Week 9: Staithes - by Emma Burbidge

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Hello Outdoor Soc,

I hope those of you who went enjoyed Richmond Castle today. The weather was good, the food fantastic, and the castle a historic wonder.

We have another exciting week planned for week 9 where we are back to the usual walking format. We are heading of to Staithes.

Tucked into a cleft of rock along the North Yorkshire coast, Staithes is based around a naturally occurring harbour cut into the rock by the sea. The town has a somewhat picture postcard appeal, with its white washed cottages dotted haphazardly around the bay. Also the surrounding scenery is stunning, the rugged cliffs that line the coast will not disappoint anyone looking for great views on this walk.

Also, the town had a famous resident, Captain James Cook lived here for a few years before moving to Whitby, and before his fame.

Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staithes for more information on the history of the town.

Tickets can be purchased in one of two ways:
1) at Vanbrugh stalls, 12-2pm on Tuesday and Thursday outside Vanbrugh bar.
2) online from Thursday afternoon until Saturday evening, on yusu.org/shop

This will be the last walk of this term.
Thanks again,
Your Chair,
Emma Burbidge




Week 8 Richmond Castle online tickets - by Emma Burbidge

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Hey there,

If you did not manage to make it to sign ups you can now buy your tickets online at http://www.yusu.org/shop until Saturday night.

Please be aware that there is a 50p YUSU-imposed booking charge and that if you are a non-member using this service you will need to bring an extra £2 on the day.

Thanks,
Emma Burbidge


Social week 8 - by Emma Burbidge

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Hey guys,

Just to let you know that we will be having a social on Wednesday. This will give you the chance to meet the new committee and possibly embarass them, and give us the chance to get to know you guys a little better. Everyone is welcome, members, non-members, your housemates and friends.

We are going to meet at 7.30pm in the Courtyard before heading into town.

So that's WEDNESDAY, 7.30pm in the Courtyard! Be there or be square!

Love,
Emma Burbidge


Week 8: Richmond Castle - by Emma Burbidge

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Dear Outdoor Soc,

So it's week 8 already, gosh! I hope the lucky few of you who bagged your place on the weekend trip to Snowdon had a lovely time and aren't too exhausted.

We have another exciting week planned for you, as we are off to Richmond castle. Sorry about the confusion between Ripley and Richmond castle (blame my predecessor)!

The market town of Richmond - from the Norman French riche monte meaning 'strong hill' - has grown up around the Norman Castle which still dominates the town today. The building of the castle as a military stronghold commenced in 1071 on land gifted to Alan the Red of Brittany by his kinsman William the Conqueror as reward for his part in the victory over King Harold and his subsequent support of William as one of his most trusted advisers. Richmond Castle became the headquarters of the Honour of Richmond, a vast assembly of estates in Yorkshire and beyond.

Modern visitors can climb to the top of the keep for magnificent views of the town of Richmond. The castle became the headquarters of the North Yorkshire Militia in 1855, with a military barracks constructed in the great courtyard. The barracks were the home of Boy Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell for two years until 1910 while he commanded the Northern Territorial Army but the barracks building was eventually demolished in 1931.

The castle was used during the First World War as the base of the Non-Combatant Corps made up of conscientious objectors - conscripts who refused to fight. It was also used to imprison some conscientious objectors who refused to accept army discipline and participate in the war in any way. These included 'the Richmond 16' who were taken to France from the castle, charged under Field Regulations and then sentenced to death, these death sentences then being commuted to ten years' hard labour.

You can also visit the town of Richmond, which is famous for its stunning Georgian architecture and rich history. Richmond, North Yorkshire is a town of unique character and beauty which has changed little through the centuries.

With the variety of shopping and its many pubs, hotels and restaurants, the proximity to the most stunning scenery anywhere to be seen, Richmond remains one of the most beautiful and rewarding places to visit in the Country. Lewis Carroll, the author of 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Through the Looking Glass' went to school here. There is also a museum and some good pubs!

Look at http://www.richmond.org/guide/index.html or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond_Castle for more details.

*You have a choice of:
1) a normal long walk which will not involve much sight seeing unless you have time at the end
2) a medium walk which will consist of walking and then sight seeing in the afternoon
3) just sightseeing

*For those wishing to visit the Castle, the cost is £4 for adults or £3.20 for concessions. It is free for English Heritage Members or those with an Overseas Visitor Pass.

The cost of the walk is as normal, *£6 for members and *£8 for non-members and can be bought in the usual way either:
1) at sign ups on Tuesday or Thursday at Vanbrugh stalls opposite V Bar between 12 and 2pm
2) at http://www.yusu.org/shop after 3pm on Thursday

We are going to meet at the usual time, 8.50am outside James College, by the white benches, returning around 6pm. *If you are on either the long or medium walk you will need all the usual appropriate clothing and footwear.*

Sorry this is a rather long email.
Hope to see some of you on Tuesday,
Love your chair,
Emma Burbidge


Week 7: No Sunday walk - by Emma Burbidge

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Hello everyone,

If you were one us (lucky) few who were crazy enough to come on the walk this week, I hope you enjoyed it. The white horse was spectacular, and the pub lunch amazing too.

Just a reminder that there will be no Sunday walk next week because of the weekend trip.

However, we have a very exciting touristy walk to Ripley Castle in week 8 which I hope many of you will be able to attend.

Please join our facebook group if you haven't already and add your photos which I have seen many of you taking.

See you in two weeks,
Love your Chair,
Emma Burbidge

www.outdoorsoc.co.uk