CENTENERY WALK. Wed May 6th to Tuesday May 12th 2015. (Day off Sat 9th)

Hello there everyone. My name is Sue Taylor from the Belles and I have been asked to write a few worthy words to describe and sum up our recent wonderful week of walking, around Ripon. What a responsibility. Having walked for all 6 days, with sandwiches and Sisterhood for sustenance, my hope will be to describe, as accurately as possible, the reason we were walking at all, the route we took and the time it took. I hope to share the variety that became part of each day, the things I learned and the people I met. I’d better get comfortable in front of this keyboard then....off we go.... It seems that we, 212,000 women across the all share a common cause and a willingness to grow as human beings and to help each other; lovely. I am humbled to hope then, that in my future, I may never be lonely. Over this past year, in nearly 7,000 village halls, pubs or other public buildings that form their Institutes, there has been bouncing and busy activity between members to organise a local celebration to commemorate 100 years of existence of this mighty voluntary organisation. Here in the North West Federation, in a quiet Committee room 18 months ago, one member, Jo Scorer, from Aiskew WI, had the brilliant idea of recruiting 100 pairs of feet to be laced firmly into hiking boots and to walk the 50 mile stretch of the Ripon Rowel Walk in celebration of our Centenary year. Since that day, the Local Affairs Committee, led and continually inspired by Jo, have spent many long months, preparing and perfecting the way for the walkers and their supporters. And so it was then, at 10am on that overcast Wednesday morning of 6th of May, the noisy gaggle of over 30 walkers were blessed on the steps of Ripon Cathedral by the Dean of Ripon, The Very Reverend John Dobson, timely followed by a peal of the Cathedral bells and we were off, waving bright bunting and grinning into the cameras, for the newspaper and local TV. The Walk was planned to take place over 6 days, an average of 8.5miles were burned by the boot leather each day and a juggle of cars and buses and goodwill from drivers went into getting the hikers to and from the start place at the closing and dawning of each new day. Day 1 was a hike from the cathedral to South Stainley. The walk was led by Jo Scorer and Liz Whapples from Burton Leonard WI, with Rosie Szlumper from Nidderdale WI as back marker. Each day commenced with a testing attempt at a head count and despite a bit of mischievous moving and dodging by some ladies, on this auspicious day, 30 women were accounted for and 1 rather stunned but willing man, number 31. The walk took about 5 hours, canal bank became open fields which changed to woodland and ancient tracks. Half way through the day, the heavens opened and hail stones accompanied monsoon rain, just at the moment the group had decided to stop for lunch. Even the brave trees of Bishop Monkton could not shelter the shivering humans who, in the true spirit of the WI, carried on regardless, munching soggy sandwiches and diluted tea. It was the ‘angels’ of the Burton Leonard WI who saved the soaked walkers by serving fantastic tea and cakes. Number 31 was rewarded for his bravery that day, grinning and delighted to be given not one but 2 pieces of chocolate cake. He now wants to join the WI but feels he may fail the ‘medical’. Day 1 ended with shining faces and smiles from vehicles departing South Stainley, new friendships had been made, stories exchanged and plans made for the next day. Our clothes were still damp but through the steamy windows of the bus, in our enthusiasm to board, we could see we had left our back marker, Rosie, standing waiting at the bus stop!! Rosie was not only a walk leader but is also our Federation Representative of the ACWW, Associated Country Women of the World. Walking up and down the line of ladies, Rosie taught us of the work this small organisation does in funding local projects abroad, Since the beginning of the founding of the WI, we 212,000 women are also affiliated to the ACWW, so our strength and inventiveness crosses the seas. We merge with women disadvantaged only by birth, and try to help improve their everyday lives, sponsorship from this walk will help fund a vital project in Tamilnadu State, India, to reduce Anaemia in tribal women. Rosie may be short of stature, but has a big heart and did not seek revenge at being stranded in South Stainley, as she took her place on Thursday 7th, to lead the next day accompanied by Sue Lyon. Mounting a 5 bar gate to be seen and heard, our little leader steered a group of 25 across the major road, on a heading for and the 7 bridges. It was left to Carol Ambler and Melanie Devine at the back, to ensure we did not stray through the fields of waving grasses, passing blossoms and buds and listening to the birds. Happening upon an open cottage driveway adjacent to Markinton Cricket pitch, up popped June Overend, with not only 50 years of membership behind her but more importantly, with Rocky bars in front of her, for all, Squatting over the camping stove, was Jo, brewing mugs of fresh coffee to hand out as we passed by. How beautifully British. That day the sun shone and shone, we were privileged and privy to all that is wonderful about open . Speaking of privies it was a little breezy around the buttocks as the coffee reached bladder, we became as innocent children, disappearing one by one behind hedgerows and bushes, maintaining decorum and dignity all along the way. We lunched in the sun at Markenfield hall, we traversed the canyon of the Studley Estate and bet each other a shilling (I am this old) as to who could see the soaring Red Kite most clearly. Then, oh the delight of the Tea shop at the Fountains Visitors Centre, naughty but nice things were consumed without guilt as the long haul uphill burned off the last calorie on entering the village of Sawley. We have the government to thank for our end of walk relief, the Polling station was open all hours and the kind administrators did not question our politics as we formed a queue for the luxurious loo. As a group, many of us own a bus pass and also own the associated creaky joints of increasing years. Some of the walkers discussed their maladies and disabilities along the way but one muddy foot continued to follow the other and silent heroes emerged on these walks. Deep respect to everyone, and thank you to the pharmaceutical world for inventing Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. At 10am on Friday 