This is a very popular event, with upwards of thirty members each month (42 in January!), and is also popular with younger members. We have two games of bowling, with the teams reshuffled for the second game. Afterwards we usually go on to a local pub for a drink. The manager of The Red Lion in Battlefield has booked a disco for this evening because we’re going to turn up!! Meet us either behind the shoe hire desk or in the bar.

Canoeing down the Severn - see member's description

Unwind at Albrighton Hall leisure club (near Shrewsbury) with Sue

An excellent way to start the weekend. You can swim, jacuzzi, sauna, steam – in any order you like. Just inside the main entrance you have to take a left round to the back where the Leisure Club is built on. Meet Sue at 7.30 in the foyer of The Leisure Club or, if arriving later, ask at the desk.

Horse riding, Mynderley Stables, near Stretton

The horses here are bomb-proof and used to absolute novices (Network has introduced several people to riding over the years) but will respond to someone who knows how to make a horse do what they want it to (we’ve had those types too). The situation is superb – you ride out of the school straight out onto the top of the Long Mynd, above Allstretton. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather (it can be cooler high up). Riding hats are provided. You may need gloves. Trainers are fine to wear.

Violets and primroses with Ken and Vicky, from Bishops Castle

Today you have the prospect of four hours of continuously changing panoramic views of the South Shropshire Hills, including the flagstoned, violet-lined gullies down into and back up from Lydbury North. This is mildly strenuous hill walking and, depending on the weather, possibly muddy and wet underfoot. If you’d like to speak to Ken to decide if this is your kind of walk, ask me for his phone number.

Easy(ish) Welsh hill walk with Tony/Gill, Capel Curig

This is another easy introduction to hill walking – not so strenuous as the Roman Steps in March. It’s about six miles. The first part follows a (usually) dry streambed fairly gently up to a pass where you can climb up for an excellent view over the next part which is a steepish descent to a lake which we walk around to find a lovely little café before returning via the same route, but possibly with an optional extra towards the end. I’m not sure how to find out if the café is open so bring something to eat and drink. There is also a café where we park our cars and we pass through Betwys y Coed which is well worth a visit too if you have time. I recommend walking boots because of the stony first part.

Quad biking, Halfway House with Tony

This is great fun, perhaps not for the very faint-hearted, and an exciting way to see some of Shropshire’s stunning countryside. Qualified, experienced instructors show you how to drive the 200cc all-terrain four-wheel quad bikes and before zooming off around the local hills you have time to practise and get the hang of it. The pace of the varied trail is governed by the ability of the party. Helmets are provided. Dress for the weather, remembering that it is often cooler up in the hills – maybe bring gloves. DO bring a camera and perhaps a picnic if it’s that sort of weather.

A beginners cycle ride in the Cound area with Mike & Sylvi

We’ll have a gentle pootle round local lanes to get our rear ends used to sitting on a bicycle seat again. Depending who’s coming, we may meet in Shrewsbury or elsewhere so get in touch in plenty of time please.

Paddle the Montgomery Canal in an 8-man canoe!!!

This could be madness, mayhem and FUN. The fully qualified instructor will mould us into goodness knows what sort of a team. Lifejackets are provided, paddles too but you must bring your own sense of humour and a picnic. Wear clothing appropriate to the weather and that doesn’t matter if it gets wet and bring a complete change of clothing, including footwear. Although we are paddling a canal, the insurers require that you can swim so please state this on the booking form. I’ve chosen this very easy option as our first trip out in this canoe. However, we can also do trips on the River Severn and Lake Bala later in the year.

Gliding session at The Longmynd Gliding Club

You really will be floating on air this evening! The Gliding Club are not allowed to do “jollies” so this is a trial lesson with an initial group briefing followed by a flight for everyone, probably with the chance to take the controls. If you can’t arrive till later give me a call to see if this can be accommodated. We need a certain minimum number to achieve the lower price so please express your degree of interest asap.

BANK HOLIDAY races at Ludlow with Dave

Here’s a first for Network – a day at the races. You can wander round, checking out the horses, the race goers, the betting, soak up the atmosphere. The last race is just after 5pm.

Walking treasure hunt around Shrewsbury with Marjorie

This is a nice, easy (honest) little treasure hunt someone “found” ages ago. It’s really an excuse to experience a different aspect of a town you may think you know well. Definitely a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. There will be a prize for the winning team and, since most teams will probably get all the questions right, we shall add one or two extras and also ask you to time your entry as time may have to be the deciding factor. Teams will be organized according to who turns up first and will leave at five-minute intervals.

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