On the sixth day of Christmas....

                 A bunch of good looking birds hanging around our back door !

On the fifth day of Christmas....

On the fourth day of Christmas....

On the third day of Christmas....

Before you see it in the Lancs Evening Post!

I took these on Boxing Day afternoon on Tulketh Road, Ashton.
The driver appears to have escaped unhurt! (No, it's not my car!)

On the second day of Christmas....

On the first day of Christmas.....

Christmas Blessings

The Nativity Triptych above the tomb of Archbishop Derek Worlock C.H.
in Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

Happy Christmas

O Come! Let us adore Him.

RECRUITMENT !

Once the festive season and all it's excesses are over and we approach the new year many people may think of joining a gymn to get fit. Perhaps they should opt for a weekly workout with the Meanderthals. Much more exciting and far cheaper. We cannot of course accept just anyone into our elite ranks. There would of course have to be a selection procedure which should involve:-

• Qualifications
• Standard of fitness
• Interview

QUALIFICATIONS

Are you........

1. An elderly gentlemen (Basic entry level)
2. An old fart (Intermediate level)
3. A boring old fart (advanced level)

FITNESS


Can you.....

1. Walk unaided  (caution)
2. Walk with the help of stick or sticks (pass)
3. Walk to the end of your street (pass)
4. Tackle a humpback bridge (pass)
5. Walk up hills (caution)
6. Walk further than 5 miles (failed)
7. Are you actually fit ? (instantly rejected)

INTERVIEW

Question 1.  Are you actually alive ?
answer.  "Yes"
Question 2. ....er......that's it.... Yer in.

Christmas Card

Click here to see a fantastic Christmas Card

(it probably won't work on a tablet)

2014 Walks End With A Splash!

Our 2014 'walking season' ended with a splash. The suggestion was that we park at Boundary Mill at Colne and follow the Wallace Hartley trail through Colne town centre and then continue our walk around Foulridge reservoir.

With Martin at the helm, we duly arrived at Boundary Mill and Martin, very thoughtfully parked alongside a trolley shelter. This was necessary as it was raining even harder than it was when we left Preston.

"What do we do now?" was the question foremost in our minds. An immediate return to Preston was quickly ruled out. "We're Meanderthals! We're not phased by a bit of rain." However, the lure of a coffee or hot chocolate in the cafe was irresistable! Lo and behold, as Noah said, "I think it will brighten up yet!" And it did, if only for a short time.

In the spirit of adventure that built the British Empire, boots and waterproofs were donned and in the drizzle we set off to find out about Wallace Hartley, the bandmaster on the ill-fated 'Titanic' who is reputed to have continued playing his violin as the vessel went down.

We saw the house where he lived, The Titanic Bed, a flower bed with a model of the Titanic and his monument nearby. We passed but didn't enter the Wetherspoons pub named after Colne famous son and we visited his grave and memorial in Colne cemetery.

Lunch was taken as we sheltered under an archway in the cemetery and we continued our journey to Foulridge reservoir. From here we continued along the road and entered Alkincoats Park and after a brief stop to finish our drinks we followed the path back into Colne. Martin, very thoughtfully, provided hot Jägermeister tea ( a winter warmer) and warm minced pies. Thanks Martin!
Total distance - 5.7 wet miles!

Boundary Mill at Colne

Paddy inspects the Blue Plaque at No 90

The Titanic Bed

A 'nativity' display in a shop window

The Wetherspoons pub

His grave in the cemetery 

Cafe time in the Stable Yard

Lunch Time

Looking back to Haigh Hall

Coffee time on the Leed-Liverpool Canal

Hey Ho ! Heigh Hall .

December 11th

Haigh Hall Country Park -- 6 miles

Walkers :- Anthony, John W, John R, Vic, Paddy, Mike, Martin. 

Choices, Choices !  Decisions, Decisions !   

First ......Boots or Shoes ?  a question posed by Vic. The choice of boots was vindicated by the wetness of the walk. 

Route - M6 or M61 ?  A close thing although the second group to arrive were quite convinced there was a smell of burning rubber in the air.

