Amblers, Ramblers and Gamblers

For the fourth year running we gathered together at the Merrion Hotel, Llandudno.

In the party of twenty one we were pleased to welcome again Jaqui Prince (nee Hinds),from Hereford. Years ago, Jacqui was a regular on the Old Girls' Hockey team. Eric and Chris Birch (nee Heckle) from Leek and Peter and Margaret Wilkinson (nee Cooper) joined us for the first time.
The approach to N. Wales from Warrington had been very gloomy but on reaching Colwyn Bay we were amazed to see blue sky. Llandudno, too, was bathed in glorious sunshine -not a cloud to be seen.

Friday afternoon was spent very leisurely - walking on the prom., the pier, Happy Valley or for the more strenuous climbing the Great Orme.
During the pre dinner drinks monies were collected for the sweep on the big race next day and also a further speculation with twenty one lines on the Lotto Lucky Dip. The staff at the Merrion are most helpful, pleasant and courteous and the food is excellent.

After a lively and most enjoyable dinner and drawing our 'nags' out of the hat for the National, we adjourned to the bar and the entertainment and dance lounge. The male vocalist performed for several hours with songs old and new, encouraging us all to join in. In fact Margaret Wilkinson joined him in a duet. From time to time ramblers displayed elegant dancing techniques!

It had been decided to repeat the walk as last year. Several people in the group had not been to Newborough and so had not experienced the magic of Llandwyn Island. Two people chose to stay in the environs of Llandudno where there is lots to see. One of them headed for the Orme with a 'battery 'of cameras.

We departed from the hotel at 9.30am and headed for the 'tunnel' along the A55 and once on Anglesey took the A 4080 for Newborough. After parking at the picnic area, which is right next to the beach, we walked along the beach to the Island. The weather was wonderfully warm and sunny. The only disappointment was that Snowdonia was totally shrouded in mist and so it was Llandwyn Island without the magnificent backdrop.The newly marked track around the perimeter of Llandwyn explores its rugged coastline and the beautiful tiny, sandy bays and inlets. All were captured by the magic of this area. Margaret and Chris are both keen 'twitchers'- binoculars and notebooks at the ready. Margaret is also an accomplished artist and so her camera worked overtime too.

We took a break and a morsel on the bank by the old Lifeboat Station and soaked up the warm sunshine, surrounded by a calm sea and lots of seabirds. After approximately half an hour we continued our route round the perimeter including the climb up to the lighthouse.

Not all of the group chose to do the full walk, as they were unable to resist the Man. United v Liverpool match at 12.30pm. They disappeared to a local hostelry close at hand. Another member saved his energy and spent the time with sketch pad and charcoal.

On returning to the car park the ' twitchers' went further on to Holyhead where, in spite of swirling mist, managed to see the puffins at South Stack. They were unable to see the lighthouse but did spot a seal, if they were tall enough! While some chose to walk in the forest, others returned to Llandudno, seven of whom took the tram to the top of the Orme. Once again in the bar before dinner, the lucky recipients received their pay-offs from the Grand National. Peter Dutton rode particularly well. Our raging appetites were rewarded with the excellent menu.

Saturday evening entertainment was provided by a very capable Master of Ceromonies, who coached us through all types of dances and group movement. He worked very hard, infact it was a marathon performance. (Good practice for the London Marathon in which he was to take part two weeks later).

At 8.30 pm we checked our lotto tickets. Eureka! We had won £10!. A group decision was made to squander this windfall on a further ten lines on the following Saturday. (No! We didn't win).

It was Sunday morning already!. Some made quite a hasty retreat to keep important golf commitments, some headed for Trefriw to see the beautiful Conway valley (and to visit th 'pie' shop). For most people it was another visit to Bodnant Gardens. And so another great weekend was over. Thanks for the chat, laughter and good company It could be the Merrion again next year!