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HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 1
HASSRA
Leeds
Review of
the Year
2010
Rambling Golf Football Angling Climbing Wine Gamefishers Wargaming
Contents Contents
2
3
4-5
6
7
8-10
11
12
13
14-15
16-17
18-19
20-21
22-23
24-25
26-27
28-30
31
32
33
34-35
36-37
38-39
- Chair‟s Foreword
- Club Contact Details
- Awards 2010
- Winners
- Quarry House Success
- 75th Anniversary Event
- Christmas Draw
- Quiz
- Cricket Club
- Rambling Club
- Golf Society
- Football Club
- Angling Club
- Climbing Club
- Wine Club
- Gamefishers Club
- Wargaming Club
- QHCF
- Badminton Club
- Drama Club
- Coombe Abbey Review
- Borovet Review
- Diano Marian Review
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 2
Did you know... What is the difference between HASSRA Y & H and HASSRA Leeds ?
HASSRA Yorkshire & Humber (Y & H) is the Regional HASSRA club. The Regional club is run by fulltime staff, employed
by National HASSRA.
This region encompasses all the DWP & DH offices around York, Hull, Grimsby, Sheffield, Bradford and Leeds.
HASSRA Leeds is an individual club within the region and is run by volunteers working within either Quarry House or
Trevelyan Square.
Why do HASSRA Leeds Associate members have to pay as non members if they wish to apply for a HASSRA Y & H trip or
event?
Every regional club makes a decision whether to allow associate membership. HASSRA Y & H undertook the decision
not to have associate membership within their region.
Individual HASSRA office clubs are also allowed to decide if they wish to grant associate membership – solely for their
club. HASSRA Leeds undertook the decision to allow friends & family of permanent staff to become associate
members for an annual fee.
The HASSRA Leeds associate membership fee belongs to HASSRA Leeds club only and is used towards extending the
trips, events and benefits allowed for HASSRA Leeds members and Associate members. None of this money goes to
HASSRA Y & H.
Permanent staff within HASSRA Leeds have funds deduced at pay source, this is divided between Regional HASSRA
and their local HASSRA club.
This payment enables them to apply for HASSRA Y & H trips and events at subsidised cost.
SUMMARY
HASSRA Leeds Club members are automatically members of HASSRA Y & H and entitled to all benefits and subsidies
from both.
HASSRA Leeds Club Associate members are entitled to benefits and
subsidies only from HASSRA Leeds Club.
After a year off it‟s back to me saying a few words as Chairman. Yet again a year of
amazingly diverse activity - I continue to be astounded by the range of activities our
single activity clubs offer. The sports hall on the night of our celebration of HASSRA‟s 75th
Anniversary was impressive. I never knew that fishing could be so much fun – might have
to take you up on your offer of a day out Mr H!
Well done to our clubs who continue to offer members new experiences. In particular I‟d
like to mention the climbing club who have given us the chance to do numerous
different things - gliding; clay pigeon shooting to name but two. I wonder what they‟ll
think of next!
As ever the events committee have continued to offer a comprehensive range of outings
which I know have proved to be popular. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to
Boulogne – where I had a great time with the locals.
I know many of you have been involved in both Regional and National Competitions as
well as supporting HASSRA Leeds and the Region as organisers or helpers - I Thank You
all. without your contribution we wouldn‟t have such a successful club.
Thanks.
Read on to find out more 2010 and how good we are!!
Catriona Patterson
HASSRA Leeds
Foreword from HASSRA
Leeds Chairman
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 3
To volunteer or get involved in the following
activities, please use the list below.
HASSRA Leeds Board of Management Contact Details
Club Contact Extension Room No
Angling George Roe 24244 QH 1S25
Badminton Toni Winder 45182 QH 2E56
Bridge HASSRA Office 45810 QH 3N15
Christian Fellowship Gillian Priestley
Ros Hynes
29949 QH
45847 QH
Cricket Phil Sharples 24050 QH 3S 25
Darts Tim Wardle 27210 QH 3FS TS
Football (Men‟s 5 a side) Rab Harkins 45270 QH 5W20
Forum Leisure Centre Reception 24456 QH Ground Floor
Gamefishers John Fell 46069 1N35A
Golf Phil Corbett 27363 QH 3C21
HASSRA Dance Club Mark Gore 45427 QH 1N35A
Leeds Climbing Wall/Club Adele Hirst 0113 2058615
Hockey – Men‟s Sean Massey 24632 QH GS36
Hockey – Women‟s Ismay Macdonald 24585 QH 1W60
Netball Isobel Todd 27491 QH 3S25
Rambling Louise Plews 45269 QH 4E46
Wine Susan Mayne 47291 TS
War Games Club Stuart Wiltshire
Martin Brown
27251 QH
24183 QH
GS25
1S25
Chair HASSRA Leeds Catriona Patterson 0113 2545780 [email protected]
Secretary Isobel Todd 0113 2327491 [email protected]
Treasurer Peter Blinston 0113 2545972 [email protected]
Events Committee Chair Julie Chapman 0113 2545302 [email protected]
Finance/Clubs/Development Chair Elaine Arnott 0113 2327654 [email protected]
Communications Chair Jackie Tolan 0113 2327523 [email protected]
NHS Information Centre Rosemary Matheson 0113 2547130 [email protected]
NHS Employees/Skills for Health Jan Worthy 0113 3063010 [email protected]
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 4
At the AGM on Wednesday 24th February,
the Chair, Ruth Streets, presented awards
to Leeds members nominated by fellow
Club members for an award. The
nominations were discussed and agreed at
a meeting of the Awards Committee on
17th February as follows:
Merit Awards
Adele Hirst
Adele has taken elements of previous clubs
in HASSRA Leeds and successfully molded
them into what is essentially and
outdoor pursuits club, climbing and cycling
at the forefront. It is the enthusiasm she
generates that is seemingly the difference
at this time and the development of the
club is eagerly anticipated. The club
is obviously growing and 2010 programme
will see it establish itself even more
so. Adele has been at the heart of this
whilst continuing to take a wider view of
HASSRA Leeds programme activities.
Mark Spriggs
Mark is the Golf Society Treasurer and is just
starting his 3rd year. He is an extremely
efficient treasurer who has managed our
money well despite our accounts for
2008 becoming 'lost' at the auditors.
The money that goes through our accounts
is at times considerable and Mark makes
the accounts easy to follow and continues
to ensure that we remain solvent, despite a
very high profile finance job in DWP, where
briefing the DWP Board is regular occur-
rence.
Mark has also managed us through a
change of bank account and ensured that
Auditors recommendations were
implemented immediately.
Treasurer is probably the worst job in any
club but Mark makes it, at least, look easy.
Elaine Arnott
Elaine has been a member of the
Communication Committee and Board of
Management for a number of years,
serving HASSRA Leeds as an active
member. Elaine has solely taken on the
responsibility for updating and maintaining
the HASSRA Leeds website, sorting out
problems as they occur and feeding back
any issues with possible solutions to the
Communication Committee for
consideration. This is done in her own time
at weekends with enthusiasm and
attention to detail. Updating the website
does take some considerable time to do
but Elaine never complains about this.
Without her energy and focus, the Leeds
Website just wouldn‟t exist and members
would not be able to check our latest
offers, trips and events 24/7.
Nick Streets
Nick has been a stalwart of the Golf
Society for a number of years, holding the
roles of Captain and Secretary in recent
times. He is responsible for:
- The Programme for the Society. Nick
draws up a potential list of courses for
the Society to play, looking for venues
that will offer a challenge to the more
experienced golfers, whilst being
manageable for those with less ability. It
is to his credit that the Society constantly
plays new courses throughout Yorkshire
yet still draws large numbers of members
who are more than content with the
variety of golfing experiences.
- Negotiating the cost of the outings. As
part of the course choice, Nick
negotiates good deals for the Society
and HASSRA by booking good priced
packages at a price attractive to
members for the standard of course
played.
- The organisation of Society outings. Nick is
also responsible, on a day to day basis,
with arranging the draw for events. This
seemingly simple task can be a
complex process, with individuals‟ ability
and
requirements needing to be taken into
account, along with a wish within the
Society that members should play with
different partners through the Society
year to encourage a real sense of
togetherness. He ensures that all golfers
attending a Society event will feel
comfortable with their playing group,
adjusting playing times to suit individual
needs.
- HASSRA Leeds matches. Nick arranges
the annual matches with other Regions,
where HASSRA Leeds are represented,
choosing the venue for the matches
when we are the „home‟ team and
making arrangements that all those
putting themselves forward for selection
will play at least one match regardless of
their ability.
Vince Mihill
Vince has been a member of HASSRA
Leeds and an associate member for many
years. He has helped football flourish within
the Leeds Club through a variety of events
such as;
- organising 5 a side football league;
- organising the HASSRA tournament at
Goals Kirkstall in September 09;
- organising regular Tuesday and Fridays
games for many years;
In the past Vince has organised 11 a side
games at Weetwood Hall.
Vince is also active in other sports too and
represented HASSRA at darts competitions
in Nottingham and York.
Alan Shaw
Alan has been a member of the
Communication Committee for a number
of years, attending meetings on a regular
basis giving his advice and views on how
to
improve the Newsletter and communica-
tions
with members. He is very enthusiastic
about communications and how HASSRA
Leeds communicates with its members. He
has been heavily involved in producing 3
Review Magazines, proof reading, advising
on layout, suggesting alternative format-
ting
etc. Alan has stepped in numerous
times to Chair meetings and to finalise the
Newsletter when other members of the
Committee are unavailable so the newslet-
ter
is published by the due date.
Outstanding Sports Person
of the Year
Tony Hotchkin - The Angling Club wish to
nominate our club champion Tony
Hotchkin for HASSRA Leeds Sports Person of
the Year 2009. Tony excels at his chose
sport of course fishing but is versatile hav-
ing
fished in the HASSRA boat fishing final. He
is always willing to help others join the sport.
His record for 2009 was outstanding:
Sunrise Lakes 16th May - 20lbs - 1st place;
Lindholme Lakes 6th June - 16lbs 3 oz - 2nd
place; The Oaks 11th July - 45lbs 15oz - 1st
place; Woodlands 10th October - 9lbs - 1st
place. Combined weight of fish in 4
matches - 90lbs. As a result Tony won our
League Title and Neil Austin Trophy.
Tony also qualified for the HASSRA National
final and the CSSC national finals. He is
always willing to help others enter the sport
and was very active at our Have a Go Day
in July and at a session designed to help
new members at Langwith Lakes in August.
