Out of the blue, I was asked to write a report of this year’s Pang Valley Ramblers’ ‘Fishy Quiz’, which surprised me as I am more of a ‘numbers’ man than a writer. The adjacent team might disagree with that statement & I apologise for the error marking their score. Anyway, onto the report.

Pang Valley Ramblers’ annual ‘Fishy Quiz’ event took place on 3^rd November 2023 in Pangbourne Village Hall. The event was extremely well organised. On arrival, the participants were greeted by a list of teams (8) and the corresponding table letters. The quizmaster Chris B and his very capable assistant Sarah were situated at the top table and the team tables appeared to be carefully spread out. Thank you to those who arrived early to set out & clean the tables and set up the tea station.

As participants found their tables and got to know their teammates, pleasant conversation flowed between interesting people; on this occasion from a seated position rather than while strolling through our beautiful local countryside.

This year’s picture round, ongoing throughout the evening, was based on TV and radio programmes. At least one team was very pleased it was not a repeat of last year’s picture round, which was based on flags. A round based on TV programmes meant it was difficult to resist the temptation to impersonate our favourite catchphrases without giving away answers to nearby teams. Catchphrases such as: ‘I don’t believe it!’, ‘beautiful plumage’, ‘suits you sir!’ and ‘four candles’ (or should that be ‘fork ‘andles’?).

After the early rounds it became clear that there was to be a closely fought battle between two or three teams. Unfortunately, our team was not to be one of them!

During the interval, hot fish and chip meals were efficiently delivered. A big thank you to Pete and Steve who did the fish and chip run. Eat your heart out Deliveroo! Also, during the interval there was a raffle draw, again carried out very smoothly.

 At the end of the quiz very few points separated the winning teams. Chris B the quizmaster stated that this was a sign of a well-judged quiz. I would agree with that sentiment. Congratulations to “No More Flags” the winning team. Also, congratulations to “Same Again”, and “The Kites” and “Shamrockers” who came second and joint third respectively. My only suggestion would be to adjust the scores of the picture round so that it carries the same weight as the other rounds (just don’t ask me to do that without a spreadsheet!)

Thanks to Diana and Sarah for organising the quiz, Chris B the quizmaster for providing the quiz, Sarah for collating the scores, Sarah and Chris C for running the raffle, and everyone else involved who made it a very enjoyable evening. I would just like to end on a controversial note: Can we have the flags back next year?

Chris P

Ray Clayton, after over 25 years of service to the Pang Valley Group, decided to step down from the committee at the recent AGM. At that meeting the membership voted unanimously and with some enthusiasm to appoint him Honorary Life President in recognition and sincere appreciation of his long service and outstanding dedication to the group. I had the honour to present him with a certificate regarding his appointment.

Ray joined Pang Valley in 1996, and in 1998 became the walks coordinator, fulfilling this role without help until 2015 when he shared it with Michael for a while before Michael took over. This included editing and formatting the programmes and dealing with distribution and postage. In the early days this was for all the membership. He often had to write the walk descriptions when walk leaders offered only vague and sometimes erroneous information. As his knowledge and memory of footpaths around Tilehurst is so extensive, he would pick up walks when the walk leader wanted to cancel at the last moment. He more recently initiated the series of short Saturday walks. It is not an exaggeration to say that without his enthusiasm and efforts over many years, Pang Valley Ramblers might not exist. Continue reading »

On Sunday 17^th September, 20 Pang Valley ramblers made their way to the Old Fourpenny Shop Hotel in Warwick for a 2 night walking break. We all started arriving around lunchtime, plenty of time to snatch a swift drink in the bar and some of us had brought a packed lunch. John and I were lucky in that our room, in the courtyard, was ready, so we sat outside at the little table to enjoy it.

We then gathered outside the hotel for the first walk, an introduction to the historic town of Warwick. Sue gave us some facts about the history, including a fire in 1694, and the castle which was home to the Earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker and prison to kings, during the Wars of the Roses in the 15^th century. As we walked round, we saw a statue of the boxer Randolph Turpin, who became world middleweight champion in 1951, when he defeated Sugar Ray Robinson. Other highlights of the walk were the ancient Eastgate, views of the castle next to the River Avon, the Lord Leycester, one of the best preserved examples of medieval architecture in England. In the 16^th century, it was given to Robert Dudley, a favourite of Elizabeth 1. We also walked past some Tudor houses, some of which had electric car charging points and Amazon parcels on the doorstep! In the second part of the walk, Sue and Gordon led us out of the town, where we visited a canal-side pub before negotiating a narrow lock gate (perhaps we should have done this before the alcoholic refreshments but no mishaps occurred). After walking by the water, we returned to the hotel by crossing the racecourse (no racing that day!) Did the lock gate and racecourse go in the risk assessment?!! Continue reading »