AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2009
NEW BOOK RELEASE
Robin's latest book 'ROBIN MOORE'S BARMY ARMY WALK' is now available at Oundle School Bookshop, Colemans and Oundle Travel at £6.99. There was a booksigning at Robin's Cancer Research presentation which took place at The Angel Inn Oundle after midday on 20th November. The book will also be available online published at this website on EBOOKS. Also check future Barmy Army publications and charity section of their website www.barmyarmy.com
for further information how to obtain a copy of this book. Other books on release this year include:
ROBIN MOORE'S GREAT BRITAIN WALK
THE PORTUGUESE CAMINO
WALKING THE GARDEN ROUTE
These publications describe Robin's day-to-day adventures on the road and show valuable insight into well-known tourist destinations and walking routes.
‘ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL’
VETERAN WALKER STEPS OUT FOR LITTLE HARBOUR
Robin Moore who has walked 21,000 miles for cancer charities completed his latest challenge of walking the Southwest coast path from Minehead to Land’s End for the new children’s hospice in Cornwall.
Robin delivered over 1,000 donation envelopes to businesses throughout the region hoping that people will be generous and support him in his campaign to help build ‘Little Harbour’. The event has been posted on the Children’s Hospice website so that donations can also be made online (worldwide) to this worthy cause.
Every pound is literally another brick in the wall and 25% tax relief is awarded for those who fill in the details on the envelope and send on to the hospice with the attached Robin Moore label.
In addition to Robin’s fundraising effort the local community had pledged to support him, and The Carharrack Stars Inn held a fundraising/auction evening on Saturday 24th October. Some of the prizes included Barmy Army mechandise, a collection of 'Frazer Bears' and Robin's adventure books. Anybody wishing to subscribe to Barmy Army membership can do so through Robin who is a founding member of the organisation. A cheque for £1600 was later presented at The Carharrack Stars to CWSW representative, Mrs Pat Congdon: this included sponsor donations from other local inns; The Coppice, Lanner; The Fox and Hounds, Comford; The Badger Inn, Lelant; The Sheath of Wheat, St Ives. Funds are still rolling in but in view of the post strike we had little choice other than to present the cheque from our local community. The Robin Moore campaign will remain open until his next walk which means donations can be made on his online page at CHSW or by sending a donation to the Charity Headquarters in Truro.
CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE
Robin also completed a section of the Cornish Pilgrimage for Cornwall Hospice Care delivering envelopes between the hospices of Mount Edgcumbe in St Austell and St Julia’s in Hayle. To support the hospices please enter your details on the slip to allow the charity to gain an extra 28% tax relief. You can send a donation or cheque made payable to Cornwall Hospice Care to:
Robin Moore's Cornish Pilgrimage,
Mount Edgcumbe Hospice,
Porthpean Road,
St Austell,
Cornwall
PL26 6AB.
Alternatively phone regional executive, Clare Bray on: 01726 66868 for further details and how to support hospice care in Cornwall.
CANCER RESEARCH UK
Cancer Research UK always benefits from Robin's efforts too, and on Friday 20th November he and the regulars at The Angel Inn Oundle handed over a cheque for £700 to Sally Wilson, local representative of the Charity: this brings the total amount for Cancer charities to £2,300 from this summer's walk of the South West Coast. Though there has been a decline in support for this event, lack of publicity and disasterous weather during last years Barmy Army walk there was still a decent amount for a presentation. In any case there will be much to reflect on in this eventful year: 'I can celebrate 21,000 miles on the road, look back at former days described in my books (4 new releases this year) and most importantly thank the local public for the support they have given me over the years: The contributions from Oundle people alone in supporting my walks for Cancer Research UK have now exceeded the £10,000 mark. Well done to all concerned and Thank you!
Those interested in supporting him in future events can do so by using the sponsor forms held at The Angel Inn, The George, The Chequered Skipper and Montagu Arms: or contact Chloe Higgins (regional representative) on: 07789 776195. All donations are welcome and those of you living outside the region are also invited to send a cheque to:
Robin Moore 2009 Campaign,
Cancer Research UK,
Unit 7400,
The Quorum,
Alec Issigonis Way,
Oxford Park North,
Oxford,
OX4 2JZ.