2010 Awards
Event
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 5
Martin Williams Trophy
Peter Blinston - Since HASSRA Leeds
became a Club in the reorganisation of
2005 Peter has continued to support The
Leeds Chair and Treasurer, the Leeds BOM
and our members.
Although Peter is the Regional Manager for
Yorkshire and the Humber, he is based
here at Quarry House and is a full member
of the Leeds Club. As an ordinary member
Peter does not represent Leeds in
competitions - he can't be seen to support
one club more than any other. However,
Peter support the Leeds Club in a more
subtly way.
His support this past year has been second
to none. The entering of the data on to the
accounts package had not taken place
for some time. Peter spent a couple of
days of his leave bringing the system up to
date and has continued to provide The
Treasurer with considerable support. He has
provided reports for the BOM and inputted
to the analysis of our financial position.
Members still find it hard to understand that
Peter is the Y&H Secretary and usually go
to him as a first port of call. Where he can
(which is usually) Peter provides the answer
if he can't he directs the query to the
appropriate BOM member.
I feel that Peter is a worthy recipient of the
Martin Williams Trophy - Peter has worked
tireless behind the scenes to the benefit of
the Club.
Best New Club
There were two entries this year for Best
New Club. The Awards Committee gave
careful consideration to both entries but
felt that this club just has the edge.
Wargaming Club – This club held its
inaugural meeting back in February 09 and
has not looked back since a „Have a Go
Day‟ was held in the Quarry House
canteen to show everyone who came
along what the club did and to run some
introductory games. A lot of people
came along to satisfy their curiosity, have a
chat and give the games a go. As a direct
result of the „have a go day‟, a member of
staff in Quarry House later donated a large
number of models and games to club
along with their best wishes.
Through out the year members of the club
attended some of the major wargaming
conventions of the year
- “Triples” at the Octagon, Sheffield in
September
- “Fiasco” at the Royal Armories, Leeds
- “Recon” in Pudsey.
It is planned to enter an official Leeds
Wargaming Club team at future
conventions. Negotiations were opened
to undertake an “inter-club challenge”
with local external clubs which promises
new opponents.
Regular games nights are held at least
once a month and often bi-weekly. A
Campaign event involving all members
was held across several months including a
prize for the overall winner. The club has
started to spread out into other games
including board games. To help members
learn a particular game, a club member
has been appointed for each period and
game to promote that particular period/
game and be the club expert.
The range of games and periods club
members play has been increased
throughout the year and the appeal of the
club has been improved.
The club has been actively promoted in
the HASSRA Newsletter and on notice
boards to increase membership. As a result
of promoting our club a number of
enquires were received from staff in Quarry
House and other DWP offices about the
club.
Fellow gamers at Barnsley and Sheffield
DWP offices have been supported and
given advice on setting up a HASSRA
wargame club including an overview of
the process, providing copies of our club
documentation and offering to meet
them. Initial arrangements have been
made for a HASSRA interclub tournament
once their club is set up.
Best Club
Again there were two nominations for Best
Club this year. Both clubs nominated
provide their members with a full range of
activities but the Awards Committee felt
that the development programme within
this club set it apart.
- The Golf Society -
- An increasing membership, from about 10
when it started to a peak of 105, from a
cross section of HASSRA members from the
Leeds HQ estate.
- A regular female attendance and our first
lady as Captain in 1999 and 2000.
- A pool of regular guest attendees who
are ineligible for the discount and attend
because they want to. This highlights the
atmosphere created by all members.
- Well-attended society outings averaging
30 attendees (40+ at Captain‟s &
President‟s Days) and two leagues which
reward season long achievement.
- Provide non-golf club members the
opportunity to play very good courses.
- Provide good quality golf at a value for
money cost for all members by judicious
use of the subsidy awarded by HASSRA.
Pay donations from two outings to NSPCC
and Captain‟s Charity.
- No less than 25 members represented
HASSRA Leeds in representative matches
against FYLDE, HQ, and NW.
- The Society has been well represented at
recent National Championships and its
entrants have achieved significant
success.
- Provide subsidised individual and video
golf lessons.
- Provide adverts for the HASSRA Leeds
newsletter and a results service for our
members and a yearly Review of Club
activities for the Review Magzine.
- Provide a Welcome Season Pack for
each new season which incorporates the
first call up papers, subscription requests,
details of the season ahead, requests for
volunteers to play in matches, information
about the National Championships, and
on handicaps, etiquette and course
management.
- Provide a Handicapping system for our
members.
- Provide a draw and directions to the club
about 10 days before each event.
- Encourage membership of the English
Golf Union for non-club members.
Chairman‟s Cup
The 2009 Chairman‟s Cup was awarded to
Catriona Patterson this year for stepping in
and taking on board the role of Treasurer
for HASSRA Leeds because no one else
volunteered to do so and therefore
avoided the Club folding. Catriona
enthusiastically took on the role, quickly
grasping the complexity of being a
Treasurer, putting in place numerous
control processes to manage the club
accounts effectively. Catriona is not a
numbers person so the role of Treasurer
was a challenge that she lived up to
admirably.
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 6
The General Knowledge - 11 January Winners: Leeds Club
Mark Wood
Phil Corbett
Andy Swalwell
David Barnes
Table Tennis - 5 February Winners Singles: Joanna Roberts
Phil Causer
Doubles winners: Chris Hutchinson
with Ian Teale (Leeds City)
*National Finals-12 March
Winners Singles: Joanna Roberts
Phil Causer
Doubles winners: Joanna Roberts &
Elana McClements
Phil Cawser with
Ian Teale (Leeds City)
Mixed Doubles: Cawser/Roberts
2010 HASSRA National Photography
Competition Frances Gigg won 3 trophies for:
Best Beginners Print
Best Snapshot
Best Beginner Overall (Mike Brougham Trophy)
Chess - 21 May Runners Up: Roger Jennings
Golf - June Regional Qualifier Winner:
Jamie Cunningham
The Angling - 11 June Winner: Craig Turbitt
Texas Hold Em Poker - 25 June Winners singles: Brendan French
The Five a side Football - 1 April Runners Up: Leeds
Leeds Club Winners
The Y&H Awards
The Y&H HASSRA Awards for 2009 took place on 26th March 2010 and
HASSRA Leeds won two awards as follows:
The Newsletter won the Y&H Best Publication Award 2009.
Tony Hotchkin was awarded the Y&H Best Sportsman Award 2009 for his
chosen sport of Game Fishing.
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 7
I represented Team HASSRA in the National CSSC
Championships, (and I have been doing for the past 20
years), at Ponds Ford International Sports Centre Sheffield
on 13 & 14 May 2010 and won 5 gold medals and set 5
new records.
Some of your members may know me as the longest
serving (15 yrs) swim teacher at the QH Forum Swim
School where I continue to teach on a Saturday.
Mike Williamson
As I manage all the following teams (as well as playing) it was suggested that I provide a
quick update on what has been happening recently to highlight the success of Quarry House
teams and those members representing Y&H in National competitions.
Regional 11 a side Football
Quarry House football team won the Regional 11 a side football competition last week against
Sheffield Districts 3-2 (Henry Forster hatrick), the 4th win for the team in the 5 years the competition
has been running.
National 11 a side Football
Craig Ross, Craig Hewitt and Brendan French myself were part of the Y&H Regional 11 a side
football team that won the National Competition at the end of April beating Wales
5-2 (Rossi hatrick) in the final. Unfortunately Craig Hewitt was unavailable for the final.
Regional 5 a side Competition
Quarry House 5 a side team were runners up to Doncaster in April '10.
National Mixed Touch Rugby
Y&H won the National mixed touch rugby in Newcastle earlier this month.
Representatives from Leeds HASSRA were Lisa Taylor, Chris Charlton and Brendan French.
Brendan French.
Quarry House Team Successes! QUARRY HOUSE
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 8
HASSRA Leeds
75th Anniversary Event On Friday 1st October, HASSRA Leeds held it‟s 75th Anniversary Event in the Woodpecker
Bar and Sports Hall.
The Event was attended by 140 members who were entertained to a variety of activities
including WI stall of home baking, Tombola stall offering 75 super prizes, Club activities
from the Dance Club, Angling Club, Wine Club, Golf Society and War Gaming Club.
The event raised £161.20 for our chosen charity, The Elizabeth Svenden Trust plus a
further £49.70 from a cake sale in 4th Floor North Quarry House. Special thanks to Eileen
Exeter, Debra Martin and Ann Hale.
Inviting
members to join the „Strictly‟ draw
< Timeline from 1935 to 2010
Tombola Stall
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 9
Members trying out wii golf
W.I. Stall (yummy)
Members viewing photos
of Leeds club past trips
< Fancy Dress
Photos of past Leeds club trips
<Wargaming in action
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 10
More Wargaming
<Fishing Takle!
Catch a „little‟ fishy! >
< Wine „Tasting‟
Wine Drinking >
< Good Times
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 11
HASSRA Leeds Members
Christmas Draw
Prize
Winner
Christmas Hamper
Rose Roostan
HMV Gift Card
Carole Cresswell
Chocolates
Patrick Maye
Whiskey
Dave Lambert
Cinema tickets (4)
David Barrett (retired)
Wine
Em Gratrex
Cinema Tickets (4)
Ian Long
Chocolates
Judith Hartshorne
Wardrobe Voucher
Sue Younger
Beauty Voucher
Donna Tate
The HASSRA Leeds Members Christmas Draw took place on Friday
17th December in the Woodpecker Bar and the winner were
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 12
Across 1. Topic (5)
4. Environment (7)
8. Layer (7)
9. Soda water (5)
10. Cheap passage (8)
11. Sport (4)
13. Six feet deep in water (6)
14. Invalidate (6)
17. Artifice (4)
19. Glorious (8)
22. Torpid (5)
23. Quantities (7)
24. Aged (7)
25. Covers a wide area (5)
Down 1. Chores (5)
2. Sincere (7)
3. Outside (8)
4. Respectful deference (6)
5. Computer memory unit (4)
6. Latin American dance (5)
7. Diplomatic (7)
12. Famished (8)
13. Surreptitious (7)
15. Brilliant musical passage (7)
16. Bee house (6)
18. Velocity (5)
19. Measured portions of medicine (5)
20. Celestial body (4)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9
10 11
12
13 14 15
16
17 18 19 20
21
22 23
24 25
Crossword
Sudoku 2010 Quiz Winners
Month Winner
January Sue Younger
February Mick Hill
March Jenny Smith
April Fun Quiz
May Mick Lavery
June Nigel Watson
July Chris Munday
August Richard Dykes
September Jackie Waters
October Rachel Cordingley
November Karen Ingham
December Karen Ingham
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 13
The Leeds Cricket club played
in the CSSC Curtis Bennett
Shield again in 2010. We won
our first, second and Quarter
final matches but were beaten
by HASSRA East Midlands in
the Semi Final…
The mixed Y & H six-a-side
team entered that HASSRA
National Comp in Derby and
once again retained their title
remaining unbeaten
throughout the tournament.
