Legacy stuff

Pic James Prince There was much talk of a Viking legacy after the reunion and this weekend we got some. Saturday saw the second incarnation of the Viking Returns 4inns team. Justin Farnan's brain child and beginning to look like a case of riduclous over achievement. They (Richard Dixson, Justin, Jim Bunting AKA Sputnik and Ian Macklin) tore up the course on a perfect running day in an outrageous 8hrs 32minutes, finishing third. Non of them,...

Justin Farnan raising money for the Calvert Trust

Justin Farnan, former Viking and the instigator behind this middle aged tosser getting himself fit enough to do the four Inns this year, is doing something good in a few weeks. He works for the Calvert Trust. They get people with disabilities and their families into the outdoors, which seems on the whole a rather marvellous idea. Here is what he is getting involved in, perhaps you feel like chipping in? He promises not to nominate you for next...

Vikings Return

It was Justin's idea I got a text "would I be interested in being part of a Viking 4 Inns team once more?" I said "all right then." I have been doing a little bit of late. If he had asked any other year in the last 20. I would have run to Buxton just to get away from the idea. Then it was done, my fate sealed, the trap sprung. Jim Bunting joined us via Facebook and Richard a mate of Justin's made four, we had a team. A few more people were...

More viking related ephemera

This is from the Derby Evening Telegraph, notable for the picture of a certain PJM in his youth. http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Bygones-declined-offer-sheep-warm-tent-freezing/story-25800351-detail/story.ht...

Funeral arrangements Jack Young

Hello to all, Jack's funeral service will take place on Thursday 20th November at Markeaton Crematorium ( Main Chapel) at 11.20am.No flowers please.Donations if desired for " Alzheimer Research UK" or " Parkinsons Society" may be placed in the donation box after the service.All enquiries 01332 550033.Please pass on these details to anyone you know who may wish to pay their respects to Jack.It goes without saying that it would be appropriate to wear uniform if you can, but understandable if you are taking time out from work and are unable...

Some sad news

This from Stephanie Argyle Subject: Some sad news It is with deep sadness that I have to announce the death of Derby North District President Jack Young. Jack passed away on Friday in Stanley House, with his devoted wife Joan with him. Jack was an immense presence within Derby North for many years, even when his health began to fail. Our longest serving District Commissioner, he will be remembered as a true Scout and his legacy will remain. I carry in my Scouting folder a cutting that Jack gave me many years ago; For what we are about to do,...

Viking Reunion Camp 2014

You wait 20 years for a Viking reunion than they all cone along at once. Back at Fieldhead campsite in Edale with my boys. This year there are many more tents and more at Cooper's. More banter, and more pre race/walk drinks to steady the nerves or fuel the fires as we catch up. I get a Justin shaped lodger in our tent and he tolerates our ethnic British squalor with his new found Scots understatement. Friday night is cold, I end up cuddling...

Craig Sephton reflects on climbing the Munros

I guess I learned to love the Scottish hills when I was in the Viking Venture Unit. I remember to this day the exhilaration of topping out with John Thurman on Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis as the sun was setting – an irresponsibly bold winter climbing route for a pair that had never done any winter climbing before. I recall the magic of negotiating the cornices on the Devil’s Ridge in the Mamores on a crisp, clear, sunny day during one of the Unit’s...

Viking Venture Unit Family camp and Trig visit - details

As previously advised, the family camp is taking place in Edale on the weekend Friday 26th September to Sunday 28th September.Several alumni have advised us that they have booked into ‘brick built’ accommodation, whilst others are generally camping at either Field Head or Coopers farm. If you are not booked in, don’t worry – you can roll up at coopers where 135 pitches are available. Beware the grumpy farm...

FUNERAL OF JAKE SHAW

Ian, Sophie and Fiona have asked that details of the funeral arrangements to “Celebrate the Life” of Jake, following his tragic passing at such a young age, be forwarded to friends. As most of you already know, Jake was injured in an accident in Kandersteg, Switzerland on 2nd August and sadly passed away in Bern Hospital eight days later. Because their local church is too small, the funeral service will be held at 2.00pm on Friday 29th August in a large and very welcoming church in central Lincoln. Called Aliv, (formerly New Life), Church),...