route & gain a certificate there will be a Marshals Walk for B&W members on Saturday 31st March to Sunday 1st April 2012. Any member doing the marshals walk is expected to help on the main event.

The Marshals Walk will be a minimum support walk but a certain amount of food & drink will be provided from support cars.

Dave S is also leading a daytime walk of the night section for marshals on 14th March, please contact using the volunteer link below.

Please let me know if you can help on the main event by clicking here to Volunteer. Please also mention if you will be doing the Marshals Walk

We are also looking for some help to support the Marshals Walk.

The main event is on 28th & 29th April 2012. Your help will be vital to the success of the event. We will set up the hall from 8:00am on Saturday and clear it from 10.00 am on Sunday. There are many jobs to be done to succour to the needs of the participants both in the hall and the checkpoints. If you can help for the full time that will be great. There is a marshals rest room where you can get your head down at some time. If you can only manage part time that will also be a great help as we can organise shifts. Also of course the checkpoints are open at different times so the time you are available can be suited to a particular check point.

The latest Bristol & West member

B&W Diamond Lady

Jenny Read has just finished the Southern Upland way and has now been awarded the National Trail Diamond certificate. She is the first Lady to achieve this feat.

B&W/Wiltshire Titley check point on the Housman 100

To paraphrase the great man, " The lads on the hundred to Titley came in for the fayre".

Some of the sights.

B&W Housman 100 completions.

Congratulations to the following members who successfully completed the 101.2 miles.

Susan W 44.44, Tony R   40.56, Chris H  36.04, Shirley H 31.08, Jon B   29.53.  

Also those on the Marshals 100 mile walk Isobel F, 41.25, Ken F, 31.52 & Richard Dby 47.22.

Dare we think this far ahead?

Camel-Teign (Ivor’s Dream) 100  - May 2013 Cornwall & Devon are to host the 2013 hundred. Our neighbours have asked for help & as we are only running one event in 2013 Jenny has offered to coordinate a B&W check point. B&W members can volunteer on the B&W Members Only page. 

Richard Ds Housman impressions

I am pleased to report the successful completion of the Houseman Hundred Marshals' walk in 47 hours. It was tougher than last years' Scottish Hundred.

There were several back-breaking, thigh-breaking ascents and toe crunching descents and lots of gates and stiles to contend with. An extraordinary ferocious wind was blowing all 48 hours. The chill factor was such that I needed to wear a light-weight pertex jacket during the heat of day in order to keep warm (although it was too warm in sheltered areas) and at night I had to put on my waterproof coat. And I finished with a sore throat due to the wind. Apart from that it was a superb route. Extensive views over the Welsh Marches and the English countryside, masses of bluebells and fresh green leaves adding much colour to the scenery and glorious sunsets/sunrises all helped to keep one's spirits up during the long trek. Navigation was tricky at times - map and compass were essential tools to keep me on course. There were thirteen excellent check-points giving a warm welcome, particularly from Chris and Shirley at Titley and Tony and Susan at Bromfield, helping me with my gluten free diet. Shiriey pointed out where the cutlery trays were hidden- a very helpful tip for when we help at Titley on the main event. Also a delicious chicken casserole was served at midnight by Matt and his wife in their kitchen at the Knighton check-point. (NB. This will not occur on the main event!) On Sunday afternoon I spent several hours debating with myself whether to give up at the Bridges check-point. Mentally I had had enough. I am glad that I continued. Will I do another? Time will tell! 

Richard Dby.

Another B&W success!

Phil K confirmed that his family's Holstein cow "Kingspool Jordan Princess" won Supreme Champion for the Cattle and overall Champion of the North Somerset show

What a talented lot we are! 

B&W London Marathon Successes 2011

Ray Watson's run 

Despite a heavy cold and the hot weather, I completed the London Marathon on behalf of Harvest for the Hungry. I hit "The Wall" at about 21 miles and knew I had to walk the remainder if I was going to finish. I was so encouraged by all your messages of love and support. They really did make a difference. At the time of writing we have reached 62% of the target (£2620). Thank you very much if you have already made a donation, and if you haven't given yet, don't worry, my JustGiving page is still active!

If you wish to sponsor Ray details can be found HERE.

Jenny hits GOLD!

Congratulations to Jenny R in becoming the first Lady ever to achieve a National Trails Gold Award

Jenny completed the Great Glen Way in the second week of April to complete 15 National Trails

This gave a total of 2452 miles of NTs. Jenny is one of a select group of only six people to gain the coveted Gold award.

Well Done!

Another future Bristol & West Member!

Congratulations to Jane & David Powell. 

Jane gave birth on Friday 8th April to a bonny baby girl they are calling Daisy.

Weighing in at 6lbs 8ozs I guess David will need a bigger rucksac.