All cheques are made payable to Cancer Research UK.
At this point, it is time to say a special thanks Ann Newman who designs cards to help support Robin's Charity Campaigns in Cornwall. These are sold for £1 each at The Fox and Hounds in Comford near Lanner, and this year the cards have made £230 towards the Cancer Research UK fundraising campaign. Using her artistic talent is a wonderful way to help the charity and is a good illustration of how we can all use our hobbies/passtimes for the good of humanity.
Robin has supported Cancer Charities since 1992 when he walked between Cornwall and Northamptonshire to commemorate lost friends from the two regions. He has since walked the British Isles, Southern Europe, New Zealand and South Africa. He hopes to return to Africa this winter to complete another leg of his Commonwealth Challenge. The public can buy the latest books about Robin’s exploits from the Oundle Bookshop in Northamptonshire or Redruth Health Store in Cornwall: these books are expensive to print and will retail at £5 each: SO please do not steal from our charity – Robin tries to be self-sufficient and fund all his activities: three of his latest titles were stolen by a customer recently.
For online services/publications and more about Robin visit his website at:
A DIARY OF THE RECENT WALK
Tuesday 1/9/09
Arriving at Minehead in style on a vintage steam hauled train I was now ready for the greater journey. Setting off from the harbour the steep climb through the forest to Bossington was just the tonic I needed to blow out the cobwebs of the Bank Holiday weekend. Settling at the campsite at Porlock at least meant I had secured an early finish after making only a small dent in what would most certainly be a testing journey on one of Britain’s most formidable long distant footpaths.
Wednesday 2/9/09
Having enjoyed the morning stroll to Porlock Wier I was soon encompassed by forest as I made my way to the delightful Culbone Church – possibly the smallest in England where services are held by candlelight. Imbued by the experience I pressed on through the dense forest which eventually opens up to a breathtaking clifftop scene where Exmoor falls 1,000 feet to the sea. I felt blown away by the experience, and later more literally so as high winds and heavy rain dampened my aspirations of a pleasant journey. By the time I reached Lynton I had abandoned all hope of camping and made for the nearest B&B.
Thursday 3/9/09
‘The windswept tops around The Valley of Rocks,
Gave a journey of dismay,
Now soaking wet from cap to socks,
To me its just another day.’
In summary it was ‘bloody awful’ and at times life-threatening and once I had to warn others not to go near the clifftop. Eventually descending through Great Hangman Valley the weather settled leaving little disruption other than wild ponies racing each other across the glades.
Once I had reached Combe Martin I felt most of the inclement weather for today had abated though the endurance factor remained present on the slippery footpath. There were occasions when I descended rather too quickly and not always on the soles of my feet!
Managing to arrive at Ilfracombe before dusk I settled once more at a lodge where I could attempt to dry out my kit.
Friday 4/9/09
Feeling revived after breakfast and the prospect of a brighter weather front I headed off to Lee Bay and the holiday town of Woolacombe. The sunshine had drawn many holidaymakers to the beach where in most cases the coast towns were a hive of activity throughout the day. The wind remained fierce and very cool on the evening session, which entailed a long drawn out yomp from Baggy Point to Taw Estuary path which led me to the town of Braunton. At least I enjoyed the imbibing atmosphere of the George Hotel where I spent the night in the company of two young females who were on a cycling holiday: they had planned to reach Ilfracombe on the Tarka Trail tomorrow.
Saturday 5/9/09
After an hour of ‘envelope delivery’ I plodded on with sore feet incurred from yesterday’s marathon which did not end until after 9pm. Today was different in that it lacked the strenuous clifftop endurance: instead I walked the flat Tarka Trail which gave more reminders of the railway era that was once a significant aspect of west country life. There were stations and even carriages converted to restaurants, and at Bideford I was overawed by the celebrations of Carnival day. Leaving the crowded streets behind as the voices of fun grew fainter, I finally coming to a standstill at Westward Ho! where I was able to stay at the new Youth Hostel. It was excellent!
