Date: 4th – 6th January 1974
Participants: Peter Cox, Graham Hicks, Laurie Noble, Tony Nunan and Geoff Wright.
For this year’s entertainment we had decided on a circular hike, beginning and ending at Bletchley. Graham Beevor had taken on the organisation of everything – maps, route etc., and lengthy, detailed meetings were held to decide on the menu (see last year’s) and the necessary equipment (again, see last year’s).
The original plan was for nine of us to leave on the evening of Friday 4th January and return on Monday 7th January. However, the number soon became eight, and by the time the departure date arrived, the number had dwindled to five. Dick Flack, Graham Beevor and Phil Kent had all pulled out due to illness at the last minute.
In addition, Graham H had a bad foot, and although he would not hike he did provided the transport. So, with Peter as the navigator we eventually arrived in Bletchley, having done a tour of Milton Keynes that included passing the Open University, which was of course closed!
Our first stop was to visit Arthur Berry, an old friend and the District Service Team Leader of our Scout District back in 1970. It was not long before his wife Doris carried in some lovely hot pasties and sausage rolls, followed closely by Arthur with a jug of beer – a most welcome sight. The chitchat continued but it was soon time to make a move. After being directed by the family to what they thought would be a good site for the night, we said farewell.
Arthur had recommended a nearby hayloft but this was in fact not suitable. A patch of green near the road was soon found, and although we had a visit from the local police, there were no problems.
Graham was up first and prepared breakfast. The smell of the cooking soon got Geoff, Laurie and Tony out of their tents, but Peter had a problem – he had somehow got a foot infection causing his ankle to swell up. Having initially decided not to have anything to eat, he soon realised that that was silly and eventually arose. Alas too late, as there was none left for him.
With our original plans now a little obsolete we packed up and headed for ‘The Three Locks’, once again in Graham’s van. There we indulged in satisfying our thirst and planned a new route, that would start with an eight mile hike down the towpath of the canal. Peter had now decided that he would not walk and that he would travel home with Tony, who had to be home that night.
Fully refreshed Peter went with Graham to do a little shopping whilst the remaining three fit members of the Team finally started to walk. The hike along the canal was simple and easy, but very pleasant. As arranged we met Peter at Leighton Buzzard where he and Tony caught the train back to London. Geoff and Laurie met Graham a bit further down the trail, when it was time for some more refreshments.
Later, after driving around the Berkhamsted area we eventually asked about a campsite at a local hostelry. With directions to turn left twice and take the second track on the right, we were reliably informed that we would find an open field where it was OK for us to camp.
For ‘track’ read ‘mud bath’. The van got stuck, and whilst Graham gave the orders, Geoff and Laurie got covered with the resulting spray. Eventually we were free and found a pleasant spot to sit down to the star dish of the weekend’s menu – chicken curry with rice – which had been planned for nine. A heavy night’s sleep followed.
The following morning a further debate took place as to where to hike, but eventually it was decided to call it a day and return to Finchley. It had been a fun weekend but certainly not the most successful of Service Team Hikes.