CRICKET
Did you know …..
Membership of HASSRA means you are member of the Leeds Club and
have access to all the clubs and activities HASSRA Leeds undertakes. Our
clubs offer subsidised activities, the chance to experience something you
haven‟t done before at reduced process. Membership also entitles you to
join in the Forum activities, ticket offers, trips, competitions, members‟ draw,
Christmas Party, member benefits etc. You can also enter the Y&H
Regional Competitions and be picked to represent HASSRA Y&H at a
National Competition. All this for £1.50 per month
CRICKET CLUB
ANNUAL REVIEW for 2010
These are the photos of the cricket team winning the
Civil Service Curtis Bennett National Shield in 2007.
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 14
LONGER WALKS
Walks of 10 – 16 miles were
arranged for our more energetic
members, going from Threshfield
to Flasby Fell and tackling the
whole of the Harrogate Ringway
in two sections.
EVENING WALKS
Summer Friday evening strolls
were arranged after work,
visiting Temple Newsam and
Tingley. These shorter walks,
often with additional historical
interest, continue to be popular
as a way of winding down at the
end of the working week.
“SPECIALS”
In May, members were
challenged to tackle one, two
or all three of Yorkshire‟s famous
Three Peaks. The weather was
glorious, enabling everyone to
walk as far as they felt able, and
all participants returned home
with a sense of achievement.
The Club‟s annual midsummer
Barbecue this year followed an
8 mile walk beginning with an
ascent of Beamsley Beacon
and continuing into the
delightful valley beyond. The
weather was kind to us this year
and the barbecue was much
enjoyed by all. There was the
usual array of prize-winning
sausages, locally sourced
beefburgers and kebabs,
salads and mouth-watering
desserts.
RAMBLING CLUB
ANNUAL REVIEW for 2010
Membership of the Club stood at 65 in 2010, including 7 new members, and 11 guests
attended our walks or trips for the first time. During the year the Club hosted 18 day
walks and 4 trips. There was a total of 298 appearances at these events.
REGULAR RAMBLES
The Saturday Rambles (on the last Saturday of each month) have continued to be the
backbone of our programme. This year‟s visits have been:
Shipley Glen Summerbridge & Brimham Moor
Ogden Water Nidderdale around Harrogate
Leathley Luddenden Dene
Beamsley Beacon Wakefield Way
Timble & Blubberhouses Moor Stainforth
Tong & Cockersdale Oakworth
RAMBLING
June evening walk - Temple Newsam
Stainforth Salmon Leap Ramble
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 15
The Pudding Ramble,
introduced last year, again
attracted a large following. It
offered a grand incentive to
undertake a healthy 7 mile walk
in the countryside, rewarding
the effort with a delicious
spread of modern and
traditional puddings.
TRIPS AWAY
Our first trip of the year went to
the stunning white village of
Grazalema in Andalucia in
March. Here we found
spectacular mountain walking,
lots of spring flowers, and some
very welcome warm sunshine.
Our annual visit to the Lake
District, traditionally in the
autumn, was brought forward to
May this year for a change. It
was a delight to see the young
lambs and spring flowers as we
walked amongst the lakes and
fells around Borrowdale.
In July we visited
Northumberland, with its
heritage coastline, vast
unspoiled countryside and the
Cheviot Hills. There is plenty
more top quality walking in this
area to be enjoyed in future.
As part of our change-and-
change-about, the annual
Swaledale Weekend was
moved to September. The
walking here is spectacular at
all times of the year, but it was
interesting to see the views with
the leaves still on the trees. The
Friday was a little wet, but the
rest of the weekend sunny and
dry with some excellent walking
on offer.
It was a great shame that our
Winter Walking Weekend in the
Peak District, based at the
welcoming Rutland Arms Hotel
in Bakewell, had to be
cancelled because of the
heavy snow and ice. Conditions
were dangerous for both driving
and walking. We had been due
to welcome several newcomers
on this popular trip.
The rambling year concluded
with a 7 mile circular walk from
Oakworth, Atrocious weather
again kept many people away,
but 11 stalwarts enjoyed a lovely
walk followed by a delicious
Christmas Lunch at the Grouse
Inn.
We are indebted to our hard
working Committee and to our
walk leaders, new and old,
without whom our programme
would not be possible. We look
forward to another year of
good walking in 2011.
New members of the Rambling
Club are always very welcome.
RAMBLING
Tong Winter‟s ramble in November
Walking from Grazalema
in Andelucia
From Keld to Tan Hill in Swaledale
At Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 16
From the society Richard
Mitchell, Jamie Cunningham,
Ruth Streets and Martine Lunn
represented HASSRA Yorkshire
and the Humber at the National
Golf Championships; and the
Golf Society arranged and
hosted the event at Alwoodley
GC. All played well and
enjoyed the event. The event
was a great success for the
region.
Teams led by the Captain
played 4 matches during the
year. The National Blood Service
match was played at Howley
Hall GC where we had a
thoroughly enjoyable day and
we managed to win. We also
played matches with FYLDE at
Bingley St Ives GC and again this
year we came out on top with
quite a thumping win and
London at West Herts against
whom we won again. A very
good competition all-round.
Finally, back to losing ways
against the NW which was
re-arranged in October after we
were originally washed out at
Kirkby Lonsdale in September!
The society contributed £188 to
the NSPCC, and through two
bottle draws during the year we
were able to donate £439
equally between „Help for
Heroes‟ and „Cancer Research
UK‟; the Captain‟s Charities.
Subsidised golf lessons were
provided by refunding 50 % of
the fee for people to take
lessons at their own club. This
method of development is
proving more popular than
previous lesson vouchers.
GOLFING SOCIETY
ANNUAL REVIEW for 2010
The Golf Society has had 10 outings in the year.
* 18 Hole at Selby GC - won by Ashley Bowland
* Spring Trophy at West Bradford GC - won by Mike Newton
* NSPCC Putter at Brough GC - won by Mel Colbourne
* President's Day at Fulford GC - won by Chris Charlton
* Captain's Day at Woodsome Hall GC - won by Martin Cocker
* Summer Salver at Hollins Hall GC - won by Chris Timmins
* Autumn Cup held at Horsforth GC - won by John Boland
* Treasurer‟s Rose Bowl at Woodhall Hills GC - won by John Lonsdale
* November outing at Silkstone GC
President‟s vs Captain‟s Team Challenge - won by President‟s Team
* Secretary‟s Chalice at Moortown GC - won by to be played
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 17
We now believe that we have a settled schedule with 10 outings plus matches throughout the year.
In 2010 we took 30+ members on a trip to Forest Pines and 58 to Wales. These trips proved to be
very successful, building a real sense of togetherness for all who attended. We had reasonable
weather at Forest Pines and three very good days in Wales, plus good food and hospitality from
both Hotels.
In 2011 we will be visiting
The Oaks Shipley Northcliffe Woburn
Garforth Tankersley Park Moor Allerton
Cleckheaton East Coast & Ganton Bingley St Ives
Flaxby Park Selby Moortown
If anyone requires further information about our activities, please contact Nick Streets at [email protected]
HASSRA (LEEDS) GOLFING SOCIETY
ANNUAL REPORT ON CLUB ACTIVITIES: 2010
Membership dropped slightly in 2010 to 70
but we continue to see a large proportion of
members attending at least one outing. Our
average attendance has increased slightly
from last year. The attendance at
President‟s Day confirms the results of our
regular surveys, which emphatically
endorsed the idea of visiting at least one
Championship course per year. We visited
Fulford with 45 members.
Leagues. We have a well established league
structure in the society, one for Tigers
(anyone with a handicap of 19 or below)
and the other for Rabbits (the rest of us). To
qualify you must have played in at least 4
outings, and one must be a major‟ (Captains
or Presidents Day). Your top 4 stableford
scores are then aggregated to determine
the winners. A NEW Seniors league was
introduced this year for those 50 or over on
1st January with the same rules as the other
leagues.
Rabbits Champion for 2010 was John Lonsdale with 139 pts
Tigers Champion for 2010 was Andy Swarbrick with 145 pts
Seniors Champion for 2010 was Chris Timmins with 141 pts
Matchplay Competition. Richard Mitchell was the winner beating Martin Baldwin.
Strokeplay Competition. Richard Mitchell was the winner beating Nick Streets.
The Ladies Trophy for Most Improved Player. This trophy is awarded yearly and for the member(s)
of the society who has had the greatest reduction in their handicap over the year.
The winner was John Lonsdale having been cut 6.67 shots this year.
The winner of the Birdie Trophy (kindly donated by Penny Askew) will not be decided until after
our last event at Moortown but currently leading is Andy Swarbrick with 10.
Congratulations to all our winners in 2010
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 18
On the Road Again
By: Weir Off
Like Canned Heat, we were
on the road again. For the
fourth year in succession, the
Captain Haddock Fan Club
travelled up from Leeds to
Edinburgh to add some class
to the CSSC Masters
tournament.
As Nick said, “We‟re never
sure whether we‟ll have on
our first class, or bottom of
the class, boots.”
The tournament is great in
that it lets the more mature
players, i.e. those over thirty
five, run about on grass for
an afternoon and wonder
why they had never been
spotted by a scout from one
of the major clubs.
“I suppose,” said Roger, “a
lack of talent could be a big
factor.”
Paul Robinson, the Ancient
Mariner of the Haddocks,
said
“I do hate the suggestion
that we are over the hill. The
fact that we can put
together a midfield trio
whose combined age is
closer to one hundred and
sixty, rather than fifty seven,
is a mere bagatelle.”
Rab said, “This age thing is
getting out of hand. Just
because you have the odd
grey hair people think you
are ancient. Why, my
nephew recently asked me
about my experiences in the
Second World War!”
Nothing Doing
By Per Fume
Last year, at Waverley Station
pretty girls were giving out
free samples of deodorant to
well deserving passers-by.