B&W are helping the Heart of England group, the new owners of the Malvern Midsummer Marathon. Please volunteer to help make this great event a continued success. If you are free on 25th June come along for a great day. Contact the  Webmaster

Cheltenham Circular Challenge

A new non LDWA event for you to try in our area. Click HERE for details

LDWA National AGM 5th & 6th March 2011

Bristol & West provided the leaders for all the walks on this years AGM at Webbington. Wendy & Ray W has sent in pictures that they took on the C walk on which they acted as sweepers behind Jenny R.

As you can see by clicking on the image they enjoyed good weather. It is also evident that B&W were well represented at the actual AGM on the Sunday.

Oyez Oyez B&W member at full shout.

Dave Fry who has been the South Gloucestershire Town Crier for over 20 years came second in the recent Wootton Bassett Town Criers competition. We don't see Dave out very often these days but you will hear him when he does make an appearance.

Norman King 

About 1994 I was introduced to the LDWA by Norman King who died about a week ago. I think it is some time since he walked with the LDWA. We were good friends and I will miss him. 

Roger S.

It is with sadness that we report the death of Reg Chapman. 

Reg was the LDWA Internet Office and Committee Member. He will be known to many members as he was involved in running the LDWA in many capacities over the years.

Congratulations to Catharine & Alex who are now the proud parents of a baby boy. Weighing in at an impressive nine pounds eleven & a half ounces Edward Francis Pember arrived on 21st September 2010. I suppose if we can't recruit new members we will have to produce them.

Whilst most of us were slaving away ministering to the needs of those on the Cotswold Challenge some members were elsewhere posing.

Barbara has been practicing for the next batch of check point goodies.

A Silver for Jenny

Jenny R has slipped under my radar but I have now caught up with her achievement of a National Trail Walkers Silver Award. This is awarded for completing ten National Trails. Jenny has in fact so far completed 12 National Trails clocking up an impressive 1960 miles.

Extreme mid life crisis cure.

Have you ever felt that life is passing you by and old age is creeping up on you? Well one of our members is doing something about it. Jenny K has decided to sling in her job, pack up and go backpacking for a year or two. She is warming up in September with the Alta Via 2, a 180km alpine high level route in the Dolomites. Then it is off on a grand backpacking tour of Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Jenny says her body is starting to feel like an old persons. This will be her last chance to go wilderness walking with a tent. Phew! It makes me feel old just reading about it. Good luck Jenny, and hopefully you will keep in touch with your progress.

Heart (break) of Scotland 100.

Congratulations & commiserations are in order. The details I have so far are Shirley Hume completed her 28th 100 in 32 hrs 17 mins (with very dodgy feet). Tony Rowley finished in 40 hrs 15 mins & Susan Wilkinson in 43 hrs 21 mins. Richard Denby was also successful in 44 hrs 30 mins (was it the best ever Richard?). Patricia Seabrook & Beatrice Therin both finished in 46 hrs 46 mins. Chris Hume stopped at 76 miles & Barbara managed 62 miles (urged on by the breakfast stop).  Catherine succumbed at 24 miles (however, congratulations for the forthcoming event in September!). 

I understand it was difficult for the hares due to rain on the night section. This caused later problems due to swollen burns (rivers to Sassenachs ).However, I understand things had settled down by the time the slower walkers arrived. Richard D has reported that, as expected, it was his favourite 100. However, there was a high retirement rate so it appears it was the case that the poor weather conditions came at a time which took a toll on the faster people who were on the night section. Wet feet coupled with the last 18 miles on hard tracks would not be pleasant for the trainer shod brigade.

Full provisional results appear HERE

The marshals walk was successfully completed by Ken Falkoner in 30 hrs 17 mins & Isobel Falkoner in 41 hrs 42 mins.

The full marshals results are HERE

Many of you will know Jeremy Corke who although not a subscriber to B&W, he is an LDWA member in our postal area. Jeremy is a regular on many of our events. He has contacted me to say that he also completed the Heart of Scotland 100 in 26 hrs 12 mins.

If you know of any other B&W efforts please let me know via the webmaster link.

B&W member, Dennis Gilbert has been quietly ticking off National Trails over the past nine years. He achieved the bronze certificate (5 completed trails) in April 2004, the silver (10 completions) in March 2009 and has  been awarded the gold certificate in early 2010 having completed 15 National Trails, a total of 1,924 miles. Dennis is one of only 5 people to have done this feat. Never one to rest on his laurels, Dennis quietly carried on walking and by June 2010 he completed all the 18 National Trails, a total of 2,824 miles. The picture shows the certificate which will be awarded when his claim is processed. 

However, don't hang up those boots Dennis because when the Pennine Bridleway is fully opened there will be 19 trails.

He plans to do his first one, The Cotswolds Way, again in his 80th year. Perhaps he can do them all in the reverse direction before his 90th. Well done Dennis.

