Friday 25th March 2005
The recent club newsletter made reference to a mixture of the traditional and the new on the social calendar this year and we commenced on Good Friday with "Jolly John's Yomp" across the Yorkshire Dales. Frustrated at being rejected yet again by the SAS on the grounds of being follicly challenged, Sgt.Major Iddon lead his volunteers on a full scale assault on Mallam Tarn.
This elite force assembled for a full kit inspection in the club car park at 09.00 hours prompt, and were transported to the front by Col. "Round-a-bout" Harry Fraser. From my examination of the list of names on the club board, it was clear that John's biggest challenge was not to end up leading something resembling the lost tribe of Israel by the end of the day.
The opening stage took the squad to the top of Mallum Cove.
The vision of the pubs in Mallum and Gisburn proved such a firm incentive for certain renegade elements, driving them to brake ranks and head for the shorter route back via Janets Foss.
B Company continued onward to Mallum Tarn, where Col. Simon Templer co-ordinated the assault of the ice cream van. Having reaped the rewards, Col. Templer's group took in the views of Mallum Tarn, whilst Capt. Hick established the route home.
Several miles and many soggy feet later, Mallum once again adorned the horizon, proving too much for some. Our courageous group seperated, with Col. Morton leading the surge towards Mallums' finest establishments, where Sgt. Rimmer was taking issue with the £2.75 per pint.
Col. Templer and Capt. Hick spearheaded toward Janets Foss, where the group took in the delights of the waterfall and cove....
Our battallion eventually congregated back in Mallum, where Col. "Round-a-bout" Harry Fraser ferried the troups on to Gisburn, and the delights of the White Bull. After several hard-earned drinks, tghe contingent were returned to barracks, where again a few renegades broke rank to support the loacl brewery.
A grand day was had by all, and a big thanks go out to Jolly John for organising the day.
More photographs are available on the Ofoto website, under a tenis club account. Go to www.ofoto.com and login using "north.meols@talk21.com" and password "tennis". There are many more photos to enjoy.......