Some of the Haddocks,
despite their great age, were
looking forward to a repeat
performance. I‟m not sure
what was weighing more on
their minds - the girls or, being
from Yorkshire, the free
deodorant.
Disappointingly, there were
no cheeky perfume girls at
the station. Stuart said,
“Some old geezer handing
out religious tracts isn‟t quite
the same thing in my
opinion.”
Haddocks Dazzle the
Crowd
By: Hot Shot
The Haddocks, as always,
were raring to go – the
triumph of hope over
experience. Quentin said, “If
we get knocked out we get
to the bar first, so it is a
win-win for us.”
We started by playing the
exotically named Teesport
Seniors. One imagines they
had made the long, weary
trek up from Middlesbrough.
The Haddocks had taken
steps to reduce their
average age by signing, for
an undisclosed fee, a mere
stripling of 37. Roger Halliday,
for it was he, had the pace
to trouble the best defences
and, luckily, there weren‟t
many of them in the
tournament.
FOOTBALL CLUB
ANNUAL REVIEW for 2010 FOOTBALL
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 19
There were around thirty
teams in the tournament, so
those who weren‟t playing
watched the games. The
Haddocks had a rush of
blood to their withered limbs,
and passed and moved the
ball around with delightful
ease. They eventually
finished by winning 6-1. That
certainly gave the crowd
something to think about.
A spectator, one Walter
Smith, said, “It just shows that
you‟re never too old to play
well. Some of the players on
my own team are a bit long
in the tooth themselves.”
Back to Reality
By: Dear Deer
In their next game, against
Bolton Area Fossils, the Had-
docks, bubbling with opti-
mism relaxed.
The Haddocks day-dreamed,
the Haddocks gave the ball
away, the Haddocks lost 3-1.
Ah well.
Two teams in the Haddocks
group failed to show. So, by
a quirk of the rules they were
awarded two 1-0 wins and
ended up with nine points.
This meant they went into the
top level of the competition
for the next round, instead of
the middle, or even bottom,
level.
The Haddocks were unfazed.
Unlike Napoleon‟s famous
General, the Haddocks are
good rather than lucky. They
drew Toon Barmy, the
eventual winners, in the first
knock out round.
The Toon were good and
quickly went two goals up. It
looked like the Haddocks
were well battered. They
rallied. They fought back.
They pressured the Toon and
got a goal back. The Toon
wobbled as the Haddocks
chased the game. There
were chances at both ends
but the Toon, taking
advantage of a breakaway,
scored a decisive third.
As Bob Dylan said, in a
different context, “It‟s all over
now baby blue.”
Presentations
When awarding the trophy,
Davie Elder,
who had done his usual
excellent job of organising
things, said “The games were
played in the usual good
spirit. There were very few
fouls, and the referees didn‟t
have much to do.
The CSSC have splashed out
on an enormous trophy for
the winners. It will be a
comfort to the members to
know that their subscriptions
are being well spent!
“I‟ll let you know about next
year as soon as I can.”
FOOTBALL
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 20
This has been a fantastic year
which has seen our club go from
strength to strength with more
members joining the ranks (20%
up on last year) and a variety of
events at top-class venues to suit
all tastes and types of coarse
angling.
Our outings began in April with a
fund-raising event at Sunrise Lakes
in Spofforth. A heavily sponsored
day‟s fishing including „guess the
total weight of fish caught‟
coupled with the revenue from
selling bacon sandwiches
enabled us to raise much needed
cash for St Gemma‟s Hospice.
We really got into the spirit of
HASSRA‟s 75th birthday
celebrations – see the pictures to
the left and below. Again, we
chose to support St Gemmas; our
fun activities included a fishing
game and a maggot guessing
competition (don‟t ask!) which
helped boost the total amount
we raised for the hospice to £800.
Over the last few years the club
has forged a strong link with the
Forest School in Knaresborough
(a school for children with
learning disabilities) and we take
some of their leavers on a fishing
trip each summer. This year we
spent a day with eight youngsters
at Carlshead Farm in North
Yorkshire.
Whilst the youngsters were very
enthusiastic, the fish clearly
weren‟t and only in the last hour
were any enticed to bite. Even so,
glorious weather conspired with
the tranquil venue to ensure
everyone enjoyed the day out.
Our match-fishing calendar ran
from May to October and for 2010
we introduced a „Junior League‟
to cater for the increasing number
of under 18 year olds in the club.
This year we were delighted to
welcome youngsters and lady
members to the club. Lauren
Sutcliffe was one of them and
quickly proved she is a force to be
reckoned with after landing
significant catches. (See Picture
Above.)
Our annual „Have a Go Day‟ at
Sunrise Lakes, Spofforth in July
proved to be a fertile recruiting
venue to tempt new members into
the fold; this year‟s event was as
popular as ever with nearly 30
people coming along to enjoy the
sunshine and the sport on offer.
ANGLING CLUB
ANNUAL REVIEW for 2010 ANGLING
Lauren Sutcliffe with a super common
carp caught at Brafferton
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 21
Even the very young became
hooked with many fine fish
succumbing to beginners‟ baits.
As usual, our expert anglers were
on hand with advice and
practical tips.
The „Have a Go day‟ has been so
successful in the past that it
attracted new devotees and
helped turn Mel Parker and
Graham Gibson (and others) into
serial anglers.
Newcomer Simon Wilkinson
thought fishing was one of the last
things he would become involved
in - until he attended our taster
day. Now he can‟t get enough
and can be found on the banks
of his local rivers and lakes most
weekends.
Our master-class event at
Brafferton proved a master-stroke
with many less-experienced
anglers grabbing the opportunity
to learn different methods of
catching fish under the guidance
of our experts.
This year, we took our annual
summer break on the
Leicestershire/Warwickshire
border. The fishing was top class
as was the hotel and, again, was
very well attended. Everyone
agreed the whole experience
was superb value for money.
With a choice of 18 lakes and
pools offering more than 600
swims, there was something to suit
all types of coarse anglers - from
'big game' carp and barbel
haulers to pole fishing fanatics.
For the record….
Plaudits go to Tony Hotchkin who
won the adult league again. Junior
honours and specimen trophy
went to Chris Lukey. Chris Child
won the annual “Neil Austin”
Memorial Trophy.
Well done to all trophy holders. If
you think you can beat them (they
are there to be knocked off their
perch!) why not come and give
our club a try?
Next Year
Our first match will be at Raygill
fisheries on the 16th April. The
annual “Have a go Day” will take
place at Spofforth on 23rd July.
Contact Details…
For further details about the club
please contact either
George Roe (01132324144)
or
John Douglas (01132327547)
ANGLING
The 4 star Ullesthorpe Court Hotel
& Golf Club where we met to
trade fishy tales of our exploits
Mirror man John Douglas
with a carp caught during
the 2-day break
One of the delightful, well-
stocked lakes at Makins
Fishery
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 22
At last year‟s AGM, the HASSRA Leeds
Climbing Club decided that as well as
organising lots of the usual climbing activities
in 2010, we would also organise other
outdoor activities. 2010 has been a fun year
and these are a few of the trips that have
been keeping HLCC busy.
Climbing On top of our usual trips to local indoor walls,
we organised taster bouldering sessions at
City Bloc for 22. In the summer, Sheffield‟s
Foundry took 13 members to Stanage Edge
for first experiences outdoors as well as for
more experienced climbers to get some
instruction to improve their skills.
For the first time, we also ran trips to How
Stean Gorge in North Yorkshire where 10 of
you tried gorge walking.
We also ran a trip to the Via Ferrata (2) –
literally, the „road with irons‟.
Gliding Mick organised a great discount deal for us
at the York gliding club, and 42 people took
flights! Given it was so popular and the
feedback we got was so good, in 2011 we‟ll
be running more taster flights, and for those
who want a bit more instruction, some
longer flights.
CLIMBING CLUB
ANNUAL REVIEW for 2010 CLIMBING
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 23
Mountain Biking There was a variety of mountain biking
activity this year from skills classes
throughout the year for 9 (starting in a very
cold and snowy February) to bike
maintenance
classes (6).
Skiing & Snowboarding
This was also the first year that we organised
skiing and snowboarding lessons at the
indoor slope at Castleford. In total, 5 people
took lessons.
Surfing Early in the summer we took a group to
Scarborough for a day‟s surfing with Steve at
Fluid Concept for 6 people. In the afternoon
some of us switched our surf boards for
paddle boards which was more difficult than
Steve made it look!
CLIMBING
Clay Pigeon Shooting
The first of our shooting trips was organised by Edmund this year with a clay pigeon
shooting day for 14. He‟ll be organising another clay pigeon shooting event as well as
some target shooting next year.
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 24
2010 was another successful
year for the wine club. We
ran another very popular trip
to Reims to visit champagne
houses, and we presented a
variety of wine themes at our
events. These included
Burgundy and Tasmania at
the top end, and Sherry,
Portugal, and the Languedoc
at the lower end. Other
events covered Germany,
North-east Italy, America
(outside California), and the
Southern Rhone.
We also had three excellent
presentations from external
speakers: Denby Dale wines,
Latitude, and Bat & Bottle
(from Rutland). We‟ve
selected the highlights from
6 events in more detail
below.
Blended wines: we tasted
wines from Australia, South
Africa and France which
used significant amounts of
more than one grape type.
Perhaps surprisingly, the
Australian wines were not as
good as we had hoped, and
the star of the night was the
Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005
from Clos de l‟Oratoire, a mix
of Grenach, Syrah and
Mourvedre. This had the rare
accolade of being to
everyone‟s taste.
Super Tuscan wines:
presented by Bat & Bottle.
This was certainly the most
interesting event of the year.
The people at Bat & Bottle
really know their stuff, having
lived and worked in Italy in
the wine trade, and they
shared a lot of insider
knowledge with us. Their
view is that the Italians make
their best wine in normal
vintages – in really good
years they tend to get carried
away and go over the top.
They also explained how
some makers cheat; for
example, illegally putting
some cabernet into wines to
make them seem more red
and enhance the look. They
also managed to provide 6
wines that all got votes for
best of the night – all were
excellent.
Loire: this area can be
patchy in quality, and we
found a wide range in the
selections we tasted. The
Vouvray was poor, but the
Pouilly Fume (Pascal Jolivet
Les Griottes 2009) was full of
flavour. We tried a red
Sancerre, but it tasted like
diluted Burgundy; the
Chateau de Villeneuve
Vielles Vignes, made from
cabernet Franc, however,
was very interesting and
good value.