Group May Weekend at Rhayader 21-23 May 2010

13 members enjoyed a superb weekend at the Beili Neuadd bunkhouse organised by Neil & Joan. A long walk on Saturday led by Simon in the mountains around the Elan valley was followed by a Sunday walk jointly led by Ray & Neil. A full report will appear in Walk West. In the mean time view the scenery by clicking on the picture.

London Marathon 2010

B&W members that I am aware of who successfully completed this years Virgin London Marathon were:

Jon Bateman in 3 hrs 07 mins 28 secs and was 9th in his age group.

Shirley Hume in 3 hrs 53 mins 50 secs and was 35th in her age group.

Patricia Seabrook 5 hrs 45 mins 28 secs and was 7th in her age group.

If any other members completed the event please let the webmaster know.

Dorset Giant 2010

A contingent of B&W members supported the Dorset Group with their Triple Challenge Event, the Dorset Giant on 24th April.

Geof Parsons, Wendy & Ray Watson, Sheila & Dave Street helped at the 20 mile checkpoint at Loders.  A special thanks to Wendy & Ray who turned out following the recent tragic death of Wendy's brother in a plane crash.

Madeleine Pingstone helped wave the B&W flag at various venues whilst supporting David who successfully completed the event. Madeleine started at HQ preparing breakfasts & meal preparations for other checkpoints. She then went to Frampton at the 35mile checkpoint where she performed stirling duties as a waitress. Madeleine reports that she was impressed by the organisation and the number of keen & willing members in the Dorset group. Apparently they are keen to hold a 100 but will have to wait until 2016. Hope their keenness holds out that long. Dare I mention that I remember someone suggesting a Cotswold 100? Hmmm!

    MIRIAM MITCHELL

It is with great sadness that we learned of the sudden death of Miriam in a road accident on Saturday January 30th. She was an active member of the both the Wiltshire and Bristol & West groups of the Long Distance Walkers Association. 

Miriam enjoyed “Challenge” walks and in 2008 completed the “Across Wales Walk”  in 15 hours. She also ran the Edinburgh Marathon in 2009 and raised about £5000 for the Alzheimer’s Society which was particularly emotive for her since her husband Angus had been a sufferer for number of years.  

Miriam was also a keen cyclist and last year took part in a London to Paris event. It was whilst she was cycling from her home to visit Angus in Trowbridge that the fatal accident occurred.

 She will be very much missed by all her walking friends. Our condolences go out to her family.

Several members, Wendy & Ray in particular, have supported Breast Cancer Awareness in previous years by doing the popular Moon Walk. Details of this and other walking/running events can be found on the Breast Cancer Awareness site.

Founder member completes 1½ End to End walks

After an unsuccessful attempt at the End to End last year due to Susan sustaining an injury half way, Tony Rowley & Susan set off again on this epic walk. Not from where they left off but back to GO!

Mac McArthur sent the following report.

Congratulations to Tony Rowley and Susan who successfully completed their Le Jog. Starting from Lands End on 15th February they reached John O' Groats on the 27th April taking 72days and 1150 miles of walking. The walk was a mix of national trails, footpaths and minor roads.

I  know of only one problem they had, and that was the River Severn in flood near Worcester , but it was soon sorted with a change of route and they met Colin S and I as scheduled for lunch on that day.

Tony I know kept a journal during the walk  I am sure it will make good and essential reading for all End to End aspirants..

You will be interested to know that on conclusion of the walk they took three days ‘rest by leisurely walking‘ in north east Scotland , to rest sore feet and to contemplate the coming 100..

Tony will be at this years Malvern Midsummer Marathon as a helper whilst Susan has decided she can't resist a good walk and has entered the event.

A reminder to all those visiting the Lake District, that the New Balance factory outlet shop is in the very small village of Shap. If you already know what type, model number etc of trainers you need, then ring Ruth on 01931 716333 and she will try and get them in for you. This might be the time to try switching from boots to trainers. I know that many people don’t believe they could get trainers wide enough; New Balance does a 4E width fitting!   

Wendy.

 PS Also don’t forget that the only decent motorway service area is the Westmoreland services at Tebay, owned and run by local farmers.

On Sunday 27th July 2003 Wendy Watson became a Centurion . 

A Centurion is one who, as an amateur, has walked in competition 100 miles within 24 hours. Wendy achieved this feat on a 2 mile tarmac track at Newmarket. It is believed that she is the first female B&W member to become a member of the Brotherhood of Centurions. Unfortunately, the only B&W male centurions that I am aware of have passed on - so come on chaps, get training.

I have just heard that Wendy has the honour of being the 1000th Centurion.

I have added a link to the Centurions website in case other members are inspired to follow suit.

For those of you who fancy a more sedate life style, there are a number of LDWA Challenge Events during the year. We at Bristol & West also have a full calendar of Social Walks. 

What better way to support your group than to volunteer to help on one of our three popular Challenge Events.

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