Introduction 

Special OFC poppy for pinning to rucksacs

Saturday evening activities led to a meal at Kirsktile complete with John Paterson selecting the competition winner from the recently launched web site.  I am happy to announce Dennis Page is the winner of the signed copy of Simon Yates' fantastic book.  As Dennis now adds, "That's great news it's my birthday today, I owe John 'P' a drink when I see him next."

Apart from the competition announcement I also gave out a memorial brochure and special poppy.  Once more the meal at the Kirkstile Inn was a good one and everyone retired ready for the act of Remembrance the following day.

I have eight printed memorial brochures left over, so if you would like a copy, then the first eight people to email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it their details will receive one in the post. You can also download one as a PDF from the downloads section on the right hand side.

Remembrance

With an early start and Roger initially providing tea in bed (thanks) we all gathered our kit in preparation for the walk in.  I will not burden you with the details of the ascent, I think you'll get the jist of it from the posted photographs, but it really was one of those four seasons in one day experiences.  After the initial cool and clagged start, we moved onto Gable summit to be met with falling temperature, evaporating cloud and flurries of snow.  In the continued spirit of the occasion, the FRCC President gave the Remembrance oration and some wreaths and poppies were laid.  Despite the announcements that poppies should not be brought, it was nice to see the memorial adorned with some colour, but unlike last year the lesser arrangements seemed to add more gravitas to the place.  Like the tomb of the unknown soldier, to me less seemed more.  Perhaps in the future just one wreath should be left; a symbol of unity from everyone who wanders that way.  To me, what's more important is the act of remembrance - the sheer presence of all those people communing together on the summit.  In any event it was great to carry our own OFC poppies to the summit and bring them back down - I've coveted mine and will leave it on the memorial near my home in East Ham - a small talisman of Lakeland in my own back yard.

After 11am and the two minutes silence, the OFC group headed over to the Westmorland Cairn overlooking Wasdale, the sun shining brightly.  Eating our lunch in the lee of the summit, I handed out 'snow' capped Toblerone and as a final touch special Flanders' Fields chocolates brought all the way from Ypres in Belgium.  I hope everyone liked the thought!

The weather was now beautiful with mountain vistas everywhere.  I took some time out to contemplate on my own, but the whole day was yet another excellent example of camaraderie.  Walking back to Honister the group split briefly; John Paterson and Jill Rowland taking the low road.  In all, another wonderful day.  To cap it all Richard Aubrey finished the weekend with four Wainwright tops (Oh no! He's counting!) and Ann Hiley could now celebrate her birthday. Thanks to one and all!

On a final note, I would like to announce that the Remembrance wreath that I arranged will be left on the war memorial at Staveley.  Perhaps there has been some contention about depositing poppies on Great Gable this year, but what counts is whether those of us still free to enjoy our favourite places remember in thought and spirit.   I hope members will agree that leaving our wreath in Staveley is an appropriate location in ear shot of the infant River Kent and  in view of our beloved fells.

Thoughts and reflections from some of the OFC members who attended

Just as we left Honister carpark, I asked everyone if they could select one photograph and write a few sentences that summed up their experience of the day, and serve as something to reflect upon for the next twelve months.

Reaching Great Gable summit   As we climbed up onto the summit from Beck Head the sun was beginning to break through the mist, poignantly highlighting in silhouette all the people gathered around the memorial.  The sight stopped me in my tracks!  Jill Rowland

Ann is happy to have arrived 20 minutes early!   We were lucky to be able to spend our day in such a wonderful place.  But Remembrance Sunday is really about people not places.  First, of course,  those who died or suffered injury or bereavement to give us our freedom.  Second, the rest of us who choose to remember them.  This photo of Ann sums it up for me. "I've arrived in good time, I did it in style and right now I am exactly where I want to be", she seems to be saying.  Says it all really.  John Paterson

The Westmorland Cairn by Jo Hall This was the scene at the Westmorland Cairn shortly after the address and two minutes silence.  These white wispy clouds drifted mysteriously and silently across the neighbouring fells for several minutes before the sun suddenly burst through to reveal the fells and valleys in all their glory.  Remembrance Day on Gable was truly a day to remember.  Jo Hall

Quiet Contemplations - a view over Wasdale [photo: Ann & Roger Hiley]   I was so glad both Roger, Jill et al  took a similar shot of me (In the end I was spoilt for choice!).  I wandered off for a few minutes just to be by myself and quietly meditated about life with London at the forefront.  Where else on this beautiful island does such a landscape unfold itself before you?  Sally Whittaker might well have chosend 'Britain's Finest View' from the other end of Wast Water, but in all honesty, this reverse angle beats it hands down.  As Richard said to me earlier on Saturday, "It's hard to believe that this is in the same country as London".  Peter Burgess

Group photo on Green Gable   For me, one of the special moments of the day was at the time of the remembrance ceremony itself when there were gentle snowflakes falling on us.  Not quite poppies, but it all added to the very moving part of the day.  The picture of everyone smiling together on Green Gable sums the day up for me.  I know I was there with the people I wanted to be with and the smiles on everyone's faces show how happy we were to be able to share this very special occasion together.  Jill Batchelor

View over Buttermere My picture is from later in the day, and shows the remarkably clear views we had after the weather had changed.  What struck me most was the timing of the change in the weather.  Our ascent was made in wet, murky weather, replaced at the summit by a cold wind and snow flurries.  The discomfort of standing bare-headed to observe the silence with the snow whipping around was nothing compared to the sacrifices made by those who died, or were wounded or bereaved to protect our freedom, but it seemed somehow appropriate.  And then, almost as soon as the ceremony was over, the sun broke through, the skies cleared and it felt like a reward.  A remarkable day, and we felt privileged to be there.  Nigel Batchelor

Great Hell Gate by Andrew Mason   It was a great privilege to attend the FRCC Remembrance Ceremony on Great Gable, and the day was made extra special by the fantastic views that were available.  One of my favourites is this view of Great Hell Gate and The Napes Ridge where the shattered rocks and scree look as fragile as the bodies of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice yesterday, today and indeed tomorrow.  Thankfully though, this landscape is rather more permanent and means we can return through the years to remember.  Andrew Mason

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