WINE CLUB
ANNUAL REVIEW for 2010 WINE CLUB
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 25
Eastern European:
we covered Moldova,
Slovenia, Bulgaria, Georgia
and (with poetic license)
Lebanon. Comments
ranged from “terrible,
couldn‟t give it away” on
the Moldovan Chardonnay,
to “drinkable but not great”
for the Slovenian Reisling, up
to “decent attempt at a
Burgundy wine – pleasant”
for the Bulgarian Pinot Noir.
The undoubted star of the
night however was the
Lebanese Chateau Ka 2005
“absolutely delicious, top
class”.
Rioja: this was a tasting of
wines all from Marques de
Caceres, one of the best
known Rioja houses and
easily available from many
outlets in the UK. It was
interesting to try the range
on a single tasting, and
understand what you get
for the extra money for the
better wines. The whites/
roses (Antea and Rosado)
were good – not too oaked
in flavour, and the Crianza
2006, which accounts for 60%
of their output, was a good
basic Rioja red. The Reserva
2004 was “Gorgeous, intense
bouquet, fresh fruit with
tannins”, and excellent
value, while the Gran
Reserva 2001 met with
universal approval. The top
of the range Gaudium 2004
(it is only made in top
vintage years) was superb,
but a lot of money, and
most members would prefer
2 bottles of the Reserva
instead.
Cheap and cheerful wines:
easily our best attendance
of the year for this event,
and we were not
disappointed. The presenters
had managed to obtain a
number of wines at bargain
prices; others were simply
excellent value. The best
bargain was the Veure
Deloynes champagne. The
best of the standard wines
were the 2008 Penfolds
Winemaker Shiraz/Cabernet,
and the 2002 Languilla Gran
Reserva Rioja. But the top
vote went to the 2005
Cockburns Late Bottled Port.
The Wine Club meets twice a
month in Quarry House
canteen, and we extend a
very warm welcome to
anyone who would like to join
us. Given the success of our
cheap and cheerful event,
we intend to put on more
events of that type in 2011,
and hope you‟ll try it out. For
more information just contact
any of the committee
members.
WINE CLUB
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 26
HASSRA Leeds Gamefishers is a small friendly
club, whose members are dedicated to the
pursuit of game fish (trout, grayling and
salmon) using a fly. The word „fly‟ needs to be
used with some caution however, as the said
items are usually tied from bits of feather,
wool, tinsel, fur, foam in fact, anything that
can be tied on a hook, and often rarely
looking like anything that lives!
Despite the mixed weather conditions this
year, we managed to get out fishing to a
wide variety of mainly still water venues.
Although we take some fish for the table,
many of the fisheries operate „catch and
release‟ and barbless hooks are used to
prevent fish suffering. The following records a
few of the highlights of the year. We kicked
off the year on 27 February to Pennine fishery
near Littleborough. This is a truly commercial
fishery and is ideal for those new to fly-fishing,
as it‟s usually relatively easy to catch a fish
here. And they often run to several pounds
(the largest I saw taken weighed 24lbs in a
competition we fished here some years ago).
Ten ponders are not uncommon. Although we
all caught fish, the largest of around 5lbs, the
big ones proved a bit elusive. The weather
was very unpredictable, we managed sun,
sleet, wind and calm, hardly surprising for a
lake at the top of the Pennines! I remember
„Catering Supremo‟ Freeman juggling a
particularly active fish, trying to get it back in
the water!
April saw the club off to Leighton Reservoir.
The contrast with Pennine could not be more
marked. Located near Masham (handy for a
tipple of Black Sheep or Old Peculiar on the
way home), this large reservoir is in stunning
surroundings. Mind you, it can be very windy,
and the water levels fall noticeably when
there‟s a drought on. We invariably find that
the „Dawson‟s Olive‟, a concoction of orange
and green turkey marabou plumes, chenille
(yes) and a brass bead head works well, and
the fish are feisty and fight well. „Chub‟
Cunningham always does well here.
We have an annual event where we
encourage beginners by laying on a taster
day, which is open to HASSRA members. We
always have a professional instructor who
guides the novices. This year we went to
Kilnsey, and there were six „novices‟ as well as
a few „old-stagers‟. Paul Hiscox, one of the
club regulars used his special buzzer (an
imitation of a fly larva) which he referred to as
his „secret weapon‟ – and caught umpteen
fish. Despite my trying something similar (and
nearly every other fly in my collection), I didn‟t
hook into anything until late afternoon. All the
novices caught fish, and from the first few
hours – especially on an imitation red
bloodworm (yes I tried that one too).
Three of us went to fish the River Ribble in
September. This has become something of an
annual foray in search of sea-trout and
salmon. We fished near Mitton, just outside
Clitheroe. The scenery is spectacular, and the
river was at an ideal height.
GAMEFISHERS
ANNUAL REVIEW for 2010 GAMEFISHERS
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 27
„Woody‟ managed a beautiful brown trout
on his first cast – though he was using a small
spinner rather than a fly. It was quickly
returned to the river. Although we enjoyed
the day, and I caught the tiniest grayling and
a similarly small sea-trout, those were the only
fish we managed. But lower down the river
there were some larger fish seen. Never mind,
there is always next year!
The club has continued to be well
represented in competitions, with our
chairman John Fell, being a member of the
eight-man squad representing the Civil
Service in the Services Fly Fishing
Championship held on Grafham Water,
Cambridgeshire, on the 1st June. This
competition is fished against teams from the
Army (Soldier Palmers), Royal Navy & Marines,
RAF (Fish Hawks), Police, Fire & Rescue
Service and the Prison Service. The Civil
Service team were the winners on the day
retaining the trophy for the second year in
succession – John is a true professional, and
is free with his advice and support to club
members.
We ended the year at Kilnsey fishery near
Kettlewell on 6 November. This was our
annual competition, and surprisingly it was a
perfect day, with no wind, and lots of sunny
intervals – ideal for fly-fishing. We had nearly
all the club members in attendance, and we
all caught fish. Niki – our only lady member -
caught the heaviest bag, and was
presented with the annual trophy by John
Fell. Incidentally, the record for the heaviest
rod-caught salmon in the UK is held by a
woman, so it should come as no surprise that
Niki won – proof that fly-fishing can be
enjoyed by all!
We are always trying to encourage new
members to join us, so if interested, get in
touch. Our programme is advertised in
HASSRA News.
Tight lines!
David RN
GAMEFISHERS
Did you know …..
HASSRA Leeds accepts Associate Members? People not directly
employed by the Department of Health or DWP can become associate
members of HASSRA Leeds by being sponsored by a family friend or
relative. Associate Members pay a small fee and can then take part in
Leeds Clubs activities and trips and events. Associate members are
welcome onto the Leeds Club‟s committees if they wish to make a
voluntary contribution to the success of the HASSRA Leeds.
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 28
Article 2 – Club Activities
2010 saw a first for the club, a campaign written
by club chair Stuart Barraclough for the
Warhammer 40,000 game system.
The campaign was set on the world of Delphan
IV, a semi-industrial world with some
technological knowledge. Three different
factions battled for control of this world for their
own nefarious purposes. The evil forces of
Chaos, the battle-loving Orks and ravenous
Tyranids (think Alien and you won‟t go wrong).
The Fall of Delphan Prime evolved over several
months, from small scale skirmishes to full scale
battle but at the end there could only be one
winner, the Tyranids staged a late run and were
unassailable as they swept aside all resistance
and consumed all life forms on the planet.
As well as the campaign, the club ran a Have a
Go day on Friday 9th July, showcasing various
games and chatting about the hobby. The
club also had a presence at the HASSRA 75th
Anniversary event on Friday 1st October. Thanks
to all the people who came along to either
event for a chat, proving there are other
wargamers out there!
Article 1 – Scenery
Scenery is an important part of any wargame,
whether it is a wood to hide behind or a ruined
building to take cover in, the type of terrain sets
the scene for the battle about to commence.
Back in August, Games Workshop ran a
competition to win a 6‟ x 4‟ battle board
(usually retailing at £150). In the spirit of “if you
don‟t enter you can‟t win”
the HASSRA Leeds Wargaming Club submitted
a couple of photos of the terrain used by the
club. While we did not win we did get our
scenery published on the sites blog here:
http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/
content/blogPost.jsp?aId=13600048a
the relevant part is shown below:
WARGAMING CLUB
ANNUAL REVIEW for 2010 War Gaming
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 29
Fanning the Flames of War
by Stuart Wiltshire
Club Secretary
War Gaming
2010 was a busy year for the club. As well as
the whole club competing in a futuristic
Warhammer 40k campaign (a series of
linked scenarios) entitled “The Fall of
Delphan Prime”, we trialled a number of
new rule sets and bought into two new
game systems.
One of these was Malifaux from Wyrd
Minatures, a strange blend of Victorian,
Steampunk, Gothic, Wildwest action which
sees cow-pokes alongside clockwork robots
fighting against demons, zombie saloon-girls
and even gigantic killer teddies! Relatively
inexpensive to buy into and quick to play,
the game captured the imagination of a
number of members.
Also featuring high on the scale was the
World War II game Flames of War from
Battlefront Miniatures. The first 15mm game
added to the stable, it represents a more
historical departure for the club.
Battlefront divides WWII into three periods.
Early-war (1939–41), mid-war (1942–43) and
late-war (1944–45). Flames of War allows
players to partake in company level battles
from the European and North African
Theatres of World War Two, using 1/100
scale miniatures (15 mm figure scale). The
smaller scale of miniature allows you to field
a much larger force that looks great on the
table top. Plus …. It has tanks ….. TANKS!
Gameplay takes place over a series of
turns, with players alternating movement,
shooting and close assault. This simple
sequence of play, often called "I-Go,
You-go", helps people who are unfamiliar
with wargames or who are familiar with
other games with a similar structure, such as
Warhammer Fantasy Battles or Warhammer
40,000, to quickly learn the rules. The game
is optimised for two players, although it can
be played by a larger number of players
grouped in teams.
Play revolves around company-level
tactics, with each stand or element (a base
holding 3 to 7 miniatues) representing an
infantry fireteam (half-squad/section), an
artillery piece and its crew, or a single
vehicle (such as a tank, jeep, or armoured
car). Air support is also available, in the form
of fighters and ground attack aircraft.
