Christmas Carol Singing
Some pictures of our Church singers visiting various homes before Christmas.
Singing at Moira and Tony's House
Singing at Paul Wheater's House
Singing at Katrina Butler's House
Singing at Katrina Butler's House
Singing at Betty Lund's House
Singing at Marton Court Centre
Scafell Pike Climb
John, Ken and Alan in optomistic mood.
On 24th May 2013, a group of four intrepid climbers from Whitby Evangelical Church set off in the early hours of the morning for the Lake District and the hope that the promise of improving weather might mean the possibility of a good climb up Scafell Pike. The group consisted of Wing Commander John Woollin, Flight Lieutenant Barry Davies, Gunner Ken Reeve and Navigator Alan Green. The early signs were not good and the rain battered down on the journey along the A66. First, a beautiful sight as a wonderful complete rainbow appeared with the promise of sun to come. Second, and no less impressive, was the appearance of a transport cafe and the promise of a "full English".
Suitably refreshed and enthused, the party set out on the last leg to Stonethwaite to park the car at the farm near the beginning of the path up to Scafell Pike. As we gradually climbed up the path, the wind and rain reduced and the sun even came out as we ascended. "Gunner" Reeve, as is the case with gunners, was at the rear of the group and by lunchtime was some way behind the rest. This was due to various camera related mishaps on the way up!
Lunch getting near to the top of the hill.
After lunch the Wing Commander and Gunner decided to abandon the climb to the top and travel back via Sty Head Tarn. Barry and Alan were determined, at this point, to climb to the summit. Unfortunately, "summit" stopped 'em, the winds were too fierce (about 60mph) and several walkers coming the other way said it was way too dangerous and had given up on their climb. Common sense then took over from valour and they decided to come back via a lower route.
The view from the top of the saddle point below Scafell Pike.
By this time "Winco" and "Gunner" were nowhere to be seen as they had turned round some time before. "Flight" and "Nav" thus decided to explore a new route down (which is shorthand for saying they were lost!). How were we to know that there were four or five tarns near the top, all of which looked the same? But after an energetic descent down an almost vertical rock pile, they negotiated their way down to the main path once more.
What's this? A sat "Nav" of course!!
One more mystery lay before us before the journey home. When Alan and Barry got back to the farm, there was no sign of John or Ken. Where were they? They were in front of us remember! It was like the Marie Celeste but without the boat. Alan and Barry settled down to have something top eat and wait for developments. Eventually, after about 30mins, John came up saying that Ken was behind (way behind!). But after all the excitement, everyone agreed that it had been a "Grand Day Out" as Wallace and Gromit would have said and everyone was looking forward to the next expedition.
"Flight" before the ascent.
"Gunner" Reeve bringing up the rear!
There's still snow in them thar hills!
One last view of the Lakes!
BD
Posted On: 01/06/2013