M.G.S. Magazine - December 1961
Once again, after a rest of one year, we are going to inflict ourselves upon the helpless and unprotesting Continental hoteliers. Next August we are going to the Bernese Oberland, which is ideally situated with plenty of things to do, even if it is only climbing mountains and eating German sausages.
The language difficulty will be not too great, for me, at any rate, as the deciphering of the work of 5A puts one in the position of being fully conversant with many languages.
The water of the lakes in Switzerland is very cold. This is due to the fact that the source of the swiftly flowing rivers and mountain streams is above the "snowline." In fact all the fresh water fish eaten there is "fresh frozen."
The trains in Switzerland go where it is impossible for trains to go, and they have even built a railway inside a mountain. We shall be travelling up this line, inside the Jungfrau, the mountain which dominates Interlaken. The stations on this line are almost as dark as those of British Railways and at the top there is a glacier, ice caves, and husky dogs, which is not surprising as the cold does affect your throat. But most times, ropes are hung between mountain tops and cable cars complete the crossing, much to the delight of budding William Tells, who aim for the cable.
The main sport in winter is skiing, pronounced she-ing, not to be confused with another popular sport of the same name in England. Here one risks death by hurtling down a mountain side riding two planks about six feet long and manoeuvring around trees so big that they have dogs to go with them. These are known as St. Bernards and are faithful animals, each one carrying a barrel hanging from its collar to help travellers who are "dog" tired. On the mountains they are, of course, high spirited dogs.
We hope that things will go off as well as they have done on previous excursions and that the weather will be kind. We have a safeguard in that, at Berne, there are bear pits into which we can deposit any unruly members of our party. However, I am sure that this will not be necessary and that we shall come back with happy memories of Switzerland and, more important, leave behind happy memories of Mirfield Grammar School.
At 8-30 a.m. on Wednesday, 26th April, a party of nine Geologists left Mirfield in Ward's Mini-Bus to study the Geology of the North and Mid Craven Faults. This was a form of transport tried for the first time on a Geological Excursion; it proved to be a great success.
Followed by ominous weather reports, we were to proceed to Grassington, and thence by various roundabout routes to Malham, Stainforth and Austwick. The annual competition for the most casually dressed hiker was held and duly won for the third year running by the party comic. Much to the amusement of the remainder, he was wearing black Italian pointed shoes, green nylon stockings, khaki shorts, fawn cardigan, black "pac-a-mac" and green flat cap. Surprisingly, he completed the rough course just as easily as the most conventionally dressed hiker, indeed he was often out in front leading the way. After this humorous beginning the party set out in fine spirits, refusing to be daunted by the rude remarks of local limestone workers.
The first day was highlighted by the dangerous descent of Gordale Scar. Mr. Jessop confessed afterwards that he had never seen so much water cascading down the many waterfalls and rapids. The descent was made more dangerous by the fact that parts of the usual track had been washed away. Ably led by mountaineer Smith, the party cautiously picked their way first down the loose screes and then the slippery rock face. At one point we had to jump across a gap, flanked on one side by the crashing water and flying spray of one waterfall and on the other side by another waterfall dropping forty feet onto the rocks below. The tricky descent was ended by a jump of some fifteen feet into the safe arms of Mr. Jessop, who was compensated for the knocks he received, as large boys landed on him, by the relief he showed when everyone reached the bottom with nothing more than bruises and scratches. And I might say that he was by no means the only one who looked relieved, although it was afterwards agreed by all that it had been a very exciting experience.
On the second day we stopped to have a look in Victoria Cave. Four of the more adventurous members of the party went inside to explore the interior, although the remaining five still insist that they were the more stupid element of the party for the interior was made unpleasant by dripping water and the oozy, sticky clay of the floor of the cave.
On the last day some time was spent exploring Austwick Beck Head and as there was some time to spare before the bus arrived to take us back home, it was spent jumping streams. Much to the delight of several members of the group, Mr. Jessop demonstrated the wrong method of how to cross, although I must admit that he was "slightly" put off by a lad from Denby Dale who rather got in his way.
Do not get the idea, however, that all the time was spent "larking about," for a great deal of hard work was done, tramping from one point of interest to another to make an extensive study of the area. In this we were ably led by Mr. Jessop, and on behalf of the party I should like to thank him for a very interesting excursion.