After a short altercation with the parking ticket machine , quickly solved by a friendly golfing attendant who gave us free tickets, we set off through the grounds of Haigh Hall

The weather forecast was not good and the day remained decidedly damp throughout. To the disappointment of some of the group the park appeared to be very "Doggy". The map of the walk was less than exact and whilst the paths through the woods were very obvious it was not always obvious which of them we should take and after passing the "Lily Pond"  "The Lion's Head" "The miniature Railway" and the "Swan Pool".  highlights of the walk (Hurrumph!)  we arrived at the canal bridge rather sooner than intended having missed a turning and cut 3/4 of a mile out of the walk.. "Coffee time" was taken at delightful little bridge which crossed the entrance to a side pool a short distance down the canal.  Refreshed.....we moved on through the dripping woodland, stopping briefly to shelter from a sudden downpouring of hail.. It was not long before we reached a rather significant bridge crossing the river Douglas. Here Vic participated in his favourite occupation - noseying with the locals and John.s  attempt at democracy was shouted down with cries of "We want Dictatorship"  so much for lefty egalitarianism !! The path following the banks of the Douglas was the wettest and muddiest of the whole walk. As we climbed up and away from the river we were amused by a totally unnecessary sign which declared that the path was NOT subject to flooding , REALLY ! We were following the edge of a small hill referred to as "Monks Hill" half way round there was an abandoned quarry entitled "Devils Canyon" We were unable to dissuade Vic as he doggedly went to explore what appeared to be a rather dismal dump. A little further up through the wood and a group of fallen trees trunks offered an acceptable site to stop for lunch. During lunch the group was amused by several decidedly dubious remarks from Paddy ( ? ) A few minutes after lunch we reached the Leeds - Liverpool canal again and walked along it to complete the 3/4 mile stretch we had missed on our outward journey. It was not long before the Hall itself hove into sight and a hot drink in a rather pleasant (if noisy cafe)  rounded off the day which in the opinion of the "esteemed" leader was a disappointingly dreary, damp and dismal walk.

Finally for Vic's benefit

Through the town of Wigan

The mighty Douglas glides

Swirling past the gasworks 

and in places three feet wide.

You may come here fishing

You won't catch Rudd or Pike

All you'll catch is typhoid

 or a rusty iron bike .

Other verses are available

Look what happens in Liverpool if you don't 'Pay-and-Display'!

Liverpool city wander

The interior of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

The Hillsborough Book of Remembrance in the cathedral 

The recently renovated Everyman Theatre

Georgian terraced houses on Hope Street

"Magical Mystery Tour"

Liverpool 4th December - 5 Miles or more


Walkers :- Martin, Paddy, Vic, John R, John W, Mike, Anthony  Tony (guest)

After river, hill and seaside walks an urban walk was an obvious next choice as the weather began  to  turn wintery. So, after a certain amount of deliberation, Liverpool became our chosen destination,  Setting off at our usual time and deviating to pick up John R in Penwortham and a brief stop to pick up Tony Edwards (a guest) in Aughton we eventually arrived at the station in Old Roan. From here the train took us speedily into Liverpool disgorging us at Central Station. A short walk took us up to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. We climbed the expansive steps and entered "Paddy's Wigwam" (not our Paddy you understand). The glow of the stained glass dimly illuminated the vast interior of the circular building as we walked slowly around the edge looking at the works of art and the smaller side chapels. We were soon back at the entrance. Paddy here opted to descend into the crypt and attend the mass being celebrated there. Mike and Martin disappeared into the Cathedral and John R generously sat and waited for them. The remainder of the group left the cathedral and walked down the steps towards the cafe. Lunch was partaken at the foot of the steps where the missing members soon joined us. Anthony and John opted to visit the cafe for a hot drink. 

With Paddy restored to us we left the Catholic Cathedral and headed along "Hope St" Towards the towering bulk of the magnificent Anglican Cathedral. As we ambled along this street there was so much to distract us and turn us from our path. The award winning "Everman Theatre"  the fantastic "Philharmonic Pub". Fascinating and iconic sculptures every few yards and a cornucopia of historic and beautiful buildings at every turn. Then the massive sandstone edifice of the Anglican Cathedral was before us. On entering the building we were warmly welcomed as we were in the the Catholic one. Both ends of Hope Street expressing pride in the presence of the other . Wonderful !  We wandered in awe round this second even vaster interior. So different than the first.

On leaving the Cathedral we stopped briefly to admire the entrance arch to "China Town" before walking down through the city to the "Albert Dock" and "Pier Head". Again there was much to hold our attention before we set of away from the "Three Graces" and into the shopping areas were the Christmas Markets were evident. By now there was a decided end of the day feeling as the sky began to herald the approaching dusk. We found our way to Moorfields station and were soon homeward bound after a thoroughly fascinating and enjoyable outing. 

Well done Anthony for sourcing a good circular route. Well done John W who mooted the idea of Liverpool. Well done Mike and Tony for providing local knowledge and thanks to Paddy for drinks all round in the Philharmonic. Thanks to the rest of you for your highly esteemed presence. (....is that every one ?....)