The main rulebook has a variety of
scenarios players can use for their games,
from a simple all-out battle scenario to
objective-taking missions. The army
sourcebooks contain further scenarios,
usually centred around events relevant to
that particular book. The internet also offers
thousands of free alternatives if you know
where to look.
The current rules are found in the Second
Edition Rule Book, which was printed in a
hard cover and paperback edition. The
Rule Book does not include any army lists,
which requires a source book to be
purchased to play.
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 30
Fanning the Flames of War
by Stuart Wiltshire
Club Secretary
WARGAMING
Several army sourcebooks are available,
based on particular historical campaigns
such as D-Day or Opertation Market
Garden and include lists for German, U.S.,
the United Kingdom and Commonwealth
(India, Australia, Canada, South Africa, and
New Zealand), the Soviet Red Army, the
Italian army, as well as smaller nations such
as the Hungarians, Finns, Romanians and,
most recently, the Poles. There is
well-supported internet site that provides
numerous free additional army lists, painting
tips, examples and an active forum.
Sourcebooks have so far been restricted to
the European and Mediterranean theatres,
although Battlefront has indicated that
future releases may include coverage of
the Pacific theater.
One of the regularly raised critiscism of
historical wargaming is the bewildering
selection of rules systems, miniatures
companies etc which often require
specialist knowledge and hours of
searching the internet to pull together into
a workable game.
Flames of War provides players who are
interested in World War II wargaming but
lack an in-depth knowledge of the period,
such as myself, with a "one-stop shop". The
rulebook and sourcebooks provide not only
the rules of the game and scenarios to play
but also background material on historical
forces and battles and simple guides to
organising, assembling, and painting
miniature armies. Battlefront also sell all the
miniatures required, eliminating the need
for extensive searching. Having said that,
members of the club will be happy to give
anyone interested advice on alternative
sources to buy from that reduce the cost
even further, and I don‟t just mean Ebay!
Flames of War is also supported by a
companion magazine, “Wargames
Illustrated”, a long running UK based
wargaming magazine recently acquired by
Battlefront, who completely revamped its
layout and appearance. This magazine
now previews forthcoming Flames of War
releases, details battle reports and provides
hints and tips as well as general wargaming
information on upcoming shows, events
and clubs.
In summary, gamers interested in trialing
some WWII wargaming action can do
much worse than give Flames of War a try.
It does not aim to be the most historically
accurate game, but gameplay is fast and
exciting while special rules for each army
make the feel of playing the various forces
evocative of the actual troops, and the
initial setup is relatively cheap, even more
so if you come and try it at the club (we
have starting forces and a rulebook you
can use without paying a bean!)
The club is in the process of building up its
15mm terrain and we will soon be seeing
the heroic allies rumbling across the table
top into the iron fist of the heavily dug in
Tigers and Panthers of the Axis forces.
Only time and dice will tell how things will
turn out.
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 31
Quarry House Christian Fellowship
Annual Review for 2010 QHCF When we have been meeting
QHCF is open to all colleagues in DWP and DH
who are interested in the Christian faith or
would like to find out more about it. The
meetings are every Wednesday from 12:15 to
13:15pm. They are informal (often people bring
their lunch) and are usually held in the
multi-faith room, 7C03. Sometimes meetings
are done by video conference to include
London colleagues from DH. Sometimes we
meet for lunch outside of QH.*
Subjects covered
The group aims to build friendships and
encourage people to consider how the
Christian faith might help them practically in
work and everyday life. Over the year we have
studied a course called “God at Work”, which
provides suggestions on how to be a Christian in
the workplace. We have recently looked at the
Book of Job in the Bible and the age-old
question of why God allows suffering.
Projects
A highlight of the year was an event called
„Bridging the Gap‟. Across the A64 road from
Quarry House, is Emmaus, a charity providing
homes and employment for the homeless.
Emmaus has a very good charity shop which is
worth a visit.
On 27 April 2010, QHCF and other DH and DWP
staff met together to pass our donated goods
across the footbridge. Terry Waite, Emmaus
President, formed part of the human chain by
which the goods were passed on. It is hoped to
make this donation of goods an annual event
for all staff.
* For more information about QHCF, please contact:
Gillian Priestley DWP Tel: 0113 2519949
Ros Hynes DH Tel: 0113 2545847
Did you know …..
HASSRA Leeds supports your fund raising activities. So if you are doing something for charity such as a Cake
Sale or Book /CD sale, Charity Run etc, if so, please let HASSRA Leeds know and we will advertise it for you and
the results in The Newsletter, on Notice Boards and on our Website.
Please remember that if you are doing an event for charity to follow the rules in the Staff Clubs Guide. The
main rules are:
· Charity collections or raffles for charitable purposes must receive prior approval from the Business Unit
Manager or equivalent.
· The rules on collecting, handling, storing and checking money are as for other collections outlined
ad hoc collection guidance of the Staff Clubs Guide. Under no circumstances must a charity collection
box be left unattended.
· After presentation a receipt must be obtained from the charity showing the total donation.
The receipt, together with an authenticated statement of the total amount collected and
dispersed must be either:
circulated to subscribers, or
displayed on a notice board.
Non charitable raffles are prohibited.
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 32
Badminton Club
Annual Review for 2010 BADMINTON Ever seen Gail Emms on television and thought
about giving badminton a try? Well, if you play
badminton already or are intrigued by what the
game has to offer you can do so at Quarry House.
The badminton club is an established club which has
been meeting in Quarry House for a number of years
and caters for players of all levels, providing a
mixture of exercise and fun. The club meets every
Tuesday between 5 and 7pm and newcomers are
always welcome.
We play doubles matches throughout the evening,
mixing players after each match so that everyone
gets to play against players with different skills and
techniques and have the opportunity to meet new
people.
You don‟t have to play the full two hours – just as
long as you want. Some people play between 5
and 7, some leave earlier and some come down
later. Just what ever suits you. There is also the
occasional (well earned) social curry after playing
on a Tuesday evening.
There are usually around 8 to 16 people each
evening offering a chance to get some good
matches in. Overall there are more people who play
so it means we get different games each week
depending on who can make it.
We have the use of the Forum sports-hall, therefore
members are required to swipe in at reception
before playing each week. Use of the sports-hall
during badminton is included for those with gold
card membership to the forum. Others can pay as
you go for each badminton club night based on
one or two hours. The forum can provide further
details of this.
Badminton nets are provided, but players will need a
racket (they don‟t cost too much and you can often
get good deals in the sales). Current members
maybe able to lend any new members a racket if
they wanted to give it a try before buying their own
racket. A small donation towards shuttlecocks is also
appreciated.
The club is informal and friendly, the main aim is to
have some good games of badminton and some
fun too! There is an e-mail circulation list for the club
so members can be informed of any updates.
There is no committee as such, but if you
are interested in joining in on a Tuesday or
have any questions please contact Toni
Winder.
(Ext. 45182) [email protected]
Or feel free to turn up on the day, as new
members are always welcome.
Did you know …..
HASSRA Leeds offers a wide range
of member benefits including reduce
price cinema tickets for Vue, Cineword
and Showcase available to purchase
from Forum reception; discounts off food
at the Aagrar Indian Restaurant, The
Wardrobe; Fairuz Lebanese Restaurant
and Black House Restaurant.
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 33
Drama Festival in Burnley DRAMA CLUB
At short notice I was asked to prompt for the Yorkshire and
Humber Drama Society for the HASSRA Drama Festival in Burnley.
What a great few days I had!
From getting in the mini bus I knew it was going to be a fun, social
event. The team spirit and excitement was infectious…but so were
the nerves. We immediately burst into rehearsals attempting to be
word perfect for the following day.
On the Friday we watched the other teams (there were 8 of us in
total) treading the boards and giving it their all. It was amazing to
see the talent that our colleagues have and, even though it was a
competition, each team supported each other. After a long day we
headed back to the hotel to get ready for the awards ceremony.
Yorkshire and Humber had a really good night – scooping Best Actor (the wonderful and talented Tony
Musgrave), Best Set (We had full size coffins that contained ghosts!) and then runner up over all, coming 2nd to
the London team.
Full results were as follows:
Best play London Runners-up Yorks & Humber Best actor Tony Musgrave (Yorks & Humber) Runner-up Jonathan Lighthill (London) Best actress Edna MacCallion (South West) Runner-up Sue Catten (London) Best set Yorks & Humber Best costume South West
It was a great event. I got the opportunity to know colleagues from all over the country and I would
recommend the experience to anyone. If you want to appear on stage, help backstage, build set, prompt,
etc contact Tony Musgrave and give it a go.
I hope I have the opportunity to attend next year but if I don‟t I wish Yorkshire and Humber „break a leg‟!!!
Fingers crossed for first place next year!
Laura (Loz) Pape
Winner of Best Actor - Tony Musgrave HASSRA Y&H Drama Group
Runners up for Best Play -
HASSRA Yorkshire and Humber
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 34
Friday 13th! In true HASSRA trip fashion, we all met
up in the Woodpecker. Within 5
minutes of my arrival I‟d caused
mayhem by spilling a cuppa all over
the floor & narrowly missed scolding
Beck‟s shoulder – fine thanks that was
– she bought me the cuppa! Just
before we left, I proceeded to spill the
remainder of my tea all over the sinks
in the Leisure Centre – well, it was
Friday the 13th after all!
Whilst catching up with old friends by
the bus lay by, our coach driver Paul
(a lovely chap, a Cockney – but
no-one is perfect), was fighting to get
the extra long (57 seater) past the
front of Quarry House & down the
ramp. With us all safely on board we
broke out the butties, lollies & various
other sweeties only to grind to a halt
halfway down the ramp. The posh bus
had grounded on the dip in the ramp
& was also having its paintwork
removed by a tree. With only a slight
delay Paul jacked up the suspension
& we were off by 12.45pm.
Pauline (who I finally met for the first
time face to face – after all these
years of emailing write ups to her - its
ok, she‟s getting counselling for it), did
a wonderful job as the tea lady, not
spilling a drop (unlike me earlier).
Barry gave out the itineraries, there
was a change to the plot of the
murder so we all had chance to have
a good read & prepare ourselves to
be detectives for the evening.
En route to Royal Leamington Spa we
saw two lads stood in the middle of
an A road wearing giant Dominos
Pizza Boxes (other pizza delivery
companies are available). The poor
lads must have been miserable, so we
all waved at them, which at least
raised a smile. At about 3pm, we
arrived in lovely sunshine at Royal
Leamington Spa. Opting out of a visit
to the historical pump rooms, we
strolled up the main street. Lovely
brightly coloured hanging baskets &
flower troughs lined the streets but we
were surprised how modern
everywhere looked.
