 Peter Burgess at Blackwell I guess it all started in the New Year with the start of the AW Centenary celebrations. Of course, how could any of those who attended forget the activities in and around Blackburn for the Civic celebrations there? The Centenary ascent of Pendle, followed by the meal in Clitheroe with the talk by Mark Richards will always be in my memory, perhaps as Liz most pertinently realised, because it was on my home territory. It meant much, not only to be celebrating AW's birth with friends, but the icing on the cake had to be the ascent of Pendle and of course the chance to meet up with my family. Those few hours in the New Inn were good ones! Thanks to Mark for the lovely AW anecdotes - I knew I should've recorded the talk! Well, 2007 wasn't all rosey for us exiles and I speak for many when I say that the OFC creates my link to the people and places I love most. I will never regret that April day when I created the Club as it enables many of us to view photos and messages from good friends and acquaintances who have the fortune to be within striking distance of our beloved high places. People seem to resist any notion of formalising matters within the OFC and despite my worries about my despotic regime, activities go on unabated. Perhaps this informality breeds creativity, not only with walk ideas but allows any member of the club to formulate their own contributions. This was best put to the test when Angela Clarke and Neil Haslewood arranged a fabulous gathering in The Peak District which really was something. Of course, Liz Lemal had organised another gathering outside Lakeland. I made a clanger by suggesting the afforementioned Peak gathering was the first such, but the descent into the bowels of the Earth at Gaping Gill was really something special and one which I feel Liz will continue. I know everyone who attended thought it was brilliant. Of course, it seemed logical to base the latest issue of The Lost Sheep around the life and times of Alfred Wainwright and to date sales are well over £500. I have to thank the enthusiasm of all the contributors for their support, it was a fantastic issue and one of which we should be proud. Members will be glad to know that Betty Wainwright acknowledged her special copy and thought it an excellent read. Throughout this year, I was sorry to hear of the ill health of various members of the OFC. I know Jill Batchelor won't like me mentioning her hospital visit and John Paterson was diagnosed with diabates so he's requested no Kendal mint cake from now on! It's good to hear that these two club correspondents are now back in action again. It was the news of Lorraine's diagnosis with duodenal cancer which really upset many of us. However, Steven informs us that Lorraine will have an operation early in the New Year and with all the optimism and prayers on offer we are happy of a good result. I know how very touched Lorraine has been with all the messages and cards this Christmas. I would also like to pass on the sad news about my uncle Alan's partner Sue whom some of you met at the Centenary weekend in Clitheroe. Sadly, Sue suffered a series of strokes over the week before Christmas and has sadly passed away. I know some of you would like to pass your sympathies to my uncle. This really is a sad note. Well let's not linger around maudlin, Sue for one would not have wished that... The personal highlight for me away from the Lakes had to be the authoring of the new website and its launch on Ivinghoe Beacon down here in the 'saarth'! Until reading this, James Hoye won't realise, but I was quite reluctant to hand over some aspects of the OFC to him. However, how wrong could I have been. In James I have found a kindred spirit who also has the talents to make my ideas a reality. I am sure everyone will join me in congratulating James on such a fabulous effort with the new website which looks slick, professional and hopefully interesting. On that note I hope even more people will enter the Christmas Competition which is now online. It therefore goes without saying that the most surreal event of the year had to be the web launch on Ivinghoe Beacon. Despite minor teething difficulties the site was remotely launched from the summit and Champagne corks whizzed overhead. The evening was rounded off back at the car park with the gathered hoards tucking into their picnic in the dark and hastening drizzle whilst surfing the web - one not to be forgotten there! Again, a big thankyou to James. Just a quick note in passing, as most already know, but several of us gathered at the Kendal Search and Mountain Rescue Team HQ in order to present a cheque for £500. I think the Team Chairman was pleasantly surprised by the contribution from our humble institution. The Via Ferrata weekend was another highlight for many and was attended, I believe, by the most OFCers ever thanks to the talent and organisatioanl skills of the Hileys (Roger and Ann). Two groups ascended the new Via Ferrata route and afterwards people had the chance to purchase the new issue of The Lost Sheep. Of course food was also on the agenda when everyone gathered at the Yew Tree to sample the delights of the great food there complete with guest appearance by Mark Weir. Finally I could not conclude a discussion about this year without mentioning the ascent of Great Gable. Once more, this event has been dove-tailed into the Club calendar and has become an important activity for many. Here again I must thank the Hileys for their graceful hospitality it was much appreciated by at least two weary travellors from the 'Big Smoke'. To be honest one of my lasting memories from the weekend will be from the Saturday ascent of Blencathra when Richard Aubrey stated, "I can't believe this is the same country that contains London!". Of course an ascent of Blencathra via Sharp Edge in blustery conditions was rather a toss up, but for me his comment summed up my everlasting feelings about Lakeland. We do indeed live in a beautiful world and thanks to you all for bringing it an awful lot nearer to me. Have a really festive Christmas and I hope 2008 is one filled with just as much mirth and cheer. Ad altiora!
Peter Burgess
Club Founder
East Ham,
London |
