MYTHOLMROYD

Mytholmroyd and District: walking and talking

"Did you bring the crowbar? What about the drill and lump hammer?? Did you cut the timber??  . . . What do you mean, 'No!'??

Today was the gathering of CROWS! Not, however, to do any outdoor work but to socialise, to walk, to talk, to look back on the achievements of 2022 and to discuss some of the tasks planned for 2023.

Mick led the walking group on an interesting circular tour that followed paths both familiar and unfamiliar that wandered around Hollin Hey Wood and across the top of Hathershelf Scout Wood before negotiating Hand Carr Lane and Scout Bottom back to Mytholmroyd. There we were joined by others for a slightly late but most enjoyable festive meal at The Dusty Miller. Many thanks to Kasher for organising the meal and providing an informal quiz!

Here are some pictures of the walk:

1. Onwards and upwards!

2. It's a long, long trail a-winding!

3. Snack & coffee break . . . only for those
who remembered to bring any!

Normal CROWS service will resume on Friday. Meanwhile, to celebrate the efforts of last year here's the first parody of 2023!

Go! CROWS!

{Any resemblance to 'Cargoes', written in 1903 by John Masefield (1878-1967) must, surely, be coincidental!}

Happy band of old CROWS from distant Hebden

Walking up the hillside to valley near and far

With a cargo of cross-rails,

Stile-steps and step legs,

Drill-box, spirit level and long iron bar.

Soggy band of wet CROWS wading up the streambed

Brushing past the bracken where the green moss trails

With a cargo of bearers,

Stringer beams, cross-treads,

Anchor stakes, kickboards and sharp bright nails.

Weary band of tired CROWS in mud-stained clothing

Trudging from the moor-top down a grey wet track

With a cargo of scrap wood,

Old wire, bent nails,

Post-spade, hand-saw and full rucksack!

Mmm! Roll on 2024 . . . some might say!

If you have spotted any repair work that needs to be done on footpaths and bridleways in the area, then details can be reported via the CROWS website. However, if you suspect that a deliberate blockage of a right-of-way has occurred this should be reported directly to Calderdale Council.

Very many thanks to everyone who has supported CROWS in various ways throughout 2022, we look forward to your continuing support in 2023. Happy New Year!