It certainly was!

'Albert Dock' two aged objects!

'Paddy's Wigwam'!
(The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King)

The other end of Hope Street
(The Anglican Cathedral)

More Meanderthal Songs

The Road to the Isles  (Does it start from Anthony's?)

Do you know the way to San Jose? (Are we going THAT far!)

Happy Wanderer  (We're all in a 'happy place')

Is this the way to Amarillo (Yes, but there's the Atlantic Ocean in between)

Bring me Sunshine (It will help to dry up the mud)

I know where I’m going (I'm glad YOU do!)

What a Wonderful World (It is...especially when we're lost!)

Climb every mountain (We we're only supposed to be going up Nicky Nook!)

Raindrops keep falling on my head ( You should have hair like the rest of us, John!)

Sentimental Journey (Nostalgia's not what it used to be)

Show me the way to go home (We've wandered round in circles for long enough)

On Top of the World  (Yea, but we're supposed to be down in that valley!

What a wonderful world (It is,,,if you're a Meanderthal!)

The Green, Green Grass of Home (I could be at home, gardening!)

VETERANS ON VELOS ! WHAT NEXT ?

Well done the "Tyred"Trio.

But......
  
In the absence of a "Match report" to write I shall have to assuage the itchy-twitchy fingers  by penning something. (or should that be "keyboarding" something ?)  so may I offer......

"A Song Sheet For Meanderthals"

• "You'll Never Walk Alone"      There's more than one weirdo out there.
• "These Boots are Made for Walking."      but you have to be there with them.
• "Walk Right In."       never mind the large animals and the knee deep mud.
• "Walking Back to Happiness "      We parked the car at a pub.
• "Walking After Midnight."        Think we're lost again.
• "I Walk the Line"          "Could you blow into this little tube sir ? "
• "I Would Walk 500 Miles."        I'm lying.
• "Walking in a Winter Wonderland"       Air ambulance on standby please.
• "Ramblin' Rose"       How did SHE get in here.
• "A long and Winding Road"       Aren't they all ?
• "I'm Walking Backwards for Christmas"      The Goon Show ( you know what I mean)
• "My Way"      We should have gone the OTHER way !
• "Road to Nowhere"     We know it well.
• "Keep Right on 'till the End of the Road"     Harry Lauder - not LOUDER Harry !
• "Walking in Memphis"     Can you just check that map again ?

• and one last one for John R  "The Hippopotamus Song"

Meanderthals on Bikes?

Three Meanderthals took to two wheels this week to ride the Preston Guild Wheel.
This is a 21-mile circular route around the outskirts of the city.

The first stop at Brockholes Visitor Centre by the River Ribble

Some weight-loss needed here!

A well-deserved bacon butty at the Pavilion in Avenham Park but not conducive to weight-loss!

Oh dear! What a let-down! John acquires a puncture after riding over some glass whilst trying to avoid a ferocious looking bulldog! Mike, well prepared, was able to effect a running repair.

What John's camera didn't capture!

Paddy being very adventurous! and....

V
V
V
V
V
V
V

Ooooops!

Now here's a friendly Ass ??????

                                      Now here's a friendly Ass ??????

Martin selects reverse !

                 Martin selects reverse !

"Froggy and Clompo"

                         "Froggy and Clompo"

Mitton Bridge to Brungerley (and Back !)
20th November - 8.5 Miles
Walkers - Paddy, Anthony, John W, John R, Martin, Mike, Vic.

Return to the Ribble   -  "Paddy's Peril" 

