January Comment

Blooming cold isn't it. Still it's the weather that does it. Even as I write, icicles are dripping from my fingers.

I must put it on record that Eccles had a party. That was on the second Saturday after Christmas. I have just recovered. Well done Eccles.

The District Rovers are going to do their Ramblers Badge next Easter. What a coincidence. We are also going for a little stroll. I intend finding out how much they are doing and we are going to do a damn site more, so flex your muscles and prepare for battle royal.

You may have noticed a different fixture in the Cabin. I can assure you that it is a fixture! I fixed it with six inch nails into the floor. Do come on Sat mornings after ten o'clock and before about one and you can help. Isn't that thrilling?

I still publish any old rubbish that old Aitch gives me as it saves me having to think too hard.

What happened to Alan's story of his life?

A Violet Moorfoot Hike by Aitch

In a mad fit of enthusiasm, four of our Swamplanders decided to get in shape for the Easter stroll. For the record, let it be known that the date was Jan 11th.

Catching a number of trains to Epsom they thundered off towards the Downs, clutching maps in one hand and eats in the other.

Soon they were hot on the track as they attempted to follow a Violet Moorfoot* hike with the aid of a map, Fieldfare** type book and three old characters who looked like relatives of the Moorfoot Clan***.

The weather was excellent - sunny and brisk (which is one good way of describing a roaring gale). Through Walton-on-the-Hill to "The Sportsman" at Snodbury (Editor: actually it's Mogador) where they met the Moorfoots again.

Hurrying on across the North Downs ridge and only stopping to walk three sides of a field (instructions as per Moorfoot) they confidently strode out towards Headley Church.

Lost once more, they enlisted the aid of the Moorfoots and before long were in sight of Epsom Downs. It was then that the blizzard started.

Surviving members of the party were Alan, Jim, Dulles and Aitch. They all thought it was good fun and it will be repeated in a few weeks time.

Want to get fit --- well, stay at home!

Webmaster's explanations:

* Violet Moorfoot was the fictional character
the Swamplanders blamed for various published
countryside walks that rarely worked out as the
author intended. (There was a real-life author of
country and hill-walking guides named Vic
Moorcroft - but we are certain there could not
possibly be any connection.)

** Fieldfare was the popular author of walking
routes regularly published in the London Evening
News. Some worked, others didn't and there was
always a suspicion that he was related to Violet M.

*** The Moorfoots were the generic term for other
hikers - often elderly and often equally lost or
confused by the not-so-reliable routes suggested
by Fieldfare or his acolytes.