BULLOCK SMITHY REPORT 1999

PHEW - A HOT ONE!!...

On possibly the hottest weekend in the Bullock Smithy Hike's 24 year history, the traditional anvil was struck by Group Scout Leader Brian Dooley, in Hazel Grove Stockport, at noon on Saturday 4th September to start 152 walkers and runners on the 56 mile cross country event. The heat in the early stages took its toll with a number of retirements, but in the evening and through the night the conditions were excellent, resulting in a less than average failure rate.
Congratulations to all who completed the route through the Peak District checkpoints at Bow Stones, Chinley, Edale Cross, Edale, Castleton, Peak Forest, Millers Dale, Near Chelmorton, Earl Sterndale, Axe Edge, Cat and Fiddle, Pym's Chair, and Moorside returning to Hazel Grove.
Changes to some of the snacks provided at check-points were made following comments from a number of last year's entrants. Rice pudding and tinned fruit went down well at Edale and a wider variety of fresh fruit at Peak Forest was very acceptable. Of course jam butties (this year without wasps!!) at Castleton are always popular as are the Penguin bars on several check-points.

Many of the regular supporters turned up,including 'George' Matuszewski who has completed 24 BS's (he was in hospital for one event but 'made up' the next year by doing two circuits on the same weekend - George you are mad!!). Phil Broderick, who on completing his first BS said, "Never again" has completed his tenth. See you next year Phil.

The Group Scout Leader Brian, not only started the event, he then walked, in a pair of shoes purchased the day before, and arrived back in Hazel Grove in plenty of time to present the awards and certificates. Well done Brian and thanks to his wife Val for dispensing rice pudding and other goodies at Edale.Our thanks to all the many helpers, over 100 including the ATC, who helped to make the weekend such a success. During the presentations Dave Barry, a BS walker, spoke for a couple of minutes about the Ribbon of Light and presented candles to those assembled.

A record. The ladies record, standing since 1990, was smashed by 31 minutes by Helen Diamantides who finished in 9hrs 21min to take the Chinley Trophy. (See trophy page for other trophy winners.) Congratulations to all who completed the course, congratulations to those who had to retire but do not despair, better luck next year.

Next year, in the new millennium, we also have a silver jubilee to celebrate. We will be doing something special but also we are considering changes to the route, particularly in the later stages. Next year we believe will be very popular, so look out for details in the 'Strider' and book early to avoid disappointment.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to meeting you again next year, 2nd and 3rd September 2000.

Happy walking!
John Feist, Peter Wood & John Corfield - Hike Organisers