By 9.40 we were on our way out of Preston and heading East through Whalley and down to the river at Mitton Bridge. Parking at a rather "swish" refurbished pub the name of which I cannot recall we were soon following the south bank of the river towards our first stop - Edisford Bridge. The weather was ideal, grey and overcast but decidedly dry. The area was entirely delightful with charming vistas, riverside scenes and small gently rounded fields lined with healthy indigenous trees. Birds sang in the trees and ducks quacked and whistled to our right. (get back in the real world John)  We soon met our first encountrant (If you think there's no such word - there is now ) A man with a REAL dog - A Lurcher ! Arriving at the river bank we spent a few minutes checking out the water measuring unit next to a small weir. Much surmising was done around the meaning of the warnings attached to it. Not long after we were sitting comfortably at picnic benches at the Edisford Riverside Park for an early lunch. Here there were enough seats and benches to accommodate (notice the spelling Vic ?) a regiment. Nearby an apple tree had shed it's bounty beneath its now bare branches and the local ducks were tucking in. Many of them waddled over to check us out  as possible  Bread Dispensers ? As usual the handy toilets were visited before we left the park to walk uphill towards Clitheroe.  Here a "Stampede" of young men (youths) and ladies (girls)  temporarily barred our way as they burst  from a sports centre to cross the road to the games fields. And so for'ard to the Zenith of our walk - Brungerley Bridge. But not before re-enacting an episode of "Last of the Summer Wine" with Paddy and Vic having an arboreal adventure.  (see Photo) The remainder of the group remembering that "Meanderthals were early homo-sapiens not advanced apes gave the tree a miss. Over Brungerleu bridge and up the hill into the grounds of Waddow Hall, the local headquarters of the Girl Guide Association.  There  is always a danger at some point during our walks that we see the finishing line and forget to enjoy our journey and switch to trudge gear which is tiring . This seem to happen at this point. A short stop to finish our flasks and then our journey turned into a minor challenge as the path closed in around us and became a little difficult to follow. At least one walker was reduced to reversing through the obstacles. Back onto the highway and over the bridge to the cars. Here Martin's SAD syndrome kicked in..  His Seasonally Adjusted Dispensary was out of Kilter and although he had already provided the winter's Spiced Wine he now produced the summers Shandy - THANKS MARTIN. I have forgotten to mention a rather picturesque set of weirs complete with the ubiquitous heron and the sighting of goosanders moving along the river.

An excellent and "Perilous" walk. Thanks Anthony.

John can only lead us in One Direction here!

What's the crop?

Something strange!

 A strange small thing found by the side of the road with a toy in it's hand 

and there's happy Harry again!

         

Down a Green Lane

Down a Green Lane near Great Eccleston

Gt Eccleston - Elswick

November 13th   4.7 Ecumenical Miles

Walkers :- John R, Anthony, Harry, John W, Paddy, Vic, Mike.

"Oh S--t !" said the John as the car crawled snail like through Fulwood's congested traffic.
"What time d'yu call this ?" said Anthony as  we finally arrived late at the meeting point (Harry's). Soon we were off up the A6 and back into the congestion. "Oh S--t !" said John.
Eventually we reached Great Eccleston - but where were the others ? They had taken a different, traffic avoiding, route.  Thank God for mobile 'phones. We were soon united next to the Catholic church which was to be the first of five churches we were to pass and off on our walk.  Into Great Eccleston and out again. Just as we got to the outskirts of this small but charming village we turned South and  found ourselves following what appeared to be an old "Green Lane".  It was only a few minutes before we were strolling across open fields in a strong blustery wind. After recent fascinating but knee-wrecking (for some of us)  walks, this was to be a simple, level and relatively short walk. But not without interest. As coffee time approached we followed a very clearly defined path through a large field of cabbages or sprouts or kale or....who knows ?  Definitely Brassicas.  On reaching the gate on the opposite side of the field we found a sheltered spot for a coffee break before turning back to once more brave  the brassicas and head towards Copp . Here the second of our churches (C of E) held us for a short while before we left the fields to follow the public highway down to Elswick.      Elswick and Bonds Ice-cream are synonymous.  SOME of us succumbed to a cornet but as it was Kendal Mint-Cake flavoured it was obviously perfectly acceptable for us intrepid ramblers. In Elswick we turned into the churchyard of the United Reform Church. In the grounds a multitude of benches invited us to stay for lunch. As we prepared to sit and eat a local man came out of a smaller "Church" and invited us to enter and look around. (Not sure that many of the locals have similar, strong "Ulster" accents) The smaller "church" was now used as a community hall,  services being held in the rather more impressive building next door.  A handy toilet was made use of and we spent a little time exploring the graveyard for the "Listed" gravestone of the churches founder. From here we turned north to follow paths and open fields back to Eccleston. As we approached Gt Eccleston we passed the last of our five churches. "Eccleston Free Methodist" a decidedly modern and well maintained structure. Almost within sight of the cars we left the path to sit and finish our flasks  in the tranquil grounds of the local Crown Green Bowling club. It started to rain ! Back to the cars and home by rather circuitous ways to avoid the traffic in Broughton/Fulwood.

A pleasant, non-challenging walk in relatively good weather with "Religious" interest.

More from the Ribble Way....

Late autumn on the Ribble Way

Don't give up the day job, John!

Typical Meanderthals!

Don't follow me - I'm lost!

WE always knew he could walk on water!