In true girlie tradition we mooched
around the shops & yet again I
caused mayhem – this time in Claire‟s
Accessories (other accessory shops
are available) with Beck‟s hair grips
(which didn‟t grip). Why do they insist
on hanging girl‟s accessories at
ceiling height when the average
height of a woman is about 5ft 4”? I
had to perform acrobatics to get the
hair clips off the top rack - which you
would have needed a 6ft 4” fella to
reach (or maybe that was just me
wishful thinking?).
Having purchased a blackboard &
wind up penguin, the rain came
down with a vengeance & so we
were forced to take sanctuary in
Weatherspoons – The Benjamin
Satchwell. From outside it didn‟t look
like a pub & if John hadn‟t pointed it
out we‟d have missed it. Inside it was
clean, modern & very roomy with
loads of booths to hide away in &
look on Facebook in search of a
Knight.
We arrived at Coombe Abbey at
about 5.30pm. The Abbey was more
like a mansion house & reminded be
a little of Brideshead Revisited. The
grounds were beautiful with
woodland, fountains, water lily ponds
& sculpted privets. There was a moat
– though I didn‟t spot any crocodiles,
but there were some swans &
cygnets. We checked in & were
escorted through the labyrinth of
corridors packed with medieval
memorabilia to the new wing (built on
what used to be the car park). I admit
I was dubious as I wanted an oldie
worldie room like the ones in the main
building. My doubts were unfounded;
the new wing was just as exciting &
full of nooks & crannies, suits of armour
& old paintings to explore.
Our room was huge & had a
gorgeous window seat looking out on
to the woods, complete with squirrels
running up tress & birds singing their
little hearts out. There was such
attention to detail too, a small
bedside statue holding sweeties
(though they were somewhat sticky)
& even the hairdryer, spare loo roll &
hot water bottle were wrapped in
covers matching the upholstery.
We had a majestic seat / throne –
ideal to relax in & enjoy a pre murder
glass of wine. Only slight hitch was
that we had requested twin beds (we
are close friends, but not that close!)
but had been given a room with a
huge double bed. Housekeeping
came up to un-Velcro the beds &
convert them into singles. We had a
very interesting chat with the
housekeeping lady who had worked
there for 13 years & loved every
minute of it – refreshing change in this
day & age.
Having dressed for dinner we went off
to the Abbeygate banqueting hall
which would be the setting for the
murder. Outside were two monks
dressed in rather striking (if not
surprising) blue habits. We were
chatting & joking with one of them
but the other (who was later identified
as Brother James the Provost), would
not play the game. He perhaps took
offence to Beck querying the
authenticity of his brown loafers. His
humourless response was – „I got them
from Tesco Express actually‟ (please
yourself mate). Inside the hall was a
bar & dance floor with tombs, flags,
heraldic shields, armour & dim
lighting, all very atmospheric. To get
the evening off with a kick, John &
Julie introduced us to the very
quaffable Maredsous Belgian blonde
beer – pricey but worth it.
REVIEW OF TRIPS 2010
In 2010 HASSRA Leeds has been on numerous trips and the
following are reviews from members about their experiences:
Coombe Abbey Murder Mystery Friday 13th – Saturday 14th August 2010
By Sal Hopkinson
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 35
REVIEW OF TRIPS 2010
At this point can I just say thank you to
the guest appearance in the bar area
by the gentleman who looked like
Clive Cussler, the action novel writer. I
only wish I had asked for your
autograph Mr C, as your books have
kept me amused for many years now!
The murder was played out in several
short tableaux between the courses of
the meal. In between the tableaux,
the characters came down into the
audience so that we could pick their
brains & try to work out which one of
them was guilty. Abbot Geoffrey was
very shifty & I was convinced he was
the culprit. The food was lovely –
poached salmon followed by pan
fried chicken & roasted vegetables.
The dessert was too much even for a
chocoholic like me. There were too
many flavours & textures going on
(oooo hark at me, a Michelin star
chef). It was honeycomb, banana &
chocolate truffle torte with rum soaked
raisins in it, surrounded by cappuccino
sauce. (No, it didn‟t go to waste, Beck
happily finished mine.)
During the meal we had many
entertaining exchanges with those
around us including Sir Rupert throwing
paper missiles at me – one of which I
still haven‟t found! I won‟t tell you
what the outcome of all our detective
work was but what I can say about the
deceased is – they deserved it!
Back into the bar & onto the dance
floor for a fabulous disco. The DJ was
brilliant, playing a whole range of
decades as well as our requests &
everyone at one time or another had
a dance. One lady (who shall remain
nameless to protect her dignity) was
giving it her all & fell over – that didn‟t
stop her, she continued to dance on
her knees! It was also great to see that
even the biggest stick in the muds
came out of their shells by the end of
the night. Needless to say, some of us
danced all night until they were
thrown out in the wee hours of the
next morning!
Saturday 14th
Having had a solid night‟s sleep we
made our way to the beautifully sunlit
conservatory which was packed with
murder mystery guests & a wedding
party. The conservatory was
decorated with lots of curious bits &
pieces, my particular favourites were
the Elephant lamps – very grand. Due
to the number of people eating, there
was a slight delay whilst the bacon &
sausages were restocked. The wait just
gave us an excuse to stand in line &
chat about the previous evenings
exploits & how brilliant it had been.
Patience was displayed by most of us
– though some were very eager to get
at the mushrooms and beans! My only
minor complaint was that the
scrambled eggs were far too watery
for my taste.
We didn‟t have enough time to
explore Coombe Abbey & its grounds.
We managed to grab a quick look at
some of the corridors with creepy
heads, suits of armour, pulpit & a
confessional – converted into a phone
booth. We also had a quick nosey at
John & Julie‟s plus Robert (aka Sir
Rupert) & Elaine‟s rooms in the main
part of the Abbey. John & Julie had a
two poster bath & Robert & Elaine had
a bath in middle of the bedroom!
Over John & Julie‟s bed were two big
bell pulls. Beck asked “what d‟ya get if
ya pull „em John?” – thankfully he
resisted the temptation for any rude
answers & said “the light goes on”!
On the way to check out we met
another wedding party with beautiful
pink Gerbera button holes. One of the
members of staff showed us the
wedding reception room – beautifully
laid out & decorated. He then showed
us to the gardens. Whilst walking down
the uneven path towards the lake,
yours truly went over on my left ankle
& sprained it. (It was fine until having
sat on the coach later in the day, after
that I was like Long John Silver –
without the parrot obviously!). As we
were halfway along the lakeside path
– off to look at the swans & ducks, the
torrential rain struck again. As a result,
we boarded the bus with dripping hair,
cold soggy jackets & jeans. As I
demonstrated how wet my jeans
were, John rubbed his hand up &
down my soggy thigh – which caused
some amusement on the bus - “It
could have been worse” he said, “it
could have been me”. Charming!
Onwards to Newark. A lovely market
town with river cruises, lots of cafes &
shops in alleys & arcades. We explored
the castle ruins where brides were
having their wedding pictures taken
(whilst getting drenched in the rain).
We had a spot of lunch in; yes you
guessed it – Weatherspoons! The Sir
John Arderne. I don‟t recommend it
though as they burnt my haddock &
mozzarella fish cakes & some of the
clientele (other than the HASSRA
gang) were considerably dodgy. As
the torrential rain set in yet again, we
found refuge in another John & Julie
recommended hostelry – The Castle
pub. I wish we had eaten there too.
The staff were friendly & it was an old
style pub with lots of little rooms to
explore. There were quotes on the
walls & coincidentally, we all sat under
the quote that said “I‟ve never been
drunk, but I‟ve often been over
served” – how very true.
Back onto the bus & Julie asked me if I
wanted to “strip off & chuck up”.
Hmm, how was I supposed to respond
to that? Knowing that some people on
the bus were into
naturist bathing, I was getting a tad
concerned but thankfully what she
meant was to put my soggy jacket in
the overhead locker – well, what else
could she have meant!?!
Yet again we didn‟t win Barry‟s raffle –
despite Barry trying to do the draw
before giving the tickets out! The
journey home passed quickly
especially for the sleeping beauties on
the bus – thanks to the sneaky
photographer (you know who you
are) for the very unflattering photos of
the snoozers.
I would like to say a huge thanks to
Julie for organising another smashing
trip & to Barry & Pauline from Group
Choice for providing a smooth
running, relaxing & excellent value for
money two days. Thanks to my „old‟
friend Beck for being fantastic
company as ever (& putting up with
my OCD) & to the rest of the gang for
making the whole experience a
superb barrel of laughs. More of these
trips PLEASE HASSRA!
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 36
“Big Snow Ploughs” Borovets From a ski virgin‟s perspective
REVIEW OF TRIPS 2010
Saturday 27th Feb 2010 – Off We Go!
We arrived at the Hotel Rila in time to grab a late dinner. The deal was half board & throughout the week
the food was plentiful & of good quality. E.g. mustard & honey chicken, stuffed peppers, roast potatoes with cheese,
veggies, a whole host of salads etc etc. Desserts were always a selection of fruit & various sponge type fancies.
To toast the start of the holiday some of us went to a local pub called the Sun Ski Bar. Very welcoming, with a few local
beers on draft. There was a Boar skin on one wall; some traditional Bulgarian dresses on another wall & the rest of the
walls are covered in brightly coloured skis. (Think I‟m gonna do my lounge like that next time I decorate.)
Sunday 28th Feb 2010 – First Day Skiing!
All decked out in sallopettes, jackets, gloves, scarves, helmets (optional for adults) & goggles we waddled down to the
ski depot to get our ski boots fitted. We 4 intrepid ski virgins then strode off to find an instructor who would take
beginners. We ended up in a group of 9 beginners with an instructor who told us to call him „George‟.
First we learnt to fall over & get up correctly, then we walked up the nursery slope in our big heavy boots, full thermals &
ski‟s on our shoulders. The sun was blazing down & it was 16 degrees (should have been about -3). As I was boiling hot, I
went very red. Think George thought I was going to pass out! We then learnt how to stop. It‟s a manoeuvre called a
snow plough. Now, please imagine saying “big snow ploughs” in the accent of the Meerkat off the TV advert, I swear I
will never be able to say snow plough in a Yorkshire accent again.