The annual excursions to mountainous regions, expertly organised by Mr. Evans, have earned a reputation for good walking, better than average food, and maximum enjoyment for all concerned. This year was no exception, the terrain being magnificent, the baked beans delicious, and living quarters comfortable, if not altogether luxurious.
The party was conveyed from Mirfield to the village of Nant Gwynant by ultra-modern luxury coach (bus), the journey taking about six hours, including an hour at Chester for lunch. Nant Gwynant was reached in the early afternoon and, after hurriedly unpacking, a preliminary exploration occupied the remaining few hours before the evening meal. Bryn Dinas was found to be excellently situated, Snowdon towering above to the North, with Llyn Dinas and Llyn Gwynant near at hand.
The day after our arrival, Saturday, was hot and sunny. Cloaks and mackintoshes were packed away in rucksacks, and open necked shirts and short shorts predominated. The first walk consisted of limbering-up on Cnicht, a long ridge South of Nant Gwynant. The ascent was gentle, the descent precipitous!
Sunday was designated as a rest day. Sunbathing, by Llyn Dinas or Llyn Gwynant, seemed to be the most popular pastime, with perhaps blister prodding, and flea hunting close second and third. About the latter pastime, it may be said that a "Ban the Bug" campaign was duly organised. On Sunday afternoon a small party of the more adventurous boys (the hardmen), climbed Snowdon.
On Monday, a mass assault was made on Snowdon Summit. Failure resulted, heavy rain and mist being victors. Monday afternoon was spent wandering, lost, in Beddgelert Forest.
Tuesday began early for two members of the party, who crept out at two o'clock in the morning. Sunrise was observed from a point near the Summit of Snowdon. After they had feasted on cold beans and sardines, the mountain was duly conquered, in time to be back for a hearty breakfast. The remainder of Tuesday was spent visiting the Swallow Falls and Fairy Glen, at Bettws-y-Coed. Historians had a thrill, as both Harlech and Dolwyddelan castles were visited.
On Wednesday, determined not to be beaten, a final successful attempt to climb Snowdon was made by a reduced party. The hardmen, out in force, completed the Snowdon Horseshoe, while yet another party, under the leadership of Mr. Barker, climbed the invincible Moel Hebog.
The final day, Thursday, was spent in tourist fashion. Portmadoc was explored Criccieth visited (some went for a paddle), and later, in the afternoon, every nook and cranny in Caernarvon Castle was investigated.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, but the memory of a wonderful holiday remains for ever, thanks to three members of staff, to whom we are ever grateful.
At twelve o'clock on Friday, 28th April, a bus drew up at our School, to take a party of forty-three boys and masters on a week-end visit to London.
We set off on our journey to Wakefield, and then on to Doncaster, Newark, Grantham, Stamford and then on to Bedford where we had tea at the Granada Restaurant. After our meal, at 6-15 p.m. we returned to the bus for the remainder of our journey to London. By 8 o'clock we were almost in London, and at quarter to nine we were at the "Rodney Hotel." After we'd found our room and left our bags we were allowed out until a quarter to ten. We then returned and went to bed.
It was half past seven, when we were eating breakfast that I really awoke. After breakfast we went to the Zoo at Regents Park.
After a very enjoyable morning we went to our hotel for lunch, but soon after 1 o'clock we were on our way to Wembley for the Schoolboy International Football Match, between England and Wales. We were there by half past two, and, after a sing-song, the match started. It was a very good match, in which England won 8-1.
After the game we sailed down the River Thames past Cleopatra's Needle and other great sights. After the cruise, back to our hotel, and to bed until seven o'clock next morning. We had breakfast at half-past seven and then we went to London Airport for the morning. After an enjoyable tour round we were allowed up on to the Queen's Building at London Airport where we had a very good view of all the big aeroplanes.
At a quarter to twelve we went on to Windsor for lunch and had half an hour to do what we liked.
After a very enjoyable lunch we carried on home through Northampton along the M1 for sixty miles and on to Leicester for tea. After tea home via Doncaster and Wakefield.
A most enjoyable weekend for all.