Hartington, Big Sing Weekend, 7th/8th November

Hartington YHA

Hartington, Big Sing Weekend, 7th/8th November
We arrived at Hartington Hall Youth hostel on Friday night. This is probably the poshest and most comfortable hostel in The Peak District. After a hearty meal, a convivial evening was spent either in the hostel or down in the village pubs.

Saturday morning came round only to find it was rather wet. We split up into two main parties. One composed of the more long term members set off for an old watering hole, The Quiet Woman at Earl Sterndale. After several dishes of ale they returned by bus.

The rest of us set off on a very muddy and wet walk to Pilsbury, returning via Sheen. Along the way several people decided to return by more direct routes in order to get out of the weather. Those who persevered were rewarded by a roaring fire in the Staffordshire Knot public house. We got back in the middle of the afternoon, just as the rain stopped.

Saturday evening brought us to the main event, 'The Big Sing'. We were fortunate to have our orchestra back in the form of Sue on uke, Geoff on guitar and John Pudduck on accordion. We also had John's friend Wayne who did some splendid renditions of folk tunes.

The highlight of the evening was the 'Last Night of the Proms' where we were most honoured to have the services of our guest conductor, Sir John Gregorolli. Perhaps the highspot of this was when Simone gave us her very own interpretation of 'Rule Britannia'.




 Many thanks to Simone for stepping in at the last minute and performing completely unrehearsed. (you wouldn't have known???!!!)

Sunday dawned a sunny day and we took full advantage of it. I led a walk down Berrisford and Wolfscott dales before climbing up to Alstonfield. After refreshments we carried on over the tops and back to the hostel for a cream tea. Denise did a shorter walk down Berisford Dale and up Biggin Dale before returning.

I think everyone agreed it was a splendid weekend and if I have the stamina, I will try to organise a similar event next year.