After skiing we went over to the Black Tiger Karaoke bar for the Inghams Tours welcome meeting. A free glass of
Bulgarian red wine helped boost the attendance figures! Loads of additional activities were on offer: Bulgarian folk
evenings, horse riding, skidoo safaris & a tour of Sofia.
Monday 1st March – Baba Marta or Martenista Day
On 1st March Bulgarian‟s wear red & white platted bracelets & decorate their houses etc with red & white. These are
worn until you see a Stork, Swallow or budding tree. The red symbolises life & passion whilst the white symbolises purity.
Baba Marta means Grandma March & she is a grumpy old woman with mood swings.
Hopefully by wearing these colours she will show you mercy. So, wearing our bracelets, we met up with George & after
a revision session we went on a four man lift to about half way up the mountain (1780m). It was terrifying! All you have to
hold on to is a thin metal bar & whatever you do don‟t swing the chair or drop you ski poles – „cos there aint no going
back! It was soooooo high!
Our first green run was 5km of fantastic woodland tracks - trees on one side & a sheer drop on the other. That
concentrates the mind when falling over! Problem was, the warm weather caused icy & gravel patches in places.
Several of us fell spectacularly on a large patch of ice – my ski came off & was skating down the mountain whilst I was
clambering to get up – hopeless. What a fantastic sense of achievement for all of us at the end of it though.
Tuesday 2nd March – Après Ski Karaoke
It rained heavily all day so we practiced runs & „big snow ploughs‟ up & down the nursery slopes & towards the end of
the day thankfully the rain turned to snow. I think the only dry bit of me was under my ski goggles!
A group of card sharks met that evening in the hotel lobby & we played „basket‟ (that‟s the cleaned up name for it).
Thankfully we were not playing for money as I lost all the time – wonder if some cheating was going on…….. After dinner
we went to the Karaoke bar. I will never forget the version of Barbie Girl that Beck & a stranger sang – let‟s just say, the
words he was singing were not what were on the TV screen!
Wednesday 3rd March – Top of the World Ma!
It was a beautiful sunny day & we went up to nearly the top of the mountain (2369m). At the summit, the snow was a bit
better than on the nursery slopes & we got to see the marvellous views which nearly made up for the frankly boring day
of going up & down an unchallenging part of a green run & queuing for ages to get on the button lift. By the end of the
so called lesson I hadn‟t learnt a thing & George wasn‟t even watching. The 4 of us stayed at the summit after class &
had a fantastic 45 minutes trying out moves, practicing falling (honest), laughing, spurring each other on – brilliant!
That evening the card sharks all met up again – & do you know - I continued to loose! We discussed the days skiing with
our more experienced friends & they were just as unimpressed with our instructor……. George would have to go!
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 37
Thursday 4th March – Goodbye George, Hello Romie
We awoke to thick fog which didn‟t bode well for the day ahead. Beck & I spoke to the Inghams rep, told her that
we were unhappy with George, & she sorted it all out straight away. Our new group was made up of two couples, 1
Irish & 1 Serbian – a very multicultural group! Romie was like a breath of fresh air. She took us one by one & assessed
our skills & by the end of the morning lesson we had all gelled together, & best of all – we were learning again!
That evening we went on a Skidoo Safari which we‟d booked as an extra adventure with our tour rep. despite the
fog it was now snowing heavily & so was very atmospheric when driving up the mountain through the woodland. I
drove for 30 minutes then we had a photo shoot & then Beck drove for 30 minutes. It was brilliant fun!
Friday 5th March – 12km Green & Blue Run Adventure
We were all buzzing as it was snowing thick & fast & the fog had lifted on the nursery slopes. We went up on the
Gondola & at the top we hit more flippin‟ fog & it was really windy, blowing the snow everywhere. The button lift also
stopped working. We had a hot chocolate in the hope that it would clear & that they would fix the lift, but it got
worse. Somewhat disheartened we headed back down onto the slopes by the hotel & practice stem turns &
traversing.
After the lesson Beck, Ian & I went back up on the Gondola to meet Julie, John, Suzanne & Dave. We were going to
do the 12km green & blue runs! Despite some nerves we all did really well (thanks Mr Grace). We fell – often in
spectacular fashion – several times. I crashed into Beck & later Ian on two fast corners where I was out of control &
latterly Suzanne had to dig me out of the pile of snow I‟d buried myself in – well, it was better than burying myself in a
tree! All four of our volunteer tutors were extremely patient & made it so much fun. We learnt so much in those 12km,
made important mistakes to learn from & improve. It was a SUPERB end to the skiing week.
That evening the groups met up for the official Ski Diploma presentation - we‟d achieved Intermediate status! We
had a couple of bottles of Bulgarian Merlot & Bulgarian Sparkling Wine with some nibbles & had a laugh whilst telling
tales of our week‟s adventures. To finish the evening we all piled in to the Retro Bar – No Limits Club under the hotel.
Dancing in big winter boots isn‟t easy but I had a flippin‟ good try & danced the night away with Beck & Suzanne.
Saturday 6th March – Whistle Stop Tour of Sofia
We had some spare time before the tour bus came to take us to Sofia, we went for a walk with Julie to the old ski
jump which it is reputed, Eddie the Eagle Edwards jumped from. Standing at the bottom of it is scary. These ski
jumpers really must have a screw loose and as for the single chair lift to get them to the top – there is nothing to
them, one false move & - splat – you‟d be on the floor!
We checked out at 12pm & when we arrived in Sofia there were icicles on the coach wheel hubs – we had all
thought it would be warmer lower down the valley but stood outside the Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church
hearing all about its history from the fastest tour guide in the East – my teeth were chattering!
To be honest I could have happily wandered around the Memorial Church without our tour guide rabbiting on. It is a
beautiful sight to see. After the Memorial Church we flew past the eternal flame memorial to the Unknown Soldier &
several other magnificent churches & then arrived at the pizzeria where our lunch was cooked fresh in front of us.
Before we ventured out again for the afternoon session, I asked our guide for a map. “You don‟t need a map, Sofia is
small.” Hmmmmmm. So, we left the tour in the subway where during its construction the Roman Fortress of Serdica
was unearthed. It was bizarre to see a Roman road & artefacts in a subway. There are lots of little souvenir shops
down there too. After some shopping in the lovely atmospheric local covered market (full of Bulgarian goodies &
gifts), we wandered back towards the Memorial Church & the coach. But we did get a tad lost – no map you see!
I did ask Andy at one point as he strode of in determined fashion, if he knew where he was going. When he said no,
I reverted to John‟s advice – follow the yellow brick road. No, he wasn‟t being sarcastic. There really is a yellow brick
road through the middle of Sofia & it lead us right back to the Memorial Church & coach.
Can I just say, thanks to HASSRA Leeds, Julie & John for organizing such a fantastic trip & being tour guides as well as
ski instructors; to Beck, Ian & Andy for losing their ski virginity with me; to Suzanne, Dave & Leah for their brilliant ski &
card tutorials; & to everyone in the group for such a good laugh & memorable holiday.
Sal Hopkinson
REVIEW OF TRIPS 2010
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 38
Sunday 6 June
Jan managed to herd all but one of us
(40 odd) to catch the flight. Some of us
had the £5 pint and a sandwich deal
despite the early time. Dennis probably
had an ice cream.
The flight was smooth and quick and we
landed at an overcast but warm Nice
airport, where we met Barry & Pauline
and were driven by coach to the Diano
Marina resort on the Mediterranean
coast. The Hotel Torino was clean,
modern and (almost) ready for us. We
explored the little seaside town and met
again for dinner where we were very
pleasantly surprised by the quality of the
food. (Actually some of us were just as
pleasantly surprised by the quantity of
food)
Monday 7 June
This was a free day to acclimatise
ourselves and the weather started to pick
up despite dire forecasts. Some went by
the local train to the pretty village of
Allasio. Others used the promenade to do
a bit of walking and taking pictures. One
of us even got lost in the hills where his
wife was less than impressed – but that‟s
another story!
Tuesday 8 June
We picked up our guide - another Jan,
(What‟s the collective noun for Jans?)
and took the coach along the
picturesque coast road to Monaco, all
the while being regaled with interesting
anecdotes. We watched the changing
of the guards (not quite Buckingham
Palace) and had some refreshment -
€15.20 for a beer and a coffee! And saw
how the other half live, Mind you it‟s so
built up it‟s an enormous concrete jungle.
Some of us went round the castle and
some round the museum, which was full
of Grimaldis (another collective). After a
quick couple of quid in the very opulent
Casino in Monte Carlo we set off back
and got the lowdown on the current
monarchy. Dennis had an ice cream.
Diano Marina Review
REVIEW OF TRIPS 2010
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 39
Wednesday 9 June
Another coach tour with Jan along the Italian
Riviera coastline with a services stop (the hot
chocolate was good), and we stopped in
Santa Margarita for lunch. Then a short boat
ride to the beautiful resort of Portofino, one of
the most picturesque fishing ports on the
Mediterranean coast, also one of the most
expensive. The walk up to the castle and
lighthouse was good and back in the village
square the local ice-cream speciality
(Pacuigo) was most welcome. Dennis had an
ice cream.
Thursday 10 June
There was another trip today to Grasse to visit
the perfume factory of Fragonard. Grasse is a
picturesque town nestled amongst wonderful
countryside above Cannes. This was followed
by a visit to the lovely resort of Antibes. For
those of us who didn‟t go on the trip, we
walked along the beach to the nearby
village of Cervo and up to the pretty church
on the hill. Dennis had an ice cream. The
many restaurants and bars along the beach
served us wonderful mussels and salads. That
evening after dinner Dennis had an ice
cream.
Friday 11 June
Another free day and most of us took the
train to Ventimiglia in brilliant sunshine for a
look around the weekly market, which
seemed to stretch for miles. Those who were
that way inclined tended to shop. Those of us
who weren‟t sampled the delightful bars. A
mix-up with the train times left us with an hour
in the station where to our surprise the station
café had a generous buffet which included
rabbit and heaped plates of vegetables.
Back to the hotel where we were treated to
a glass of bubbly with our last supper. Dennis
had an ice cream.
Saturday 12 June
After an enormous breakfast we set off by
coach to the airport for another smooth flight
back to Leeds. What a fantastic trip this
turned out to be. Many thanks to Barry &
Pauline for a very professional trip and to Jan
who was certainly worthy of the highest
praise.
REVIEW OF TRIPS 2010
HASSRA Leeds Review of the Year Magazine - 40