Leighton - Linslade

Aston Abbotts Eventing

jccurd — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 08:30:45 +0000

Mechanized troops of the LLU3A’s Walking Division 3 caused near gridlock in Aston Abbotts as they occupied every kerb-side spot and grass verge in readiness for the morning’s action. Ken and Rita led us on what I can only describe as a Badminton-like Three Day Event course with more stiles and gates than you could shake a Zimmer frame at. Had I been forewarned, I’d have kept count of the obstacles but I think I’d have run out of fingers and toes.

"Oh shame; the top bar of the third's gone at the feared Aston Abbotts triple. That's 4 faults."

A clear gallop is cunningly inserted into the course to give the competitors a false sense of security.

An initial refusal at a tricky stile with overhang causes a log jam incurring 2 time faults. The filly cleared it eventually, though.

Tramping from Tring

jccurd — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:04:23 +0000

I told you programmes are unreliable. Neither the old one nor the new one make any mention of September. September this, though, was and there was also a little brightness involved; not only that but, given a decent vantage point, one could see for miles. However …

So, we climb this hill to get a decent view of the surrounding countryside and how many people are actually looking at it?

"You know those rucksack things are designed to be carried on your back, don't you?"

Edges of Eggington

jccurd — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:46:09 +0000

Programmes can be misleading: it says “Dick and Val” for 14th August bu I happen to know it was Maggie and Syd who led us from Eggington and back. Speaking of Syd …

"My ankle locked in this position on the clutch yesterday and it's been stuck like it ever since."

In a disturbing move, farmers escalate their tactics to discourage ramblers crossing their land.

Our thanks to Maggie and Syd.

Slithering from Woburn

jccurd — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:29:38 +0000

[If you haven't seen "A Wilstone Wander" yet, do that first.]

Have we ever seen a drought so comprehensively ended so quickly? However, undaunted by the conditions, apparently Geoff and Pat led the team on a walk from Woburn complete with water hazards.

After 2 weeks of diligent searching, the offended Wilstone cows track down those responsible bent on revenge.

"Well it must be deceptively deep - there was a splash and she disappeared down there."

Our thanks to Geoff and Pat … but less mud next time, please. )

A Wilstone Wander

jccurd — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 13:57:21 +0000

Our old programme tells me that, during my prolonged spring absence, the home team was led on a wander based upon Wilstone. The programme could be pulling my leg, though, ‘cos I’m sure the pictures show something that a distant memory makes me believe could be called blue sky – but I might be mistaken.

"Be a little more careful where you choose to call me a silly cow in future - thank Heaven for fences."

"I think it's called the sun but don't quote me."

Flowery Flamstead

jccurd — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:17:19 +0000

It’s far too long and too many bottles of wine ago but, apparently, Jan and Andy led a walk from Flamstead where colourful flowers were very much the order of the day.

"Good grief, I think I can hear the bluebells ringing."

"So how did we lose 'em? They were with us in the bluebell wood."

Ashridge Assignation

jccurd — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:31:45 +0000

I’m afraid I’ve been out of touch for a while so I don’t know the date of Pat and Geoff’s walk around Ashridge. However, my suggestive comments approach seems to be catching on. Not only did the saucy Mr. Chandler send me a photo, he also sent a suggested comment which I think I’ll share with you unedited. There was only one picture so I’ll add it twice, once full frame and again zooming in on the relevant action with Mick’s caption suggestion.

Pat looks as though she's had enough of this motley crew and is making a bid for freedom.

Go on Sid, give him a kiss!

I wonder if this habit is going to catch on?

Go Like the Clappers

jccurd — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:22:54 +0000

As yours truly tries desperately to catch up on missed events and blackmail material, apparently Trevor and Leslie led this motley crew round the ~~Slappers~~ Clappers (whatever they are).

Having been led high enough, the U3A Flat Earth Society studiously ignores the clearly curved horizon.

In a moment of relaxation, Pat's paper loses to Mick's scissors.

Looks as though everyone had a good time, even if they did lose rock, paper scissors. In weather like that, is it any wonder? Where’s it all gone?

The Wild Bunch

jccurd — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:38:04 +0000

Ken and Rita took their lives in their hands – well, more accurately they took our lives in their hands – as they led us on an intriguing route that I didn’t know existed for a ramble through Woburn game park.

The U3A Remedial Readers Walking Group gets off to a bad start.

Elephant: "I could destroy that fence and let you out if you want."

"Well, it cleared the elephant but then landed right on top of Joan."

Our thanks to Ken and Rita for an educational wildlife wander.

The Milton Keynes Effect

jccurd — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:04:41 +0000

Another one that your roving reporter missed attending. This time, I think decorating was my excuse. So briefly, in absentia:

Jean and Ann led a walk from Windmill Carpark round Caldecotte lake and along the canal at Fenny Stratford. The weather doesn’t look terrific but the walk looks v. pleasant. Canal tow paths are winter-friendly places, after all.

"Milton Keynes, captain? Under the bridge and keep going - you can't miss it."

What happened next?The lock gate suddenly swung opened and the dog flew off into the distance.

"I don't know - he suddenly shouted 'Geronimo! and jumped. Must be the Milton Keynes effect."

Our thanks to Jean and Ann for organizing.