Roving Reporters

Slip sliding away!
It was a particularly sunny frosty post Christmas Monday as four of us met up for a traditional lunch of "bangers and mash". Well what else is one supposed to have after stuffing themselves with rubbish over the festive period! Then it was out into the icy wilds of the Harewood Estate. Scooping up a shivering pooch on the way. We could see for miles over the picturesque snow covered Lower Warfedale Valley, admiring the shapely form of Almscliffe Crag as we picked our way gingerly around the Northern end of the Estate. (Mental note to self... [read more]

Luddenden Foot Walk
It wasn't the most inspiring start. The name of the venue conjured up visions of a mud-splattered farmer struggling for words on a cold winter's morning. But once into the valleys, the area opened up into fine upland countryside - wild and rather remote, yet close to Halifax itself. There was plenty of exercise on this five mile walk - uphill and downdale. And the lunch stop at the Delvers Inn, Wainstalls, seemed a well deserved break. In all a most enjoyable half day's ramble. Our thanks to Sylvia for organising it. - Geoff

A Comfy... [read more]

The weekend started when we all met up on Friday at Arnside Youth Hostel for an evening meal followed by a glass of wine or two and socialising in the lounge area.
Saturday started out dry and dull; however, by mid-day (the start of the bay walk) a gusty wind developed accompanied by driving drizzle. We donned waterproofs and, in bare legs, in some cases bare feet as well, put our best foot forward across the bay. There were over 500 people on the walk, including children, plus a number of dogs, so altogether there was quite a crowd. As... [read more]

Eleven of us celebrated our Summer Event Day with a Yorkshire Day 2009 visit to Oakwell Hall where we toured the house and gardens, before lunching, some inside and some outside, the café. In the afternoon we drove to Red House Museum at Gomersal where we viewed the interesting house with its Bronte connections and an audio/visual display in the barn about the Luddite movement. In the evening seventeen of us enjoyed an excellent meal at the Sands House restaurant at Crosland Moor Huddersfield. Many thanks to the committee, especially Keith, for organising a most enjoyable day of events. Doreen

Phil and I had an early start one Saturday in April when we set off at 6:45 am to attend the AIVC conference at the art deco style Derby Conference Centre. AIVC (Association of Inter-Varsity Clubs) is the national organisation which co-ordinates over 40 local clubs, and once a year all clubs are invited to a conference weekend, which is a mix of formal business, workshops, and leisure activities.
After a quick coffee, events began with AGM business and a special welcome to delegates from the new West Kent IVC. Feedback was given on the Disability Discrimination Act (discussed last... [read more]

It's always nice to finish off a walk with refreshments, and even more welcome when it's in a member's home, so many thanks to Jane, who invited us back to her delightful cottage after the walk on Boxing Day. 'Just a coffee and a mince pie' she said, but what a spread! We fared sumptuously on mince pies, Christmas cake, dips, cheese and biscuits, enjoying her cosy fire (newly installed for the occasion!) and the fine views. We'd already had a refreshment stop at Gibson Mill in Hardcastle Crags, but you wouldn't have known it as we tucked in enthusiastically.... [read more]

Undeterred by an early heavy shower, four IVC lasses (and canine friends) enjoyed a splendid walk in Longdendale last month, led by Nicola. Starting from Crowden we climbed up to Lad's Leap, where we ate our picnic lunch in the sunshine next to a gurgling stream, with only a rather troublesome wasp, and equally troublesome Park Ranger disturbing our peace. (Katherine seemed more troubled by the inquisitive Park Ranger than the wasp. I think he was just trying to 'be friendly', Katherine.)
So there we were - four lasses at Lad's Leap. 'Where were the lads?' I hear you ask.... [read more]

Margaret and Kate's summer event at the Yokshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, was blessed by a good attendance and warm, sunny weather.
On a grand tour of the park, Sophie Ryder's part-hare part-human sculptures made an immediate impression and we followed up the outside pieces with a tour of the interior ones in the Longside Gallery before taking a picnic lunch outside, where Tony and Sylvia were observed downing a glass of Lambrusco with their sandwiches.
The walking route back to the Visitor Centre included a trip up Winter and Horbelt's steel "folly", visits to Andy Goldsworthy's tree and sheepfolds,... [read more]

In 1974 Lancashire was reduced in size and two new counties were created, they were Greater Manchester and Merseyside. At the heart of Merseyside is the Great City of Liverpool whose inhabitants consider themselves Liverpudlians and nothing else! And it was to Liverpool that an intrepid group of IVC members, led by Roger Sykes, made for during the weekend of 27, 28 and 29 June.
The venue was Liverpool Youth Hostel, close to Albert Dock and the Liver Building and, with all the party present by 7.00pm, we made for a fine Chinese restaurant, the interior of which included authentic... [read more]