For those members of the Branch fortunate to have been able to take part in the Reeth Wallathon the abiding memories are of fine walling, good company and a terrific sense of a community “coming together.” The announcement of a further Wallathon this Spring was soon fully subscribed.
In November the Branch were pleased to host colleagues from Cheshire Branch and a big thank you for their fine efforts at Ridge Farm.
Our Christmas bash was held once again at the Cross Keys Inn at Uppermill. Special guests this year included Richard and Natalie from Ridge Farm and it was a pleasure to have their company. As we had such a large number in attendance, we were fortunate to be accommodated in a small function room. We had delightful local food with a choice of two Lancashire favourites – ‘tater pie, or cheese and onion, Peter Taft’s ridiculously hard pop quiz for grown-ups and much relaxing banter; all washed down with some commendable ales from John Willie Lees.
As for most Branches January proved to be a difficult month weatherwise. The first Practice Meet of the year was miserable by all accounts and some of us took the difficult decision to stay at home. Wimps?
Unfortunately, yes.
February has proved even worse and the incessant rainfall has meant that even on dry days some of our sites are still unusable because the ground is water- logged and unsafe, although there have not yet been any reports of trench foot. Sadly, February’s Practice Meet was called
off owing to the conditions.
The March Practice Meet was very well supported with new members adding to the veterans list and bodes well for the rest of the year. Like most Branches we are hoping for a cessation in the incessant rainfall and a sincere wish that none of us fall victim to “pop flu,” aka Coronavirus, because we have a full programme ahead and lots of walls to build.
Finally, therefore, if any Branches / colleagues would like to join us this year for a day on the Millstone Grit – that’s walling not drinking beer – then please get in touch via our Secretary Paul Clayton, or Chairman Chris Bolshaw. Please be advised that as we are not yet full beneficiaries of global warming Saddleworth can be a coolish place so bring a spare pully.
Paul Stevenson.
Lancashire Branch