Sunday 6/9/09
Locals from the previous evening waved me on, showing happiness that I had found a good place to rest the previous evening. There was a pleasant buzz throughout the day as people paraded the coastline enjoying a warmer climate compared to the previous week. The forest floor was little more than a mud track as the climbs grew steeper onward to Buck’s Mill, but easing later on the approach to Clovelly.
Having found a B&B for the night I visited The Red Lion where a party had been in progress since 10am. By the time I left the premises most of the women had stripped naked and were dancing on the tables: others jumped into the harbour: all were in good (or maybe not so good) voice – by my reckoning not one of them was a day under 60!
Monday 7/9/09
Leaving the party scene of Clovelly behind my journey now takes shape around Hartland where I had to tackle steeper ground. The section to Hartland Quay dragged on, and on completion at the inn I still had to walk inland to Stoke to obtain a campsite pitch at the local farm. A couple from a nearby B&B contacted the guy who was fantastic – very laid back and insisted I stayed there for nothing! Despite feeling tired I walked back to the inn at Hartland in order to get a meal and a couple of beers to complete a very rewarding day.
Tuesday 8/9/09
Starting in overcast weather I dealt with some serious climbs and high winds with little other to focus on than spectacular clifftop scenery. Rewarding as it was, on conclusion I had to make the most of minimal facilities at Morwenstow where I paid ten pounds to camp in a field with only the Bush Inn for comfort as rain hammered down for the remainder of the day.
Wednesday 9/9/09
Waking to a flooded tent with everything wet I packed my gear as best I could and made off for Bude with the sun breaking through to promise a better day. Mindful of cattle and the electric fence which I managed to grab hold of the previous day, I continued unscathed to Hawker’s Hut. From here I passed through Stanbury Point and Sandy Mouth where the journey became easier and the day generally warmer. Once at Bude I located Wyvern B&B where Eileen and Michael Luxton made me most welcome and helped with the campaign: Eileen herself is a local ambassador for the children’s
Hospice and the places she recommended I visit were generous – The Green Inn in particular made a contribution to the cause.
Thursday 10/9/09
Setting off on a bright summer’s day I was inspired by views of the oncoming surf around Widemouth Bay which owes much to its popularity with today being no exception as suited bodies on boards take on the mighty Atlantic. Beyond here the path climbs to Dizzard Point as the roller-coaster journey becomes more strenuous. Stopping briefly at Crackington Haven I enjoyed tea and a chat to some holiday makers who have noted my progress since spotting me in Devon. They had travelled by car taking in some of the Southwest’s prolific centres. The next stage in the journey involved many tough ascents, which make this a formidable section of the path, taking me 3 hours to reach Boscastle where I stayed at the Youth Hostel. I enjoyed a lovely meal and had a beer in each of the pubs whilst reading the local newspaper, which I’m pleased to say contained a nice article about my walk/campaign.
Friday 11/9/09
Leaving the village around 9am I trundled on to Tintagel where spellbound visitors had succumbed to the lure of Arthur’s Castle. Climbing beyond the masses I encountered some heavy work around Trebarwith Strand with steep climbs of around 200 man-made steps of differing heights – a bit severe to say the least. Feeling hot I stopped at Trebarwith Bay, enjoying a tea break amid blue sky and sunshine. Sun block was now an important accessory as I pressed on to Port Isaac where the cliffs were ever-steep with little else en route to break up the journey. Reaching the fishing port I distributed more envelopes and decided to kick on through the evening session as far as Polzeath. It was a long stretch and I was tired on reaching the holiday town around dusk. Not wishing to backtrack to another campsite I had to pay ‘Tourist Rates’ at the main site on the coast path, which cost £18 to pitch a tent. Beer was nearly £4 per bottle!
Saturday 12/9/09
Enjoying an easy walk to Rock I made it in time to get the ferry across to Padstow. It was very busy in town and I had an hour delivering my paperwork to Ricky’s Empire and other local premises before heading off to Trevose. What a long day! It seemed to drag on and I was lucky to reach Mawgan Porth by dusk where there was just one remaining pitch. After enjoying a meal at the Merry Millar, I then slept through sheer exhaustion.
