Norfolk Broads, 1961
On April 1st nineteen intrepid travellers met at Piccadilly Station in order to go via luxurious British Railways to Norfolk Broads. Just after 9 a.m. we set off on the right lines, and after changing at Sheffield and Lincoln, we arrived at Oulton Broad North late in the afternoon.
Needless to say five minutes after leaving the train the dark heavens opened and it poured with rain. As transport to our houseboats was not forthcoming we took shelter in a boatyard. After some time a boat arrived and took us to our houseboats, the girls to a converted Motor Torpedo Boat named "Foynes" and the boys to a converted Motor Gun Boat named "Blue Lagoon".
Mr. Bickerstaffe, the "Wagon Master" on this holiday, with his wife, decided that we should all eat on board "Foynes" as it was better equipped for cooking. Therefore we all lived on "Foynes" except at night when all the boys had to row across to "Blue Lagoon". The next day being Sunday, some went to church in the morning. After dinner we took the two motor boats supplied with the house-boats. We reached a small place called St. Olave's. While returning, however, something happened which was to set the pattern for the whole week; the larger of the boats broke down and had to be towed. Several times during the week the same thing happened to one boat whenever we went any distance in the boats.
After a time we forsook the boats and enjoyed a trip to Norwich by rail, vising the "Castle Museum" there, although we spent more time in the coffee-bar. We also went on a similar trip to Great Yarmouth. Although most of the shops were not yet open for the holiday season there were several amusement arcades open ready to take our meagre fortunes from us.
On the last day we decided to chance our luck in the boats. We were a little apprehensive at doing this, for we had already been stranded in the middle of the Broads in pouring rain, having to wait for help to be brought by the smaller boat. On this occasion we were fortunate, for the boat broke down when we reached Beccles and we called for a mechanic who put the trouble right. Despite the appalling weather, and the rush to catch the train home, everyone enjoyed the week immensely, and we would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Bickerstaffe for organising it.
Edward Lees, 5 Sc.
The Lake District, 1962
On Thursday, 14th June, a number of the Fourth Formers gathered at the top of West Street together with Mr. Cooke and Mr. Halliwell, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two coaches which were to take them on their Lake District tour.
Their journey took them through the Rossendale Area to Clitheroe, travelling North through the West Riding, and stopping at Settle for morning coffee. The next large town to be approached was Kendal where they saw the first indication of their destination - a large signpost saying, "Lakes".
The next point of interest was Windermere where they had their first glimpse of England's largest lake, although this was impaired by the steady downpour. They next climbed up the steep and narrow Kirkstone Pass to a height of 1,476ft., stopping at the summit for light refreshments. To the left as they descended could be seen "Brothers' Water". Proceeding from Patterdale they travelled along the shore of Ullswater until alighting in order to visit the picturesque waterfall of Aira Force. To reach this they had to walk across the open country of Gowbarrow Park for half a mile, with the rain beating in their faces. However, this was well worth while just to see gushing torrents of water set in the ravine.
From there they travelled to the village of Grasmere, passing on the way Helvellyn (3,118ft. high) and Thirlmere, where they stopped for tea. Many of them bought souvenirs. They were disappointed not to see Easedale Tarn, but the weather was too bad.
They left Grasmere around five o'clock and returned via the M.6, Lancaster and Preston by-passes, arriving home at 9-30 p.m. safe and sound.
Our thanks are extended to Mr. Wells for such an enjoyable trip.
Beverley Hardy
Kathleen McConnell.
The Thames, 1962-A Reflection
According to Water Rat "There is absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as messing about in boats". After the experience of the second week of the Easter holidays I am inclined to agree with him. In that one hectic week fifteen members of the Historical Society, including Mr. Bickerstaffe and his wife, on two commandeered launches, "Suntrap" and "Sunflash", left their mark on the Thames Valley between Windsor and Oxford. To chronicle all the events of this week would first of all be imprudent and secondly too long and like a catalogue. Therefore I shall only render little pearls of information.
The Thames itself, for instance, is wet, as one of our number proved thrice. Admittedly the first time he rescued someone and the last time he was immortalised by the movie camera of a day tripper, but three times is overdoing it. Losing this character overboard, however, was not our sole pastime. We did succeed in swamping a small boat (and received a threat of summons in the bargain). Unfortunately the rest of the trip passed peaceably enough. But seriously, many lasting impressions were cast in my mind. I remember the thrill of passing through the first lock, a thrill that hardly diminished every time we passed through a lock, and we just missed negotiating the half century. I am still bewitched by the spell that beautiful city of Oxford cast upon me and my neck still hurts as a result of staring up at the glorious standards hanging above the choir-stall in St. George's Chapel, Windsor.
Perhaps the most worthwhile result of such a trip is the spirit which materialises which is something which must be experienced. It is the true spirit of fellowship and equality with none of the "I'm all right Jack" philosophy. It is this alone which would have made the trip worthwhile had we spent it on Bardsley Canal, rather than the Thames.
Our thanks to Mr. Bickerstaffe and his intrepid wife; we all owe them a lot. We regret their leaving, but bearing them no malice we wish them the best of luck, wherever they drift.
J.M.T.S.