Gallery Index

2011

Wheelnuts

Hay on Wye Run

Coleford Transport

2010

Wadworth Brewery Trip

International

Wheelnuts Car Show

Forest of Dean run

Limpley Stoke

21st to 23rd January 2011

Well when you think of January what springs to mind, New Year, Glavon Walk, Back to work after the festive season, NO!! It has to be Limpley Stoke Weekend, well this year was no exception. The Smiths arrived at the Hotel in time for a lovely relaxed lunch, we unpacked and then set about consuming some of the local water, Layla opted for a whole bottle to herself. We were soon joined by other enthusiastic Glavonites, who were eager to relax and enjoy the party weekend, The afternoon was spent in the lounge chatting and drinking, until it was time to think about a little walk, it may only be a short distance it is the steepness of the walk that is the challenage, the Critchleys didn’t even have to do this walk as they were able to drive straight there due to running a little late, not sure if they planned this or not. There was a small confusion on arrival at the pub, which Andy West was quick to point out to the staff, and it wasn’t long before we were all eating a fulfilling meal, I can honestly say that the walk back to the hotel is much more fun, a few of us left before the whole group, due to wanting to catch up with a few of the other regulars who attend the weekend, with this done it was back to the largest room for Port and other little drinks, now it is at this point i must add i’m getting a little suspicious because it appears to have been our room for several years. There was definitely some jaded looking faces at breakfast the next morning, now as usual Andy West has done his research and invites people to join in on an energising walk, now some of the girlies opted to go into Bath to do a bit of retail therapy, whilst others head to Bradford upon Avon. We all met in the car park at 10.00am, Andy advised that the new route was across fields and a few inclines or the flat tow path could be used, I supported the tow path since i had done this route before, so we all set off with the plan to meet for a hot chocolate at a little cafe on the journey, the tow path group was only small with 6 of us setting a nice pace, however when we got to the tow path there was a little dispute, Dave Perry insisted that i was taking them in the wrong direction, it ended quickly when some joggers confirmed i was right, good job women aren’t afraid to ask for directions, or i’m sure we would still be stood there. Now my little group get to the cafe and get our Hot Chocolates, a quick phone call to Maddog and Andy West and we expect to see them in 5 to 10 minutes, so we can all continue the journey together, however 35minutes later two drinks for some and we were ready to be on our way again, but the other group had still not arrived, but as we are heading out the door they all arrive for some much needed refreshment, a quick change of plan and we all agree to meet in Bradford, now for those of you who have never joined us, the tow path is really nicely refurbished and wide it is well used by walkers, joggers and cyclist, so it is no surprise to hear bells tinkling so they can go past, so on our little walk it is expected, however it was odd to see Kevin, Jane and Nigel Ind go flying past, now they had arranged to go for a nice little ride, but it would appear that this had it’s own little problems, and hopefully they will be able to explain all the details, but i believe it involved a fair few punctures, inner tubes and possibly a new wheel or two. The two groups of walkers finally joined up at Bradford and we were able to look in some little quaint shops, before all heading off for even more food and drink, this is where some people chose to go for a pub lunch and others went to a small cafe, just for a snack, now the cafe also had a style all of its own, when we originally entered we couldn’t see any space, but we were quickly shown the error of our ways as we were directed to a little chalet/ garden shed, 12 of sat in the little hut and had a fabulous sensible meal, from a selection of beans on toast, jacket potatoes, and super burgers, these were all fulfilling and just the right amount, knowing that a 5 course meal would be consumed later in the evening. After lunch another stroll around Bradford before catching the bus back to Limpley Stoke, on arriving back at the Hotel complimentary tea and coffee was set out along with homemade biscuits, again more food and drink, beginning to feel like the tummy is going to explode and the main event is still coming up. So off to our rooms to get ready, a quick shower, and out comes the fancy frocks and DJ’s, at 6.30pm people again start arriving at our room for pre dinner drinks and nibbles, before heading down to the restaurant for our 5 course meal, Lesley and Layla set off selling raffle tickets, where a huge total of £200.00 was raised and this will be shared between Exmouth RNLI and our local Air Ambulance. The evening passed really quickly, but the highlight was the new party game that Layla started playing, using her straw and blowing air down her chest to make musical tunes, this quickly spread to other women having a go and Kevin enjoyed trying to make it work. Now it is at this point that speeches are made thanking Neville and Chris for all their hard work in organising the whole weekend, but this year there was another statement made and that was that Neville would not be organising it next year as he would like a break, this had become known early on in the weekend, but unbeknown to everyone Lesley and myself had volunteered to take on the running of the event in the future, so this was also added to the speeches, and everyone was glad to hear that the event would be continued in the future. We have now all eaten and it is time to leave the dining room and move on to the disco, the night was danced away and before we knew it the music had ended, of course it was back to our room for night caps. The next morning breakfast was had again more food, before farewells were given and people went on their merry ways, all agreeing that a wonderful time was had by all and that everyone would be returning next year, which is good news for the new organisers, it looks like places will need to be booked promptly when the time comes.