8th we all reappeared, as if by magic, back at the village Green. It was day 3, Sawley to Carlsmoor and pre-warned of the hard route by Melanie and Jo, we commenced the way in ‘Stile’. Lots of stiles actually, causing queue’s, a bit of chaos and some discussion. Thankfully Liz Whapples from Burton Leonard and Margot Atkinson, from Coverdale WI rounded up the stragglers at the back, as the route was uphill too, silencing any chatter as the oxygen supply was completely consumed in the act of breathing!! The day was bright and warm and the first stop at Eavestone Lake was enchanting. Yvonne had also joined us. Her Father, Les Taylor, wrote the Ripon Rowell all those years ago, and poor Yvonne found herself having to repeat our pre-lunch conversation many times as the walkers changed pace and places and neighbours. As the day rolled on, so did the clouds, rolling over the rocks that formed our tables and chairs and even Melanie’s never diminishing supply of jelly babies were threatening to get wet. Many coloured mosaic plaques were discovered along the final furlong, until the long day was ended, at the road-side of Thwaites Farm. Even here, the wait for the Bedale Community Bus was not a chore to Lesley, a constantly busy lady from Leathley WI, who unzipped her pouch once again and continued undeterred with her knitting, on a circular needle. Saturday was the hikers Sabbath, a day of rest, time to wash up, brush up and prepare for the next 3 days. And sure enough, the evening and the morning brought the next day. Day 4. Back at Thwaite Farm. Now Sunday was different, number 31 had company, more men accompanied their wives, and there was a rumble of deeper voices amongst the throng. Disarmingly on this day, we had choices, to do either the morning 5 mile walk or the afternoon 5 mile walk or for those of us who are less mentally stable, crack on and do the whole day. The morning was again a delight, footsteps and fun from Thwaite House to The Druids Temple. All credit to the men of the company however, who managed to silence some of us more rowdy rowellers, so we could pay attention, and hear the clear and distinct call of the Cookoo in the near distance. Sunday 10th was also Mothers Day somewhere in our world, and, as if presented just for this special day, we took photographs of the newborn lambs and calves under the fiercely protective eye of their Mothers. We sacrificed our sandwiches on the ancient flat stone in the Folly, that is the Druids Temple, and having opted to carry on with the afternoon group, we moved forward to march on to Masham. Looking ahead from my preferred place toward the back, I could see the rainbow of coloured jackets and fleeces of the walkers, snaking across the waving oceans of green grass. Glorious countryside accompanied discussion from politics to piles, Kestrels hovered, cowslips bloomed and oh, the blue of the bluebells everywhere. In the early evening, Jo finally brought her long day to a close as we reached the market place in Masham. On day 5, my big brother had once again joined us for the hike and happened to remark that my Rucksack buckle was like his, a whistle...... !! What, I became over excited at this amazing revelation, my buckle, a whistle! I have carried this ‘sac’ for many a mile, both abroad and at home and had never cottoned on to this clever little adaptation, I blew, other ladies found their buckle whistles and blew, we compared pitch and key and had a veritable whistle stop orchestra going until Margot and Jo had to calm the crowd and lead the walk along lovely lanes to West Tanfield. All was going well until we reached ‘mud mile’, ok, Jo had warned us, but my ankles are softer and more beautiful after the relentless pasting they got through Hackfall Woods. Ignoring the squelch, the rays of the sun shone bright through the trees and made for some wonderful photography compositions, playing on puddles and spotlighting the falls. Patience was not rewarded on this day however, as the spurt of the fountain failed to make the predicted appearance and we all trudged on ‘slip-sliding’ away toward the bridge and the finish in West Tanfield. Tuesday 12th, mad merriment and no doubt relief for the organising team, the final day was cold. Julie Clarke had once more turned out to see us off from West Tanfield, and urged us on with sweet promises of cake in the afternoon. Number 31 was already on his way! It was an easier walk than the day before, colourful coats were removed and then replaced as the wind blew then didn’t and the rain came then went and we were like flitting butterflies, dancing along the riverside walk and the lane ever onwards towards Ripon and our final goal. Dog walkers passed us and greeted us and I was reminded and then relieved that our walk had not invited our 4 footed friends along. Imagine the cacophony of chaos that up to 30 dogs may have caused, on this one occasion, our little pal was safer left at home. And then it was all over, this event had invited 100pairs of feet to celebrate the 100years of the WI, the actual total of walking feet was to reach 156. Not all came out on the same day and not all did the whole 50 mile walk but the walkers on that last day began their final approach to Alma house with determination and drive and just a little pushing to be the first to Daphne’s delicious cakes. Every single day there had been Sylvia or a colleague driving the support car, ready to pick up bodies as they fell by the wayside. Thankfully, their main role had been to support, encourage, distribute the vital Rocky bars and water and drive people back to their cars at the end of the days. I have enjoyed the company of women from local groups and those from the fringes of my federation. I have spoken with Margaret from Glusburn and Crosshills, with people from Ravensworth, Leathley, Giggleswick, Addingham and the Farnley Estate. What a joy to feel relaxed, if a bit achey, and just stroll along lanes and lives of people that I may never have met. Fantastic. At Alma house, we applauded the entrance of Mr Les Taylor as he and Yvonne joined us for tea, we listened with proud ears to the speeches from Les, Julie, Jo and a fellow walker. We glugged our tea and reminisced and recorded for posterity these most marvellous of days. It has not always been easy, it is even less easy for the ladies of India but I am reminded of the words from the songbird, Helen Reddy, “I am strong, I am invincible, I am Woman”. I look forward to meeting you all again one day. Now, where did I put that last sandwich...... Sue x