A.O.S.A. 2003 ANNUAL REPORT

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It was quite surprising, but very pleasing, to see the number of OS, their families and friends who met at the Meeting House for the Saturday afternoon walk, led by Wendy Smith – and her dog.

Participants came in all ages, all in different stages of fitness and wearing clothes from the standard T-shirt and trainers to the gear worn by experienced walkers; boots, puttees, green jackets. I suspect you could tell from the apparel those of us who were townies and those who were country folk.

Wendy briefly explained how far and for how long we would be walking to reach half Cook’s, the proposed destination. She also, much to the relief of the older OS, said she had three ‘get out’ points where we could leave the walk and return directly to Ayton village.

So off we set at a steady pace down to Suggitts’, quickly reaching the first ‘get out’ point which no-one was bothered about. After admiring the old public toilet, now a museum piece, we started across well remembered fields, at the end of which was the second ‘?get out’ point, which again was ignored by all.

Over more fields and up winding lanes we went. The going got a little trickier as we climbed but everyone managed to reach the third and last ‘get out’ point. At this juncture Wendy showed us where we would be going and we were able to judge the climb. Still no takers to return to the Village. The next part of the walk was definitely a ‘good climb,’ slowly but surely we all made it, then, Wendy (sneaky this was!!) showed us the final part of the climb which would take us to Half Cook’s. There was much puffing and panting but we did all make it, with I suspect, a fair amount of satisfaction from most, there were definite grins on many faces. As with me, it was probably the first time that Half Cook’s had been attempted since leaving school, for some of us that is a long time ago.

After a short rest we made our way downhill back to Ayton during which time many of us remembered a stretch of the downward journey that was actually more tricky than the upward climb. We were almost home when Wendy pointed out a way back to the village, past the station and other well known haunts, ending up at the old school Wimpey Estate. Some took this route while others crossed another couple of fields to reach the village.

We all enjoyed the walk and felt great for having achieved it. Everyone chatted away, renewing friendship and acquaintance, mixing and meeting and all ages interacting. Various aspects of Ayton life during different times and generations occasioned lively and interesting discussions, and I wonder why food became such a serious topic of conversation!? Thanks Wendy for a great afternoon. I think most of us would be happy to do it again.

Helen Watson (Woollam) 1947-53

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