Sunday13/9/09
The Site owners were very generous, letting me stay for free and with a spring in my step I headed off into Newquay where the welcome tranquillity of Sunday morning had slowed up the tourist impetus making the streets almost passable. I was invited in for tea at the Tourist Office and enjoyed a breakfast at Wetherspoons before continuing to Perranporth. Both Holly Well Bay and Perran Sands were teeming with life as the sun-baked beaches had become transformed into a massive playground. Gathering water for the last phase of today’s journey I set off for St Agnes where the path cuts its way through old industrial workings – occasionally hard to follow and close to the cliff edge at times. Crossing in to St Agnes on the low-tide route I then walked beyond the village to the campsite, which was nearly empty and the lady let me stay without charge. Back in town for a meal I ran into a couple of pals at The Peterville Arms where we spent a great evening and raised funds for the hospice.
Monday14/9/09
Now suffering the effects of a cold I made steady progress to Chapel Porth and Porthtowan where I had coffee at the Unicorn. The route to Portreath followed the military boundaries around Nancekuke Common where only the wind showed any signs of aversion. From Portreath Harbour I made a diversion inland to mother’s house using the Tramroad, where I also stopped for a pint at Sue’s pub (Fox and Hounds). I could now sleep in a bed for a night and obtain more gear for a further few days
Tuesday 15/9/09
Setting of at first light I made my way back along the Tramroad to Portreath where I picked up my route along the path to Godrevy. The wind howled fiercely around Hell’s Mouth- at times throwing me off my stride. Later I crossed the beach where I only just evaded the high tide. After an hour in Hayle I continued to St Ives where I pitched at Ayr Campsite (free). It was Festival week and I was able to make an impact with my campaign, which was met with enthusiasm by all I encountered.
Wednesday 16/9/09
After an interview with the local paper I set off for Zennor along the coast path which I can only describe as ‘appalling’ rather than its rating of severe. I managed to step into a bog where I spent 3 minutes trying to pull my leg out! And a hundred times out of a hundred managed to hit my injured big toe(in-growing toe nail) on whatever debris/rock that protruded from the path! Nonetheless I arrived unscathed and camped again for free- this time at the Backpackers, and later visited the Tinner’s Arms which was a source of refuge for many walkers on this hot afternoon.
Thursday 17/9/09
Setting off early I was now entering the basement of Cornwall where its many mining landmarks were the focus of attention for all walkers today. Part of my journey took place on an inland route, diverted after the tragic flooding incident a few months early which led to a closure of a small section of path round Gurnards Head. Beyond here the path becomes an obstacle course in places, but I still enjoyed the splendour of Botallack and the remaining relics that lie to tell their sombre tale of a once prosperous era of mining. Reaching St Just I was greeted by Wendy, the vicar’s wife and loyal servant of the South West Hospices. She and her friends at The Star Inn have raised literally millions for the charity. The whole town seemed infused with the cause and every one friendly and cheerful. I enjoyed a lively night in town and slept at the hall near the church.
Friday 18/9/09
Another great traveller awaits Robin's arrival at Land's End.
Leaving early I ticked off the remaining miles of coastline whilst enjoying the view of Longship Lighthouse, soon to be joined by Whitesand Bay and Sennen Cove. I was able to get a breakfast at the cove before reaching Land’s End where I delivered my remaining envelopes. It had been an eventful few weeks during a time that tests one’s generosity and belief in charity. I had at least made a good fist of it, though there is still more work to do in weeks ahead. I had met good people who had not yet given up on humanity and who instilled faith in me to do the job. I can only thank those who have been kind to me, and appeal to the local community to support this worthy cause. If only to put a pound in one of my envelopes, or spend two hours a week doing something for charity – if we all did the latter, the world would be a better place!
PLEASE SUPPORT ROBIN’S CAUSE
By making a donation online at the children’s website (fundraising events)
www.chsw.org.uk
or by sending back his donation envelopes complete with Robin Moore sticker to:Mary Murfin,
Precious Lives Appeal,
8 Walsingham Place,
Truro
Cornwall,
TR1 2RP
Attachments:
